2nd Marine Air Wing

Transitioning 'The Fight Tonight Force'

De: Robbin Laird

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

From the Marine Corps base at Cherry Point to the skies above the Arctic Circle, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing stands as one of America's most adaptable and forward-leaning military aviation units.

For over a decade, the author has had the privilege of observing this remarkable organization as it has transformed itself from a force engaged in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan to one preparing for the complex challenges of distributed maritime operations in contested environments.

This book chronicles the author's fifteen-year journey alongside the Marines of 2nd MAW, capturing their evolution through firsthand accounts, interviews with commanding officers, and observations of their training and operations.

The author's relationship with 2nd MAW began in 2007 when he flew aboard the HMS Illustrious via an Osprey, departing from the Pentagon helipad to observe Marines working with the Royal Navy, operating their Harriers off a jump-jet carrier as part of a training exercise. This unique event marked the first time a non-U.S. ship had received an Osprey landing.

What began as a fascinating experience aboard the HMS Illustrious would evolve into a years-long journey of interaction and observation, following the Marines through their airpower transformation from that moment to the present day.

Through the chapters that follow, you'll witness the remarkable evolution of Marine aviation capabilities, from the revolutionary MV-22 Osprey that redefined operational reach, to the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II that transformed battlefield awareness.

You'll hear directly from the commanding generals who led 2nd MAW from 2011 to 2025, each bringing unique perspectives on readiness, innovation, and the core Marine mission of supporting infantry on the ground.

The story begins with the current leadership of Major General William Swan, whose straightforward priorities - "Be ready. Take care of our people. Find more cowbell" - encapsulate both the seriousness of the mission and the innovative spirit that drives today's Marine aviators. The "cowbell" reference, inspired by a Saturday Night Live skit, represents Swan's approach to innovation, rewarding Marines who develop creative solutions to persistent problems with actual cowbells.

Throughout the fifteen-year journey documented in these pages, one theme remains constant across all commanding generals: the unwavering commitment to supporting Marines on the ground. As Major General Davis put it in 2012: "The Marine ACE exists for one reason, to make our Marines better fighters. When we improve the ACE's capability to fight—we increase the warfighting effectiveness of our riflemen."

From operations in Afghanistan's challenging terrain to exercises in Norway's Arctic conditions, from the integration of revolutionary aircraft to the development of distributed operations concepts, this book tells the story of an organization that has continuously adapted to changing threats while maintaining its fundamental purpose: making Marines on the ground more effective and keeping them alive in combat.

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing truly embodies what it means to be "The Fight Tonight Force" - perpetually ready, consistently innovative, and utterly committed to their fellow Marines. This is their story.