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II Marine Expeditionary Force

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A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands near Helena, Montana during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, July 29, 2026. HMH-461 conducted a MCCRE to ensure readiness for future deployments and operations. The MCCRE is a formal evaluation of an operational unit based on approved Marine Corps training and readiness tasks, conditions, and standards to ensure combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands near Helena, Montana during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, July 29, 2026. HMH-461 conducted a MCCRE to ensure readiness for future deployments and operations. The MCCRE is a formal evaluation of an operational unit based on approved Marine Corps training and readiness tasks, conditions, and standards to ensure combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Bryan Cortestorres, right, a transportation chief with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, stands at attention during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 31, 2026. Cortestorres, an Illinois native, retired after 30 years of dedicated and faithful service to the U.S. Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos)

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Bryan Cortestorres, right, a transportation chief with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, stands at attention during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 31, 2026. Cortestorres, an Illinois native, retired after 30 years of dedicated and faithful service to the U.S. Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grant Smith, from Pennsylvania, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes an AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd MAW, land at a forward arming and refueling point at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, July 28, 2026. MWSS-272 hosted a two-week long aviation ground support leaders' course to provide leaders from across Marine Air Control Group 28 with a baseline knowledge of AGS capabilities to ensure continuity and operational readiness across 2nd MAW.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grant Smith, from Pennsylvania, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes an AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd MAW, land at a forward arming and refueling point at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, July 28, 2026. MWSS-272 hosted a two-week long aviation ground support leaders' course to provide leaders from across Marine Air Control Group 28 with a baseline knowledge of AGS capabilities to ensure continuity and operational readiness across 2nd MAW.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson

San-Antonio class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) arrives in La Guaira Port, Venezuela, June 28, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned to U.S. Military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S, disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of June 24, 2026, earthquakes, (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

San-Antonio class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) arrives in La Guaira Port, Venezuela, June 28, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned to U.S. Military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S, disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of June 24, 2026, earthquakes, (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Allison White

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to conduct a live-fire company attack on Range 400 during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 29, 2026. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis French)

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to conduct a live-fire company attack on Range 400 during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 29, 2026. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis French)

Photo by Sgt. Alexis French

U.S. Marines, with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, post security after fast-roping off a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned, to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, during lowlight fast-roping drills while underway in the Caribbean Sea, July 23, 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)

U.S. Marines, with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, post security after fast-roping off a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned, to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, during lowlight fast-roping drills while underway in the Caribbean Sea, July 23, 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

The Honorable Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy observes a static display of a CH-53K Super Stallion at a Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing hangar, during a tour at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 29, 2026. The tour focused on ongoing installation efforts to improve barracks quality of life and ensure the well-being of Marines and Sailors, as well as on II Marine Expeditionary Force’s and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s contributions to defending the homeland and projecting combat power through the generation of crisis-ready Marine Expeditionary Units and support to major operations across the Southern Hemisphere. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King)

The Honorable Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy observes a static display of a CH-53K Super Stallion at a Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing hangar, during a tour at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 29, 2026. The tour focused on ongoing installation efforts to improve barracks quality of life and ensure the well-being of Marines and Sailors, as well as on II Marine Expeditionary Force’s and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s contributions to defending the homeland and projecting combat power through the generation of crisis-ready Marine Expeditionary Units and support to major operations across the Southern Hemisphere. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King)

Photo by Sgt. Andrew King

The Honorable Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy, speaks to service members and civilians while walking through bachelor enlisted quarters as part of a tour at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 29, 2026. The tour focused on ongoing installation efforts to improve barracks quality of life and ensure the well-being of Marines and Sailors, as well as on II Marine Expeditionary Force’s and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s contributions to defending the homeland and projecting combat power through the generation of crisis-ready Marine Expeditionary Units and support to major operations across the Southern Hemisphere. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King)

The Honorable Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy, speaks to service members and civilians while walking through bachelor enlisted quarters as part of a tour at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 29, 2026. The tour focused on ongoing installation efforts to improve barracks quality of life and ensure the well-being of Marines and Sailors, as well as on II Marine Expeditionary Force’s and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s contributions to defending the homeland and projecting combat power through the generation of crisis-ready Marine Expeditionary Units and support to major operations across the Southern Hemisphere. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King)

Photo by Sgt. Andrew King

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Colt Houseknecht, from Indiana, a fixed-wing aircraft flight engineer with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and a U.S. Air Force 57th Rescue Squadron airman prepare for a combat-ready pararescue training during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona, July 21, 2026. Marines with VMGR-252 trained alongside Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 and elements of the U.S. Air Force to increase expeditionary capabilities, refine aircrew proficiency and ensure combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Colt Houseknecht, from Indiana, a fixed-wing aircraft flight engineer with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and a U.S. Air Force 57th Rescue Squadron airman prepare for a combat-ready pararescue training during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona, July 21, 2026. Marines with VMGR-252 trained alongside Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 and elements of the U.S. Air Force to increase expeditionary capabilities, refine aircrew proficiency and ensure combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt-Na

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, sprint up a hill during a company attack on Range 400 as part of Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 28, 2026. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kirk)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, sprint up a hill during a company attack on Range 400 as part of Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 28, 2026. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kirk)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kirk

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Gauntlett, right, a reconnaissance Marine with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, reloads a M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System during a live-fire range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 24, 2026. This range strengthens marksmanship and combat proficiency with the MAAWS while enhancing the battalion’s readiness to execute reconnaissance and direct-action missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Gauntlett, right, a reconnaissance Marine with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, reloads a M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System during a live-fire range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 24, 2026. This range strengthens marksmanship and combat proficiency with the MAAWS while enhancing the battalion’s readiness to execute reconnaissance and direct-action missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

Photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Tyler Frizzell, from Connecticut, a CH-53K King Stallion pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to board a CH-53K King Stallion during a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel near Helena, Montana, July 26, 2026. HMH-461 conducted a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation to ensure readiness for future deployments and operations. The MCCRE is a formal evaluation of an operational unit based on approved Marine Corps training and readiness tasks, conditions, and standards to ensure combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Tyler Frizzell, from Connecticut, a CH-53K King Stallion pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to board a CH-53K King Stallion during a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel near Helena, Montana, July 26, 2026. HMH-461 conducted a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation to ensure readiness for future deployments and operations. The MCCRE is a formal evaluation of an operational unit based on approved Marine Corps training and readiness tasks, conditions, and standards to ensure combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion rappels down a training structure during a helicopter rope suspension techniques course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2026. The HRST training prepares Marines to navigate difficult terrain and insert rapidly into contested areas through rappelling and fast-rope descents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge Borjas)

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion rappels down a training structure during a helicopter rope suspension techniques course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2026. The HRST training prepares Marines to navigate difficult terrain and insert rapidly into contested areas through rappelling and fast-rope descents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge Borjas)

Photo by Sgt. Jorge Borjas

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jack Bish, a Pennsylvania native and the officer in charge for the Unmanned Systems Center of Excellence, 2nd Marine Division, flies a Bumblebee V1 drone using a controller on Range 210 during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 25, 2026. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis French)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jack Bish, a Pennsylvania native and the officer in charge for the Unmanned Systems Center of Excellence, 2nd Marine Division, flies a Bumblebee V1 drone using a controller on Range 210 during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 25, 2026. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis French)

Photo by Sgt. Alexis French

U.S. Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), prepare to transport a U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, on a litter during general quarters training while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 12, 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)

U.S. Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), prepare to transport a U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, on a litter during general quarters training while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 12, 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

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group patrol during Multi Domain Reconnaissance Course at Range 220 as part of Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 24, 2026. MDRC provides reconnaissance and surveillance for units to support the ground combat element and aviation combat element. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kirk)

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group patrol during Multi Domain Reconnaissance Course at Range 220 as part of Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 24, 2026. MDRC provides reconnaissance and surveillance for units to support the ground combat element and aviation combat element. SLTE 4-26 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kirk)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kirk

A U.S. Sailor, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), signals to a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, July 23, 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. Sailor, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), signals to a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, July 23, 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

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Neil Berry, the off-going commanding officer of 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, speaks during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 23, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that marked the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability of 6th Marines from Col. Berry to Col. Bobby Lee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Neil Berry, the off-going commanding officer of 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, speaks during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 23, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that marked the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability of 6th Marines from Col. Berry to Col. Bobby Lee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter Kuester

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Arthur Bruggeman, from Florida, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 23, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Col. Benjamin Grant, from Ohio, outgoing commanding officer of MAG-14, to Bruggeman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Arthur Bruggeman, from Florida, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 23, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Col. Benjamin Grant, from Ohio, outgoing commanding officer of MAG-14, to Bruggeman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour)

Photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour

A U.S. Marine with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, posts security during counter small-unmanned aircraft systems urban training at Range 200 during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2026. With the debut of C-sUAS lanes at the Combat Center, Marines recognize and respond to unmanned aerial threats by employing emerging tactics, techniques, procedures, and maintaining a C-sUAS mindset in every operation, all while preserving the fundamentals that make rifle squads survivable and lethal. SLTE 4-26 is a premier training event that ensures the Marine Corps remains a highly lethal, adaptable force capable of dominating the future multi-domain fight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis French)

A U.S. Marine with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, posts security during counter small-unmanned aircraft systems urban training at Range 200 during Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2026. With the debut of C-sUAS lanes at the Combat Center, Marines recognize and respond to unmanned aerial threats by employing emerging tactics, techniques, procedures, and maintaining a C-sUAS mindset in every operation, all while preserving the fundamentals that make rifle squads survivable and lethal. SLTE 4-26 is a premier training event that ensures the Marine Corps remains a highly lethal, adaptable force capable of dominating the future multi-domain fight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis French)

Photo by Sgt. Alexis French

II Marine Expeditionary Force