3:11th Marines

• Formation and Designation: The 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines (3/11) was activated on May 1, 1942, at New River, North Carolina, originally as an artillery battalion to support Marine infantry units. • World War II Service: 3/11 participated in major Pacific campaigns including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, providing crucial fire support during amphibious assaults. • Nuclear Age Testing: In the 1950s, 3/11 was involved in atomic test exercises at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada, as part of the military's nuclear readiness training. • Vietnam War Deployments: The battalion served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971, supporting Marine and allied units in operations such as Operation Hastings and Operation Prairie. • First to Fire in Desert Storm: On January 17, 1991, 3/11 became the first U.S. artillery unit to fire on enemy positions during Operation Desert Storm, marking the beginning of the ground offensive. • Nickname: Known as the "Thunder" battalion, 3/11's call sign reflects its reputation for delivering powerful and accurate artillery fire. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: 3/11 deployed multiple times to Iraq, supporting operations such as the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, often providing both artillery and provisional infantry support. • Afghanistan Deployments: The battalion played a key role in Helmand Province during Operation Enduring Freedom, adapting to counterinsurgency operations while still maintaining artillery support capabilities. • Innovative Tactics: 3/11 has been at the forefront of integrating new technologies, such as the M777A2 lightweight howitzer and advanced digital fire control systems. • Community Engagement: Beyond combat, 3/11 regularly participates in humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and community outreach both at home and abroad, showcasing the Marine Corps' commitment to service.