U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Security Forces

38 members

Marine Security Forces (MSF) are specialized units within the United States Marine Corps tasked with providing security at critical naval installations and assets worldwide. Established during the Cold War era, these forces were initially formed to safeguard strategic resources, including nuclear weapons and key command centers. Over the decades, their role expanded to include counterterrorism, anti-sabotage, and rapid response to security threats. Today, Marine Security Forces are recognized for their rigorous training and are deployed globally to protect vital interests of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), known as the "Island Warriors," was activated in May 1942 during World War II. The battalion saw significant combat in the Pacific theater, including battles at Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. In subsequent decades, 2/3 participated in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Renowned for their adaptability and valor, the battalion has upheld a proud legacy of service and sacrifice within the United States Marine Corps.

The 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), activated in 1914, is the most decorated battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The unit earned renown during World War I at Belleau Wood, Soissons, and Blanc Mont, and continued its distinguished service through World War II in Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. In the Korean War, 2/5 fought in the Pusan Perimeter and Chosin Reservoir, followed by major operations in Vietnam, including at Hue City. More recently, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, upholding its legacy of valor and excellence in modern conflicts.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN (NMCB-7), known as the "Magnificent Seven," was first commissioned in 1942 during World War II as part of the U.S. Navy Seabees. The battalion distinguished itself by constructing vital airstrips, bases, and infrastructure in the Pacific Theater, including operations in Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Reactivated during the Cold War and serving in Vietnam, NMCB-7 continued its legacy through humanitarian missions and support of military operations worldwide. The unit deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom before being decommissioned in 2012.

1st Marine Logistics Group

35 members

The 1st Marine Logistics Group (1st MLG) was activated on July 1, 1947, as the 1st Combat Service Group at Camp Pendleton, California. Throughout its history, the unit has provided critical logistical support to Marine forces in major conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Renamed several times, it became the 1st Marine Logistics Group in 2005, reflecting its expanded mission of providing comprehensive supply, maintenance, transportation, health services, and support to the I Marine Expeditionary Force. Today, the 1st MLG remains a vital component of U.S. Marine Corps operations, ensuring combat readiness and sustainment across the globe.

The 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (2/11) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, first activated in 1918 during World War I. It saw extensive action throughout World War II, supporting Marine operations at Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa with effective artillery fire. In the Korean War, 2/11 provided crucial fire support during major engagements such as the Inchon Landing and the Chosin Reservoir campaign. More recently, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of providing artillery support and adapting to modern expeditionary warfare requirements.

The Submarine Force East Coast, often referred to as the Atlantic Submarine Force, has played a pivotal role in U.S. naval operations since its establishment in the early 20th century. Headquartered in Groton, Connecticut, it oversees the training, maintenance, and deployment of U.S. Navy submarines operating in the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. Throughout World War II and the Cold War, East Coast submarines conducted vital patrols, surveillance, and deterrence missions against enemy naval forces. Today, the Submarine Force East Coast continues to provide strategic deterrence, intelligence gathering, and support for global maritime security operations.

Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment (HQ BTY 12th Marines) was activated on 1 October 1927 as part of the 2nd Marine Brigade and has served as the command and control element for the 12th Marine Regiment, providing essential support for artillery operations. During World War II, the unit participated in key campaigns including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, and Okinawa, contributing to the success of the 3rd Marine Division in the Pacific Theater. In the decades that followed, HQ Battery supported operations during the Vietnam War and continued to participate in numerous training exercises and contingency operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Today, HQ BTY 12th Marines remains stationed at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, upholding its mission to provide command, administrative, and logistical support to the regiment.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma is a United States Marine Corps base located in Ginowan City, Okinawa, Japan. Originally constructed by the U.S. military following the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the airfield became a key strategic base for Marine aviation operations in the Pacific region during the post-World War II era. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, MCAS Futenma served as a vital hub for logistics, training, and deployment of Marine aviation units. Today, it continues to play a central role in U.S.-Japan security cooperation, although its location amid a densely populated urban area has made it a focal point of local and international debate regarding U.S. military presence on Okinawa.

The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines (2/8), known as "America's Battalion," was activated on April 1, 1940, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During World War II, the battalion participated in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In subsequent decades, 2/8 deployed to numerous hotspots, including Lebanon in 1958, the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and the Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The battalion has built a distinguished reputation for its combat effectiveness and readiness, serving as a vital component of the 2nd Marine Division.

The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines (2/8), was activated on April 1, 1940, and is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. During World War II, the unit fought in major battles, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In the decades since, 2/8 has deployed to numerous global hotspots, participating in operations in Lebanon, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The battalion is renowned for its adaptability, combat effectiveness, and commitment to the Marine Corps' legacy of excellence.

The 3rd Marine Division Headquarters (3rd Mar Div HQ) was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. The division first saw combat during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations including the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Reactivated for the Korean War and later stationed in Okinawa, Japan, the 3rd Mar Div HQ played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, commanding Marine operations in northern I Corps, including the defense of Khe Sanh and operations along the DMZ. Today, the 3rd Mar Div HQ continues to serve as a forward-deployed command element, ensuring the readiness and rapid response capability of Marine forces throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) is a major Marine Air-Ground Task Force of the United States Marine Corps, headquartered at Camp Pendleton, California. Established in 1969 during the Vietnam War era, I MEF has served as a leading force in numerous major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Designed for rapid deployment and combined-arms operations, the unit integrates ground, air, and logistics elements for flexible, sustained missions. Over the decades, I MEF has earned a reputation for excellence, adaptability, and combat readiness in both humanitarian and combat operations worldwide.

1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1/8) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps, activated in 1940. The unit distinguished itself during World War II, notably participating in the Battle of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In subsequent decades, 1/8 took part in major operations such as the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in 1983, where it suffered casualties in the Beirut barracks bombing. In the 21st century, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, upholding its reputation for bravery and professionalism.

The 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) is a reserve infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and part of the 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Activated in 1943 during World War II, 2/24 distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the battles of Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. After deactivation post-war, the battalion was reactivated as a reserve force, providing trained units and individual Marines in support of active duty operations. In the Global War on Terror, 2/24 deployed elements to Iraq and Afghanistan, contributing to combat and stability operations.

The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Headquarters (2/7 HQ), part of the 1st Marine Division, was first activated in August 1917 during World War I, though it saw significant action beginning in World War II. The battalion participated in major Pacific campaigns, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, earning a reputation for valor and effectiveness. During the Vietnam War, 2/7 HQ led Marines through intense operations in areas like Chu Lai and Da Nang. In recent decades, the unit has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of leadership and operational excellence in modern conflicts.

The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2), known as “Warlords,” was activated in July 1925 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The battalion has a distinguished combat history, fighting in World War II campaigns such as Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. During the Gulf War, 2/2 participated in Operation Desert Storm, and later supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terror. Today, 2/2 continues to serve as a vital infantry battalion within the 2nd Marine Division, ready for rapid deployment and expeditionary missions worldwide.

The 5th Battalion, 10th Marines (5/10), is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, historically part of the 2nd Marine Division. Activated in January 1941, 5/10th Marines played a pivotal role during World War II, notably providing fire support in key battles such as Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. The battalion has also served in subsequent conflicts, including the Global War on Terror, where it supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over its history, 5/10th Marines has earned a reputation for flexibility and precision fire support, embodying the motto "Second to None."

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463), known as the "Pegasus," was first activated in 1944 during World War II to support operations in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, HMH-463 became renowned for its heavy-lift capabilities, operating the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters to conduct troop transport, supply missions, and combat support. Over the decades, the squadron played a vital role in major conflicts and humanitarian missions, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. After decades of distinguished service, HMH-463 was deactivated in 2022 as part of the Marine Corps’ force modernization efforts.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SIX TWO (MCB 62), also known as the "Seabees," was commissioned in 1942 during World War II. The unit played a critical role in constructing airstrips, bases, and other vital infrastructure in the Pacific Theater, supporting Allied operations against Japanese forces. After World War II, MCB 62 was reactivated multiple times, notably serving in the Vietnam War, where it built roads, bridges, and defensive structures. The battalion continued to support U.S. Navy and Marine Corps missions worldwide until its decommissioning in 1994.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 71 (MCB-71), known as the "Ragin' Seabees," was commissioned in 1966 as part of the U.S. Navy Seabees. The battalion played a significant role during the Vietnam War, constructing bases, airfields, roads, and other vital infrastructure under combat conditions. After Vietnam, MCB-71 continued to support U.S. military operations worldwide, including deployments to the Mediterranean, the Arctic, and the Caribbean, contributing to both military readiness and humanitarian missions. The unit was decommissioned in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of engineering excellence and service.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232), known as the "Red Devils," is the oldest active Marine Corps fighter squadron, originally commissioned in 1925. The squadron has participated in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Throughout its history, VMFA-232 has flown various aircraft, transitioning from biplanes to modern F/A-18 Hornets. Renowned for its combat effectiveness and distinguished service, the "Red Devils" continue to uphold a legacy of excellence in Marine Corps aviation.

Landing Support units have played a crucial role in amphibious operations since World War II, when they were first established by the United States Marine Corps as part of the Shore Party. Their primary mission was to organize and facilitate the rapid movement of troops, equipment, and supplies from ship to shore during amphibious assaults, ensuring the success of operations such as the Normandy landings and Pacific island campaigns. Over time, Landing Support units evolved to include advanced logistics, beachhead management, and coordination with air and naval elements. Today, they continue to provide critical support in expeditionary environments, enabling the seamless flow of combat power in both humanitarian and combat missions.

Marine Aircraft Group 32 (MAG-32) was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit activated during World War II in February 1943. The group primarily flew the SBD Dauntless dive bomber and provided close air support and air interdiction during the Pacific campaign, notably participating in the Battle of Peleliu in 1944. MAG-32 played a crucial role in supporting ground forces, destroying enemy positions, and contributing to the eventual Allied victory in the region. After the war, the unit was deactivated in November 1945 as part of the postwar drawdown of the Marine Corps.