Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) is an active air group of the United States Marine Corps, tasked with providing fighter and assault support aircraft. It is currently part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), itself an integral part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, and based at MCAS Iwakuni in Japan. Mission The mission of Marine Aircraft Group 12, as the tactical air arm of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, is to conduct air reconnaissance, electronic warfare, antiair warfare, offensive air support, control of aircraft and missiles, and assault support from advanced bases, expeditionary bases or the sea base supported by organic aviation logistics and aviation ground support logistics as required by III MEF and United States Pacific Command and be prepared to conduct such support and engagement operations as may be directed. Subordinate units F-35B Lightning II Squadron VMFA-121 VMFA-242 Unit Deployment Program Squadrons, one stateside-based squadron on a six-month rotational deployment as a part of MAG-12. One VMFA F/A-18 Hornet Squadron KC-130J Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron VMGR-152 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron MALS-12 Marine Wing Support Squadron MWSS-171 History WW II Marine Aircraft Group 12 was activated at Camp Kearny, San Diego, California, on 1 March 1942. Shortly thereafter, deployed to the Pacific Theater. From December 1942 until cessation of hostilities in late 1945, the Group participated in numerous operations in the Solomon and Philippine Islands supporting the Army, Navy and Marine Corps as well as Philippine guerrilla forces. MAG 12 was brought to the Philippines by the request of Admiral "Bull" Halsey when he said, I had had under my command in the South Pacific a Marine Air Group which had proved its versatility in everything from fighting to blasting enemy vessels. I knew that the group was now under MacArthur's command, and I knew, too, without understanding why, that when Kenney was not keeping it idle, he was assigning it to missions far below its capacity. Kinkaid's complaint of insufficient air cover prompted me to take a step which was more than a liberty; to a man of meaner spirit than MacArthur's it would have seemed an impertinence. I called these Marines to his attention. He ordered them forward, and within 24 hours of their arrival, they had justified my recommendation. For such service, the Group earned the Army Distinguished Unit Award and the Navy Unit Citation. Korean War On 20 April 1952, MAG-12 made