Hq MarResForces, New Orleans

• Establishment: Headquarters Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) was officially established in 1992, consolidating all Marine Corps Reserve forces under a single command element. • Location: The command is based at the historic Naval Support Activity (NSA) New Orleans, a site with U.S. military roots dating to the War of 1812. • Hurricane Katrina Response: During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hq MarResForces played a critical role in coordinating military relief operations and supporting local authorities. • Largest Command: MARFORRES is the largest command in the Marine Corps in terms of geographic dispersion, with units in nearly every state and territory. • Global Deployments: Reserve Marines activated through Hq MarResForces have participated in every major conflict since World War I, including Iraq and Afghanistan. • Marine Band: The Marine Forces Reserve Band, based in New Orleans, is one of the few full-time military bands and often performs at high-profile events nationwide. • Community Involvement: The headquarters is well-known for its robust community outreach and annual Toys for Tots campaigns, distributing thousands of toys each year. • Historic Buildings: The NSA New Orleans site includes structures dating back to the early 20th century, many preserved and repurposed by the Marine Corps. • Equal Opportunity: MARFORRES has been at the forefront of integrating women and minorities into reserve units, reflecting the broader Marine Corps commitment to diversity. • Command Leadership: The Commanding General of Hq MarResForces is dual-hatted, also leading Marine Forces South, overseeing Marine operations in Central and South America.