Frank A. Tepedino

The Fleet Marine Force (FMF) is a principal operational component of the United States Marine Corps, established in 1933 to provide a permanent organization capable of conducting amphibious operations alongside the U.S. Navy. The FMF played a pivotal role during World War II, spearheading assaults in the Pacific Theater, including at Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Over the decades, the FMF has continued to serve as the Marine Corps’ forward-deployed force, participating in major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and operations in the Middle East. Today, the FMF remains vital to U.S. expeditionary power, integrating Marines and Navy personnel to project force from the sea.