2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion

2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion
2nd AABn's Insignia
Active	March 18, 1942 - present
Country	United States
Branch	USMC
Type	Mechanized battalion
Role	Amphibious assault
Part of	2nd Marine Division II Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQ	Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Nickname(s)	2nd Tracks
Motto(s)	Yat-Yas You Ain't Tracs-You Ain't Shit The First Wave
Mascot(s)	Gator
Engagements	World War II * Battle of Guadalcanal * Battle of Tarawa * Battle of Saipan * Battle of Tinian * Battle of Okinawa Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom * 2003 invasion of Iraq * Battle of Fallujah

2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion is a mechanized battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Their primary weapon system is the Amphibious Assault Vehicle and they are part of the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The unit is based out of the Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Mission

Land the surface assault element of the landing force and their equipment in a single lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives; to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent operations ashore.

Current units

• Headquarters and Services Company
• Alpha Company
• Bravo Company
• Charlie Company
• Delta Company
• Echo Company - Reserve

History

World War II

The Battalion organization was activated on March 18, 1942 at Marine Barracks San Diego, California. The "Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion" was an Organic unit of the 2nd Marine Division, composed of a Headquarters and Service Company and three letter companies, all equipped with the Landing Vehicle Tracked-1 (LVT-1).

In 1942, the Battalion set sail from San Diego, CA with the 1st Marine Division to meet the Japanese tide sweeping across the South Pacific. Elements of the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion participated in assaults on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. After the surrender of Japan in August 1945, the battalion returned to the United States and deactivated on 29 November 1945. The 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion was reactivated on 1 May 1946. The Battalion was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where it participated in peace time training with the 2nd Marine Division. During this time the Battalion was equipped with the LVT-3 and consisted of a Headquarters and Service company and four letter companies. As a result of the economy program, the Battalion was once again deactivated on 16 October 1949.

Vietnam War

In 1966, the battalion transferred 260 Amphibian Tractor Crew men to Vietnam. Throughout the war, the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion supported routine deployments and provided training support to the 2nd Marine Division.

1980s and 1990s

Multinational Force Beirut Lebanon 1983-1985
Operation Urgent Fury Grenada 1984

Global War on Terror

An AAV from 2nd AABn conducts an IED sweep outside of Fallujah in August 2006.

2AABN participated in various operations in Iraq. Most notable being Operation Phantom Fury, in Fallujah(Nov. 2004- Jan 2005)

Notable former members

• Justin LeHew - One of the most highly decorated US Servicemen serving in the war on terror. Recipient of the Navy Cross for action during the Battle of Nasiriyah in 2003. Recipient of the Bronze Star with combat "V" for heroic actions during the battle of Najaf 2004.
• Luis E. Fonseca, Jr. - recipient of the Navy Cross for action during the Battle of Nasiriyah in 2003.
• Luke Fitzwater - Noted for being worst possible crew chief. Sgt. "Fitz" was an Amphibious Assault Vehicle Mechanic (M.O.S. 2141). It is said he spent his days as Recovery Vehicle Crewcheif being lazy, and worthless. He was prone to call his crewman very insulting names, and demoralizing them as much as possible. He will never be forgotten, for his name is synonymus with torture and sloth.
• Thomas Brennan - Noted for being a great crewchief. Sgt. Brennan ;however, is also known to make his crewman kick cans around the desert when they were being lazy. Ultimatly Sgt. Brennan did a great job turning otherwise substandard civilians into outstanding Amtrackers and Crewchiefs. Sgt. Brennan also is well known for his noteworthy bravery in a battle against a company of special guard. In where he and another crewcheif eliminated coutless insurgents. Despite being outnumbered 200 to 1 His lightning fast target acquisition and elimination redifine exceptional. He will not be forgotten in the halls of 2nd Aabn for being one of the best Crewchiefs and Mk-154 operators ever.
• Chris Strickland - Noted for being a Great crewchief and also one of the best amtrack operators in his time. His crosstearing is legendary. He is also noted for his galantry, that despite seamingly insurmountable enemy fire Chris put his self second. He defended his crew agains an enemy 200 special guard. Using only his M-16 A2 service rifle Chris kept many of those enemy at bay until airsupport arrived. He will never be forgotten for his exceptional bravery that day.

See also

• List of United States Marine Corps battalions
• Organization of the United States Marine Corps

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.

Web

• 2nd AABn's official website