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U.S. Navy Capt. Jiwan Mack, left, commanding officer of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Shawn P. Connor, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, during a tour of the ship at Autoridad del Puerto de Ponce, Puerto Rico, May 30, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Navy Capt. Jiwan Mack, left, commanding officer of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Shawn P. Connor, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, during a tour of the ship at Autoridad del Puerto de Ponce, Puerto Rico, May 30, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

Family and friends of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), await to receive Marines during a deployment homecoming at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, on June 1, 2026. U.S. military forces deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

Family and friends of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), await to receive Marines during a deployment homecoming at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, on June 1, 2026. U.S. military forces deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt-Na

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Colin J. Culkin, from Texas, the off-going commanding officer of VMM-261, to Lt. Col. Joshua L. Foxton, from Maryland, the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figeuroa)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Colin J. Culkin, from Texas, the off-going commanding officer of VMM-261, to Lt. Col. Joshua L. Foxton, from Maryland, the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figeuroa)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, hovers the runway on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 26, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, hovers the runway on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 26, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Allison White

A U.S. Marine Corps platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, directs operations during quick reaction force rehearsals on Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 23, 2026. U.S. Military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern command area of responsibility in support of operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, directs operations during quick reaction force rehearsals on Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 23, 2026. U.S. Military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern command area of responsibility in support of operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.

U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepares to land aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during a Maritime Interdiction Operation Full Mission Profile rehearsal while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 25, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II  aircraft with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, June 3, 2026. The “sundown” of the AV-8B Harrier II, an iconic aircraft that has supported joint and Marine Corps operations for over 40 years, also represents the dawn of a new era; it paves the way for 2nd MAW’s full transition to the F-35B and C Lightning II.  VMA-223 is the U.S. Marine Corps' last operational Harrier squadron.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II  aircraft with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, June 3, 2026. The “sundown” of the AV-8B Harrier II, an iconic aircraft that has supported joint and Marine Corps operations for over 40 years, also represents the dawn of a new era; it paves the way for 2nd MAW’s full transition to the F-35B and C Lightning II.  VMA-223 is the U.S. Marine Corps' last operational Harrier squadron.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa

A U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 356 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force -24, signals to a MV-22B Ospreys on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 20, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 356 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force -24, signals to a MV-22B Ospreys on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 20, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Allison White

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, insert a magazine before a battlesight zero deck shoot on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 24, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, insert a magazine before a battlesight zero deck shoot on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 24, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Garcia

A U.S. Marine Corps TAV-8B Harrier II with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, hovers above the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2026. As the Harrier enters a twilight phase and the Marine Corps continues its transition to the F-35, 2nd MAW's remaining Harrier squadron maintains operational readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

A U.S. Marine Corps TAV-8B Harrier II with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, hovers above the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2026. As the Harrier enters a twilight phase and the Marine Corps continues its transition to the F-35, 2nd MAW's remaining Harrier squadron maintains operational readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James W. Lively, the outgoing commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, speaks during the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2026. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. James W. Lively relinquished command of 2nd MEB to Col. Roe S. Lemons Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James W. Lively, the outgoing commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, speaks during the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2026. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. James W. Lively relinquished command of 2nd MEB to Col. Roe S. Lemons Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 9th Airlift Squadron prepare to unload quadruple containers off a C-5M Super Galaxy at U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 19, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 9th Airlift Squadron prepare to unload quadruple containers off a C-5M Super Galaxy at U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 19, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Allison White

U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) offload from a U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4, Naval Beach Group 2, during beach operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 1, 2026. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU (SOC) return home from a nearly 10-month deployment to support U.S. Southern Command to counter illicit threats, strengthen regional partnerships and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) offload from a U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4, Naval Beach Group 2, during beach operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 1, 2026. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU (SOC) return home from a nearly 10-month deployment to support U.S. Southern Command to counter illicit threats, strengthen regional partnerships and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Sgt. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew V. Behrends, incoming commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, addresses the crowd during the ceremony at MCAS New River, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing to the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa J. DeCrane)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew V. Behrends, incoming commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, addresses the crowd during the ceremony at MCAS New River, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing to the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa J. DeCrane)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa DeCrane

U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General James Lively, Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and U.S. Navy Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), during a visit to the Fort Lauderdale in Mayport, Florida, May 8, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General James Lively, Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and U.S. Navy Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), during a visit to the Fort Lauderdale in Mayport, Florida, May 8, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Brett Norman

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Goodwin, an intelligence analyst with 2nd Light Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, places a dog tag on the battle cross during a memorial ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 22, 2026. The memorial service paid tribute to the 28 Marines and Sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat, while commemorating the battalion’s historic achievements from 1989 to 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Goodwin, an intelligence analyst with 2nd Light Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, places a dog tag on the battle cross during a memorial ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 22, 2026. The memorial service paid tribute to the 28 Marines and Sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat, while commemorating the battalion’s historic achievements from 1989 to 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

Photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, approach a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during a Maritime Interdiction Operation Full Mission Profile rehearsal aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 22, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Eric Shiebe, left, from Georgia, an AV-8B Harrier pilot and executive officer, takes Sgt. Tatiana Rios, right, from Wisconsin, a fixed wing aircraft airframe mechanic, both with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in an incentive flight on board of a TAV-8B Harrier II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 19, 2026. Incentive flights provide an opportunity for Marines within the squadron to ride in the back of a TAV-8B Harrier II as a reward for exceptional job performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Eric Shiebe, left, from Georgia, an AV-8B Harrier pilot and executive officer, takes Sgt. Tatiana Rios, right, from Wisconsin, a fixed wing aircraft airframe mechanic, both with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in an incentive flight on board of a TAV-8B Harrier II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 19, 2026. Incentive flights provide an opportunity for Marines within the squadron to ride in the back of a TAV-8B Harrier II as a reward for exceptional job performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, exchanges gifts with German Col. Heiko Bohnsack, Deputy Commander of the Franco-German brigade at the German Military Cemetery in Chateau-Thierry, France, May 23, 2026. Shilpey and Bohnsack exchanged the gifts after completing the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony. Established in 2018 as an addition to the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies in Château-Thierry, the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. While the observance honors the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and its European partners, it also serves as a solemn testament to the power of reconciliation. The ceremony is given with deep respect for the former adversaries, recognizing that the German nation—once a foe on these historic battlefields—has long since stood alongside us as a steadfast and enduring ally. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, exchanges gifts with German Col. Heiko Bohnsack, Deputy Commander of the Franco-German brigade at the German Military Cemetery in Chateau-Thierry, France, May 23, 2026. Shilpey and Bohnsack exchanged the gifts after completing the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony. Established in 2018 as an addition to the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies in Château-Thierry, the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. While the observance honors the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and its European partners, it also serves as a solemn testament to the power of reconciliation. The ceremony is given with deep respect for the former adversaries, recognizing that the German nation—once a foe on these historic battlefields—has long since stood alongside us as a steadfast and enduring ally. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the Commander of U.S. Southern Command, lands aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 23, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the Commander of U.S. Southern Command, lands aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 23, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin

II Marine Expeditionary Force