New Delhi, India

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YOUTUBE: (2026) SECSTATE Rubio / Amassador Reception
YOUTUBE: (2026) Embassy Security Beefed Up (Iran Protests)
YOUTUBE: (2023) US Embassy New Delhi
YOUTUBE: (2022) Best Things To Do in Delhi
YOUTUBE: (2022) India's MEGACITY: Capital of a Billion People
YOUTUBE: (2020) Ambassador Juster - 2 years
YOUTUBE: (2011) Ambassador Juster - 100 days
YOUTUBE: (1975) Protest at US Embassy
YOUTUBE: (1959) Opening of US Embassy in New Delhi

DETACHMENT HISTORY

Google Gemini Research

The Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment and diplomatic mission personnel at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi have operated through major regional wars, terrorist conspiracies, civil unrest, and severe bilateral diplomatic friction since the post-World War II inception of the MSG program.

1. Detachment Inception & Cold War Friction (1949–1960s)

• Detachment Activation (Early 1950s): Following the December 1948 Memorandum of Agreement between the State Department and the U.S. Marine Corps, the initial wave of MSGs deployed overseas in 1949. The New Delhi MSG Detachment was activated in the early 1950s to secure the diplomatic chancery in India's capital.

• Chanakyapuri Chancery Opening (January 1959): Designed by Edward Durell Stone, the embassy complex in New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave (Chanakyapuri) was formally dedicated in January 1959. MSGs assumed 24-hour interior control, establishing Post 1 operations, access control, and safeguarding classified national security materials across the new facility.

• 1962 Sino-Indian War: Border hostilities between India and China brought a surge of U.S. military advisory personnel and emergency supply missions to the Embassy, temporarily easing non-aligned diplomatic tensions and placing the mission on an elevated logistical and operational footing.

• 1965 Indo-Pakistani War: Armed conflict over Kashmir strained relations. The Embassy operated under heightened security alerts as regional hostilities threatened air transit and prompted regular civil defense precautions across northern India.

2. Regional Crises, Civil Unrest, and Compound Defense (1970s–1980s)

• 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War & Anti-U.S. Demonstrations: The Nixon administration’s diplomatic "tilt" toward Pakistan and the deployment of Task Force 74 (led by the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise) into the Bay of Bengal prompted widespread public outrage in India. Large crowds demonstrated outside the Chanakyapuri gates, requiring MSGs and host-nation police to secure the outer perimeters and protect mission personnel.

• 1979 Islamabad Sacking & Regional Spillovers: On November 21, 1979, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan was stormed and burned. Embassy New Delhi immediately elevated its alert posture, secured internal vaults, and coordinated emergency staging, communications, and logistical support as evacuated personnel from Pakistan were rerouted through India. Weeks later, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan permanently elevated security monitoring and intelligence workloads for the New Delhi post.

• October–November 1984 Indira Gandhi Assassination & Riots: Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, sectarian anti-Sikh violence erupted across New Delhi. The U.S. Embassy initiated lockdown protocols and curfews for American staff, secured diplomatic housing enclaves, maintained round-the-clock emergency communications, and assisted trapped American citizens while street mobs roamed nearby areas.

• December 1984 Bhopal Gas Disaster: The Union Carbide industrial catastrophe in Bhopal triggered mass anti-American protests across major Indian cities. Demonstrators regularly picketed the New Delhi Chancery, requiring continuous perimeter crowd-control coordination between MSGs and the Delhi Police.

3. Nuclear Standoffs, Foiled Terror Plots, and Ordered Departures (1990s–2000s)

• May 1998 Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests: India’s underground nuclear tests and subsequent U.S. sanctions triggered nationalist demonstrations outside the embassy. MSGs operated under heightened alert status, managing crowd standoffs at access gates while securing emergency egress routes.

• January 1999 Foiled Al-Qaeda Bombing Plot: Delhi Police intercepted a plot by an international network—linked to Osama bin Laden and Harkat-ul-Ansar—led by Sayed Abu Nasir. The conspiracy targeted the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and consulates in Chennai and Kolkata with vehicle-borne explosives. The disruption led to a major review of vehicle standoff distances and outer perimeter defenses across Mission India.

• June 2001 Foiled Truck Bomb Plot: Indian authorities arrested Abdel Rauf Hawas (a Sudanese national) and Shamim Sarwar, uncovering an active plot tied to Lashkar-e-Taiba to detonate an explosive-laden vehicle at the U.S. Embassy Chancery in New Delhi. The breach plan was thwarted weeks before execution.

• Post-9/11 Hardening & Operation Parakram (2001–2002):

  • Following the September 11 attacks and the December 13, 2001 terrorist strike on the Indian Parliament, India and Pakistan mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops along the border.

  • In June 2002, with the threat of full-scale war and potential nuclear escalation looming, the Department of State issued an authorized and voluntary evacuation order for non-essential staff and dependents. Non-emergency personnel departed, leaving an essential core of diplomats, Regional Security Officers (RSOs), and the MSG Detachment to maintain essential mission functions and physical security.

• November 2008 Mumbai Attacks: The coordinated assaults in Mumbai prompted high-alert postures across all U.S. diplomatic posts in India, reinforcing armed security drills, tighter visitor screening, and round-the-clock tracking of regional travel by mission personnel.

4. Diplomatic Confrontation and Compound Modernization (2010s–Present)

• December 2013 Devyani Khobragade Incident & Barricade Removal:

  • Following the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York, the Indian government enacted swift diplomatic reprisals against the U.S. diplomatic mission.

  • On December 17, 2013, Indian authorities used heavy machinery to forcibly dismantle the concrete security and blast barricades placed on Nyaya Marg outside the perimeter of the U.S. Embassy.

  • The Indian government also rescinded consular ID cards, curbed import privileges, and demanded employment details of local domestic staff, placing direct pressure on compound operations and forcing MSG and RSO teams to reconfigure vehicle approach monitoring and physical gate security.

• 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Nationwide lockdowns across India halted regular operations. The New Delhi Detachment maintained continuous Post 1 operational security while embassy staff managed one of the largest consular repatriation operations in U.S. history, coordinating dozens of relief flights to return stranded American citizens.

• Compound Modernization & Expansion: To meet modern Bureau of Diplomatic Security physical standards (including enhanced setback requirements, blast mitigation, and specialized Marine quarters), the Embassy launched long-term compound redevelopment projects to safeguard personnel against modern asymmetric threats.

Archival footage documenting the bilateral friction over compound access barriers can be seen in the report on

Security barricades removed from US embassy after arrest of Indian.

This video shows the direct physical impact on the U.S. Embassy New Delhi perimeter when Indian authorities bulldozed the compound's protective traffic barriers during the 2013 diplomatic standoff.

Google Gemini: US Embassy Construction History

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has undergone one major, full-scale campus reconstruction and modernization project.
The architectural evolution of the mission breaks down into two distinct phases:

1. Original Construction (1956–1959)

• Architect: Edward Durell Stone.

• Details: Following Indian independence, the U.S. mission operated out of temporary rented quarters in central New Delhi (such as Curzon Road). In the mid-1950s, the State Department acquired a 28-acre parcel in the newly created diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri. Chief Justice Earl Warren laid the cornerstone in 1956, and the iconic modernist chancery—distinguished by its terrazzo water courtyard, pierced concrete jali screens, and white-columned canopy—formally opened in January 1959.

2. Comprehensive Campus Redevelopment & Modernization (2020s)

• Architect / Lead Contractor: WEISS/MANFREDI (architects) and B.L. Harbert International (general contractor).

• Details: Nearly six decades after the original chancery opened, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) launched an $852 million complete campus redevelopment (ground broken in January 2021).

• Scope of the Rebuild:

  • Historic Restoration: Rather than tearing down Edward Durell Stone’s historic 1959 chancery, the project meticulously restored the original structure.

  • New Additions: Construction of a new, blast-resistant New Office Building (NOB), a dedicated Marine Security Guard Residence (MSGR), a Support Annex, staff housing units, utility plants, and modernized perimeter security to meet post-Inman Department of State security criteria.

Between the 1959 opening and the 2020s overhaul, the compound was never rebuilt from scratch, though it received iterative security retrofits—such as post-1983 blast walls and the post-1998 security gate overhauls.

DETACHMENT TIMELINE

2023
December 5: Cyclone Michaung

2018
SECDEF USMC General Jim Mattis & Chairman JOC USMC General Joe Dunford visit embassy / detachment

2012
September 14: US Embassy & Consulates attacked by Islamic mob, infuriated over the controversial film denigrating the Prophet.
India Today

2008
Watchstanders: Sgt. Charles Winfrey

2007
Company Commander (Region II):
LTC Pigott / Acting 1stSgt. Gregory
Detachment Commander:
GySgt. Christine L. Allen
A/: SSgt. David Ceja
Sgt. Joseph P. Stewart
Watchstanders:
Jason C. Carvalho,
Timothy A. Hale,
Ibrahim K. Kamara,
William B. Kyzer,
Ryan W. Meyers
Kenneth Nelson
Alberto L. Ocasio,
Joseph P. Stewart
Clark I. Casas
James Curry, (LinkedIn), (Apple Podcasts - PostOne Podcast)
Herman D. Milton,
Richard D. Quintanilla
Gregory E. Schuster
Gabriel S. Villegas .

2006
Company Commander:
LTC Pigott
/ Acting 1stSgt. Gregory
Detachment Commander:
SSgt. Michael Bauer /
GySgt. Christine L. Allen
Watchstanders:
James Curry, (LinkedIn), (Apple Podcasts - PostOne Podcast)
Jason C. Carvalho
Timothy A. Hale
Ibrahim K. Kamara,
William B. Kyzer
Ryan W. Meyers
Kenneth Nelson
Alberto L. Ocasio
Joseph P. Stewart
Clark I. Casas,
Herman D. Milton
Richard D. Quintanilla
Gregory E. Schuster
Gabriel S. Villegas.

2005
Detachment Commander:
SSgt. Michael Bauer
Watchstanders:
Jamie Cody,
Erick O. Morales,
Kenneth Nelson
James Curry (LinkedIn) (Apple Podcasts - PostOne Podcast)
Michael L. Franks

2004
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders:
Donald Bal (TWS) New Delhi, 2002-24
Jamie Cody,
Erick O. Morales,
Kenneth Nelson,
Michael L. Franks

2003
Watchstanders: Sgt. Erick O. Morales, Cpl. Michael L. Franks

2002
Watchstanders: Cpl. Frederick McCrone Jr.

2001
Detachment Commander: SSgt. Ronnie Ellis
Watchstanders: SSgt. Cory Knox, Cpl. Frederick McCrone Jr.

2000
Detachment Commander: GySgt. Richard Sanchez
Watchstanders: SSgt. Ronnie Ellis.

1999
Detachment Commander: GySgt. Richard Sanchez
Watchstanders: Aaron Edward Hall.

1998
Detachment Commander: GySgt. Chris Morley A/: Sgt. Alan R. Hogan
Watchstanders: Sgt. Larry Hensler, Sgt. Chris Lopez, Sgt. Brian Miller, Sgt. Klever Novillo, Sgt. Jason Smith, Cpl. Rafael Encinas, Cpl. Sean Gluhm, Cpl. Thomas Lee Jefferies, Cpl. Greg Lucero, Cpl. Jason Mount, Cpl. David Radtke and Aaron Edward Hall.

1997
Detachment Commander: SSgt. Vincent Brooks A/: Sgt. Ligerald Jones
Watchstanders: Cpl. Marcus O. Alvarez, Sgt. Ryan Bland, Sgt. Robert Gilkeson, Sgt. Larry Hensler, Sgt. Alan R. Hogan, Sgt. Brian Miller, Sgt. Klever Novillo, Sgt. Jason Smith, Sgt. Yancy Whitaker, Cpl. Rafael Encinas, Cpl. Sean Gluhm, Cpl. Thomas Lee Jefferies, Cpl. Chris Lopez, Cpl. David Radtke, LCpl. Marcus Andaluz and Aaron Edward Hall.

1996
Detachment Commander: *GySgt. Anne Marie Comensky
Watchstanders: Cpl. Marcus O. Alvarez, Sgt. Alan R. Hogan, Sgt. Darrick Lee, Sgt. Marquez, Sgt. Tom Vaughn, Cpl. Jered Baker, Cpl. Frank Bowen, Cpl. Thomas Lee Jeffries, Cpl. Lemann, Cpl. David Radtke, LCpl. Neidig, Ken Fisk and Eric La Norris Stone

1995
Detachment Commander: SSgt. Anne Marie Comensky
Watchstanders: Sgt. Darrick Lee, Sgt. Marquez, Sgt. Dean McGregor, Sgt. Thomas Vaughn, Sgt. Robert S. "Woody" Young, Cpl. Jered Baker, Cpl. Frank Bowen, Cpl. Lehmann, Cpl. Tom Michael, Cpl. Padilla, LCpl. Neidig, Ken Fisk and Eric La Norris Stone

1994
Detachment Commander: GySgt. Dutile / SSgt. Anne Marine Comensky
A/: Sgt. Kevin Finch
Watchstanders: Sgt. Robert Condit, Sgt. Robert Fitzbag, Sgt. Darrick Lee, Sgt. Dean McGregor, Sgt. Aaron Snow, Sgt. Robert S. “Woody” Young, Cpl. Colby Codner, Cpl. George Gann, Cpl. James Gustafson, Cpl. Mark Hammel, Cpl. Padilla, Cpl. C. J. Prosonic, Cpl. Robert Smith, LCpl. Thomas Michael and Chris Parrett.

1993
Detachment Commander: MSgt. Joe Materna A/: Sgt. Kevin Finch
Watchstanders: Sgt. Robert Condit, Sgt. Robert Fitzbag, Sgt. Dean McGregor, Sgt. Aaron Snow, Sgt. Robert S. "Woody" Young, Cpl. Colby Codner, Cpl. Darius Crane, Cpl. George Gann, Cpl. James Gustafson, Cpl. Mark Hammel, Cpl. Padilla, Cpl. C. J. Prosonic, Cpl. Robert Smith, Cpl. Darius Crane, LCpl. Thomas Michael and Chris Parrett.

1992
Detachment Commander: MSgt. Joe Materna A/: Sgt. Kevin Finch
Watchstanders: Sgt. Aaron Snow, Cpl. Darius Crane, Cpl. George Gann and Cpl. Mark Hammell.

1991
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Cpl. Darius Crane.

1990
Detachment Commander: GySgt. Don Miller
Watchstanders: Sgt. Jeff Eby, Sgt. Steve Richard, Sgt. Gary Stillions, Cpl. Mark Dao, Cpl. Dan Herriman, Cpl. Thomas W Smith, Cpl. Warnick, Cpl. Ybarro and LCpl. Gaines.
*After his assignment in New Delhi, GySgt. Don Miller activated the new MSG Detachment in Shanghai, China.

1989
Detachment Commander: GySgt. Don Miller
Watchstanders: Sgt. Jeff Eby, Sgt. Steve Richard, Sgt. Gary Stillions, Cpl. Chiu , Cpl. Mark Dao, Cpl. Dan Herriman, Cpl. Thomas W. Smith, Cpl. Robert L. Walker, Cpl. Warick, Cpl. Ybarro and LCpl. Gaines.
*: The New Delhi Embassy Administrative Officer Bert C. Moore was taken hostage at the Tehran, Iran Embassy in 79-80. (Bert passed away June 8, 2000.)

1988
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Cpl. Chiu, Cpl. Robert L. Walker and Tony Moore.

1987
Detachment Commander: MSgt. Daniel Burke A/: SSgt. Michael P. Frankinburger
Watchstanders: Sgt. Ken Garland, Sgt. Tim McManis, Sgt. David A. Reinert, Cpl. Tony LaCava, Cpl. Bob Layton, Cpl. Tom Mann, Cpl. George Speirs, Cpl. Mark Robertson, Cpl. Pierce Taylor, Cpl. Carl Viederman, Cpl. Robert L. Walker, LCpl. Kenneth Dumesnil, LCpl. Shannon Turner, Tony Moore and Charles J. Stubblefield.

1986
Detachment Commander:
MSgt. Daniel Burke
A/: SSgt. Michael P. Frankinburger
Watchstanders:
Sgt. Ken Garland, Sgt. Bill Leuthe, Sgt. Tim McManis, Sgt. Scott Parker, Sgt. David A. Reinert, Cpl. Jolivette, Cpl. Tony LaCava, Cpl. Bob Layton, Cpl. Tom Mann, Cpl. Mark Robertson, Cpl. George Speirs, Cpl. Pierce Taylor, Cpl. Trickett, Cpl. Carl Viderman, LCpl. Kenneth Dumesnil, LCpl. Shannon Turner and Charles J. Stubblefield.

1985
NCOIC:
MSgt. Daniel Burke
A/: SSgt. Michael P. Frankinburger
Watchstanders:
Ken Garland
Bill Leuthe,
Tim McManis
Scott Parker,
David A. Reinert,
Linal Strong,
Tim Wood (TWS) (LinkedIn) New Delhi, Santiago 1984-86 *former MEGA Chairman of the Board of Directors (2007-08)
Jolivette
Tony LaCava
Bob Layton
Tom Mann
Mark Robertson
George Speirs,
Matt Spriggs
Pierce Taylor
Trickett
Carl Viederman
Kenneth Dumesnil
Shannon Turner.

1984
NCOIC:
GySgt. Donald Magee
A/: Sgt. Ron Rowland
Watchstanders:
Vinnie Caballero,
John Malachy Cressy-Neeley,
Frankie Davis,
Linal Strong,
Bill Damarell,
Jerry Easton,
Jolivette,
Bruce Montgomery
Chester Nolan,
Matt Spriggs
Trickett
Ed Wolf
Tim Wood (TWS) (LinkedIn) New Delhi, Santiago 1984-86 *former MEGA Chairman of the Board of Directors (2007-08)

1983
NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Sgt. John Malachy Cressy-Neeley, Sgt. Kerr, Sgt. Ron Shell, Cpl. Jack Bush, Cpl. Lipinski, Cpl. Frank Mesaros, Cpl. Mike Neville,Cpl. Nicholson, Cpl. John S. Russell, Cpl. Roy Streets, Cpl. Wilkins, LCpl. Terry and LCpl. Wallick

1982
NCOIC: MGySgt. Richard W. Carlisle
Watchstanders: Sgt. John Malachy Cressy-Neeley, Sgt. Kerry, Sgt. Ron Shell, Cpl. Jack Bush, Cpl. Lipinski,Cpl. Frank Mesaros, Cpl. Mike Neville, Cpl. Nicholson, Cpl. John S. Russell, Cpl. Roy Streets, Cpl. Wilkins, LCpl. Barton, LCpl. Terry and LCpl. Wallick
* MGySgt. Richard Carlisle served 12 years in the MSG Program. Watchstander in Copenhagen (62-65), NCOIC/Det.Cmdr. in New Delhi (80-82), Tokyo (82-84), Paris (86-87), Moscow (87-89) and back to Paris (89-90).

1981
NCOIC:
MGySgt. Richard W. Carlisle
A/ Sgt. Raul Garcia
Watchstanders: Sgt. Don Grandchamp, Sgt. Ladell Maples (Tehran POW), Sgt. Kevin P. Maurer, Sgt. Morgan, Sgt. Frank Moultrie, Sgt. David A. Tedrow, Cpl. Sheldon "Spyder" Watkins, Cpl. Buddy "Buck" Buckley, Cpl. Mike Neville and Cpl. Simpson

1980
NCOIC:
MSgt Richard W. Carlisle
A/: Sgt. Raul Garcia
Watchstanders:
Rolland Allain,
Marcus Banks,
DeJesus,
Mark Graves,
Virgil Johnson,
Kevin P. Maurer (TWS) 1979-80 New Delhi, Bonn
Morgan,
Frank Moultrie,
Larry Pennamon,
David A. Tedrow,
“Buck” Buckley,
Hector Frease,
Clyde Gordon,
Ness,
Robert Peterson
Kevin Schneider
Simpson,
Sheldon (Spyder) Watkins
Keith Martin.
Jeffery Lamey (TWS) 1979-80 New Delhi, Islamabad

Ladell Maples
*MSG Sgt. Ladell Maples was taken prisoner during the second Tehran Embassy seizure in November, 1979.
Ladell Maples served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and is recognized for his service as a Marine Security Guard (MSG) during the 1979 seizure of the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran.
Marine Corps & MSG Service
Detachment Assignment: Sergeant Maples served as an MSG watchstander assigned to Company A, Marine Security Guard Battalion, stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran in 1979.
The Tehran Embassy Seizure (November 4, 1979): On the morning of November 4, 1979, Iranian militant students loyal to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini stormed and overran the 27-acre American Embassy compound in Tehran. Sgt. Maples, along with his fellow Marines and embassy personnel, carried out emergency defensive measures and destruction protocols to secure sensitive intelligence, cryptographic equipment, and visa records under direct siege before the compound was fully breached.
Prisoner of War / Captivity: Following the takeover, Sgt. Maples was taken captive alongside the other embassy staff. During the initial days of captivity, the MSG detachment endured blindfolding, interrogations, and confinement under armed guard.
Release (November 19–20, 1979): In mid-November, the Iranian regime announced the selective release of 13 hostages—primarily female embassy personnel and African American servicemen—in an effort to score propaganda points. Sgt. Maples (then 23 years old) was among four MSG watchstanders released in this initial group, alongside Sgt. William Quarles, Sgt. David Walker, and Cpl. Wesley Williams. After their release, they were flown to West Germany for medical evaluation and debriefing before returning stateside to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on November 22–23, 1979.
Awards and Honors Prisoner of War Medal: Awarded for steadfast devotion to duty, professional conduct, and dignity while held captive during the opening phase of the Iran Hostage Crisis (November 4 – November 20, 1979), as documented in the Military Times Hall of Valor.

1979
NCOIC:
GySgt. David Busby
Watchstanders:
Rolland Allain,
Marcus Banks
DeJesus,
Mark Graves
Virgil Johnson
Kevin P. Maurer (*Deceased) (TWS) 1979-80 New Delhi, Bonn
Hector Frease,
Buddy "Buck" Buckley,
Hector Frease
Clyde Gordon,
Ness,
Robert Peterson,
Kevin Schneider,
Sheldon "Spyder" Watkins
Keith Martin.
Jeffery Lamey (TWS) 1979-80 New Delhi, Islamabad

Larry A. Pennamon
Sent TDY to the American Embassy MSG Detachment in Tehran, Iran and distinguished himself during the first Tehran Embassy seizure 14FEB79. Ref: The Marine Corps and the State Department by Leo J. Daugherty III, Chapter 8, pages 232 and 233.
Marine Security Guard Service.
Primary Post — U.S. Embassy New Delhi, India (1978–1979): Sergeant Pennamon was assigned to Region 2 with the MSG Detachment at the American Embassy in New Delhi, India, serving as a watchstander alongside detachment comrades including Sgt. David A. Tedrow, Cpl. Hector Frease, and Cpl. Clyde Gordon.
Temporary Duty (TDY) — U.S. Embassy Tehran, Iran (February 1979):
In early 1979, amid the escalating turmoil of the Iranian Revolution, Sgt. Pennamon was deployed on temporary duty (TDY) to reinforce the American Embassy MSG Detachment in Tehran.
Defense During the First Tehran Embassy Attack (Valentine’s Day 1979):
On the morning of February 14, 1979, heavily armed Marxist-Leninist guerrilla militants (Fedaian-e-Khalq) launched a coordinated assault against the U.S. Embassy compound in Tehran. Sgt. Pennamon distinguished himself in the defense of the mission, taking an active stand alongside detachment watchstanders and U.S. Navy personnel to repel and engage attackers attempting to storm the perimeter and main gate. Their tactical defensive measures bought vital time for embassy staff to secure sensitive spaces and shred classified materials before Iranian Deputy Prime Minister Ebrahim Yazdi and pro-Khomeini forces intervened to negotiate a ceasefire.
Personal Background: Born: 28May1957 / Hometown / Origins: Monticello, Georgia / Passing: 11Oct2013 (aged 56) in Tucson, AZ

1978
NCOIC: GySgt. David Busby
Watchstanders: Cpl. Danny Hudson and Cpl. John Jones

1977
NCOIC: A/: Sgt. Steve Schuller
Watchstanders: Cpl. Danny Hudson, Cpl. John Jones and Robert E. Mondo (deceased).

1976
NCOIC: GySgt. Richard Clemons A/: Sgt. Steve Schuller
Watchstanders: Sgt. Raymond Armijo, Sgt. Bill Harback, Sgt. Robert Ricketson, Robert E. Mondo (deceased), and Keith D. Walker.

1975
NCOIC: GySgt. Harry Smith (deceased) / GySgt. Richard Clemons A/: Sgt. Steve Schuller
Watchstanders: Sgt. Raymond Armijo, Sgt. Bill Harback, Sgt. Marcus Q. Harmon, Sgt. Robert Ricketson, Ed Kaatz, Robert E. Mondo (deceased), Keith D. Walker and Mike Keith.

1974
NCOIC: SSgt. Harrison (Harry) DySard / GySgt. Harry Smith (deceased)
Watchstanders: Sgt. Grady Carey, Sgt. Bill Harback, Sgt. Marcus Q. Harmon, Sgt. Robert Ricketson, Sgt. Max Wix, Sgt. Christopher Wolfe, Cpl. Wes Henderson, Cpl. Michael Miller, LCpl. Bill Bonds, LCpl. David Ledbetter, LCpl. Pat Phillips, LCpl. Jackie Sykes, LCpl. Dennis Yates, Ed Kaatz and Mike Keith.

1973
NCOIC:
MSgt. Jerome Keyes* (deceased) (TWS) 1971-73, MSGBn Instructor 1974-
Watchstanders:
Grady Carey,
Bill Harback,
David Kilfoile,
Les Marshall,
Phillip Vanden Bout,
Max Wix,
Christopher Wolfe,
Wes Henderson,
Michael Miller,
Bill Bonds,
David Ledbetter,
Pat Phillips,
Jackie Sykes
Dennis Yates.
* MSgt. Jerome Keyes returned to MSG Bn as an instructor and was promoted to Major later in his career. During his assignment in New Delhi, along with his wife Shirley and children, the Keyes treated them MSGs like family. Mrs. Shirley Keyes brought meals to the MSGs on duty.

1972
NCOIC:
MSgt.(Major Ret.) Jerome "Jerry" Keyes (deceased 06/1985) 1971-73, MSGBn Instructor 1974-
Watchstanders:
Roy Daniels,
Daniel Kennedy,
Robert Kirk,
Chris Wolfe,
Richard Blasier,
Roger Diehl, Cpl.
Raymond Heft,
John Lawer,
Stanley Martin,
Stephen Reynolds (MEGA Vice Chairman 2025-26) New Delhi, Rome, Hamburg (1972-74)
Phillip Vanden Bout,
Neil Wildman,
Melvin Holman,
David Kilfoile,
George Larson,
Steven A. Lonas,
Les Marshall Schwinkowski,
Robert Farmer
Robert Phillips.

1971
NCOIC:
MGySgt. Robert A. Creedon (deceased 20Dec2005) /
MSgt. (Major Ret.) Jerome "Jerry" Keyes (deceased 06/1985) 1971-73, MSGBn Instructor 1974-
A/: illiam Newhart
Watchstanders:
Dennis Beska,
Roy Daniels,
Michael English, (TWS) 1970-71 New Delhi.
Ernest W. (Wayne) Judge,
Daniel Kennedy,
James Millner,
Robert Kirk,
James Millner,
Thomas Noel,
Dale Pappas,
Larry Price,
Garnett A. Slade,
Eddie Smith,
Eddie Wright,
Richard Blasier,
Edwin Budd,
Frederick Davino,
Roger Diehl,
Raymond Heft,
John Lawler,
Stanley Martin,
Stephen Reynolds (MEGA Vice Chairman 2025-26) New Delhi, Rome, Hamburg (1972-74)
Neil Wildman,
Gene Wright,
Melvin Holman,
George Larson,
Steven A. Lonas,
Joseph Porter,
Robert Schwinkowski,
Robert Farmer
Robert Phillips .

Command change Fox Co., HQMC / RMO Region 2 to MSGBn / Company B.

MGySgt. Robert A. Creedon retired as Sgt.Major of Marine Barracks, 8th and I, Washington D. C. in 1974 and passed away in December 2005.

*SECSTATE VISIT: A sizable demonstration occurred at the Embassy

* A war between India & Pakistan resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh.
Indo Pakistan War

1970
NCOIC:
MGySgt. Robert A. Creedon (deceased)
A/: Sgt. William Newhart
Watchstanders:
Stanley Berry,
Dennis Beska,
Michael English, (TWS) 1970-71 New Delhi.
Ernest W. (Wayne) Judge,
James Millner,
Thomas Noel,
Dale Pappas,
Larry Price,
Garnett A. Slade,
Eddie Smith,
Eddie Wright,
Edwin Budd,
Fred Davino,
Gene Wright
Joseph Porter.

1969
NCOIC:
GySgt. Johnson A. Lykens (*Deceased) (YouTube) (Facebook)
MGySgt. Robert A. Creedon (deceased)
NCOIC:
GySgt. Johnson A. Lykens (*Deceased) (YouTube) (Facebook)
A/: Sgt. Michael A. Kwasnick
Watchstanders:
James D. Allen,
Stanley Berry,
Raymond L. Duckett,
Dworak,
Johney M. Paul,
Jimmy E. Rogers,
Arlon V. Schafer,
Gary W. Snelling,
Robert M. Stalker,
Michael D. Watson,
Richard D. DaRosa,
Guntherberg,
James Parshall,
Sidner Walker,
Daniel Wall Jr.,
Robert M. Waters,
Figgins,
George W. Anderson
Robert Martin.
George W. Anderson,
Stanley Berry,
James Millner,
Thomas Noel,
Dale Pappas,
Larry Price,
Eddie Smith,
Eddie Wright
Edwin Budd,
Frederick Davino, (*Deceased)
Garnet A. Slade
Gene Wright
Joseph Porter.

1968
NCOIC:
GySgt. Johnson A. Lykens (*Deceased) (YouTube) (Facebook)
A/: Sgt. Michael A. Kwasnick
Watchstanders:
James D. Allen,
Stanley Berry,
Raymond L. Duckett,
Dworak,
Johney M. Paul,
Jimmy E. Rogers,
Arlon V. Schafer,
Gary W. Snelling,
Robert M. Stalker,
Michael D. Watson,
Richard D. DaRosa,
Guntherberg,
James Parshall,
Sidner, Cpl. Walker,
Daniel Wall Jr.
Robert M. Waters,
Figgins,
George W. Anderson
Robert Martin.

1967
Asst. Regional Marine Officer: Captain Mattingly
NCOIC:
MSgt. Cummings
GySgt. Johnson A. Lykens (*Deceased) (YouTube) (Facebook)
A/: Sgt. Michael A. Kwasnick
Watchstanders:
James D. Allen,
Raymond L. Duckett,
Dworak,
Johney M. Paul,
Jimmy E. Rogers,
Arlon V. Schafer,
Gary W. Snelling,
Robert M. Stalker,
Michael D. Watson,
Richard D. DaRosa,
Guntherberg,
Richard J. Keys,
Kesseg,
James Parshall
Sidner,
Walker,
Daniel Wall Jr.,
Robert M. Waters,
Figgins, LCpl. Jenkins,
Lynfred A. Bohle,
Thomas A. Gafford. (TWS) New Delhi 1965-67
Robert Martin.

1966
NCOIC: MSgt. Cummings
Watchstanders:
Dworak,
Guntherberg,
Kesseg
Sidner,
Walker,
Figgins,
Jenkins,
Lynfred A. Bohle,
Thomas A. Gafford. (TWS) New Delhi 1965-67
Michael Kwasnick. (TWS) New Delhi 1965-67

1965
NCOIC:
MSgt. Cummings
Watchstanders:
Kesseg,
Carlson,
Jenkins,
Lynfred A. Bohle
Thomas A. Gafford. (TWS) New Delhi 1965-67

Indo-Pakistan War

1964
Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
Major Coody
NCOIC:
GySgt. Byron Taylor (Taylor or Cal) Calvette
Watchstanders:
Sgt. W. D. Shay, Cpl. K. R. Brackman, Cpl. William G. Brady, Cpl. Melvin A. Butts, Cpl. David H. Kincade, LCpl. Carlson, LCpl. M. B. Dunbar, LCpl. Houston T. Foreman and LCpl. William Killenen.

1963
Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Major Arthur Mooney (deceased)
A/RMO: Captain Malcolm V. Fites (deceased / obituary)
NCOIC: GySgt. Byron Taylor (Taylor or Cal) Calvette
Watchstanders: Sgt. W. D. Shay, Cpl. William G. Brady, Cpl. George Connell, Cpl. J. E. Gilbert, Cpl. David H. Kincade, Cpl. W. A. Maupin, Cpl. James P. Steiner, LCpl. M. E. Allen, LCpl. Melvin A. Butts, LCpl. Carlson, LCpl. M. B. Dunbar, LCpl. Houston T. Foreman, LCpl. William Killenen, LCpl. William Schroeder, LCpl. J. H. Whitlock and LCpl. K. A. Ziegler.
*25FEB63 - As a result of the agreement to provide arms to India to address the Chinese border threat, authorization was granted for MSGs to wear uniforms on watch. Prior to this all four MSG Detachments in India were civilian clothes (on and off duty), unarmed posts.
22NOV63 - President John F. Kennedy assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

1962
Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Major Arthur Mooney (deceased)
A/RMO: Captain Malcolm V. Fites (deceased / obituary)
NCOIC: GySgt. William Oliver / GySgt Byron Taylor (Taylor) Calvette
Watchstanders: Sgt. James Bradley, Cpl. William G. Brady, Cpl. George J. Connell, Cpl. John E. Gilbert, Cpl. David H. Kincade, Cpl. W. A. Maupin, Cpl. William V. Schroeder, Cpl. James P. Steiner, LCpl. Max E. Allen, LCpl. Melvin A. Butts, LCpl. J. H. Whitlock, LCpl. K. A. Ziegle

1961
Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Major Arthur Mooney (deceased) / A/RMO: Captain Malcolm V. Fites (deceased / obituary)
NCOIC: ASSgt. E. A. Luthy / GySgt. William Oliver
Watchstanders: Sgt. James Bradley, Sgt. William Severy, Cpl. George Connell, Cpl. W. V. Schroeder, LCpl. M.E. Allen and Ed Hyland

1960
Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC: ASSgt. E. A. Luthy
Watchstanders: Sgt. William Severy and Ed Hyland
In 1960 India had four U.S. diplomatic posts with MSG detachments. The Embassy in New Delhi and the three Consulates General in Bombay (now called Mumbai), Madras (Chennai), and Calcutta (Kolkata).

• All posts were civilian clothes with unarmed MSG detachments.

• Each of the three Consulates General were staffed by one NCOIC and four watchstanders.

• Only the New Delhi detachment survives today, although a new MSG Detachment will be activated at the AmConGen in Mumbai, formerly Bombay, in 2009

1959
NCOIC: ASSgt. E. A. Luthy
Watchstanders: Sgt. William Severy and Ed Hyland.

1956
Due to worldwide political unrest Regional Marine Office II was relocated from Cairo to Beirut

1955
NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Douglas Dvoge, Arthur Toney

1954
Watchstanders: Douglas Dvoge, Arthur Toney
First formal Marine Corps sponsored MSG Training Program established in November, 1954.

Command change HQBn, HQMC / RMO Region 2 to Fox Co., HQMC / Region 2.

1953
Watchstanders: Cpl. James R. Fischer.:

1952
NCOIC: SSgt. Ralph J. Boswell (deceased - Tennessee)
Watchstanders: Cpl. James R. Fischer.
Headquarters: HQMC, HQBn, Fox Company, Henderson Hall
Regional Office: - Cairo, Egypt

1951
Regional Marine Officer (RMO):
NCOIC: SSgt. Ralph J. Boswell (deceased - Tennessee)
Watchstanders: Cpl. James R. Fischer.
*NCOICs now permitted to be married and have their families accompany them on post.

1949
Regional Marine Officer (RMO): Although the MSG Program was initiated in 1949, my research has not established when the first MSG Detachment was activated at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. The Madras AmConGen MSG Detachment, however, was activated in 1952, so being an embassy, I believe the New Delhi MSG Detachment would have been activated prior to the AmConGens.

1948
In 1948, the Department of State (DOS) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) issued a Memorandum of Agreement stating the Marine Corps would supply active duty Marine Corps personnel to protect classified materials, American lives and property in U.S. DOS diplomatic missons worldwide. These USMC personnel, to be known as Marine Security Guards, would report directly to a designated DOS Foreign Service Officer at each mission. Command structure was HQBn, HQMC / RMO Region 2. A Regional Marine Officer (RMO) would be responsible for several posts within each of the four then designated RMO regions.
In 1948, on the eve of independence from the British Raj, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic. Jawarhalal Nehru, also a leader in India's independence cause, became the first Prime Minister. Nehru was a successful leader, steering the young nation through a period of peace that was contrasted by the rule of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who fought Pakistan after it invaded two regions of India. Shastri died in 1966 after only 20 months in power, and he was succeeded by Nehru's daughter, Indira Gandhi.

MCESG Region 2 (MSGBn Company B) (HQMC F Company)
(Volunteer Detachment Archivist Needed)
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