About this Unit
Landing Support units have played a crucial role in amphibious operations since World War II, when they were first established by the United States Marine Corps as part of the Shore Party. Their primary mission was to organize and facilitate the rapid movement of troops, equipment, and supplies from ship to shore during amphibious assaults, ensuring the success of operations such as the Normandy landings and Pacific island campaigns. Over time, Landing Support units evolved to include advanced logistics, beachhead management, and coordination with air and naval elements. Today, they continue to provide critical support in expeditionary environments, enabling the seamless flow of combat power in both humanitarian and combat missions.
Historical Facts
• Origins in WWII: The concept of Landing Support traces back to the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Shore Party” units during WWII, which facilitated the rapid movement of supplies and personnel from ships to beachheads during amphibious assaults like Iwo Jima and Normandy.
• Red Patchers: Marines assigned to Landing Support units are known as “Red Patchers” because of the distinctive red patches they wear on their covers and trousers, a tradition started in WWII to distinguish them from infantry during chaotic landings.
• LSM Role: Landing Support Marines (LSM) are responsible for the coordination of landing zones, beachheads, helicopter support teams, and logistics over the shore, ensuring the smooth flow of personnel and material during amphibious and expeditionary operations.
• Normandy Innovations: During D-Day, Landing Support personnel used colored smoke, flags, and other visual signals to guide landing craft and mark safe zones, pioneering modern beachhead coordination techniques.
• Port Operations: Landing Support units have been instrumental in establishing and operating temporary ports and causeways, crucial for moving heavy equipment and vehicles ashore when no established harbor is available.
• Helicopter Support Teams (HSTs): As warfare evolved, Landing Support Marines became essential in helicopter-borne logistics, managing external loads and sling operations to deliver supplies directly to units in the field.
• Vietnam War Expansion: LS units expanded their role in Vietnam, supporting not only amphibious landings but also inland operations, including establishing forward supply points and evacuation sites under fire.
• Disaster Relief: Landing Support has played a key role in humanitarian and disaster relief missions, such as after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where they enabled rapid offloading of aid and supplies in austere environments.
• Joint Operations: Modern Landing Support units often train and operate alongside Army, Navy, and allied forces, coordinating joint logistics during large-scale exercises and real-world contingencies.
• Modernization: Today, Landing Support Marines are at the forefront of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), adapting their skills to support distributed maritime operations and rapid, mobile logistics in contested environments.
