About this Unit
The 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (1st ANGLICO) is a specialized unit of the United States Marine Corps, first activated in 1949. Its primary mission is to provide liaison, coordination, and terminal control for close air support and naval gunfire in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. Over the decades, 1st ANGLICO has seen action in conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Renowned for their expertise in integrating supporting arms, 1st ANGLICO Marines are highly trained in communications, fire support, and working alongside partner nations’ forces.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in World War II: The roots of ANGLICO trace back to World War II, when specialized Marine units were tasked with directing naval gunfire in support of amphibious operations.
•
Activation in 1949: The 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) was officially activated in 1949 at Camp Pendleton, California, to provide fire support coordination for U.S. and allied forces.
•
Korean and Vietnam Wars: 1st ANGLICO teams played critical roles in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, coordinating naval gunfire and air support for Marine and allied units.
•
Disbanded and Reinstated: The unit was deactivated in 1974 after the Vietnam War but was reactivated in 1978 due to the continuing need for joint fire support capabilities.
•
Joint and Multinational Missions: 1st ANGLICO is unique in its primary mission: providing fire support coordination and terminal attack control for not only U.S. Marine units but also allied and coalition forces.
•
Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield: During the Gulf War, 1st ANGLICO teams were embedded with British, French, and Arab coalition partners, earning praise for their expertise.
•
Specialized Training: ANGLICO Marines are trained in parachuting, fast-roping, and amphibious insertions, making them some of the most versatile fire support specialists in the Marine Corps.
•
Global Deployments: Over the decades, 1st ANGLICO has deployed to more than 20 countries, supporting operations from the Balkans to Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
•
Call Sign "Red Death": The unit is known by the call sign "Red Death," a nod to their role in bringing overwhelming firepower to the battlefield.
•
Modern Operations: In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, 1st ANGLICO teams were among the first to enter combat zones to ensure coalition forces received effective fire support.
