11th Marines 29 Palms

• Artillery Powerhouse: The 11th Marine Regiment is the artillery regiment of the 1st Marine Division, providing fire support to Marine ground forces. At 29 Palms, their firepower demonstration is a key aspect of combined arms training. • WWII Legacy: The regiment fought in major Pacific campaigns during World War II, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, earning a reputation for accurate and devastating artillery support. • Desert Training Capital: Their home at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, is the largest USMC base and the premier desert training facility for the Corps. • Nickname – “Cannon Cockers”: Members of the 11th Marines are often referred to as “Cannon Cockers,” a term of pride for artillery Marines. • Operation Desert Storm: The regiment played a vital role in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, providing fire support during the ground assault and earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation. • Innovation in Artillery: The 11th Marines have been at the forefront of integrating new artillery technology, from the M198 howitzer to the modern M777 lightweight howitzer and precision-guided munitions. • Combat Center “Thunder”: The sound of artillery firing at 29 Palms is so powerful and far-reaching that locals call it “Thunder from the Center.” • Korean War Action: The regiment supported Marines at the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir, often firing in freezing conditions and under heavy enemy pressure. • Combined Arms Exercises: At 29 Palms, the 11th Marines regularly participate in Integrated Training Exercises (ITX), coordinating artillery with infantry, armor, and aviation for realistic combat scenarios. • Family Ties: Many Marines serving in 11th Marines have family members who served in the same regiment, highlighting a strong sense of tradition and pride within the unit.