Leonard Louder

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) was established in 1921 as a key training facility for the United States Marine Corps on the West Coast. Originally serving as a base for Marine activities during World War I, it became the primary location for recruit training west of the Mississippi River. Throughout World War II, MCRD San Diego processed and trained tens of thousands of new Marines, playing a crucial role in building the Corps’ wartime strength. Today, it continues its legacy as one of only two Marine Corps recruit depots, responsible for transforming thousands of young men into Marines each year.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) was established in 1921 as a key training facility for the United States Marine Corps on the West Coast. Originally serving as a base for Marine activities during World War I, it became the primary location for recruit training west of the Mississippi River. Throughout World War II, MCRD San Diego processed and trained tens of thousands of new Marines, playing a crucial role in building the Corps’ wartime strength. Today, it continues its legacy as one of only two Marine Corps recruit depots, responsible for transforming thousands of young men into Marines each year.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) was established in 1921 as a key training facility for the United States Marine Corps on the West Coast. Originally serving as a base for Marine activities during World War I, it became the primary location for recruit training west of the Mississippi River. Throughout World War II, MCRD San Diego processed and trained tens of thousands of new Marines, playing a crucial role in building the Corps’ wartime strength. Today, it continues its legacy as one of only two Marine Corps recruit depots, responsible for transforming thousands of young men into Marines each year.

Camp Johnson, located in North Carolina, is a United States Marine Corps installation that has played a significant role in military training since its establishment during World War II. Originally known as Montford Point, it was the site where the first African American Marines were trained from 1942 to 1949, breaking racial barriers within the Corps. In 1974, the base was renamed in honor of Sergeant Major Gilbert H. "Hashmark" Johnson, one of the first African American Marine Corps sergeants major and a distinguished Montford Point Marine. Today, Camp Johnson serves as a key component of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, hosting various training schools, including the Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (MALS-14), originally designated as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 14, was activated on 1 March 1942. The unit provides aviation logistics support, including supply, maintenance, and ordnance, to Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) and its assigned squadrons. Over the decades, MALS-14 has supported operations in major conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, MALS-14 continues to play a vital role in ensuring the readiness and sustainability of Marine Corps aviation assets.