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2ND RECON

U.S. Marine Corps•99 members

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About this Unit

2ND RECON

U.S. Marine Corps

The 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (2ND RECON) is a distinguished unit of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated during World War II. It is part of the 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and specializes in amphibious reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. Over its history, 2ND RECON has participated in major operations such as the Invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), Operation Desert Storm, and multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism. Renowned for its rigorous training and adaptability, the battalion continues to provide critical battlefield intelligence and support to Marine Corps operations worldwide.

About 2ND RECON

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The roots of what would become 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (2nd Recon) trace back to the elite Marine Scout-Sniper Platoons that played vital roles in the island-hopping campaigns of the Pacific.
Official Activation: 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion was officially activated on January 1, 1958, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, 2nd Recon conducted specialized reconnaissance and surveillance operations in support of the 2nd Marine Division and participated in numerous amphibious exercises.
Invasion of Grenada: In 1983, elements of 2nd Recon participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada, conducting reconnaissance and pathfinding missions for follow-on forces.
Gulf War Operations: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, 2nd Recon conducted deep reconnaissance and direct action missions behind enemy lines in Kuwait and Iraq.
Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: 2nd Recon deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, performing a wide range of special operations, including route reconnaissance, raids, and intelligence gathering.
HALO/HAHO Expertise: 2nd Recon Marines are trained in High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute insertions, making them among the most skilled parachutists in the Marine Corps.
Force Recon Roots: Several members and leaders from 2nd Recon have transitioned to Marine Force Recon and Marine Raiders (MARSOC), reflecting the unit's tradition of elite skills and leadership.
Famed Motto: The battalion’s motto is “Swift, Silent, Deadly,” reflecting their focus on stealth, speed, and lethality.
Notable Alumni: Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Dakota Meyer served with 2nd Recon before his heroic actions in Afghanistan made him a household name.

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2ND RECON

U.S. Marine Corps•99 members

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About this Unit

2ND RECON

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Troy Stafford

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1990 - 1992

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W. Graham Yelton

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1973 - 1975

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Robert Piatt

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

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Charles Denton

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1960 - 1966

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Photos

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About 2ND RECON

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The roots of what would become 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (2nd Recon) trace back to the elite Marine Scout-Sniper Platoons that played vital roles in the island-hopping campaigns of the Pacific.
Official Activation: 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion was officially activated on January 1, 1958, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, 2nd Recon conducted specialized reconnaissance and surveillance operations in support of the 2nd Marine Division and participated in numerous amphibious exercises.
Invasion of Grenada: In 1983, elements of 2nd Recon participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada, conducting reconnaissance and pathfinding missions for follow-on forces.
Gulf War Operations: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, 2nd Recon conducted deep reconnaissance and direct action missions behind enemy lines in Kuwait and Iraq.
Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: 2nd Recon deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, performing a wide range of special operations, including route reconnaissance, raids, and intelligence gathering.
HALO/HAHO Expertise: 2nd Recon Marines are trained in High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute insertions, making them among the most skilled parachutists in the Marine Corps.
Force Recon Roots: Several members and leaders from 2nd Recon have transitioned to Marine Force Recon and Marine Raiders (MARSOC), reflecting the unit's tradition of elite skills and leadership.
Famed Motto: The battalion’s motto is “Swift, Silent, Deadly,” reflecting their focus on stealth, speed, and lethality.
Notable Alumni: Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Dakota Meyer served with 2nd Recon before his heroic actions in Afghanistan made him a household name.