II Marine Expeditionary Force News

II Marine Expeditionary Force: Ready for a New Challenge as a Joint Task Force Headquarters

Maj. Kenneth Kunze — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:49:21 GMT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC — A key transformational step in the Marine Corps’ journey of Force Design occurred in early July at the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) headquarters in Camp Lejeune. During a visit by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, II MEF was officially validated as a Joint Task Force – Capable (JTF-C) headquarters on June 10, 2024. This milestone means II MEF is now ready to lead and coordinate complex operations involving different branches of the U.S. military and allied forces.

A Legacy Remembered: 2d Marine Division Returns to Belleau Wood

Sgt. Alexa Hernandez — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:41:44 GMT

Belleau, France – Every year, during Memorial Day weekend, a ceremony is held in Belleau, France to honor the legacy of fallen American service members who fought in the Battle of Belleau Wood, one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles of the First World War. As a visual reminder of reflection, an American and French flag are flown at half mast above thousands of white marble headstones at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 2,000 American service members.

NATO Chaplains in BALTOPS 24: Caring for the Many; Caring for the Few; Caring for the One

DoD News — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:39:02 GMT

BALTIC SEA – Chaplains from 12 NATO nations concluded their collaboration during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24. This was the largest cooperative chaplaincy effort in NATO to date.

WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) Concludes Participation in BALTOPS 24

1st Lt. Emily Bennick — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:37:36 GMT

BALTIC SEA - The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) successfully concluded their participation in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, June 20, 2024.

2nd DSB’s Unique Change of Command

Lance Cpl. Jessica Mazzamuto — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:57:00 GMT

“To Lieutenant Colonel Bethany S. Peterson, effective 0830, 27 June 2024, you stand relieved of all of your duties as the Commanding Officer of 2nd Distribution Support Battalion…”

HMLA-269 reactivates after 18-month hiatus

DoD News — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:28:00 GMT

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), reactivated during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina, July 1.

USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrives in Kiel, Germany, marking its final stop after completing BALTOPS 24

Story by Capt. John Huntress — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 17:23:43 GMT

KIEL, Germany (June 19, 2024) – The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Kiel, Germany, for a scheduled port visit, June 19, 2024. The ship’s visit to Kiel completes its participation in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, and builds on the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Germany. BALTOPS 24 is an annual joint, multinational maritime-focused exercise designed to enhance interoperability, capability, and demonstrate cohesion among NATO Allies while maintaining freedom of navigation and defending the Baltic Sea region. USS Mount Whitney’s visit to Kiel marks the culmination of its participation in BALTOPS 24 as it travels across the Baltic Sea.

A Hero's Welcome: Iwo Jima Veteran, 98, Honored by Camp Lejeune Marines

Story by Cpl. Noah Seal — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 17:16:02 GMT

On February 19th, 1945, more than 70,000 United States Marines landed on the dark volcanic beaches of Iwo Jima. As gunfire whizzed overhead and artillery screamed through the skies, these 70,000 men pressed forward to establish control of the island to provide a staging area for air raids against Japan’s mainland. The Marines fought Japanese troops for five consecutive weeks, enduring the brutal jungle conditions and an unforgiving occupying force, until finally declaring victory over Iwo Jima on March 26th, 1945. Victory, however, came at a harrowing cost; nearly 7,000 Marines gave their lives on the island, with roughly 20,000 returning home wounded. Nearly 80 years later, the Battle of Iwo Jima remains the Marine Corps’ most fatal battle in American history.

24th MEU (SOC) Deploys Aviation Detachment to Sweden for BALTOPS 24

Gunnery Sgt. Hector De Jesus — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:20:47 GMT

KALLINGE, SWEDEN – The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) deployed a detachment of U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier jets, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and personnel to Ronneby Airport in Kallinge, Sweden to conduct expeditionary advanced base flight operations in support of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, June 9, 2024.

Beyond the Basics: Breeding the Future of Light Armored Reconnaissance

Capt. William Reckley — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 12:32:43 GMT

This year marks 40 years of honor, professionalism, and boldness demonstrated by the Marines and Sailors of 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance, 2d Marine Division (2d LAR, 2d MARDIV). Victory to the Bold is the motto of 2d LAR, and as they remain loyal to their amphibious roots, they continue to be the unit to drive innovation in support of the ground combat elements of 2d MARDIV. 2d LAR has demonstrated their ability to balance their directed tasks to generate APEX forces for Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) deployments and support Marine Air-Ground Task Force missions, while also driving Marine Corps Force Design initiatives with scout and mobile reconnaissance companies.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Rhett Butler continues his family legacy

Cpl. Rowdy Vanskike — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 12:27:25 GMT

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The U.S. Marine Corps continues its transitional journey and development of its fifth-generation fixed-wing capabilities with the F-35B Lightning II jet. Those jets could not fly without Marines like Sgt. Rhett Butler who maintain them through long days and nights.

Commandant, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps visit TF 61/2

Staff Sgt. Josue Marquez — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:01:00 GMT

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy — Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz visited Commander Task Force 61/2 (CTF 61/2) and U.S. Sixth Fleet at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, on May 29, 2024.

2d MEB assumes role as Task Force 61/2

Capt. John Huntress — Thu, 30 May 2024 13:26:30 GMT

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy — Marines and Sailors with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), recently arrived in Naples, Italy, on May 16, 2024, to assume the role of Task Force 61/2 (TF 61/2). TF 61/2 is a forward-deployed command element in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet operations in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to support the interests of U.S. allies and partners.

2d MEB Change of Command

Staff Sgt. Josue Marquez — Wed, 22 May 2024 16:08:12 GMT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJUENE, N.C. - Brig. Gen. Andrew T. Priddy relinquished command of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), to Brig. Gen. Samuel L. Meyer during a change of command ceremony at the Marston Pavilion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 16, 2024.

II MEF Marines Return from Inaugural Fleet Week Miami

1st Lt. Zachary Cargill — Wed, 22 May 2024 16:05:16 GMT

Camp Lejeune, N.C. – U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) return to their home stations upon the completion of the inaugural Fleet Week Miami, May 17, 2024.

Marine Corps Corporal is Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

Cpl. Megan Ozaki — Wed, 15 May 2024 14:16:17 GMT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Earning the title of United States Marine is a profound achievement; however for Gage Barbieri, not only is it an achievement but a bridge to greater feats.

Running Their Own Race

Lance Cpl. Jessica Mazzamuto — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:10:53 GMT

Boston, Massachusetts— It is 5:00 a.m., dark, with a hint of a mist in the air. You’re alternating from one leg to the other, trying to calm the jitters in your stomach as you stand behind the starting line. In your mind, you’re saying, the goal is to finish, I just need to finish.

Welding Relationships:

Cpl. Elton Taylor — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:00:19 GMT

ABOARD USS WASP (LHD 1) – One team, one fight is an adage often heard when discussing naval integration between the U.S. Navy Sailors with the Wasp (WSP) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team aboard the USS Wasp (LHD 1). In this environment, exceptional individuals often reach beyond their normal responsibilities to build lasting relationships that can make the difference between mission accomplishment or failure.

II MEF Marines to Participate in Inaugural Fleet Week Miami

2nd Lt. Zachary Cargill — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:47:20 GMT

MIAMI, F.L. – U.S. Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force will join the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard for Miami’s first ever Fleet Week.

On and Off the Field:

Cpl. Max Arellano — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:37:12 GMT

TOPSAIL, NC - From the thunderous cheers on game days to the strong camaraderie forged through training, the lacrosse sport bonds not only Marines with Headquarters Battalion (HQBN), 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), but also the local lacrosse youth in Topsail, North Carolina.