TO
III Marine Expeditionary ForceQuantico, VA2nd Marine Aircraft WingMWSS-471II MEF2:10th MarinesMCSC Albany, Ga2ND TANK BATTALION31st MEU

Todd O'Brien

U.S. Marine Corps Military Retiree

Message

About

Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Service Years

1995 - 2019

Units

III Marine Expeditionary Force

U.S. Marine Corps

The III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) is a forward-deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force headquartered in Okinawa, Japan. Established in 1942 during World War II, III MEF played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, including key battles such as Bougainville and Iwo Jima. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, III MEF has maintained a robust presence in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting contingency operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises with allied nations. Today, III MEF remains vital to U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, providing rapid-response capabilities for crisis response and regional security.

2015 - 2016

Quantico, VA

U.S. Marine Corps

Quantico, Virginia, is renowned as the home of Marine Corps Base Quantico, established in 1917. Originally a training camp during World War I, it quickly became a pivotal center for Marine Corps education, innovation, and leadership development. Over the years, Quantico has hosted key institutions such as the Marine Corps University, Officer Candidates School, and the FBI Academy. Today, it remains a critical hub for training, research, and coordination for both the U.S. Marine Corps and allied defense organizations.

2016 - 2019

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

U.S. Marine Corps

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is a unit of the United States Marine Corps responsible for providing aviation support to Marine Corps forces. It is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina and is one of the largest aircraft wings in the Marine Corps. The wing consists of various aircraft squadrons, including helicopters, tiltrotor aircraft, and fixed-wing aircraft, which support combat operations, amphibious assaults, and humanitarian missions. The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing plays a crucial role in enhancing the Marine Corps' overall combat readiness and effectiveness.

2014 - 2015

MWSS-471

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 (MWSS-471) is a United States Marine Corps Reserve aviation ground support unit. Activated on 1 June 1992, MWSS-471 is headquartered at Minneapolis-Saint Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, with detachments in Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The squadron’s mission is to provide all essential aviation ground support to Marine aviation units, including airfield operations, engineering, refueling, and motor transport. Over the years, MWSS-471 has supported various training exercises and deployments, contributing to both domestic readiness and overseas contingencies.

1995 - 1999
II MEF insignia

II MEF

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit with 117 member associations.

2007 - 2009

2:10th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps

The 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines (2/10) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, established in 1941. During World War II, the unit provided vital fire support in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In subsequent decades, 2/10 has supported operations in conflicts such as the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, 2/10 continues to serve as a key component of the 2nd Marine Division, providing artillery support and enhancing the combat effectiveness of Marine forces.

2001 - 2003

MCSC Albany, Ga

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Albany, Georgia, serves as a key logistics and acquisition hub for the United States Marine Corps. Established to support the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, the unit is responsible for the procurement, fielding, and sustainment of ground weapon systems and equipment. Over the years, MCSC Albany has played a crucial role in ensuring that Marines are equipped with cutting-edge technology and reliable materiel for missions worldwide. The unit's efforts contribute significantly to maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Marine Corps.

2009 - 2012
2ND TANK BATTALION insignia

2ND TANK BATTALION

U.S. Marine Corps

Imported from legacy system. Member count: 719

2006 - 2007

31st MEU

U.S. Marine Corps

The **31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU)**, activated in 1967, is the United States Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, based out of Okinawa, Japan. Throughout its history, the 31st MEU has participated in numerous operations across the Indo-Pacific region, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combat missions such as Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its rapid-response capability, the unit frequently conducts training exercises with regional allies to strengthen partnerships and ensure regional security. Today, the 31st MEU remains a vital part of the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining stability and readiness in the Asia-Pacific theater.

2012 - 2014