The mission of Marine Aircraft Group 39 is to provide utility helicopter support, close-in fire support, fire support coordination, aerial reconnaissance, observation and forward air control in aerial and ground escort operations during ship-to-shore movement and subsequent operations ashore.
Elements participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, 2004–2010.
History
Vietnam Marine Aircraft Group 39 was activated on 16 April, 1968 in formal ceremonies at Quang Tri Airfield, Republic of Vietnam. Originally designated as Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39, the units colors were presented by Major General Norman J. Anderson, Commanding General, 1stMarine Aircraft Wing to Colonel John E. Hansen. Located only a few miles south of the Demilitarized Zone, Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39 carried out its assigned tasks in Northern I Corps in support of the III Marine Amphibious Force. As a member of Marine air-ground team, Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39 helped stop, disrupt, and destroy invading North Vietnamese Army units in numerous combat operations including Operations Scotland II, Lancaster I and II, Kentucky, Mameluke Thrust, and Jeb Stuart II. During June and July 1968, the aircraft group conducted a successful evacuation of the Khe Sanh Combat Base and transported all supplies and equipment to Landing Zone Stud which became the replacement Combat Base for ProvMAG-39 aircraft. Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39 actively participated in Operation Meade River during the largest Marine heliborne assault of the Vietnam War. In January 1969, all of the group’s resources were directed to support Operation Dewey Canyon, one of the most successful actions in Northern I Corps. During September–October 1969, ProvMAG-39 commenced support for the 3d Marine Division relocation from Vietnam. On 10 October 1969 the Group Headquarters redeployed to Phu Bia. The last day that ProvMAG-39 had control of tactical squadrons was the 15thof October. The unit was deactivated 7 November 1969. 1970s and 1980s On 19 April 1975 Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39 was once again activated or duty in Southeast Asia. This time, however, the group was to take part in the largest helicopter evacuation ever attempted. Operation Frequent Wind, which saw the evacuations begin on 29 April, continue throughout the night, and terminate on 30 April, resulted in the evacuation of 7,000 American citizens, Vietnamese, and foreign Nationals. Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39 remained on board in the South China Sea until the Fleet departed or the Philippines on May 2, 1975 and personnel concerned returned to their parent units. Marine Aircraft Group 39 was reactivated 1 September 1978 at Camp Pendleton, California and assigned to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, FMF Pac. Operation Desert Storm Elements have participated in: Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 to April 1991 Operation Restore Hope Operation Restore Hope, Somalia from December 1992–April 1993 Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Inherent Resolve Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kuwait from January 2003–October 2003 Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan from December 2001–June 2002
