About this Unit
The Marine Detachment (MARDET) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was established shortly after the carrier’s commissioning in 1982. MARDET provided onboard security, ceremonial duties, and supported shipboard operations, including nuclear weapon security during the Cold War. Marines also participated in training for ship defense, boarding operations, and reinforced the close relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps. The tradition of Marine Detachments on Navy ships was phased out in the late 1990s, but the legacy of MARDET USS Carl Vinson remains an important chapter in both naval and Marine Corps history.
Historical Facts
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Origins of the Marine Detachment (MARDET): The Marine Detachment aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was established in 1982, coinciding with the ship’s commissioning, as part of the longstanding tradition of Marine Corps presence on U.S. Navy capital ships.
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Security and Ceremonial Roles: MARDET Carl Vinson was responsible for shipboard security, nuclear weapons security, and ceremonial duties including honor guards and flag raising.
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Gulf War Deployment: During Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991, the detachment was deployed with the carrier, providing security and participating in war zone operations.
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Presidential Support: In 2011, USS Carl Vinson hosted the burial at sea of Osama bin Laden. Marines provided security and supported the operation, although the event itself was highly classified at the time.
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Disestablishment of Shipboard MARDETs: In the late 1990s, the US Navy and Marine Corps ended the tradition of permanently assigned Marine Detachments on aircraft carriers, including the Carl Vinson, transitioning security duties to Navy Master-at-Arms.
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Lasting Legacy: Even after the deactivation of the MARDET, former members hold annual reunions and maintain close ties, preserving their unique legacy aboard the Vinson.
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Training and Readiness: Marines assigned to the detachment underwent specialized training in shipboard security, weapons handling, and nuclear weapons protocols prior to and during their deployment.
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Marine Mess and Living Quarters: The MARDET had its own living quarters and a dedicated Marine mess, fostering camaraderie and esprit de corps distinct from the rest of the ship’s crew.
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International Engagements: The MARDET participated in numerous port calls and international missions, often representing both the Marine Corps and the Navy during diplomatic visits.
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Motto and Pride: The Carl Vinson MARDET prided itself on the motto “Semper Fidelis,” upholding Marine traditions while adapting to the unique challenges of life aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
