About this Unit
Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, is a vital unit of the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Hansen (formerly Camp Hague), Okinawa, Japan. The 12th Marines was originally activated in 1927 and has since played significant roles in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, providing artillery support for Marine operations. As the headquarters battery, the unit is responsible for command, control, and administrative functions, ensuring the regiment's operational readiness. From its strategic location on Okinawa, HQ Battery continues to support Marine Corps missions throughout the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to regional security and U.S. commitments overseas.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Lineage: Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment was originally activated on October 4, 1927, and has a storied legacy as part of the 3rd Marine Division, United States Marine Corps.
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World War II Service: The 12th Marines, including HQ Battery, participated in key Pacific campaigns during World War II, such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, providing critical artillery support to ground forces.
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Camp Hauge Origins: Camp Hauge, located on Okinawa, Japan, was named in honor of Captain Justice M. Chambers, a Medal of Honor recipient, and served as a primary base for HQ Battery, 12th Marines for decades.
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Okinawa's Strategic Importance: Since World War II, Okinawa has been a vital strategic location for U.S. military operations in the Pacific, with HQ Btry, 12th Marines playing a central role in regional defense and readiness.
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Vietnam War Deployments: Elements of the 12th Marines, including members from HQ Battery, deployed to Vietnam and provided artillery support during major operations from 1965 to 1969.
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Disaster Relief Operations: HQ Btry, 12th Marines has participated in numerous humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions in the Asia-Pacific region, including responses to typhoons and earthquakes in Japan and Southeast Asia.
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Training and Readiness: The unit is known for rigorous training exercises, such as the annual "Thunder Dragon" artillery live-fire drills and joint exercises with Japanese and allied forces, enhancing interoperability.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, HQ Btry, 12th Marines maintained a high state of alert on Okinawa, prepared to respond rapidly to any regional threat, especially from the Soviet Union or its allies.
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Community Relations: The Marines of HQ Battery have a long history of community engagement with the Okinawan population, participating in local festivals, volunteer events, and cultural exchanges to foster goodwill.
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Legacy and Deactivation: In 2012, Camp Hauge was returned to the Japanese government as part of U.S. base realignment. HQ Battery 12th Marines subsequently relocated, marking the end of an era for the historic Okinawa post.
