II Marine Expeditionary Force News

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.

Readying for the future fight:

2nd Lt. John Graham — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:41:26 GMT

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducted a scenario-driven training for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15-17.

Legacy of service:

2nd Lt. John Graham — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:33:28 GMT

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Raymond Hower, an AV-8B Harrier II pilot with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducted a flight in honor of his great-uncle, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Louis Conter, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 18, 2024.

Upholding Tradition and Excellence:

Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:25:46 GMT

CAMP LEJEUNE – Transition of leadership is not just a routine event; it's a significant moment symbolizing continuity, excellence, and the passing of the torch of responsibility. Such transitions are particularly notable when it involves the position of Sergeant Major. Recently, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) witnessed a change in its Sergeant Major, marking a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and the pursuit of excellence.

VMUT-2 begins assembly of the first 2nd MAW MQ-9A Reaper

DoD News — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:23:55 GMT

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), began the assembly of 2nd MAW’s first MQ-9A Reaper, April 10, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ continued transition from the legacy RQ-21A Blackjack in accordance with Force Design initiatives. 

International Cyber Defense in the High North

DoD News — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:20:26 GMT

Rovaniemi, Finland— Six dozen personnel from the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the United States attended a cyber defense training event in Rovaniemi, Finland during Exercise Nordic Response 2024 from 5 to 14 March, providing training for participating armed forces in protecting information systems and networks.

VMFA-542 achieves full operational capability as U.S. Marine Corps' first F-35 operational squadron on the East Coast

2nd Lt. John Graham — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:21:33 GMT

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), achieved full operational capability, Wednesday, as the U.S. Marine Corps’ first East Coast F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron in the Fleet Marine Force.

Arctic weather reshapes military maneuvering and logistics for NATO exercise

DoD News — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:50:00 GMT

U.S. Marine Corps aircraft arrive in Norway for Exercise Nordic Response 24

Story by Maj. Melanie Salinas — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 13:50:57 GMT

U.S. Marine Corps aircraft and personnel from three flying squadrons with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), II Marine Expeditionary Force, arrived in Norway, Feb. 16-25, in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24.