Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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The 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, which makes up the core of Battalion Landing Team 3 1, is reinforced by several vital attachments. The attachments each bring their own individual histories and unique capabilities to the BLT. Indirect fire support is provided by Alpha Battery of the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Artillery Regiment. Alpha Battery has also proven its ability operate as a fourth rifle company, providing further flexibility to the BLT. Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion adds mobility and firepower to the force. 4th Platoon, Echo Company, 1st Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion, gives amphibious mobility and firepower to Lima Company. Construction, demolitions, and other engineering tasks are performed by 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. 4th Platoon, Division Reconnaissance Company gives the BLT its eyes forward and amphibious reconnaissance capability.

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History of Battalion Landing Team 3 1 The 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines was activated 1 March 1941 at Guantanamo Bay. Cuba. During April 1941, the battalion relocated to Parris Island, South Carolina, before being deactivated on 18 June 1941. It was reactivated on 16 February 1942 at New River, North Carolina, and deployed to Wellington. New Zealand, during June and July 1942. 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines participated in campaigns on Guadalcanal, New Guinea, New Britain, Peleliu, and Okinawa. After World War II, the battalion participated in the occupation of North China from September 1945 to April 1946. It was deactivated on 15 April 1946 at Tientsin, China. On 4 August 1950, the battalion was reactivated at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and deployed to Kobe, Japan the following month. It participated in the Korean War from September 1950 to July 1953, operating from Inchon, Seoul, Chosin Reservoir, and the East Central and Western Fronts. After the war, the battalion participated in the defense of the Korean Demilitarized Zone until April 1955, when it relocated to Camp Pendleton. From October to december 1962, it was mobilized for the Cuban Missile Crisis. The battalion was deployed to Camp Schwab, Okinawa during September 1965 for the Vietnam War. It conducted operations in Vietnam from January 1966 to May 1971 from the following areas; Chu Lai, Da Nang, Thang Binh, Hoa Long, Than Thuy, Ca Lu Combat Base, and Hoa Vang. Relocation to Camp Pendleton was completed during May 1971. 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines was designated as Battalion Landing Team 3 1 and deployed to Okinawa for training at various times during the early 1980 ' s. It deployed to Southwest Asia in 1991 for Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. During May 1992 the battalion deployed to Los Angeles, Calif., for Operation PEACEKEEPER, helping to quell the Los Angeles riots. THUNDERING THIRD

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HBS COMPANY CAPT N, SHUEHLE ISTSGTL. PATE GYSGT R. THOMAS SOT J. MARCUS CPL W. GALLION CPL K. MILLER CPL L YEARICKS LCPL A, RUDDICK CW03 A. RENTERIA SSGT A. GARCIA CPL E. HARRINGTON CPL M. HURD CPL C. MEDICI CPL D. STRAUSS CPL S. THOMAS LCPL J. LARGO LCPL D. POINTER LCPL S. SANCHEZ LCPL M. SOSA LCPL J. WEBB