R 081543Z SEP 17
MARADMIN 501/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC AVN APX//
SUBJ/75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARINE AIR COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM (MACCS) AND SELECTED UNITS//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/MCO 5750.1H/YMD: 20090213//
NARR/REF A IS MCO 5750.1H on MARINE CORPS HISTORICAL PROGRAM.//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Next year, Marine Aviation will observe another hallmark by recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS).  On 1 January 2018, we will recognize 75 years of continuous service during every conflict confronting our Corps.  From Guadalcanal to Chosin, from Da Nang to Khe Sanh, from Kuwait to Ramadi and every conceivable location in between, the MACCS has grown to provide the highest level of professionalism.  Long recognized as the integrators that enable Marine Aviation to support the MAGTF, units within the MACCS have established a tradition of effective and successful command and control of airspace and aviation fires.
2.  MASS-2 will celebrate 75 years on 1 January 2018 (oldest MACCS unit in Marine Aviation), MASS-1 will celebrate 75 years on 1 July 2018 at the birthplace of the MACCS – MCAS, Cherry Point, NC, and MACS-1 will celebrate 75 years on 1 September 2018, at MCAS, Yuma, AZ.  The storied histories of these and other units within the MACCS are recognized for their selfless contribution to the overall success of our Marine Corps, which includes service at the battle of Okinawa, service with the 1st Marine Division at Inchon and Chosin Reservoir, service with III MAF and the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions in South Vietnam and service with I MEF during Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
3.  From the fledgling radar capability at Guadalcanal under the first MAGTF commanded by General Vandegrift, the Marines of the Cactus Air Force, led by General Geiger, were able to usher in new technology critical to defeating our enemies.  The first radars in the Pacific, innovative close air support radar bombing with air support radar teams in Korea, and the Marine Tactical Data System linking U.S. Forces in Vietnam made tremendous advances in combat effectiveness.  Service unique air traffic control techniques/equipment and advanced communications capabilities helped to balance MACCS support to Marine Aviation.  Air defense battalions, which included the 52nd Defense battalion of Montford Point (later redesignated the 3d antiaircraft Artillery Battalion) eventually led to the hawk units of the LAAM Battalions and ultimately to the LAAD Battalions for air defense.  Finally, the modest beginnings of the H-S Squadrons evolved to become the MTACS and supported the most significant Wing Tactical Air Command Center efforts during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and operation Iraqi Freedom, finally achieving a robust command element capability.  Throughout the years, the MACCS has supported Marine Aviation at the highest levels of accomplishment and leadership.  In so doing, the value and success of the MAGTF have been enhanced in immeasurable ways.
4.  The MACCS of today is postured to continue to grow and respond to the challenges of tomorrow.  CAC2S, G/ATOR and the fielded Composite Tracking Network will allow the MACCS to fully support the current fielding of the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) and a 5th generation capability.  As we embrace the future, Marine Aviation is confident that the MACCS will get the job done.  Happy 75th birthday.
5.  POC at HQMC is Capt J. Sheehan (AAB), (703) 614-2356/LtCol A.M. Sanchez, (APX-2), (703) 614-1850.
6.  Release authorized by LtGen S. R. Rudder, Deputy Commandant for Aviation.//