MALS-16 Immortals Powerplants Qual Patch
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 (MALS-16) "Immortals"
Originally activated on 1 March 1952 as Headquarters Squadron 16 at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California, the squadron was established to provide logistical and administrative support for the newly formed Marine Aircraft Group 16—the first helicopter group in the Marine Corps. In July 1953, the squadron moved to Hanshin Auxiliary Air Base, Honshu, Japan, becoming part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and would later deploy to Okinawa before arriving in Vietnam.
In March 1965, the squadron deployed to Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, where it supported MAG-16, one of the largest Marine Air Groups in Marine Corps history. For its Vietnam service, the squadron earned one Presidential Unit Citation, two Navy Unit Commendations, and two Meritorious Unit Citations. Redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 (MALS-16) on 1 October 1988, the unit deployed to Saudi Arabia on 20 August 1990, establishing several historic firsts: the first MALS to deploy, the first MALS to deploy in support of combat operations, and the first MALS to deploy aboard an Aviation Logistics Support Ship, the SS Curtiss (T-AVB-4). During Desert Storm, MALS-16 provided logistics support to over 106 aircraft dispersed across several sites.
Currently based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MALS-16 falls under MAG-16 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, supporting CH-53E Super Stallion and MV-22 Osprey squadrons. This Powerplants qualification patch recognizes the specialized engine maintenance professionals within the squadron.
Perfect For: MALS-16 personnel, MAG-16 Marines, Marine aviation logistics professionals, powerplant maintenance technicians, Vietnam-era aviation support veterans, and 3rd MAW collectors.
Recognizing the dedicated aviation logistics professionals whose expertise keeps Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft mission-ready across the globe.
