24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th 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 (MAGTF) with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a Command Element, a Ground Combat Element based on a reinforced infantry battalion, an Aviation Combat Element based on a reinforced tiltrotor squadron, and a Logistics Command Element based on a Combat Logistics Battalion. The 24th MEU is currently based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit | |
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The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's logo | |
Active | May 1982 – present |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Marine Corps |
Type | Marine Air Ground Task Force |
Role | Forward-deployed, rapid-response force |
Size | 2,200 |
Part of | II Marine Expeditionary Force |
Garrison/HQ | MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina |
Nickname(s) | 24th MEU |
Engagements |
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Commanders | |
Current commander | Colonel Todd E. Mahar |
Notable commanders | Richard F. Natonski James L. Jones |
Its stated mission 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.