24th Marine Expeditionary Unit | |
---|---|
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 | |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Colonel Todd E. Mahar |
Notable commanders | Richard F. Natonski James L. Jones |
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.
Its stated mission[citation needed] 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.