An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

Photos

II Marine Expeditionary Force

Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

Filter

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Malachi Owusu, a graphic design specialist with 2nd Marine Division Communication Strategy and Operations, provides security during a simulated raid as part of the II Marine Expeditionary Force COMMSTRAT Exercise 2025 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 22, 2025. II MEF COMMSTRAT held the exercise to validate established standards, sustain productivity, and enhance cross-functional collaboration among COMMSTRAT units in the II MEF area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John Allen)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Malachi Owusu, a graphic design specialist with 2nd Marine Division Communication Strategy and Operations, provides security during a simulated raid as part of the II Marine Expeditionary Force COMMSTRAT Exercise 2025 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 22, 2025. II MEF COMMSTRAT held the exercise to validate established standards, sustain productivity, and enhance cross-functional collaboration among COMMSTRAT units in the II MEF area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John Allen)

Photo by Lance Cpl. John Allen

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brian Hampton, from Illinois, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 17, 2026. The ceremony represented the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Lt. Col. Jonathan Boersma, from Illinois, the outgoing commanding officer, to Hampton. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brian Hampton, from Illinois, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 17, 2026. The ceremony represented the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Lt. Col. Jonathan Boersma, from Illinois, the outgoing commanding officer, to Hampton. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt-Na

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Ethan Emigh, an infantry machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, pulls the charging handle of an M240B medium machine gun during a company live-fire range as part of Fleet Exercise 250 (FLEETEX) on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 19, 2026. FLEETEX 250 represents the United States’ commitment to layer defense of the homeland through forward-deployed forces and reinforces interoperability with allies and partners through collective maritime security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Channah Chilton)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Ethan Emigh, an infantry machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, pulls the charging handle of an M240B medium machine gun during a company live-fire range as part of Fleet Exercise 250 (FLEETEX) on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 19, 2026. FLEETEX 250 represents the United States’ commitment to layer defense of the homeland through forward-deployed forces and reinforces interoperability with allies and partners through collective maritime security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Channah Chilton)

Photo by Cpl. Channah Chilton

An expedient concrete blast is charged during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 6, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premiere maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway)

An expedient concrete blast is charged during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 6, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premiere maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Arnett, center left, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepares Marines to sweep for improvised explosive devices during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Ventspils, Latvia, June 12, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premiere maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. Arnett is a native of Colorado. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Arnett, center left, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepares Marines to sweep for improvised explosive devices during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Ventspils, Latvia, June 12, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premiere maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. Arnett is a native of Colorado. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway

Exterior stock photographs of the newly completed II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters were captured for historical documentation, archival purposes and future command information products at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 27, 2026. The 180,251-square-foot facility was constructed to enhance command and control, operational planning and overall readiness capabilities for II MEF, and includes administrative spaces, the Littoral Warfare Training Center and a 24/7 watch floor supporting real-time operational awareness and mission execution across the force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. DeMontae Stovall)

Exterior stock photographs of the newly completed II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters were captured for historical documentation, archival purposes and future command information products at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 27, 2026. The 180,251-square-foot facility was constructed to enhance command and control, operational planning and overall readiness capabilities for II MEF, and includes administrative spaces, the Littoral Warfare Training Center and a 24/7 watch floor supporting real-time operational awareness and mission execution across the force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. DeMontae Stovall)

Photo by Sgt. DeMontae Stovall

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan N. McCrary, from Virginia, the command senior enlisted leader of Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, delivers the squadron colors during the Marine Unmanned Maintenance Squadron (MUMS) 14 activation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. MUMS-14 serves as the principal provider of organic level maintenance support for the U.S. Marine Corps Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operational and training fleet system of systems. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan N. McCrary, from Virginia, the command senior enlisted leader of Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, delivers the squadron colors during the Marine Unmanned Maintenance Squadron (MUMS) 14 activation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. MUMS-14 serves as the principal provider of organic level maintenance support for the U.S. Marine Corps Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operational and training fleet system of systems. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)

Photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller

A UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, fires a M240-D machine gun during an aerial gun range while over the Caribbean Sea, June 8, 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 UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, fires a M240-D machine gun during an aerial gun range while over the Caribbean Sea, June 8, 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 UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, departs San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during night deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 6, 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 assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, departs San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during night deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 6, 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 Sgt. Maj. Christopher Denham, outgoing sergeant major of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, left, salutes Col. Thomas Trimble, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU, right, during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 12, 2026. The relief and appointment ceremony represents the transfer of responsibility and accountability from the outgoing to the incoming sergeant major. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christopher Denham, outgoing sergeant major of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, left, salutes Col. Thomas Trimble, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU, right, during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 12, 2026. The relief and appointment ceremony represents the transfer of responsibility and accountability from the outgoing to the incoming sergeant major. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat)

Photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat

A U.S. Navy corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Littoral Combat Force-24, shoots from the kneeling position at unknown distance targets on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 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. Navy corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Littoral Combat Force-24, shoots from the kneeling position at unknown distance targets on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 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. Payton Walley

A U.S. Marine Corps machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, rehearses quick reaction force procedures on Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, June 2, 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 machine gunner with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, rehearses quick reaction force procedures on Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, June 2, 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. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, stand in formation during the 2nd Radio Bn. Change of Command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the offgoing to the oncoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, stand in formation during the 2nd Radio Bn. Change of Command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the offgoing to the oncoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan N. McCrary, from Virginia, the command senior enlisted leader of Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, delivers the squadron colors during the Marine Unmanned Maintenance Squadron (MUMS) 14 activation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. MUMS-14 serves as the principal provider of organic level maintenance support for the U.S. Marine Corps Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operational and training fleet system of systems. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan N. McCrary, from Virginia, the command senior enlisted leader of Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, delivers the squadron colors during the Marine Unmanned Maintenance Squadron (MUMS) 14 activation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2026. MUMS-14 serves as the principal provider of organic level maintenance support for the U.S. Marine Corps Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operational and training fleet system of systems. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)

Photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cristian Asensiomora, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, fires a M4 service rifle during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 8, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premiere maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. Asensiomora is a native of Indiana. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cristian Asensiomora, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, fires a M4 service rifle during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 8, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premiere maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. Asensiomora is a native of Indiana. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion pose for a photo in front of the previous II MEF headquarters building during a battalion run on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, May 22, 2026. The battalion run was conducted to increase morale, camaraderie and to observe the Memorial Day holiday.

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion pose for a photo in front of the previous II MEF headquarters building during a battalion run on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, May 22, 2026. The battalion run was conducted to increase morale, camaraderie and to observe the Memorial Day holiday.

Photo by Sgt. DeMontae Stovall

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Alexander Panetta, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, closes the hatch to an ACV during a shore-to-ship movement to accomplish training objectives within the Naval Integrated Training Package-2 and Amphibious Mobility Warfare Certifications as a part of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's during Type Commander’s Amphibious Training (TCAT) on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 14, 2026. TCAT is a military exercise designed to enhance mobility and integration between the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. The amphibious force is an integrated powerhouse providing sea, land, and air operations, giving geographic combatant commanders a more flexible, agile force for aggregated or dis-aggregated operations across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Channah Chilton)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Alexander Panetta, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, closes the hatch to an ACV during a shore-to-ship movement to accomplish training objectives within the Naval Integrated Training Package-2 and Amphibious Mobility Warfare Certifications as a part of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's during Type Commander’s Amphibious Training (TCAT) on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 14, 2026. TCAT is a military exercise designed to enhance mobility and integration between the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. The amphibious force is an integrated powerhouse providing sea, land, and air operations, giving geographic combatant commanders a more flexible, agile force for aggregated or dis-aggregated operations across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Channah Chilton)

Photo by Cpl. Channah Chilton

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Andres Ibarra, right, a California native, and Sgt. Grant Phillips, a North Carolina native, both crew chiefs with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, conduct maintenance on a CH-53K King Stallion during Type Commander’s Amphibious Training aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) June 14, 2026. TCAT is a military exercise designed to enhance mobility and integration between the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. The amphibious force is an integrated powerhouse providing sea, land, and air operations, giving geographic combatant commanders a more flexible, agile force for aggregated or dis-aggregated operations across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Osmar VasquezHernandez)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Andres Ibarra, right, a California native, and Sgt. Grant Phillips, a North Carolina native, both crew chiefs with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, conduct maintenance on a CH-53K King Stallion during Type Commander’s Amphibious Training aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) June 14, 2026. TCAT is a military exercise designed to enhance mobility and integration between the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. The amphibious force is an integrated powerhouse providing sea, land, and air operations, giving geographic combatant commanders a more flexible, agile force for aggregated or dis-aggregated operations across the globe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Osmar VasquezHernandez)

Photo by Cpl. Osmar VasquezHernandez

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher Schaub, left, the oncoming commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Spencer Sweet, the offgoing commanding officer of II MSB, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 15, 2026. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the offgoing to the oncoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. John Allen)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher Schaub, left, the oncoming commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Spencer Sweet, the offgoing commanding officer of II MSB, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 15, 2026. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the offgoing to the oncoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. John Allen)

Photo by Lance Cpl. John Allen

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ian Fletcher, the Commanding Officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, speaks to Marines and family members during the 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Change of Command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 11, 2026. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the offgoing to the oncoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sabine Wilson)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ian Fletcher, the Commanding Officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, speaks to Marines and family members during the 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Change of Command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 11, 2026. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the offgoing to the oncoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sabine Wilson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Sabine Wilson

II Marine Expeditionary Force