U.S. Marine Corps

Kilo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (Kilo 1/10), is an artillery unit within the United States Marine Corps, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Activated during World War II, the unit provided direct and general artillery support to Marine infantry units in key operations across the Pacific theater. Over the decades, Kilo 1/10 has participated in significant conflicts, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The battery is renowned for its precision fire support, adaptability, and steadfast commitment to the Marine Corps' mission worldwide.

Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is the United States Marine Corps component of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), officially established in 2006. MARSOC traces its roots to elite Marine units involved in special operations dating back to World War II, such as the Marine Raiders. Its primary mission is to provide tailored, scalable special operations forces capable of conducting direct action, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense worldwide. Since its inception, MARSOC operators, known as Raiders, have played key roles in the Global War on Terrorism, conducting missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions.

Marine Aircraft Group 43 (MAG-43) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit activated during World War II. Established in January 1943, MAG-43 was initially responsible for supporting Marine air operations in the Pacific Theater, particularly in the Solomon Islands and later in the Philippines. The unit played a significant role in the organization and direction of Marine air support, including air defense and tactical air control. After the war, MAG-43 continued to serve in various capacities before being deactivated, leaving a legacy of effective command and control within Marine aviation operations.

**Military History of MARBKS NAVMAG LLL HI:** The Marine Barracks Naval Magazine Lualualei, Hawaii (MARBKS NAVMAG LLL HI), serves as the Marine Corps security detachment for the U.S. Navy’s Lualualei Naval Magazine on Oahu. Established during World War II, the barracks provided vital security and support for the storage and distribution of munitions critical to Pacific operations. Over the decades, its Marines have maintained readiness for both base defense and emergency response, safeguarding one of the largest ammunition depots in the Pacific theater. Today, MARBKS NAVMAG LLL HI continues its mission, ensuring the security of essential naval assets while supporting joint operational requirements in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marine Barracks Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was established in 1898 following the U.S. seizure of Guantanamo Bay during the Spanish-American War. The unit’s primary mission has been the security and defense of the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo, making it one of the oldest continuously operating overseas Marine posts. Over the years, Marines stationed there have played key roles in base security, crisis response, and regional stability, particularly during periods of heightened tension such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, Marine Barracks Guantanamo Bay continues to provide vital security and support functions for the naval installation.

Marine Barracks, Naval Base, Brooklyn, NY, was established in the mid-19th century to serve the Brooklyn Navy Yard, one of the most important naval shipbuilding facilities in the United States. The Marines stationed at the barracks provided security, enforced discipline, and protected naval assets throughout periods of conflict, including the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. They also played a ceremonial role and assisted in ship commissioning and decommissioning operations. The barracks remained active until the closure of the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1966, after which the Marine detachment was withdrawn and the facility repurposed.

The Marine Combat Photographer is a specialized role within the United States Marine Corps, tracing its origins back to World War II when documenting combat operations became vital for intelligence, training, and historical records. These Marines are trained to capture still and motion imagery in some of the most dangerous and challenging environments, often operating alongside infantry units on the front lines. Over the decades, Marine Combat Photographers have documented conflicts from Korea and Vietnam to the Middle East, providing critical visual records for operational analysis and public affairs. Their work not only preserves history but also supports strategic communications, morale, and the legacy of the Marine Corps.

Marine Security Forces Rota, Spain, are a detachment of the United States Marine Corps tasked with providing security for Naval Station Rota, a key strategic base for U.S. and NATO operations in the Mediterranean region. Established in the late 20th century, the unit’s mission includes safeguarding critical assets, protecting personnel, and supporting force protection measures in coordination with U.S. Navy and Spanish military counterparts. Over the years, Marine Security Forces Rota have played a vital role in enhancing the station’s readiness and security posture, particularly during periods of heightened regional tension. Their presence underscores the importance of U.S.-Spanish defense cooperation and the base’s role as a forward hub for military operations and logistics.

Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28, Detachment Bravo (MWCS-28 Det Bravo), is a specialized communications unit within the United States Marine Corps. Established as part of the larger MWCS-28, Detachment Bravo has provided critical tactical communications support to aviation and ground units since its inception. Throughout its history, Det Bravo has deployed in support of major operations, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, ensuring robust and secure communications in austere environments. The detachment is known for its technical expertise, adaptability, and vital role in enabling command and control for Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations.

Marine Wing Support Group 18 (MWSG-18) was activated on July 1, 1953, and is a United States Marine Corps aviation ground support unit. Throughout its history, MWSG-18 has provided essential aviation combat service support to Marine Aircraft Wing operations, primarily in the Pacific region. The group participated in numerous exercises and supported operations in Okinawa, Japan, as well as deployments to the Middle East during Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. MWSG-18 played a critical role in maintaining airfield operations, engineering, and logistics for Marine aviation units until its deactivation in 2020 as part of the Corps' force modernization efforts.

Marine Air Traffic Control Unit 66 (MATCU-66) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit activated during the Vietnam War. Established in the 1960s, MATCU-66 was responsible for providing air traffic control and airspace management for Marine aviation assets in combat zones, notably supporting operations at various airfields in South Vietnam. The unit played a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during critical combat missions and resupply operations. MATCU-66 was eventually deactivated as part of the post-war drawdown, but its contributions to Marine Corps aviation command and control remain significant in military history.

Marine Air Traffic Control Unit 75 (MATCU-75) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit established to provide expeditionary air traffic control services. Activated during the Vietnam War era, MATCU-75 played a critical role in managing airspace and coordinating the safe movement of both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft in combat zones. The unit supported various Marine aviation operations by establishing and operating air traffic control facilities in austere, forward-deployed locations. MATCU-75 was eventually redesignated or deactivated as Marine Corps aviation command and control capabilities evolved and were consolidated into larger, more modern units.

Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) at NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA, has a distinguished history supporting the training and administrative needs of Marine Corps personnel attached to Navy aviation schools. Originally established to streamline Marine Corps aviation training within Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, MATSG ensures Marines receive specialized instruction in aviation technical fields alongside their Navy counterparts. Over the years, MATSG Whidbey Island has played a crucial role in preparing enlisted Marines for roles in electronic warfare and aircraft maintenance, supporting vital fleet readiness. The unit continues to foster Marine-Navy integration and excellence in aviation training, contributing to the operational effectiveness of Marine aviation forces worldwide.

MAWTUPAC, short for Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Unit Pacific, was established in the early 1980s to enhance the tactical proficiency of Marine Corps aviation units operating in the Pacific theater. The unit rapidly gained a reputation for its innovative training programs, focusing on advanced air-to-ground and air-to-air tactics, and integrating new technologies into Marine aviation doctrine. Over the decades, MAWTUPAC instructors played a pivotal role in preparing Marine aviators for deployments to hotspots such as the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and the South China Sea. Today, MAWTUPAC continues to serve as the premier center for aviation tactics development and training within the Pacific region, maintaining a legacy of excellence and adaptability.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, has served as a pivotal U.S. military installation since World War II. The Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) Supply unit at MCAS Iwakuni plays a vital role in supporting aviation and base operations by managing logistics, procurement, and distribution of essential supplies. Over the decades, H&HS Supply has adapted to evolving mission requirements, including supporting forward-deployed Marine and Navy aviation units and joint operations with Japanese forces. Their continued commitment ensures the operational readiness and sustainability of MCAS Iwakuni’s mission in the Indo-Pacific region.

MCAS Marble Mountain, officially known as Marble Mountain Air Facility (MMAF), was established by the United States Marine Corps in August 1965, just south of Da Nang in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The base served as a major helicopter facility, supporting Marine, Navy, and Army aviation units conducting combat, resupply, and medevac missions throughout I Corps. MMAF played a crucial role during major operations such as Operation Starlite and the Tet Offensive, providing close air support and logistical support to ground forces. The facility was frequently targeted by enemy attacks until its turnover to the South Vietnamese in August 1971 as part of the U.S. withdrawal.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar's Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) unit has a distinguished history of providing rapid emergency response and fire protection services for the air station and its aircraft. Established as part of MCAS Miramar’s essential support operations, the CFR unit has played a critical role since the air station’s transition from Navy to Marine Corps control in 1997. The unit is staffed by highly trained Marines and civilian firefighters, specializing in aircraft rescue, firefighting, and hazardous material response. Over the years, MCAS Miramar CFR has responded to numerous emergencies, both on the airfield and within the local community, demonstrating its commitment to safety, readiness, and support for military aviation operations.

**MCCRTG-10** (Marine Corps Combat Readiness Training Group Ten) was established in the early 1990s to enhance the combat readiness of deploying Marine units on the West Coast. Based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, MCCRTG-10 specialized in designing and conducting realistic, scenario-based training exercises that simulated modern battlefield conditions. The unit played a key role in preparing Marine battalions for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing advanced pre-deployment training and evaluation. MCCRTG-10’s expertise in combined arms training contributed significantly to the operational effectiveness of Marine forces during the Global War on Terror.

**MCDOSET** (Maritime Counter-Disaster Operations Special Emergency Team) was established in 2008 as a specialized unit tasked with rapid response to maritime disasters and emergencies. The unit was formed in response to increasing threats from piracy, terrorism, and natural disasters affecting maritime domains. Drawing personnel from elite naval and marine forces, MCDOSET quickly gained recognition for its expertise in boarding operations, ship salvage, and maritime rescue missions. Over the years, the unit has been deployed in numerous high-profile incidents, earning a reputation for professionalism, adaptability, and operational effectiveness.

Marine Corps Installations Pacific Headquarters and Support Battalion, Okinawa (MCIPAC H&S BN OKINAWA), is a vital unit within the United States Marine Corps responsible for providing administrative, operational, and logistical support to Marines and civilian personnel stationed throughout the Pacific region. Established to enhance the efficiency of base operations, the battalion plays a key role in supporting the mission of Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC), particularly on Okinawa, Japan—a strategic hub for U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific. Over the years, MCIPAC H&S BN has facilitated readiness and quality of life initiatives, ensuring that forward-deployed units are well-supported. The battalion continues to serve as the backbone of base operations, adapting to evolving strategic demands in the region.

The MOS 0161 is designated for Distribution Management Specialists in the United States Marine Corps. This military occupational specialty was established to streamline and coordinate the complex logistics, embarkation, and distribution processes essential to Marine Corps operations. Marines in this MOS have played a critical role in supporting campaigns from Operation Desert Storm through the Global War on Terror, ensuring that troops receive vital supplies and equipment efficiently. Over time, the 0161 MOS has adapted to incorporate modern logistics technologies and best practices, maintaining its importance in expeditionary and garrison environments alike.

The Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment Athens, Greece, is a unit of the United States Marine Corps assigned to protect the U.S. Embassy and its personnel in Athens. Established in the aftermath of increased security threats to diplomatic missions worldwide, the detachment has played a critical role in ensuring the safety of American diplomats since its activation in the mid-20th century. The unit has responded to a variety of security challenges, including political unrest, terrorism, and protests, particularly during periods of heightened tension in the region. Throughout its history, MSG Athens has maintained a reputation for professionalism and vigilance, contributing significantly to the security of U.S. interests in Greece.

**Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 (MWHS-1)** is a United States Marine Corps unit that serves as the headquarters element for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Activated during World War II in July 1941, MWHS-1 played a vital role in providing command, administrative support, and communications for aviation operations throughout the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, the unit has supported numerous operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and recent deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Today, MWHS-1 remains based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, continuing its mission to support the command and control of Marine aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

**Marine Wing Support Group 27, Detachment B, Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS), Beaufort, SC** has a distinguished history supporting Marine Corps aviation operations. Initially established as part of the larger Marine Wing Support Group 27, Detachment B provided vital aviation ground support at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. The detachment worked closely with Marine Air Control Squadron units, ensuring effective airfield operations, communications, and logistical support for both training and operational deployments. Over the years, Mwsg 27 Det B contributed significantly to the readiness and operational success of Marine aviation forces on the East Coast, supporting exercises and real-world contingencies. Their legacy reflects the Marine Corps’ emphasis on integrated support and expeditionary aviation capability.