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Marines

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II Marine Expeditionary Force

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U.S. Sailors with San-Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) place chocks and chains on a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), during flight operations, aboard San Antonio while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 28, 2025. 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. Sailors with San-Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) place chocks and chains on a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), during flight operations, aboard San Antonio while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 28, 2025. 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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Riley Owen, from Tennessee, a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes part in a SMASH 2000 L fire control system range at Marine Corps Base Lejeune, North Carolina, March 25, 2026. 2nd LAAD conducted a SMASH 2000 L that increased LAAD gunner proficiency while enhancing small arms accuracy with direct fire weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Riley Owen, from Tennessee, a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes part in a SMASH 2000 L fire control system range at Marine Corps Base Lejeune, North Carolina, March 25, 2026. 2nd LAAD conducted a SMASH 2000 L that increased LAAD gunner proficiency while enhancing small arms accuracy with direct fire weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood

A Norwegian F-35A Lightning II with 132nd Air Wing, 332nd squadron, is staged during forward arming and refueling point operations during exercise Cold Response to increase allied interoperability. Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, established a forward arming and refueling point allows aviation assets to rapidly receive fuel and ordnance closer to the area of operations, which increases their operational tempo and lethality during exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan Pimentel)

A Norwegian F-35A Lightning II with 132nd Air Wing, 332nd squadron, is staged during forward arming and refueling point operations during exercise Cold Response to increase allied interoperability. Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, established a forward arming and refueling point allows aviation assets to rapidly receive fuel and ordnance closer to the area of operations, which increases their operational tempo and lethality during exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan Pimentel)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan Pimentel

U.S. Marines, with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), engage targets with M4 carbines during a live-fire range at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, March 25, 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. Marines, with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), engage targets with M4 carbines during a live-fire range at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, March 25, 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 Sgt. Tanner Bernat

A U.S. Marine, with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), engages a target during an unknown distance range at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, March 24, 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)

A U.S. Marine, with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), engages a target during an unknown distance range at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, March 24, 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 Sgt. Tanner Bernat

U.S. Marines, with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), patrol during maneuver and patrol training at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, March 20, 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. Marines, with Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), patrol during maneuver and patrol training at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, March 20, 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 Sgt. Tanner Bernat

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fire M18 service pistols during a pistol range aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 10, 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. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fire M18 service pistols during a pistol range aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 10, 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

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion transports U.S. Marines and equipment with Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), ashore in Ponce, Puerto Rico, March 25, 2025. 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)

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion transports U.S. Marines and equipment with Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), ashore in Ponce, Puerto Rico, March 25, 2025. 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

U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to lift simulated casualty in Setermoen, Norway, March 15, 2026. The simulated mass-casualty and en route care training tested a variety of new technologies during exercise Cold Response 26, such as the Mobile Integrated Remains Collection System, the Mortuary Affairs Reporting and Tracking System, the Operational Medicine Care Delivery Platform, the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit-Joint, and the Expeditionary Medical Refrigeration Unit. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Javier Santillan)

U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to lift simulated casualty in Setermoen, Norway, March 15, 2026. The simulated mass-casualty and en route care training tested a variety of new technologies during exercise Cold Response 26, such as the Mobile Integrated Remains Collection System, the Mortuary Affairs Reporting and Tracking System, the Operational Medicine Care Delivery Platform, the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit-Joint, and the Expeditionary Medical Refrigeration Unit. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Javier Santillan)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Javier Santillan

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Division participate in a simulated fire and maneuver operation as part of an infantry squad competition on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 17, 2026. Marines took part in replicated combat scenarios and live-fire ranges in order to increase readiness and build camaraderie during competition. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Jaden Beardsley)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Division participate in a simulated fire and maneuver operation as part of an infantry squad competition on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 17, 2026. Marines took part in replicated combat scenarios and live-fire ranges in order to increase readiness and build camaraderie during competition. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Jaden Beardsley)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jaden Beardsley

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), monitors landing procedures for a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during flight operations, aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 16, 2025. 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)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), monitors landing procedures for a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during flight operations, aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 16, 2025. 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

A Jump 20 group 3 Unmanned Aerial System is staged to conduct flight operations aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 11, 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)

A Jump 20 group 3 Unmanned Aerial System is staged to conduct flight operations aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 11, 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 Sgt. Maurion Moore

A U.S. Sailor signals to a U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as it prepares to land aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 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)

A U.S. Sailor signals to a U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as it prepares to land aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, March 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 Gunnery Sgt. Brett Norman

U.S. Marines with Maritime Reconnaissance Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cut through a metal door while conducting visit, board, search, and seizure training on the James River, Virginia, March 18, 2026. VBSS training equips personnel with the skills necessary to effectively conduct maritime operations, focusing on safety, security, and compliance during boarding missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel R. Garcia)

U.S. Marines with Maritime Reconnaissance Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cut through a metal door while conducting visit, board, search, and seizure training on the James River, Virginia, March 18, 2026. VBSS training equips personnel with the skills necessary to effectively conduct maritime operations, focusing on safety, security, and compliance during boarding missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel R. Garcia)

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Garcia

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Scott Williams poses for a command photo.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Scott Williams poses for a command photo.

Photo by 260304-M-US301-1001

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Isiah Alvarez, a transmissions systems operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, performs a communications check in Kamijarvi, Finland, March 16, 2026. During exercise Cold Response 26, CLB-6 provided combat service support to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, including logistical resupplies and motorized heavy weapon support. This event marks one of the first times U.S. Marines have conducted this type of integrated infantry training with their Finnish counterparts since Finland joined the NATO Alliance. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Isiah Alvarez, a transmissions systems operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, performs a communications check in Kamijarvi, Finland, March 16, 2026. During exercise Cold Response 26, CLB-6 provided combat service support to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, including logistical resupplies and motorized heavy weapon support. This event marks one of the first times U.S. Marines have conducted this type of integrated infantry training with their Finnish counterparts since Finland joined the NATO Alliance. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson)

Photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edgar RamosUrbano, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, guides a medium tactical vehicle replacement in Haparanda, Sweden, March 22, 2026. RamosUrbano guided the medium tactical vehicle replacement onto a train using a railhead after the conclusion of exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. RamosUrbano is a native of New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Edgar RamosUrbano, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, guides a medium tactical vehicle replacement in Haparanda, Sweden, March 22, 2026. RamosUrbano guided the medium tactical vehicle replacement onto a train using a railhead after the conclusion of exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. RamosUrbano is a native of New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson)

Photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sabine Wilson, a combat photographer with II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion pushes herself out of a modular amphibious egress trainer (MAET) during an underwater egress training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 24, 2026. UET provides Marines and Sailors with the skills and confidence to safely evacuate an aircraft submerged in water. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Channah Chilton.)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sabine Wilson, a combat photographer with II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion pushes herself out of a modular amphibious egress trainer (MAET) during an underwater egress training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 24, 2026. UET provides Marines and Sailors with the skills and confidence to safely evacuate an aircraft submerged in water. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Channah Chilton.)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Channah Chilton

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. William A. Hart, from New Jersey, left, and Capt. Colin Kennelly, from Connecticut, both AH-1Z Viper pilots with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to enter an AH-1Z Viper at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, March 20, 2026. HMLA-167 is one of two Marine light attack helicopter squadrons assigned to 2nd MAW. 2nd MAW generates, deploys and sustains expeditionary, combat-ready units to provide flexible and responsive aviation support to combatant commander presence, security cooperation, and crisis-response. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. William A. Hart, from New Jersey, left, and Capt. Colin Kennelly, from Connecticut, both AH-1Z Viper pilots with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to enter an AH-1Z Viper at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, March 20, 2026. HMLA-167 is one of two Marine light attack helicopter squadrons assigned to 2nd MAW. 2nd MAW generates, deploys and sustains expeditionary, combat-ready units to provide flexible and responsive aviation support to combatant commander presence, security cooperation, and crisis-response. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood

U.S. Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division operate and clean the boom on a 7-ton wrecker truck during Mountain Training Exercise 2-26 at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 28, 2026. MTX-26 is designed to prepare units to strengthen expeditionary warfare tactics and build confidence in their ability to operate in a cold-weather, high-altitude, mountainous environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse Davis)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division operate and clean the boom on a 7-ton wrecker truck during Mountain Training Exercise 2-26 at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Feb. 28, 2026. MTX-26 is designed to prepare units to strengthen expeditionary warfare tactics and build confidence in their ability to operate in a cold-weather, high-altitude, mountainous environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse Davis)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Davis

II Marine Expeditionary Force