R 191601Z AUG 22
ALMAR 22/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/4TH MARINE AIRCRAFT WING 80TH ANNIVERSARY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On behalf of all Marines, it is my privilege to honor the Marines and Sailors of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing on the occasion of their 80th anniversary.
2.  The Marine Corps activated the 4th Marine Base Defense Aircraft Wing on 22 August 1942 at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii.  Three squadrons were located at Midway, Ewa, and Samoa as part of our forces fighting in the Pacific Theater.  In 1944, 4th Marine Base Defense Aircraft Wing was redesignated as the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW).  During World War II, the 4th MAW pilots' refinement of fighter bombing and low-altitude flying techniques helped lay the foundation for the Marine Air Ground Task Force of today.  4th MAW has carried on its reputation for combat excellence and professionalism from the Korean War through the Global War on Terrorism, securing its place as a critical component in the Marine Corps' warfighting and crisis response capabilities.
3.  I encourage all who serve in 4th MAW to take a moment to reflect upon your legacy and to look to the future with pride in the knowledge that you are continuing a tradition of service in the defense of freedom.  All Marines join me in expressing our gratitude for your continued dedication to the Corps and the Nation, and pay homage to all those who gave their all in service of their country.
4.  Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps,  Commandant of the Marine Corps.//