2026 MARINE AVIATION READINESS AND OPERATIONS SUMMIT (MAROS)

R 251553Z FEB 26
MARADMIN 064/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC AVN ASM//
SUBJ/2026 MARINE AVIATION READINESS AND OPERATIONS SUMMIT (MAROS)//
POC/J.L. ADAIR/MAJ/UNIT: HQMC AVN ASM/TEL: DSN 223-9875/
TEL: COM (703)693-9875/EMAIL: [email protected]//
POC/J.E. GOODRICH/LTCOL/UNIT: HQMC AVN ASM/TEL: COM
(703)614-3606/EMAIL: [email protected]//
GENTEXT/RMKS/1. As we observe the increasingly rapid rate at which
the character of warfare is changing, the Marine Corps obligation to
confront these challenges head-on becomes ever more critical. Marine
Aviation must lead the Service's efforts to proactively evolve our
platforms, personnel, and operating concepts to sustain our
warfighting edge. In support of these initiatives, the Deputy
Commandant for Aviation (DCA) will host the 2026 Marine Aviation
Readiness and Operations Summit (MAROS) at the Hyatt Regency Dallas
in Dallas, Texas, from 11-15 May 2026.
2. The focus of this year's MAROS is the 2026 Marine Aviation Plan
(https://media.defense.gov/2026/Feb/10/2003873872/-1/-1/0/260210-
USMC-2026-AVIATION-PLAN.PDF), which emphasizes the need to balance
crisis response with modernization for the future fight. This
effort embraces innovative concepts and highlights need to evolve
into a digital, data-centric force. Central to this transformation
is the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
(AI/ML) to field the most ready, lethal, and combat-capable ACE.
Key concepts from the plan include leveraging AI/ML-enabled tools
for dynamic aviation supply, predictive maintenance, and optimized
operations to increase aircraft readiness and improve the speed and
quality of decision-making. These sustainment tools, coupled with
mid-life upgrades, will ensure a ready force now, while we modernize
for the future. DCA's intent for MAROS 2026 is to capture the needs
and priorities of the Operational Advisory Groups (OAG) to ensure
Marine Aviation continues to deliver unrivaled combat power and is
prepared to meet the demands of the next era of conflict.
3. MAROS is intended to allow subject matter experts from within
Marine Aviation to conduct annual meetings in one centralized
location. MAROS consolidates and synergizes efforts previously
held at different times and locations, reducing aggregate costs
and enabling one forum that allows a professional exchange of
information on topics essential to Marine Aviation to include
readiness, aviation programs, warfighting lessons learned,
professional development, and tactics.
4. OAGs are directed to conduct the majority of their community's
work prior to MAROS. MAROS is intended to be a venue where senior
leader guidance, cross-community discussions, and industry
engagement can be used to provide refinement to OAG deliverables.
The OAG out briefs at MAROS will be in the form of info-only briefs
to senior leaders that will inform follow-on conversations and
future community initiatives. Decision briefs requiring MAB approval
must be coordinated with HQMC Aviation via separate correspondence
through the appropriate HQMC AVN Branch Head.
5. All MAROS events will take place in conference rooms at the Hyatt
Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75207.
6. Overview of events. A separate and more detailed schedule, to
include registration, will be sent out from each POC listed
in paragraph 10.
7. Uniform will be smart casual (polo/collared shirt, sport coat
optional) for meetings taking place during normal working hours at
the Hyatt Regency Dallas.
Date Event

11 May 26 Travel and Event Registration

12 May 26 DC AVN Opening Remarks and Q&A (All Attendees)
Wing CG Updates (All Attendees)
Aviation Leveling Briefs (Gov't Only)
Advisory MAB, Policy Themed Briefs (O6 and above)
DC AVN O5/O6 Commanders Discussion (Gov't Only)
OAG Leveling Sessions (Gov't Only)

13 May 26 Executive MAB (Invite Only)
OAG Final Refinement (Attendance per OAG Lead)

14 May 26 OSA OAG Out Brief (All Attendees)
MCAS CO OAG (Attendance per OAG Lead)
MACC OAG Out Brief (All Attendees)
T/M/S Specific OAG Out Briefs (All Attendees)
AGS OAG Out Brief (All Attendees)
Safety OAG Out Brief (All Attendees)
NASA Astronaut Panel (All Attendees)

15 May 26 Event Conclusion and Travel

The above scheduled events are subject to change.
8. Administration
8.a. Funding and transportation for the Aviation Summit is the
responsibility of individual commands. Attendees are reminded to
file tax exemption forms to reduce lodging expenses. Due to
budgetary considerations and to maintain good stewardship of
resources, attendance at the summit is limited to one representative
from 1st MAW commands. For all other locations attendance is limited
to Commanding Officers for O-6 commands and Commanding Officers plus
one for participating O-5 commands. Supporting establishment
commands shall limit attendance to only necessary personnel.
Individual aviation awardees are not included in unit
attendance limitations.
8.b. Participants are encouraged to make billeting reservations
as soon as possible (https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking
/DFWRD/G-MCA5), TEL: 214-651-1234.
8.c. Dedicated OSA requests are encouraged for speakers and senior
decision makers and shall be submitted by the applicable Wing or
Installation to HQMC AVN Aviation Support Coordination Office
(ASCO).
9. Points of Contact:
9.a. AV-8 and F-5 OAG/James Galvin/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-0627/email: [email protected]
9.b. CH-53 OAG/Sean Charvet/LtCol/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-2547/email: [email protected]
9.c. KC-130J OAG/Michael Marchbanks/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-8435/email: [email protected]
9.d. F/A-18 OAG/Daniel Langford/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-2515/email: [email protected]
9.e. F-35 OAG/Daniel Ertel/LtCol/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-7157/email: [email protected]
9.f. H-1 OAG/Erik Hickson/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-697-2912/email: [email protected]
9.g. MV-22 OAG/Kevin O'Malley/LtCol/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-4956/email: [email protected]
9.h. MACC OAG/Tony Megliorino/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-614-0645/email: [email protected]
9.i. AGS OAG/Levi Earl/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-9778/email: [email protected]
9.j. UAS OAG/Clinton Dolf/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-9874/email: [email protected]
9.k. OSA OAG/Chet Shafer/CIV/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-8593/email: [email protected]
9.l. MAB/Benjamin Link/LtCol/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-6645/email: [email protected]
9.m. SAFETY OAG/Julie Marek/LtCol/Unit: CMC RMD SD/
TEL: 703-571-4587/email: [email protected]
9.n. MAROS Event Support/Jesse Adair/Maj/Unit: HQMC AVN/
TEL: 703-693-9875/email: [email protected]
9.o. MCAS CO OAG/Frank Colpo/LtCol/Unit: MCICOM/
TEL: 571-256-8450/email: [email protected]
10. Release authorized by LtGen William H. Swan,
Deputy Commandant for Aviation.//