FRANK FERGUSON

Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment (HQ BTY 12th Marines) was activated on 1 October 1927 as part of the 2nd Marine Brigade and has served as the command and control element for the 12th Marine Regiment, providing essential support for artillery operations. During World War II, the unit participated in key campaigns including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, and Okinawa, contributing to the success of the 3rd Marine Division in the Pacific Theater. In the decades that followed, HQ Battery supported operations during the Vietnam War and continued to participate in numerous training exercises and contingency operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Today, HQ BTY 12th Marines remains stationed at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, upholding its mission to provide command, administrative, and logistical support to the regiment.

The 2nd Battalion, 13th Marine Regiment (2/13) is a United States Marine Corps artillery unit that has historically provided fire support as part of the 5th Marine Division during World War II, notably participating in the Battle of Iwo Jima. In modern eras, elements of 2/13 have been attached to Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), including the 13th MEU, deploying in support of operations and exercises worldwide. The unit's mission is to deliver artillery fire and support to maneuver forces, enhancing the combat power of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Over the decades, 2/13 has upheld a tradition of readiness, adaptability, and excellence in both combat and peacetime operations.

Marine Air Control Squadron 6 (MACS-6) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and falls under Marine Air Control Group 28 (MACG-28), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Activated during World War II, MACS-6 has provided radar surveillance, airspace management, and air traffic control in support of Marine aviation operations. Over the decades, the unit has participated in major conflicts and exercises, including the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, delivering critical air control capabilities. Today, MACS-6 continues to play a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of Marine Corps aviation on the East Coast.

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.

5th Marine Division

U.S. Marine Corps

The 5th Marine Division is a unit of the United States Marine Corps. It was active during World War II and played a crucial role in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The division is known for its bravery and determination in the face of intense enemy resistance. The 5th Marine Division continues to uphold its legacy of excellence and valor in service to the nation.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro was commissioned in 1942 in Orange County, California, serving as a major United States Marine Corps air base during World War II and throughout the Cold War. The station played a pivotal role in training pilots and supporting Marine aviation units during conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Over the decades, El Toro became one of the largest Marine air stations on the West Coast, hosting a variety of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. MCAS El Toro was officially closed in 1999 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, with its functions transferred to other bases and much of its land repurposed for civilian use.