William Davis

Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 (MWSS-174), known as the "Gators," is a United States Marine Corps aviation ground support unit. The squadron was originally activated on June 16, 1986, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. MWSS-174 played a key support role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing essential aviation ground services in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous exercises and deployments, maintaining a reputation for logistical excellence and mission readiness within the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

The 2nd Light Armored Infantry (LAI) Battalion, later redesignated as the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, was activated on May 1, 1985 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ expansion of mobile reconnaissance capabilities. Equipped with the LAV-25, the battalion quickly became proficient in providing armored reconnaissance and security for larger Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. The 2nd LAI Battalion saw its first major deployment during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, conducting screening and reconnaissance missions across the Kuwaiti desert. Over the years, the battalion continued to serve with distinction in various operations, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing fast, flexible, and lethal support to Marine Corps operations.

**Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 (MWHS-1)** is a United States Marine Corps unit that serves as the headquarters element for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Activated during World War II in July 1941, MWHS-1 played a vital role in providing command, administrative support, and communications for aviation operations throughout the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, the unit has supported numerous operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and recent deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Today, MWHS-1 remains based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, continuing its mission to support the command and control of Marine aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific region.