Although the Hawaii-based squadrons sustained extensive damage during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, 2dMAW contributed to 83 South Pacific combat operations. Marines and aircraft from 2dMAW participated in major battles or campaigns at Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Midway, Saipan, Tinian, Guam and Okinawa. 2dMAW served as the headquarters for the Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army during the Battle of Okinawa. During three months of combat over the skies of Okinawa, squadrons from 2dMAW accounted for 484½ planes shot down helping to create 21 new Marine Corps aces. Following the surrender of Japan, 2dMAW retained its headquarters on Okinawa and sent Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31) to Yokosuka and other units to Omura and Nagasaki.