Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force for Crisis Response

Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force that is currently postured at Morón Air Base in Spain. SP-MAGTF Crisis Response reports to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa under United States Africa Command. It is a self-mobile, self-sustaining force of approximately 500 Marines and sailors, capable of responding to a range of crises. The unit is specifically trained to support U.S. and partner interests throughout the United States Africa Command area of responsibility, to include embassy reinforcement, support to noncombatant evacuation operations, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. The unit also takes part in bilateral and multilateral training exercises with regional partners. It is commanded by a Marine colonel.

In 2013, following the 2012 Benghazi attack, Lt. Gen. Richard Tryon, Marine Corps deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations, announced the creation of a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force that could fly in a company of Marines on MV-22 Ospreys to respond to crises in Africa. However, this will require political work to secure a ground base nearby that the amphibious ships operating in the global commons of the world's oceans do not require. The task force self-deployed to Morón Air Base on 27 April 2013.

USMC spokesman Capt. Eric Flanagan has listed the responsibilities of the task force to be a first responder for American embassies in the area, to help evacuate Americans, and to provide humanitarian and disaster relief.

Throughout 2013, SP-MAGTF Crisis Response joined with regional military and civilian partners to establish positive relationships. In June, elements of the unit went to Italy during the 100th anniversary of Italian naval aviation where they showcased the U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22B Osprey. In August, SP-MAGTF Crisis Response's ground combat element, then comprised mostly from Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion took part in two separate bilateral training exercises with the Spanish Brigada de Infantería Ligera Paracaidista. The first was a live-fire event near Uceda and the second was a free-fall parachute exercise over Naval Station Rota Spain.