About this Unit
The Marine Detachment aboard USS Saint Paul (CA-73) was established during the ship’s commissioning in 1945, in line with the U.S. Navy tradition of assigning Marine units to capital ships for security, ceremonial duties, and manning secondary batteries. The detachment served throughout the closing months of World War II, participating in Pacific operations and the occupation of Japan. During the Korean War, the Marine Detachment supported naval gunfire missions and provided shipboard security as USS Saint Paul conducted bombardments and patrols off the Korean peninsula. The detachment continued its service through the ship’s deployments during the Cold War, upholding discipline and readiness until the cruiser’s decommissioning in 1971.
Historical Facts
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Unique Marine Presence: The USS Saint Paul (CA-73), a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, carried a Marine Detachment (MarDet) as was customary for US Navy capital ships during World War II and the Korean War. Marines aboard handled shipboard security, manned secondary armaments, and participated in ceremonial duties.
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End of WWII Service: The Marine Detachment was present aboard USS Saint Paul during the signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The ship was one of only a few present at both the start and end of the Pacific War.
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Action in Korea: During the Korean War, Marines on the Saint Paul provided security for the ship and participated in shore bombardment missions, supporting UN forces with the ship’s big guns.
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First to Fire: The USS Saint Paul and its Marine Detachment were among the first American forces to shell enemy positions at the onset of the Korean War, firing on North Korean targets in June 1950.
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Boarding Parties: Marines from the Detachment frequently formed boarding parties to search and seize enemy or suspicious vessels, enforcing blockades and maintaining maritime security.
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Presidential Visits: The Marine Detachment provided ceremonial honors for visits by high-ranking officials, including President Harry S. Truman, who visited the ship in 1947.
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Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, the MarDet participated in anti-espionage and security operations during the ship's deployments in the Far East, a tense period of global naval standoffs.
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Heroic Rescue: Marines from the Saint Paul assisted in rescue and recovery operations after the ship was hit by a North Korean shore battery in 1953, helping save sailors and fight fires.
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Famous Shellback Initiations: Like many Navy vessels, the ship’s Marine Detachment took part in “crossing the line” (Equator) ceremonies, with Marines often leading or participating in these naval traditions.
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Disbandment and Legacy: The Marine Detachment was disbanded when the USS Saint Paul was decommissioned in 1971, but its veterans remain active in ship and Marine reunions, preserving the unique legacy of shipboard Marines.
