MARINE AVIATION LOGISTICS SQUADRON 16
MALS-16
"Forerunners"
MALS-16 was originally activated in 1951 as H&HS MAG-16. Further changes in designation include H&MS-16 and MALS-16. The mission of MALS-16 is to provide administrative and logistical support for MAG-16 and its squadrons. H&MS-16 served in Vietnam (1965-71); MALS-16 deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm (1990-91). MALS-16 has twice won the Secretary of Defence Maintenance Award (1988, 1991) and was winner of the Phoenix Trophy in 1991. During 2003, MALS-16 was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
LINEAGE
Activated 1 March 1951 at Santa Ana, California, as
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Marine Aircraft Group
16.
Redesignated 15 February 1954 as Headquarters and Maintenance
Squadron 16.
Redesignated 1988 as Marine Aviation Logistics
Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group, 3d Marine Aircraft
Wing.
HONORS
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER with 1 bronze star
1965-67
IRAQ
2003
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
VIETNAM
1968-69
1970-71
1990-91
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER with 1 silver star
VIETNAM
1970
1971
1987-88
1989
1989-90
1998-1999
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER with 3 bronze stars
1951-54
1961-74
1990-95
2001-TBA
KOREAN SERVICE STREAMER
1953-54
VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER with 2 silver and 3 bronze stars
SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER with 2 bronze stars
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
REPUBLIC of VIETNAM CROSS of GALLANTRY STREAMER with Palm
REPUBLIC of VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION (Civic Action) STREAMER with Palm
- Nicknames:"Forerunners"
- ID Code: WW 1952-
- Aircraft: HRS-1(CH-19E); OE-1(O-1C); HR2S(CH-37); HUS (UH-34D); CH-46A/D/F/E; CH-53A/D/E; AH-1G
- Squadron Web Page: MALS-16 (Official site)