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History of Marine Barracks Quonset Point

Marine Barracks Quonset Point was a United States Marine Corps installation located at Naval Air Station Quonset Point in Rhode Island. Established during World War II, the unit provided security, support, and defense for the vital naval aviation facilities stationed there. Marines at Quonset Point guarded critical infrastructure, manned anti-aircraft positions, and supported naval aviation operations throughout the war. Following the war, the barracks continued its mission until the eventual closure of the base in 1974, after which the site transitioned to civilian use.

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ABOUT Marine Barracks Quonset Point

  • Strategic Location: Marine Barracks Quonset Point was established at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, a site chosen for its deep-water port and proximity to the Atlantic, making it ideal for military operations during World War II.
  • World War II Era: The barracks were constructed in the early 1940s to support the rapidly expanding Naval Air Station Quonset Point, which became a hub for naval aviation training and operations during the war.
  • Seabees Connection: The U.S. Navy Seabees, famed for their construction efforts in combat zones, played a significant role in building the Quonset Point facilities, including the Marine Barracks.
  • Home of the "Quonset Hut": The iconic Quonset hut, a lightweight, semi-cylindrical structure, was invented and first mass-produced at Quonset Point to provide quick and portable shelter for troops worldwide.
  • Marine Security Duties: Marines stationed at Quonset Point were responsible for guarding vital naval assets, airfields, ammunition depots, and supporting base security during WWII and the Cold War.
  • Korean War Mobilization: Marine Barracks Quonset Point played a role in the mobilization and training of Marines for deployment during the Korean War era.
  • Presidential Visits: Quonset Point hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, highlighting the strategic importance of the base and its Marine security detachments.
  • Cold War Activities: During the Cold War, the barracks supported anti-submarine warfare squadrons and Marine detachments tasked with base defense against potential Soviet threats.
  • Decommissioning: The Marine Barracks and the Naval Air Station Quonset Point were decommissioned in 1974 as part of post-Vietnam War military downsizing, ending over 30 years of active Marine presence.
  • Legacy: The site of the former Marine Barracks is now part of the Quonset Business Park, but its military legacy is commemorated by local museums and historical markers, preserving the memory of the Marines who served there.

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