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Marines

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II Marine Expeditionary Force

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U.S. Marine Corps mortarmen with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fire M252A2 81mm mortar systems during a live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 13, 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. Marine Corps mortarmen with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fire M252A2 81mm mortar systems during a live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 13, 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 Sgt. Maurion Moore

U.S. Marine Corps riflemen with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), monitor Skydio X2D small unmanned aircraft system footage during a seeking exercise on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 14, 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. Marine Corps riflemen with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), monitor Skydio X2D small unmanned aircraft system footage during a seeking exercise on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 14, 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 1st Lt. Emma Shattuck

A U.S. Marine Corps mortarman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fires an M252A2 81mm mortar system during a live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 5, 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 Corps mortarman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fires an M252A2 81mm mortar system during a live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 5, 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 Sgt. Maurion Moore

U.S. Marine Corps machine gunners with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conduct an M240B machine gun live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 8, 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. Marine Corps machine gunners with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conduct an M240B machine gun live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 8, 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 Sgt. Maurion Moore

The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, center, and commanders with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), pose for a photo on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 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)

The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, center, and commanders with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), pose for a photo on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 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 Sgt. Maurion Moore

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Herbert Nicolas, left, a senior enlisted advisor with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Lt. Col. Terry Whitaker, center, commanding officer of CLB 6, CLR 2, 2nd MLG, stand at attention, while Sgt. Maj. Tristan Curren, sergeant major of CLB 6, CLR 2, 2nd MLG, reads a promotion warrant, during a promotion ceremony as part of Exercise Freezing Winds 2025 in Dragsvik, Finland, Dec. 11, 2025. Freezing Winds is conducted to increase interoperability between Marines, Finland, and NATO Allies by executing combined amphibious operations in and around the Baltic Sea littorals, and is part of a regularly occurring series of exercises in northern Europe that demonstrates the capability to deploy and train Marines and Sailors in support of the NATO Alliance. Nicholas is a native of New York. Whitaker is native of Georgia. Curren is a native of Washington. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Herbert Nicolas, left, a senior enlisted advisor with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Lt. Col. Terry Whitaker, center, commanding officer of CLB 6, CLR 2, 2nd MLG, stand at attention, while Sgt. Maj. Tristan Curren, sergeant major of CLB 6, CLR 2, 2nd MLG, reads a promotion warrant, during a promotion ceremony as part of Exercise Freezing Winds 2025 in Dragsvik, Finland, Dec. 11, 2025. Freezing Winds is conducted to increase interoperability between Marines, Finland, and NATO Allies by executing combined amphibious operations in and around the Baltic Sea littorals, and is part of a regularly occurring series of exercises in northern Europe that demonstrates the capability to deploy and train Marines and Sailors in support of the NATO Alliance. Nicholas is a native of New York. Whitaker is native of Georgia. Curren is a native of Washington. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson)

Photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen Jason Woodworth, commander, Marine Corps Installation Command, center, tours the Human Performance Center on Camp Geiger, North Carolina, Dec. 17, 2025. During the tour, Woodworth observed counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems training and operations at the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems School, and explored the Human Performance Center, a key resource for enhancing military readiness and resilience. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter T. Brock)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen Jason Woodworth, commander, Marine Corps Installation Command, center, tours the Human Performance Center on Camp Geiger, North Carolina, Dec. 17, 2025. During the tour, Woodworth observed counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems training and operations at the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems School, and explored the Human Performance Center, a key resource for enhancing military readiness and resilience. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter T. Brock)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter Brock

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force attend the Advanced Artificial Intelligence Command Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2025. The course is designed to train servicemembers in prompt engineering, creating an efficient workflow with AI tools in the military environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Payton Walley)

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force attend the Advanced Artificial Intelligence Command Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2025. The course is designed to train servicemembers in prompt engineering, creating an efficient workflow with AI tools in the military environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Payton Walley)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Payton Walley

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Auston Pennell, left, and Cpl. Donovan Zamorski, motor transport vehicle operators with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, make a security point during a battalion field fortification exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 12, 2025. CLB-22 held the battalion FEX to sustain training and readiness standards, increase technical proficiency, and enhance the battalion’s ability to complete core mission essential tasks. Pennell is a native of Ohio and Zamorski is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Auston Pennell, left, and Cpl. Donovan Zamorski, motor transport vehicle operators with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, make a security point during a battalion field fortification exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 12, 2025. CLB-22 held the battalion FEX to sustain training and readiness standards, increase technical proficiency, and enhance the battalion’s ability to complete core mission essential tasks. Pennell is a native of Ohio and Zamorski is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos

U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division displace from the range during a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 11, 2025. The range integrates the long range, standoff capabilities of the TOW missile with the battlespace awareness advantages of LAR scout teams and the direct fire capabilities of the Light Armored Vehicle 25’s 30mm Bushmaster chain gun. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division displace from the range during a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 11, 2025. The range integrates the long range, standoff capabilities of the TOW missile with the battlespace awareness advantages of LAR scout teams and the direct fire capabilities of the Light Armored Vehicle 25’s 30mm Bushmaster chain gun. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, use the SMARTSHOOTER system to open fire on moving unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025. The SMARTSHOOTER system was developed with computer vision and machine learning technology and can be mounted to small arms weapons to target UAS. This system increases 2nd LAAD's counter-UAS capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gavin K. Kulczewski)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, use the SMARTSHOOTER system to open fire on moving unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025. The SMARTSHOOTER system was developed with computer vision and machine learning technology and can be mounted to small arms weapons to target UAS. This system increases 2nd LAAD's counter-UAS capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gavin K. Kulczewski)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Gavin Kulczewski

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), offload cargo from a landing craft, air cushion during amphibious operations in Port au Ponce, Puerto Rico, Dec. 6, 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. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), offload cargo from a landing craft, air cushion during amphibious operations in Port au Ponce, Puerto Rico, Dec. 6, 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 Cpl. Emily Hazelbaker

A U.S. Marine with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), uses a map and compass during land navigation training in Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 3, 2025. 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 and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marine with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), uses a map and compass during land navigation training in Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 3, 2025. 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 and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Cpl. Emily Hazelbaker

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, collects supplies from Military Sealift Command Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO196) during a replenishment-at-sea while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Dec. 7, 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 MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, collects supplies from Military Sealift Command Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO196) during a replenishment-at-sea while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Dec. 7, 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 Cpl. Sharon Errisuriz

A U.S. Marine with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conducts maneuver under fire drills during a short bay range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 8, 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 Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conducts maneuver under fire drills during a short bay range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 8, 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 Cpl. Emily Hazelbaker

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Tom Braaten, left, presents Cpl. Mya Seymour, a combat graphics specialist with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, with flowers during a Service Person of the Quarter ceremony at the New Bern Golf and Country Club, New Bern, North Carolina, Dec. 11, 2025. The New Bern Military Alliance honored Seymour for a commitment to service that extends far beyond her duties, recognizing her selfless contributions to local non-profits and her dedication to mentoring children. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emma Powell)

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Tom Braaten, left, presents Cpl. Mya Seymour, a combat graphics specialist with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, with flowers during a Service Person of the Quarter ceremony at the New Bern Golf and Country Club, New Bern, North Carolina, Dec. 11, 2025. The New Bern Military Alliance honored Seymour for a commitment to service that extends far beyond her duties, recognizing her selfless contributions to local non-profits and her dedication to mentoring children. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emma Powell)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Emma Powell

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), takes off during flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Nov. 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)

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), takes off during flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Nov. 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 Cpl. Sharon Errisuriz

U.S. Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division participate in an activation ceremony for Fire Support Battalion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 21, 2025. Fire Support Battalion was activated to support ground units with direct and indirect fire liaison capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

U.S. Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division participate in an activation ceremony for Fire Support Battalion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 21, 2025. Fire Support Battalion was activated to support ground units with direct and indirect fire liaison capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Karla Sotoarguello, administrative specialist, Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, poses for a photo next to the RPAC sign, at MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Dec. 15, 2025. Sotoarguello, the recipient of the December MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted from Chattanooga, Tennessee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Yvonna Stark)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Karla Sotoarguello, administrative specialist, Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, poses for a photo next to the RPAC sign, at MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Dec. 15, 2025. Sotoarguello, the recipient of the December MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted from Chattanooga, Tennessee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Yvonna Stark)

Photo by Sgt. Yvonna Stark

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ayana Mendez, a motor vehicle operator with II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, II MEF Information Group, guides a Tractor, Rubber-Tired, Articulated Steering, Multi-Purpose vehicle at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune North Carolina, Dec. 5, 2025. Marines with II MEF Support Battalion then loaded the equipment in preparation for missions, honing their skills while showcasing the unit’s capabilities to prepare for onward movement at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dorian Melrath)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ayana Mendez, a motor vehicle operator with II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, II MEF Information Group, guides a Tractor, Rubber-Tired, Articulated Steering, Multi-Purpose vehicle at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune North Carolina, Dec. 5, 2025. Marines with II MEF Support Battalion then loaded the equipment in preparation for missions, honing their skills while showcasing the unit’s capabilities to prepare for onward movement at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dorian Melrath)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dorian Melrath

II Marine Expeditionary Force