"Marine forces are employed as an integrated air-ground combat system. Not merely joined at the top when the time comes to fight, they train as an integrated team full time. The aviation element is critical to the success of the forces as a naval expeditionary team. The history of Marine aviation since its inception in 1912 is a story of heroism, skill, dedication, and of a continuous effort to develop better ways for air and ground forces to operate together ... all with the goal of putting aircraft wherever they can best support the integrated air-ground combat effort." -- page [2] of cover.