3d Assault Amphibian Battalion
| 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion | |
|---|---|
3rd AABn's Insignia
|
|
| Active | September 16, 1942 – present |
| Country |
 United States
|
| Branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Type | Assault Amphibian Battalion |
| Role | Amphibious assault |
| Size | Over 1,000 Marines |
| Part of |
1st Marine Division I Marine Expeditionary Force |
| Garrison/HQ |
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California |
| Nickname(s) | 3rd Tracks |
| Patron | Archangel Michael |
| Motto(s) | "YAT YAS" You Ain't Tracks - You Ain't Shit |
| Mascot(s) | Gator |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LtCol W.E. O'Brien |
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion (3rd AABn) is one of two active duty assault amphibian battalions in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion's primary weapon system is the Amphibious Assault Vehicle or AAV. The AAV is a 27.5-ton armored vehicle that carries up to 21 combat-loaded Marines and is armed with the UGWS (UpGunned Weapons Station), which mounts a .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2HB machine gun and a Mk-19 40 mm grenade launcher. The AAV is the only armored vehicle in the U.S. inventory that is fully capable of operations both on land and in the ocean. The battalion is part of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force. The unit is based in Camp Pendleton, California.
Land the surface assault element of the landing force and their equipment in a single lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives; to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent operations ashore. The specific Mission Essential Tasks List (METL) includes:
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion is currently composed of 4 companies located at Camp Pendleton and 1 reinforced company located at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion was originally activated 16 September 1942 at San Diego, California, as 3rd Amphibian Tractor (Amtrac) Battalion and assigned to the 3rd Marine Division. During December 1942 the battalion relocated from San Diego a short distance up the coast to Camp Pendleton. After training for a few months the battalion then deployed in February–March 1943 to Auckland, New Zealand in preparation for combat in the Pacific theater.
...
Wikipedia