John Larkin

USMC

U.S. Marine Corps

The USMC stands for the United States Marine Corps. It is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. The USMC is known for its training, discipline, and elite status as a fighting force, often being called upon for rapid response missions and expeditionary operations. The Marine Corps is made up of highly skilled and dedicated individuals who uphold the values of honor, courage, and commitment.

1ST MARINE AIR WING

U.S. Marine Corps

The 1st Marine Air Wing is a unit of the United States Marine Corps responsible for conducting aviation operations in support of Marine Corps ground forces. It is the largest and oldest aircraft wing in the Marine Corps, with a history dating back to World War II. The 1st Marine Air Wing is based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan. Its mission includes providing close air support, transportation of troops and supplies, and aerial reconnaissance.

The 1st Marine Corps Reserve & Recruitment District (1st MCR&RD), headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, played a pivotal role in the United States Marine Corps’ recruitment and reserve operations throughout the Northeast region. Established during World War II, the unit was responsible for enlisting and training Marines, as well as coordinating reserve force mobilization during times of national emergency. Over the decades, 1st MCR&RD adapted to changing military needs, supporting the Corps’ manpower requirements during conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. Its enduring legacy is marked by its commitment to upholding Marine Corps standards and strengthening the Corps’ presence in the New England area.

MAG 12

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) was commissioned on March 1, 1942, at Camp Kearny, California, as part of the United States Marine Corps. During World War II, MAG-12 played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, providing air support for key campaigns such as Bougainville and the Philippines. After the war, the group was deployed to Korea, where it supported United Nations forces during the Korean War with close air support and interdiction missions. Today, MAG-12 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, serving as a forward-deployed aviation combat element supporting U.S. and allied interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro was commissioned in 1942 in Orange County, California, serving as a major United States Marine Corps air base during World War II and throughout the Cold War. The station played a pivotal role in training pilots and supporting Marine aviation units during conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Over the decades, El Toro became one of the largest Marine air stations on the West Coast, hosting a variety of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. MCAS El Toro was officially closed in 1999 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, with its functions transferred to other bases and much of its land repurposed for civilian use.

Parris Island, located in South Carolina, is home to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, one of the primary training sites for the United States Marine Corps since 1915. The island was first used by the Navy as a coaling station in the late 19th century before becoming a Marine Corps training facility. Throughout both World Wars, Parris Island saw massive expansions to accommodate the surge of recruits needed for combat. Today, it continues its legacy as a vital institution, shaping thousands of new Marines each year through rigorous basic training.

Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, Division G-2 at Camp Lejeune serves as the intelligence element for the 2nd Marine Division, United States Marine Corps. Established to provide critical intelligence support, this unit is responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information vital to operational planning and battlefield success. Over the decades, HqCo HqBn Div G-2 has played key roles in major conflicts, including operations in the Middle East and humanitarian missions worldwide. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the unit remains at the forefront of Marine Corps intelligence, ensuring commanders have the information needed to make decisive actions.