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Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13
MALS-13 Insignia
Active	1 March 1942 – 30 November 1945 15 March 1951 – present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Logistics
Role	Aviation logistics support
Part of	Marine Aircraft Group 13 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Garrison/HQ	Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
Nickname(s)	Black Widows Outlaws (formerly)
Engagements	World War II Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom
Commanders
Current commander	LtCol Robert M. Rhea

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13) is an aviation logistics support unit of the United States Marine Corps. Known as the "Black Widows", it is currently based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, as part of Marine Aircraft Group 13 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Mission statement

Provide aviation ordnance, maintenance and logistics support, guidance and direction to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) squadrons; as well as logistics support for navy funded equipment in the supporting Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS), Marine Air Control Squadron and Marine Aircraft Wing/mobile calibration complex.

Squadron organization

• Aviation logistics Information Maintenance Support Department (ALIMSD)
• Headquarters
• Aviation Supply department
• Aircraft Maintenance department
• Avionics division
• Aviation Ordnance Department

History

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Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 was commissioned on 1 March 1942 at San Diego, California as Headquarters and Service Squadron 13. The squadron saw frequent action in the Pacific theater during World War II before being decommissioned on 30 November 1945.

The squadron was reactivated 15 March 1951, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13. During September 1966, the squadron deployed to Chu Lai Air Base, Republic of Vietnam and remained until October 1970. H&MS-13 used first the Grumman TF-9J Cougars and later Douglas TA-4F Skyhawks as fast forward air control aircraft in support of ground troops. The squadron was then relocated to El Toro, California, and assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing until 1 October 1987, when the squadron moved to MCAS Yuma.

On 5 October 1988, the Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron within the Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) was replaced by the creation of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS). During the period of 10 August 1990 to October 1991, Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 responded expeditiously in providing aviation logistics support during Operation Desert Storm.

Global War on Terror

In October 2002, the Squadron was tasked with providing support to six AV-8B Harrier aircraft in combat operations in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. This detachment of MALS-13 personnel returned October 2003. On 15 January 2003, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 embarked 205 Marines and equipment aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard in support of combat operations in Southwest Asia, deploying detachments ashore with MALS-13 Forward during Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom at Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait and An Numiniyah Expeditionary Air Field, Iraq. In May 2003, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 disembarked USS Bonhomme Richard and returned to MCAS Yuma.

Awards

• Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with one bronze star
• Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with three bronze stars
• Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer with two bronze stars
• Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star
• World War II Victory Medal
• National Defense Service Medal with three bronze stars
• Vietnam Service Streamer with two silver and one bronze star
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
• Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer.
• Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Streamer
• Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer

See also

• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• Organization of the United States Marine Corps
• List of United States Marine Corps aviation support units

References

External links

• Official website

v t e United States Marine Corps
Leadership	Secretary of the Navy Under Secretary of the Navy Commandant of the Marine Corps Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps Marine Corps four-star generals Marine Corps three-star generals 1942–1959 2000–2009 2010–present US Congress House Armed Services Committee Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee Senate Armed Services Committee Seapower subcommittee
Major commands	Organization of the Marine Corps Headquarters Marine Corps Marine Forces Command II Marine Expeditionary Force Marine Forces Pacific I Marine Expeditionary Force III Marine Expeditionary Force Marine Forces Reserve Fleet Marine Force Atlantic Pacific Marine Corps Combat Development Command Training & Education Command (TECOM) United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Marine Corps Systems Command
Auxiliary	Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary
Structure	Marine air–ground task force Bases Battalions Regiments Brigades Divisions MEF/Corps Marine aviation Marine expeditionary unit Marine Security Guard Special Operations Marine Raiders Marine Raider Regiment Recon Force Division
Personnel and training	Personnel Rank insignia MOS Notable Marines Historical Marines Marine Astronauts Criminal Investigation Division Judge Advocate Division Chaplain of the Marine Corps Associated organizations Training Recruit Training School of Infantry Officer Candidates School The Basic School Martial Arts Program
Uniforms and equipment	Uniforms Awards Badges Weapons Vehicles and aircraft Individual equipment
History and traditions	History Culture Acronyms and terms Birthday Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor Flag Marine Band Drum and Bugle Corps Horse Marines Marine One Color Guard Silent Drill Platoon White House Sentries Service Numbers Marine Corps War Memorial Marine Detachments "Marines' Hymn" Oorah History Division National Museum Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima Rifleman's Creed Semper Fidelis march History of Hispanics in the USMC History of women in the USMC Women's Reserve Honorary Marine Toys for Tots Gung ho
Category

v t e 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 3rd MAW Band
MAG-11	MALS-11 VMFA-225 VMFA-232 VMFA-311 VMFA-314 VMFA-323 VMGR-352
MAG-13	MALS-13 VMU-1 VMFA-122 VMFA-211 VMFA-214 VMFA-311
MAG-16	MALS-16 VMM-161 VMM-163 VMM-165 HMH-361 VMM-362 HMH-462 HMH-465 HMH-466
MAG-39	MALS-39 VMM-164 HMLA-169 HMLA-267 HMLAT-303 VMM-364 HMLA-369
MACG-38	MWCS-38 MACS-1 MASS-3 3rd LAAD MWSS-371 MWSS-372 MWSS-373

• United States Marine Corps aviation support squadrons