The year 2012 marked an important one in Marine Corps history.

The Marine Corps returned to its amphibious roots with an emphasis on the Pacific. The Corps put troops on the ground in Australia and began to withdraw troops from the sands of Afghanistan. Marines brought the Corps to life for Americans during Fleet Weeks in New York and California and during Marine Week in Cleveland, Ohio. They brought disaster relief to residents of New York and New Jersey following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and provided humanitarian relief after Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines.

The Corps presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the first African American Marines at Montford Point, honoring their sacrifices and struggles during the desegregation of Marine forces. Marine Corps aviation celebrated its 100th anniversary and established the first F-35 squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. Amidst the celebrations of 2012, Marines bowed their heads to remember their 59 comrades killed in action this year.

The Corps welcomed a new assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John Paxton, while Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. took over command of American forces in Afghanistan.

Marines Corps-wide saw changes in uniforms, regulations and policies. Marines bid farewell to “Birth Control Glasses” and wore their sleeves down in garrison for the first time in desert utilities. A modification to the physical fitness test for female Marines was announced, with pull-ups replacing the flexed arm hang … and Katy Perry donned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor for her “Part of Me” music video.

Although another year is upon us, join as we look back on the moments that capture the significance of 2012 and the Marine Corps. Click on each month’s cover photo to relive 2012 through its best imagery.

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