About this Unit
**Marine Detachment, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42):**
The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) was established following the carrier’s commissioning in 1945. MarDet personnel provided shipboard security, manned secondary batteries, and conducted ceremonial duties throughout the ship’s deployments. Throughout the Cold War, including operations in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the MarDet played a crucial role in maintaining discipline and readiness aboard the vessel. The detachment remained active until the carrier’s decommissioning in 1977, upholding the proud tradition of Marines serving at sea.
Historical Facts
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Designation: "Mar Det CVA 42" refers to the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), a Midway-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy.
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Carrier History: The USS Franklin D. Roosevelt was commissioned in 1945 and served until 1977, seeing action and deployments during the early Cold War, Mediterranean, and Vietnam eras.
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Marine Detachment Role: Marine Detachments (Mar Dets) were responsible for shipboard security, manning certain gun batteries, ceremonial functions, and acting as a landing force if needed.
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First Combat Jet Operations: The FDR was the first carrier to deploy with jet aircraft as a regular part of its air wing, with the Mar Det providing security during these historic operations.
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Operation Strikeback (1957): Mar Det CVA 42 participated in NATO's Operation Strikeback, one of the largest peacetime naval exercises, helping to demonstrate U.S. naval power in the Atlantic.
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Vietnam War Service: The FDR and its Marine Detachment deployed to the waters off Vietnam, supporting combat air operations during the conflict.
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Liberty Shipboard Life: Marines aboard CVA 42 were known for their strict discipline and traditions, often forming close-knit bonds due to their small unit size aboard a large ship.
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Presidential Visit: In 1948, President Harry S. Truman visited the USS FDR, with the Mar Det providing ceremonial honors and security during the historic event.
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Decommissioning and Legacy: The Mar Det served until the ship's decommissioning in 1977, after which Marine Detachments were phased out from aircraft carriers in favor of specialized naval security personnel.
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Emblem and Motto: The Mar Det CVA 42 often incorporated the ship’s crest and the Marine Corps emblem, reflecting their dual identity as both ship’s company and U.S. Marines, with the motto “Semper Fidelis” proudly displayed.
