U.S. Marine Corps

The Marine Corps Engineer School (MCES) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was established to train Marines in essential combat engineering skills vital to the success of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. Since its inception, MCES has provided instruction in areas such as demolition, construction, bridging, and field fortifications, preparing Marines to support both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide. The school has evolved to incorporate modern technologies and tactics, ensuring Marines are proficient in counter-IED operations, urban breaching, and expeditionary engineering. MCES continues to play a crucial role in developing the technical expertise and leadership of Marine Corps engineers.

**Marine Aviation Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1)**, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, was established during World War II to provide air support coordination for Marine Corps aviation units. Originally activated in February 1943 as Headquarters Squadron, 1st Marine Air Warning Group, the unit played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater by directing close air support for ground operations. Over the decades, MASS-1 has supported numerous operations, from Vietnam and Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom, by delivering tactical air control and coordination for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. Today, MASS-1 remains a vital component in ensuring seamless integration between air and ground forces within the United States Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School (MCCES) was established in 1932 at Quantico, Virginia, before relocating to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, in 1971. MCCES serves as the primary training institution for Marines in the fields of communications, electronics maintenance, and tactical data systems. Over the decades, MCCES has adapted its curriculum to meet the evolving technological demands of the Marine Corps, playing a pivotal role in preparing Marines for operations in both peacetime and conflict. The school’s graduates have supported every major Marine Corps operation since World War II, ensuring reliable communications and electronic support on the battlefield.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 (MWSS-171) was activated on 16 April 1979 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The unit provides essential aviation ground support to Marine Aircraft Group 12 and other forward-deployed forces in the Pacific region. MWSS-171 has participated in numerous training exercises and humanitarian missions across the Asia-Pacific, ensuring the readiness and sustainability of Marine aviation operations. Over the years, the squadron has earned recognition for its rapid response capabilities and support during both combat and peacetime operations.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 (MWSS-172), known as the “Firehawks,” was activated on 16 April 1986 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The squadron is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and provides essential aviation ground support for Marine Corps aviation operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. MWSS-172 has supported numerous exercises, humanitarian missions, and real-world contingencies, including operations in the Philippines, Thailand, and disaster relief efforts such as Operation Tomodachi following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami. Through its diverse mission sets, MWSS-172 continues to play a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of Marine aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 (NMCB-28), known as the "Badgers," is a United States Navy Reserve Seabee battalion established in 1942 during World War II. The unit originally served in the Pacific Theater, constructing airfields, roads, and support facilities critical to Allied operations. Reactivated during the Cold War, NMCB-28 has since participated in numerous military and humanitarian construction missions worldwide, including deployments to the Middle East, Europe, and disaster relief operations at home and abroad. Today, NMCB-28 continues to provide vital construction support to Navy and joint-force missions, embodying the Seabee motto, "We Build, We Fight."

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 58 (NMCB-58), known as the "Steelworkers," was a unit of the United States Navy Seabees. Commissioned during the Vietnam War era, NMCB-58 was tasked with construction and engineering duties in support of combat and humanitarian operations. The battalion deployed to Vietnam, where it built airfields, roads, bridges, and base facilities under challenging conditions. After Vietnam, NMCB-58 continued to serve in various locations around the world until it was decommissioned in the 1990s as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

The 4th Marine Regiment, known as the "China Marines," was originally formed in 1914 and quickly earned distinction during its early deployments in China, where it provided security to American interests amidst regional unrest. In World War II, the regiment famously defended Corregidor in the Philippines, ultimately suffering capture and enduring imprisonment as prisoners of war. After being reconstituted in 1944, the 4th Marines participated in the pivotal Battle of Okinawa, contributing to the final Allied push in the Pacific. Today, the 4th Marines are part of the 3rd Marine Division, remaining forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific region and upholding a legacy of resilience and honor.

Marine Observation Squadron 1 (VMO-1) was activated in July 1943 during World War II, providing aerial observation and artillery spotting for Marine ground forces in the Pacific Theater. The squadron flew a variety of aircraft, including the OY-1 Sentinel, supporting campaigns such as Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. After the war, VMO-1 was based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, transitioning to helicopters and later the OV-10 Bronco for reconnaissance and light attack missions. The unit served with distinction through the Cold War and participated in operations such as Desert Storm before being deactivated in 1993.

The 1st Marine Division Service Company, Headquarters Battalion (1st MarDiv Svce Co HQBn), is a support unit within the storied 1st Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War II, the Service Company has provided vital logistical, administrative, and supply support to division operations across major conflicts, including the Pacific campaigns, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. Members of Service Company ensure the Headquarters Battalion and division command staff remain operational by handling transportation, maintenance, and essential services. Their behind-the-scenes efforts have been critical to the division’s success in both combat and peacetime operations.

The 3rd Marine Brigade was an expeditionary unit of the United States Marine Corps, activated at various times throughout the 20th century. During World War II, the brigade was briefly based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, serving as a rapid reaction force for the defense of the Hawaiian Islands and as a staging element for operations in the Pacific Theater. Its presence at Kaneohe Bay contributed to the overall readiness and security of U.S. forces in the central Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The brigade was later reorganized and its personnel reassigned as the Marine Corps focused on offensive operations across the Pacific.

The 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment (5/14th Marines) is a reserve artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Activated during World War II, the battalion participated in the Pacific campaign, notably in the Battle of Okinawa, providing crucial fire support for ground forces. After being deactivated post-war, 5/14th Marines was reactivated as part of the Marine Corps Reserve, with its headquarters located in Seal Beach, California. In recent years, the battalion has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, exemplifying its ongoing commitment to providing artillery support to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces.

Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 16 (H&MS-16) was a United States Marine Corps aviation support unit established to provide logistics, maintenance, and administrative support to Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16). Activated during the Vietnam War, H&MS-16 played a crucial role at bases such as Marble Mountain Air Facility, supporting helicopter squadrons by ensuring aircraft readiness through maintenance and supply operations. The squadron’s efforts contributed significantly to the operational effectiveness of helicopter missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and logistical resupply. After the Vietnam War, H&MS-16 continued to support Marine aviation until it was eventually redesignated as part of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) reorganization.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264), also known as the "Black Knights," was activated on June 30, 1959. The squadron initially operated the Sikorsky H-34 helicopter before transitioning to the CH-46 Sea Knight, which became its primary aircraft for decades. HMM-264 participated in numerous major operations, including deployments to Lebanon, Operation Desert Storm, and humanitarian missions in Africa and the Caribbean. The unit was deactivated in May 2015 as part of the Marine Corps' transition to the MV-22 Osprey and the restructuring of aviation assets.

Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (HQBN 3rd MarDiv), based in Okinawa, Japan, traces its roots to the activation of the 3rd Marine Division in 1942 during World War II. The unit played a vital role in providing command and control, administrative, and logistical support to the division throughout major Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, HQBN was reactivated and relocated several times, ultimately establishing a longstanding presence on Okinawa as part of the United States’ forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Today, HQBN 3rd MarDiv continues to support Marine operations and readiness, serving as a critical element in maintaining regional stability and rapid response capabilities.

Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) was established on December 1, 1947, at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia. Originally tasked with testing and developing helicopter tactics and equipment, HMX-1 soon took on the unique mission of providing helicopter transport for the President of the United States, a role it has fulfilled since 1957. The squadron is best known for operating the "Marine One" helicopters, ensuring safe and secure executive transport. Over the decades, HMX-1 has expanded its mission to include support for visiting heads of state, dignitaries, and other VIPs, while maintaining a standard of excellence in both operational capability and ceremonial duties.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Kaneohe Bay, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, was originally established in 1939 as a U.S. Navy air station. On December 7, 1941, it was one of the first sites attacked during the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, suffering significant damage and casualties. After World War II, the base played a key role in supporting Pacific operations and was officially transferred to the United States Marine Corps in 1952. Since then, MCAS Kaneohe Bay has served as a crucial hub for Marine Corps aviation, training, and expeditionary operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a military training institution established to commission officers in various branches of the armed forces. Originating in the United States during World War I and expanding significantly during World War II, OCS was designed to quickly and effectively prepare enlisted personnel and civilians for leadership roles. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, military tactics, and physical fitness, ensuring candidates are ready for the responsibilities of command. Today, OCS continues to serve as a vital pathway for commissioning officers, adapting its programs to meet the evolving needs of modern militaries.

United States Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 (USNMCB 11), also known as "Seabees," was commissioned during World War II in 1942. The battalion played a crucial role in constructing bases, airfields, and infrastructure in the Pacific Theater, supporting major operations such as those in Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, NMCB 11 built vital facilities, roads, and defensive positions throughout Southeast Asia. The unit has since continued to serve in various global deployments, providing critical construction and humanitarian support in both peacetime and conflict.

Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 (VMAT-203) was a United States Marine Corps aviation training squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Established in 1947, the squadron’s primary mission was to provide training for Marine aviators in attack aircraft, most notably the AV-8B Harrier II. Over its operational history, VMAT-203 played a critical role in preparing pilots for the unique challenges of vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) operations. The squadron was deactivated in 2021 as part of the Marine Corps’ force modernization efforts.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 334 (VMFA-334), known as the “Falcons,” was a United States Marine Corps fighter attack squadron. Initially activated during World War II as VMSB-334, the unit transitioned through various aircraft and roles before becoming VMFA-334. During the Vietnam War, the squadron flew F-4 Phantom II jets and was heavily engaged in combat operations from 1967 to 1970, earning multiple commendations for its actions. VMFA-334 was deactivated in 1971, marking the end of its distinguished service.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 513 (VMFA-513), known as the "Flying Nightmares," was originally commissioned in 1944 as VMF-513. The squadron saw combat in World War II, the Korean War—where it became the first Marine squadron to fly jet aircraft in combat—and the Vietnam War, providing close air support and night-fighting capabilities. In the 1980s, VMFA-513 transitioned to flying the AV-8B Harrier II, becoming one of the Marine Corps’ premier vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) attack squadrons. The squadron participated in Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom before being deactivated in 2013.

The **11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU)**, activated in 1979, is a forward-deployed, rapid-response force of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Pendleton, California. As part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 11th MEU is designed to deploy quickly by sea, air, or land to conduct a range of missions, including amphibious assaults, humanitarian assistance, and crisis response operations. Over the decades, the 11th MEU has participated in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing vital support in combat and peacekeeping roles. The unit continues to serve as a key element of America’s global force-in-readiness, routinely deploying to the Western Pacific and the Middle East.

The 1st 155mm Gun Battalion (Self-Propelled), stationed at 29 Palms, California, was a U.S. Army artillery unit active during the Cold War era. Equipped with self-propelled 155mm guns, the battalion provided heavy fire support for maneuver units during training exercises and potential combat operations. Based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, the unit played a key role in joint Army-Marine Corps artillery cooperation in the desert environment. The battalion’s mission focused on rapid, mobile artillery response, contributing significantly to the development of combined-arms tactics in the post–World War II period.