On 14 April 1969, MAG-39 was activated as Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39, at Quang Tri Air Base, Vietnam.
From June to October 1969, Provisional Aircraft Group 39 supported numerous combat operations to include a successful evacuation of the Khe Sahn Combat Base, support for the 3rd Marine Division’s relocation from Vietnam to Okinawa, and redeployment to Phu Bai, Vietnam. The Group was subsequently deactivated on 31 October 1969.
On 19 April 1975, Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39 was reactivated for duty in the largest helicopter evacuation ever attempted. Operation FREQUENT WIND commenced on 29 April, evacuating 7,000 American citizens, Vietnamese, and foreign nationals from Saigon. One month later, MAG-39 was again deactivated on 12 May 1975.
MAG-39 was reactivated on 1 September 1978, at the Marine Corps Air Facility, Camp Pendleton, California.
On 13 April 1982, Marine Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT) 303 became the sixth flying squadron in MAG-39. The end of 1983 saw the deployment of AH-1T aircraft from Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMA) 169 of the coast of Beirut, Lebanon, the only west coast aircraft to deploy to Lebanon.
In 1988, MAG-39 redesignated each of its HMA and Marine Light Helicopter (HML) squadrons, resulting in the new Marine Light Attack Helicopter squadron (HMLA) designation. Under this new system, MAG-39 supported Unit Deployment Program (UDP) deployments to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf.
In August 1990, MAG-39 deployed HMLA-367, HMLA-369, and VMO-2 in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Back at Camp Pendleton, MAG-39 personnel formed the nucleus of MAG-50 and deployed on 1 December 1990 as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) for the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) as part of the largest amphibious task force to deploy from the west coast
since the Korean War. These MAG-39 units were instrumental in the “lightning advance” of the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions advance through multiple smoke laden defensive belts of two Iraqi Army Corps. After combat operations, the remainder of MAG-39 assets in Southwest Asia joined MAG-50 and conducted humanitarian relief operations in Bangladesh during Operation SEA ANGEL.
From December 1992 to April 1993 MAG-39 deployed HMLA-369 to Somalia in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE.
On 16 January 1993, the Santa Margarita River flooded MCAS Camp Pendleton and caused unprecedented damage to MAG-39 and MCAS facilities.
During June 1993, VMO-2 was decommissioned, and the OV-10 Bronco was retired after 30 years of distinguished service.
In January 1999, HMM(T)-164 arrived at MCAS Camp Pendleton and became the first CH-46E squadron in the MAG-39 Family. HMM-268 and HMM-364 joined MAG-39 shortly after that.
From September 2001 through February 2002 MAG-39 participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
In early 2003, MAG-39 deployed to Kuwait for possible contingency operations. Shortly after arrival, HMM-365 and HMH-462 were welcomed to MAG-39 for the duration of contingency operations.
At dusk, on 20 March 2003, MAG-39 began combat operations during the first hours of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) with deep air strikes on Iraqi observation posts in order to protect coalition forces as they crossed the line of departure.
During OIF, MAG-39 executed combat operations in direct support of I MEF’s 80,000 Marines, Sailors Soldiers, Airmen, and coalition forces that defeated six Iraqi divisions, secured multiple ports and airfields for shipment of humanitarian supplies, and liberated 25 million Iraqis.
During OIF and Stability Operations (SASO), MAG-39 assets flew a myriad of missions in support of reconnaissance, command and control, sniper platform, show of force and direct fire support during raids, prisoner capture missions and counter ambush operations. These operations resulted in the capture of multiple Baath Party members, arms dealers, and stockpiles of enemy arms and munitions.
In October 2003, MAG-39 transitioned from combat operations to peacetime training in CONUS, the focus of operations in October was rebuilding aircraft readiness and providing Assault Support to I MEF.
In August 2004, MAG-39 deployed three squadrons in support of OIF II and MEU(SOC) commitments while maintaining a majority of aviation support for continued training of I MEF units.
From 2004 to 2010, MAG-39 Elements have supported the Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as supporting West Coast MEU’s.
Since 2004 MAG-39 deployed and rotated squadrons in support of the 11th, 13th, 15th, and 31st MEU assisting in amphibious operations responding to crisis around the world.
MAG-39 returned to Iraq for another deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 through 2007.
Starting in April of 2017 through April of 2021, MAG-39 rotated VMM squadrons in support of SPMAGTAF Central Command.
MAG-39 continues to deploy VMM squadrons to Djibouti Africa in support of the fight against Al-Shabaab.
MAG-39 prides itself on the rich history and legacy left by those who have come before. Today the, “MAGTF's MAG,” continues that great legacy and the long tradition of “on time, on target” light attack and assault support to the Fleet Marine Force. MAG-39 continues to support training exercises at home as well as unit deployment programs, special purpose MAGTF assignments and MEUs around the world to remain prepared for whatever the nation calls upon them to do next.