Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

MACS-8

6 members•1 unit

MACS-8 Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the MACS-8?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the MACS-8?

Do you have MACS-8 photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the MACS-8.

Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About MACS-8

Marine Air Control Squadron 8 (MACS-8) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit. Originally activated during World War II in 1944 as Air Warning Squadron 18, the unit was redesignated as MACS-8 in 1955. MACS-8 provided air surveillance, control of aircraft, and early warning capabilities, notably serving during the Vietnam War and participating in operations at several key Marine Corps air stations, including MCAS El Toro and MCAS Iwakuni. The squadron contributed to the development and deployment of advanced radar and air control systems before its deactivation in 1971.

About MACS-8

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Activation and Early Years: Marine Air Control Squadron 8 (MACS-8) was originally activated as Air Warning Squadron 18 (AWS-18) on 1 September 1944 during World War II, before being redesignated as MACS-8 in August 1946.
World War II Service: Although AWS-18 was activated during WWII, it did not deploy overseas before the war ended. The unit primarily trained for air warning and control missions.
Postwar Role: After WWII, the squadron was reorganized and tasked with air defense and air traffic control operations, reflecting evolving Marine Corps aviation needs in the early Cold War.
Korean War Mobilization: MACS-8 was mobilized during the Korean War, providing radar and air control support for Marine aviation units.
Technological Advances: The squadron operated several radar systems over its history, including the TPS-1D and TPS-34, reflecting advances in air surveillance technology.
Deployments to Japan: In the 1960s, MACS-8 was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, providing air control services for Marine aviation in the Western Pacific.
Vietnam War Support: While not directly involved in combat in Vietnam, MACS-8 played a vital role in supporting operations and training personnel who would serve in Southeast Asia.
Notable Motto: The squadron adopted the motto "Eyes of the Marine Corps," emphasizing its critical function in radar surveillance and air control.
Deactivation: MACS-8 was officially deactivated on 15 June 1971, as part of a larger post-Vietnam War drawdown and reorganization of Marine Corps aviation assets.
Legacy: Alumni and historians credit MACS-8 with pioneering advancements in Marine Corps air control tactics and technology, laying the groundwork for modern Marine Air Control Groups.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

MACS-8

6 members•1 unit

MACS-8 Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the MACS-8?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the MACS-8?

Do you have MACS-8 photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the MACS-8.

Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About MACS-8

Photos

1980

3rd FSSG • U.S. Marine Corps • 1980

BELLEAU WOODS

3BN 2nd marine Reg. 2nd mar div Lima co • U.S. Marine Corps • 2024

U.S. Marine Corps • 2009

Marine Corps Birthday

VMFA-235 • U.S. Marine Corps

About MACS-8

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Activation and Early Years: Marine Air Control Squadron 8 (MACS-8) was originally activated as Air Warning Squadron 18 (AWS-18) on 1 September 1944 during World War II, before being redesignated as MACS-8 in August 1946.
World War II Service: Although AWS-18 was activated during WWII, it did not deploy overseas before the war ended. The unit primarily trained for air warning and control missions.
Postwar Role: After WWII, the squadron was reorganized and tasked with air defense and air traffic control operations, reflecting evolving Marine Corps aviation needs in the early Cold War.
Korean War Mobilization: MACS-8 was mobilized during the Korean War, providing radar and air control support for Marine aviation units.
Technological Advances: The squadron operated several radar systems over its history, including the TPS-1D and TPS-34, reflecting advances in air surveillance technology.
Deployments to Japan: In the 1960s, MACS-8 was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, providing air control services for Marine aviation in the Western Pacific.
Vietnam War Support: While not directly involved in combat in Vietnam, MACS-8 played a vital role in supporting operations and training personnel who would serve in Southeast Asia.
Notable Motto: The squadron adopted the motto "Eyes of the Marine Corps," emphasizing its critical function in radar surveillance and air control.
Deactivation: MACS-8 was officially deactivated on 15 June 1971, as part of a larger post-Vietnam War drawdown and reorganization of Marine Corps aviation assets.
Legacy: Alumni and historians credit MACS-8 with pioneering advancements in Marine Corps air control tactics and technology, laying the groundwork for modern Marine Air Control Groups.