HQBN 3rd Marine Div Okinawa

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About HQBN 3rd Marine Div Okinawa

Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (HQBN 3rd MarDiv), based in Okinawa, Japan, traces its roots to the activation of the 3rd Marine Division in 1942 during World War II. The unit played a vital role in providing command and control, administrative, and logistical support to the division throughout major Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, HQBN was reactivated and relocated several times, ultimately establishing a longstanding presence on Okinawa as part of the United States’ forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Today, HQBN 3rd MarDiv continues to support Marine operations and readiness, serving as a critical element in maintaining regional stability and rapid response capabilities.

Unit Members

Richard Ritter

U.S. Marine Corps (1974-2005)

HQBN 3rd Marine Div OkinawaView Profile

John Keating

U.S. Marine Corps

HQBN 3rd Marine Div OkinawaView Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps • 1976

About HQBN 3rd Marine Div Okinawa

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (HQBN 3rd MarDiv) was activated during World War II on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. • World War II Service: The battalion provided critical command and control functions during major Pacific campaigns, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. • Reactivation in Okinawa: After WWII and several deactivations, HQBN 3rd MarDiv was reactivated in Okinawa in 1952, reflecting the island’s key strategic importance in the Pacific. • Vietnam War Involvement: Elements of HQBN deployed to Vietnam, where they provided vital administrative and logistical support to combat units throughout the conflict. • Home of the Division Colors: HQBN is the custodian of the 3rd Marine Division’s colors, symbolizing the unit's history and honors. • Camp Courtney: HQBN 3rd MarDiv’s main headquarters is located at Camp Courtney, one of the key Marine Corps bases on Okinawa. • Natural Disasters: HQBN has played a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Asia-Pacific region, including responses to typhoons and earthquakes. • Unit Mascot: The battalion is known for its bulldog mascot, “Chesty,” named after the legendary Marine LtGen Lewis “Chesty” Puller. • Annual “Warrior Day”: HQBN hosts a yearly “Warrior Day” event, which features competitions, displays, and demonstrations to foster unit pride and esprit de corps. • Modern Mission: Today, HQBN 3rd MarDiv continues to provide essential command, administrative, and communications support to enable the division’s operations across the Indo-Pacific.