USS Carl Vinson CVN-70, Marine Detachment

• Namesake Legacy: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is named after Congressman Carl Vinson, known as the "Father of the Two-Ocean Navy" for his crucial role in expanding and modernizing the U.S. Navy before and during WWII. • Marine Detachment (MARDET) Role: The Marine Detachment aboard Carl Vinson provided ship security, ceremonial duties, and participated in boarding operations, upholding the tradition of Marine presence on capital ships. • Historic Launch: The USS Carl Vinson was launched on March 15, 1980, and commissioned on March 13, 1982, as the third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. • Global War on Terror: After the 9/11 attacks, Carl Vinson played a key role in launching airstrikes against Taliban and Al Qaeda targets in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. MARDET Marines contributed to force protection and security. • Osama bin Laden Burial: In May 2011, USS Carl Vinson was the ship where Osama bin Laden’s body was buried at sea, following his death during Operation Neptune Spear. • Humanitarian Missions: Carl Vinson and its crew, including the Marine Detachment, participated in Operation Unified Assistance in 2004, providing aid and relief to tsunami-stricken areas in Southeast Asia. • Presidential Presence: In 2011, President Barack Obama commemorated Veterans Day aboard the Carl Vinson, becoming the first sitting president to visit the ship. • Marine Ceremonial Duties: MARDET Marines have performed countless color guard ceremonies and rifle salutes for distinguished visitors and during burial at sea ceremonies. • MARDET Deactivation: The traditional Marine detachments aboard aircraft carriers, including Carl Vinson, were deactivated in the late 1990s as security roles shifted to other Navy forces. • Hollywood Connection: The USS Carl Vinson has appeared in films, documentaries, and TV shows, and its crew—including Marines—were featured in the news during major operations and humanitarian missions.