About this Unit
The II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) headquartered at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Established in 1962, II MEF has played a key role in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. As the largest of the Marine Corps’ three MEFs, it provides combat-ready forces for rapid deployment worldwide. II MEF regularly trains with allied nations and supports humanitarian and disaster relief missions, contributing to global security and U.S. national interests.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (2nd MEF) traces its lineage to the 2nd Marine Division, which was activated in 1941 and saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, including at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Okinawa.
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Main Base: 2nd MEF is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, making it the largest warfighting organization on the East Coast of the United States.
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Expeditionary Power: As a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), 2nd MEF can deploy rapidly anywhere in the world, combining ground, air, and logistics elements for flexible combat and humanitarian operations.
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Desert Storm Deployment: 2nd MEF played a significant role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), deploying as part of the largest Marine force since World War II and participating in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, 2nd MEF Marines have provided disaster relief after events such as Hurricane Katrina (2005) and the Haiti earthquake (2010), showcasing their versatility.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2nd MEF units were heavily involved in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent combat operations, including the Battle of Fallujah, one of the fiercest urban battles for Marines since Vietnam.
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Innovative Training: 2nd MEF regularly conducts large-scale exercises, such as Bold Alligator and Rolling Thunder, to maintain readiness for amphibious and joint operations.
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Distinguished Leaders: Many high-ranking Marine Corps generals, including four-star General Alfred M. Gray (former Commandant), served with or led elements of 2nd MEF during their careers.
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Global Presence: Elements of 2nd MEF are frequently deployed to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, providing crisis response forces and security cooperation in support of U.S. allies and interests.
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Motto and Symbol: While 2nd MEF itself does not have an official motto, its subordinate units—like the 2nd Marine Division, whose motto is "Follow Me"—reflect the aggressive, forward-leaning spirit of the command. The MEF’s emblem incorporates elements from its major subordinate commands.
