On 30 September 1988, H&MS-14 was redesignated as Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (MALS-14) The Squadron is now organized as a core unit capable of absorbing groups of augmentees associated with specific aircraft types and squadrons. The MALS concept allows the squadron to provide logistics support to an Aviation Combat Element (ACE) with a variety of aircraft configurations. It also facilitates the simultaneous support of separate aircraft detachments. MALS-14 has continued to improve the ability of Marine Aviation to deploy worldwide by establishing and refining organic contingency Support packages (CSP) and Fly-In Support Packages (FISP) for C-130, EA-6B and AV-8B aircraft. MALS-14 served as the test bed for the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS). With the successful realization of NALCOMIS prototype in December 1988, the NALCOMIS program interface with the Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing. System-Real Time (SUADPS-RT) was implemented. In July 1989, MALS-14 was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for service from 1 July 1986 to 1 August 1988. In September 1989, MALS-14 conducted a Liaison visit to the SS Wright (TAVB-3) to plan ACE embarkation and logistical support for the 6th MEB in case of deployment. MALS-14 continued to support the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) and various exercises including Teamwork 88, Alpine Warrior 89, Cold Weather 89, Solid Shield 89, High Desert, and Carolina Combat. With Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 3, 1990, MALS-14 coordinated the MALS consolidation of aviation logistical resources (personnel, parts, IMRL) from all 2d MAW MALS to form MALS-14 FWD. MALS-l4 also coordinated the load plan of 2d MAW Maintenance Facilities (MF’s) and personnel aboard the SS Wright and SS Curtiss. On 27 August 1990, MALS-14 FWD deployed to operation "Desert Shield" aboard the SS Wright in support of MAG-40, 4th MEB. While MALS-14 continued to support MAG-14, MALS-14 FWD arrived in Southwest Asia (the first fully functional MALS in theater). Moored at Bahrain, MALS-14 FWD provided effective logistical support to the 4th MEB and elements of I MEF in support of "Desert Shield." In December 1990, MALS-14 FWD was transferred from CG 4th MEB to CG 3d MAW for duty to support MAG-13 FWD at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base, Saudi Arabia. MALS-14 FWD absorbed MALS-13 FWD and the MALS-14 follow-on echelon to form MALS-14. MALS-14 support of MAG-13 FWD represented the first MALS support for a dissimilar aircraft than is normally supported at home base. The support provided to MAG-l3 FWD contributed to the Group having the highest aircraft readiness rates for a Marine unit in SWA throughout "Desert Shield/Desert Storm." In February 1991, MALS-14 established the first Fixed Wing Forward Armament and Refueling Point (FARP) in a combat zone at Tanagib, Saudi Arabia. With victory in SWA, MALS-14 returned to Cherry Point on 1 April 1991. This concluded the first combat deployment for the Squadron since WWII. MALS-14 then began the largest reconstitution effort of any MALS in recent history. The maintenance facility, consisting of over 500 Maintenance vans, was rebuilt. Over 70,000 line items of aviation stores were inventoried and relocated. Reconstitution continued as the MALS effectively supported numerous deployments and an aggressive MAG-14 flight hour program. In August of 1991, the Squadron was selected as the first winner of the Marine Corps Aviation Association's "MALS of the Year" Award. In June 1991, MALS-14 added another battle streamer to its colors with the Southwest Asia Service Medal. MALS-14 continued to successfully support the Unit Deployment Program and various exercises such as WTI 1-92 and 2-92, and Integrated ACE at Yuma AZ, Alpine Warrior 92, and Operations UNITAS, Red Port and Teamwork 92. In February 1992, the Squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for meritorious service. MALS-14 continued to lead the Marine Corps in several vital logistics performance measures including IMA repair rate and net supply effectiveness that contributed to MAG-14's record readiness. MALS-14 provided the logistical coordination necessary for VMAQ-2's split into three squadrons and VMAQ-4's activation. MALS-l4 continued to plan and execute logistics for the stand-down of three A-6E squadrons, and the corresponding introduction of three F/A-18D squadrons to MAG-14. In June 1992, the Squadron earned the highest aggregate score from a Commanding Generals Inspection (4.0 of 5.0) for any unit in 2d MAW in the Wing's history. A vast majority of the logistical support required to stand-up the F/A-l8D squadron was accomplished, but with the decision to base F/A-18D aircraft at MAG-31 (MCAS Beaufort), MALS-14 transferred vast amounts of assets to MAG-31. In accordance with Marine Corps force realignments, MALS-14, along with MALS-32, planned and executed the deactivation of MALS-32 and the transfer of MAG-32's remaining structure to MALS-14. Along with accomplishing Marine Corps restructuring initiatives, MALS-14 logistically supported several deployments/exercises including CAX 10-92, Green Flag 92, Display Determination, Rum Runner, VMAQ-2 UDP, and Scorpion Wind. Also notable during this timeframe, the MALS-14 Maintenance Department earned a grade of "excellent" during the 2d MAW Commanding General's Inspection (CGI). The first half of 1993 was consumed by the merging of MALS-14 and 32's assets/personnel while simultaneously supporting deployment of squadrons throughout the world, Yuma AZ (WTI), Volk Field WI (Alpine Warrior), Norway (Exercise Cold Winter), two UDP's to Iwakuni Japan, the Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean, with two ships in the landing force south fleet, Guantanamo Bay Cuba (Ocean Venture), Morehead City (Operation Sea Train), and Farla NV for an air/ground deployment. During this period MALS-14 completed significant restructuring initiatives while leading 2d MAW in efficiency indicators for both supply and maintenance. MALS-14 embarked upon a training program ensuring all Marines were "combat ready" in every possible way (from primary MOS proficiency to Battle Skills Training).
MALS-14 continued to set the standard for the Wing and the Corps by its unprecedented logistical support and personal standards during a timeframe of extreme growth/ rapid adjustment. Throughout the second half of 1993, MALS-14 successfully supported an increasing operational tempo as "the largest, most deployed MALS throughout the Marine Corps," despite extensive personnel turnover/down sizing. Responsible for continuous support of three LF6F and two UDP's, as well as numerous training exercises and detachments, MALS-14 continued to excel in all performance indicators. MALS-14 initiated logistical support for the Harrier II Plus and staffed plans to possibly support KC-130 aircraft out of Norfolk in order to tentatively support F/A-l8C/D at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. The command continued emphasizing the "combat ready" program, instilling the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to efficiently accomplish deliberate/contingency plans by perfecting daily logistical support, aggressively training Marines and developing procedural doctrine designed to enhance detachment, deployment, rapid action planning of any crisis or contingency. The MALS-14 "Combat Ready" philosophy was instrumental in bolstering Family Readiness. Throughout this time frame, the MALS-14 Key Volunteers Program accomplished numerous family and civic activities, improving the command's deployment capability, and was reorganized by 2d MAW as a "model" program for the squadrons to emulate. MALS-14 achieved noteworthy "Combat Ready" milestones while successfully supporting all logistical requirements of a hectic OPTEMPO; in the wake of extensive personnel turnover and attrition within the largest Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron throughout the Marine Corps.
During 1995, the Marines of MALS-14 were thrust into combat support for Operation Deny Flight. With the requirement for tactical electronic aerial warfare, Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons, with EA-6B, Prowlers played a vital role fulfilling that requirement and were deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy to fly in support of Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Forge, and Deliberate Guard. The success of those squadrons was dependent on the intermediate maintenance and supply support that MALS-14 support elements were able to provide. While involved in the support of these operations, MALS-14 also planned and executed the decomplexing of MALS-14 mobile facilities for movement to Iwakuni, Japan. The Marines also assisted in the complexing of Navy mobile facilities for their involvement in supporting EA-6B Prowlers in theater. Although busy coordinating contingency operations, MALS-14 supported Operations Strong Resolve, Cope Thunder, Quick Force, and the Unit Deployment Programs, Combined Arms Exercises, WTIs, and Landing Force Sixth Fleet commitments.
Through 1996, MALS-14 continued to find itself at the tip of the spear along side her deployed tactical squadrons flying in support of Operations Decisive Edge and Assured Response. Starting to see light at the end of the tunnel with regard to support for operations in Bosnia, the Marines of MALS-14 prepared to stand down from those commitments and concentrate on Operation Northern Watch. With the requirement to support the no-fly zone in northern and southern Iraq, MALS-14 remained the lead support element for tactical electronic warfare squadrons.
Moving towards 1998, tensions continued to ease in the Balkans and MALS-14 Marines continued to provide superior support to deployed and garrison aircraft squadrons. A new challenge of activating and exercising the aviation logistics ship, SS Wright, was met head on by the Marines of MALS-14. As the ACE for the operation, much planning coordination went into the evolution. The operation was designated Carolina Dragon ’98 and the constituents came from many units of the Marine Corps. From sister aviation logistic squadrons, to reservists and representatives from overseas, there was global involvement and the result was an overwhelming success.
The summer of 1998 was a time for planning support for tactical electronic warfare squadrons that would deploy to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, Iwakuni, Japan, and Incirlik, Turkey. The Marines would take the first cycle in Aviano, Italy to support the aircraft squadron in Turkey. This proved to be a new planning challenge, as the support element would not have the conveniences of a Prowler squadron at the same location. In December of 1998, the first contingent of Marines deployed to Aviano to support the squadron in Turkey and expecting to execute a move to Sembach, Germany to improve logistical support for the squadron in Turkey. However, on the heels of the Bosnia operation were combat support operations against Yugoslavia, particularly the province of Kosovo. This resulted in a delay of the move of the Enhanced Mission Mobile Maintenance Facility One (EMMMF-1) to Sembach. The operations in Yugoslavia also saw the build up of 22 EA-6B Prowlers to Aviano and MALS-14 personnel to support the increase in Aircraft. The air war waged over the skies of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia became known as the Kosovo Campaign.
In July of 1999, the last Marines returned from Aviano, Italy after successfully supporting the EA-6B Prowlers flying over the skies of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. A small contingent of Marines from MALS-14 remained in Aviano to execute the movement of EMMMF-1 to Sembach, Germany where it was redesignated as Expeditionary Logistics Unit One (ELU-1). The return of the Prowler squadrons to Cherry Point brought a long non-deployment cycle. However, Marines supporting Marine Attack Squadrons attached to the 22nd, 24th, and 26th MEUs continued to deploy to the Mediterranean and particularly the Balkans.
During the months of January and February of 2000, MALS-14 served as the host MALS for CAX 3-00 and 4-00. This entailed the integration of personnel and cargo from the other MALS of 2d MAW and all aviation logistics planning and execution. This detailed and comprehensive planning enabled the movement of 169 Marines and 416 short tons of cargo. The efforts of MALS-14 Marines resulted in an overwhelmingly successful exercise that enabled the 47 ACE aircraft to maintain 76.5% Mission Capable and 64.2% Full Mission Capable aircraft readiness between 10 January 2000 and 1 March 2000 at the Expeditionary Airfield in Twenty-Nine Palms, California. The support element supported fixed and rotary wing aircraft from Cherry Point, New River, and Beaufort.
The spring of 2000 saw the resurrection of demands for tactical aviation electronic warfare from Combatant Commanders. MALS-14 planning began for support of EA-6B squadron deployments to Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), Saudi Arabia in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and Iwakuni, Japan. A support element would be created for aviation logistics support in PSAB at ELU-2 and an augment force to assist the Navy in Sembach, Germany.
Support of MAG-14 squadrons during CONUS training deployments continued throughout the summer of 2000. However, CAX 9/10-00 would not be attended by MAG-14 aircraft, specifically due to a F402 Harrier engine "red-stripe" that would cripple the community of aircraft powered by –408 engines. Harrier support for the 22nd and 24th MEUs were also suspended. Consequently, Dragon Marines had less operational deployment commitments and general military subjects training reached high completion rates relative to times when many Dragons are deployed.
The recovery from the "red stripe" was spearheaded by a new management philosophy through the introduction of Theory of Constraints. Using the TOC philosophy of identifying a constraint, the Dragon leadership reviewed the work practices of the squadron and determined that it was essential to have components and equipment available to decrease aircraft downtime and cannibalization actions. This in turn would increase aircraft readiness, which is fundamental for developing and maintaining aircrew combat proficiency.
Starting in the summer of 2000, the Dragons embarked on the new TOC philosophy and trained officers and staff non-commissioned officers of the squadron, and commanding officers, maintenance officers, and maintenance material control officers of the supported squadrons, as well. The results have been an overwhelming success, opening lines of communication and concentrating efforts on what aspects of aviation logistics are holding back aircraft readiness.
A key element of the new philosophy was managing aviation logistics through a web-based reporting system that focused on predictive metrics vice outcome-based metrics. The foundation of the reporting system was the establishment of the MALS-14 intranet.
As TOC forged ahead, so did MALS-14 support of EA-6B Prowlers in the Central and Pacific Commands’ area of responsibility in the fall of 2000. Dragons deployed to PSAB, Germany, and Iwakuni. Support of many CONUS training deployments continued and a detachment to Greece in support of Dynamic Mix 2000 was executed.
The Marine Corps Prowler support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH ended in the spring of 2001, however support to Prowlers in Iwakuni continued. Work-ups for the 26th MEU started after a successful and expedient recovery from the Harrier engine "red stripe."
MALS-14 continues to conquer every challenge with professionalism and enthusiasm. From overseas operations to training deployments in the United States, MALS-14 is there to provide the ultimate in aviation logistical support. At the same time, the Marines of MALS-14 commit themselves to accomplishing required annual training, professional military training, and technical training.