U.S. Marine Corps

The 8th Engineer Support Battalion (8th ESB) is a United States Marine Corps engineer battalion based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Activated on September 1, 1950, the battalion has provided critical combat engineering support in conflicts ranging from the Korean War to Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Its missions have included constructing fortifications, breaching obstacles, and supporting mobility and survivability for Marine forces. Throughout its history, 8th ESB has earned a reputation for versatility, innovation, and unwavering support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HMLA-167), known as the "Warriors," was originally activated on March 1, 1968, at Marble Mountain Air Facility, Vietnam, as HML-167. The squadron provided close air support, armed escort, and utility helicopter support to Marine ground forces during the Vietnam War, flying the UH-1E Huey. Over the decades, HMLA-167 has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, evolving its mission with the introduction of AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and upgraded UH-1Y Venoms. Today, HMLA-167 remains an integral part of Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.

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.

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 Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, located in South Carolina, is home to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) Beaufort. The H&HS provides essential administrative, logistical, and operational support to the air station and its tenant units, including Marine Aircraft Group 31. Established in the 1940s during World War II, the unit has played a critical role in supporting Marine Corps aviation operations throughout its history. Today, H&HS Beaufort continues to enable the readiness and mission success of Marine aviators and support personnel stationed at MCAS Beaufort.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 (MWSS-372), known as the "Diamondbacks," was activated on 2 June 1986 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, California. The squadron provides essential aviation ground support to enable the operations of Marine aviation units, including airfield services, engineering, and logistics. MWSS-372 has supported numerous operations, including deployments to Southwest Asia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The unit continues to play a vital role in expeditionary airfield operations and support for Marine Corps aviation both at home and abroad.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 22 (NMCB-22), known as the "Lone Star Battalion," is a Seabee unit of the United States Navy Reserve. Established in 1942 during World War II, the battalion supported critical construction operations in the Pacific Theater, including airfields and naval bases. Reactivated during the Korean War and throughout the Cold War, NMCB-22 has played a vital role in both combat and peacetime missions, providing construction support during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battalion continues its legacy today by supporting global contingency operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts.

The 2/8th Weapons Platoon is an integral component of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (2/8), United States Marine Corps. Historically, the Weapons Platoon has provided direct and indirect fire support, utilizing assets such as machine guns, mortars, and anti-armor weaponry to enhance the battalion's combat effectiveness. The platoon has seen action in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and more recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting infantry operations with firepower and tactical flexibility. Renowned for its discipline and effectiveness, the 2/8th Weapons Platoon continues to uphold a proud legacy of service and excellence within the Marine Corps.

The 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (2/11), part of the 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), was activated in World War I and has since served as a key artillery battalion within the Marine Corps. During World War II, 2/11 participated in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, providing vital fire support for infantry operations. The battalion later saw action in the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Renowned for its adaptability, 2/11 has also fulfilled provisional infantry and civil-military operations roles, earning numerous unit commendations throughout its distinguished history.

The 2nd Topographical Squadron (2nd TOPO) is a specialized unit within the Australian Army, responsible for providing geospatial and topographical support to military operations. Formed in the mid-20th century, the unit has played a crucial role in mapping, terrain analysis, and geographic intelligence for both domestic and overseas deployments. Throughout its history, the 2nd TOPO has supported major operations, including the Vietnam War, peacekeeping missions, and modern joint force operations in the Middle East. Leveraging advanced technology and skilled personnel, the squadron continues to be a vital asset for enhancing situational awareness and operational planning for the Australian Defence Force.

The **31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU)**, activated in 1967, is the United States Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, based out of Okinawa, Japan. Throughout its history, the 31st MEU has participated in numerous operations across the Indo-Pacific region, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combat missions such as Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its rapid-response capability, the unit frequently conducts training exercises with regional allies to strengthen partnerships and ensure regional security. Today, the 31st MEU remains a vital part of the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining stability and readiness in the Asia-Pacific theater.

The 4th Marine Amphibious Brigade (4th MAB) was a specialized unit of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated during World War II and reactivated in the 1970s in response to increasing Cold War tensions. The brigade was tasked with rapid-response amphibious operations, particularly focused on NATO’s northern flank and the defense of Norway against possible Soviet aggression. Throughout the 1980s, the 4th MAB participated in numerous exercises and deployments, honing Arctic and cold-weather warfare capabilities. In 1988, the brigade was redesignated as the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (4th MEB), continuing its mission as a flexible, forward-deployed force ready for crises and contingencies.

The 5th Reconnaissance Battalion (5th Recon BN) has its origins in World War II, where it was first activated to provide critical intelligence and battlefield reconnaissance for Marine operations in the Pacific Theater. Renowned for its stealth and adaptability, the battalion participated in key island-hopping campaigns, conducting amphibious landings and gathering crucial information behind enemy lines. Post-war, the unit was reactivated and reorganized several times, supporting major conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where it continued to excel in reconnaissance, surveillance, and direct-action missions. Today, the 5th Recon BN remains an elite component of the Marine Corps, specializing in advanced reconnaissance and special operations in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations worldwide.

The 7th Separate Bulk Fuel Company (7th Sep. Bulk Fuel Co.) is a specialized logistics unit within the United States Marine Corps, tasked with providing vital bulk fuel support to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. Established to ensure the rapid and efficient delivery, storage, and distribution of fuel in both combat and training environments, the unit has supported numerous operations and exercises since its inception. Over the years, the 7th Sep. Bulk Fuel Co. has demonstrated its expertise in operating tactical fuel systems, enabling sustained operations for ground and aviation assets. Their contributions have been critical in maintaining the operational readiness and mobility of Marine forces worldwide.

HMM-364, known as the "Purple Foxes," is a distinguished United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron originally activated in 1961. The unit first saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, providing crucial assault support and medevac missions with their CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. Renowned for their bravery, HMM-364 participated in numerous major operations, including the Siege of Khe Sanh and Operation Dewey Canyon. After Vietnam, the squadron continued to serve in various global conflicts and humanitarian missions, exemplifying the Marine Corps' commitment to rapid-response aviation support. The unit was redesignated as VMM-364 in 2012, transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

Headquarters and Service Company (HqSvc Co), Officer Candidates School (OCS), Marine Corps Development and Education Command (MCDEC), Quantico, Virginia, has played a key support role in the training and evaluation of future Marine Corps officers. Established to provide administrative, logistical, and operational assistance, HqSvc Co ensures the smooth functioning of OCS programs. Throughout its history, the unit has facilitated the rigorous screening and preparation of officer candidates, upholding the traditions and standards of the Marine Corps. Stationed at Quantico—known as the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps”—HqSvc Co remains integral to the development of Marine leaders.

Marine Air Control Squadron 4 (MACS-4) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit that was originally activated during World War II in 1944. The squadron has a storied history, providing air surveillance, air traffic control, and air defense capabilities in support of Marine Corps operations. MACS-4 played significant roles during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and has participated in numerous exercises and operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Today, MACS-4 remains a key component of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, supporting expeditionary air operations and enhancing the Corps' ability to control the battlespace.

Marine Air Control Squadron 5 (MACS-5) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit. Activated during World War II, the squadron provided aerial surveillance, airspace management, and early warning capabilities for Marine aviation operations. Throughout its history, MACS-5 supported various exercises and deployments, contributing significantly to the Marine Corps’ air defense missions. The unit was eventually deactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy remains in the advancements it brought to Marine Corps air command and control systems.

Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit activated on May 1, 1972, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina. The group primarily provides assault support with rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft, supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations. MAG-29 has participated in numerous operations and deployments, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the decades, MAG-29 has played a critical role in combat operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions worldwide.

Marine Aircraft Group 49 (MAG-49) is a United States Marine Corps Reserve aviation unit established in 1969. Headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, MAG-49 provides aviation combat element support, including assault support, heavy lift, and aviation logistics, to Marine Forces Reserve. Throughout its history, MAG-49 has participated in numerous training exercises and mobilizations, supporting both domestic and overseas operations such as Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The group’s diverse squadrons operate various rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, maintaining readiness to augment active-duty Marine aviation forces when called upon.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13), known as the "Black Widows," was activated on March 1, 1942, and played a vital support role during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Originally established to provide logistical and maintenance support to Marine Aircraft Group 13, the squadron has supported numerous operations, including actions in the Vietnam War and Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Over the decades, MALS-13 has been instrumental in ensuring the readiness of Marine Corps aviation units through supply, maintenance, and ordnance support. Today, MALS-13 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, continuing its mission of supporting Marine aviation excellence.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 (MALS-24), part of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24), was originally activated during World War II to provide aviation logistics support to Marine Corps aviation units. Over the decades, MALS-24 has played a critical role in supporting fixed- and rotary-wing squadrons through maintenance, supply, and ordnance services, ensuring operational readiness across the Pacific theater. The unit has participated in numerous operations and exercises, including deployments in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and various humanitarian missions in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, MALS-24 continues its mission at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, enabling MAG-24's aviation units to maintain combat effectiveness and readiness.

Marine Barracks Panama Canal Zone was established in the early 20th century to provide security and defense for the strategically vital Panama Canal. The unit’s primary mission was to safeguard the canal’s locks, facilities, and personnel against sabotage or attack, especially during periods of international tension such as World War II. Marines stationed there conducted regular patrols, manned guard posts, and trained for rapid response to any threat to the canal’s operation. The Marine Barracks remained an important element of U.S. military presence in the region until the gradual turnover of canal operations to Panama, culminating in the late 20th century.