Photo provided by Sun Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis An armorer focuses on the mission ahead as the sun rises from behind Camp Pendleton’s mountains.

Marine Corps Base

The base’s wide varieties of training facilities include beach and mountainous terrain for small arms and artillery firing ranges. Besides providing housing, training facilities and logistical support for Fleet Marine Force elements and other units assigned here, the base conducts specialized schools and training as directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
After Marines graduate from San Diego’s Marine Recruit Depot, they receive basic infantry training here before assignment to units throughout the Corps.

Security Battalion
Security Battalion, located in the Headquarters (15) area, was activated June 30, 1992 by consolidating Corrections Battalion and Military Police Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton.

The commanding officer of Security Battalion was additionally designated the Assistant Chief of Staff, Installation Security and Safety, April 22, 1994. The AC/S ISS is responsible for the operation of the Base Brig, enforcement of all law enforcement-related services aboard the base, the base Fire Department, the Base Safety Center and Information Security Programs for the base.

The Camp Pendleton Base Brig provides humane care, custody, discipline and the correctional treatment of incarcerated service members. Prisoners with sentences up to five years may be transferred here from military installations located west of the Mississippi River, Hawaii and the Western Pacific. The base brig restores service members to duty so they can effectively perform their occupational specialty in the military environment, without committing further offenses.

On Oct. 5, 2000, the West Coast Regional Correctional Custody Unit (CCU) was established in the 52 Area Quonset huts. A step below confinement in the Brig, it provides training and billeting for up to 39 Marines and sailors, E-3 and below, awarded this punishment at nonjudicial proceedings. It is available for use by all Marines and Navy commands west of the Mississippi River. CCU’s primary goal is to reduce discharges of first term Marines and sailors and return them to their military commands through a strenuous, 30-day program comprised of basic military skills instruction, physical fitness, work programs and counseling.

The Provost Marshal provides law enforcement services such as traffic control and enforcement on paved roadways, perimeter patrols, investigation of crimes and traffic accidents, off-base military police service and advice on crime prevention and security matters.

The Fire Department provides a full range of fire fighting services, fire prevention programs and emergency medical response.
The Base Safety Center is responsible for safety-related matters and provides safety training and inspections for units aboard the base to ensure that all personnel work and live in a safe environment.

The Base Information Security Specialist provides advice, inspections and training in areas of informational security to ensure that classified material is handled and stored properly and is in accordance with regulations.

Photo provided by Cpl. Lanessa Arthur A platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, signals for ammunition from Marines still advancing.

Headquarters and Support Battalion

Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base, is Camp Pendleton’s largest battalion and contains more than 1,100 Marines with a wide variety of military occupational specialties. Consisting of Headquarters and Service Company, Support Company and Separations Company, the battalion provides a diverse range of administrative and logistical support to base headquarters and personnel.

Training is one of the battalion’s most important functions. The Instructional Management School trains an average of 550 students, from private first class to colonel, each fiscal year. Graduates become school instructors and directors throughout the Marine Corps.

Assault Amphibian School Battalion
The Assault Amphibian School Battalion (Bldg. 210568) is located by the Del Mar Boat Basin, facing the Del Mar Beach in the 21 Area. The battalion is composed of two companies, Support Company and Schools Company. The battalion commander is also the 21 Area commander for Camp Del Mar, Camp Pendleton.

The battalion is the formal school for Assault Amphibian Vehicle training in the Marine Corps. It is chartered to instruct eight formal courses of instruction. The Officer Course (MOS 1803) provides training for officers to become assault amphibian platoon commanders and is 54 training days long. The Assault Amphibian Crewman Course (MOS 1833) presents entry-level instruction in basic crewman operations of an AAV and is 46 training days long. The Assault Amphibian Intermediate Maintenance Course (MOS 2141) is a repairman skills progression course for NCOs and SNCOs. It is 63 training days long. The Basic Repairman Course is an entry-level training course, producing repairmen capable of performing 1st- and 2nd-echlon maintenance on the assault amphibian vehicle. It is 70 training days long. The Assault Amphibian Unit Leader course provides selected NCOs and Staff NCOs with advanced leadership and tactical skills necessary to become a Section Leader in an Assault Amphibian Battalion. The course is 39 training days long.

In direct support of the Fleet Marine Force, the battalion provides a Mobile Training Team to conduct instruction in the operation and maintenance of the MK154 Linear Mine Clearance Kit. The course is 10 training days long.

For the Marine Corps Reserve, the battalion provides the Reserve Gunnery Course. This is a high tempo, 13-training-day course that reserve SNCOs and senior NCOs undergo. The eight course the school provides is the Reserve Crewman’s Course. It is also 13 training days long, and it provides training for Marines as basic vehicle crewmen. The school trains more than 1,000 Marines each year.

The Assault Amphibian School Battalion is home to the WWII/Korea LVT Museum. On display are the six amphibous tractors (Landing Vehicle Tracked)utilized by the Marine Corps during WWII and Korea. In addition to the vehicle displays there are displays of artifacts and personal memorabilia.

The Corporal’s Course
The Corporal’s Course provides professional military education to the Marine Noncommissioned Officer. The 15-day course enhances bearing, presentation, military skills and knowledge for corporals in leadership roles. They learn about management, uniform regulations, inspections and counseling. It also strengthens the Marine’s drill performance, physical training and techniques of military instruction.

Marine Corps Base, 1st Marine Division, 1st Force Service Support Group and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing provide the majority of 100 noncommissioned officers in each of the 15 classes a year. Camp Pendleton tenant units and all other West Coast commands also contribute students for the classes held yearly. The chief instructor may be reached at 760-725-2752. Operations is at 725-2074/2906. The fax number is
725-2671.

Photo provided by Cpl. Jon Guibord A Regimental Combat Team 1 dog handler, and Lukie relax after demonstrating for onlookers military working dogs’ capabilities at Camp Fallujah, Iraq. The demonstration was held to mark the opening of a new kennel facility for the dogs.

School of Infantry
Since 1942, Camp Pendleton has been the U.S. Marine Corps’ primary location for teaching Marines how to fight and win on the battlefield. Young Marines who learned the fundamentals of infantry weapons and tactics at Camp Pendleton are the same Marine heroes who raised the flag at Iwo Jima, landed at Inchon, made valiant sacrifices in Vietnam and liberated Iraq.

Today, the School of Infantry (SOI), located in the San Onofre area, continues the tradition by providing training that follows the Commandant’s guidance of “every Marine, regardless of occupational specialty, being capable of serving effectively in a rifle squad in offensive and defensive combat, being able to participate in security and ambush patrols, and being able to employ medium and heavy machine guns.”

This Marine Combat Training (MCT) is a continuation of the Basic Warrior Training, started in boot camp. Following recruit graduation and a 10-day leave period, every Marine, except those with infantry MOSs, attend this course.

Military Occupational Specialties are assigned during the 28-day course. All infantry specialties bypass the 24-day MCT and report to Infantry Training Battalion to complete one of six basic-infantry courses, to receive the infantry MOS.

Basic infantry training courses are designed to qualify Marines in one of six MOSs prior to assignment to their first permanent duty station.

These specialties include rifleman (MOS 0311), machine gunner (MOS 0331), mortarman (MOS 0341), anti-tank assaultman (MOS 0351), anti-tank assault guided missleman (MOS 0352) and light armored vehicle crewman (MOS 0313).

Courses are eight to 10 weeks in length. SOI graduates a class of 150-320 new infantrymen every three weeks, year round. Graduates are assigned to duty stations throughout the world, including Fleet Marine Force and Marine Corps Security Forces. Reserve Marines complete initial active duty and return to their reserve units.
The School of Infantry also conducts advanced infantry training for 260 squad leaders and 156 platoon sergeants each year. These seven and 11-week courses provide key, small-unit leaders with weapons and tactical expertise to function effectively on the battlefield. Additionally, SOI provides officer and SNCO LAV leaders training to 60 LAV company commanders, platoon commanders and platoon sergeants annually.

SOI has 50 officers and 690 enlisted permanent personnel. Four subordinate commands provide the organizational framework for instructor and support functions within the school. Collectively, SOI’s formal courses of instruction trained more than 15,000 Marines in fiscal year 1998.

Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center
The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC) is one of the Corps’ most remote and isolated posts. The center was established in 1951 as a Cold Weather Battalion for providing cold weather training for replacement personnel bound for Korea.
After the Korean Conflict, the name was changed to the Marine Corps Cold Weather Training Center. In 1963, the center was renamed to its present name. MCMWTC operated on a full-time basis until 1967, when it was placed on a caretaker status, as a result of the Vietnam War. The training center was reactivated as a full-time command May 19, 1976.

The center is located on California Highway 108 at Pickel Meadows, 21 miles northwest of Bridgeport, Calif., and 17 miles south of Walker, Calif.

The approximately 46,000 acres are under the management of the U.S Forest Service in the Toniyabe National Forest. A letter of agreement between the forest service and the Marine Corps permits use of the area for training Marines in mountain and cold weather operations.

Formal schools for individuals and battalions are offered in summer and winter operations. The training emphasizes both individual and unit mountain skills and overall combat capability.

Marines at the center also test cold weather clothing and equipment, and develop doctrine and concepts for enhancing the Corps’ ability to perform in harsh environments.

Field Medical Service School
The Field Medical Service School, located in the Del Mar (21) area, is a Marine Corps formal school whose mission is to educate and train members of the Naval Medical Department for duty with FMF: the primary course offered is a physically demanding, five-week course for hospital corpsmen and dental technicians to earn the HM8404 and DT8707 Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes, respectively.

The course emphasizes combat casualty care, battlefield survival, basic proficiency in emergency medical techniques, casualty evacuation, field sanitation, preventive medicine procedures, personal protective measures, basic tactics and the use of weapons for self-defense.

Deployment Processing Command / Reserve Support Unit
Marines that are Individual Augmentee and on Mobilized orders should report to S-3, Processing Section, Bldg 64434. Marines coming to Camp Pendleton on AT, RCT or ADSW orders should report to the Adjutant Office, Bldg. 64385. All others should report directly to the S-3, Bldg. 64382. The DPC functions on a year-round basis, providing all administrative reserve services for Camp Pendleton.

For more information, call 725-7037.

Photo provided by Sgt. Luis Agostini Marines with 3rd Platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, rehearse advance urban combat tactics at Camp Baharia, Iraq, last year. Patrolling through urban hotspots such as Ramadi, Najaf and Fallujah, Marines often encounter anti-Iraqi forces hiding in buildings, apartments and small rooms.

I Marine Expeditionary Force

I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) was activated in Okinawa, November 8, 1969, and was reassigned to Camp Pendleton April 14, 1971.

I MEF is composed of I Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Force Service Support Group and the 11th, 13th, and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units.

I MEF is expeditionary in nature, planning for and conducting worldwide missions across the entire spectrum of conflict, from humanitarian assistance to direct combat operations and major theater warfare. This versatility makes I MEF one of the premier forces in readiness in the United States military. The I MEF staff plans for, conducts and supervises the training of Marine Air/Ground Task Force elements as required to meet these contingency tasking. Furthermore, I MEF is charged with developing standing operating procedures for all aspects of Marine air/ground task force operations and for the promulgation of contingency and war plans.

In 2004, I MEF commanded 43,000 U.S. and United Kingdom Forces in Iraq and Kuwait during Operation iraqi Freedom II. In 2003, I MEF commanded more than 80,000 U.S. and United Kingdom forces in Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, I MEF supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2002, participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993 and participated in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Southwest Asia from 1990-1991.

Recently, I MEF has participated in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Southwest Asia from 1990-1991, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993 and most recently Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Today, as a formidable organization within the Marine Air/Ground Task Force concept, I MEF task organizes 45,000 Marines and sailors to conduct worldwide operations.

1st Marine Division

The 1st Marine Division was activated aboard the battleship USS Texas February 1, 1941. It is the oldest and most decorated division-sized unit in the United States Marine Corps. Division regiments were in existence as early as March 8, 1911, when the 1st Marine Regiment was formed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It saw action in Haiti in 1915, in the Dominican Republic in 1916, and throughout the Caribbean during World War I.

The 5th Marine Regiment was created at Vera Cruz, Mexico, July 13, 1914. It served in Santo Domingo in 1925 and participated in 15 major engagements during World War I. These included Belleau Wood, Chateau and Chiercy Mihiel. On Aug. 11, 1917, 7th Marines was activated in Philadelphia, Penn. It spent the duration of World War I in Cuba and was disbanded after the war. It was reactivated in 1941.

The 11th Marine Regiment was formed in January 1918 at Quantico, Va., as a light artillery regiment. The regiment went to France as an infantry unit, providing a machine gun company and a guard company. Decommissioned and reactivated twice between world wars, the regiment again served as an infantry unit in Nicaragua. Re-formed in 1940 as a full-fledged artillery unit, 11th Marines joined 1st Marine Division.

Guadalcanal was the first major American offensive of World War II. Launched Aug. 7, 1942, this operation won the Division its first of three World War II Presidential Unit Citations. The following two citations were won at Peleliu and Okinawa.

“The Old Breed” was the unit chosen to land at Inchon, Korea, Sept. 15, 1950, adding another PUC to its list of decorations. A fifth PUC was for the Division’s “Attack in the opposite direction,” fighting its way out of the Chosin Reservoir against seven Communist Chinese divisions. The Chinese suffered an estimated 37,500 casualties trying to stop the Marines’ march out of the “Frozen Chosin.” Battles between April and September earned the division its sixth PUC.

The 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines returned to Guantanamo Bay for two months in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. More than 11,000 Marines of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade participated in the naval blockade, which forced the withdrawal of the missiles from Cuba.

Less than three years later, the Division was again on the move. In 1965, 7th Marines participated in Operations Starlite and Piranha, the first major engagements for American ground troops in South Vietnam.

Photo provided by Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis Marines with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liasion Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force, encounter a simulated improvised explosive device-laden taxi cab during security and stabilization operations training July 8 at Strategic Operations Studio in San Diego. Special effects, actors portraying enemy combatants and civilians and urban terrain were just some of the props used to portray military operations in Iraq’s urban environment.

March 1966 saw 1st Marine Division Headquarters established at Chu Lai. By June, the entire Division was in South Vietnam, its zone of operation - the southern two provinces of I Corps - Quang Tin and Quang Ngai.

Between March and October 1966 to May 1967, the Division conducted 44 named operations. Major engagements included Operations Hastings and Union I and II. In these operations, 1st Marine Division units decisively defeated the enemy.

During the 1968 Tet Offensive, the division was involved in fierce fighting with both Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army elements. It was successful in beating back enemy assaults in its operation areas.

After six hard years of combat, 1st Marine Division returned home to Camp Pendleton in 1971, closing another chapter of dedicated service to Corps and country.

In 1975, the Division supported the evacuation of Saigon by providing food and temporary shelter at Camp Pendleton for Vietnamese refugees as they arrived in the United States.

In 1990, 1st Marine Division formed the nucleus of the massive force sent to Southwest Asia in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. During Operation Desert Shield, the Division supported the I Marine Expeditionary Force in the defense of Saudi Arabia from the Iraqi threat. In 1991 the Division went on the offensive with the rest of Coalition Forces in Operation The Desert Storm. In 100 hours of ground offensive combat 1st Marine Division helped to liberate Kuwait, smashing the Iraqi Army in the process.

Immediately following the Persian Gulf conflict, the Division sent units to assist in relief efforts following a typhoon in Bangladesh (Operation Sea Angel) and a volcanic eruption in the Philippines (Operation Fiery Vigil).

In December 1992, Operation Restore Hope, bringing relief to famine-stricken Somalia, kicked off with the early morning amphibious landing of Marines from the Camp Pendleton-based 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which was supported by Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. More than 15,000 metric tons of food was successfully distributed from 398 different food sites in the city during the operation. The final phase of the operation involved the transition from a U.S. peacemaking force to a United Nations peacekeeping force. U.S. Marine involvement in Operation Restore Hope officially ended April 27, 1993, when the humanitarian relief sector of Mogadishu was handed over to Pakistani forces.

The 1st Marine Division participated in Operation Enduring Freedom after the attacks of September 11, 2001. In March 2003, the Marines brought freedom to the oppressed people of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Division was the tip of the spear during the combat phase of the operations.

Today the 1st Marine Division is a multi-role, expeditionary ground combat force. The Division is employed as the ground combat element (GCE) of
I MEF or may provide task-organized forces for assault operations and such operations as may be directed. The 1st Marine Division must be able to provide the ground amphibious forcible entry capability to the naval expeditionary force (NEF) and to conduct subsequent land operations in any operational environment. The 1st Marine Division is currently composed of 1st, 5th, 7th and 11th Marines; Headquarters Battalion; 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion; 1st and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions; 1st Combat Engineer Battalion; 1st Tank Battalion; and 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. These units represent a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women.
Headquarters Battalion provides command and administration for the 1st Marine Division. Within the battalion are a Headquarters and Service Company, Military Police Company, Communications Company, and Truck Company. The Division headquarters is located in the 11 Area, while Headquarters Battalion and its companies are located in the 33 Area.

The 1st, 5th and 7th Marines each consist of one headquarters company and four infantry battalions, with one battalion deployed outside the continental United States at all times. The infantry battalions are the basic tactical units that the regiment uses to accomplish its mission of locating, closing with and destroying the enemy by fire and close combat. The 1st and 5th Regiments are located in the 53 and 62 Areas, respectively. The 7th Marines are located in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The 11th Marine Regiment consists of a headquarters battery and four artillery battalions. 11th Marines is the primary source of fire support for the 1st Marine Division in amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. It provides direct and general fire support to frontline units as required by the infantry commanders. The 11th Marine Regiment organic weapon is the 155 mm howitzer (M198 towed howitzers). The Las Pulgas (43) Area is home to 11th Marines, 1/11 and 2/11. Las Flores (41) Area is home to 5/11 and 3/11 is located at Twentynine Palms.
1st Tank Battalion was activated Nov. 1, 1941 and is located at Twentynine Palms, Calif. Its mission is to provide combat power to 1st Marine Division in the form of amphibious and/or Maritime Preposition Forces; conduct operations ashore utilizing the enemy. As a separate battalion, 1st Tank Battalion is responsible for providing armored assets as well as anti-armor systems and staff expertise in their employment. The 1st Tank Battalion is equipped with the M1A1 Abrams Battle Tank.

The 1st Combat Engineer Battalion performs many specific functions, while fulfilling its mission of providing both tactical and logistical engineer support to 1st Marine Division. The battalion shares San Mateo (62) Area with 5th Marines.

The mission of 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion is to transport the surface assault elements of the landing force from amphibious shipping to inland objectives during the amphibious assault and to provide support to mechanized operations ashore. The amphibious assault vehicles are primarily used to transport personnel in tactical operations. The battalion is located in Camp Del Mar (21) Area.

The Division has two light armored reconnaissance battalions. The mission of a LAR battalion is to conduct reconnaissance, security and economy of force operations, and within its capabilities, limited offensive or delaying operations that exploit the unit’s mobility and firepower. 1st LAR Battalion was activated May 31, 1985, and is located at Las Flores (41) Area. The 3rd LAR Battalion was activated on Sept. 11, 1986, and is located at Twentynine Palms.

The Division reactivated the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion on June 8, 2000, but the battalion was originally activated on March 1, 1937. It now calls the Margarita (33) Area home. Before 1944, Marine Recon was primarily composed of scout/sniper units. In April 1944, a two-company amphibious reconnaissance battalion was formed with the mission of conducting beach reconnaissance and hydrographic survey. Today, the battalion performs a wide variety of tactical and special operations in support of the Division.

Photo provided by Cpl. Antonio Rosas A rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, prepares for the live-fire excercise at Range 409.

1st Marine Logistics Group

The 1st Marine Logistics Group was activated on July 1, 1947 at Pearl Harbor, territory of Hawaii, as the 1st Combat Service Group.

On March 30,1976 the logistics unit was reconfigured as the 1st Force Service Support Group.

On Oct. 21, 2005, the 1st FSSG was redesignated as the 1st Marine Logistics Group.

In August 1950 the 1st MLG was deployed to Kobe, Japan. In September 1950 the unit was redeployed to Inchon, Korea, and assigned to the 1st Marine Division. The 1st MLG participated in the Korean War, operating in many key battles during the war.

The unit was deployed in February 1967 to the Republic of Vietnam. The unit participated in the war in Vietnam from February 1967 until April 1971, operating from Da Nang.

The 1st MLG participated in numerous training exercised throughout the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's. The unit was next deployed during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, from September 1990 through April 1991. And then again for Operation Restore Hope in Somalia from December 1992 to February 1993.

Most recently the 1st MLG has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where it formed the largest MLG ever assembled in Marine Corps history, reaching approximately 15,000 Marines and sailors. The combat Marine Logistics Group overcame long lines of sustainment, stretching nearly 500 miles from Kuwait to Baghdad.

It is a versatile, multi-faceted combat service support organization. The 1st MLG provides combat service support for the I Marine Expeditionary Force, while troops are in garrison, employed separately, or as part of Marine air-ground task force operations.

The 1st MLG consists of Headquarters and Service Battalion, 1st Supply Battalion, 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Dental Battalion, Marine Expeditionary Unit Marine Logistics Groups 11, 13, and 15, Brigade Marine Logistics Group 1, Combat Marine Logistics Group 1 at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, Intermediate Maintenance Activity Detachment (IMA Det) at MCAS Miramar, and Combat Service Support Detachment 16 at MCAS Yuma. The group headquarters is located in the 14 Area, with elements of the group situated throughout Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton.

In addition to providing the group headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battalion provides disbursing, postal and military police support to the Fleet Marine Force and communications support for the group.

Brigade Service Support Group 1 is located in the 14 Area and is the combat service support element of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade. It also serves as the 1st MLG Forward Headquarters. It contains a full-time nucleus staff that for exercises and operations is augmented with personnel and equipment from each of 1st MLG's battalions.

Combat Logistics Battalion 1 was created on 18 December 1998 as the 1st Transportation Support Battalion (TSB). It resulted from the merger of 7th Motor Transport Battalion and 1st Landing Support Battalion. CLB-1ís mission is to provide thorough put and distribution of supplies, personnel and equipment, as well as medium and heavy motor transport support to I MEF. This is accomplished through operational and tactical application of shore party, helicopter support teams, air delivery and airfield control groups. The battalion is located in the 14 and 21 areas.

Photo provided by Sgt. Luis R. Agostini A Marine with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, kicks in a door in Fallujah, Iraq.

The 1st Maintenance Battalion provides intermediate level maintenance support for Marine Corps-furnished tactical communications/electronics, engineer, general support, motor transport and ordnance equipment. Maintenance facilities are located in Las Pulgas (43), Del Mar (21) and Chappo (22) Areas.

The 1st Supply Battalion supplies all classes of supply, except bulk fuel, required by I MEF. The Supply Activity Support System Management Unit, the heart of this operation, is located with the other functional areas in the warehouse complex in Chappo (22) Area.

The 7th Engineer Support Battalion is organized to provide general engineer support to MEF. Its services include bath and laundry, water supply, mobile electric power, storage and distribution of bulk fuel, and explosive ordnance disposal support. The battalion is located in the 14 Area.

In the late 1990s, 7th Motor Transport Battalion and 1st Landing Support Battalion combined to form 1st Transportation Support Battalion. On Oct. 21, 2005, 1st TSB was redesignated as Combat Logistics Battalion 1.

The 1st Medical Battalion is organized to provide collection, emergency treatment, temporary hospitalization, specialized surgery and evacuation of battle injuries. The battalion also coordinates preventive measure for control of disease. The battalion is located in Chappo (22) Area.

The 1st Dental Battalion is charged with the dental health of I MEF personnel and provides specialized care for casualties. The 1st Dental Company, located in the 22 Area, provides dental services through the 13 Area Dental Facility.

Combat Logistics Regiment 1 provides combat service support to I MEF units based at Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), and provides combat service support to MAGTFTC and other units as directed by the Commanding General, 1st MLG. The maintenance facility is located in Bldg. 2000.
Combat Service Support Detachment 16 provides combat service support to units stationed or training in the vicinity of Yuma, Arizona, and direct support to MAWTS-1 during the semi-annual Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses. CSSD-16 provides intermediate supply support and maintenance support for engineer, motor transport and ordinance equipment.

The Intermediate Maintenance Activity Detachment at MCAS Miramar provides supply and maintenance support to I MEF units stationed there.

Marine Expeditionary Unit Marine Logistics Groups 11, 13, and 15 provide the same type of combat support on a smaller scale to their respective MEUs as is provided by 1st MLG to I MEF.

Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton maintains and operates facilities to support flight operations of tenant units of a Marine Aircraft Wing, a Marine Reserve Aircraft Wing, a Marine Expeditionary Force component and commands in training in the Camp Pendleton air-ground complex. Its primary mission is to provide facilities and services to support flight operations to prepare Marines for combat. The MCAS is a subordinate air station under Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area. Functionally, MCAS Camp Pendleton serves as an important part of the MCB air-ground training complex.

The primary tenant unit of MCAS Camp Pendleton is Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39). The air station’s tasks include providing air traffic control services and facilities, aircraft fire-fighting and rescue services, weather service support to MCAS and MCB and hot and cold refueling and defueling. MCAS provides limited services to transient aircraft and maintains flight line security in coordination with the base provost marshal.

MCAS encompasses 410 acres, more than 50 structures, a 6,000-foot runway, taxiways, parking aprons, roads and parking areas and some utility systems.

MCAS Camp Pendleton is also known as Munn Field, named after LtGen. Toby C. Munn. LtGen. Munn was a Marine aviator whose distinguished service from 1927 to 1964 included assignments as commanding general, MCB Camp Pendleton and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Photo provided by Lance Cpl. Lynn Murillo A Marine with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment performs a security operation during MOUT training

Marine Aircraft Group 39
Marine Aircraft Group 39 was reactivated at Camp Pendleton Sept. 1, 1978, and operates in support of
I Marine Expeditionary Force and its major subordinate units (3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Division and Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton).

Units of MAG-39 are tasked to provide aerial support for operations in support of Fleet Marine Forces and other air operations as may be directed.

MAG-39 operates a mix of helicopter gunships (AH-1W) and utility light helicopters (UH-1N).

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 provides intermediate maintenance and aviation supply support for MAG-39.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 was task organized into a composite squadron of UH-1N and AH-1J helicopters. The squadron was redesignated HMLA-367 in January 1988 and replaced their AH-1Js with AH-1W helicopters.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 was tasked organized in February 1982 into a composite squadron of UH-1N and AH-1J helicopters. The squadron was redisignated HMLA-267 March 1, 1987 and received its first AH-1W March 16, 1987.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter 160 was activated on Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton Sept. 30, 1971. The squadron was redesignated HMLA-169 Oct. 1, 1986 and became a composite UH-1N/AH-1W squadron. The squadron was the first to receive and begin operating the AH-1W Super Cobra.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, in May 1982, became the first composite UH-1N/AH-1J squadron to deploy to Okinawa. The squadron was redisignated HMLA-369 Sept. 15, 1987 and began replacing the AH-1J with the AH-1W.
Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 303 was activated in ceremonies held at Marine Air Facility, Camp Pendleton April 30, 1982. As a fleet replacement squadron, HMT-303 is the only Marine squadron tasked to provide initial conversion and refresher training for all Marine and Navy UH-1N/AH-1W pilots.

Photo provided by Cpl. S. Bard Valliere A Marine aims in during the new course of fire on Edson Range aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif. The new course provides an increased emphasis on combat marksmanship.

Marine Air Control Group 38

Marine Air Control Squadron 1 was reactivated Oct. 1, 1983, and was reassigned to the 32 Area of MCB Camp Pendleton. MACS-1 is one of a pair of MACS units under the command of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. MACS mission is to provide air surveillance and control of aircraft and surface-to-air missiles for anti-air warfare, in support of FMF, to install and operate electronics and communications equipment required for the section, identification and control of aircraft and surface-to-air missiles, to perform air intercepts by directing fighter aircraft, and to maintain a capability to coordinate and pass information both laterally and to higher echelons.

Marine Air Support Squadron 3 was moved from MCAS El Toro Aug. 5, 1980, to its location at the 32 Area on MCB Camp Pendleton. The mission of MASS-3 is to provide the facilities for the control of aircraft operating in close and direct support of Fleet Marine Force operations. Working closely with both aviation and ground units, it provides Direct Air Support Center (DASC) to help ensure responsive air support is provided to the ground combat forces of each Marine Air Ground Task Force. Operating as a subordinate agency to the Tactical Air Command Center, the DASC is primarily responsible for receiving, processing and coordinating immediate requests of air support for the Ground Combat Element.

The mission of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense is to provide close-in, low altitude surface-to-air weapons fire in defense of forward combat areas, vital areas and installations. It also provides surface-to-air (SAM) weapons support for units engaged in special operations and independent operations.

February 26, 1969, an official table of organization was approved which placed a Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) battery in each Marine Air Control Group (MACG) of each Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). The FAAD battery was held in cadre as a single FAAD platoon from 1969 to 1979. March 8, 1982, the Third Forward Air Defense Battery (minus) was activated aboard Camp Pendleton. It consisted of only two platoons and a small headquarters section. By March 23, 1984, 3rd FAAD Battery activated a fifth platoon and became a complete T/O battery. During this time, the battery consisted of two Redeye platoons and three Stinger platoons.

January 27, 1987, 3rd LAAD Battery was activated. 3rd LAAD comprises a Headquarters, a Headquarters and Services Battery, and two firing batteries. Each firing battery has 3 platoons of 15 Stinger teams. 3rd LAAD Battalion supports I MEF with a total T/O strength of 90 Stinger teams.

Photo provided by Drillteam Cpl. Jeremy M. Vought 2nd soprano section leader with the Commandant’s Own Drum and Bugle Corps, warms up the unit’s powerful horn section before astounding a Camp Pendleton audience..

Marine Corps Tactical Support Systems Activity

The Marine Corps Tactical Support Systems Activity (MCTSSA), located in the 31 area, provides technical support to the Operating Forces by operating the Operating Forces Tactical Systems Support Center and by deploying on-site technical teams tailored to the needs of requesting units. Recently MCTSSA deployed a Forward Support Team to assist I MEF HQ and its major subordinate commands in standing up and supporting C4I systems for Operation Iraqi Freedom II. We also supported USMC exercises Desert Scimitar, Lucky Sentinel, Swift Hammer, Cobra Gold, Combined Endeavor, Infinite Moonlight, and most other major MEF-level exercises around the world. Our C4I Operating Forces support center can be reached at 1-800-808-7634; DSN 365-0533, and COMMERCIAL (760) 725-0533.

MCTSSA provides USMC decision makers with objective interoperability and integration assessments of Command, Control, Computer, Communications, Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Surveillance (C4ISR) systems. MCTSSA supports the Deputy Commander for C4I Integration at MARCORSYSCOM with the System of Systems, Federation of Systems, and Joint Distributed Engineering Plant (JDEP) tests. Results of these tests will be used to validate and fine-tune the current and future C4I architecture of the USMC. MCTSSA also supports numerous tests of fielded system upgrades and is accredited by the Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA)to perform testing on the Unit Operations Center (UOC) and the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

MCTSSA operates a Systems Integration Facility that is a “VII MEF” for the Marine Corps. Its instrumented, realistic, flexible, Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) C4I architecture allows the Marine Corps to: ensure system compliance with standards and protocols, replicate and solve Operating Forces problems, assess integration of systems, and evaluate interoperability.

MCTSSA supports the Commanding General, MARCORSYSCOM and his Program Managers in acquiring, developing, testing, fielding, and maintaining C4ISR systems. MCTSSA Technical Support Officers, project engineers, configuration managers, and quality assurance personnel perform systems engineering, software engineering, validation and verification tasks for the Program Managers and their project officers on ground commmand and control (C2), air C2, tactical communications, intelligence, sensors, fire support programs, and several joint programs.

Assault Craft Unit 5 - “The Swift Intruders”

Assault Craft Unit 5 is the West Coast home of the Navy’s newest amphibious assault craft the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC). This unique craft is supported above land or surface of the water by a cushion of air contained within its flexible rubber skirt system. Air cushion technology makes the LCAC the Navy’s only true amphibious landing craft

An LCAC is capable of carrying a 75 ton payload at speeds in excess of 40 knots. Launching from naval ships located over the horizon, an LCAC has a range of 200 nautical miles and can land troops and equipment on more than 70 percent of the world’s beaches. The ACU-5 base facility compliments the LCAC’s high-tech design with state-of-the-art repair and maintenance capabilities.

ACU-5’s location on Camp Pendleton is in keeping with the unique relationship enjoyed by the Navy-Marine Corps amphibious team. ACU-5 supports a compliment of 36 LCACs and employs more than 600 naval personnel. ACU-5 is a U.S. Pacific Fleet unit under the direct command of Commander, Naval Beach Group One, located in Coronado, California.

U.S. Army Reserve Center

The U.S. Army Reserve Center provides facilities and logistical support for the training of Army Reserve personnel and units. Units assigned to the reserve center consist of a deployment support Brigade, water purification and distribution company, terminal service company, diving detachment and water desalination detachment. The USAR Center is located at the Del Mar boat basin and can be reached at 725-2416/763-0448.

Courtesy Photo Assault Craft Unit 5

Weapons and Field Training Battalion, MCRD

Weapons and Field Training Battalion (WFTBN), located at Edson Range in the 31 Area, is a major subordinate command under the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego.

It is a self-contained complex containing rifle and pistol ranges, field training areas, classrooms, messhall, PX, billeting, medical and administration facilities. WFTBN provides Phase II Marine Recruit Training (boot camp) instruction to approximately 20,000 recruits a year in marksmanship, individual combat skills and the Crucible. It also conducts primary marksmanship instructor and range coach’s school. Edson Range was named after Major General Merritt A. “Red Mike” Edson, a WWII Medal of Honor winner and a distinguished small arms marksman proponent.

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