The Marine Corps activated Marine Unmanned Maintenance Squadron 14 (MUMS‑14) at MCAS Cherry Point as its first dedicated unit for unmanned aircraft maintenance. Subordinate to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, MUMS‑14 will sustain Group‑5 systems—primarily the MQ‑9 Reaper—to support multi‑mission ISR and targeting for the MAGTF. Lt. Col. Jeffrey F. Carben assumed command and Sgt. Maj. Tavaris J. Douglas became the squadron’s first senior enlisted leader. The squadron centralizes expeditionary maintenance capabilities to ensure persistent, deployable unmanned operations.
Marine Corps Activates First Unmanned Maintenance Squadron — MUMS‑14 Stands Up at Cherry Point
The MUMS-14 activation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. (Pfc. Keani Guthmueller/Marine Corps)(Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)
The Marine Corps on Tuesday activated its first dedicated unmanned maintenance squadron — Marine Unmanned Maintenance Squadron 14 (MUMS‑14) — during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
MUMS‑14, a subordinate unit of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, is the service’s only aviation detachment specifically organized to provide expeditionary maintenance support for unmanned aviation in forward-deployed combat theaters. The squadron will focus on sustaining Group‑5 unmanned aerial systems, primarily the MQ‑9 Reaper, to enable multi-mission intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and targeting capabilities across the Marine Air‑Ground Task Force (MAGTF).
Mission and Capability
The creation of MUMS‑14 centralizes technical expertise and logistics for persistent unmanned operations, ensuring deployed Marines have reliable sensor reach and targeting support. The unit is designed to operate in austere and expeditionary environments to maintain operational tempo and strengthen deterrence.
“Standing up this squadron marks a major step forward for Marine Corps aviation,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey F. Carben, commanding officer of MUMS‑14. “Our unit ensures the Marine Corps will maintain a persistent, reliable, and expeditionary capability — one that directly strengthens deterrence and supports Marines operating forward.”
Carben officially assumed command during the activation ceremony. Sgt. Maj. Tavaris J. Douglas was named the squadron’s first senior enlisted leader and will lead efforts to develop and sustain the unit’s technical and readiness standards.
Why It Matters
MUMS‑14 represents a structural change in how the Corps supports unmanned systems: instead of dispersing maintenance across existing squadrons, this dedicated unit concentrates training, spare parts management, and expeditionary maintenance techniques to keep Group‑5 UAS mission-capable in contested environments. The squadron’s work supports MAGTF commanders by preserving persistent ISR and targeting options essential for modern operations.
Location: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
Parent Command: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Primary Platform: MQ‑9 Reaper (Group‑5 UAS)
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