ARCHIVE / THE CORPS AT 238 YEARS

U.S. Marines march across Cabrillo Bridge during the grand opening festivities
for the Panama-California Exposition, January 1, 1915
Photo courtesy of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine via San Diego History Center

 SEMPER FIDELIS—On this day in 1775 in Philadephia, United States Navy Captain Samuel Nichols formed two battalions he called Continental Marines as an infantry force for the nation’s fledgling military.   There are about 300 to 1000 in a battalion.  In 1834, the Marine Corps became part of the United States Department of Navy.  That’s why a Marine will say “welcome aboard” even though you’re standing on a dry land.

 

After 238 years, there are about 200,000 active Marines are stationed aboard the planet. The Corps mission statement is as follows:

·       The seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns;

·       The development of tactics, technique, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces in coordination with the Army and Air Force; and

·       Such other duties as the President may direct.

The Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadrom 266 Reinforced march in formation aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina during their recent homecoming ceremony.
Photo by Cpt. Martin R. Egnash, USMC.