 Its first component was Marine Air Group Two which was based at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii.This gave 2nd MAW some of the oldest squadrons in Marine aviation

Although the Hawaii-based squadrons sustained extensive damage during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, 2nd MAW contributed to 83 South Pacific combat operations.Marines and aircraft from 2nd MAW participated in major battles or campaigns at Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Midway, Saipan, Tinian, Guam and Okinawa.