The mark consists of a circular design within which are the words IWO JIMA, SINCE 1775, and UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, surrounding an illustration of several U.S. Marines raising a flag in a grassy area. Beneath this is a solid black field with the words SEMPER FIDELIS.
Color is not claimed as a feature of the mark.
The English translation of semper fidelis in the mark is always faithful.