Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 30th and final day of September in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1906, a fourth Marine Battalion departs from Boston for Cuba.
In 1945, IIIAC arrives at Tangku, China.
2/7 lands and secures the city.
3/7 goes ashore and boards a train for Tientsin.
In 1969, the 8th Ammunition Company and the 49th Depot Company, both the last Marine units of their type still on duty, are deactivated on Guam.
In 1951, fighting through enemy defensive positions during September brought the third highest monthly casualties of the war (2,416), exceeded only by December 1950 and June 1951.
Marines introduce the use of the MPQ-14 radar system to drop bombs based on guidance from the ground-based radar.
In 1962, HMM-265 is commissioned at New River.
In 1966, during the 28th and 29th of September, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) and the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5) participated in OPERATION MONTEREY II, a security operation in the Quang Tin Province.
In 1968, during the period 30 September through 5 October, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7) participated in OPERATION TALLADEGA CANYON, a clear and search operation in the Quang Nam Province.
In 1971, HMA-169, an attack helicopter squadron, is activated at Camp Pendleton.
In 1993, VMO-1 is deactivated at New River.
In 1995, the strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is 17,831 officers and 156,808 enlisted.
In 1996, the combined strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is 174,049 officers and enlisted.
In 1997, the combined strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is174,873 officers and enlisted.
In 1998, the strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is 17,892 officers and 155,250 enlisted.
In 1999, the 31st MEU(SOC) helicopters support the deployment of Australian forces restoring peace in the region following post-election violence by armed gangs.
The 11th MEU(SOC) takes over on 26 October and remains on station through 7 December.
The strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is 17,897 officers and 154,744 enlisted.
In 2000, HMH-366 is deactivated.
The strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is 17,938 officers and 155,383 enlisted.
In 2001, The strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is 18,057 officers and 154,878 enlisted.
In 2002, The strength of the Marine Corps on active duty is 18,431 officers and 156,473 enlisted.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!