By Robbin Laird
When I interviewed the Commanding General of 2nd Marine Air Wing last summer, he underscored the importance for the Marines to craft a way ahead with regard to distributed air operations.
This is how we discussed the issue at that time:
We then discussed distributed air operations (DO) and how it differed from simply being a Forward Arming and Refueling Point or ‘FARP’. The difference is profound.
While a FARP remains the most visible manifestation of DO, it is the final action and does not by itself reflect significant choices and work necessary to create that capability to re-arm air assets at remote and ever changing locations – allowing the force to disaggregate for protection and then aggregate to mass combat capability, all in a rapid manner to maintain tempo.
As MajGen Benedict put it: “The difference is the backside. Where is the location? Why that location? How do we get the fuel there? How do we get ordinance there? How do we provide force protection? How do we maintain the aircraft and for how long? How long are we going to be there? When do we need to move? All of these things are what I call the backside of distributed operations.”
To deal with this challenge, 2nd MAW has added a functional area inside of its Tactical Air Command Center which is called a Distributed Operations Coordination Cell. According to Benedict: “Here we plan out and initiate coordination and execution of all the aviation ground support necessary to support an ATO in a distributed environment.”
His successor, Major General Swan, has continued the effort. In fact, 2nd MAW has just completed working next steps in the way ahead with regard to DAO.
This is the story written by 1st Lt. John Graham published on 14 March 2025 highlighting the effort:
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Units with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) completed an exercise focused on distributed aviation operations (DAO) near the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) on Andros Island, Bahamas, Jan. 28 to Mar. 15.
The exercise encompassed establishing decentralized aviation ground-support operations across multiple sites. Led by Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272 and supported by several units across 2nd MAW and 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), the operations included constructing expeditionary landing zones, improving existing landing pads, improving and repairing infrastructure, and supporting medical and dental civic action programs in support of the local Bahamian community.
“The deployment directly supported 2nd MAW’s DAO warfighting concept, allowing aviation assets to operate effectively across multiple, distinct sites while maintaining command-and-control,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Mokris, commanding officer, MWSS-272. “This exercise required us to work alongside several units across II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and 2nd MAW to get our Marines and Sailors where they needed to be with the right equipment.”
The DAO warfighting concept is 2nd MAW’s method of operating within an adversary’s sensing and weapons-engagement zone. The concept enables 2nd MAW to generate aviation combat power through the dispersion and coordinated employment of aviation squadrons, command-and-control agencies, aviation logistics, and aviation ground-support units while integrating closely with allies and partners across the battlespace.
In addition to employing future operating concepts, MWSS-272, alongside personnel from 2nd Medical Battalion and 2nd Dental Battalion delivered primary medical and dental care services to Andros Island residents.
“Through coordination with the Bahamian government and the U.S. Embassy, our medical and dental civic action program provided important primary care services to many Bahamians on Andros Island,” said Mokris. “We are extremely appreciative of our partnership with the U.S. Navy at AUTEC, as well as the Bahamian government, for enabling us the opportunity to train there.”
Participating units included MWSS-272, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS) 28, and Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 2, which are subordinate units of 2nd MAW, as well as 2nd Medical Battalion and 2nd Dental Battalion, which are subordinate units of 2nd MLG. 2nd MAW and 2nd MLG are the aviation and logistics combat elements of II MEF. Additionally, the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 62 provided support.
For the series I am working on force distribution and shaping a way ahead for the USMC, see the following:
A Look at this Year’s USMC Aviation Plan: Shaping a Way Ahead
