Spectators gathered at the doors of the Marine Air Control Group 38 headquarters building, anticipating a ribbon-cutting event which revealed 43 years of photographic history.
MACG-38 Marines held a dedication ceremony here, Nov. 12, to unveil photos showing the group’s history of coordinating support between air and ground units.
Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Conant, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, attended the event, along with many veterans from the group’s past.
“Our Marines are often left wondering; how did we play a part in our corps’ history? Today we’re cutting the ribbon on a year-long project telling that story,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Davis, the commanding officer of MACG-38, 3rd MAW. “We’re honoring those that went before us.”
Retired Lt. Col. Robert Harris, an 87-year old Korean War veteran, flew from Michigan and was the guest speaker at the event.
Harris, along with a group of 11 Marines and a German scientist, developed a guided radar system in the 1940s and 1950s, which led to the development of MACG-38 and other squadron support groups.
“Sometimes you have the opportunity to do something great for the Marine Corps,” said Harris. “There are only two of us [who developed the radar] left now. I felt obligated to be here and see this dedication. It’s been my privilege.”
Following the remarks, Davis and Conant took a KA-BAR knife and cut the ceremonial red ribbon.
“When you walk into most units, they have their history on their walls,” said Sgt. Mickla Adams, the maintenance manager with MACG-38. “Our purpose was to do the same thing. We wanted to honor Marines who were part of our history.”
MACG-38 Marines are the glue that hold the squadrons together, explained Adams. If equipment needs repairs, they are the ones who ensure repairs are done, and that Marines can continue using it to fight. MACG-38 Marines are the liaisons between the squadrons and everyone else.
“It’s important for the younger Marines to see their history,” said Adams. “Many of them may not think that what they do is important. They need to see that their job matters.”
Not everyone understands how they play a part in their squadron’s history, but MACG-38 Marines continue to celebrate their 43 years of support and dedication to the Marine Corps.
Date Taken: | 11.12.2010 |
Date Posted: | 11.18.2010 19:11 |
Story ID: | 60435 |
Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 87 |
Downloads: | 4 |
This work, Dedication ceremony unveils history of MACG-38, by Cpl Alexandra Vazquez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.