Sierra 5:11 1st MARDIV

• Unit Designation: Sierra Company, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines (5/11), is part of the 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV), US Marine Corps. The 11th Marines serve as the artillery regiment for the division. • Nickname: The 5th Battalion, 11th Marines is often referred to as "Steel Rain" due to their powerful artillery barrages. • World War II Legacy: 5/11 was activated during World War II and participated in major battles such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, providing essential artillery support. • Operation Desert Storm: 5/11 played a critical role in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, firing thousands of artillery rounds during the conflict. • First to Field HIMARS: 5/11 was the first USMC artillery battalion to field and operationally deploy the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), transitioning from traditional to modern rocket artillery. • Iraq Deployments: Sierra Battery, 5/11, deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing counter-battery fire, convoy security, and provisional infantry roles. • Afghanistan Operations: Elements of 5/11, including Sierra Battery, participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting coalition forces with precision rocket fire. • Flexible Mission Sets: Sierra 5/11 Marines have performed a wide range of missions, including traditional artillery, provisional military police, and civil affairs in recent conflicts. • Presidential Unit Citations: 5/11 has been awarded multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. • Historic Motto: The 11th Marines' motto, "Cannon Cockers," reflects their proud artillery heritage and esprit de corps, with Sierra Battery upholding this tradition in every conflict.