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{{Infobox military unit
  
{{Infobox military unit
 
|unit_name=13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
  
|unit_name=13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
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|image=[[File:13th MEU Logo.png]]
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|image=13th MEU Logo.png
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|image_size=240x240px
 
|caption=13th MEU Insignia
  
|caption=13th MEU Insignia
 
|dates=February 1, 1985 - present
  
|dates=February 1, 1985 - present
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|current_commander=Colonel Christopher D. Taylor
  
|current_commander=Colonel Christopher D. Taylor
 
|garrison=[[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]]
  
|garrison=[[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]]
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|ceremonial_chief=
  
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|colonel_of_the_regiment=
  
 
|nickname="The Fighting 13th"
  
|nickname="The Fighting 13th"
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|patron=
  
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|motto=
  
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|colors=
  
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|march=
  
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|mascot=
  
 
|battles='''[[Operation Desert Storm]]'''<br/>'''[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]'''<br/>'''[[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]'''
  
|battles='''[[Operation Desert Storm]]'''<br/>'''[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]'''<br/>'''[[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]'''
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|notable_commanders=
  
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|anniversaries=
  
 
}}
  
}}
   
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The '''13th Marine Expeditionary Unit''' (13th MEU) is one of seven [[Marine Expeditionary Unit]]s currently in existence in the [[United States Marine Corps]]. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a [[Marine Air Ground Task Force]] with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite aviation squadron and a combat logistics battalion. The 13th MEU is currently based out of [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]], [[California]].
 +
The '''13th Marine Expeditionary Unit''' (13th MEU) is one of seven [[Marine Expeditionary Unit]]s currently in existence in the [[United States Marine Corps]]. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a [[Marine Air Ground Task Force]] with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite aviation squadron and a combat logistics battalion. The 13th MEU is currently based out of [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]], California.
   
 
==Mission==
  
==Mission==
Line 40: Line 32:
 
===Early years===
  
===Early years===
   
−
The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was activated at Camp Pendleton, California, February 1, 1985, as the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit. The unit was renamed as the 13th MEU February 5, 1988. It is one of three West Coast MEUs which make periodic deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and [[Persian Gulf]] regions.
 +
The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was activated at Camp Pendleton, California, February 1, 1985, as the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit. The unit was renamed as the 13th MEU February 5, 1988. It is one of three West Coast MEUs which make periodic deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions.
 
The “Fighting 13th” has experienced a number of firsts. It was the first West Coast MEU to be designated as Special Operations Capable, having trained to conduct a wide variety of special missions. It was the first MEU to deploy with [[Landing Craft Air Cushion]] (LCAC); an entire section of [[M1097 Avenger|Avenger air defense weapons systems]] and the first to refuel ground vehicles with the Tactical Bulk Fuels Delivery System mounted in a CH-53E. Additionally, it was the first West Coast MEU to deploy with a force reconnaissance platoon.<ref name=sim/>
  
The “Fighting 13th” has experienced a number of firsts. It was the first West Coast MEU to be designated as Special Operations Capable, having trained to conduct a wide variety of special missions. It was the first MEU to deploy with [[Landing Craft Air Cushion]] (LCAC); an entire section of [[M1097 Avenger|Avenger air defense weapons systems]] and the first to refuel ground vehicles with the Tactical Bulk Fuels Delivery System mounted in a CH-53E. Additionally, it was the first West Coast MEU to deploy with a force reconnaissance platoon.<ref name=sim/>
   
 
===1990s===
  
===1990s===
   
−
The 13th MEU (SOC)’s special operations capabilities were used extensively on its deployment during [[Gulf War#Operation Desert Shield|Operation Desert Shield]] and [[Operation Desert Storm]]. Beginning a routine deployment June 20, 1990, the MEU was diverted to [[Southwest Asia]] in August. The first amphibious force to arrive in the theater of operations, personnel conducted the first Marine offensive actions against [[Iraq]]. In October, elements boarded two Iraqi tankers that refused to obey United Nations sanctions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Zeigler|first= Matt |title=Three Block War |publisher =iUniverse|year= 2004|pages=32=33 |isbn =978-0-595-75910-1}}</ref>
+
The 13th MEU (SOC)’s special operations capabilities were used extensively on its deployment during [[Gulf War#Operation Desert Shield|Operation Desert Shield]] and [[Operation Desert Storm]]. Beginning a routine deployment June 20, 1990, the MEU was diverted to Southwest Asia in August. The first amphibious force to arrive in the theater of operations, personnel conducted the first Marine offensive actions against Iraq. In October, elements boarded two Iraqi tankers that refused to obey United Nations sanctions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Zeigler|first= Matt |title=Three Block War |publisher =iUniverse|year= 2004|pages=32=33 |isbn =978-0-595-75910-1}}</ref>
  ⚫
The MEU’s last combat operation in Desert Storm was an Iraqi prisoner-of-war detainment on Faylaka Island, Kuwait, March 3, 1991, which resulted in 1,413 Iraqi prisoners being apprehended. The MEU returned to the United States April 16, after being deployed 301 consecutive days.<ref name=sim>{{cite book|last=Simmons|first= Edwin H. |title=The United States Marines: a history |publisher =Naval Institute Press|year= 2004|pages=20–22 |isbn =978-1-55750-868-3}}</ref>
   
  ⚫
The 13th MEU (SOC) deployed again in January 1992. During this deployment, the MEU conducted training operations in the Persian Gulf, Africa and Thailand. Additionally, the MEU was the last deploying unit to visit the Philippines prior to the closure of Naval Station Subic Bay prior to returning that summer.<ref name=sim/> The 13th MEU (SOC) arrived off the coast of Somalia in early October 1993 in response to increasing hostilities there. As a key element of the newly formed COMMARFOR Somalia, the 13th MEU (SOC) and [[22nd MEU]] (SOC), remained on station ready to provide support to United States and United Nations forces.<ref>{{cite book|last=Baumann|first= Robert |title=My Clan Against the World: U.S. and Coalition Forces in Somalia 1992-1994 |publisher =DIANE Publishing|year= 2004|pages=185–186 |isbn =978-1-4379-2308-7}}</ref>
⚫
The MEU’s last combat operation in Desert Storm was an Iraqi prisoner-of-war detainment on [[Faylaka Island]], Kuwait, March 3, 1991, which resulted in 1,413 Iraqi prisoners being apprehended. The MEU returned to the United States April 16, after being deployed 301 consecutive days.<ref name=sim>{{cite book|last=Simmons|first= Edwin H. |title=The United States Marines: a history |publisher =Naval Institute Press|year= 2004|pages=20–22 |isbn =978-1-55750-868-3}}</ref>
  
   
  ⚫
In mid-November the 13th MEU (SOC) became the principle rapid response force in the region and executed two humanitarian assistance operations. The first, [[Operation Show Care]], took place in the cities of Marka and Qoryooley from November 11–14. From December 1–3, [[Operation More Care]] was conducted in the Old Port of Mogadishu. Both operations provided needed medical and dental assistance to Somali citizens.<ref name=sim/>
⚫
The 13th MEU (SOC) deployed again in January 1992. During this deployment, the MEU conducted training operations in the [[Persian Gulf]], [[Africa]] and [[Thailand]]. Additionally, the MEU was the last deploying unit to visit the [[Philippines]] prior to the closure of Naval Station Subic Bay prior to returning that summer.<ref name=sim/> The 13th MEU (SOC) arrived off the coast of [[Somalia]] in early October 1993 in response to increasing hostilities there. As a key element of the newly formed COMMARFOR Somalia, the 13th MEU (SOC) and [[22nd MEU]] (SOC), remained on station ready to provide support to United States and United Nations forces.<ref>{{cite book|last=Baumann|first= Robert |title=My Clan Against the World: U.S. and Coalition Forces in Somalia 1992-1994 |publisher =DIANE Publishing|year= 2004|pages=185–186 |isbn =978-1-4379-2308-7}}</ref>
  
−  
⚫
In mid-November the 13th MEU (SOC) became the principle rapid response force in the region and executed two humanitarian assistance operations. The first, [[Operation Show Care]], took place in the cities of Marka and Qoryooley from November 11–14. From December 1–3, [[Operation More Care]] was conducted in the Old Port of [[Mogadishu]]. Both operations provided needed medical and dental assistance to Somali citizens.<ref name=sim/>
  
   
 
The 13th MEU (SOC) continued its presence mission through January 1994, providing aircraft for the “Eyes Over Mogadishu” missions as well as sniper support at the United States Embassy compound. The 13th MEU returned to the United States March 17.<ref name=sim/>
  
The 13th MEU (SOC) continued its presence mission through January 1994, providing aircraft for the “Eyes Over Mogadishu” missions as well as sniper support at the United States Embassy compound. The 13th MEU returned to the United States March 17.<ref name=sim/>
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The MEU deployed again October 25, only seven months after returning to Camp Pendleton. Following a scheduled exercise on Okinawa, November 11–13, the MEU sailed to the Persian Gulf. During this period the MEU conducted a Maritime Interdiction Operation/Visit Board Search and Seizure (MIO/VBSS) mission aboard the Honduran-flagged merchant vessel Ajmer, which was in violation of United Nations sanctions on Iraq.<ref>{{cite journal|title=13th MEU|journal=Marines| volume= 24| issue =6|page=16|publisher =Division of Public Affairs, Media Branch, HQMC|year= 1995}}</ref>
  
The MEU deployed again October 25, only seven months after returning to Camp Pendleton. Following a scheduled exercise on Okinawa, November 11–13, the MEU sailed to the Persian Gulf. During this period the MEU conducted a Maritime Interdiction Operation/Visit Board Search and Seizure (MIO/VBSS) mission aboard the Honduran-flagged merchant vessel Ajmer, which was in violation of United Nations sanctions on Iraq.<ref>{{cite journal|title=13th MEU|journal=Marines| volume= 24| issue =6|page=16|publisher =Division of Public Affairs, Media Branch, HQMC|year= 1995}}</ref>
   
−
In January 1995, the 13th MEU (SOC) was ordered to conduct [[Operation United Shield]] - the withdrawal of [[UNOSOM II|UNOSOM]] forces from Somalia. The MEU sailed to Africa and conducted operation rehearsals in [[Kenya]]. On February 28, the 13th MEU (SOC) conducted an amphibious assault onto Somali soil and executed a relief-in-place with UNOSOM forces. By March 2, the withdrawal of all UNOSOM forces was complete, and during the first hours of March 3, the final Marine forces departed Somali soil. The 13th MEU (SOC) returned to Camp Pendleton April 24.<ref name=sim/>
 +
In January 1995, the 13th MEU (SOC) was ordered to conduct [[Operation United Shield]] - the withdrawal of [[UNOSOM II|UNOSOM]] forces from Somalia. The MEU sailed to Africa and conducted operation rehearsals in Kenya. On February 28, the 13th MEU (SOC) conducted an amphibious assault onto Somali soil and executed a relief-in-place with UNOSOM forces. By March 2, the withdrawal of all UNOSOM forces was complete, and during the first hours of March 3, the final Marine forces departed Somali soil. The 13th MEU (SOC) returned to Camp Pendleton April 24.<ref name=sim/>
   
 
The MEU departed on its ninth deployment April 19, 1996. During an MEU exercise in Kuwait, the MEU became the first MEU(SOC) to put the entire landing force ashore in Kuwait without the use of a port or airfield.<ref>{{cite book|last=Marquis |first= Susan Lynn |title= Unconventional warfare: rebuilding U.S. special operations forces|publisher =Brookings Institution Press|year= 1997|pages=237–238 |isbn =978-0-8157-5476-3}}</ref> This was a vital step in the validation of the plan for the defense of Kuwait, which had previously not been tested.<ref>{{cite journal|title=13th MEU Hits the Beach| journal=The Leatherneck| volume =80 |author= Marine Corps Institute |publisher= Marine Corps Institute|year= 1997 |page=16}}</ref>
  
The MEU departed on its ninth deployment April 19, 1996. During an MEU exercise in Kuwait, the MEU became the first MEU(SOC) to put the entire landing force ashore in Kuwait without the use of a port or airfield.<ref>{{cite book|last=Marquis |first= Susan Lynn |title= Unconventional warfare: rebuilding U.S. special operations forces|publisher =Brookings Institution Press|year= 1997|pages=237–238 |isbn =978-0-8157-5476-3}}</ref> This was a vital step in the validation of the plan for the defense of Kuwait, which had previously not been tested.<ref>{{cite journal|title=13th MEU Hits the Beach| journal=The Leatherneck| volume =80 |author= Marine Corps Institute |publisher= Marine Corps Institute|year= 1997 |page=16}}</ref>
Line 63: Line 54:
 
The “FIghting 13th” returned to Camp Pendleton to end its deployment October 18. The 13th MEU(SOC) began its tenth deployment August 29, 1997. During WESTPAC 98-1, the MEU participated in [[Operation Southern Watch]] during November and December, helping enforce the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. The MEU returned home February 28, 11998.
  
The “FIghting 13th” returned to Camp Pendleton to end its deployment October 18. The 13th MEU(SOC) began its tenth deployment August 29, 1997. During WESTPAC 98-1, the MEU participated in [[Operation Southern Watch]] during November and December, helping enforce the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. The MEU returned home February 28, 11998.
   
−
December 5, 1998, began WESTPAC 99-1. During deployment, the MEU conducted training in [[Hawaii]], Singapore and Kuwait. MEU Marines provided reinforcements to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and responded to the [[Eritrea]]-[[Ethiopia]] war.
 +
December 5, 1998, began WESTPAC 99-1. During deployment, the MEU conducted training in Hawaii, Singapore and Kuwait. MEU Marines provided reinforcements to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and responded to the Eritrea-[[Ethiopia]] war.
   
−
While deployed in the WESTPAC from September 14–16, 2000, the MEU conducted a humanitarian assistance operation in [[East Timor]], offloading more than 570 tons of material by aircraft and more than 430 tons via sea lift.
 +
While deployed in the WESTPAC from September 14–16, 2000, the MEU conducted a humanitarian assistance operation in East Timor, offloading more than 570 tons of material by aircraft and more than 430 tons via sea lift.
   
−
In October 2000, the 13th MEU was dispatched to provide security and assist in [[Operation Determined Response]], the recovery of the crippled destroyer {{USS|Cole|DDG-67|6}} in the port of [[Aden, Yemen]]. The MEU marked its transit home with a stop on [[Iwo Jima]], and [[Tarawa]], returning to Camp Pendleton February 13, 2001.
 +
In October 2000, the 13th MEU was dispatched to provide security and assist in [[Operation Determined Response]], the recovery of the crippled destroyer {{USS|Cole|DDG-67|6}} in the port of Aden, Yemen. The MEU marked its transit home with a stop on [[Iwo Jima]], and [[Tarawa]], returning to Camp Pendleton February 13, 2001.
   
 
===Global War on Terror===
  
===Global War on Terror===
 
[[File:M1-A1 Abrams 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An M1A1 Abrams tank from the 13th MEU in Iraq in December 2003.]]
  
[[File:M1-A1 Abrams 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An M1A1 Abrams tank from the 13th MEU in Iraq in December 2003.]]
−
The “Fighting 13th’s” thirteenth deployment began six weeks early when it departed December 1, 2001, in response to [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] being conducted in [[Afghanistan]].<ref name=hearn>{{cite book|last=Hearn |first= Chester G |title=Marines: An Illustrated History: the United States Marine Corps from 1775 to the 21st Century|publisher =Zenith Press|year= 2007|page=167 |isbn =978-0-7603-3211-5}}</ref> Aircraft from HMM-165 (Rein) played an integral part in the air war conducted during Operation Enduring Freedom and provided the primary air support during [[Operation Anaconda]] in the early months of 2002. In addition to the 13th MEU (SOC)’s role in Operations Enduring Freedom and Anaconda, the MEU conducted humanitarian assistance operations in Kenya. While in Kenya the MEU built bridges, improved and built school structures, dug a well, and improved structures at a maternity hospital. Medical and dental aid and education were provided to the local population by MEU medical staff and bilateral training was conducted with Kenyan forces. The MEU conducted separate bilateral training exercises with [[Qatar]]i and [[Oman]]i forces prior to returning to Camp Pendleton June 17, 2002.
 +
The “Fighting 13th’s” thirteenth deployment began six weeks early when it departed December 1, 2001, in response to [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] being conducted in Afghanistan.<ref name=hearn>{{cite book|last=Hearn |first= Chester G |title=Marines: An Illustrated History: the United States Marine Corps from 1775 to the 21st Century|publisher =Zenith Press|year= 2007|page=167 |isbn =978-0-7603-3211-5}}</ref> Aircraft from HMM-165 (Rein) played an integral part in the air war conducted during Operation Enduring Freedom and provided the primary air support during [[Operation Anaconda]] in the early months of 2002. In addition to the 13th MEU (SOC)’s role in Operations Enduring Freedom and Anaconda, the MEU conducted humanitarian assistance operations in Kenya. While in Kenya the MEU built bridges, improved and built school structures, dug a well, and improved structures at a maternity hospital. Medical and dental aid and education were provided to the local population by MEU medical staff and bilateral training was conducted with Kenyan forces. The MEU conducted separate bilateral training exercises with Qatari and Omani forces prior to returning to Camp Pendleton June 17, 2002.
   
 
==See also==
  
==See also==
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{{Refend}}
  
{{Refend}}
   
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{{US Marine Corps's navbox}}
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{{US Marine Corps navbox}}
 
{{USMCmajorcommands}}
  
{{USMCmajorcommands}}
   

Latest revision as of 15:39, 15 December 2019

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
13th MEU Logo
13th MEU Insignia
Active February 1, 1985 - present
Country United States
Branch USMC
Type Special Operations Capable - Marine Air Ground Task Force
Role Forward-deployed, rapid-response forces
Size 2,200
Part of I Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQ Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Nickname(s) "The Fighting 13th"
Engagements Operation Desert Storm
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Commanders
Current
commander		 Colonel Christopher D. Taylor

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite aviation squadron and a combat logistics battalion. The 13th MEU is currently based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Mission

The mission of the MEU is to provide geographic combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, rapid-response force capable of conducting conventional amphibious and selected maritime special operations at night or under adverse weather conditions from the sea, by surface and/or by air while under communications and electronics restrictions.

Current subordinate units

History

Early years

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was activated at Camp Pendleton, California, February 1, 1985, as the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit. The unit was renamed as the 13th MEU February 5, 1988. It is one of three West Coast MEUs which make periodic deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions. The “Fighting 13th” has experienced a number of firsts. It was the first West Coast MEU to be designated as Special Operations Capable, having trained to conduct a wide variety of special missions. It was the first MEU to deploy with Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC); an entire section of Avenger air defense weapons systems and the first to refuel ground vehicles with the Tactical Bulk Fuels Delivery System mounted in a CH-53E. Additionally, it was the first West Coast MEU to deploy with a force reconnaissance platoon.[1]

1990s

The 13th MEU (SOC)’s special operations capabilities were used extensively on its deployment during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Beginning a routine deployment June 20, 1990, the MEU was diverted to Southwest Asia in August. The first amphibious force to arrive in the theater of operations, personnel conducted the first Marine offensive actions against Iraq. In October, elements boarded two Iraqi tankers that refused to obey United Nations sanctions.[2] The MEU’s last combat operation in Desert Storm was an Iraqi prisoner-of-war detainment on Faylaka Island, Kuwait, March 3, 1991, which resulted in 1,413 Iraqi prisoners being apprehended. The MEU returned to the United States April 16, after being deployed 301 consecutive days.[1]

The 13th MEU (SOC) deployed again in January 1992. During this deployment, the MEU conducted training operations in the Persian Gulf, Africa and Thailand. Additionally, the MEU was the last deploying unit to visit the Philippines prior to the closure of Naval Station Subic Bay prior to returning that summer.[1] The 13th MEU (SOC) arrived off the coast of Somalia in early October 1993 in response to increasing hostilities there. As a key element of the newly formed COMMARFOR Somalia, the 13th MEU (SOC) and 22nd MEU (SOC), remained on station ready to provide support to United States and United Nations forces.[3]

In mid-November the 13th MEU (SOC) became the principle rapid response force in the region and executed two humanitarian assistance operations. The first, Operation Show Care, took place in the cities of Marka and Qoryooley from November 11–14. From December 1–3, Operation More Care was conducted in the Old Port of Mogadishu. Both operations provided needed medical and dental assistance to Somali citizens.[1]

The 13th MEU (SOC) continued its presence mission through January 1994, providing aircraft for the “Eyes Over Mogadishu” missions as well as sniper support at the United States Embassy compound. The 13th MEU returned to the United States March 17.[1]

The MEU deployed again October 25, only seven months after returning to Camp Pendleton. Following a scheduled exercise on Okinawa, November 11–13, the MEU sailed to the Persian Gulf. During this period the MEU conducted a Maritime Interdiction Operation/Visit Board Search and Seizure (MIO/VBSS) mission aboard the Honduran-flagged merchant vessel Ajmer, which was in violation of United Nations sanctions on Iraq.[4]

In January 1995, the 13th MEU (SOC) was ordered to conduct Operation United Shield - the withdrawal of UNOSOM forces from Somalia. The MEU sailed to Africa and conducted operation rehearsals in Kenya. On February 28, the 13th MEU (SOC) conducted an amphibious assault onto Somali soil and executed a relief-in-place with UNOSOM forces. By March 2, the withdrawal of all UNOSOM forces was complete, and during the first hours of March 3, the final Marine forces departed Somali soil. The 13th MEU (SOC) returned to Camp Pendleton April 24.[1]

The MEU departed on its ninth deployment April 19, 1996. During an MEU exercise in Kuwait, the MEU became the first MEU(SOC) to put the entire landing force ashore in Kuwait without the use of a port or airfield.[5] This was a vital step in the validation of the plan for the defense of Kuwait, which had previously not been tested.[6]

The “FIghting 13th” returned to Camp Pendleton to end its deployment October 18. The 13th MEU(SOC) began its tenth deployment August 29, 1997. During WESTPAC 98-1, the MEU participated in Operation Southern Watch during November and December, helping enforce the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. The MEU returned home February 28, 11998.

December 5, 1998, began WESTPAC 99-1. During deployment, the MEU conducted training in Hawaii, Singapore and Kuwait. MEU Marines provided reinforcements to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and responded to the Eritrea-Ethiopia war.

While deployed in the WESTPAC from September 14–16, 2000, the MEU conducted a humanitarian assistance operation in East Timor, offloading more than 570 tons of material by aircraft and more than 430 tons via sea lift.

In October 2000, the 13th MEU was dispatched to provide security and assist in Operation Determined Response, the recovery of the crippled destroyer USS Cole in the port of Aden, Yemen. The MEU marked its transit home with a stop on Iwo Jima, and Tarawa, returning to Camp Pendleton February 13, 2001.

Global War on Terror

M1-A1 Abrams 1

An M1A1 Abrams tank from the 13th MEU in Iraq in December 2003.

The “Fighting 13th’s” thirteenth deployment began six weeks early when it departed December 1, 2001, in response to Operation Enduring Freedom being conducted in Afghanistan.[7] Aircraft from HMM-165 (Rein) played an integral part in the air war conducted during Operation Enduring Freedom and provided the primary air support during Operation Anaconda in the early months of 2002. In addition to the 13th MEU (SOC)’s role in Operations Enduring Freedom and Anaconda, the MEU conducted humanitarian assistance operations in Kenya. While in Kenya the MEU built bridges, improved and built school structures, dug a well, and improved structures at a maternity hospital. Medical and dental aid and education were provided to the local population by MEU medical staff and bilateral training was conducted with Kenyan forces. The MEU conducted separate bilateral training exercises with Qatari and Omani forces prior to returning to Camp Pendleton June 17, 2002.

See also

Commons-Logo Wikimedia Commons has media related to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

References

Notes
PD-icon This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Simmons, Edwin H. (2004). The United States Marines: a history. Naval Institute Press. pp. 20–22. ISBN 978-1-55750-868-3. 
  2. ↑ Zeigler, Matt (2004). Three Block War. iUniverse. pp. 32=33. ISBN 978-0-595-75910-1. 
  3. ↑ Baumann, Robert (2004). My Clan Against the World: U.S. and Coalition Forces in Somalia 1992-1994. DIANE Publishing. pp. 185–186. ISBN 978-1-4379-2308-7. 
  4. ↑ "13th MEU". Division of Public Affairs, Media Branch, HQMC. 1995. p. 16. 
  5. ↑ Marquis, Susan Lynn (1997). Unconventional warfare: rebuilding U.S. special operations forces. Brookings Institution Press. pp. 237–238. ISBN 978-0-8157-5476-3. 
  6. ↑ Marine Corps Institute (1997). "13th MEU Hits the Beach". Marine Corps Institute. p. 16. 
  7. ↑ Hearn, Chester G (2007). Marines: An Illustrated History: the United States Marine Corps from 1775 to the 21st Century. Zenith Press. p. 167. ISBN 978-0-7603-3211-5. 
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