U.S. Marine Corps

Headquarters and Service Support Battalion (H&S SPTBN), The Basic School (TBS), Quantico, Virginia, serves as the backbone for the training and support of newly commissioned Marine Corps officers. Established to provide essential administrative, logistical, and operational support, H&S SPTBN ensures that TBS can efficiently conduct its mission of developing new leaders for the Marine Corps. Over the years, the battalion has evolved to meet the changing needs of Marine officer training, embracing modern technology and updated doctrine. Located at Marine Corps Base Quantico—known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps"—the unit continues to play a vital role in shaping the future leadership of the United States Marine Corps.

Headquarters and Service Battalion (H&S Bn), typically found within divisions and major commands of the United States Marine Corps, plays a crucial role in providing command, administrative, and logistical support. Originating in the early 20th century as part of the Marine Corps’ evolution into a modern fighting force, H&S Battalions have enabled the effective coordination of complex operations. Over the decades, they have supported major conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, ensuring frontline units receive essential services and supplies. Today, H&S Bn continues to be the backbone of Marine Corps readiness, adapting to new technologies and mission demands.

HMH-362, known as the "Ugly Angels," was a United States Marine Corps heavy helicopter squadron established in 1952. The squadron initially flew the Sikorsky HRS and later transitioned to the CH-53 Sea Stallion family of helicopters. HMH-362 was the first Marine helicopter squadron to deploy to Vietnam in 1962, playing a significant role in support, transport, and medevac missions throughout the conflict. The unit continued to serve in various operations until it was deactivated in 2012 after 60 years of distinguished service.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162), known as the "Golden Eagles," was commissioned on June 30, 1951. The squadron has a distinguished history, including participation in the 1958 Lebanon crisis, where it executed the first ship-to-shore helicopter assault in combat. Over the decades, HMM-162 supported operations in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and humanitarian missions such as disaster relief in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. The squadron was later redesignated as VMM-162 after transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey, continuing its legacy of providing assault support for the United States Marine Corps.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (HMM-365), known as the "Blue Knights," was activated on July 1, 1961. Initially flying the Sikorsky H-34, the unit later transitioned to the CH-46 Sea Knight, supporting Marine Corps operations with assault support and troop transport missions. HMM-365 distinguished itself during the Vietnam War and later participated in numerous operations, including peacekeeping and humanitarian missions worldwide. In 2008, the squadron was redesignated as VMM-365 with the introduction of the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, continuing its legacy of excellence in expeditionary aviation.

HMT-204, or Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 204, is a United States Marine Corps aviation training unit established in 1972. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, and serves as the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the CH-46 Sea Knight and later, the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. HMT-204's mission has been to train pilots and aircrew in rotary-wing and tiltrotor operations, ensuring combat readiness for Marine aviation units. Over the decades, the squadron has played a crucial role in developing skilled aviators who support Marine Corps operations worldwide.

Headquarters Company, 2nd Marine Regiment, is a pivotal command and control element of the 2nd Marine Regiment, part of the 2nd Marine Division, United States Marine Corps. The regiment was originally activated in 1913 and has participated in major conflicts, including World War II battles such as Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian, as well as operations in the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism. HQ Company provides essential administrative, logistical, and operational support to ensure the regiment’s combat effectiveness. Throughout its history, the unit has exemplified the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment, earning numerous honors and citations for its service.

Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) is the United States Marine Corps service component command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). Officially established in 1992, MARFORPAC traces its lineage to Marine units that have operated in the Pacific theater since World War II, including key roles in campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Headquartered at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, MARFORPAC is the Corps’ largest field command, overseeing all Marine forces assigned to the Indo-Pacific region. The unit plays a critical role in regional security, deterrence, and crisis response, working closely with allied and partner nations throughout the Pacific.

Marine Barracks Rota, Spain, was established in 1958 as part of the U.S. military presence at Naval Station Rota, supporting American and allied operations in the Mediterranean and surrounding regions. The Marines stationed there provided force protection, security for critical naval assets, and rapid-response capabilities for contingencies across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Over the decades, the unit played a crucial role in joint training exercises, embassy reinforcement, and crisis response, reflecting the United States' commitment to NATO and regional stability. Though its size and mission have evolved, Marine Barracks Rota remains a vital element of U.S. forward-deployed forces in Europe.

Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron 18 (MATCS-18) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit, originally activated during the Vietnam War era. The squadron is part of Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. MATCS-18 provides air traffic control and aviation command support for Marine aviation operations, both in garrison and during deployed expeditionary missions throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The unit has participated in numerous joint exercises and humanitarian assistance operations, showcasing its capability to rapidly establish and maintain airfield operations in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force objectives.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 53 (MCB-53), known as a "Seabee" battalion, was commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Activated in 1942, MCB-53 played a vital role in constructing airfields, bases, and other critical infrastructure in the Pacific Theater, supporting major operations such as the campaigns in the Philippines and Okinawa. The battalion was recognized for its ability to work under combat conditions, often building vital facilities while under enemy fire. After the war, MCB-53 continued to serve in various overseas locations before eventually being decommissioned as part of postwar drawdowns.

Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Barstow, California, was established in 1942 during World War II as a critical supply and maintenance depot for Marine Corps operations in the Pacific Theater. Located in the Mojave Desert, MCLB Barstow quickly evolved into a central logistics hub, supporting the repair, storage, and distribution of military vehicles, equipment, and supplies. Throughout the Cold War and subsequent conflicts, the base continued to modernize its facilities and capabilities, ensuring rapid deployment and readiness of Marine forces worldwide. Today, MCLB Barstow remains a vital component of the Marine Corps’ global logistics network, providing essential support to sustain operational effectiveness.

The Merchant Marine Reserve, established in 1913, was created as a component of the United States Naval Reserve to provide a pool of trained merchant mariners who could be called upon for naval service during times of conflict. Members were civilian mariners who received naval training and commissions, enabling them to serve as officers aboard merchant ships operating under naval control during wartime. The Reserve played a significant role during both World Wars, ensuring vital supply lines remained open by manning and protecting merchant vessels. In 1938, it was officially renamed the Naval Reserve Merchant Marine, and its legacy continues today in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program, supporting the Navy’s sealift and logistics missions.

Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, Detachment B (MWCS-28 Det B) is a subordinate unit of MWCS-28, part of the United States Marine Corps' aviation command and control structure under the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Established to provide expeditionary communications support, Det B has played a critical role in ensuring reliable command, control, and data services for aviation operations. Over its history, the detachment has deployed in support of numerous exercises, contingency operations, and overseas deployments, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. MWCS-28 Det B continues to uphold its mission by delivering robust and adaptable communications capabilities to enable Marine aviation success.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 (MWSS-272), known as the "Untouchables," was activated on June 6, 1986, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. As part of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, MWSS-272 provides essential aviation ground support to enable Marine aviation operations. The squadron has participated in major exercises and operations, including deployments in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. MWSS-272 continues to play a vital role in expeditionary airfield support, fueling, engineering, and logistics for Marine Corps aviation missions worldwide.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 (MWSS-274), known as the "Ironmen," was activated on June 2, 1986, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The squadron provides aviation ground support to enable Marine aviation operations, including airfield construction, fuel operations, and aircraft rescue and firefighting. MWSS-274 has deployed in support of major operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout its history, the unit has earned recognition for its adaptability and dedication to supporting Marine aviation missions worldwide.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 (NMCB-27), known as the "Skibees," is a unit of the United States Navy Seabees. Originally commissioned in 1942 during World War II, NMCB-27 supported critical construction operations in the Pacific Theater, building airfields, bases, and infrastructure. The battalion was decommissioned after the war but reactivated in the 1960s as a reserve unit, continuing to provide construction and engineering support during peacetime and contingency operations. Over the years, NMCB-27 has participated in various missions worldwide, including deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating versatility and resilience in both combat and humanitarian environments.

**VFMAT-101**, also known as Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, was a United States Marine Corps squadron established in 1969 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The unit’s primary mission was to provide advanced training for Marine Corps aviators and naval flight officers in the F-4 Phantom II, later transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet. Over its five decades of service, VFMAT-101 was instrumental in preparing generations of Marine Corps fighter pilots and weapon systems officers for operational assignments. The squadron, widely recognized by its callsign “Sharpshooters,” was deactivated in September 2019 as part of a broader modernization effort within Marine Corps aviation.

Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VMCJ-2) was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit formed in the 1950s. Based primarily at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, the squadron was tasked with providing aerial photographic and electronic reconnaissance. VMCJ-2 operated various aircraft, including the RF-8 Crusader and EA-6A Intruder, supporting Marine Corps and joint operations during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. The squadron was deactivated in 1975, with its missions and assets absorbed by other Marine Corps aviation units.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251), known as the "Thunderbolts," was originally commissioned in 1941 as VMF-251. The squadron saw combat during World War II in the Solomon Islands campaign, supporting Allied operations in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VMFA-251 transitioned through various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F-4 Phantom II, and the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting the evolution of Marine Corps aviation. The unit participated in numerous operations, including Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom, consistently demonstrating its versatility and combat effectiveness before being deactivated in 2020.

The 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines (2/27), was activated during World War II as part of the 5th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps. The battalion is most renowned for its participation in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, where it played a critical role in the intense fighting to capture Mount Suribachi and secure the island. After World War II, the battalion was deactivated, but it was later reactivated and served during the Vietnam War, engaging in several major operations, including Operation Allen Brook and Operation Oklahoma Hills. Throughout its history, 2/27 has distinguished itself with valor and professionalism in some of the Marine Corps’ most challenging campaigns.

The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), was activated on May 1, 1942, and served as an integral part of the 1st Marine Brigade during World War II. The battalion participated in key Pacific campaigns, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, earning a distinguished combat record. Throughout the Cold War, 2/3 continued to serve with the 1st Marine Brigade, deploying to crisis zones and conducting training exercises in the Asia-Pacific region. Its legacy is marked by adaptability, valor, and a commitment to the Marine Corps' expeditionary mission until its deactivation in 2022.

The 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (2nd LAAD), United States Marine Corps, was activated on September 1, 1982, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The unit’s primary mission was to provide close-in, low altitude, surface-to-air weapons fire to defend Marine air-ground task force assets from enemy air attack. Equipped with the shoulder-launched Stinger missile system, 2nd LAAD played a crucial role in both training exercises and operational deployments, including support for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s. The battalion was deactivated on September 28, 2007, as part of the Marine Corps’ force restructuring initiatives.

The 3rd 175 Gun Battery was a heavy artillery unit formed during World War II as part of the British Royal Artillery. Equipped with 175mm guns, the battery was primarily tasked with providing long-range fire support for field armies during major campaigns in Northwest Europe. The unit played a crucial role during the Normandy landings and subsequent advance across France, delivering precise and powerful bombardments against enemy fortifications and troop concentrations. After the war, the battery was disbanded as part of the postwar reorganization of British artillery forces.