The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment is a Littoral regiment of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Smedley Butler, Okinawa, Japan. Nicknamed "Thunder and Steel," the regiment falls under the command of the 3rd Marine Division.
| 12th Marine Littoral Regiment | |
|---|---|
 12th Marine Littoral Regiment Insignia | |
| Active | 4 October 1927 – 1945 17 March 1952 - present |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Littoral Regiment |
| Role | Provide fires in support of 3rd Marine Division |
| Part of | 3rd Marine Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Camp Smedley Butler, Okinawa, Japan |
| Nickname(s) | Thunder and Steel |
| Motto(s) | Honor, Fidelity, Valor |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Peter B. Eltringham |
| Notable commanders | Donald M. Weller Clifford B. Drake |
Mission
editThe 12th Marine Littoral Regiment is a naval formation, including capabilities to enable maneuver and operations in the maritime domain. It is a stand-in force: mobile, low-signature, persistent in the contact to blunt layers, and relatively easy to maintain and sustain as part of a naval expeditionary force. MLRs leverage the full ability of amphibious platforms, connectors, and boats.[1]
Current Units
editThe regiment is made up of one artillery battalion and one headquarters battery:
- Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (HQ Battery, 12th MLR)
- 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines (3/12 Marines)
- 12th Littoral Anti-Air Battalion - Commissions in FY25
History
editThe Regiment was activated on October 4, 1927, at Tientsin, China and assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade.a
World War II
edit
The regiment was reactivated September 1, 1942, at San Diego, California, as the 12th Marines and assigned to the 3rd Marine Division. It relocated during October 1942 to Camp Dunlap, California. From there it deployed during March 1943 to Auckland, New Zealand. In July 1943 it moved to Guadalcanal.
The regiment participated in the following World War II campaigns:
Following the war, the 12th Marines relocated in December 1945 to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
Post World War II history
editThe Regiment was reactivated on 17 March 1952, at Camp Pendleton, California, and assigned to the 3rd Marine Division. Deployed during August 1953 to Camp McNair, Japan. Redeployed during February 1956 to Okinawa. Redeployed from March–July 1965 to the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).
The Regiment participated in the War in Vietnam, May 1965 – November 1969, operating from:
Redeployed from August–November 1969 to Camp Hansen, Okinawa.
Relocated during August 1971 to Camp Hauge, Okinawa. Elements participated in the Southeast Asia Evacuations, April–June 1975. Elements participated in the recovery of the SS Mayaguez in May 1975. Relocated during August 1976 to Camp Zukeran, Okinawa. Camp Zukeran renamed Camp Foster during March 1980.
Elements participated in the Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, September 1990-April 1991. Relocated during July 1998 to Camp Hansen, Okinawa.
Global War on Terror
edit
Operation Enduring Freedom
editOperation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was the official name used by the U.S. government for both the first stage (2001–2014) of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the larger-scale Global War on Terrorism. Marines from the battalion took part in the Helmand Province Campaign, particularly the Battle of Sangin.
Littoral Regiment
editThe regiment was redesignated as the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment on 15 November 2023, during a ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan.[2]
See also
editNotes
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This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
- ^ "12th Marine Littoral Regiment". Marines.mil. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^ "12th Marine Regiment Redesignates to 12th Marine Littoral Regiment". Marine.mil. United States Marine Corps. 2023-11-14. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
External links
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