The mission of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band is to provide music in support of military ceremonies, Department of Defense sponsored functions, community engagement, and Marine recruiting in order to inspire patriotism, re-affirm national values and military traditions, and build confidence in the fidelity and professionalism of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Marine Corps, and the armed forces of the United States. Additionally, during tactical deployment Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band provides security augmentation as directed.
HISTORY
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band was formed for service in 1941 when the Wing itself was commissioned in response to the United States’ entry into World War II. For eight decades, the band has distinguished itself as a musical ambassador of the Marine Corps by performing at over 300 events annually. The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performs at both military and civilian ceremonies, formal concerts, community celebrations, parades, festivals, and public relations tours. Past highlights include appearances at the Cotton Bowl, the Kentucky Derby, the Indy 500, the Miss America Pageant Parade, numerous Mardi Gras Parades, and the International Marine Tattoo in Rochester, NY. The band has also appeared internationally in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Germany, Denmark, Scotland, England, Iceland, France and Haiti. On one of these tours, the band had the distinct honor of performing for the Queen of Denmark and Prince Edward of Great Britain.
In addition to its musical mission, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band has supported combat operations throughout its history; most recently deploying to Afghanistan, in 2009, as a security augmentation force in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. The band has received Certificates of Commendation from the Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1973 and 1985 and Meritorious Unit Citations in 1972 and 1984 for excellence in the performance of duty. The band continues their legacy by serving and inspiring the thousands of Marines, Sailors, civilians, and families for who call Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and the surrounding communities “home.”