Marine Detachment USS Saratoga CV60

• Unique Onboard Role: The Marine Detachment (MarDet) on USS Saratoga (CV-60) was responsible for security, ceremonial duties, and manning small arms batteries, continuing a tradition dating back to the age of sail. • Cold War Service: The MarDet served aboard Saratoga throughout the height of the Cold War, participating in major NATO exercises, Mediterranean patrols, and crisis deployments. • Lebanon Crisis 1982-1983: Saratoga's Marines provided security and support during the ship's operations off the coast of Lebanon, including the multi-national peacekeeping mission in Beirut. • Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, the MarDet contributed to ship security and readiness as Saratoga launched airstrikes against Iraqi targets. • Traditional Ceremonies: The MarDet performed ceremonial duties such as presenting colors, manning the rails for dignitaries, and providing rifle salutes during burials at sea. • Shipboard Brig Guards: Marines were responsible for supervising the ship's brig (jail) and ensuring the security of detained personnel, a key discipline role at sea. • End of an Era: The tradition of Marine Detachments on capital ships ended in the late 1990s, with Saratoga’s MarDet being among the last to serve before the program was discontinued. • Disaster Response: Marines aboard Saratoga helped with firefighting and damage control during emergencies, including significant incidents such as the 1967 fire in the ship’s hangar bay. • Guarding Nuclear Weapons: Part of the MarDet’s classified duties involved guarding the ship’s nuclear weapons magazines, a role requiring high security clearance and trust. • Legacy and Reunions: Former MarDet Saratoga members maintain a strong alumni network, holding reunions and preserving their unique history as Marines who served at sea on a legendary aircraft carrier.