2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band

Official 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Logo
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Cherry Point, North Carolina

 

01

Marine Week Nashville-250: Wrap Up Video

U.S. Marines and Nashville locals discuss the importance and their enjoyment of Marine Week Nashville-250 at Nashville, Tennessee, June 7, 2025....

02

2nd MAW Band performs at a celebrity softball game during Marine Week Nashville

U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Aircraft Wing band perform during Rock N’ Jock at First Horizon Park as part of Marine Week Nashville, in Nashville,...

03

34th Annual Vincent Vizzo Columbus Day Concert

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Band perform during the 34th Annual Vincent Vizzo Columbus Day Concert at Bridgeport,...

04

2nd MAW Band performs at USMC static display

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-250, perform at an equipment display during Marine...

05

2nd MAW Band percussion section performs during a ceremony at Marine Week Nashville

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 250, perform during a wreath laying ceremony at...

06

2nd MAW Band PMG performs at Tootsies Lounge

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-250, perform at Tootsies Orchid Lounge during...

07

2nd MAW Band performs at a celebrity softball game during Marine Week Nashville

U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Aircraft Wing band perform during Rock N’ Jock at First Horizon Park as part of Marine Week Nashville, in Nashville,...

08

2nd MAW Brass Band at Marine Week Nashville

U.S. Marines in the popular music ensemble, with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-250, pose for a...

09

2nd MAW Band performs at USMC static display during Marine Week Nashville

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-250, perform during Marine Week Nashville, in...

10

2nd MAW Brass Band performs at Marine static display during Marine Week Nashville

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Zehrung, a saxophone instrumentalist with 2d Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force...

 

MARINE WEEK ATLANTA
AUGUST 30-31, 2025
various performances in and around ATLANTA
Please send requests to: 2DMAW.Band.Requests.OMB@usmc.mil

Marine musicians perform a wide variety of military and civic events such as ceremonies, parades, festivals, public concerts, educational outreach, and professional sporting events. Music support utilizes a variety of ensemble configurations to include wind ensemble, ceremonial band, brass band, jazz combo, popular music group, brass quintet, jazz ensemble, and bugler.
Public & Civic Events
Whether a traditional concert hall, outdoor venue or parade, military band performances must be free and open to the public. Marine Bands may perform at fairs, exhibitions and similar venues with admission fees if the performance is incidental to the primary event and no additional fee is charged to hear the band perform. Additional restrictions may apply. 
 
Policy and Legal Restrictions
  1. U.S. Military participation does not imply endorsement of the event or the organization hosting the event. The requested information is required to evaluate the event. Please complete all sections.
     
  2. Armed Forces musical units are organized for ceremonial and traditional purposes and to support recruiting activities. However, they may be authorized to provide certain specified presentations, such as patriotic ceremonies for public programs. Armed Forces musical organizations are not permitted to provide entertainment, background, dinner, dance or other social music at public or private events in competition with the customary or regular employment of local civilian musicians. Limited resources permit only one band and/or choir to perform at an event, and the Military Services reserve the right to cancel support to requesters who have scheduled more than one such military unit.
     
  3. Department of Defense (DoD) policies require that Armed Forces participation in public events will be provided at no additional cost to the Government, which means un-programmed costs incurred solely because of participation in or support of an unplanned activity. For example, additional costs to the Government include unplanned travel and transportation, meals and lodging for military personnel away from Government mess, civilian per diem, and overtime pay. Unsolicited contributions of money, personal property, or services (e.g., gifts in kind for lodging, meals, transportation) may be accepted for the benefit of military musical units for events that align with the DoD's mission. All costs are binding after a unit, personnel, or exhibit has arrived at an event site, even though weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances force the event to be cancelled.
     
  4. Requests should be submitted to the appropriate Military Service not less than 30 days in advance of a scheduled program. Final determination will occur no earlier than 90 days in advance. Please realize that all Armed Forces units have specific military missions and training requirements. Participation in public programs will only be authorized when such support is in the best interests of the DoD and the Military Services and does not interfere with mission or training programs. In all cases, operational commitments must take priority and can cause previously scheduled appearances to be cancelled.
     
Performance Request Process
Start your request for musical support by choosing the appropriate request form below. Once received, we will determine whether we can support your request. If your request is approved, a representative from the band will reach out to you for coordination. If your request is denied, you/your organization will receive an email explaining why your request is not eligible to receive support.

Please send requests to: 2DMAW.Band.Requests.OMB@usmc.mil
 

Military Request Form

Civilian Request Form

 

MISSION

The mission of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band is to provide music in support of military ceremonies, Department of Defense-sponsored functions, community engagement, and Marine recruiting efforts, 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 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band provides security augmentation as directed.

HISTORY

2nd MAW Band - Circa 19932nd 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. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performs at both military and civilian ceremonies, formal concerts, community celebrations, parades, festivals, and public relations tours. Marine Corps Band heritage dates back to the whistling fifes and rolling drums of the first Marines when the Corps was established in 1775 and upholds the tradition of excellence and service to Corps and country, which is a proud legacy to all Marines. 

Past highlights include appearances at the Cotton Bowl, the New York International Auto Show, the Kentucky Derby, the Indy 500, the Coca-Cola 600, the Miss America Pageant Parade, Mardi Gras Parades, the International Marine Tattoo, the Fergus Scottish Festival and Parade in Ontario, Fleet Week in New York City, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Columbus Day Parade in New York City, the Cleveland International Tattoo, and the Fortissimo Sunset Ceremony in Ottawa. In addition to performances along the Eastern United States, the Band has also appeared internationally in Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Haiti, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, and Scotland. On one of these tours, the Band had the distinct honor of performing for the Queen of Denmark and Price Edward of Great Britain.  

In addition to its musical mission, 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.”

Leadership & Staff

Portrait of Director
Director
Chief Warrant Officer 2 John F. Geary

Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Geary currently serves as Director of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. In this capacity he serves as the officer in charge and principal conductor. He manages, administers, and coordinates musical performances, develops budgets and annual operation plans, directs internal operations and training, and supervises the employment of a Marine Corps Fleet Band.

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Portrait of Drum Major
Drum Major
Gunnery Sergeant Kevin M. Dalton

Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Dalton currently serves as the Drum Major of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. In this capacity he directs, trains, and manages the musical performance of the Ceremonial Band while on the march and instructs band personnel in drill specific to Marine Bands. Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Dalton also manages the band’s administration and operations sections.

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Portrait of Instrument Repair Technician
Instrument Repair Technician
Gunnery Sergeant Neil Z. Loaiza

Gunnery Sgt. Neil Loaiza currently serves as the Instrument Repair Technician of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. In this capacity he inspects, maintains, and repairs musical equipment. Gunnery Sgt. Neil Loaiza also manages the band’s supply, safety, and fiscal sections.

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Portrait of Production Manager
Production Manager
Gunnery Sergeant Michael A. Newell

Gunnery Sgt. Michael Newell currently serves as the Production Manager of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. In this capacity he is the chief sound engineer, responsible for the recording and sound reinforcement of the band. Gunnery Sgt. Michael Newell also serves as the band’s digital marketing and communication lead.

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Email:
2dMAW.Band.Requests.OMB@usmc.mil
(link to connect to email application)
 
Phone Numbers:
Commercial: (252) 466-2330
DSN: 582-2330

 
Mailing Address:
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band
PSC 8076
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0076