When deployed, it serves as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

5th MEB first activated during World War I and served in France guarding supply lines and garrisons that were critical to supporting the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments during the allied defeat of the German army in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

The 22 amphibious ships passed through the canal to the Caribbean with the 5th MEB operated with the Atlantic Fleet until the end of the missile crisis.

For the remainder of 1962, the ships were moored in Long Beach and San Diego with the heavy cargo of 5th MEB remaining on board until after Christmas.

It was reactivated on 15 October 2015 at Naval Support Activity Bahrain.