It was also the first such unit to be deployed in defense of an American island .
On March 15 , 1941 , the Marine Corps ' 7th Defense Battalion arrived in Pago Pago and was the first Fleet Marine Force unit to serve in the South Pacific Ocean .
Pago Pago was also the first such unit to be deployed in defense of an American island .
On March 15 , 1941 , the Marine Corps ' 7th Defense Battalion arrived in Pago Pago and was the first Fleet Marine Force unit to serve in the South Pacific Ocean .