24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's logo
ActiveMay 1982 – present
Country United States of America
Branch United States Marine Corps
TypeMarine Air Ground Task Force
RoleForward-deployed, rapid-response force
Size2,200
Part ofII Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQMCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Nickname(s)24th MEU
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander
Colonel Todd E. Mahar
Notable
commanders
Richard F. Natonski

James L. Jones
Richard T. Tryon
Martin R. Berndt
Scott Benedict
Richard Mills

Matthew E. Broderick

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.