About this Unit
The **31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU)**, activated in 1967, is the United States Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, based out of Okinawa, Japan. Throughout its history, the 31st MEU has participated in numerous operations across the Indo-Pacific region, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combat missions such as Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its rapid-response capability, the unit frequently conducts training exercises with regional allies to strengthen partnerships and ensure regional security. Today, the 31st MEU remains a vital part of the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining stability and readiness in the Asia-Pacific theater.
Historical Facts
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Formed in 1967: The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was originally activated on 1 March 1967 in Da Nang, Vietnam, as Special Landing Force Alpha.
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Only Forward-Deployed MEU: The 31st MEU is the U.S. Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, based in Okinawa, Japan.
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Rapid Response Force: The 31st MEU is uniquely positioned to respond quickly to crises, humanitarian disasters, or combat operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
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Humanitarian Operations: The unit is renowned for its disaster relief efforts, providing critical aid after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami (Operation Tomodachi), and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013.
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Amphibious Expertise: Designed around the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) concept, the 31st MEU can conduct amphibious assaults, raids, and other operations from the sea.
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Flexible Structure: The MEU consists of about 2,200 Marines and Sailors, integrating a command element, ground combat element, aviation combat element, and logistics combat element.
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Reputation for Firsts: The 31st MEU was the first U.S. military unit to arrive in East Timor in 1999, supporting peacekeeping operations during Operation Stabilise.
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Annual Exercises: The unit regularly participates in major multinational exercises such as Cobra Gold (Thailand), Talisman Sabre (Australia), and Balikatan (Philippines).
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Nickname "America’s 9-1-1 Force": The MEU is often described as “America’s 9-1-1 Force in the Asia-Pacific” due to its rapid deployment capability.
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Historic Airborne Raid: In 2017, the 31st MEU conducted the first-ever MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Lightning II joint air assault raid, showcasing advanced amphibious and air capabilities.
