The mission of 3d AA Bn is to 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.

OOD: (760) 725-2005

Sergeant Major: (760)763-5058

FRO (760) 725-2316

MFLC (760) 573-0354

SACO: (760) 763-2271

S-1: (760) 763-5052

S-2: (760) 725-8883

S-3: (760) 725-2881/2440

S-4: (760) 725-2447/2744

S-6: (760) 725-2878

S-6: (Helpdesk) (760) 725-7053

Camp Pendleton Directory Assistance:  760-725-4111

Mailing Address:
3D Assault Amphibian Battalion
1st Marine Division (REIN)
P.O. Box 555574 
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5574

Chaplain Botts was born in Savannah, Georgian and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science in General Studies from Clearwater Christian College in 2011. In 2021, he received a Master of Divinity from Regent University.  He has ministered for churches in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia as a licensed Pastor by the First Baptist Church Safety Harbor in Safety Harbor, FL. In 2021, he was ordained and endorsed by the Open Bible Churches. 

Prior to commissioning, Chaplain Botts served as an Aviation Electronics Technician First Class in the role as a Safety Petty Officer at Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Five. His previous assignments include Avionics and Corrosion Supervisor, Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Six aboard Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia from 2017 to 2020.   He served as an Avionics Technician at Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Twenty-Three aboard Naval Station Norfolk from 2012 to 2017.  Chaplain Botts deployed aboard the USS Enterprise in 2012 for Operation Enduring Freedom and onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for Operation Inherent Resolve (2016), Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2021), and Operation Prosperity Guardian (2023). 

The Chaplain and the Religious Program Specialist are ready to serve everyone. You don’t need to have the same beliefs or any religious beliefs to speak with the chaplain. They directly provide religious services and facilitate access to other religious professionals and materials. They are ready to connect you with military & civilian resources, give guidance and counseling, offer suggestions and strategies, and ensure that you are successful and focused. They care about you and your well-being.

Camp Pendleton Chaplains

This link provides additional base chaplain contacts and base chapel schedules (DoD website):

https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Staff-Agencies/Chaplains/

US Navy Chaplain Corps

This link provides information about the US Navy Chaplain Corps (DoD website).

https://www.navy.mil/CHAPLAIN-CORPS/

SECNAV INSTRUCTION 1730.9A PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO CHAPLAINS

This link is to the SECNAV instruction that pertains to chaplain confidentiality (DoD website).

SECNAV INSTRUCTION 1730.9A     

Welcome to Gator family, 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion!

My name is Rahat Pluas, I am your Deployment Readiness Coordinator (DRC). I serve as your communication link with the Battalion Commander (BC) and our Unit, Personal & Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) Command Team. I am a military spouse and have worked for our community as an Education Specialist, Transition Coordinator, Personal Finance Counselor and now I have the honor to work and assist you within the DRC roles. Our priority is to have service members and their family members mission ready by providing all the necessary trainings, tools and resources. Through the UPFRP, we ensure that every family member is afforded the opportunity to receive pertinent information regarding their Marine or Sailor along with information about the current events happening within the unit. Our mission is to provide you with:

-Official communication

-Information and Referral Services

-Readiness and Deployment support

Family Readiness Command Team is dedicated to ensuring you are prepared for the unique challenges that come with being the family of a military member. We utilize an email distribution list, generated by Marine Online (MOL) to send out information.   If you are not receiving information, please let me know.   

If you would like to volunteer, there are many opportunities available. The Command Team is always looking for Support Volunteers.  If interested, please contact me for more information.

It is my great pleasure to support and assist you in this journey. I will ensure you receive accurate and timely information and provide you with the support and resources your family needs. I look forward to working with you!

Contact the 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion Embedded MFLC at 760-573-0354

Please leave a voicemail to schedule an Appointment

Military & Family Life Counseling Program

Military families face unique challenges. They may struggle with issues such as deployment-related stress, reintegration and pressures of managing parenting and finances while a loved one is deployed.

To support military families facing these or additional challenges, the Military and Family Life Counseling Program:

·       Provides short-term, non-medical counseling services to service members and their families at no cost

·       Provides psycho-education to help military service members and their families understand the impact of deployments, family reunions following deployments and other stresses related to military life

·       Augments existing military support services

·       Offers flexible service delivery

·       Can provide services on or off of military installations

·       Can provide services to individuals, couples, families and groups

With the exception of child abuse, domestic abuse and duty to warn situations services are private and confidential.

About Military and Family Life Counselors

·       Masters or Doctorate-level licensed counselors

·       Work with families, individuals, couples and children

·       Work with existing military and family support programs to complement services provided

Non-Medical Counseling Services

Service Providers and Leaders

Military and Family Life Counseling services are available at installation Military and Family Support Centers.

If an installation is not nearby, military service providers and leaders can request non-medical counseling services for unit events at: https://supportrequest.militaryonesource.mil

Contact the 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion Embedded MFLC at 760-573-0354

Please leave a voicemail to schedule an Appointment

3d AA Bn Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) Representative

Sergeant Sonia Ruiz

Bldg. 210567 Rm S-6

Work Phone: (760) 725-7711

Email: Sonia.Ruiz@usmc.mil

24/7 SAPR SUPPORT LINES:

MCB Camp Pendleton: 760.500.1707

MCAGCC/MAGTFTC 29 Palms: 760.799.0273

CLICK HERE: SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION POLICY STATEMENT

CLICK HERE: 1ST MARINE DAVSION SAPR COORDINATOR

3d AA Bn Uniformed Victims Advocate (UVA)

Sergeant Sonia Ruiz

Bldg. 210567 Rm S-6

Work Phone: (760) 725-7711

Email: Sonia.Ruiz@usmc.mil

About

As a Uniformed Victim Advocate for  3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, it is our responsibility to provide confidential support and services to victims of sexual assault. These responsibilities were set forth in policies established by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program at HQMC.

Reporting

Sexual assault is a crime. It is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat, abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship, or age of the victim.

In the event of a sexual assault, a victim has the option of a Restricted report, which means they can receive services and medical care anonymously. Military personnel are mandatory reporters of sexual assault, except where policy has made certain members exempt through confidentiality. Members with confidentiality are Uniformed Victim Advocates (UVA), Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC), Marine & Family Services (M&FS) personnel, and Healthcare providers.

If you are a victim of sexual assault, contact any command UVA or one of the civilian Victim Advocates (VA) immediately. We will ensure you receive prompt medical attention and will advise you of your options in reporting the assault. We assist victims in dealing with the command, law enforcement, and medical personnel; if desired, we can be present during medical exams and court proceedings. VA's are civilian members of the M&FS program, who are available 24 hours a day, 265 days a year to provide crisis intervention and support for victims of sexual assault.

PLEASE BE SURE TO SPEAK TO A UNIFORMED VICTIM ADVOCATE OR VICTIM ADVOCATE BEFORE YOU CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT OR YOUR COMMAND.

Once you inform law enforcement officials or a representative from your command, a restricted report is no longer an option.

It is vital that sexual assaults be reported. This is not only for your own health and safety, but for the health and safety of others who may become victims. Although you may understandably feel frightened or embarrassed, please do not allow those feelings to influence your decision to report the crime. Remember, this is a crime against you. You are not to blame, the perpetrator is.

Resources

Marine & Family Services
(760) 725-9051
Website

Camp Pendleton SARP
24-hour Confidential Hotline
(760) 500-1707
Website

DoD Safe Helpline
(877) 995-5247 
Website

Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton
(760) 725-1288 Quarter Deck
Website

3d AA Bn Equal Opportunity (EO) Advisor

Staff Sergeant Amanda Aldrich

Bldg. 210567 S-6

Office: (760) 576-9717

Email: Amanda.Hulett@usmc.mil

Every Marine and Sailor of 3d Tracks will be treated with decency, dignity, and respect and will be provided full and equal opportunity for professional development and success. Judgment based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and nationality will have no bearing in this battalion and will not be tolerated.

Please refer to the documents linked below for additional information and guidance.

CLICK HERE: NAVMC 11512 COMPLAINT FORM

CLICK HERE: MCO 5354.1F PAC 

3d AA Bn Single Marine Program (SMP) Coordinator

Lance Corporal Hungate

Office: bldg. 210631 room 104

Cell: 540-305-1919

Email: Lucas.Hungate@usmc.mil

Any marine that wishes to find any information out about any upcoming trips and volunteer hours can do so at the MCCS SMP website Single Marine Program (usmc-mccs.org) and look under the NEWSLETTER file on the right-hand side. Or reach me by number at 540-305-1919 any time between the hours of 0800 to 1530.

WHAT ARE THE APPLICABLE STATUTES/REGULATIONS?

The right of all Marine Corps members to directly communicate grievances to, or seek assistance from, their Commanding Officer(s) is established in U.S. Navy Regulations (Articles 0820c and 1151.1) and the Marine Corps Manual (par 805).  This right is exercised through the formal process of Request Mast. 

WHAT IS A REQUEST MAST?

Request Mast includes both the right of the member to personally talk to the Commanding Officer, normally in person, and the requirement that the Commanding Officer consider the matter and personally respond to the member requesting mast. 

Request Mast provides a member the opportunity to communicate not only with his or her immediate Commanding Officer, but also with any superior Commanding Officer in the chain of command up to and including the member's immediate Commanding General.  Request Mast also provides Commanding Officers with firsthand knowledge of the morale and general welfare of the command. 

WHO CAN REQUEST MAST?

All Marine Corps members should first make every effort to address offending behavior directly with the party responsible, verbally or in writing.  You can also discuss the matter with your immediate supervisor and request assistance.  If you are unable to resolve the issue informally, you have the right to Request Mast. 

CAN A COMMANDING OFFICER DENY A REQUEST MAST APPLICATION?

A Commanding Officer may deny a Request Mast application if there is another specific avenue of redress available to the member.  The Commanding Officer should explain to the member why he/she denied the Request Mast application and, if appropriate, explain the procedure the member should follow to resolve the issue. 

The Commanding Officer may also require the member to go through the Chain of Command prior to approving Mast.

WHAT ARE SOME ISSUES THAT ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR REQUEST MAST?

Generally, a military member can speak to their Commanding Officer about any subject; however, the member cannot use Request Mast for the following reasons:

• Request Mast should not be used as a means of attacking the proceedings, punishment, or findings and sentence resulting from a disciplinary action brought under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). 
• Request Mast may not be used to harass, avoid duty, or intentionally interfere with the Commanding Officer's ability to carry out the functions and mission of the command.
• Request Mast cannot be used if the member is being processed for involuntary separation or if the subject of the complaint is an ongoing Article 138, UCMJ, or Article 1150, Navy Regulations.

HOW DO I SUBMIT A REQUEST MAST APPLICATION?

Complete the Request Mast Application form (NAVMC 11296 Rev 5-19) and submit it through the chain of command to the Commanding Officer.  Ask your legal office for assistance in obtaining a copy of the form.

REQUEST MAST RESOURCES

Marine Corps Request Mast Form NAVMC 11296 (Rev. 05-19)

Example Request Mast Tracker for Commanders

Sample Request Mast Command Bulletin 

Command Team Request Mast Class

Example Unit-Level Request Mast Class

3D Assault Amphibian Battalion was originally activated 16 September 1942 at San Diego, California, as 3D Amphibian Tractor (Amtrac) Battalion and assigned to the 3D Marine Division. During December 1942, the battalion relocated from San Diego a short distance up the coast to Camp Pendleton. After training for a few months, the battalion then deployed in February-March 1943 to Auckland, New Zealand in preparation for combat in the Pacific theater.

During World War II, the battalion was primarily armed with Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT), specifically the LVT-2 also known as "WATER BUFFALOS." The battalion fought in the following combat actions:
- Bougainville with 124 LVT-1s
- Guam with 193 LVT-2s and LVT-4s
- Iwo Jima with 90 LVT-2s

For its actions in World War II 3D Amphibian Tractor Battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Streamer With Four Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal Streamer.

At the conclusion of World War II the battalion redeployed in March 1945 to Maui, territory of Hawaii and then relocated during February 1946 back to Camp Pendleton, California. It was deactiviated several months later on 1 May, 1946.

1952 - 1966

3D Amphibian Tractor Battalion was reactivated 1 April, 1952 at Camp Pendleton, California and assigned to Fleet Marine Force Pacific. It was subsequently reassigned during October 1955 to the 1st Marine Division Elements where it participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis October-December 1962.

During this period, the battalion was still armed with LVTs - transitioning primarily to the LVT-5 in the late 1950s.

VIETNAM WAR AND 1970S

3D Amphibian Tractor Battalion deployed during February 1966 to Camp Schwab, Okinawa and redeployed again in March 1966 to the Republic of Vietnam. There, the battalion fought in the Vietnam War from March 1966 - January 1970. During this conflict, the battalion distinguished itself at Chu Lai, Da Nang, An Hoa, Hoi An

Throughout Vietnam, the battalion was armed with variants of the LVT-5.

For its actions in Vietnam, 3D Amtrac Battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer, National Defense Service Medal Streamer,Vietnam Service Medal Streamer With Two Silver Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Streamer, and the Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation Streamer.

The battalion relocated during February 1970 to Camp Pendleton, California, and was reassigned to the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. It was again reassigned in August 1970 to the 5th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Subsequently, in April 1971, the battalion was reassigned to the 1st Marine Division with whom it remains to this day. In the early 1970s the battalion transitioned from the LVT-5 to its replacement the LVT-7.

On 30 December 1976, the battalion was re-designated from 3D Amphibian Tractor Battalion to 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion (written as 3D AABn). The battalion participated in numerous training exercises throughout the remainder of the 1970s.

1980S

Throughout the 1980s, 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion deployed companies on its regular schedule of six month deployments to the forward units in Hawaii and Okinawa, including units aboard amphibious troop ships for fast-reaction forces in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and into the Persian Gulf. It shared personnel and vehicles with the 1st Armored Assault Battalion as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

In the early 1980s the battalion's LVT-7s underwent a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which converted the LVT-7 vehicles to the improved Amphibious Assault Vehicle-7A1 (AAV-7A1) by adding an upgraded engine, transmission, and weapons system improving the overall maintainability of the vehicle.

Realizing the need to mechanize units participating in the Combined Arms Exercises (CAX), two platoons of AAVs were transferred to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC) in July of 1979. The two platoons were formed from Camp Pendleton -- one went to Company A, 3D Tank Battalion, and the other platoon went to Company B, 3D Tank Battalion.

The two platoons later merged and became Company D, 3D Tank Battalion, in September 1980. Two additional platoons from 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion in Hawaii arrived onboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in December 1981. A redesignation ceremony was held on 18 January 1982 in which the colors of Company D, 3D Tank Battalion were formally retired and replaced with the new colors of Company D (Rein), 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion. The company was instrumental in training Marines in desert warfare as they rotated in and out of the live-fire desert training area, a key to the Marine Corp's success in the 1991 Gulf War.

For its superior performance from 1983 - 1985, the battalion was awarded a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

DESERT SHIELD/STORM

In August 1990, 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion received orders to prepare for an overseas deployment to Southwest Asia as a response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. In the following month the unit deployed to Saudi Arabia and received shipments of its Amphibious Assault Vehicles from Maritime Prepositioning ships to augment its current vehicle ranks.

During this time, the battalion began upgrading its P-7A1s to carry the UGWS (UpGunned Weapons Station), which mounts a .50 cal (12.7mm) M2HB machine gun and a Mk-19 40mm grenade launcher.

In preparation for the assault into Kuwait, the battalion divided into two main mechanized infantry task forces, along with 1st and 3D Tank Battalions, to form Task Force Ripper and Task Force Papa Bear respectively. The units trained and patrolled the Saudi frontier with Kuwait until the start of the ground war in February 1991. After five days of combat, the two task forces, along with other other Marine task forces, British and Pan-Arab units, captured Kuwait International Airport and a cease-fire was announced. During the march to Kuwait City, the mechanized infantry task forces were responsible for the defeat of numerous Iraqi regiments, the capture of tens of thousands of Iraqi prisoners, and the capture or destruction of thousands of enemy armored vehicles. 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion returned to Camp Pendleton in March 1991.

For its actions during the Gulf War, the Battalion was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation Streamer, National Defense Service Medal Streamer, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal Streamer With Two Bronze Stars.

RESTORE HOPE

On 9 December 1992, in support of Operation Restore Hope, elements of 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit landed on the beach just outside the Mogadishu International Airport in Somalia. These initial forces were soon followed by Bravo, Delta, and Headquarters and Service Companies of 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion. These units' operations stretched from Mogadishu to Bardera, Baidoa, and Kismayo. The battalion served as a blocking force for the International Airport's reception of airlifted humanitarian supplies, then extended its services as road guards for supply convoys and foot patrols in and around Mogadishu.

Elements of 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion served in Somalia or off the coast aboard MEUs from 1992 until approximately 1995. For its actions during Operation Restore

Hope, the battalion was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award Streamer and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Streamer.

GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR

In 2003, 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the 1st Marine Division. They first deployed in February of 2003 to Kuwait and crossed the border into Iraq in March, attacking all the way to Baghdad. The battalion served as the primary mechanized assault support for the infantry and proved to be an invaluable asset in crossing the vast distances and urban areas of Iraq. The battalion continues to support operations throughout the world.

The battalion's actions in support of the Global War on Terror have earned it a Presidential Unit Citation Streamer, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer, National Defense Service Medal Streamer, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Streamer, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Streamer.

1942 - 1946:

Activated 16 September 1942 at San Diego, California, as 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion and assigned to the 3rd Marine Division

Relocated during December 1942 to Camp Pendleton, California

Deployed during February-March 1943 to Auckland, New Zealand

Participated in the following World War II campaigns:
Bougainville
Guam
Iwo Jima

Redeployed during March 1945 to Maui, territory of Hawaii

Relocated during February 1946 to Camp Pendleton, California

Deactiviated 1 May 1946

1952 - 1975:

Reactivated 1 April 1952 at Camp Pendleton, California, and assigned to Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

Reassigned during October 1955 to the 1st Marine Division

Element participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis, October-December 1962

Deployed during February 1966 to Camp Schwab, Okinawa

Redeployed during March 1966 to the Republic of Vietnam

Participated in the war in Vietnam, March 1966 - January 1970, operating from:
Chu Lai
Da Nang
An Hoa
Hoi An

Relocated during February 1970 to Camp Pendleton, California, and reassigned to the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

Reassigned during August 1970 to the 5th Marine Amphibious Brigade

Reassigned during April 1971 to the 1st Marine Division

1976-2004:

Redesignated 30 December 1976 as 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion

Participated in numerous training excercises throughout the 1970's - 1980's

Participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, August 1990 - March 1991

Participated in Operations in Somalia, December 1992 - April 1993, January - March 1995

Deployed during January 2003 to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

Participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, March-May 2003

Elements participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, March-October 2004