Ricardo Garcia

HMM-364, known as the "Purple Foxes," is a distinguished United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron originally activated in 1961. The unit first saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, providing crucial assault support and medevac missions with their CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. Renowned for their bravery, HMM-364 participated in numerous major operations, including the Siege of Khe Sanh and Operation Dewey Canyon. After Vietnam, the squadron continued to serve in various global conflicts and humanitarian missions, exemplifying the Marine Corps' commitment to rapid-response aviation support. The unit was redesignated as VMM-364 in 2012, transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 (MALS-24), part of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24), was originally activated during World War II to provide aviation logistics support to Marine Corps aviation units. Over the decades, MALS-24 has played a critical role in supporting fixed- and rotary-wing squadrons through maintenance, supply, and ordnance services, ensuring operational readiness across the Pacific theater. The unit has participated in numerous operations and exercises, including deployments in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and various humanitarian missions in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, MALS-24 continues its mission at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, enabling MAG-24's aviation units to maintain combat effectiveness and readiness.

Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) is the United States Marine Corps service component command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). Officially established in 1992, MARFORPAC traces its lineage to Marine units that have operated in the Pacific theater since World War II, including key roles in campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Headquartered at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, MARFORPAC is the Corps’ largest field command, overseeing all Marine forces assigned to the Indo-Pacific region. The unit plays a critical role in regional security, deterrence, and crisis response, working closely with allied and partner nations throughout the Pacific.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 332 (VMFA-332), known as the “Moonlighters,” was a distinguished unit of the United States Marine Corps. Originally activated during World War II in 1943 as VMSB-332, the squadron served in the Pacific, providing close air support and participating in campaigns such as the Battle of Okinawa. Over the decades, VMFA-332 transitioned through various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F-4 Phantom II, and later the F/A-18 Hornet, while participating in major operations including the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron was renowned for its operational excellence and unique insignia featuring a crescent moon and lightning bolt before being deactivated in 2007.

Recruiting Station (RS) Detroit, Michigan, is a key component of the United States Marine Corps' recruiting efforts in the Midwest. Established to support Marine Corps manpower needs, RS Detroit has been responsible for attracting, screening, and enlisting qualified applicants from the greater Detroit metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Over the decades, the station has played a crucial role in maintaining the strength and readiness of the Marine Corps, particularly during periods of major conflict such as the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. RS Detroit continues its legacy by upholding the highest standards of service, contributing skilled Marines to the nation’s defense.

**Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 301 (HMT-301)** was a United States Marine Corps helicopter training squadron activated in 1966 at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California. The unit’s primary mission was to provide advanced training to Marine pilots and crew in the operation of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. HMT-301 played a vital role in preparing aircrews for combat and operational deployments during the Vietnam War and throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The squadron was deactivated in 1990 as part of a broader restructuring of Marine Corps aviation training assets.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312), known as the "Checkerboards," was commissioned on June 1, 1943, and saw its first combat during World War II in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in actions over Okinawa. The squadron earned distinction for its aggressive tactics and combat effectiveness, flying F4U Corsairs at the time. During the Korean War, VMFA-312 provided close air support and interdiction missions, further cementing its reputation. In subsequent decades, the unit transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F/A-18 Hornet, and continues to serve as a front-line fighter squadron within the United States Marine Corps.