Units

III Marine Expeditionary Forces, Hawaii

Most of the units stationed aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay are part of III Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan. III MEF in Hawaii combines ground combat, aviation combat and combat service support elements into a cohesive force in readiness. Providing trained, combat-ready, air-ground forces capable of conducting expeditionary maneuver warfare whenever or wherever directed, Marine forces in Hawaii train constantly under conditions as close to combat as possible. A few examples of the exercises conducted were throughout the Pacific Basin and included the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Australia, Japan, Guam, Tahiti, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Philippines, neighboring Hawaiian islands and the mainland United States. This training includes amphibious, combined arms and special operations exercises.

3rd Marine Regiment (Rein)

III MEF Hawaii’s ground combat element, the 3rd Marine Regiment (Rein) is composed of three infantry battalions, a combat assault company and a headquarters company and is reinforced by one artillery battalion. The 3rd Marine Regiment (Rein) reports directly to its headquarters, 3rd Marine Division, in Okinawa.

Marine Aircraft Group 24

MAG-24 is composed of a headquarters element and several squadrons, including Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 “Pegasus,” which flies CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters; Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 “Scarface,” which flies AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters; Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24; Marine Wing Support Detachment 24; Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3; and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268.

MAG-24 reports directly to its headquarters, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa.

Combat Logistics Battalion 3

Hawaii’s combat service support element, CLB-3 consists of the following companies: headquarters, motor transport, maintenance, landing support, supply, medical and dental. CLB-3 reports directly to its headquarters, 3rd Marine Logistics Group in Okinawa.

3rd Radio Battalion

The 3rd Radio Battalion provides signals intelligence and electronic warfare support for III MEF and has three companies and two standing detachments assigned in direct support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Philippines.

4th Force Reconnaissance Company

The 4th Force Reconnaissance Company is the only Marine Corps Reserve unit in Hawaii. The unit specializes in reconnaissance operations with emphasis on parachuting, scuba diving and patrolling techniques.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37

HSM-37’s primary mission is to provide combat-ready detachments for deployments onboard Pacific Fleet Maritime Strike capable ships. HSM-37 reports to Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet based at NAS North Island, San Diego.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band

Headquartered at MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, the band’s reputation for stirring performances has spread far and wide. The band has earned many prestigious awards including the coveted “Best Military Band” for performances during the annual King Kamehameha and Prince Kuhio Day parades on Oahu. Performing in official ceremonies for the Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, the band also supports the musical requirements of other military commands, including support of U.S. Pacific Command honors for visiting dignitaries.