Photo Information

Marines with Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, stand in formation during the MACG-38's Battle Colors Rededication Ceremony here Sept. 1.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Alexandra M. Harris

Battle colors fly during rededication ceremony

8 Sep 2010 | Lance Cpl. Alexandra M. Harris 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Hundreds of Marines and spectators gathered at the Marine Air Control Group 38 Headquarters building to gaze at the unit’s Battle Colors Rededication Ceremony here Sept. 1.

The ceremony marked MACG-38’s 43rd year of coordinating support between air and ground units, and featured seven formations of Marines.

Since its activation Sept. 1, 1967, the unit contributed to operations such as Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

“This rededication ceremony lets the young Marines know their history and heritage,” said Maj. Phillip Woodward, the officer in charge of the personnel support detachment, MACG-38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force. “Just as we do at the Marine Corps Ball, we look back on our past and look on to the future.”

During the event Col. Jeffrey Davis, MACG-38’s 24th commanding officer, spoke to the Marines and visitors about the significance of the ceremony.

“Forty-three years ago our colors were unfurled at [Marine Corps Air Station] El Toro,” said Davis during the ceremony. “Today, we remember, recognize and thank all the Marines who have served in our ranks – both past and present. As we celebrate our forty-third birthday, let’s take a moment to rededicate ourselves.”

Following Davis’ remarks, Marines lined up to attach MACG-38’s battle color streamers. The streamers signified several awards and achievements MACG-38 received in the past 43 years.

These streamers included: the Presidential Unit Citation streamer; the Navy Unit Commendation streamer with two bronze stars; the Meritorious Unit Commendation streamer with two bronze stars; the National Defense Service streamer with two bronze stars; the Armed Forces Expeditionary streamer; the Southwest Asia Service streamer with three bronze stars; the Iraq Campaign streamer with four bronze stars; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary streamer and the Global War on Terrorism Service streamer.

“The guys on the ground know their worth – they know what contributions they provide because they can see what they’re supporting,” said Sgt. Maj. Howard Long, the sergeant major of MACG-38. “A lot of what we do is transparent, so our Marines do not always see their contributions to the wing. Doing something like this shows them that we are a significant unit.”

As the Marines of MACG-38 continue to support 3rd MAW, they also continue to celebrate their history and tradition.

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