Elton Lanier

Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLant), headquartered in Norfolk, VA, was established in December 1946 to provide operational control and administrative support for U.S. Marine Corps forces assigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. FMFLant played a pivotal role during the Cold War, ensuring rapid deployment capabilities for crises in Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. The unit has participated in major operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, Operation Desert Storm, and humanitarian missions. Over the years, FMFLant has evolved to integrate modern expeditionary warfare concepts, remaining a crucial component of the nation's maritime power projection.