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    3rd Marine Division celebrates 68 years

    3rd Marine Division Celebrates 68 Years

    Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher | Maj. Gen. James B. Laster, 3rd Marine Division commanding general, speaks to his...... read more read more

    OKINAWA, JAPAN

    09.24.2010

    Story by Pfc. Jovane Holland 

    III Marine Expeditionary Force   

    OKINAWA, Japan - Members of the 3rd Marine Division here officially recognized the unit’s 68th birthday in a cake-cutting ceremony in front of the 3rd Marine Division Headquarters building, Sept. 16. The 3rd MarDiv serves as the ground combat element division, a branch of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. It was activated Sept. 16, 1942, at Camp Elliot in San Diego.

    The primary mission of the division, also known as "The Fighting Third," is to execute amphibious assault operations and other such operations as may be directed.

    They are supported by Marine aviation and logistics units and are at all times prepared for deployment.

    "This division is one of the most distinguished units in the Marine Corps," said Maj. Gen. James B. Laster, 3rd Marine Division commanding general, during the ceremony.

    After being disbanded Dec. 28, 1945, the unit was reinstated at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7, 1952, then moved to its current location at Camp Courtney in November of 1969.

    During its 68 year history, the unit has served with distinction in various conflicts, including the Battles of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima, the Vietnam War, and current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    "Reflect on all the Marines who have served in this great division from World War II to present," said Laster to the ceremony attendees. "In the last several years this division has sustained several hundred casualties both in Iraq and Afghanistan to defend this great nation. We all need to take the time to reflect on that."

    The cake cutting ceremony was performed in a similar manner to the Marine Corps Birthday cutting, with the longest and shortest serving Marines from the division recognized instead of the oldest and youngest.

    After the ceremony, Laster spoke to the attending Marines and applauded them for their work thus far.

    "I’m very proud to be your commanding general," Laster told them. "Take a few moments this afternoon to reflect on our division’s history and spend time with your family and friends."

    In the past year, the Marines of 3rd MarDiv have participated in multiple exercises and activities to increase their readiness, including various live-fire and maneuver exercises, bi-lateral training with several countries and amphibious assault drills, to name a few.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.24.2010
    Date Posted: 09.26.2010 21:41
    Story ID: 57021
    Location: OKINAWA, JP

    Web Views: 78
    Downloads: 2

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