539 AssaulT Squadron

539 Assault Squadron (539 ASRM) provide 3 Commando Brigade (3 Cdo Bde) with an amphibious capability. Their primary role is to deliver 3 Cdo Bde forces onto land from water. They also perform patrols on the sea and along waterways.

The Squadron operates a range of boats and other watercraft

• Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) Hovercraft
• Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP)
• Rigid Raider Craft (RRC)
• Inflatable Raiding Craft (IRC)
• Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC)

539 ASRM Operations

539 was formed during the 1982 Falklands conflict during which it landed SAS and SBS reconnaissance parties onto the islands, in addition to bringing other forces ashore.

More recent operations include Operation Telic. 539 ASRM supported 3 Cdo Bde as they took the Al Faw Penninsula, carrying out numerous operations such as several landings and the clearing of various waterways. 539 ASRM have continued to operate in Iraq, performing security patrols of Iraq's southern ports and water networks.

read more on 3 Commando Brigade operations in Operation Telic

A Royal Marine Sergeant from 539 ASRM briefs US Marines on British amphibious assault procedures in front of a LCAC hovercraft during the preparations for a joint exercise.

DoD photo by: CPL JIMMIE PERKINS, USMC

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