MWSS-171

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About MWSS-171

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 (MWSS-171) was activated on 16 April 1979 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The unit provides essential aviation ground support to Marine Aircraft Group 12 and other forward-deployed forces in the Pacific region. MWSS-171 has participated in numerous training exercises and humanitarian missions across the Asia-Pacific, ensuring the readiness and sustainability of Marine aviation operations. Over the years, the squadron has earned recognition for its rapid response capabilities and support during both combat and peacetime operations.

Unit Members

Michael Foster

U.S. Marine Corps (1996 - 2000)

MWSS-171View Profile

Kridsada Chuenchom

U.S. Marine Corps (2021 - 2025)

MWSS-171View Profile

Photos

National guard barracks

U.S. Army • 2003

About MWSS-171

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Formation: Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 (MWSS-171) was activated on April 16, 1979, originally as Detachment “C” of Marine Wing Support Group 17 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan. • Location: MWSS-171 is based at MCAS Iwakuni, making it one of the few forward-deployed aviation ground support units in the Asia-Pacific region. • Mission: The squadron provides essential aviation ground support to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, including airfield operations, fueling, engineering, and emergency services. • Gulf War Service: MWSS-171 supported Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, providing vital ground support to coalition air operations. • Humanitarian Assistance: The unit played a key role in Operation Tomodachi following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, assisting in disaster relief and recovery efforts in Japan. • Nickname: MWSS-171 is known as the “Sentinels,” symbolizing their role in protecting and supporting aviation operations. • Expeditionary Capabilities: The squadron is capable of rapidly deploying and establishing forward operating bases, including expeditionary airfields, anywhere in the Indo-Pacific region. • Joint Exercises: MWSS-171 regularly participates in multinational training exercises such as Cobra Gold (Thailand), Balikatan (Philippines), and Keen Sword (Japan), strengthening allied interoperability. • Environmental Initiatives: The unit actively supports environmental stewardship at MCAS Iwakuni, implementing energy-saving measures and participating in base-wide recycling efforts. • Decorations: MWSS-171 has received multiple unit commendations and awards for excellence in logistics, engineering, and aviation ground support, reflecting their high operational standards.