5th MAB

The 5th Marine Amphibious Brigade (5th MAB) was a United States Marine Corps unit activated during periods of heightened military readiness. Initially formed during the Vietnam War era, the brigade was designed to provide a rapid-response amphibious force capable of deploying in crisis zones. Notably, the 5th MAB was reactivated during the late 1970s and played a key role in the planning for Operation Eagle Claw, the attempted rescue of American hostages in Iran in 1980. Although the mission was ultimately unsuccessful, the unit’s preparation and involvement underscored its strategic importance in U.S. military contingency operations.