Marines Deployment Process and Common Destinations
Deployment is a crucial part of a Marine's career, often involving significant travel and sacrifices. This article examines the deployment process for the United States Marine Corps, focusing on peacetime deployments in the 1980s. Common destinations and the experiences of Marines during these deployments are also discussed.
Deployment Process and Procedures
The deployment process for Marines has evolved over the years, but certain aspects remain the same. In the 1980s, two types of common deployments were the UDP (United States Pacific Command Deployment) in the WestPac (Western Pacific) region and the Mediterranean cruise (Med Float).
UDP (WestPac) Deployment
When Marines were deployed on a UDP to the Western Pacific, the journey typically began at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in North Carolina. After being transported to this location, they would board a charter aircraft, usually flying via Greyhound buses from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to the nearest major airport.
From there, the journey continued with layovers in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and potentially other locations. The final leg of the journey landed them at Kadena Airbase in Okinawa, Japan, where they were transported by civilian buses to Camp Schwab. Before departure, Marines would turn in their personal weapons and gear, although they were provided with a list of necessary uniforms and issue clothing. Beyond this, they could bring whatever they could fit into two seabags.
Mediterranean Cruise (Med Float) Deployment
For Mediterranean cruises, the process was slightly different. Marines would bring their weapons and gear with them onboard the ship, which was often stationed at the pier. From Camp Lejeune, the majority of Marines would board Greyhound buses to the port, where they would board landing craft to reach their ship, which was usually moored some distance from the pier.
My experience onboard the USS Nassau is a vivid example of the complexity and sometimes humorous nature of the deployment process. Being one of the last personnel to make it onboard, I had to deal with a last-minute change where I was initially assigned to stay overnight at the port with the vehicles. However, a twist of fate and a little negotiation saw me assigned to a more enviable position on the ship.
Common Deployment Destinations
The most common destinations for peacetime deployments in the 1980s were the Western Pacific and the Mediterranean Sea. Among the specific locations were:
Okinawa, Japan—often used for UDP debriefings and as a jumping-off point for further missions. Everett, Italy—used for stopovers and resupplying during Med Floats. Camps and ports along the Mediterranean—such as Kassel in Germany and various naval bases.These locations provided not only operational bases but also cultural experiences for Marines, immersing them in different environments and fostering international cooperation.
Conclusion
The deployment process for Marines, particularly during the 1980s, involved a well-organized but sometimes challenging experience. From the initial preparations and travel, to the final stages of arrival at their assigned locations, each deployment was a significant ordeal that prepared Marines for future missions and challenges.