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Historical Research -
USMC |
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On 15 October 1971, Company E, Marine Support Battalion was relocated from Kamiseya, Japan to Misawa, Japan. This move took about six months to complete, since the entire supporting command, the Naval Security Group Activity, was required to move as well. The Marines had an original cadre of between 40 to 50 Marines when they came to Misawa, Japan. The size of the battalion fluctuated over the years and reached its peak of 110 Marines in the early 1990's. By 30 November 2000, the Marines had just 34 members at Misawa. Company E was a subordinate operational letter company assigned in a separate detached status under the military command and management authority of the Commanding Officer, Marine Support Battalion and under operational control and technical direction of the Commanding Officer, Naval Security Group Activity, Misawa, Japan. The mission of Company E, Marine Support Battalion was to support the cryptologic mission of the Naval Security Group Activity and the Misawa Cryptologic Operations Center while maintaining readiness for possible augmentation of Fleet Marine Force cryptologic and ground electronic warfare units. Company E has earned the USMC National Defense Service streamer, three Meritorious Unit Commendations and one Naval Unit Commendation. Company E, Marine Support Battalion ceased supporting at the Misawa Cryptologic Operations Center and closed down on 30 November 2000. Company E, Marine Support Battalion closed because the Marine Corps moved to fewer and larger companies to allow more flexibility and focus on amphibious operations. |