U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312), known as the "Checkerboards," was commissioned on June 1, 1943, and saw its first combat during World War II in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in actions over Okinawa. The squadron earned distinction for its aggressive tactics and combat effectiveness, flying F4U Corsairs at the time. During the Korean War, VMFA-312 provided close air support and interdiction missions, further cementing its reputation. In subsequent decades, the unit transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F/A-18 Hornet, and continues to serve as a front-line fighter squadron within the United States Marine Corps.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323), known as the "Death Rattlers," was commissioned in August 1943 during World War II. The squadron distinguished itself in the Pacific, notably participating in the Battle of Okinawa. Over the decades, VMFA-323 has operated various aircraft, transitioning from the F4U Corsair to modern F/A-18 Hornets. The unit has seen combat in major conflicts including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and has supported operations in the Global War on Terrorism.

The 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, first activated in November 1940. During World War II, the battalion participated in major campaigns in the Pacific, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing critical fire support to Marine infantry units. In the decades since, 1/10 has served in numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, the battalion remains based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and continues its mission of providing artillery support to the 2nd Marine Division.

The 1st Shore Party Battalion was a specialized unit of the United States Marine Corps formed during World War II to support amphibious landings in the Pacific Theater. Tasked with organizing beaches, unloading supplies, and managing the flow of men and materiel from ship to shore, the 1st Shore Party played a vital role in operations such as the Battle of Tarawa and the Marianas campaign. Their efforts enabled the rapid establishment of beachheads under intense enemy fire, ensuring the success of larger combat operations. The unit’s legacy is remembered for its bravery and logistical expertise, which were critical to the success of U.S. amphibious assaults throughout the war.

The Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Center (FASWC) was established by the United States Navy in 1960 in San Diego, California, to centralize and advance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training and doctrine. Created during the height of the Cold War, the Center served as the Navy’s premier institution for developing tactics, conducting exercises, and training personnel in the detection and neutralization of enemy submarines, particularly those of the Soviet Union. Over the decades, FASWC incorporated evolving technologies such as sonar, maritime patrol aircraft, and ASW helicopters to maintain the fleet's edge in undersea warfare. In 1974, FASWC merged with other commands to form the Fleet Training Center, but its legacy endures in today’s Navy ASW training programs.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMA-269), also known as the "Gunrunners," was activated on February 22, 1971, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. The squadron initially operated the AH-1J SeaCobra and later transitioned to advanced versions, including the AH-1W Super Cobra and the UH-1Y Venom. HMA-269 has participated in numerous major operations, including Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, providing close air support and armed escort for Marine ground forces. Renowned for its operational excellence, the Gunrunners have played a vital role in Marine Corps aviation for over five decades.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367), known as the "Scarface," was originally activated during World War II in 1943 as VMO-3. The unit saw extensive combat in the Pacific, including campaigns at Bougainville and Okinawa. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, HMLA-367 provided critical close air support and assault support missions, pioneering the use of the AH-1 Cobra gunship in combat. In recent decades, the squadron has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, continually demonstrating versatility and excellence in attack helicopter operations.

Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron (HQ&HQ SQDN), based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, is a vital support unit for the United States Marine Corps. Established during World War II, the squadron has served as the backbone of the air station, providing administrative, logistical, and operational support to all tenant and visiting commands. Throughout its history, HQ&HQ SQDN has played a key role in supporting Marine aviation operations, both in times of peace and during major conflicts. The squadron continues to enable the readiness and effectiveness of MCAS Cherry Point, contributing to the overall mission success of the Marine Corps.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 21 (NMCB-21), known as the "Iron Horses," is a unit of the United States Navy Seabees within the Naval Construction Force Reserve. Established during World War II, NMCB-21 was originally commissioned in 1942 and played a key role in constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. After deactivation post-war, the battalion was reestablished as part of the Navy Reserve, continuing its legacy by supporting both military and humanitarian missions worldwide. NMCB-21 has participated in various operations, including disaster relief and contingency construction, demonstrating the Seabees' motto, "We Build, We Fight."

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 23 (NMCB-23), known as the "Seabees," is a reserve battalion of the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Established during World War II, NMCB-23 played a critical role in constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, the battalion has deployed in support of numerous operations, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and contingency construction missions around the globe. NMCB-23 continues to serve as a vital component of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, providing construction and engineering support wherever needed.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 (NMCB-24), known as the "Seabees," is a reserve construction battalion of the United States Navy. Established in 1942 during World War II, NMCB-24 supported combat operations by constructing airfields, roads, and other critical infrastructure in both the Pacific and European theaters. Throughout the Cold War, the battalion participated in numerous exercises and provided rapid construction capabilities for both military and humanitarian missions. In recent years, NMCB-24 has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as disaster relief operations worldwide, continuing its legacy of "We build, we fight."

VMFAT-101, known as the "SharpShooters," was a United States Marine Corps Fleet Replacement Squadron established on January 3, 1969, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron's primary mission was to train new naval aviators and replacement aircrew in the operation of the F-4 Phantom II, and later, the F/A-18 Hornet. Over its five decades of service, VMFAT-101 played a vital role in preparing Marine Corps and Navy pilots and weapon systems officers for operational fleet duty. The unit was deactivated on September 29, 2023, at MCAS Miramar, after training thousands of aviators and contributing significantly to Marine Corps aviation readiness.

The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) has a distinguished history of service with the United States Marine Corps, notably during the Vietnam War. From 1966 to 1971, 1/5 operated extensively out of the An Hoa Combat Base in Quang Nam Province, conducting search and destroy missions, patrols, and major operations such as Operation Union and Operation Swift. The battalion played a crucial role in securing the An Hoa region, engaging in frequent and intense combat with North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces. Their actions at An Hoa earned the unit a reputation for valor and effectiveness under challenging conditions.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Activated in the 1960s, the unit has participated in a wide array of operations, ranging from humanitarian assistance in Kosovo and Haiti to combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 26th MEU was notably the first conventional U.S. force to enter Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. Renowned for its rapid response capability, the 26th MEU continues to serve as a flexible, forward-deployed force ready for crisis response and contingency operations worldwide.

The 4th Battalion, 11th Marines (4/11) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, first activated during World War II in 1942. Assigned to the 1st Marine Division, 4/11 provided crucial fire support in campaigns such as Guadalcanal and later in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. The battalion was deactivated after the war but has since been reactivated several times, serving in conflicts including the Gulf War, where it provided artillery support during Operation Desert Storm. Today, 4/11 continues to serve as a reserve artillery unit, upholding its tradition of excellence in fire support for Marine ground forces.

The 5th Battalion, 11th Marines (5/11th Marines) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, activated in January 1941. It first saw combat in World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The battalion has since served in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, providing artillery support for Marine infantry units. 5/11th Marines is notable for being the first Marine Corps artillery unit to field the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), enhancing its precision fire capabilities.

Headquarters and Service Company (H&S Co.), Headquarters Battalion (HQBn), Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), located at Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, serves as the primary administrative and support unit for HQMC personnel. Established to provide essential command, control, administrative, and logistical support, H&S Co. ensures the effective functioning of the Marine Corps' senior leadership and staff. Situated adjacent to the Pentagon, Henderson Hall has been a key site for Marine Corps operations in the National Capital Region since its establishment in 1942. Over the decades, H&S Co. has played a vital role in supporting the Marine Corps’ mission at the highest levels, adapting to evolving operational requirements and providing critical support to Marine leaders and their staffs.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 (MALS-29), known as the "Wolverines," was activated on October 1, 1988, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. As part of Marine Aircraft Group 29, MALS-29 provides aviation logistics support, including intermediate-level maintenance, aviation supply, and ordnance support, primarily for rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft. The squadron has supported numerous operations, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, by deploying detachments and providing critical logistical support to Marine aviation units. Over the years, MALS-29 has been recognized for its excellence in supporting combat readiness and sustaining Marine Corps aviation operations worldwide.

Marine Barracks Iceland was a United States Marine Corps installation established near Keflavík, Iceland, during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in 1941 following the occupation of Iceland by Allied forces, the unit’s primary mission was to defend the strategically vital Keflavík Airport and the surrounding area from potential Axis attacks. Throughout the Cold War, Marines stationed at the barracks played a key role in NATO’s North Atlantic defense, serving as a rapid response and security force for American and allied assets. The barracks remained active until the mid-1990s, when changing geopolitical priorities led to the drawdown and eventual closure of U.S. military facilities in Iceland.

Marine Barracks, Yokosuka, Japan, was established in 1945 following the end of World War II as part of the U.S. occupation forces in Japan. Its primary mission was to provide security for the U.S. Navy base at Yokosuka, a critical logistical and operational hub in the western Pacific. Over the years, the Marines stationed there conducted ceremonial duties, base security, and supported regional contingency operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The unit was deactivated in 1992 as part of post–Cold War force reductions, with its duties assumed by other security elements at Yokosuka Naval Base.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, located in Yuma, Arizona, was originally established during World War II as Yuma Army Air Field in 1942, serving as a training base for pilots. After a brief period of deactivation post-war, the airfield was reactivated and transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959, becoming MCAS Yuma. Over the decades, it has developed into one of the premier aviation training bases for Marine Corps aviation units, supporting both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Today, MCAS Yuma is renowned for hosting large-scale exercises such as Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses and supporting the Marine Corps’ premier aviation training and operational readiness.

Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211), known as the "Wake Island Avengers," traces its origins to 1 March 1937 as VMF-211. The squadron gained fame during World War II for its heroic defense of Wake Island in December 1941, where its personnel fought valiantly against overwhelming Japanese forces. After the war, the unit transitioned through several aircraft, eventually operating the AV-8B Harrier II. VMA-211 has since participated in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and operations in the Middle East, maintaining a legacy of excellence and adaptability within Marine Corps aviation.

Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2) was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit established during World War II in 1943. Originally flying observation and liaison missions with aircraft such as the OY-1, VMO-2 provided critical artillery spotting and reconnaissance support in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, the squadron operated OV-10 Bronco aircraft, conducting aerial reconnaissance, forward air control, and close air support missions from 1968 to 1971. VMO-2 continued to serve in various capacities until its deactivation in 1993, leaving a legacy of versatile combat support and aerial observation within Marine Corps aviation history.

The 1st Marine Brigade (MAG-24), officially designated as Marine Aircraft Group 24, is a key aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Formed during World War II, MAG-24 played a critical role in supporting amphibious operations across the Pacific, providing air support, assault transport, and reconnaissance. Over the decades, the unit has participated in major conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where it delivered vital air support and troop mobility. Today, MAG-24 remains an essential component of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, supporting expeditionary operations and joint training exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.