11th Marine Regiment

FA Journal, Nov-Dec, 2004

In 2004, the 11th Marines found themselves supporting a variety of traditional and nontraditional missions in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The 11th Marines Cannon Cockers have four battalions: 1/11, 2/11 and 5/11 at Camp Pendleton, California, and 3/11 at Twentynine Palms, California.

In addition to supporting the unique requirements of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) II, the regiment continued to deploy batteries with the 11th, 13th, 15th, and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs). It also provided batteries in support of the unit deployment program (UDP) in Okinawa, Japan.

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In Iraq, the regiment deployed its counterbattery radar (CBR) platoon, two firing batteries (A/1/11 and E/2/11) and its fire support coordination center (FSCC) to furnish close and continuous fire support to the 1st Marine Division and to coordinate information, civil affairs and psychological operations. In addition, the regiment deployed 3/11 in a provisional military police role to provide convoy security throughout the Al Anbar Province and beyond.

Back home, the 11th Marine Regiment maintained its technical proficiency by conducting many artillery fires exercises at both Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms.

Furthermore, it was involved in testing the prototype expeditionary fire support systems (EFSS) and the joint lightweight howitzer 155-mm (JLWH 155-mm).

Also during this period, the regiment received accolades for its flawless execution of "Operation Simi Valley," the funeral salute for former President Ronald Reagan.

This period was characterized by an exceptionally high operational tempo, and the seamless execution of numerous deployments further demonstrated the proficiency, adaptability, toughness and dedication of the Marines of the 11th Regiment.

The 11th Marines will continue to deliver fires on time and on target in any capacity, any climate or any place for the 1st Marine Division--Cannon Cockers!