2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band is a United States Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force regional military band located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. It performs at basic state functions, civilian ceremonies, and military parades in the region, presenting musical support and entertainment for unit/community events.

History

The band was founded shortly after the aircraft wing was founded in July 1941. It took part in the opening of New Bern's Tryon Palace in April 1959. In 2007, the 2nd MAW Band was deployed to Iraq to support Multi-National Forces West by providing security at a tactical air control center for the remainder of the Iraq War. In 2013, the band took part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the East Coast Marine Corps Composite Band.

Honors

The band had Certificates of Commendation from the Commandant of the Marine Corps (Generals Robert E. Cushman Jr. in 1973 and Paul X. Kelley in 1985) given to them. Additionally, the band received Meritorious Unit Citations in 1972 and 1984 for excellence in the performance of duty.

Ensembles and events

The 42 members of the band are organized a range of unit ensembles:

Ceremonial Marching Band
Concert Band
Popular Music Group
New Orleans Brass Band
Jazz Combo
Brass Quintet
Wind Quintet

All 7 of these ensembles play am important part in public relations for the band and the 2nd MAW Wing, traveling extensively throughout the eastern United States. It has made appearances many events such as the following:

Columbus Day Parade
Cotton Bowl
Fleet Week (New York City, NY)
Fortissimo Sunset Ceremony (Ottawa, Canada)
Indy 500
Kentucky Derby
International Marine Tattoo (Rochester, New York)
Mardi Gras Parades (New Orleans, LA)
Miss America Pageant Parade
Memorial Day Parade (Dearborn, MI)
New York International Auto Show (New York City, NY)
4th of July Concerts

During one of their international visits, the band had the rare honor of performing for the Margrethe II of Denmark and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.