About this Unit
Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (Echo 2/11), is a United States Marine Corps artillery unit based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Activated during World War II, the battalion provided critical fire support in key Pacific campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Echo 2/11 continued its tradition of excellence, delivering timely and accurate artillery fire in support of Marine infantry operations. In recent decades, the unit has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, adapting to modern combat environments while upholding its legacy of service.
Historical Facts
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Unit Designation: Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (E 2/11) is a United States Marine Corps artillery battery, part of the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.
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World War II Service: 2/11 was activated in 1941 and played a major artillery support role during the Pacific Campaigns, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa.
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Korean War: The battalion, including Echo Battery, saw heavy combat during the Chosin Reservoir campaign, providing critical artillery fire support under extreme winter conditions.
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Vietnam War: 2/11 deployed to Vietnam, where Echo Battery participated in significant operations such as Operation Starlite and Operation Hue City, supporting infantry with fire missions.
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Operation Desert Storm: Echo 2/11 supported the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, providing artillery fire during the ground offensive.
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Global War on Terror: Echo Battery has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, notably providing fire support and conducting provisional infantry missions.
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Nickname: Echo Battery has sometimes been called "Evil Echo" by its Marines, a term of endearment and esprit de corps.
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Dual Role Capability: Echo 2/11 is trained to serve both as a traditional artillery battery and as a provisional rifle company, showcasing the Marine Corps’ flexibility.
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Humanitarian Missions: Members of Echo 2/11 have participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including supporting earthquake and tsunami relief operations in the Pacific.
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Modernization: The battery currently employs the M777A2 155mm howitzer, one of the most advanced towed artillery pieces in the world, and is trained in digital fire direction systems for precision support.
