2nd FMF

The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (2nd MEF), often referred to historically as the 2nd Fleet Marine Force (2nd FMF), was established in 1941 to provide a powerful amphibious force in the Atlantic theater during World War II. Throughout the war, the unit participated in key operations, including the battles of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, earning distinction for its combat effectiveness and adaptability. Following WWII, the 2nd FMF continued to serve as a core element of U.S. Marine Corps readiness, evolving into the modern 2nd MEF and supporting operations in Korea, the Middle East, and global crisis response. Today, headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the 2nd MEF remains a vital component of America’s rapid deployment and expeditionary warfare capability.