 The 31st MEU was split into three separate parts on 11 March 2011, the day of the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami.The largest ship, , with most of the Marines and Sailors of the 31st MEU aboard, had just completed an exercise in Cambodia and had arrived in Malaysia for a port visit.When 31st MEU leadership received news of the tsunami, they initiated an immediate recall of all personnel who were away from the ship on liberty.