Maurice Bakkila

The USS Canopus Mardet (Marine Detachment) was the contingent of United States Marine Corps personnel assigned to the USS Canopus, a submarine tender that served the U.S. Navy during the Cold War era. The Marine Detachment was responsible for providing shipboard security, ceremonial duties, and assisting in the protection of nuclear weapons and sensitive materials aboard the vessel. Marines aboard the Canopus participated in various deployments, supporting submarine operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The detachment was an integral part of the ship’s complement until the gradual phase-out of Marine Detachments from naval vessels in the late 20th century.

3rd Marine Division

U.S. Marine Corps

The 3rd Marine Division is a unit of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. It is one of three active duty divisions in the Marine Corps and is tasked with conducting amphibious and expeditionary operations in the Pacific region. The division is made up of approximately 16,000 Marines and sailors, organized into regiments, battalions, and companies. The 3rd Marine Division has a long and storied history, participating in numerous campaigns and battles throughout its existence.