Marine Support Battalion

• Origins: The Marine Support Battalion (MSB) traces its roots back to specialized units formed to provide critical signals intelligence and electronic warfare support for the United States Marine Corps. • Cryptologic Mission: The primary mission of the MSB was to conduct cryptologic and signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. • Global Deployments: MSB detachments served in diverse locations including Okinawa, Hawaii, North Carolina, and California, providing real-time intelligence to commanders worldwide. • Vietnam War Contributions: MSB units played a vital role during the Vietnam War, intercepting enemy communications and providing intelligence that shaped battlefield decisions. • Women in MSB: The battalion was among the first Marine units in the intelligence field to integrate women, expanding their critical roles in SIGINT operations. • Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, MSB personnel were involved in sensitive intelligence activities, monitoring Soviet and other adversarial communications. • Part of NSA and Marine Corps Partnership: MSB worked closely with the National Security Agency (NSA), blending Marine Corps expeditionary skills with national-level intelligence resources. • Unique Motto: The battalion’s unofficial motto, “We Hear the Enemy,” reflects its critical intelligence-gathering mission. • Redesignation and Legacy: In 2001, MSB was deactivated and its mission, personnel, and assets were absorbed into Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion (MCSB), continuing the legacy of Marine SIGINT excellence. • Decorations and Honors: MSB and its detachments earned several unit citations and commendations for their performance and contribution to national security in both peacetime and combat operations.