What Is the Marine Corps Ship Sea Duty Detachment?
Since 1775, detachments of the U.S. Marine Corps have served aboard naval vessels. The ship sea duty detachment was disbanded in May 2001. However, Marine detachments still serve aboard Navy vessels, and a new training program was instituted in December 2007.
1 Function
A platoon of Marines assigned to ship duty is called a detachment. Marines assigned to ship sea duty were responsible for maintaining the security of ships' nuclear payloads and providing military support to the Navy during maritime battles.
2 Realignment
The U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters' decision to disband ship sea duty was made in an effort to free more Marines for fleet duty.
3 Marines on Navy Ships
Any vessel carrying a nuclear payload is guarded by Marines, as is any vessel transporting Marine air support. When air transport is not feasible, Marines are transported to duty locations on Navy sea vessels.
4 Collaborative Ship Board Training
Designed to maximize interoperability between the Navy and Marine Corps, the collaborative ship board training program sees Marine detachments stationed aboard Navy vessels for the purpose of training and ship familiarity.
- 1 The Corps' Salty Seadogs Have All But Come Ashore: Seagoing Traditions Founder as New Millenium Approaches
- 2 Strategy World: More Marines to Train Aboard Ships at Sea
- 3 SSgt D. Wayne, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, California
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