Front Cover:

Marines deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom walk the

flight line to an aircraft waiting to take them to their destination.

Back Cover:

A helmet belonging to a Marine in 3d Battalion, 23d Marines,

lists the locations where the battalion served in Operation

Iraqi Freedom.
United States Marine Corps 

Reserve Operations 

11 September 2001 to November 2003 

by Major Thomas I.Fsl Crecca 

US. Marine Corps Reserve 

U. S. Marine Forces Reserve 

New Orleans, LA 

2005 
11

PCN 190 00413 600
he Gulf War of 1990 through 1991 represented a watershed in

modern American defense policy. For the first time since the

Korean War we undertook a massive mobilization of the

Reserve components of our Armed Forces. This step was taken with

a degree of uncertainty and hesitation. Many asked: Will they come?

Can they fight? The firsr of those questions was answered with a

resounding yes. In cities and towns, the men and women who had

given up weekends and vacations to qualify for service answered the

call to arms. The answer to the second question was more

nuanced—units that had been properly equipped and trained performed magnificently. Some Services' units, hindered primarily by old

policies and lack of resources, showed the results of neglect. IE.ven

those units, however, showed great spirit, and thus, great promise.

Throughout the next decade, Reserve component units and iridividuals served at a previously unprecedented rate both at home and

abroad.

On 11 September 2001, a new enemy declared war on America.

In one of the boldest moves of his administration, President George

W. Bush immediately invoked the statutory authority to mobilize 1

million members of the Reserve and National Guard. The

Department of Defense immediately set about to use that authority to

call air, ground and naval units into service. This affirmative, confident deployment of Reserve forces was clearly the result of the

demonstrated ability of the men and women of the Reserve components and of the lessons learned during and after Operations Desert

Shield and Desert Storm regarding how to sustain and employ this

powerful augmentation force. They were no longer 'weekend warriors." Rather, they truly were—and continue to he—vital elements of

the Total Force, giving real meaning to the phrase 'one team, one

fight."

This is an account of the contributions of the Marines and

sailors of the Marine Corps

Reserve in the first two years of

the Global War on Terrorism. It is

a powerful first chapter to an

ongoing story of dedication, heroism and competence. Our

Commandant, along with many of

those who have led these Marines

in combat, repeatedly makes the

point that Marines, both active

and reserve, are indistinguishable.

That is as it should be, but I trust

readers will agree with me that

telling this unique story does not

diminish or reduce the bonds that tie together all who wear the

Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

lam tremendously proud of the Marines and sailors portrayed

here, and t am very pleased to open a window into their exploits

and contributions. as

Semper Fidelis,

Dennis M. McCarthy

Lieutenant General

United States Marine Corps Reserve

111

he Gulf War of 1990 through 1991 represented a watershed in 

modern American defense policy. For the first time since the 

Korean War we undertook a massive mobilization of the 

Reserve components of our Armed Forces. This step was taken with 

a degree of uncertainty and hesitation. Many asked: Will they come? 

Can they fight? The first of those questions was answered with a 

resounding yes. In cities and towns, the men and women who had 

given up weekends and vacalions to qualify for service answered the 

call to arms. The answer to the second question was more 

nuanced-units that had been properly equipped and trained performed magnificently. Some Services' units, hindered primarily by old 

policies and lack OF resources, showed the res~ilts of neglect. Even 

those units, however, showed great spirit, and thus, great promise. 

Throughout the next decade, Kesewe component units and individuals seived at a previously unprecedented rate both at home and 

abroad. 

011 11 September 2001! a new enemy declared war on America. 

In one of the boldest moves of his administration, President George 

W. Hush immediately invoked the statutory authority to mobilize 1 

million members of the Reserve and National Guard. The 

Department of Defense immediately set about to use that authority to 

call air, ground and naval units into service. This affirmative, confident deployment of Reserve forces was clearly the result of the 

demonstrated ability of the men and women of the Kesewe components and of the lessons learned during and after Operations Desert 

Shield and Desert Storm regarding how to sustain and employ this 

powerful augmentation force. They were no longer "weekend warI-iors." Rather, they truly were-and continue to he-vital elements of 

the Total Force, giving real meaning to the phrase .'one team, one 

fight." 

This is an account of the contributions of the Marines and 

sailors of the Marine Corps 

Resesve in the first two years of 

the Global War on 'l'errorism. It is 

a powerful first chapter to an 

ongoing story of dedication, heroism and competence. Our 

Commandant, along with many of 

those who have led these Marines 

in combat, repeatedly makes the 

point that Marines, both active 

and reserve, are indistinguishable. 

That is as it should be; but I trust 

readers will agree with me that 

telling this unique story does not 

diminish or reduce the bonds that tie together all who wear the 

Eagle, Globe and Anchor. 

I am tremendously proud of the Marines and sailors portrayed 

here, and I am very pleased to open a window into their exploits 

and contributions. 

Sempe~ Fidelis, 

Dennis M McCarthy 

1,ieutenmt General 

Unlted States Marme Corps Reserve 
nce a Marine, always a Marine, is a mantra binding the men

and women who have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor

during their lifetimes. Whether a Marine makes it a career

or just one enlistment, serving either on active duty or in the

reserve, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.

The Marines are very conscious of their relationship with the public.

They always seek to strengthen their ties to the American citizenry

and ensure that "the term 'Marine' signifies all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue," as articulated by the 13th

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General John A. Lejeune.

Whether you are on active duty or drilling in the reserves, the standard noted by General Lejeune remains the same.

The public's understanding of the Marine Corps Reserve may

vary. Many are familiar with the annual Toys for Tots campaign.

However, the reserves serve as ambassadors to society by their visibility in the workplace and in community activities. While they train

one weekend a month and two full weeks out of each year, they

remain ready at a moment's notice to integrate into an expeditionary

force and accomplish the mission at hand.

This publication seeks to show the involvement of the Marine

Corps Reserve in the Global War on Terrorism as well as its participation in other commitments that required the service of the reserve

due to the active duty commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan. The

intent here is to convey the "Ready, Willing, and Able" nature of the

Marine Corps Reserve in defending the United States both at home

and abroad in a most expeditionary fashion.

To illustrate the involvement of the Marine Corps Reserve, I

chose to discuss the participation of the units in a general chronological order from the time of the attacks on the World Trade Center

and Pentagon to 1 November 2003. With the exception of the individual Marinas that served in the rescue efforts at the World Trade

Center, this narrative focuses on unit panicipation. The date of 1

November 2003 is significant because in the late fall of 2003, the

iv

Marine Corps began planning for the next phase of its participation

in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is when another request for forces

was dispatched to Marine reserve units in preparation for subsequent deployments in late 2003 and early 2004.

This project was made possible by the guidance provided by

Lieutenant General Dennis M. McCarthy, Commanding General,

Marine Forces Reserve. General McCarthy underscored the need for

the story of the Marine Corps Reserve to be told and illustrated as a

key component of the Total Force concept. Under the leadership of

Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.), and the mentorship of

Colonels Jeffrey 3. Douglass and Jon T. Hoffman, this project got

started and I was asked to make it a reality.

In my research I benefited from several recently produced

sources covering the Marine Corps experience in Operations

Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Operation Enduring

Freedom Combat Assessment Team Summary Report provided data

and maps on the accomplishments of Task Force 58 in late 2001 and

early 2002. Lieutenant Colonel Michael S. Groen and his staff at the

1st Marine Division produced Operation Iraqi Freedom: No Better

Friend, No Worse Enemy, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael D

Visconage and Major Carroll N. Harris prepared the Third Marine

Aircraft Wing: Operation Iraqi Freedom. The maps that I incorporated into my text were based on the maps used in these sources as

well as the briefs given by the staffs of I Marine Expeditionary Force

and Task Force Tarawa. Additionally, I had the opportunity to

review and include the information discussed in the Reserve Combat

Assessment Team's Marine Cops Reserve Forces in Operation Iraqi

Freedom: Lessons Learned.

I relied extensively on a combination of command chronologies,

after action reports, and materials provided by the library, reference,

and archive sections at the Marine Corps Historical Center in

Washington, D.C. The units throughout Marine Forces Reserve also

assisted in providing photographs that were incorporated into the

nce a Marine, always a Marine, is a mantra binding the men 

and women who have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor 

during their lifetimes. Whether a Marine makes it a career 

or just one enlistment, serving either on active duty or in the 

reserve, we are proud to claim the title of United Stares Marines. 

The Marines are very conscious of their relationship with the public. 

They always seek to strengthen their ties to the American citizenry 

and ensure that "the term 'Marine' signifies all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue," as articulated by the 13th 

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General John A. Lejeune. 

Whether you are on active duty or drilling in the reserves, the standard noted by General Lejeune remains the same. 

The public's undersranding of the Marine Corps Reserve may 

vary. Many are familiar with the annual Toys for Tots campaign. 

However, the reserves serve as ambassadors to society by their visibility in the workplace and in community activities. While they train 

one weekend a month and two full weeks out of each year, they 

remain ready at a moment's notice to integrate into an expeditionary 

force and accomplish the mission at hand. 

This publication seeks to show the involvement of the Marine 

Corps Reserve in the Global War on Tel-mrism as well as its participation in other commitments that required the s&ice of the reserve 

due to the active duty commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 

intent here is to convey the "Ready, Willing, and Able" nature of the 

Marine Corps Reserve in defending the United States both at home 

and abroad in a most expeditionary fashion. 

To illustrate the involvement of the Marine Corps Reserve, I 

chose to discuss the participation of the units in a general chronological order from the time of the attacks on the World Trade Center 

and Penragon to 1 November 2003. With the exception of the individual Marines that served in the rescue efforts at the World Trade 

Center, this narrative focuses on unit participation. The date of 1 

November 2003 is significant because in the late fall of 2003, the 

Marine Corps began planning for the next phase of its participation 

in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is when another request for forces 

was dispatched to Marine reserve units in preparation for subsequent deployments in late 2003 and early 2004. 

This project was made possible by the guidance provided by 

Lieutenant General Dennis M. McCarthy, Commanding General, 

Marine Forces Reserve. General McCarthy underscored the need for 

the story of the Marine Corps Reserve to be told and illustrated as a 

key component of the Total Force concept. Under the leadership of 

Colonel John W. Kipley, USMC (Ret.), and the mentorship of 

Colonels Jeffrey J. Douglass and Jon T. Hoffman, this project got 

started and I was asked to make it a reality. 

In my research I benefited from several recently produced 

sources covering the Marine Corps experience in Operations 

Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Oprmtion Endur-irzg 

Freedom Combat Assessment Team Summary Report provided data 

and maps on the accomplishments of Task Force 58 in late 2001 and 

early 2002. Lieutenant Colonel Michael S. Groen and his staff at the 

1st Marine Division produced Operation Iraqi Freedom: Aro Better 

Friend, No Wome Enemy, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael D 

Visconage and Major Carroll N. Harris prepared the PhirdMarine 

Aircraj? Wing: Operation Iraqi Freedom. The maps that I incorporated into nly text were based on the maps used in these sources as 

well as the briefs given by the staffs of I Marine Expeditionary Force 

and Task Force Tarawa. Additionally, I had the opportunity to 

review and include the information discussed in the Reserve Combat 

Assessmenr Team's Marine Corps Reserue Forces in Operation Iraqi 

Freedom: Lessons Learned. 

I relied extensively on a combination of command chronologies, 

after action reports, and materials provided by the library, reference, 

and archive sections at the Marine Corps Historical Center in 

Washington, L1.C. The units throughout Marine Forces Keserve also 

assisted in providing photographs that were incorporated into the 
the historians of the Field Operations Branch, the Oral History

Branch, the Chief Historian, and the Administration section of the

Marine Corps Historical Center. After writing the narrative, I relied

heavily on the expertise of the Editing and Design section to illustrate the text with graphics, pictures, and maps. The cumulative

efforts of the individuals, sections, and branches mentioned were

essential in making this publication possible.

Finally, I am very grateful for the encouragement and support

of my wife, Pamela. She endured extended periods of separation

during this time, but always provided invaluable advice, keen

insight, and words of wisdom throughout this endeavor. I also am

very grateful for the support of Pamela's family and of my own as

they continuously provided encouragement and respites in my drive

to reach the finish line.

Thomas W. Crecca

Major, United States Marine Corps Reserve

-V

the historians of the Field Operations Branch, the Oral History insight, and words of wisdom throughout this endeavor. I also an1 

Branch, the Chief Historian, and the Administration section of the vely grateful for the support of Pamela's family and of my onm as 

Marine Corps Historical Center. After writing the narrative, I relied they continuously provided encouragement and respites in my drive 

heavily on the expertise of the Editing and Design section to illus- to reach the finish line. 

trate the text with graphics, pictures, and maps. The cumulative 

efforts of the individuals, sections, and branches mentioned were 

essential in making this publication possible. 

Finally, I am very grateful for the encouragement and support 

of my wife, Pamela. She endured extended periods of separation 

p~. Thomas W. Crecca 

during this time, but always provided invaluable advice, keen Major, United States Marine Corps Reserve 
Table of Contents 

... Forward ...................................................................................................... m 

Preface ........................................................................................................ v 

United States Marine Corps Reserve Operations ............................................................ 1 

11 September 2001 to 1 November 2003 ............... ............................................... 1 

MarineForcesRese~e ........................................................................................... 4 

Homeland Defense .................................................................................. 6 

Marine Corps Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers ................................................................. 6 

OperationNobleEagle ........................................................................................... 7 

4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism) ..................................................................... 8 

QuickReactionForce ............................................................................................ 9 

Stateside Support Provided by Units in Marine Forces Reserve ................................................ 10 

Operation Enduring Freedom ......................................................................... 12 

GuantanamoBay, Cuba ......................................................................................... .13 

Combined Joint Task Force Consequence Management ................................................................. 14 

Aviation Support from the Persian Gulf to Afghanistan ................................................................. 14 

Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa ........................................................................... 20 

Operation Iraqi Freedom ............................................................................. 24 

TheReserveContribution ........................................................................................ 24 

Ground Operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom ...................................................................... 26 

Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division ......................................................................... 27 

4thForceRecomaissanceCompany ............................................................................... 28 

Company B and TOW/Scout Platoon, 8th Tank Battalion ................................................................ 30 

Company D and the TOW/Scout Platoon, 4th Tank Battalion ............................................................. 35 

4thLightAtmorReconnaissanceBattalion ........................................................................... 37 

CompanyA, SthTankBattalion .................................................................................... 39 

Companies C and D, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion .................................................................... 43 

4thAssaultAmphibianBattalion ................................................................................... 44 

Detachment, 4thCombatEngineerBattalion ......................................................................... 45 

2dBattalion, 23dMarines ........................................................................................ 45 

ZdBattalion, 25thMarines ....................................................................................... 49 
1st Battalion. 24th Marines .................................................. 

Security and Stability Operations ............................................. 

Marine Forces Reserve Intelligence Section ..................... .... 

3d and 4th ANGLICO .................... ........................ 

3d and 4th Civil Affairs Groups ............................................... 

Air Operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom ................................ Coalition/loint Force Air Component Commander Liaison Cell ...................... 

MarineAircraftGroup42 ................................................... 

MarineAirControlGroup48 ................................................ 

VMGR-234,VMGR452, and HMH-772 .......................................... 

Combat Service Support Operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom ................ HeadquartersandSewice Battallon ........................................... . . 

6thEngineerSupportBanalion .................................................................................... 73 

Bridge Company A. 6th Engineer Support Battalion .................................................................... 76 

6thMotorTransportRattalion ..................................................................................... 77 

6thCommunicationsBattalion .................................................................................... 78 

4thIandingSupportBattalion .................................................................................... 80 

4thMedicalBattalion ........................................................................................... W 

Analysis of Operation Iraqi Freedom ................................................................... -81 

Marine Corps Reserves and the Total Force ............................................. ..................... 82 

Active Duty Commanders Assessment ............................................................................. 32 

SkiUsProvidedfromCivilianExperience ............................................................................ 83 

Individual Augmentees ................................................... ....... ........ ........... 83 

Other Global Commitments ...................................... ................... ...... 84 

1st Battalion, 25th Marines, and Company C, 4th Light Armor Reconnaissance .... ... .... ....... 84 

Conclusion ................................................ ... 86 

vii 


solemn reminder of its vulnerability greeted the nation as

a new generation experienced a surprise attack reminiscent of the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor in 1941. This

generation's "day of infamy" claimed the lives of almost

3,000 citizens and numerous wounded.

Just as the Marines of a previous generation stood

bravely at Pearl Harbor and fought in a desperate battle,

so did today's Marines as they answered the call in the

desperate hours that followed the terrorist attack on 11

September 2001. Some of these Marines wore a different

uniform that day. They were going about their private

lives working in their civilian professions when the

attack came. At the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon,

and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, they were not necessarily prepared to fight back, but they were ready to

protect the lives of their fellow citizens and even gave of

their own lives to save others.

A number of Marine reservists were at their civilian

jobs in New York City when the two commercial airliners flown by terrorists crashed into the World Trade

This photograph was taken fmm the Staten Island Harbor immediately after the second World

Trade Center tower was hit by a second aircraft. After the second impact, most observers

began to realize the destruction was intentional.

Photo t,y: Gysgt Matthew Olivolo
Photo by: GySgi Matthew Olivolo

A National Ensign flies amongst the devastation of one of the World Trade Center towers.

Smoke, ash, and dust choked New Yorkers for days after the Wit towers collapsed.

Center. Captain Thomas M. Armas, a Secret Service agent

for the Treasury Department and member of the Marine

Corps' Individual Ready Reserve, established a triage site

for the wounded and assisted in the evacuation of personnel from the World Trade Center's Twin Towers.

While Captain Armas survived the terrorist attacks,

Sergeant Major Michael S. Curtain, Gunnery Sergeant

Matthew D. Garvey, Sergeant Calixto Anaya, Jr., and

Corporal Sean R Tallon tragically died in the rescue

efforts at the World Trade Center.

Sergeant Major Curtain served in the Emergency

Services Unit of the New York City Police Department

and was no stranger to traumatic events. Prior to 11

September 2001, he participated in the rescue efforts in

the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the

1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building. In

the latter case, the Emergency Services Unit of the New

York City Police Department deployed to Oklahoma City

supporting rescue and recovery operations. Serving as

3
New York City firefighters, Gunnery

Sergeant Garvey, Sergeant Anaya, and

Corporal Tallon responded to the attacks

at the World Trade Center, giving their

lives while saving others. As members of

the Marine Corps Reserve, Sergeant Major

Curtain, Gunnery Sergeant Garvey, and

Sergeant Anaya served with the 6th

Communication Battalion in Brooklyn,

while Corporal Tallon served with Garden

City's 2d Battalion, 25th.Marines.*

stablished on 29 August 1916,

the Marine Corps Reserve has

been extensively involved in

protecting America's interests. Since World War I, the

Marine Corps Reserve has served a vital role in augmenting active duty forces to meet the massive demands in

manpower, equipment, and skilled proficiency for the

mission at hand. In the first part of the 20th Century,

Marine reserves filled the ranks of an expanding Corps

and distinguished themselves in combat in Europe, the

Pacific, and Korea. In the latter part of the same century,

Marine corps Regiments are referenced simply, as in 25th Marines, rather

than 25th Marine Regiment.

4

the integration of Marine reserves in peacetime operations as well as in combat was more prevalent, particularly in the wake of the Vietnam War and the abolishment of national conscription in 1973. At the close of the

20th Century, a large Marine Corps Reserve contingent

provided a vital contribution to I Marine Expeditionary

Force (I MEF) in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

On 6 June 1992, Marine Reserve Forces Command,

headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, was created,

becoming the third Force Command in the Marine Corps
along with Marine Forces Atlantic and Marine Forces

Pacific. Renamed Marine Forces Reserve on 1 November

1994, it is the largest command in the Marine Corps and

includes the 4th Marine Division, 4th Marine Aircraft

Wing, 4th Force Service Support Group, and Marine

Corps Mobilization Command. The mission of Marine

Forces Reserve is to provide service to the community;

augment and reinforce active duty forces in time of war,

national emergency or contingency operations; and provide personnel and operational tempo relief for the

active duty forces in peacetime.

Despite reductions in personnel levels across the

armed forces in the 1990s, global commitments

remained steady and so did the need for a maritime

expeditionary force in readiness. In the aftermath of

Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and the end of

the Cold War, the need for the integration of trained

Marine reserve units and individuals into active duty

forces continued.

The Marine Corps' expeditionary nature placed it in

the forefrpnt of the Global War on Terrorism. Marine

expeditionary units came together in the Arabian Sea

and moved inland into Afghanistan in the fight that

overthrew that country's ruling Taliban regime, which

had provided sanctuary to Al Qaeda

terrorists. Marine reserves sewed an

integral role in the air, on land, and at

sea in Operation Enduring Freedom as

they provided aviation support from

naval shipping to inland operating

bases, as well as guarding terrorist

detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

As terrorist activity was detected in the

Horn of Africa, Marine reserves served in aviation support, force protection, and logistics sustainment roles.

High-level command and staff positions were filled

by Marine reserves in the leadership and direction of the

4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism) and

the Combined Joint Task Force-Consequence

Management in Kuwait. As Marine Corps Reserve units

mobilized in the wake of 11 September 2001, numerous

individuals were mobilized to fill key staff positions at

various command levels with I and II Marine

Expeditionary Forces.

As political resolutions began faltering in the relations with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, the United

States prepared for another showdown with Baghdad.

This time the mission focused on the removal of the

Iraqi regime's leadership. In Operation Iraqi Freedom,

Marine reserves served in all elements of the Marine airground task force as 50 percent of the Marine Corps

Reserve was mobilized for the mission. The Marine

Corps Reserve made substantial contributions in the command element, ground combat element, aviation combat

element, and combat service support element, illustrating
the warfightirig effectiveness of the Total Force concept.

As the Global War on Terrorism continues, the

Marine Corps Reserve is working together with active

forces in accomplishing this mission and other global

commitments that existed prior to 11 September 2001.

Since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the

Pentagon, Marine Forces Reserve has supported numerous missions, which include homeland defense, stateside

support, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi

Freedom, and other global commitments. Many individual Marine reservists, as well as reserve units, have been

mobilized to meet these obligations. Whether it is providing training for active duty units deploying overseas,

fighting as a total force in the Global War on Terrorism,

or deploying to meet missions traditionally performed by

active duty forces, the Marine Corps Reserve remains

"Ready, Willing, and Able."

Pilots from VMFA -321

Marine Corps Emergency

Preparedness Liaison Officers

mrnediately following the attacks

on the World Trade Center,

Marine Forces Reserve activated

the Marine Corps Emergency
Preparedness Liaison Officers to

assist the Federal Emergency

Management Agency in the

New York and Washington,

D.C., areas. Marine Forces

Reserve prpvided a group of

liaison officers from Team III

(Fourth Marine Corps Reserve

District) to Marine Forces,

Atlantic, in support of the operation later known as Operation

Noble Eagle.

F-IS aircraft

Operation Noble Eagle

Operation Noble Eagle was the United States'

response to the terrorist actions against the World Trade

Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington,

Virginia. Team III provided assistance to civil authorities

in the consequence management phase following the

attacks. Team III operated in this support role until

Marines from VMFA-321
ordered to stand down on 21 September 2001.

As the nation recovered from the shock of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the

Pentagon, as well as the failed attack of United Airlines

Flight 93, which crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside

near Somerset, the concern about continued attacks

using commercial airlines remained. Marine Fighter

Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321), located at Andrews Air

Force Base, Maryland, had just completed a regular drill

weekend on 9 September 2001. In response to the

attacks, the squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel

Robert A. Ballard, and hisS

executive officer, Lieutenant

Colonel William D. Reavis,

arrived at the unit headquarters at 1300 and were

informed by the squadron staff

that all aircraft were fueled

and ready to answer the call

for assistance. The call came

quickly as it was evident that

combat air patrols were necessary to protect the Washington,

D.C., area from further terrorist

threats. Air National Guard

units from Andrews Air Force

Base dispatched combat air

patrols late in the morning of

11 September, but additional

aircraft and aircrews were

needed to provide relief for

the current mission. On the

BGen Douglas O'Dell, commanding

general, 4th MED (Afl addresses an

audience gathered during the 4th MED

reactivation ceremony. The 4th MED

was reactivated for the first time in

nearly 10 years following the attacks in

New York and the Pentagon.

morning of 12 September, Marines from VMFA-32 1 flew

combat air patrols in the Capital area and continued flying sorties until ordered to stand down on the evening

of 12 September.

4th Marine Expeditionaty Brigade

(Anti- Terrorism)

As a result of the events on 11 September 2001, the

Marine Corps activated 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

(Anti-Terrorism) (4th MEB AD, commanded by Brigadier

The logo for 4th MED (Anti-Terrorism),

established after the 11 September terrorist attacks. The fist symbolizes leadership. The arrows, one for each aircraft in the attack, represent military

readiness. The phase Vigila Aetemus

states how the Marines and America

will remain vigilant until the war on terrorism is won.

8

SSgt Michael D. Fey: Control No. 335-9-22

Motel "6" Be gram 4th MED Liaison Detachment
General Douglas O'Dell, USMCR. The mission of the 4th

MEB (AT) was to deter, detect, defend against, and

respond to acts of domestic and international terrorism.

The purpose of this organization was to provide theater

level commanders (e.g. Commander, United States

Central Command) a rapidly deployable force with specialized anti-terror sni training. The 4th MEB (At consisted of the Chemical-Biological Incident Response

Force, elements from Marine Security Forces Battalion

and Marine Security Guard Battalion, and a Marine

infantry battalion specially trained in anti-terror tactics.

These units were instrumental in re-establishing the U.S.

Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and maintaining around

the clock security for the compound.

Quick Reaction Force

Providing relief for the operational tempo of active

duty forces and reinforcing the Marine Corps' role in

homeland security; 2d

Battalion, 25th Marnes,

from Garden City, New

York, and 2d Battalion,

23d Marines, from

Encino, California, were

activated for the quick

reaction forces rotations

on the east and west

Sgt David .4humada provides security for

other Marines and civilians during riot

control training in March 2002. The exercise honed the skills of 2d Battalion, 23d

Marines, which was activated for homeland defense.

Large plastic shields about 4—feet high protected Marines from 2d Battalion, 23d Marine

Regiment, from an angry mob during a riot control exercise held at Camp Margarita in March

2002.

coasts, respectively. The 2d Battalion, 25th Marines,

deployed to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and integrated into the 2d Marine Division's training program. The

2d Battalion, 23d Marines, deployed to Camp Pendleton,

California, and integrated into the 1st Marine Division's

training program. Throughout 2002, both of these

infantry battalions participated in their respective division's exercises and operations.

In addition to the quick reaction force mission, 2d

Battalion, 25th Marines, served in other training missions

that included exercises with NATO forces, such as providing support for the ongoing Operation Rapid

Guardian, in which the Marines and Sailors from

Company G, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines, completed an

eight-week mission in the Balkans. Company G, 2d

Battalion, 25th Marines, worked with NATO and nonNATO forces conducting security operations in the towns

of Les Kovica and Drenova Glava in Kosovo. The mission included operations that deterred the smuggling of

weapons and contraband, while providing medical civil

action teams for local villages. This experience was very

valuable because many of the Marines in 2d Battalion,

25th Marines, were police officers and firefighters in their

civilian jobs. These unique skills would be in high

9
demand when this unit found itself in Iraq within the

next year.

During 2002, 2d Battalion, 23d Marines, participated

in numerous exercises that sharpened the unit's combat

capability and familiarized them with the standard operating procedures of the active duty units in the 1st

Marine Division. The unit was involved in several exercises that honed the battalion staff in command post

operations while the subordinate companies participated

in field training with specific emphasis on fire support

coordination skills.

ince 11 September 2001, many of the Marine

reserve units called to active duty have served

outside the United States. 1-lowever, some units

provided detachments that were tasked with performing

assignments in the United States. These units served an

integral role in supporting the Global War on Terrorism

with functions ranging from training support for deploying units to logistical resupply and maintenance repair

for the sustainment of forces stationed in forward locations.

10

Photo by: Sgt Arthur DesLauriers

Sql Michael Stoneburg and Sql Kevin Rowe of MWSS-472, Detachment B, are awarded the

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal by BGen Jack W Bergman, commanding general of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

Squadrons in

the 4th Marine

Aircraft Wing met

the demands of

maintaining and

servicing fixed and

rotary wing aircraft.

Elements of Marine

Aviation Logistics

Squadron 41 (MALS41) from Fort Worth,

Texas, Marine

Aviation Logistics

Squadron 42 (MALS42) from Marietta, Georgia, and Marine Aviation Logistics

Squadron 49 (MALS-49) from Fort Stewart Air National

Guard Base, New York, moved to the Middle East,

Okinawa, and stateside bases augmenting the maintenance crews of active duty Marine squadrons. These

maintenance crews provided essential repair on the T56

turboprop engine, which strengthened the operational

capability of the Lockheed KC-130 Hercules aircraft

flown in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation

Photo by: Sgt Richard Kulleck

Sql David W kosolkit inspects the airfield under a VTOL

mat held by LCpIs Sean M. Bond, Otilia Holguin, and John

P Quitiquit.
Iraqi Freedom by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport

Squadrons 234 (VMGR-234) from Fort Worth, Texas, and

452 (VMGR-452) from Fort Stewart Air National Guard

Base, New York. Aviation maintenance detachments

were established at forward sites at the Shaik Isa Air

Base, Bahrain, and Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy.

This greatly enhanced the intermediate level maintenance activity, which reduced the resupply and repair

time for the KC-130 aircraft.

In January 2003, Marine Wing Support Group 47

(MWSG-47) in Mount Clemons, Michigan and its subordinate commands: Marine Wing Support Squadron 471

(MWSS-471), Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Marine Wing

Support Squadron 473 (MWSS-473), San Diego,

California, prepared for service at Marine Corps Air

Stations on the east and west coasts. The MWSG-47

Headquarters and MWSS-473 deployed to Marine Corps

Air Station, Miramar, California, and filled the operational

requirements for the units of Marine Wing Support

Group 37 (MWSG-37) serving in Operation Iraqi

Freedom. Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 deployed

to Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina,

and filled the operational requirements for the units of

Marine Wing Support Group 27 (MWSG-27) serving in

Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Marine Wing Support Group 47 Headquarters

assumed the responsibility for all aviation ground support missions on the west coast. Subsequently, MWSS473 performed the aviation ground functions at Marine

Corps Air Station, Miramar, and Marine Corps Air Station,

Camp Pendleton, as well as the outlying airfields in the

vicinity. Due to operational demands, MWSS-473 perPhoto by: LCpI Nathaniel C. LeBlanc

SSgt Jason Magurno, calibration technician, Marine Aircraft Logistics

Squadron49, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, a native

of Mineola, New York, conducts calibration on equipment at Marine Corps

Air Station, Futenma 17 June 2002.

formed the missions generally conducted by two active

duty Marine wing support squadrons.

On the east coast, MWSS-471 was responsible for

running the expeditionary airfield at Bogue, North

Carolina, despite having an expeditionary airfield section

of only seven Marines. Additionally, MWSS-471 was designated as both the combat service support element and

aviation ground support element of the air contingency

Marine air-ground task force for II Marine Expeditionary

Force from 1 March to 30 September 2003.

While active duty Marine wing support squadrons

returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom, MWSS-473 continued providing aviation ground support to the 2003

Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course conducted by

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 at

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.

Even though the reserve F/A-18 squadrons remained

stateside during Operation Enduring Freedom and

Operation iraqi Freedom, Marine Fighter Attack

Squadrons 112 (VMFA-112), in Fort Worth, Texas, and

134 (VMFA-134), in San Diego, California, served an

important role in providing operational support for active

duty and reserve Marine units, as well as the other sen'-

ices of the United States armed forces. These squadrons

11
provided close air support for the combined arms exercises conducted at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat

Center, Twentynine Palms, California. They also provided

aviation support for the following training: weapons and

tactics instructor courses; air force and naval fighter

weapons schools; and pre-deployment Marine expeditionary unit exercises.

Additionally, VMFA-112 participated in the testing of

new combat technology. The squadron performed functional testing on the target location, designation, and

handoff system which allows a pilot to receive an

encrypted request in the form of a non-voice burst transmission from a ground forward air controller for close air

support on an enemy position.

Since 11 September 2001, the Marines from the

Marine Forces Reserve intelligence and counterintelligence sections operated extensively in numerous exercises, joint task force missions, and Operations Enduring

Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. These Marines provided

critical expertise and support to the total force in conducting battlefield interrogations, threat vulnerability

assessments, and counterintelligence force protection

operations.

The Marine Forces Reserve intelligence organization

consists of 10 detachments dispersed throughout the

United States. These detachments comprise a sensor control and management platoon, one production and

analysis detachment, and eight counterintelligence

detachments. From February 2002 to November 2003, the

Marine Forces Reserve intelligence section employed all

its units and expended 100 percent of its assets in support of stateside and overseas requirements.

The sensor control and management platoon sup12

ported five joint task force counter-drug missions from

March to June 2002 and again from October to

November 2002. These missions took place in various

border regions of the United States, intercepting drug

smugglers and illegal immigrants. The sensor control and

management platoon, in concert with U.S. law enforcement agencies, deployed a network of sensors that monitored rough, uninhabited terrain, guarding against drug

smuggling operations, illegal immigrants, and suspected

terrorists attempting to enter the United States.

In addition, the sensor control and management platoon deployed Marines in support of two Joint Chiefs of

Staff ditected exercises—Dynamic Mix in Spain, and

Millennium Challenge at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina,

in the summer of 2002. The Marines honed their skills by

employing and monitoring sensors in both defensive and

offensive missions. The Marine Forces Reserve counterintelligence section also provided a detachment of 13

Marines to participate in Dynamic Mix as well as

Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

ith evidence pointing to Al Qaeda as a

sponsor, planner, and agent of the attacks

on 11 September 2001, immediate plans

were prepared for conducting military operations against

the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Afghanistan served as
the host site for many terrorist training camps with the

Taliban government providing sanctuary and support to

Al Qaeda and its leader, Osama Bin Laden. The United

States and allied forces backed a group of Afghan militias called the Northern Alliance in its ongoing fight

against the Talihan. Many suspected terrorists and

Taliban fighters were captured and subsequently

processed and transported for detainment at Camp X-Ray

at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

With the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom

in the autumn of 2001, Marine reserves were tasked with

supporting overseas and homeland defense missions.

They were quickly added to the list of available assets

for current operations as well as new contingency missions in the Global War on Terrorism.

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

In October 2001, Marines from 1st Battalion, 23d

Marines, in Houston, Texas, were activated and tasked

A group of Marines from Company B, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, learn the lay of the land at

U.S. Naval Base. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. where they provided security during Operation Iraqi

rreedom.

Photo by: Sgt Jennifer M. Antoine

Photo by: Sgt Jennifer M. Antoine

Marines load rounds into the M-249 squad automatic weapon during live-fire training

at U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Marines were part of the second rotation from Company 2, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, which arrived in Cuba to provide

installation security, March 2002.

with assuming duties as detainment facility guards at

Guantanamo Bay. In November 2001, platoons from

Company B, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, in Bossier City,

Louisiana, traveled to Guantanamo Bay. These Marines

provided installation security, allowing two active duty

Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) platoons to

assume other missions. Company B, 1st Battalion, 23d

Marines, spent six weeks training for their mission, which

included special instruction from the Marine Corps

Security Force Battalion in basic security guard skills,

non-lethal weapons employment, riot control, and close

combat. The mission of 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, was

to guard both the 17-mile perimeter of the base at

Guantanamo and the detainees at Camp X-Ray. In March

2002, another detachment from Company B, 1st

Battalion, 23d Marines, composed of Marines from Austin

and Houston, relieved the first elements serving at

Guantanamo Bay.

13
Combined Joint Task Force

Consequence Management

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the

United States, the United States Central Command set Up

Combined Joint Task Force Consequence Management in

October 2001. This organization provided rapid

response forces in the event of an enemy attack by

nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. While serving

as the Assistant Division Commander for the 1st Marine

Division, Marine Brigadier General Christian B. Cowdrey

received the assignment as the commander this unit.

After the Kuwaiti government requested assistance

from the United States, Brigadier General Cowdrey

moved his command to Kuwait in November 2001,

joined by specialized German and Czech Republic

Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) defense units.

In April 2002, Brigadier General Cowdrey turned over

the leadership of Combined joint Task Force

Consequence Management to Marine Brigadier General

Craig T. Boddington, a reserve officer. Through intense

training and many exercises, Brigadier General

Boddington prepared his force for various contingencies

until relinquishing the command to another Marine

reserve officer, Brigadier General Cornell A. Wilson in

February 2003. This training paid off when Iraq

launched SCUD missile attacks on Kuwait in the early

stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The rapid response

teams immediately deployed and determined that the

missile attacks did not contain substances of mass

destruction. The Combined Joint Task Force

Consequence Management remained very active protect14

ing U.S. and Coalition forces as well as the Kuwaiti public until it stood down in May 2003.

Aviation Support from the

Persian Gulf to Afghanistan

Extraordinary demand was placed on the Marine

Corps' Lockheed KC-130 "Hercules" and Sikorsky CH-53E

"Sea Stallion" squadrons for operations in Southwest

Asia. The reserve KC-130 squadrons from VMGR-234 and

VMGR-452, as well as the reserve CH-53E squadrons

from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 769 (HMH-769)

at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and HMH-772 in

Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, were activated and supported critical missions in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.

A need also existed for Marine air command and control

systems directing aviation and protecting allied troops

froth terrorist attacks. This required the services of a

Marine air control squadron and the use of both active

duty and reserve units in completing this mission.

Marine Air Control Squadron 2 (MACS-2) from Marine

Corps Air Station, Cherry Point and Marine Air Control A Marine CH-53E Super Stallion is refueled in the air by a ICC- 730 Hercules

before making a logistics run in support of Operation Anaconda. Both

aircraft are from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations

Capable) Aviation Combat Element, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in

Afghanistan. Photo by: CWO2 William D. Crow
ations from naval ships in the Arabian Sea. To reach the

forward operating base at Camp Rhino in Afghanistan,

Marines had to travel more than 400 miles inland from

ships in the Arabian Sea.

Moving supplies across this distance was a significant challenge, and could only be achieved through the

combination of KC-130 Hercules refuelers and CH-53E

aircraft. This combination was necessary because inland

airstrips were not large enough to support larger U.S. Air

Force aircraft in the early stages of operations.

Squadron 24 (MACS-24), a reserve unit from Dam Neck,

Virginia, performed this mission.

A critical need existed for additional KC-130 aircraft

and CH-53E helicopters in support of ship-to-shore oper15