page_title: Marine defense battalions
hierarchical_section_title: Marine defense battalions
caption_attribution_description: Marines man a 90mm anti-aircraft gun of the 3rd Defense Battalion at Guadlcanal
context_page_description: Marine Defense Battalions were United States Marine Corps battalions charged with coastal and air defense of advanced naval bases during World War II. They maintained large anti-ship guns, anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and small arms to repel landing forces.
context_section_description: Marine Defense Battalions were United States Marine Corps battalions charged with coastal and air defense of advanced naval bases during World War II. They maintained large anti-ship guns, anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and small arms to repel landing forces.
caption: 3rd Defense Battalion with a 90 mm antiaircraft gun at Guadalcanal
exif: {}