24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a forward-deployed, rapid-response force of the United States Marine Corps and a key component of the United States Navy's amphibious ready group. Based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and operating under II Marine Expeditionary Force, this Marine Air-Ground Task Force stands ready for crisis response, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations across the globe. Its history of deployments spans major conflicts from the Persian Gulf to the Horn of Africa, consistently demonstrating its core expeditionary capabilities.

History

The unit traces its lineage to the activation of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit in 1977, a period of restructuring within the Marine Corps to enhance rapid deployment capabilities. Its early operational history includes participation in multinational exercises and deployments to the Mediterranean Sea with the Sixth Fleet. The 24th MAU was redesignated as a Marine Expeditionary Unit in 1988, adopting the modern Marine Air-Ground Task Force structure. Its first major combat test came during Operation Desert Storm, where it conducted amphibious assault training and feints as part of coalition operations to liberate Kuwait. Following the September 11 attacks, the unit became a persistent element in the Global War on Terrorism, deploying repeatedly to Central Command's area of responsibility.

Organization

As a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, the unit is organized around four core elements: a command element, a ground combat element, an aviation combat element, and a logistics combat element. The command element provides overall leadership and coordination. The ground combat element is typically a reinforced infantry battalion, such as a battalion from the 2nd Marine Regiment. The aviation combat element, known as the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Reinforced), is centered on the MV-22B Osprey and includes detachments of AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters, as well as CH-53E Super Stallion and F-35B Lightning II aircraft. The logistics combat element, provided by Combat Logistics Regiment 2, handles supply, maintenance, and engineering support.

Operations and deployments

The unit has a extensive record of global operations, beginning with its role in Operation Desert Storm. In the late 1990s, it supported Operation Joint Endeavor in the Adriatic Sea. Following the September 11 attacks, it deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and later for Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting security and stability operations in Al Anbar Province. The unit has also been frequently deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa and maritime security missions in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area. It has executed numerous non-combatant evacuation operations and provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, such as following the 2010 Haiti earthquake and during Operation Unified Response.

Equipment and capabilities

The unit's equipment enables it to conduct amphibious warfare, raids, and seizure of key terrain. Its naval shipping includes amphibious assault ships like the USS ''Wasp'' and USS ''Iwo Jima''. The ground combat element utilizes the Light Armored Vehicle-25, M1A1 Abrams tanks, and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. Aviation assets are critical, featuring the MV-22B Osprey for long-range assault, AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and the F-35B Lightning II for air supremacy and close air support. This combination allows for forcible entry operations from sea, supported by integrated naval surface fire support and special operations capable qualifications.

Commanders

Command of the unit is held by a colonel in the Marine Corps. Past commanders have often gone on to hold significant general officer billets. The command relationship is integral, as the commander works directly with the captain of the associated amphibious ready group aboard the flagship. Notable former commanders include Colonel Richard P. Mills, who later commanded 1st Marine Division and Regional Command Southwest in Helmand Province, and Colonel Peter Petronzio, who later served as Chief of Staff for II Marine Expeditionary Force. Category:United States Marine Corps Category:Marine expeditionary units of the United States Marine Corps