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History of 1st Maintenance

The 1st Maintenance Battalion is a United States Marine Corps unit based at Camp Pendleton, California, and is part of the 1st Marine Logistics Group. Activated during World War II in 1947, the battalion has provided critical intermediate-level maintenance support for ground equipment, vehicles, and weapon systems. Over the decades, the 1st Maintenance Battalion has supported major operations including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Its mission remains vital: ensuring the operational readiness and sustainability of Marine forces through expert maintenance and logistical support.

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ABOUT 1st Maintenance

  • Origins: The 1st Maintenance unit traces its roots back to World War II, where maintenance detachments were essential to keeping vehicles and equipment operational in remote theaters of war.
  • Korean War Service: The unit provided critical support during the Korean War, ensuring tanks, trucks, and artillery were battle-ready despite harsh conditions.
  • Vietnam Innovations: In Vietnam, the 1st Maintenance pioneered rapid-repair techniques, significantly reducing downtime on helicopters and armored vehicles under combat conditions.
  • Desert Shield/Desert Storm: During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the unit deployed to the Middle East, maintaining over 7,000 vehicles and playing a key role in the swift coalition advance.
  • Global Reach: The 1st Maintenance unit has been deployed on every continent except Antarctica, supporting missions from peacekeeping to full-scale combat.
  • Female Pioneers: The unit was among the first to integrate female mechanics and technicians, paving the way for gender integration in technical military fields.
  • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, the 1st Maintenance has supported humanitarian efforts, including restoring infrastructure in disaster zones and training local engineers.
  • Modernization: The unit led the Army’s transition to computer-based diagnostic systems in the 1990s, dramatically improving maintenance efficiency.
  • Decorations: The 1st Maintenance has received multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations for exemplary service, including recognition for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • Legacy and Motto: The unit’s unofficial motto, "Keep ‘Em Rolling," reflects its enduring commitment to operational readiness and support for frontline troops in all environments.

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