MALS-36 Okinawa — USMC Embroidered Patch Okinawa's Aviation Lifeline MALS-36 is the logistics heartbeat of Marine aviation in the Western Pacific. From the flight line at MCAS Futenma to deployed locations across the Indo-Pacific, this squadron keeps MAG-36's aircraft armed, fueled, maintained, and mission-ready. This Okinawa variant patch represents service at the tip of the Pacific spear. Originally activated as Headquarters Squadron 36 at MCAF Santa Ana in June 1952, the unit deployed to Vietnam in 1965, supporting operations from Chu Lai, Ky Ha, and Phu Bai including the Battle of Hue City and Operation Dewey Canyon. Redesignated MALS-36 in 1988, the squadron has supported humanitarian operations including Operation Sea Angel in Bangladesh, Operation Fiery Vigil after the Mount Pinatubo eruption, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and the 2004 tsunami disaster relief. Based at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, MALS-36 provides aviation logistics expertise, planning, and material to MAG-36's assault support squadrons under the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Perfect For: MALS-36 veterans and active duty Marines, MAG-36 personnel, MCAS Futenma community, 1st MAW logistics Marines, and WestPac deployment veterans. Okinawa's Aviation Backbone.
