History of II Marine Expeditionary Force

Throughout the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, the II Marine Amphibious Force was activated at various times to participate in operations and exercises as required by the National Command Authority.

On July 20, 1984, the II MAF stood up as a permanent headquarters for the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Force Service Support Group (now 2nd Marine Logistics Group), and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. In February 1988, when the Marine Corps adopted the word 'expeditionary' in lieu of 'amphibious' to reflect the Corps' evolving role in national defense, II MAF was redesignated as the II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Since then, II MEF has contributed significantly to the country's defense and foreign policy objectives and has maintained a robust operational tempo. II MEF forces have been engaged in combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian and secruity operations in places such as Panama, Somalia, Bosnia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Djibouti, Turkey, and elsewhere throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Atlantic, Middle East, and south Asia regions. Additionally, the unit has been called upon to provide assistance at home in the wake of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Floyd and Katrina.

In 2005, 2007 and 2009, II MEF spearheaded efforts in Iraq's al-Anbar province, and has had a continuous presence in Afghanistan since 2001 through the deployment of Marine expeditionary units, infantry battalions, logistics units, aviation squadrons, and most recently, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.