U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261), known as the "Raging Bulls," was activated on September 5, 1951. The squadron originally flew the HRS-1 helicopter and participated in numerous operations, including deployments during the Lebanon crisis in 1958 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. HMM-261 provided critical helicopter support for amphibious assault and humanitarian missions, notably serving in Operation Desert Storm and various peacekeeping and evacuation operations in Africa and the Middle East. In 2009, the unit transitioned to the MV-22 Osprey and was redesignated as VMM-261, continuing its legacy of rapid-response aviation support for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Marine Attack Squadron 214 (VMA-214), famously known as the "Black Sheep," was originally commissioned during World War II as VMF-214, a Marine fighter squadron. Under the legendary leadership of Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, the Black Sheep gained fame in the Pacific Theater for their daring and effective aerial combat missions against Japanese forces. The squadron was credited with numerous air victories and earned a Presidential Unit Citation. In later decades, VMA-214 transitioned to flying attack aircraft, notably the AV-8B Harrier II, continuing its legacy of excellence in close air support and expeditionary operations.

Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231), nicknamed the "Ace of Spades," is one of the oldest squadrons in the United States Marine Corps, originally formed in 1919 as the 1st Division, Squadron 1. The squadron saw combat in Nicaragua during the late 1920s and later participated in World War II, providing close air support in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VMA-231 has operated a variety of aircraft, transitioning from biplanes to modern AV-8B Harrier II jets. The unit has played a key role in numerous operations, including deployments to the Middle East, and continues to serve as a frontline attack squadron supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force missions.

Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311), known as the “Tomcats,” was originally commissioned in 1942 as Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 311 (VMSB-311) and served with distinction during World War II in the Pacific Theater. The squadron transitioned through various aircraft, including the F9F Panther and A-4 Skyhawk, participating in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where it conducted close air support and attack missions. VMA-311 was renowned for being the first Marine squadron to shoot down a MiG jet in combat during the Korean War. The squadron continued its legacy into the 21st century, supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before being deactivated in 2022 as the Marine Corps modernized its aviation assets.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 333 (VMFA-333), known as the "Shamrocks," was a distinguished United States Marine Corps fighter squadron. Originally activated during World War II, the squadron served in various roles and aircraft over the decades, flying notable planes such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F/A-18 Hornet. VMFA-333 gained recognition for its combat performance during the Vietnam War, including being credited with the only Marine air-to-air kill of the conflict. The squadron participated in numerous deployments before being deactivated in 1992 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

The 4th Battalion, 12th Marines (4/12) was an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, initially activated during World War II. The unit provided crucial fire support during the Pacific campaign, notably participating in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, 4/12 was deactivated but was later reactivated and served in various capacities, including deployments to Okinawa and support roles in the Vietnam War. The battalion has since been deactivated, but its legacy endures as part of the proud history of the 12th Marine Regiment.

The 6th Marine Regiment Headquarters (HQ) was activated in July 1917 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, to serve in World War I as part of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. The regiment distinguished itself in key battles such as Belleau Wood, Soissons, and Blanc Mont, earning the French Fourragère for its valor. Reactivated for World War II, the 6th Marines played significant roles in the Pacific campaigns, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. In the postwar era, the regiment has continued to serve as a vital element of the 2nd Marine Division, participating in operations around the globe and maintaining readiness as a premier infantry regiment in the United States Marine Corps.

The 8th Motor Transport Battalion was a unit within the 2nd Force Service Support Group (2nd FSSG), part of the United States Marine Corps. Activated in the early 1950s, the battalion provided essential ground transportation and logistical support to Marine Corps forces, ensuring the rapid movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies. Throughout its history, the 8th Motors played critical roles in numerous training exercises, deployments, and operations, both domestically and abroad. The battalion was eventually deactivated as part of force restructuring, but its legacy endures in Marine Corps logistics and support operations.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 (MALS-16) was activated on March 1, 1952, as Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 16 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, California. Over the decades, the unit has provided aviation logistics support—such as maintenance, supply, and ordnance—to Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) and its squadrons. MALS-16 has been deployed in support of major operations including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron is now based at MCAS Miramar, California, and continues to play a critical role in ensuring the readiness and sustainability of Marine aviation assets.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 26 (NMCB-26), known as the "Skibees," is a United States Navy Reserve Seabee unit with a storied history dating back to World War II. Reactivated several times, NMCB-26 has supported a variety of construction and contingency operations both stateside and abroad, including deployments to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The battalion has distinguished itself by building critical infrastructure such as roads, airfields, and bases, often under challenging and hostile conditions. Throughout its service, NMCB-26 has embodied the Seabee motto, "We Build, We Fight," making vital contributions to U.S. Navy and joint force missions worldwide.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235 (VMFA-235), known as the "Death Angels," was originally activated during World War II in 1943 as VMSB-235, flying SBD Dauntless dive bombers in the Pacific Theater. The squadron was re-designated several times, eventually transitioning to jet aircraft and flying the F-4 Phantom II and later the F/A-18 Hornet. VMFA-235 participated in major conflicts including the Vietnam War, where it provided close air support and conducted strike missions. The squadron was based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, until its deactivation in 1996 after over five decades of distinguished service.

The 1st Engineer Battalion (1st Eng Bn), part of the 1st Marine Division (1st Mar Div), is one of the oldest and most storied engineer units in the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1941, the battalion played a crucial role in World War II, supporting amphibious assaults across the Pacific, including at Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The unit continued its distinguished service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing combat engineering, mobility, and survivability support. In recent decades, the 1st Eng Bn has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, adapting to modern challenges while upholding its legacy of engineering excellence and battlefield support.

Certainly! The **1st Field Artillery Group (1st FAG)** is a fictional military unit for this context, as there is no widely known real-world formation by this exact designation. Traditionally, a unit with this title would have been formed to provide vital artillery support to frontline forces, utilizing howitzers and other field artillery pieces to deliver indirect fire against enemy positions. Throughout its service, the 1st FAG would likely have participated in major campaigns, offering both offensive and defensive firepower to shape the battlefield. The unit's history would be marked by its adaptability to evolving artillery technology and its critical role in combined arms operations. Its legacy would be honored through commendations for accuracy, discipline, and effectiveness in supporting ground troops.

The 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade (1st MAB) was a Marine Air-Ground Task Force of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated in the early 1950s. Based in Hawaii, the brigade was designed to rapidly deploy and conduct amphibious operations in the Pacific theater. Throughout the Cold War, the 1st MAB participated in numerous training exercises, contingency operations, and humanitarian missions, serving as a forward-deployed force-in-readiness. In 1988, the unit was redesignated as the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade (1st MEB), reflecting its expanded operational capabilities and integration of modern expeditionary concepts.

The 1st Recruit Training Battalion (1st RTBN) is a key unit within the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. Established in the early 20th century, the battalion has been responsible for transforming thousands of civilian recruits into Marines through rigorous basic training. Over the decades, 1st RTBN has played a crucial role in preparing Marines for service in every major conflict since World War I. Renowned for its discipline and tradition, the battalion continues to uphold the high standards and values of the Marine Corps today.

2d Bridge Company, Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic (FMFLant), based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was a specialized engineering unit within the United States Marine Corps. Activated in the post-World War II period, the company was tasked with providing tactical bridging and river crossing capabilities to support Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. Throughout the Cold War and into the early 21st century, 2d Bridge Company participated in numerous training exercises and deployments, both domestically and abroad, ensuring mobility and logistical support for Marine forces. The unit’s expertise in constructing and maintaining various types of military bridges made it a critical asset during humanitarian missions and combat operations.

The 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines (3/27) was activated in January 1966 as part of the 5th Marine Division during the Vietnam War. Deployed to Vietnam in 1968, the battalion participated in significant operations, including Operation Allen Brook and Operation Oklahoma Hills, distinguishing itself in intense combat around the Da Nang area. 3/27 earned a reputation for professionalism and valor, sustaining heavy casualties while inflicting significant losses on enemy forces. The battalion was deactivated in September 1969 as part of the post-war drawdown but remains honored in Marine Corps history for its service and sacrifice.

The 3rd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion (3rd LAAM Bn) was a United States Marine Corps unit activated in 1966 during the Vietnam War. The battalion was equipped with HAWK surface-to-air missile systems, designed to provide air defense for Marine forces and key installations against enemy aircraft. It was deployed to Vietnam, where it played a critical role in protecting the Da Nang area and other bases from potential North Vietnamese air attacks. The battalion remained in Vietnam until 1969, when it was deactivated as part of the general drawdown of U.S. forces.

The 5th Communication Battalion (5th Comm Bn) is a vital communications unit within the United States Marine Corps, headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Established in 1950, the battalion has supported numerous operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and various contingency operations in the Middle East and around the globe. Its primary mission is to provide expeditionary communications support to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs), ensuring seamless command and control capabilities. Over the decades, 5th Comm Bn has earned a reputation for technical excellence and adaptability in both combat and humanitarian missions.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165), known as the "White Knights," was activated on July 1, 1965, at Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, California. The squadron quickly deployed to Vietnam, providing critical assault support, resupply, and medevac missions during the Vietnam War. Over the decades, HMM-165 participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions and combat deployments in the Middle East. The squadron was later re-designated as VMM-165, transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey, and continues to serve as a vital component of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Marine Barracks, Naples, Italy, was established in the post-World War II era to provide security for U.S. Navy installations and personnel in the region. The unit operated as part of the Marine Corps Security Forces, tasked with safeguarding Naval Support Activity Naples and supporting U.S. Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, Marines from the barracks played a crucial role in force protection, embassy reinforcement, and regional crisis response. The unit was deactivated in 2007 as part of a broader realignment of U.S. military forces in Europe.

Marine Barracks, Norfolk, Virginia, was established in 1896 to provide security and support for the expanding naval facilities at the Norfolk Navy Yard. As one of the oldest Marine posts on the East Coast, the barracks played a vital role in guarding naval installations, training Marines, and supporting fleet operations through both World Wars and beyond. Over the years, Marines from the Norfolk Barracks participated in ceremonial duties, base security, and rapid response missions in times of crisis. The unit’s legacy reflects its integral contribution to the defense and operational readiness of the United States Navy’s largest naval base.

The Marine Corps Air Wing, formally known as the Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), is a critical aviation component of the United States Marine Corps. Established during World War II, the first MAW provided air support for Marine ground forces in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Over the decades, Marine Air Wings have evolved to integrate fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tiltrotor aircraft, supporting operations in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror. Today, the MAWs continue to provide essential air superiority, close air support, reconnaissance, and logistical support to Marine forces worldwide.

Marine Air Support Squadron 2 (MASS-2) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit, originally activated in 1944 as Headquarters Squadron 43 during World War II. The unit played a critical role in providing direct air support coordination for Marine ground forces during key Pacific campaigns, including Okinawa. Re-designated as MASS-2 in 1950, it saw extensive service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, supporting combat operations by coordinating close air support and airspace management. Today, MASS-2 remains an integral part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based in Okinawa, Japan, and continues to provide vital air support control capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.