3rd and 1st LSB and MSSG 31

```html • Origins of MSSG-31: Marine Support Squadron Group 31 (MSSG-31) was originally established to provide direct combat service support to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), ensuring sustained operations ashore and afloat. • Transition to LSB: MSSG-31 was later redesignated as the 3rd Landing Support Battalion (3rd LSB), reflecting the Marine Corps’ shift to modernized logistics and distributed maritime operations. • Role in Humanitarian Operations: Both MSSG-31 and its successor units have played crucial roles in disaster relief missions in the Indo-Pacific, including Operation Unified Assistance after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. • Flexible Logistics: The 1st and 3rd LSB specialize in rapidly establishing and operating beach and port operations, facilitating the movement of troops, vehicles, and supplies from ship to shore. • Historic Amphibious Exercises: These units regularly participate in large-scale amphibious exercises such as Cobra Gold (Thailand) and Talisman Sabre (Australia), demonstrating U.S. commitment to regional security. • First to Land: Landing Support units like 1st and 3rd LSB are often among the first Marines ashore during amphibious assaults, setting up beachheads and supply nodes under fire. • Red Patchers: Members of Landing Support units are known as "Red Patchers" because of the distinctive red patches worn on their uniforms, a tradition dating back to World War II to identify logistics personnel during chaotic landings. • MEU Integration: MSSG-31 was an integral part of the 31st MEU, the only continuously forward-deployed MEU, providing logistical support for a wide range of missions from combat to crisis response. • Rapid Reorganization: The transition from MSSG-31 to CLB-31 and eventually back to a Landing Support Battalion reflects the Marine Corps’ agile approach to force design and evolving expeditionary needs. • Legacy of Valor: Personnel from these units have earned numerous commendations for their performance in combat zones, humanitarian assistance, and joint operations with allied nations, building a legacy of adaptability and excellence. ```