Military Aviation

Marine Aviation

Marine Corps aviation achieved permanent status in 1920. It became the aerial extension of U.S. foreign policy as it accompanied expeditionary forces to Latin America and Asia. Marine aviators assisted their fellow Leathernecks on the ground during combat operations against guerilla forces in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nicaragua.

The mission of Marine aviation evolved with the establishment of the amphibious Fleet Marine Forces in 1933. Marine fighter and scout squadrons participated in fleet exercises, simulated amphibious assaults, and war games, which provided the foundation for the Marine air-ground team.