Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18

Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 (MTACS-18) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. They provide the 1st Marine Aircraft Wings tactical headquarters and command other units within Marine Air Control Group 18 when deployed.

Mission
Provide equipment, maintenance, and operations for the Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) of the Aviation Combat Element (ACE), as a component of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Equip, man, operate, and maintain the Current Operations section of the TACC. Provide and maintain a facility for the TACC Future Operations Section; and install and maintain associated automated systems.

History
Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 (MTACS-18) was activated on 1 September 1967 at Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, as Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 18 (H&HS-18), Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

From activation until April, 1971, H&HS-18 participated in 89 operations conducted in the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) Tactical Area of Responsibility within the Republic of Vietnam. During this period the Squadron assisted in the conduct of 215,715 fixed wing sorties, 7,584 KC-130 missions, and 1,225,015 helicopter tasks. As a result of these efforts, Squadron members were awarded a collective total of 9 air medals. The unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer, the National Defense Service Streamer with one bronze star, the Vietnam Service Streamer with two silver stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Streamer, and the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer.

Following service in Vietnam, H&HS-18 relocated to Iwakuni, Japan, where the Squadron served as the 1st MAW operational Command Post for over four years. In September 1975, H&HS-18 relocated to Okinawa, Japan where it remains today. In May 1993, H&HS-18 was re-designated as Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18(MTACS-18).

Between April 1971 and March 2007, Squadron members have participated in 242 exercises and operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Unified Assistance in Indonesia, Operation Restore Comfort in the Republic of the Philippines, and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. The Unit received the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer (1982–1984) and three bronze stars in lieu of subsequent streamers (1985–1987, 1997–1999, 2000–2002). In 2001, the Unit received the second bronze star for its National Defense Service streamer. The Unit received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal 2004.

MTACS-18 continues to routinely support the Commanding General, 1st MAW, by providing Individual Augments to participate in the Global War on Terrorism and conducting Wing and Group size exercises. Through local training initiatives and exercise participation, MTACS-18 stands ready to support and defend U.S. interests throughout the Western Pacific and beyond.