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Marines

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II Marine Expeditionary Force

Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Fraser, left, an engineer equipment mechanic, ground guides Cpl. Garrett Heffner, an engineer equipment operator, both with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, during road repair operations as part of exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 5, 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. Heffner is a native of Illinois. Fraser is a native of Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Talan Werner)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Fraser, left, an engineer equipment mechanic, ground guides Cpl. Garrett Heffner, an engineer equipment operator, both with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, during road repair operations as part of exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 5, 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. Heffner is a native of Illinois. Fraser is a native of Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Talan Werner)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Talan Werner

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, posts security during a long range fast-rope rehearsal from a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, June 4, 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 with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, posts security during a long range fast-rope rehearsal from a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, June 4, 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 Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Maritime Raid Force, both with Littoral Combat Force-24, conduct a long range fast-rope rehearsal from a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, June 4, 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 Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Maritime Raid Force, both with Littoral Combat Force-24, conduct a long range fast-rope rehearsal from a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, June 4, 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 with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, grabs the fast-rope during a long range fast-rope rehearsal from a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, June 4, 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 with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, grabs the fast-rope during a long range fast-rope rehearsal from a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, June 4, 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. Sailor with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) signals to a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo, during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 4, 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 with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) signals to a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo, during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 4, 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

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo, lands aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 4, 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. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo, lands aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 4, 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

A U.S. Sailor with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) gives a sendoff salute to a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo, during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 4, 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 with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) gives a sendoff salute to a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo, during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 4, 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 Capt. Samuel Grant, from Delaware, an F-35B Lightning II pilot, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis on a flight line during exercise Ramstein Flag 2026 at Rovaniemi Air Base, Finland, June 5, 2026. The F-35 serves as a versatile asset in support of expeditionary and rapid deployment operations, displaying U.S. capabilities in support of NATO allies. RAFL26 is NATO’s premier multi-domain tactical exercise involving 19 nations and over 15 operational locations. The exercise provides realistic combat scenarios in complex environments and is designed to enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and collective defense. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Samuel Grant, from Delaware, an F-35B Lightning II pilot, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis on a flight line during exercise Ramstein Flag 2026 at Rovaniemi Air Base, Finland, June 5, 2026. The F-35 serves as a versatile asset in support of expeditionary and rapid deployment operations, displaying U.S. capabilities in support of NATO allies. RAFL26 is NATO’s premier multi-domain tactical exercise involving 19 nations and over 15 operational locations. The exercise provides realistic combat scenarios in complex environments and is designed to enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and collective defense. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Perri Wood

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis down the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 4, 2026. VMFA-231 conducted its first flight of the F-35B Lightning II ahead of its official reactivation in the summer of 2026; Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 officially deactivated as one of the U.S. Marine Corps' last AV-8B Harrier II squadrons in 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis down the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 4, 2026. VMFA-231 conducted its first flight of the F-35B Lightning II ahead of its official reactivation in the summer of 2026; Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 officially deactivated as one of the U.S. Marine Corps' last AV-8B Harrier II squadrons in 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary S. Allen, from Minnesota, the commanding officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, salutes colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina, June 5, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Matthew P. Bagley, from North Carolina, the former commanding officer of HMH-461, to Allen. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan Pimentel)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary S. Allen, from Minnesota, the commanding officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, salutes colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, North Carolina, June 5, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Matthew P. Bagley, from North Carolina, the former commanding officer of HMH-461, to Allen. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan Pimentel)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan Pimentel

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepare an MV-22B Osprey for flight operations on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 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 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepare an MV-22B Osprey for flight operations on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 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 Lance Cpl. Allison White

U.S. Navy Lt. Mark Cannon, a chaplain with Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Air Wing, salutes during the national anthem as part of a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 05, 2026. SgtMaj. Joseph Mendez, the outgoing sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, relinquished command to SgtMaj. Christopher Singley, the oncoming sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, which signified the transfer of accountability, responsibility and authority of new leadership to the new command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)

U.S. Navy Lt. Mark Cannon, a chaplain with Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Air Wing, salutes during the national anthem as part of a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 05, 2026. SgtMaj. Joseph Mendez, the outgoing sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, relinquished command to SgtMaj. Christopher Singley, the oncoming sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, which signified the transfer of accountability, responsibility and authority of new leadership to the new command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo

U.S. Navy Capt. Jiwan Mack, left, commanding officer of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Shawn P. Connor, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, during a tour of the ship at Autoridad del Puerto de Ponce, Puerto Rico, May 30, 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. Navy Capt. Jiwan Mack, left, commanding officer of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Shawn P. Connor, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, during a tour of the ship at Autoridad del Puerto de Ponce, Puerto Rico, May 30, 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

Family and friends of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), await to receive Marines during a deployment homecoming at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, on June 1, 2026. U.S. military forces 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 by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

Family and friends of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), await to receive Marines during a deployment homecoming at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, on June 1, 2026. U.S. military forces 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 by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt-Na

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Colin J. Culkin, from Texas, the off-going commanding officer of VMM-261, to Lt. Col. Joshua L. Foxton, from Maryland, the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figeuroa)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Colin J. Culkin, from Texas, the off-going commanding officer of VMM-261, to Lt. Col. Joshua L. Foxton, from Maryland, the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figeuroa)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, hovers the runway on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 26, 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 with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, hovers the runway on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 26, 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. Allison White

A U.S. Marine Corps platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, directs operations during quick reaction force rehearsals on Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 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. Marine Corps platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, directs operations during quick reaction force rehearsals on Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 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 Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.

U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepares to land aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during a Maritime Interdiction Operation Full Mission Profile rehearsal while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 25, 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 AV-8B Harrier II  aircraft with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, June 3, 2026. The “sundown” of the AV-8B Harrier II, an iconic aircraft that has supported joint and Marine Corps operations for over 40 years, also represents the dawn of a new era; it paves the way for 2nd MAW’s full transition to the F-35B and C Lightning II.  VMA-223 is the U.S. Marine Corps' last operational Harrier squadron.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II  aircraft with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, June 3, 2026. The “sundown” of the AV-8B Harrier II, an iconic aircraft that has supported joint and Marine Corps operations for over 40 years, also represents the dawn of a new era; it paves the way for 2nd MAW’s full transition to the F-35B and C Lightning II.  VMA-223 is the U.S. Marine Corps' last operational Harrier squadron.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa

A U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 356 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force -24, signals to a MV-22B Ospreys on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 20, 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. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 356 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force -24, signals to a MV-22B Ospreys on U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 20, 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. Allison White

II Marine Expeditionary Force