The largest of three Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF), the 1st MEF is based at Camp Pendleton. An MEF is classified as a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), and can be deployed in its entirety or in smaller MAGTFs such as an Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) or a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), about a third the size of an MEB. The common attribute of all these is that they are capable of delivering offensive combat power for up to two months without the need for external assistance.
Receiving official designation as I Marine Expeditionary Force in 1988, the unit has taken part in every major combat operation since that time. It played a critical role in the astonishing successes of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). This regular involvement has led to its nickname of the “Warfighting MEF.”
In addition to command units, the 1st MEF consists of the 1st Marine Division, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and the 1st Marine Logistics Group, with the aircraft wing stationed at Miramar, California.