MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON – U.S. Marines and veterans of the 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, celebrated their 72nd anniversary by rededicating their battle colors on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 3, 2023.

Lt. Col. Morris M. Sharber, the commanding officer of 1st ANGLICO, and veterans fastened 11 streamers to their battle colors, the company’s flag. Each streamer signifies the campaigns, battles, and commendations presented to 1st ANGLICO since their beginning.

“It meant a lot to be able to hold the rededication ceremony,” said Sharber. “It meant the ability to tie the people who created the legacy on which we stand as Anglicans to the Marines who are currently doing the job right now. It’s a chance for the veterans to see a little bit of themselves in the new Marines, and the new Marines to see that we come from a long storyline of warfighters, fire supporters, and communicators.”

The Corps activated 1st ANGLICO on March 2, 1951, at Marine Barracks Pearl Harbor and relocated to Camp Pendleton in January 1965. 1st ANGLICO began their legacy of valor in the jungles of South Vietnam where they were one of the most effective combat units according to Sharber. Their control of the tactical air and naval gunfire won many battles and saved countless lives.

“Every Marine in ANGLICO is an ambassador of the Marines Corps,” said Sharber. “Whenever they show up to formations, they are likely to be the only Marines there so the Marine Corps will be judged by how my Marines act. Teaching them and making them aware of that is how we safeguard the legacy of the unit.”

ANGLICO’s mission is to support both Navy-Marine Corps and Navy-Army operations. Its initial purpose was to provide air and naval gunfire liaison in support of a U.S. Marine division, the Fleet Marine Force, and U.S. Army units.

Col. (Ret) Clay Grub, who served with ANGLICO during Operation Desert Shield said “You say once a Marine, always a Marine, but above that, once an ANGLICO always an ANGLICO.”