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.