The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was originally designated the 17th Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU), formed at Camp Pendleton, California on April 13, 1979.

The MAU was created to plan and participate in large-scale amphibious training exercises. In these early days, the unit also fulfilled requirements for a MAU to respond to contingencies, but was activated and deactivated based largely upon scheduled amphibious landing exercises directed by the Commander, Third Fleet. During this time, the billet of MAU Commanding Officer, alternated between Regimental and Aircraft Group Commanders who filled the billet in six month increments as a secondary duty during their tenure in command.

In 1983 the Marine Corps directed a change that resulted in the first re-designation of the 17th MAU. The decision was made to "source" the continuously deployed Western Pacific (WESTPAC) MAUs from I Marine Amphibious Force units in Southern California, vice from the 1st Marine Brigade in Hawaii. As a consequence of this decision, and to maintain continuity and momentum, the 17th MAU was redesignated the 11th MAU on July 20, 1984.

A second redsignation took place February 5, 1988 when the Marine Corps more clearly defined the multiple capabilities of its Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. "Amphibious" was changed to "Expeditionary," and the unit was given its current designation the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

While the units designation changed, the mission of the 11th MEU has remained largely unchanged. The MEU is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to move quickly on short notice, to wherever needed to accomplish conventional or special operations. The strength of the MEU (Special Operations Capable) resides in the inherent combined arms capability while operating from amphibious shipping, forward deployed.

In order to accomplish this mission, the MEU's assets are directed at maintaining the required combat readiness, while simultaneously fulfilling worldwide training and contingency commitments.

The 1lth MEU has participated in numerous training exercises/operations from the coast of California to the shores of Somalia, and far inland to Bujumbura, Burundi in Central Africa. Most recently they participated in Operations Restore/Continue Hope and Quick Draw in Mogadishu, Somalia, Operation Distant Runner in Burundi and Operation Vigilant Sentinel while deployed to Jordan and Kuwait.

The 11th MEU has completed nine major deployments to the Westem Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf.

Unit awards include the Meritorious Unit Commendation for participation in Exercise Kernel Potlach 87-1, the National Defense Service Medal and Southwest Asia Service Medal with three stars awarded for participation in Operations Desert Shield/Storm, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for participation in Joint Task Force Provide Relief, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation for participation in Operations Restore/ Continue Hope and the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal for Operation Distant Runner.

Major elements for this deployment are Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-268 (Rein.), and MEU Service Support Group-11.