USMC
379,072 members•1,273 units
Opening branch overview
Building the branch home surface
Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.
Overview
Members
Units
Over 3,064,780 active members
379,072 members•1,273 units
Building the branch home surface
Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.
Building the branch members surface
Loading branch members, era browse tools, and directory controls.
El Toro California airing
U.S. Marine Corps
El Toro, California, was home to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, a major United States Marine Corps air station established in 1942 during World War II. The base played a critical role as a hub for Marine aviation on the West Coast, supporting operations in the Pacific Theater and later during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Throughout its history, El Toro hosted numerous Marine aviation units, including fighter and transport squadrons, and served as the headquarters for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The base was decommissioned in 1999, and its military units were relocated, marking the end of an era for Marine Corps aviation in Southern California.
Fox 2:1
U.S. Marine Corps
Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (commonly referred to as Fox 2/1), is a distinguished infantry company within the United States Marine Corps. Originally activated during World War II, the battalion and its companies, including Fox, saw fierce combat in the Pacific campaigns, notably at Guadalcanal and Okinawa. During the Korean War, Fox 2/1 gained renown for its actions at the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir. In more recent history, the unit has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, participating in major operations such as Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah and counterinsurgency missions in Helmand Province, continuing its legacy of valor and service.
H&HS ATC. MCAS(H) Tustin, California
U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron Air Traffic Control (H&HS ATC), Marine Corps Air Station (Helicopter) Tustin, California, played a critical role in supporting Marine aviation operations during its years of activity. Established to provide air traffic control services, H&HS ATC ensured the safe and efficient movement of countless helicopter flights, particularly those supporting the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and associated units. Throughout the Cold War and into the post-Vietnam era, the unit managed complex airspace, facilitating both training and operational missions. The unit’s professionalism contributed to MCAS Tustin’s reputation as a vital hub for rotary-wing aviation until the base’s closure in 1999.
H&S Bn TAVSC
U.S. Marine Corps
**Headquarters and Service Battalion, Training and Audiovisual Support Center (H&S Bn TAVSC)** has played a crucial role in supporting the United States Marine Corps’ training missions since its establishment. Originally formed to provide essential headquarters, administrative, and logistical functions, the unit expanded its mission to include audiovisual and multimedia support to enhance training and operational readiness. Throughout its history, H&S Bn TAVSC has adapted to evolving technologies, integrating advanced audiovisual equipment and digital systems to deliver effective instructional support across the Corps. Its dedicated personnel have contributed significantly to the modernization of Marine Corps training programs, ensuring Marines are prepared for the challenges of modern warfare.
H&S Co 1st ShoreParty Bn 1st MarDiv
U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Shore Party Battalion, 1st Marine Division (H&S Co, 1st Shore Party Bn, 1st MarDiv) has a storied history supporting Marine Corps amphibious operations. Established during World War II, the battalion played a critical role in logistical and beach support during major Pacific campaigns such as Peleliu and Okinawa. In the Korean War, its Marines facilitated the rapid landing and movement of troops and supplies, notably during the Inchon landing and Chosin Reservoir campaign. Over the decades, H&S Co has continued to provide essential command, control, and administrative support, enabling the battalion’s mission of ensuring the swift movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies from ship to shore in both combat and humanitarian operations.
HMM-268
U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (HMM-268), known as the "Red Dragons," was commissioned on September 1, 1972, at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California. The squadron was equipped with CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and participated in numerous operations and deployments, including humanitarian assistance, training exercises, and combat support roles. HMM-268 played a key role in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War and later supported Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2006, the squadron transitioned to the MV-22 Osprey, becoming VMM-268, and continues to serve as a vital aviation asset for the United States Marine Corps.
MACS-8
U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Air Control Squadron 8 (MACS-8) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit. Originally activated during World War II in 1944 as Air Warning Squadron 18, the unit was redesignated as MACS-8 in 1955. MACS-8 provided air surveillance, control of aircraft, and early warning capabilities, notably serving during the Vietnam War and participating in operations at several key Marine Corps air stations, including MCAS El Toro and MCAS Iwakuni. The squadron contributed to the development and deployment of advanced radar and air control systems before its deactivation in 1971.
MAG 42, HMLA 773
U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Aircraft Group 42 (MAG-42) was a United States Marine Corps Reserve aviation unit, established to provide assault support, attack, and utility helicopter capabilities. Within MAG-42, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMLA-773), nicknamed "Red Dogs," operated UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters. HMLA-773 traces its origins to 1958 and has seen multiple activations for both domestic operations and overseas deployments, including support for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The squadron's mission has included close air support, armed escort, and reconnaissance, exemplifying the flexibility and readiness of Marine Corps Reserve aviation forces.
MALS 12 MCAS IWAKUNI, JAPN
U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 (MALS-12), based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, provides aviation logistics support to Marine Aircraft Group 12 and other forward-deployed aviation units in the Western Pacific. Originally activated during World War II, MALS-12 has supported numerous operations in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and ongoing joint exercises with allied forces. The squadron specializes in intermediate-level maintenance, aviation supply, and ordnance support, ensuring mission readiness for deployed aircraft. As a critical logistics hub, MALS-12 continues to enhance U.S. Marine Corps aviation capabilities in support of regional stability and security.
U.S. Marine Corps Descendant (2026 - Present)
U.S. Marine Corps Spouse (2026 - Present)
U.S. Marine Corps Military Retiree (2026 - Present)
U.S. Marine Corps Other (2025 - Present)