Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 (MWSS-373), also known as The Aces, can trace its heritage back to 1 April 1967 as Wing Equipment Repair Squadron 37 (WERS-37) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, Santa Ana, California. On 31 January 1977, WERS-37 was restructured and re-designated as Wing Transport Squadron 37 (WTS-37). On 2 June 1986, MWSS-373 was activated at MCAS El Toro, Santa Ana California, the Aces were aligned under Marine Wing Support Group-37 (MWSG-37). On 21 August 1998, MWSS-373 was relocated from MCAS El Toro to MCAS Miramar. In June 2012, with MWSG-37 deactivated, the Aces were realigned under Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11). In November 2018, MWSG-37 was reactivated, once again the Aces were realigned. Two years later, because of organizational force design measures, MWSG-37 was deactivated and the Aces were realigned to MAG-11 in June 2020. In 2022, due to a 3d Marine Aircraft Wing (3d MAW) initiative, MWSS-373 was unofficially aligned under Marine Air Control Group 38 (MACG-38).
From August 1990 through April 1991, MWSS-373 participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. While there, Marines and Sailors of MWSS-373 pumped over 29 million gallons of fuel to tactical aircraft, provided over 2 million meals, transported 46 million pounds of ordnance, produced 2 million gallons of potable water, treated 18,000 patients, administered 3,200 immunizations, provided water, electricity, and sanitation for 8 dispersed billeting areas, and drove over 1 million accident-free miles.
In September 1992, MWSS-373 welcomed aboard the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 (MALS-11), adding new capabilities to the squadron. During December 1992 to May 1993, MWSS-373 provided 24-hour airfield embarkation support at MCAS El Toro for units deploying to Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope. Over this time, the Marines of MWSS-373 loaded over 100 aircraft with eight million pounds of cargo and equipment. Between January and March of 1995, MWSS-373 deployed a detachment to Somalia in support of Operation United Shield to assist with the United Nations (UN) withdrawal efforts.
From September 2001, MWSS-373 deployed personnel and equipment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in support of four separate Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU). In addition, personnel were deployed on aircraft carriers in support of three separate fixed wing squadrons. From January to June 2003, MWSS-373 deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of OIF. MWSS 373 constructed a 4,000 Marine base camp, and installed a 431,000-square-foot (40,000m2) Harrier parking ramp, at Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait for elements of the 3d MAW. During March 2003, the Aces conducted Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations in the vicinity of Jalibah Airfield, Iraq in support of the attack on An Nasiriyah. The squadron also completed a runway repair of a 5,000-foot (1,500m) KC-130 operating strip and constructed a 3,000 Marine Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Jalibah Airfield, Iraq in support of elements of 3d MAW. In early 2003, MWSS-373 continued to conduct FARP operations at Tikrit Airfield and Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq.
In August 2004, MWSS-373 deployed to Al Taqaddum to support 3d MAW in providing aviation ground support in Al Anbar Province. They also provided aviation ground support and limited combat service support from Korean Village, Camp Mudaysis, FOB Duke, and Camp Fallujah. In support of Operation Al Fajr in Fallujah, MWSS-373 provided a firefighting element to respond to life-threatening off-base U.S. and Coalition force structural and vehicle fires, and EOD support to clear main supply routes between Al Taqaddum and Al Fallujah.
In September 2006, MWSS-373 again deployed to Al Taqaddum, Iraq in support of 3d MAW. During this period, MWSS-373 provided functions of aviation ground support and limited combat service support at Al Taqaddum, Camp Ramadi, Camp Fallujah, and Korean Village. MWSS-373 provided response teams for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) activity in the vicinity of Al Taqaddum and Korean Village. Additionally, MWSS-373 executed numerous road improvement projects, helicopter landing zone installations, and facility electrical renovations at sites throughout the Euphrates River corridor between Ar Ramadi and Al Fallujah.
In September 2010, the Aces deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan in support of OEF. While deployed, MWSS-373 supplied all ground aviation support for Camp Leatherneck, FOB Dwyer, FOB Delaram, and FOB Edinburgh. They also completed numerous helicopter landing zone improvement projects across Helmand Province and finalized the construction of a C-130 air strip in FOB Delaram. By April 2011, all Marines who deployed with MWSS-373 returned to MCAS Miramar.
From 2012 through 2018, MWSS-373 continued their support of forces abroad by participating in OEF in Afghanistan, the Global War on Terrorism in Kuwait and Bahrain, Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, and crisis response efforts in the United Arab Emirates. MWSS-373 provided aviation ground support across seven different countries during this time, enabling continued air and ground missions while deployed.
In April of 2020, elements of MWSS-373 participated in the Coronavirus response efforts aboard MCAS Miramar and Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Their support helped thousands of Americans through a time of crisis. Most recently, MWSS-373 supported the cessation of military operations in Afghanistan in 2021 and crisis response efforts in Djibouti from 2022-2023. Currently, the Aces are participating in training exercises in the Pacific and around the world in preparation for future conflicts.
MWSS-373 has a well-proven and colorful battle history. As part of the nation’s force in readiness, the Marines and Sailors of Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, stand prepared to meet all challenges the future may bring. THE ACES ARE PREPARED IN PEACE AND STAND READY FOR WAR- SEMPER FIDELIS.