Marine Detachment USS Bennington (CVS-20) 7th FMF

**Marine Detachment, USS Bennington (CVS-20), 7th Fleet Marine Force (FMF):** The Marine Detachment aboard USS Bennington (CVS-20) was an integral component of the ship’s complement during her service with the U.S. Navy, particularly as part of the 7th Fleet Marine Force (FMF) in the Pacific theater. Tasked with shipboard security, ceremonial duties, and rapid response in emergencies, the detachment played a vital role during the Cold War era, supporting anti-submarine warfare operations and power projection missions. Marines from the detachment were trained to provide close-in defense of the carrier, as well as to participate in landing parties and amphibious operations if required. Throughout its service, the Marine Detachment exemplified the close cooperation between the Navy and Marine Corps, reinforcing the Bennington’s operational capabilities during deployments in the Western Pacific and beyond.