OCTOBER 8, 2024 – The National Museum of the Marine Corps unveiled two new galleries on U.S. Marine Corps operations to the public in Quantico, Virginia, on Oct. 6, 2024. The galleries encompass a 20,000 square foot exhibit featuring hundreds of artifacts from all major U.S. Marine Corps operations from 1976 to 2021, to include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of our beloved Corps, it’s only fitting that the National Museum of the Marine Corps can now showcase the most recent fifty years of our storied history,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.
Keynote remarks were provided by Watson, following an invocation by the Chaplain of the Marine Corps, Rear Adm. Carey Cash, who himself has a rich history of service within the Marine Corps. Watson’s service spans the two news galleries to include Operations Provide Promise and Deny Flight in and around the former Yugoslavia; Operation Dynamic Response in Kosovo; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operations Enduring Freedom, Resolute Support, and Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan.
The new galleries are the culmination of 13 years of dedicated work by the museum staff and numerous contributors, highlighting powerful stories through an array of artifacts, including uniforms of Marines who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation. Other displays include an evolution of combat medicine and a comprehensive view of life in both combat and humanitarian missions.
“Each of the artifacts tell part of the Marine Corps story,” said Keil Gentry, Director of the NMMC, and retired Marine Corps Colonel. “You will see the dress blues of 1stLt William Sommerhof who, along with 240 other Americans, was killed in the Beirut bombing on 23 October 1983. Keep in mind, many of the dress blues you see in these new galleries represent a Marine killed in action.”
Among the artifacts, visitors will also find:
- The tail boom of a Cobra attack helicopter shot down during operations in Grenada.
- The M-198 artillery howitzer, which fired the first round during Desert Storm.
- An F/A-18 Hornet jet that patrolled Washington, DC, the day after the September 11 attacks.
- A battle-damaged Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected All-Terrain Vehicle from Afghanistan and a Light Armored Vehicle that served in Iraq.
In addition, the new exhibits address the integration of women and reservists, the establishment of the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, advancements in military medicine, and the role of unmanned vehicles in modern combat.
“These two new galleries pay tribute to those who served between 1976 and 2021, but particularly honor the 1,514 Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice, including almost 1,400 in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. They’re not just displays; they’re a powerful representation of the very best our Nation has to offer, of selfless service and sacrifice.” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.
The galleries serve to inspire current Marines and future generations, reaffirming the Corps’ readiness to respond in times of crisis. They illustrate key tenets of the Marine Corps, showcasing rapid deployment capabilities and the unwavering spirit of service.
The interactive elements of the exhibit, including a life-sized recreation of an Iraqi street scene, invite veterans and visitors alike to engage with the history and experiences of the Marines. This immersive experience emphasizes the selfless service of countless Marines and offers an opportunity for families to connect with their loved ones’ past.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps stands as a testament to the rich legacy of the Marine Corps as we approach its 250th anniversary. We invite the public to explore these galleries and reflect on the proud history of U.S. Marines.
Queries pertaining to this ceremony can be sent to hector.j.infante.mil@usmc.mil.
Maj. Hector Infante
Marine Corps Training and Education Command