U.S. Marine Corps

The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), known as the "Island Warriors," was activated on May 1, 1942, at Camp Elliott, California. The unit distinguished itself in World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Throughout its history, 2/3 deployed to numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism, with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The battalion was deactivated on January 21, 2022, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, as part of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 restructuring efforts.

Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., established in 1801, is the oldest active post in the United States Marine Corps. Known as “8th & I” for its location, the Barracks has served as the official residence of the Commandant of the Marine Corps since its founding. Throughout its history, it has provided ceremonial units for presidential inaugurations, state functions, and national events, showcasing Marine Corps precision and discipline. The Barracks is also renowned for its elite ceremonial units, including the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Platoon.

The 10th Marines is an artillery regiment of the United States Marine Corps, first activated in 1918 during World War I. Initially formed as an infantry unit, it soon transitioned to field artillery and provided crucial fire support during World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. The regiment continued its distinguished service during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and in more recent operations including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, the 10th Marines remains an integral part of the 2nd Marine Division, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, providing artillery support and maintaining combat readiness.

8TH COMM

75 members

The 8th Communication Battalion (8TH COMM) is a United States Marine Corps unit established in 1951. It is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and falls under the command of II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). The battalion provides tactical and strategic communications support, enabling command and control for Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations across the globe. Throughout its history, 8TH COMM has supported major conflicts and humanitarian missions, including operations in the Middle East, the Balkans, and disaster relief efforts.

5TH MARINE REGIMENT

74 members

The 5th Marine Regiment, known as "5th Marines," is one of the most decorated regiments in the United States Marine Corps, officially activated in 1917. The unit distinguished itself during World War I at Belleau Wood, earning the French Fourragère for its valor. Throughout World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror, the 5th Marines participated in key battles, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Inchon, and Fallujah. The regiment continues to serve as a vital component of the 1st Marine Division, maintaining a legacy of honor, courage, and commitment.

9TH MARINES

74 members

The 9th Marines, officially known as the 9th Marine Regiment, was activated in 1917 and has played a significant role in several major conflicts involving the United States Marine Corps. During World War II, the regiment was part of the 3rd Marine Division and participated in key battles in the Pacific, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. The 9th Marines also saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting operations in the northern provinces and along the DMZ. The regiment was deactivated in 1994, but its legacy endures as a symbol of Marine Corps valor and effectiveness in combat.

MCB-40, known as Mobile Construction Battalion Forty or the "Fighting Forty," was a United States Navy Seabee unit established in 1952. The battalion played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, constructing airfields, roads, and support facilities for U.S. and allied forces throughout Southeast Asia. Over the decades, MCB-40 also supported numerous peacetime construction and disaster relief missions in the Pacific and elsewhere, showcasing Seabee versatility. The unit was decommissioned in 1994 as part of post–Cold War military restructuring, leaving a legacy of engineering excellence and service.

The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2), known as "Warlords," is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, formed in July 1925. The battalion saw extensive combat in World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. During the Gulf War, 2/2 took part in Operation Desert Storm and has since deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The "Warlords" continue to serve as a key element of the 2nd Marine Division, maintaining a high state of readiness for crisis response around the globe.

The 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, known as 2nd Force Recon, is a distinguished United States Marine Corps unit specializing in deep reconnaissance and direct action missions. Activated in June 1958 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the company provided vital intelligence and specialized support for the 2nd Marine Division and Marine Expeditionary Units. Over the decades, 2nd Force Recon Marines participated in major operations, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting high-risk missions behind enemy lines. In 2006, the company was deactivated, with many of its personnel and responsibilities transitioning to the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and the creation of Marine Special Operations Battalions.

6th Marine Division

72 members

The 6th Marine Division was activated in September 1944 during World War II, drawing its core from experienced regiments of the Marine Corps. It is most famous for its pivotal role in the Battle of Okinawa, one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater, where the division fought fiercely from April to June 1945. The division earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions on Okinawa and later participated in the occupation of northern China. The 6th Marine Division was deactivated in March 1946, having served with distinction in its brief but intense existence.

The Anti Submarine Defense Force Atlantic was established during World War II in response to the growing threat of German U-boats in the Atlantic Ocean. Its primary mission was to protect Allied convoys by detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy submarines using a combination of surface ships, aircraft, and sonar technology. The unit played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic, significantly reducing shipping losses and ensuring the steady flow of troops and supplies to Europe. After the war, the force continued to evolve, adapting to new submarine threats during the Cold War and remaining a key component of maritime security in the Atlantic region.

The 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines (1/2), originally activated in 1941, is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, historically part of the 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. While its traditional home has been Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, elements of 1/2 have periodically deployed or trained in Hawaii, particularly at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, for advanced amphibious and jungle warfare exercises in the Pacific theater. The battalion has seen combat in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, earning a reputation for valor and effectiveness. 1/2 Marines continue to serve as a rapid-response force, ready to deploy worldwide in support of U.S. interests.

The 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines (3/10) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated during World War II in 1941. The battalion participated in significant Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing crucial fire support to Marine infantry units. After World War II, 3/10 was deactivated but reactivated during the Cold War, serving in various capacities, including deployments to Lebanon in 1958 and the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In more recent history, 3/10 contributed forces to operations in the Middle East, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, before its deactivation in 2013 as part of Marine Corps force restructuring.

MAG 11

71 members

Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11) is a distinguished aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps, first commissioned on August 1, 1941. During World War II, MAG-11 played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, supporting major campaigns such as Guadalcanal, New Britain, and the Philippines. In the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the group provided vital air support, earning numerous unit commendations for its combat effectiveness. Today, MAG-11 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and continues to deliver combat-ready aviation capabilities in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations worldwide.

Marine Barracks Hawaii traces its origins to 1914, when it was established to provide security and support for the growing U.S. naval presence at Pearl Harbor. Throughout World War II, Marines from the barracks played a critical role in defending Oahu and supporting operations across the Pacific theater. Over the decades, the unit has evolved to serve as a key base for the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific, supporting training, force deployment, and regional security initiatives. Today, Marine Barracks Hawaii continues its legacy of readiness and service, upholding its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE (MCB-3), known as the "Better Than Best," is a distinguished unit of the United States Navy Seabees. Commissioned in 1942, MCB-3 played a vital role in World War II, constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure across the Pacific theater, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. The battalion continued its service in subsequent conflicts, notably supporting operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars by building critical facilities under combat conditions. In peacetime and during humanitarian missions, MCB-3 has provided engineering support and disaster relief worldwide, exemplifying the Seabees’ motto, "We Build, We Fight."

**1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Bravo Company**—known as “B Co, 1/9”—has a distinguished and storied history within the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1942, the battalion saw heavy combat in the Pacific during World War II, including the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Bravo Company continued its legacy during the Vietnam War, where 1/9 earned the nickname "The Walking Dead" due to sustaining some of the highest casualty rates of any Marine unit. In subsequent decades, Bravo Company participated in operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, exemplifying courage and commitment in every era.

The Headquarters Battery, 11th Marines, serves as the command and control hub for the 11th Marine Regiment, a renowned artillery unit of the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1918, the regiment and its HQ battery have provided vital fire support and operational leadership in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror. The HQ battery coordinates logistics, communications, and tactical fire missions, ensuring the effectiveness of subordinate artillery battalions. Throughout its distinguished service, the 11th Marines HQ Battery has exemplified adaptability and professionalism in supporting Marine Corps operations worldwide.

The 2nd Maintenance Battalion (2nd Maint Bn) is a United States Marine Corps unit that provides intermediate-level maintenance support to II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) units, primarily based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Established in 1952, the battalion has supported numerous operations, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, ensuring the readiness and sustainability of Marine Corps ground equipment. Over the decades, 2nd Maint Bn has adapted to evolving technology and warfare requirements, maintaining a reputation for technical proficiency and mission accomplishment. Today, the battalion continues to play a vital role in sustaining II MEF's operational capabilities both at home and abroad.

The 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines (3/11) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, established in May 1942 during World War II. The unit saw significant combat in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. Reactivated for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, 3/11 provided crucial fire support in key engagements. In recent decades, the battalion has participated in Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, continuing its legacy of artillery excellence within the 1st Marine Division.

Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor was officially established in 1917 on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to support the growing role of submarines in U.S. naval strategy. During World War II, the base became a vital hub for submarine operations in the Pacific, serving as a homeport, repair, and resupply center for submarines conducting patrols against Japanese shipping. Submarines operating from Pearl Harbor played a decisive role in cutting off enemy supply lines and gathering intelligence. Today, the base is part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and continues to support the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet submarine force, maintaining its legacy as a cornerstone of undersea warfare.

The 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (2nd ANGLICO), Fleet Marine Force (FMF), was originally activated in 1950 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to provide specialized fire support coordination and liaison capabilities for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces and allied units. Throughout its history, 2nd ANGLICO has played a critical role in integrating naval gunfire, close air support, and artillery fires in support of joint and coalition operations, including deployments during the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism. The unit is renowned for its expertise in supporting unconventional warfare and working alongside partner nation forces. Today, 2nd ANGLICO continues to serve as a vital asset for the U.S. Marine Corps, ensuring the effective employment of supporting arms across a range of military operations.

Quantico, Virginia, is renowned as the home of Marine Corps Base Quantico, established in 1917. Originally a training camp during World War I, it quickly became a pivotal center for Marine Corps education, innovation, and leadership development. Over the years, Quantico has hosted key institutions such as the Marine Corps University, Officer Candidates School, and the FBI Academy. Today, it remains a critical hub for training, research, and coordination for both the U.S. Marine Corps and allied defense organizations.

**1RECON MARINE** is a designation often associated with the elite 1st Reconnaissance Battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Established in World War II, the battalion quickly earned a reputation for its expertise in amphibious reconnaissance and deep reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. Throughout its history, 1st Recon Marines have played pivotal roles in major conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where their stealth, intelligence gathering, and combat skills have been crucial. The unit continues to serve as the Marine Corps’ premier reconnaissance force, specializing in special operations, surveillance, and direct action missions worldwide.