The wing was commissioned during World War II as a training unit for Marine Aviation personnel headed to the Pacific Theater.

[3][4] 9th MAW replaced the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in the role of training, equipping, and preparing East Coast Marine Corps Aviation units for combat.

It was also responsible for administering all of the airfields in the Cherry Point area.

[2] In late 1944, 9th MAW was almost disbanded in favor of a Marine Air Training Command, East Coast but that idea was never acted upon.

This coincided with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing returning to the States and assuming control of Marine aviation units on the East Coast.