3RD ANGLICO

• Origins in World War II: The concept of ANGLICO (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) originated during World War II, with specially trained Marines coordinating naval gunfire and close air support for ground units. • Official Activation: 3rd ANGLICO was first officially activated on 1 March 1951 at Camp Pendleton, California, to provide fire support coordination for Marine and allied forces. • Korean War Service: Elements of what would become 3rd ANGLICO provided crucial naval gunfire and close air support liaison during the Korean War, significantly enhancing joint operations. • Vietnam War Operations: 3rd ANGLICO played a key role during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. Army, allied, and ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) units with air and naval fire support coordination. • Deactivation and Reactivation: The unit has been deactivated and reactivated multiple times, with its most recent reactivation occurring in 2004 as the U.S. military recognized a renewed need for joint fires capability. • Global Deployments: 3rd ANGLICO has supported operations in numerous countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and various NATO and partner nations during training exercises. • Allied Integration: One of ANGLICO’s unique missions is to embed with allied and coalition forces, ensuring seamless coordination of U.S. air and naval firepower, often working with British, Australian, and other partners. • Distinctive Insignia: 3rd ANGLICO’s insignia features a winged parachute and lightning bolt, symbolizing their airborne capability and rapid, powerful coordination of fires. • Airborne Capability: 3rd ANGLICO is one of the few USMC units authorized to conduct airborne operations, with many Marines qualified as military parachutists, including static line and free-fall. • Motto: The unit’s motto, “Lightning from the Sky, Thunder from the Sea,” reflects their mission of bringing devastating air and naval firepower in support of ground forces anywhere, anytime.