II Marine Expeditionary Force

COME TO FIGHT. COME TO WIN.

Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

01

VMFA-224 Flight Operations

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Samuel Grant, from Delaware, an F-35B Lightning II pilot, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224, Marine Aircraft...

02

LCF-24: Flight Rehearsals

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepare an MV-22B Osprey for flight operations...

03

F-35B Lightning II Flight

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis down...

04

LCF-24: Flight Operations

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....

05

Full Mission Profile Day 3

U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepares to land aboard...

06

LCF-24: V32 QRF Rehearsals

A U.S. Marine Corps platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, directs operations during quick reaction...

07

VMA-223 Flight Operations

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...

08

LCF-24: 24th MEU Zeroing Day

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...

09

LCF-24: Arrive to Puerto Rico

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...

10

LCF-24: Full Mission Profile

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, approach a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM)...

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary S. Allen, from Minnesota, the commanding officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, salutes colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina, June 5, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Matthew P. Bagley, from North Carolina, the former commanding officer of HMH-461, to Allen. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan Pimentel) — HMH-461 Change of Command

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U.S. Navy Lt. Mark Cannon, a chaplain with Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Air Wing, salutes during the national anthem as part of a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 05, 2026. SgtMaj. Joseph Mendez, the outgoing sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, relinquished command to SgtMaj. Christopher Singley, the oncoming sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, which signified the transfer of accountability, responsibility and authority of new leadership to the new command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo) — 2nd Marine Division Relief and Appointment

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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) — LCF-24: Col. Lynch Tours USS Fort Lauderdale

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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) — VMM-263 (Reinforced) Homecoming

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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) — VMM-261 Change of Command Ceremony

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In the News

Iwo Jima Ready to Safeguard National Security Interests

3/25/2025 - https://www.militaryspot.com/news/iwo-jima-ready-to-safeguard-national-security-interests

There's a New War Game for 'Nerds with a Drive for Violence.' It's Spreading Across the Marine Corps.

3/13/2025 - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/03/12/playing-down-range-how-marines-are-taking-war-gaming-their-own-hands.html

U.S. Marine Corps’ VMFA-533 Receives First F-35B Lightning II Block 4 at MCAS Beaufort

10/16/2024 - https://theaviationist.com/2024/10/13/usmc-vmfa-533-receives-first-f-35b-block-4/

Camp Lejeune’s School Liaison Officer Loves Serving Marine Parents and Students

9/12/2024 - https://lejeunenewriver.usmc-mccs.org/news/camp-lejeune-s-school-liaison-officer-loves-serving-marine-parents-and-students

Slide show

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tyson Franklin sets up communication equipment during Exercise Cold Response 2022, Sandstrand, Norway, March 21, 2022. Franklin is a transmissions system operator with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Exercise Cold Response '22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional NATO allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jacqueline C. Arre)

3/6 Moves Through Norway for Exercise Cold Response 22

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, bring ashore a Combat Rubberized Raiding Craft during an air to sea insertion training event on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 16, 2021. The training established and refined the Marines’ standard operating procedures in amphibious insertions, extractions, and reconnaissance in preparation for Naval Large-Scale Exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elijah J. Abernathy)

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U.S. Marines drive onto Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 3, 2021. Marines with 2nd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group conducted a convoy across the United States starting in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in one of the longest convoys in recent Marine Corps history. Marines on the convoy experimented with long-range communications, as far away as Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, the half-way point on the route. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian M. Garcia)

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Elvis Agosto-Santiago, a native of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, and a transmissions system operator with 2d Landing Support Battalion (LSB), 2d Marine Logistics Group, exchanges radio transmissions during a training event on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 16, 2021. 2d LSB led a training event for Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, to observe and gain further knowledge on aerial delivery logistics and operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacqueline Parsons)

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Featured Stories

LCF-24 Conducts Simultaneous Joint Air and Sea Operations, Showcasing Advanced Capabilities in the Caribbean

Littoral Combat Force 24 (LCF-24) demonstrated its operational versatility and joint-force interoperability June 4, 2026, executing two highly complex, concurrent training missions spanning from the flight deck of the USS Fort Lauderdale(LPD-28) to the shores of Cuba.

Iron Sharpens Iron: 22nd MEU (SOC) Competes in Tres Kolos 26

U.S. Marines with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), recently completed Tres Kolos 26,a French hosted trinational competition held in Martinique from April 19 to May 2, 2026.

22nd MEU (SOC) Elevates Readiness and Interoperability Alongside Ecuadorian Marines

Marines and Sailors of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) recently completed a rigorous two-week bilateral training exercise with Marines from the Ecuadorian Marine Corps. The training enhanced tactical interoperability, strengthened a longstanding security partnership, and increased the combined readiness of both forces to respond to crises across the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Southern Command's JTF Southern Spear continues to choke off illicit financing with string of successful maritime interdictions

Six months since its inception at the direction of U.S. Southern Command, Joint Task Force Southern Spear has significantly disrupted illicit maritime activity within the Western Hemisphere, dealing a critical blow to illicit or sanctioned activities.

U.S. Marines with VMA-223 fly in a TAV-8B Harrier II

Jun 01 2026

North Carolina

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)

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22nd MEU (SOC) | USS Iwo Jima Conducts Flight Operations

May 27 2026

Caribbean Sea

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), takes off from Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during flight operations while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 13, 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)

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Recon Marines demonstrate amphibious lethality in France

May 27 2026

France

U.S. Marines with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and French Foreign Legionnaires conduct an amphibious infiltration in Agde, France, April 6, 2026. The Marines swam from boat to shore and back while performing an amphibious infiltration training. The purpose of this training is to increase interoperability and camaraderie amongst U.S. and French forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

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22nd MEU(SOC) | VMM-263 (Reinforced) Flight Operations Aboard USS Fort Lauderdale

May 20 2026

Caribbean Sea

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), and U.S. Navy Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) prepare for flight operations aboard Fort Lauderdale while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 4, 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)

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2nd Marine Logistics Group Improves Combat Readiness with Endurance Course

May 22 2026

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, balance across an obstacle during an endurance course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 21, 2026. Marines crawled under barbed wire, climbed over obstacles, and ran through the two-mile course to improve combat readiness and build unit morale. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

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Force Design 2030 Annual Update: June 2023

June 5, 2023 | 1:20

The Force Design Annual Update 2023 outlines the Marine Corps’ continued modernization and provides a framework for priorities moving forward.

With further experimentation and wargaming with concepts such as The Tentative Manual for Expeditionary Advanced Based Operations, A Concept for Stand-In Forces, the guiding documents Training and Educations 2030, the updated Talent Management 2030 and Installations and Logistics 2030, the Marine Corps is already implementing elements of Force Design and our Marines now use many of the capabilities it describes.

We know that if we are to stay ahead of our peer competitors, we need to accelerate our modernization.

More Information

II Marine Expeditionary Force

01

VMFA-224 Flight Operations

02

LCF-24: Flight Rehearsals

03

F-35B Lightning II Flight

04

LCF-24: Flight Operations

05

Full Mission Profile Day 3

06

LCF-24: V32 QRF Rehearsals

07

VMA-223 Flight Operations

08

LCF-24: 24th MEU Zeroing Day

09

LCF-24: Arrive to Puerto Rico

10

LCF-24: Full Mission Profile

In the News

Iwo Jima Ready to Safeguard National Security Interests

There's a New War Game for 'Nerds with a Drive for Violence.' It's Spreading Across the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps’ VMFA-533 Receives First F-35B Lightning II Block 4 at MCAS Beaufort

Camp Lejeune’s School Liaison Officer Loves Serving Marine Parents and Students

Slide show

3/6 Moves Through Norway for Exercise Cold Response 22

210616-M-KO875-868

210603-M-TT434-666

210616-M-JQ356-1234

Featured Stories

LCF-24 Conducts Simultaneous Joint Air and Sea Operations, Showcasing Advanced Capabilities in the Caribbean

Iron Sharpens Iron: 22nd MEU (SOC) Competes in Tres Kolos 26

22nd MEU (SOC) Elevates Readiness and Interoperability Alongside Ecuadorian Marines

U.S. Southern Command's JTF Southern Spear continues to choke off illicit financing with string of successful maritime interdictions

U.S. Marines with VMA-223 fly in a TAV-8B Harrier II

22nd MEU (SOC) | USS Iwo Jima Conducts Flight Operations

Recon Marines demonstrate amphibious lethality in France

22nd MEU(SOC) | VMM-263 (Reinforced) Flight Operations Aboard USS Fort Lauderdale

2nd Marine Logistics Group Improves Combat Readiness with Endurance Course

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Force Design 2030 Annual Update: June 2023

Force Design 2030 Annual Update: June 2023

Weapons Safety: Back to the Basics

Weapons Safety: Back to the Basics

"Ol' Reliable" Ace of Spades provide close-air support during Exercise Southern Strike 2023

"Ol' Reliable" Ace of Spades provide close-air support during Exercise Southern Strike 2023

Parade of Ships Fleet Week NY

Parade of Ships Fleet Week NY

USMC Band perform at the Union Station during the Los Angeles Navy Fleet Week

USMC Band perform at the Union Station during the Los Angeles Navy Fleet Week

Fleet Week New York Promotion and Reenlistment Ceremony B-Roll

Fleet Week New York Promotion and Reenlistment Ceremony B-Roll

Fleet Week 2023 Girl Scout Tour of USS Wasp B-Roll

Fleet Week 2023 Girl Scout Tour of USS Wasp B-Roll

Fleet Week New York 2023 Eisenhower Park Static Display / Aviation Demonstration B-Roll Package

Fleet Week New York 2023 Eisenhower Park Static Display / Aviation Demonstration B-Roll Package

Caribbean Coastal Warrior: Taking a Plunge

Caribbean Coastal Warrior: Taking a Plunge

2023 Annual Rifle Squad Competition

2023 Annual Rifle Squad Competition

26th MEU Conducts CRBN Hazard Training

26th MEU Conducts CRBN Hazard Training

Vector 1.8 MCCRE

Vector 1.8 MCCRE

HIRAIN and Refuel

HIRAIN and Refuel

26 MEU MOUT Town

26 MEU MOUT Town

Burmese Chase 2023

Burmese Chase 2023

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