U.S. Marine Corps

The **22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group (22 MSSG)**, now known as the **Combat Logistics Battalion 22 (CLB-22)**, was the logistics element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Activated in the 1980s, the 22 MSSG provided critical combat service support, including supply, maintenance, transportation, and medical services, to enable the MEU’s operations ashore and afloat. The unit participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and the Middle East, supporting missions such as humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, and combat operations. In 2006, as part of a Marine Corps-wide reorganization, the 22 MSSG was redesignated as CLB-22, continuing its legacy of providing vital logistical support to the 22nd MEU.

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.

**3rd Recruit Training Battalion (3RDBN), Recruit Training Regiment (RTR), Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD):** The 3rd Recruit Training Battalion (3RDBN) is a key component of the Recruit Training Regiment (RTR) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego. Established as part of the Marine Corps’ commitment to transforming civilians into United States Marines, the battalion has a distinguished history of shaping recruits since World War II. Over the decades, 3RDBN has adapted its training methods to meet evolving military needs while upholding the Corps’ core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Today, 3RDBN continues to play a vital role in preparing new Marines for service, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and the warrior ethos.

The 6th Marine Corps Recruiting District is a key component of the United States Marine Corps’ recruiting command, responsible for enlisting qualified men and women from a broad region encompassing several southeastern states. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the district has played a vital role in supporting Marine Corps manpower needs since its establishment, adapting to changing recruitment strategies and national priorities over the years. The district’s recruiters have been instrumental in maintaining the strength and readiness of the Marine Corps, particularly during periods of conflict and increased operational demand. Through persistent outreach and community engagement, the 6th Marine Corps Recruiting District continues to uphold the Corps’ standards and traditions while meeting the challenges of modern military recruitment.

The 8th Tank Battalion was an armored unit of the United States Army, activated during World War II as part of the 4th Armored Division. The battalion played a crucial role in the European Theater, participating in the breakout from Normandy, the liberation of France, and the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Renowned for its speed and aggressiveness, the 8th Tank Battalion earned a distinguished reputation for spearheading advances and overcoming enemy defenses. After the war, the battalion was inactivated but its legacy continues to be honored within U.S. armored forces history.

The **CINCLANTFLT Marine Detachment** (Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet Marine Detachment) served as a specialized unit of United States Marine Corps personnel assigned to the staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT). Established to provide security, ceremonial, and administrative support, the detachment was based at CINCLANTFLT headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. Marines of this detachment played vital roles in both the day-to-day operations and special events, representing Marine Corps professionalism to senior Navy leadership and visiting dignitaries. Throughout its existence, the CINCLANTFLT Marine Detachment embodied the close cooperation between the Navy and Marine Corps, supporting Atlantic Fleet missions until organizational changes in the late 20th century led to its deactivation.

Company I (Co I), Marine Support Battalion, has a distinguished history within the United States Marine Corps' signals intelligence and communications support community. Established to provide direct and specialized intelligence support to Marine Corps operations, Co I has served in various global theaters, delivering critical signals intelligence, electronic warfare, and communications security. The unit has participated in both peacetime and combat operations, supporting Marine Expeditionary Units and joint task forces worldwide. Renowned for its technical expertise and operational flexibility, Co I continues to play a vital role in enabling the Marine Corps’ mission success through superior intelligence support.

CSSD-36 (Combat Service Support Detachment 36) was a logistics unit within the 3rd Force Service Support Group (3D FSSG), United States Marine Corps, based in Okinawa, Japan. Activated during the late Cold War era, CSSD-36 provided critical supply, maintenance, transportation, and medical support to Marine forces deployed throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The unit was instrumental in supporting exercises, humanitarian missions, and contingency operations, ensuring the operational readiness of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. Its designation later evolved with the reorganization of Marine logistics units, but CSSD-36’s legacy continues within today’s Marine Logistics Groups. The unit’s postal address code "MCC 1EZ" was used for administrative and mail routing purposes.

Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (Echo 2/11), is a United States Marine Corps artillery unit based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Activated during World War II, the battalion provided critical fire support in key Pacific campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Echo 2/11 continued its tradition of excellence, delivering timely and accurate artillery fire in support of Marine infantry operations. In recent decades, the unit has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, adapting to modern combat environments while upholding its legacy of service.

Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), was established to provide specialized combat support and combat service support to the Marine Corps forces assigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Activated in the early Cold War era, the unit encompassed a variety of elements, including artillery, engineers, reconnaissance, and communications units, which were essential for amphibious and expeditionary operations. Throughout its history, Force Troops FMFLANT played a critical role in preparing Marine units for rapid deployment and supporting major exercises, contingency operations, and crisis responses throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. The unit’s structure and mission evolved over time, eventually integrating into broader Marine Corps command organizations as operational needs changed in the post-Cold War era.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 (HMH-363), known as the "Lucky Red Lions," was originally activated in 1952. The squadron has a distinguished history of supporting Marine Corps operations, including combat service in the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. HMH-363 operates heavy-lift helicopters, most recently the CH-53E Super Stallion, providing assault support, troop transport, and logistical resupply. Over the decades, the squadron has earned numerous awards for its operational excellence and continues to play a vital role in Marine Corps aviation.

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 Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 (MALS-36), originally activated as Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 36 in 1952, is a United States Marine Corps aviation logistics unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Throughout its history, the unit has provided critical aviation logistics support, including maintenance, supply, and ordnance, to the flying squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36). MALS-36 has played a vital role in numerous operations and exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing the operational readiness of Marine aviation forces. The unit continues to support the Marine Corps’ forward-deployed presence in the Indo-Pacific, contributing to regional security and rapid crisis response capabilities.

**Marine Support Battalion (MARSPTBN) Short History:** The Marine Support Battalion (MARSPTBN) was originally established to provide specialized operational support to the United States Marine Corps, particularly in the fields of signals intelligence, communications, and electronic warfare. Activated in the mid-20th century, the battalion played a critical role in supporting Marine operations during the Cold War and remained vital through numerous conflicts, including operations in Southwest Asia. Over the years, MARSPTBN evolved to incorporate advanced technologies and adapt to the changing landscape of modern warfare. The unit’s legacy continues today through its successor organizations within Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command and other intelligence and support elements.

The MBGDF Cuba (Marine Battalion of the Border Guards, "Batallón de Guardafronteras de Cuba") is a specialized military unit within the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, tasked primarily with coastal defense and border security. Established in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution, the unit played a significant role in safeguarding Cuban territorial waters against infiltration, smuggling, and unauthorized incursions during the height of Cold War tensions. Throughout the decades, MBGDF Cuba has participated in various national security operations, often cooperating with the Cuban Navy and other security agencies. The battalion continues to serve as a crucial component of Cuba’s maritime defense and border control strategy.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 (MWSS-174), known as the "Gators," is a United States Marine Corps aviation ground support unit. The squadron was originally activated on June 16, 1986, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. MWSS-174 played a key support role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing essential aviation ground services in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous exercises and deployments, maintaining a reputation for logistical excellence and mission readiness within the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 (NMCB 14), known as the "Seabees," is a reserve unit of the United States Navy’s Naval Construction Force. Established during World War II, NMCB 14 contributed to the construction of airfields, bases, and infrastructure in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. Over the decades, the battalion has supported a wide range of missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and combat operations in locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. NMCB 14 continues to provide vital construction and engineering support to naval and joint forces worldwide.

Sub Unit One, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), is a specialized unit of the United States Marine Corps renowned for its expertise in coordinating fire support from air, land, and sea assets. Established during the Korean War era, 1st ANGLICO and its subordinate elements have provided critical liaison capabilities to allied and joint forces, ensuring precise and effective use of supporting arms. Sub Unit One has participated in numerous operations, from the Vietnam War and Cold War deployments to more recent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit’s highly trained teams are known for their adaptability, technical proficiency, and ability to operate alongside a wide range of U.S. and allied military partners worldwide.

The US Naval Submarine School, located in Groton, Connecticut, was officially established in 1916 to provide specialized training for the crews of the Navy’s rapidly expanding submarine force. Over the decades, the school became the primary institution for developing advanced submarine tactics, technology, and safety procedures, especially during World War II and the Cold War. It has trained thousands of officers and enlisted personnel, playing a critical role in preparing crews for both diesel-electric and nuclear-powered submarines. Today, the Submarine School continues to be the cornerstone of undersea warfare training for the United States Navy, maintaining its reputation as the "Home of the Submarine Force."

Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 225 (VMA(AW)-225), known as the “Vikings,” was activated during World War II as VMSB-225 and later redesignated several times as its mission evolved. The squadron played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, conducting dive-bombing and close air support missions. Reactivated during the Vietnam War as VMA(AW)-225, the unit flew the A-6 Intruder, providing all-weather, day and night attack capabilities against enemy targets. The squadron was eventually deactivated in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of combat excellence and versatility in Marine Corps aviation history.

VMF(AW)-451, originally commissioned as Marine Fighting Squadron 451 (VMF-451) on 15 February 1944, was a United States Marine Corps fighter squadron. The unit saw action during World War II, flying F4U Corsairs from the USS Bunker Hill in the Pacific Theater and participating in major operations such as the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, the squadron underwent several redesignations, including as an all-weather fighter squadron (VMF(AW)-451), reflecting its transition to jet aircraft and an all-weather mission. The unit was ultimately deactivated on 1 September 1997, after decades of distinguished service.

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)-242), known as the "Bats," was originally commissioned in 1943 during World War II as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242). The unit has since undergone several redesignations and aircraft transitions, notably flying the A-6 Intruder in the all-weather attack role and later transitioning to the F/A-18D Hornet. VMFA(AW)-242 has participated in numerous operations, including combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and deployments supporting Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Today, the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and operates the advanced F-35B Lightning II, continuing its legacy as a premier strike fighter squadron in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VMFA(AW)-224), known as the "Bengals," was originally commissioned in 1942 as Marine Fighter Squadron 224 (VMF-224) and saw distinguished combat service in World War II, notably in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Through the decades, the squadron transitioned through various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, A-6 Intruder, and later the F/A-18D Hornet, adapting to evolving mission requirements. VMFA(AW)-224 participated in numerous operations, such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing close air support and strike capabilities. The squadron has been based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, and remains a vital component of Marine Corps aviation.

The 1st Bridge Company is a specialized engineering unit formed to provide critical bridging and river-crossing capabilities for combat and support forces. Established during World War II, the unit was instrumental in constructing tactical bridges under fire, enabling rapid advances and logistical support during key campaigns in Europe. Over the decades, the 1st Bridge Company has participated in numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions, continually adapting to new technologies and operational requirements. Today, it remains an essential asset for modern military operations, ensuring mobility and accessibility for troops in diverse environments.