Marine Helicopter Transport Group 16 was formed 1 March 1952 at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California and was the first helicopter group established in the Marine Corps. Prior to its activation helicopter squadrons were considered special units and reported directly to the Air Wing commanding general with no intermediate command. Colonel Harold J. Mitchener was MAG-16's first commanding officer. Seven units made up the newly formed MAG: Headquarters Squadron 16, Marine Airbase Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 16, Marine Helicopter Transport Squadrons 162, 163, 362, and 363.
Vietnam War
On the evening of 12–13 August helicopters from MAG-16 participated in the first night helicopter assault of the Vietnam War. They debarked 245 Marines and returned to Da Nang without incident.
From 11 September 2001 through to the present, elements of MAG-16 have actively participated in the Global War on Terror, beginning with HMM-163's role in establish FOB Rhino in Afghanistan as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which consisted of a core CH-46E HMM squadron, a CH-53E detachment from HMH-465, both part of MAG-16, as well as HMLA and VMA detachments. All flying squadrons of MAG-16 have participated in the GWOT in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, but were almost always under the command of other headquarters elements. MAG-16's headquarters element was specifically deployed in support of the GWOT from January 2008 through January 2009, where they provided the primary command of Marine aviation support in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. By the end of this deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom the MAG had achieved a milestone 80,000 flight hours in support of Multi-National Forces West and adjacent commands.
Expeditionary transformation
MAG-16 continues to reshape its identity for the current expeditionary environment of the Marine Corps. The CH-46E Sea Knight is currently being replaced with the MV-22B Osprey to augment its heavy lift assault support assets. The MV-22B adds a long-range capability to the MAGTF that will extend its reach well beyond current assault support assets. MAG-16 will continue to refine its identity to "respond to today's crisis with today's force."
Eugene R. Brady - MAG-16 commander, Navy Cross recipient
Robert P. Keller - Lieutenant general; served as Executive officer of the Group in 1958-1959
Kenneth L. Reusser - Former MAG-16 commander and highly decorated three-war Marine Corps aviator, double Navy Cross and double Distinguished Flying Cross recipient.
