U.S. Marine Corps

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.

Certainly! Here is a brief military history for the 3rd and 1st Landing Support Battalion (LSB) and the Marine Service Support Group 31 (MSSG-31): The 3rd Landing Support Battalion (LSB), originally activated during World War II, has played a crucial role in supporting amphibious operations and logistics for the III Marine Expeditionary Force, primarily in the Pacific region. Similarly, the 1st LSB has provided essential landing support and beachhead management for the I Marine Expeditionary Force, particularly during major conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Marine Service Support Group 31 (MSSG-31), now known as Combat Logistics Battalion 31 (CLB-31), has historically served as the logistics combat element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combat operations throughout the Asia-Pacific. Together, these units have demonstrated adaptability and resilience, ensuring sustained combat power and mission success across a wide range of military operations.

The Communications Technician was a specialized military role established during World War II, as advances in technology made secure and reliable communications increasingly vital to military operations. Initially tasked with operating and maintaining radio, telegraph, and cryptographic equipment, Communications Technicians played a crucial role in intercepting enemy signals and ensuring the integrity of friendly transmissions. Throughout the Cold War, their responsibilities expanded to include electronic surveillance, signal analysis, and cyber defense, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. Today, Communications Technicians remain essential to modern militaries, supporting command and control systems, secure data networks, and information warfare capabilities across all branches of service.

The Dental Clinic at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina, has a longstanding mission of supporting the dental readiness and oral health of Marine recruits and personnel. Established to ensure that new Marines are fit for service, the clinic provides comprehensive dental care as part of the initial recruit training process. Over the decades, its staff has played a vital role in maintaining operational readiness by treating dental emergencies, conducting routine exams, and implementing preventive care programs. The clinic’s commitment to excellence supports the overall mission of MCRD Parris Island: transforming civilians into United States Marines.

Certainly! However, there is no known historical record of a military unit specifically called "H&M’s Beaufort SC." You may be referring to a unit stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina, such as those at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort or Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Here is a short military history for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort: Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, established in 1943, has played a critical role in United States military aviation history. Originally opened during World War II, the base became an essential training and operational hub for Marine Corps aviation units. Today, MCAS Beaufort is home to several fighter attack squadrons flying the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-35B Lightning II, supporting both national defense and joint-service training. Its strategic location and advanced facilities make it a cornerstone for Marine Corps aviation readiness on the East Coast. If you meant a different unit, please provide more details!

H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2 was a detachment of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 36 (H&MS-36), part of Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36) within the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing of the United States Marine Corps. Active during the Vietnam War, Sub Unit 2 provided essential aviation maintenance and logistical support for helicopter operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. The unit’s personnel were responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft, ensuring the operational readiness of helicopters supporting combat and resupply missions. H&MS-36 Sub Unit 2 contributed significantly to the overall mission effectiveness of Marine aviation units in the region before being deactivated following the reduction of U.S. forces in Vietnam.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265), known as the "Dragons," was activated on October 1, 1962. The squadron gained distinction during the Vietnam War, conducting troop insertions, resupply missions, and medical evacuations under heavy fire. HMM-265 participated in key operations such as Operation Starlite and the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. Over the years, the squadron transitioned to the MV-22 Osprey platform and was redesignated as VMM-265, continuing its legacy of excellence in assault support missions across the Asia-Pacific region.

HMM-362, known as the "Ugly Angels," was a distinguished United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron activated in April 1952. The unit gained historical prominence as the first Marine helicopter squadron to deploy to Vietnam, landing in April 1962 and supporting Operation SHUFLY. Throughout the Vietnam War, HMM-362 conducted critical troop transport, medical evacuation, and resupply missions under hazardous conditions. After decades of service and several redesignations, the squadron was deactivated in 2012, leaving a legacy of valor and innovation in Marine Corps aviation history.

**HQMC-Enlisted Assignments** is a key administrative unit within the Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), responsible for the assignment, career progression, and personnel management of enlisted Marines across the United States Marine Corps. Established to centralize and streamline the assignment process, this unit ensures that the right Marine is placed in the right billet to meet operational and institutional needs. Over the decades, HQMC-Enlisted Assignments has evolved with advances in personnel management systems and the changing requirements of the Corps, adapting its processes to support both peacetime and wartime missions. Its efforts are vital in maintaining the readiness, morale, and professional development of the enlisted force.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) is a forward-deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force headquartered in Okinawa, Japan. Established in 1942 during World War II, III MEF played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, including key battles such as Bougainville and Iwo Jima. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, III MEF has maintained a robust presence in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting contingency operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises with allied nations. Today, III MEF remains vital to U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, providing rapid-response capabilities for crisis response and regional security.

Marine Air Control Squadron 1 (MACS-1) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit first activated during World War II in 1943. Originally established as Air Warning Squadron 1, it played a critical role in providing aerial surveillance and early warning during Pacific campaigns, including the Battle of Okinawa. Over the decades, MACS-1 has supported various operations, from the Korean and Vietnam Wars to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and more recently, Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Today, MACS-1 continues to provide air surveillance, airspace management, and control of aircraft and ground-based air defense assets in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.

Marine Air Control Squadron 3 (MACS-3) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit originally activated during World War II. Established in 1944, MACS-3 provided air surveillance, early warning, and tactical air control for Marine aviation forces. The squadron played key roles during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, supporting air defense and controlling aircraft in combat operations. MACS-3 was eventually deactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy lives on through its contributions to Marine Corps aviation command and control capabilities.

Marine Barracks Brunswick, Maine was established in the early 1940s during World War II to provide security and support for Naval Air Station Brunswick. The Marines stationed there were tasked with base defense, access control, and overseeing the security of aviation assets. Throughout its operational years, the barracks played a crucial role in supporting naval aviation training and operations in the region. The unit was deactivated following the closure of the Naval Air Station as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, marking the end of its military presence in Brunswick.

Marine Air Traffic Control Unit 60 (MATCU-60) was a specialized air traffic control detachment operating under Marine Air Base Squadron 15 (MABS-15) at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, during the Cold War era. Established to provide expeditionary air traffic control services, MATCU-60 played a crucial role in supporting Marine aviation operations, ensuring safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the region. The unit was integral to joint training exercises and operational readiness, working alongside U.S. and allied forces throughout the Western Pacific. MATCU-60 was eventually deactivated as part of Marine Corps force restructuring, with its mission and personnel absorbed into other aviation command and control units.

The Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) was established in 1970 at Camp Pendleton, California, to provide technical support for the Marine Corps’ command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems. Originally focused on supporting tactical data systems, MCTSSA’s mission expanded over the decades to include testing, integration, and fielding of emerging digital technologies. Throughout its history, MCTSSA has played a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of Marine Corps warfighting systems. Today, it remains a vital component of the Marine Corps Systems Command, providing engineering, technical, and acquisition support for both current and future Marine Corps systems.

Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 (MWCS-38) is a communications unit of the United States Marine Corps, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. Activated in 1952, MWCS-38 has provided vital expeditionary communications support for aviation command and control operations, both in training and combat environments. The squadron has played critical roles during major conflicts, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, ensuring robust and secure communications for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Over the decades, MWCS-38 has earned a reputation for technical excellence and adaptability, supporting Marine aviation operations worldwide.

Marine Wing Support Group 37 (MWSG-37) is a unit of the United States Marine Corps, established in 1953. Its primary mission is to provide aviation ground support to Marine aircraft wings, ensuring operational readiness and logistical support during both peacetime and combat operations. Throughout its history, MWSG-37 has supported numerous exercises and operations, including deployments to the Middle East for Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, the unit continues to play a vital role in supporting Marine aviation forces worldwide.

The PMO/cID:NIS refers to the Provost Marshal’s Office/Criminal Investigation Division: Naval Investigative Service, a specialized unit within the United States Navy. Established formally in the early 1970s, the NIS evolved from traditional naval policing and investigative roles, focusing on criminal investigations, counterintelligence, and security matters within naval installations. The unit played key roles in major Cold War espionage cases and the enforcement of military law and order aboard ships and shore stations. In 1992, the NIS was reorganized and expanded to become the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), taking on broader responsibilities in counterterrorism, cybercrime, and global law enforcement in support of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The SOMS Crash Crew, originally established in the mid-20th century, served as the primary aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) unit for the Station Operations and Maintenance Squadron (SOMS) at various U.S. military air stations. Tasked with rapid emergency response, the Crash Crew was trained to handle aircraft fires, hazardous material incidents, and personnel rescue missions on the flight line. Over the decades, they became renowned for their expertise, discipline, and crucial support during both peacetime operations and crisis situations. Their legacy endures in the high standards of safety and readiness they set for all subsequent ARFF units in the armed forces.

Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311), known as the “Tomcats,” was originally commissioned in December 1942 as Marine Fighter Squadron 311 (VMF-311). The squadron distinguished itself during World War II, particularly in the Pacific theater, and later became the first Marine squadron to fly jet aircraft in combat during the Korean War. VMA-311 played a significant role in the Vietnam War, conducting close air support and attack missions. Over its storied history, the squadron operated various aircraft, including the F9F Panther, A-4 Skyhawk, and AV-8B Harrier II, before being deactivated in October 2020.

Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513), known as the "Flying Nightmares," was originally activated during World War II in 1944. The squadron distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater, providing close air support and night fighter capabilities. Over the decades, VMA-513 participated in major conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and later operations in Afghanistan, flying various aircraft such as the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, and AV-8B Harrier II. VMA-513 became renowned for pioneering night attack tactics and was deactivated in 2013 after nearly 70 years of service.

Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 121 (VMA(AW)-121), known as the "Green Knights," was activated during World War II and originally operated as a dive bomber squadron. The unit transitioned to the A-6 Intruder in the 1960s, becoming a premier all-weather attack squadron for the United States Marine Corps. VMA(AW)-121 participated in major conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, providing close air support and precision strikes. The squadron was later redesignated as VMFA-121, transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and eventually the F-35B Lightning II, continuing its legacy of combat aviation excellence.

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ-4), also known as the "Seahawks," was a United States Marine Corps electronic warfare squadron established in 1981. The unit operated the EA-6B Prowler, providing tactical electronic warfare support, including jamming enemy radar and communications, to Marine and joint forces. VMAQ-4 participated in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron was deactivated on June 2, 2017, as part of the Marine Corps' transition away from the EA-6B platform.