| Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 | |
|---|---|
 MALS-14 insignia | |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Logistics |
| Role | Aviation logistics support |
| Part of | Marine Aircraft Group 14 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point |
| Nickname | Dragons |
| Mottos | "Nulli Secundus" "Second to None" |
| Engagements | Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | LtCol Nicholas B. Verta |
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (MALS-14) is an aviation logistics support unit of theUnited States Marine Corps. They are currently based atMarine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and fall under the command ofMarine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) and the2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).
To provide aviation logistics support, guidance, and direction to MAG-14 squadrons including intermediate level maintenance for aircraft and aeronautical components, first degree repair onJ-52 andF-402 engines, aviation supply support for aircraft and navy-funded equipment, and Class V (A) ammunition logistics support.
On 30 September 1988, Headquarters & Maintenance Squadron 14 (H&MS-14) was redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (MALS-14). The squadron served as the test bed for the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS). With the successful realization of NALCOMIS prototype in December 1988, the NALCOMIS program interface with the Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing. System-Real Time (SUADPS-RT) was implemented. On 27 August 1990, MALS-14 FWD deployed to Southwest Asia aboard the SS Wright. Moored at Bahrain, MALS-14 FWD provided logistical support to the4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and elements of theI Marine Expeditionary Force. In December 1990, MALS-14 FWD was transferred to the3rd Marine Aircraft Wing for duty to supportMarine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13) at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base,Saudi Arabia.
The support provided to MAG-13 FWD contributed to the group having the highest aircraft readiness rates for a Marine unit in SWA throughoutOperation Desert Storm. In February 1991, MALS-14 established the first Fixed Wing Forward Armament and Refueling Point (FARP) in a combat zone at Tanagib, Saudi Arabia. Following the conflict, MALS-14 returned to MCAS Cherry Point on 1 April 1991. This concluded the first combat deployment for the Squadron sinceWorld War II.
In August 1991, the squadron was selected as the first winner of the Marine Corps Aviation Association's "MALS of the Year" Award. In June 1991, MALS-14 added another battle streamer to its colors with theSouthwest Asia Service Medal. In February 1992, the Squadron was awarded theNavy Unit Commendation for meritorious service. MALS-14 provided the logistical coordination necessary forVMAQ-2's split into three squadrons andVMAQ-4's activation. They also continued to plan and execute logistics for the stand-down of threeA-6E Intruder squadrons, and the corresponding introduction of threeF/A-18 Hornet squadrons.
In accordance with Marine Corps force realignments, MALS-14, along with MALS-32, planned and executed the deactivation of MALS-32 and the transfer of MAG-32's remaining structure to MALS-14. The first half of 1993 was consumed by the merging of MALS-14 and 32's assets/personnel while simultaneously supporting deployment of squadrons throughout the world.
During 1995, the Marines of MALS-14 provided combat support forOperation Deny Flight. With the requirement for tactical electronic aerial warfare, Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons, withEA-6B Prowlers played a vital role fulfilling that requirement and were deployed toAviano Air Base, Italy to fly in support of Operations Deny Flight,Deliberate Forge, andDeliberate Guard.
Through 1996, MALS-14 continued to find itself deployed as their tactical squadrons flew in support ofOperation Decisive Edge andOperation Assured Response. Near the end of the support for operations inBosnia, MALS-14 prepared to stand down from those commitments and concentrate onOperation Northern Watch. With the requirement to support the no-fly zone in northern and southern Iraq, MALS-14 remained the lead support element for tactical electronic warfare squadrons.
On the heels of the Bosnia operation were combat support operations againstYugoslavia, particularly the province ofKosovo. Operations in Yugoslavia also saw the buildup of 22 EA-6B Prowlers to Aviano and MALS-14 personnel to support the increase in aircraft. The air war over the skies of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia became known as theKosovo Campaign.
In July 1999, the last Marines returned from Aviano, Italy after successfully supporting the EA-6B Prowlers flying over the skies of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. However, Marines supporting Marine Attack Squadrons attached to the22nd,24th, and26th Marine Expeditionary Units continued to deploy to theMediterranean and particularly the Balkans.
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