In July 1944, Boyden was then ordered to Espiritu Santo and assumed duty as Chief of Staff, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) under Major general James T. Moore. The 2nd MAW just returned from combats in Northern Solomons and served mainly to train and outfits Marine air units through the summer of 1944. Following the Battle of Peleliu in November 1944, the 2nd MAW moved there and served as Garrison Air Force, Western Carolines. Boyden was largely responsible for preparing the wing for the operation, procuring equipment and personnel, arranging transportation, assigning and training officers and non-commissioned officers to specific duties, and coordinating the entire organization into a smooth functioning combat unit.