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History of 11th MEU

The **11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU)**, activated in 1979, is a forward-deployed, rapid-response force of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Pendleton, California. As part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 11th MEU is designed to deploy quickly by sea, air, or land to conduct a range of missions, including amphibious assaults, humanitarian assistance, and crisis response operations. Over the decades, the 11th MEU has participated in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing vital support in combat and peacekeeping roles. The unit continues to serve as a key element of America’s global force-in-readiness, routinely deploying to the Western Pacific and the Middle East.

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ABOUT 11th MEU

  • Origins and Activation: The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was originally activated as the 17th Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) on 13 June 1979, and was redesignated as the 11th MAU in 1984 before becoming the 11th MEU in 1988.
  • First Deployment as MEU(SOC): In 1992, the 11th MEU was certified as a Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit, greatly expanding its mission set to include counter-terrorism and direct action operations.
  • Operation Restore Hope: The 11th MEU participated in humanitarian operations in Somalia in 1992-1993, providing crucial support and security during famine relief missions.
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 11th MEU was one of the first MEUs to enter Iraq in 2003, taking part in key combat operations, including the securing of the port of Umm Qasr.
  • Evacuation Missions: The unit has conducted numerous non-combatant evacuation operations (NEOs), such as evacuating U.S. citizens from Eritrea in 1998 during Operation Safe Departure.
  • Maritime Security: The 11th MEU has played a significant role in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, including the protection of commercial shipping lanes.
  • Humanitarian Assistance: After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 11th MEU provided disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in Indonesia as part of Operation Unified Assistance.
  • Forward-Deployed Flexibility: The 11th MEU typically deploys aboard Navy amphibious assault ships, allowing it to project power and respond to crises worldwide within days.
  • Training with Allies: The unit regularly conducts joint exercises with allied forces, enhancing interoperability with partners like Australia, Japan, and Middle Eastern countries.
  • Motto: The 11th MEU's motto is "On Time, On Target, Never Quit," reflecting its readiness to deploy and accomplish missions under any circumstances.

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