Hawaii Marine infantry unit folds, while refueling unit activates

At Marine Corps Base Hawaii, an infantry battalion with a storied World Warfare II historical past deactivated Jan. 13, the identical day that an aviation refueling squadron reactivated after a 64-year hiatus.

Though these models are beneath completely different organizational buildings, each modifications are tied to Drive Design 2030, the Pacific-focused restructuring of the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps is working to turn out to be extra nimble and fewer trackable in a possible battle, particularly in opposition to the technologically refined Chinese language navy.

Infantry unit third Battalion, third Marines, folded as a part of a reorganization inside the third Marine Division, in line with a division information launch. In March 2022, the division’s third Marine Regiment turned the third Marine Littoral Regiment, which would be the first unit to function a “stand-in-force,” dispersed inside China’s putting vary.

One other infantry battalion, 2nd Battalion, third Marines, was deactivated in January 2022, additionally due to the transition to the third Marine Littoral Regiment.

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153, abbreviated VMGR-153, was stood up largely to supply extra logistical help for the Hawaii-based third Marine Littoral Regiment, in line with the Marine Corps’ 2022 aviation plan. The squadron has two KC-130J cargo planes and plans to have 15 by fiscal 12 months 2026, in line with Stars and Stripes.

The KC-130J planes will transport troops and refuel, in midair, the MV-22 Osprey helicopters that belong to 2 tiltrotor squadrons in Hawaii, Stars and Stripes reported.

VMGR-153 is a part of Marine Plane Group 24, a element of the first Marine Plane Wing.

Each the deactivated infantry unit, generally known as “America’s Battalion,” and the activated aviation squadron have lengthy histories stretching again to World Warfare II.

In 1942 third Battalion, third Marines activated and performed a key function within the Battle of Bougainville within the Solomon Islands the subsequent 12 months. It later fought in Guam and Iwo Jima, in line with the third Marine Division launch.

Its Marines additionally deployed within the Gulf Warfare, the battle in Iraq and the battle in Afghanistan.

“Though the battalion’s colours will fold on 13 January and the displays will disperse the Marines and Sailors all through the service, the reminiscence of 3d Battalion, 3d Marines won’t ever be extinguished,” Lt. Col. Felix Guerra III, the unit’s commander, mentioned within the information launch.

Guerra famous that the unit had been quickly deactivated twice beforehand.

VMGR-153 additionally was deployed in World Warfare II, transporting folks and provides within the Pacific Theater.