Marine Air, West Coast was activated on 22 January 1943 as
Marine Fleet Air, West Coast (MarFAirWest) at
Naval Air Station San Diego,
California under the command of Brigadier General
Lewie G. Merritt. Its main purpose was administrating, training and equipping Marine Aviation Units on the
West Coast of the United States. The first units of MarFAirWest were assigned in April 1943, when all aviation units from Fleet Marine Force, San Diego Area were reassigned. MarFAirWest was also responsible for providing personnel, equipment and other aviation material to the Aircraft Command,
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. It was re-designated Marine Air, West Coast in January 1946 and authority for the new designation also consolidated the command with that of the Deputy Commander, Naval Air Bases (Marine Corps Activities), 11th Naval District, formerly situated at
Marine Corps Air Station El Toro,
Santa Ana, California. Its purpose remained the same - still responsible for supporting Aircraft,
Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. The unit was deactivated on 1 October 1947 when the
1st Marine Aircraft Wing returned from overseas duty in
China and assumed the commands roles and responsibilities. ==Commanding Generals==