Marine Barracks Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

• Oldest Overseas U.S. Base: Marine Barracks Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, established in 1898, is the oldest overseas U.S. military base still in operation. • Spanish-American War Origins: The U.S. Marines first landed at Guantanamo Bay during the Spanish-American War, seizing the area as a strategic foothold in June 1898. • First U.S. Overseas Naval Base: The Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, with its Marine Barracks, became the first permanent U.S. naval base outside the continental United States. • Leeward and Windward Sides: The Marines historically guarded both the Leeward and Windward sides of the base, protecting against infiltration and maintaining security. • Continuous Presence: U.S. Marines have maintained a continuous presence at Guantanamo Bay for over 120 years, even through periods of heightened tensions with Cuba. • Cold War Tensions: During the Cold War, Marines at Guantanamo Bay faced constant threats, including landmine fields and periodic standoffs with Cuban forces across the fence line. • Operation "Gitmo": The base and Marine Barracks are colloquially known as "Gitmo," a name recognized worldwide for its unique history and controversial role in detentions. • 1964 Water Crisis: In 1964, Cuban authorities cut off the water supply to the base. Marines and sailors had to rely on desalination plants and water brought in by ship. • Bayonet Fence Line Patrols: Marines regularly patrolled the fence line with fixed bayonets, a vivid symbol of the tense standoff with Cuban troops just yards away. • Historic Motto: The Marine Barracks at Guantanamo Bay adopted the motto, "Sentinels of the Caribbean," reflecting their enduring mission to protect U.S. interests in the region.