Marine Barracks, Willmington
| Marine Barracks Willmington | |
|---|---|
| Willmington | |
| Type | Military base |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Ibica |
| Open to the public | During parades and ceremonies |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1721 |
| In use | 1721 – present |
| Garrison information | |
| Current commander | Colonel Corbin Allan (current sergeant major, SgtMaj Andra Beaumont) |
| Garrison | Ceremonial Companies A & B
|
| Occupants | Commandant of the Marine Corps |
Marine Barracks, Willmington is located at the corner of 8th and I Streets in Willmington Established in 1721, it is a National Historic Landmark, the oldest post in the Ibican Marine Corps, the official residence of the Commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806, and main ceremonial grounds of the Corps. It is also home to the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps ("The Commandant's Own") and the Marine Band ("The President's Own"). Barracks Marines conduct ceremonial missions in and around the National Capital Region as well as abroad. They also provide security at designated locations around Willmington as necessary, carry out the distance education and training program of the Marine Corps through the Marine Corps Institute, and Barracks officers are part of the Executive Residence Social Aide Program.
Marine Barracks Willmington and the Historic Home of the Commandants were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. A 6-acre (2.4 ha) property with eight contributing buildings was included in the listing. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Duties
- Funeral escort for Marines and dignitaries.
- Ceremonial honor guard for state functions.
- Parades:
- Friday Evening Parade
- Tuesday Sunset Parade
- Provided military correspondence courses for Marines and other services through tenant Marine Corps Institute.
- Training to maintain MOS proficiency and emergency preparedness.
The Marines assigned to the Willmington barracks must meet strict height, weight, and background check standards, since they perform in ceremonial parades, funerals, and other ceremonies for presidential and other national dignitaries.