The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was activated at Camp Pendleton, California February 1, 1985 as the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit. They were redesignated as the 13th MEU on 5 February, 1988. It is one of three West Coast MEUs which make periodic deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions. Since its activation, 13th MEU has completed ten Western Pacific Deployments, participated in fifty-one amphibious training exercises, visited more than a dozen foreign countries, and conducted combat operations in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and United Shield.

The "Fighting 13th MEU" has experienced a number of firsts. It was the first West Coast MEU to be designated as Special Operations Capable, having undergone extensive training in conducting a wide variety of special missions. It was the first MEU to deploy with Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC); the "Mastiff" remotely piloted vehicle; an entire section of Avenger air defense weapons systems and the first to refuel ground vehicles with the Tactical Bulk Fuels Delivery System mounted in a CH-53E. Additionally, they were the first West Coast MEU to deploy with a force reconnaissance platoon.

The 13th MEU (SOC)'s special operations capabilities were used extensively on its deployment during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Beginning a routine deployment June 20, 1990, the MEU was diverted to Southwest Asia in August 1990. The first amphibious force to arrive in the theater of operations, 13th MEU conducted the first Marine offensive actions against Iraq. In October 1990, elements of the 13th MEU (SOC) boarded two Iraqi tankers that refused to obey the United Nations sanctions.

The MEU conducted a number of operations during Desert Storm including a helicopter raid on Maradim Island, Kuwait and amphibious operations the day the ground war started. The MEU's last combat operation in Desert Storm was an Iraqi prisoner of war roundup on Faylaka Island, Kuwait, March 3, 1991, which resulted in 1,413 Iraqi prisoners. The 13th MEU returned to the United States April 16, 1991 after being deployed 301 consecutive days.

The 13th MEU (SOC) deployed again during January 1992. During this deployment, the MEU conducted training operations in the Persian Gulf, Africa and Thailand. Additionally, the MEU was the last deploying unit to visit the Philippines prior to the closure of Naval Station, Subic Bay.

In September 1993 the 13th MEU (SOC) deployed again and completed a routine exercise in Okinawa. The MEU arrived off the coast of Somalia in early October in response to increasing hostilities there. As a key element of the newly-formed COMMARFOR SOMALIA, the 13th MEU (SOC) and 22nd MEU (SOC), remained on station ready to provide direct support to United States and United Nations forces.

COMMARFOR SOMALIA was disestablished when the 22nd MEU (SOC) was reassigned to the Mediterranean area of operations in mid-November. The 13th MEU (SOC) remained as the principle rapid response force in support of the joint task force. The MEU developed and executed two humanitarian assistance operations. The first, Operation Show Care took place in the cities of Marka and Qoryooley from November 11-14. From December 1-3, 1993, Operation More Care was conducted in the Old Port of Mogadishu. Both operations provided badly needed medical and dental assistance to the Somali people.

The 13th MEU (SOC) continued its presence mission through January, providing aircraft for the "Eyes Over Mogadishu" missions as well as sniper support at the United States Embassy compound. On 2 February 1994, the 24th MEU (SOC) relieved the 13th MEU (SOC). By March 17, 1994, the 13th MEU had returned to the United States.

The 13th MEU (SOC) began its eighth Western Pacific deployment October 25, 1994, only seven months after returning to Camp Pendleton. The MEU conducted its first scheduled exercise on Okinawa, November 11-13.

They then sailed to the Persian Gulf and conducted three major exercises: Eager Mace in Kuwait, Nautical Mantis in Saudi Arabia and Iron Magic in the United Arab Emirates. Each of these exercises involved extensive bilateral training with the host nation. Additionally during this period, the MEU conducted a Maritime Interdiction Operation/Visit Board Search and Seizure (MIO/VBSS) mission aboard the Honduran flagged Merchant Vessel Ajmer which was in violation of United Nations sanctions with Iraq.

During January 1995, the 13th MEU (SOC) was ordered to conduct Operation United Shield; the withdrawal of UNOSOM forces from Somalia. The MEU sailed to Africa and conducted operational rehearsals in Kenya. February 3, 1995, the MEU was in position off the coast of Somalia and began conducting initial reconnaissance of the operational area and liaison with UNOSOM forces. Early morning February 28, the 13th MEU (SOC) conducted an amphibious assault onto Somali soil and began executing a relief-in-place with UNOSOM forces. By March 2, the withdrawal of all UNOSOM forces was complete, and during the first hours of March 3, the final Marine forces departed Somali soil. The 13th MEU (SOC) returned to Camp Pendleton April 24, 1995.

The 13th MEU(SOC) departed on its ninth Western Pacific deployment on 19 April, 1996. While deployed on WESTPAC 96-2, the 13th MEU(SOC) participated in Cobra Gold 96 in Thailand, Infinite Moonlight 96 in Jordan. During MEU EX in Kuwait, the 13th MEU(SOC) became the first MEU(SOC) to put the entire landing force ashore in Kuwait without the use of a port or airfield. This was a vital step in the validation of the plan for the defense of Kuwait, which had previously not been tested.

The 13th MEU(SOC) also provided a vital forward presence when, while on the way to conduct a transit of the Straits of Hormuz out of the Arabian Gulf on 1 September, they were put on alert as part of Operation Desert Strike. The 13th MEU(SOC) never received a mission, but their presence in the Arabian Gulf gave higher headquarters additional options. On 18 October, 1996, the 13th MEU(SOC) arrived off the coast of Camp Pendleton and off-loaded to end their deployment.

The 13th MEU(SOC) departed on its tenth and most recent deployment Aug. 29, 1997. During WESTPAC 97-2, the 13th MEU (SOC) arrived in the Arabian Gulf during increasing tensions between the U.S. and Iraq, due to Saddam Hussein's refusal to cooperate with UN arms inspectors.

While in the Gulf, the 13th MEU(SOC) participated in Operation Silent Assurance in Quatar. The MEU provided security and force protection for U.S. personnel and facilities during an economic conference of African States.

While in the United Arab Emirates, the 13th MEU(SOC) airlifted and placed the Rings of Friendship, a gift from the 6000 U.S. citizens living in the Emirates, in the Dubai Creekside Park. The rings were a gift to the people of UAE in appreciation for many years of warm relations.

The 13th MEU(SOC) next aided in Operation Southern Watch during November and December, helping enforce the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. During the same time the 13th MEU(SOC) also sharpened its warfighting skills while participating in Eager Mace 98-1 a combined arms exercise in Kuwait.

After departing the Arabiab Gulf in January, the 13th MEU(SOC) made port calls in Bali, Indonesia and Darwin, Australia before returning home Feb. 28, 1998.

The 13th MEU(SOC) received top honors from the Department of Defense for its force protection program while deployed in the U.S. Central Command AOR.