Dave W

The 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines (2/12) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated in 1942 during World War II. The battalion participated in key Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing vital fire support for Marine infantry units. After the war, 2/12 was deactivated and reactivated multiple times, serving in conflicts such as the Vietnam War, where it supported operations throughout I Corps. In recent decades, 2/12 has continued to deploy in support of global operations, maintaining readiness as part of the 3rd Marine Division based in Okinawa, Japan.

The 3rd 175 Gun Battery was a heavy artillery unit formed during World War II as part of the British Royal Artillery. Equipped with 175mm guns, the battery was primarily tasked with providing long-range fire support for field armies during major campaigns in Northwest Europe. The unit played a crucial role during the Normandy landings and subsequent advance across France, delivering precise and powerful bombardments against enemy fortifications and troop concentrations. After the war, the battery was disbanded as part of the postwar reorganization of British artillery forces.

The 3rd 175 Gun Battery was a heavy artillery unit formed during World War II as part of the British Royal Artillery. Equipped with 175mm guns, the battery was primarily tasked with providing long-range fire support for field armies during major campaigns in Northwest Europe. The unit played a crucial role during the Normandy landings and subsequent advance across France, delivering precise and powerful bombardments against enemy fortifications and troop concentrations. After the war, the battery was disbanded as part of the postwar reorganization of British artillery forces.

VMFAT-101, known as the "SharpShooters," was a United States Marine Corps Fleet Replacement Squadron established on January 3, 1969, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron's primary mission was to train new naval aviators and replacement aircrew in the operation of the F-4 Phantom II, and later, the F/A-18 Hornet. Over its five decades of service, VMFAT-101 played a vital role in preparing Marine Corps and Navy pilots and weapon systems officers for operational fleet duty. The unit was deactivated on September 29, 2023, at MCAS Miramar, after training thousands of aviators and contributing significantly to Marine Corps aviation readiness.

VMFAT-101, known as the "SharpShooters," was a United States Marine Corps Fleet Replacement Squadron established on January 3, 1969, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron's primary mission was to train new naval aviators and replacement aircrew in the operation of the F-4 Phantom II, and later, the F/A-18 Hornet. Over its five decades of service, VMFAT-101 played a vital role in preparing Marine Corps and Navy pilots and weapon systems officers for operational fleet duty. The unit was deactivated on September 29, 2023, at MCAS Miramar, after training thousands of aviators and contributing significantly to Marine Corps aviation readiness.