Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

2nd FMF

U.S. Navy•93 members

2nd FMF Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 2nd FMF?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

2nd FMF

U.S. Navy

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.

About 2nd FMF

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins during World War II: The 2nd Marine Division, also known as the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) or 2nd Fleet Marine Force (FMF), was activated in 1941 and played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater.
Tarawa Assault: The 2nd Marine Division led the assault on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, in November 1943. The battle became infamous for its ferocity and high casualties, helping to shape future amphibious assault doctrine.
Saipan and Tinian Campaigns: The 2nd FMF was instrumental in the capture of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, which provided airfields critical for the strategic bombing of Japan.
Post-WWII Occupation: After Japan’s surrender, the 2nd FMF participated in the occupation of Nagasaki, helping to stabilize the region and facilitate reconstruction.
Korean War Readiness: Though not deployed as a whole to Korea, the 2nd FMF provided vital personnel and units to reinforce Marine forces in the Korean War.
Grenada and Beirut: Elements of the 2nd FMF participated in Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983) and peacekeeping operations in Beirut, Lebanon, in the early 1980s, including during the tragic 1983 barracks bombing.
Desert Storm: The 2nd Marine Division (2nd FMF) was a key component of the coalition ground forces in Operation Desert Storm, leading the liberation of Kuwait in 1991.
Humanitarian Missions: The 2nd FMF has been involved in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including in Haiti (Operation Uphold Democracy, 1994) and after Hurricane Katrina (2005).
OIF and OEF Deployments: The 2nd FMF has deployed thousands of Marines and sailors to Iraq and Afghanistan, participating in major operations such as the Battle of Fallujah and counterinsurgency in Helmand Province.
Home Base at Camp Lejeune: The 2nd FMF is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is renowned for its amphibious warfare expertise, rapid deployment capabilities, and storied traditions.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

2nd FMF

U.S. Navy•93 members

2nd FMF Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 2nd FMF?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

2nd FMF

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Michael Bux

U.S. Navy · 1970 - 1972

Message View Profile

Christopher Martinez

U.S. Navy · 2003 - 2005

Message View Profile

Kenneth Wagner

U.S. Navy · 1962 - 1998

Message View Profile

Cletas Coley

U.S. Navy · 2002 - 2006

Message View Profile

View all members

Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

View all photos

About 2nd FMF

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins during World War II: The 2nd Marine Division, also known as the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) or 2nd Fleet Marine Force (FMF), was activated in 1941 and played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater.
Tarawa Assault: The 2nd Marine Division led the assault on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, in November 1943. The battle became infamous for its ferocity and high casualties, helping to shape future amphibious assault doctrine.
Saipan and Tinian Campaigns: The 2nd FMF was instrumental in the capture of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, which provided airfields critical for the strategic bombing of Japan.
Post-WWII Occupation: After Japan’s surrender, the 2nd FMF participated in the occupation of Nagasaki, helping to stabilize the region and facilitate reconstruction.
Korean War Readiness: Though not deployed as a whole to Korea, the 2nd FMF provided vital personnel and units to reinforce Marine forces in the Korean War.
Grenada and Beirut: Elements of the 2nd FMF participated in Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983) and peacekeeping operations in Beirut, Lebanon, in the early 1980s, including during the tragic 1983 barracks bombing.
Desert Storm: The 2nd Marine Division (2nd FMF) was a key component of the coalition ground forces in Operation Desert Storm, leading the liberation of Kuwait in 1991.
Humanitarian Missions: The 2nd FMF has been involved in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including in Haiti (Operation Uphold Democracy, 1994) and after Hurricane Katrina (2005).
OIF and OEF Deployments: The 2nd FMF has deployed thousands of Marines and sailors to Iraq and Afghanistan, participating in major operations such as the Battle of Fallujah and counterinsurgency in Helmand Province.
Home Base at Camp Lejeune: The 2nd FMF is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is renowned for its amphibious warfare expertise, rapid deployment capabilities, and storied traditions.