U.S. Marines and Nashville locals discuss the importance and their enjoyment of Marine Week Nashville-250 at Nashville, Tennessee, June 7, 2025....
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,...
U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Band perform during the 34th Annual Vincent Vizzo Columbus Day Concert at Bridgeport,...
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...
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...
U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-250, perform at Tootsies Orchid Lounge during...
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...
U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-250, perform during Marine Week Nashville, in...
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Zehrung, a saxophone instrumentalist with 2d Marine Aircraft Wing band, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force...
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.
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. 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.”
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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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.
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.
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.