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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. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, insert a magazine before a battlesight zero deck shoot on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 24, 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, insert a magazine before a battlesight zero deck shoot on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 24, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Garcia

A U.S. Marine Corps TAV-8B Harrier II with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, hovers above the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2026. As the Harrier enters a twilight phase and the Marine Corps continues its transition to the F-35, 2nd MAW's remaining Harrier squadron maintains operational readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

A U.S. Marine Corps TAV-8B Harrier II with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, hovers above the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2026. As the Harrier enters a twilight phase and the Marine Corps continues its transition to the F-35, 2nd MAW's remaining Harrier squadron maintains operational readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James W. Lively, the outgoing commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, speaks during the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2026. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. James W. Lively relinquished command of 2nd MEB to Col. Roe S. Lemons Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. James W. Lively, the outgoing commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, speaks during the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2026. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. James W. Lively relinquished command of 2nd MEB to Col. Roe S. Lemons Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 9th Airlift Squadron prepare to unload quadruple containers off a C-5M Super Galaxy at U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 19, 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. Airmen assigned to the 9th Airlift Squadron prepare to unload quadruple containers off a C-5M Super Galaxy at U.S. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico, May 19, 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. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) offload from a U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4, Naval Beach Group 2, during beach operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 1, 2026. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU (SOC) return home from a nearly 10-month deployment to support U.S. Southern Command to counter illicit threats, strengthen regional partnerships and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) offload from a U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4, Naval Beach Group 2, during beach operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 1, 2026. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU (SOC) return home from a nearly 10-month deployment to support U.S. Southern Command to counter illicit threats, strengthen regional partnerships and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Sgt. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew V. Behrends, incoming commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, addresses the crowd during the ceremony at MCAS New River, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing to the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa J. DeCrane)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew V. Behrends, incoming commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, addresses the crowd during the ceremony at MCAS New River, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, May 29, 2026. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing to the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa J. DeCrane)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa DeCrane

U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General James Lively, Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and U.S. Navy Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), during a visit to the Fort Lauderdale in Mayport, Florida, May 8, 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. Marine Corps Brigadier General James Lively, Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and U.S. Navy Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), during a visit to the Fort Lauderdale in Mayport, Florida, May 8, 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Goodwin, an intelligence analyst with 2nd Light Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, places a dog tag on the battle cross during a memorial ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 22, 2026. The memorial service paid tribute to the 28 Marines and Sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat, while commemorating the battalion’s historic achievements from 1989 to 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Goodwin, an intelligence analyst with 2nd Light Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, places a dog tag on the battle cross during a memorial ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 22, 2026. The memorial service paid tribute to the 28 Marines and Sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice in combat, while commemorating the battalion’s historic achievements from 1989 to 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

Photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, approach a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during a Maritime Interdiction Operation Full Mission Profile rehearsal aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 22, 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 Maj. Eric Shiebe, left, from Georgia, an AV-8B Harrier pilot and executive officer, takes Sgt. Tatiana Rios, right, from Wisconsin, a fixed wing aircraft airframe mechanic, both with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in an incentive flight on board of a TAV-8B Harrier II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 19, 2026. Incentive flights provide an opportunity for Marines within the squadron to ride in the back of a TAV-8B Harrier II as a reward for exceptional job performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Eric Shiebe, left, from Georgia, an AV-8B Harrier pilot and executive officer, takes Sgt. Tatiana Rios, right, from Wisconsin, a fixed wing aircraft airframe mechanic, both with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in an incentive flight on board of a TAV-8B Harrier II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 19, 2026. Incentive flights provide an opportunity for Marines within the squadron to ride in the back of a TAV-8B Harrier II as a reward for exceptional job performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, exchanges gifts with German Col. Heiko Bohnsack, Deputy Commander of the Franco-German brigade at the German Military Cemetery in Chateau-Thierry, France, May 23, 2026. Shilpey and Bohnsack exchanged the gifts after completing the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony. Established in 2018 as an addition to the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies in Château-Thierry, the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. While the observance honors the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and its European partners, it also serves as a solemn testament to the power of reconciliation. The ceremony is given with deep respect for the former adversaries, recognizing that the German nation—once a foe on these historic battlefields—has long since stood alongside us as a steadfast and enduring ally. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, exchanges gifts with German Col. Heiko Bohnsack, Deputy Commander of the Franco-German brigade at the German Military Cemetery in Chateau-Thierry, France, May 23, 2026. Shilpey and Bohnsack exchanged the gifts after completing the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony. Established in 2018 as an addition to the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies in Château-Thierry, the German Military Cemetery memorial ceremony commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. While the observance honors the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and its European partners, it also serves as a solemn testament to the power of reconciliation. The ceremony is given with deep respect for the former adversaries, recognizing that the German nation—once a foe on these historic battlefields—has long since stood alongside us as a steadfast and enduring ally. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the Commander of U.S. Southern Command, lands aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 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)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the Commander of U.S. Southern Command, lands aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 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 Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), lands, during an embassy visit in Caracas, Venezuela May 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. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), lands, during an embassy visit in Caracas, Venezuela May 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 Staff Sgt. Nathan Mitchell

U.S. Marines with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Alpha Company, Marine Barracks Washington, stand in formation in Concord, North Carolina, May 24, 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps supported the Coca-Cola 600, a NASCAR race held during Memorial Day weekend, with static displays of military aircraft and vehicles and participation in ceremonies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson)

U.S. Marines with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Alpha Company, Marine Barracks Washington, stand in formation in Concord, North Carolina, May 24, 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps supported the Coca-Cola 600, a NASCAR race held during Memorial Day weekend, with static displays of military aircraft and vehicles and participation in ceremonies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson

U.S. Marines with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and French Foreign Legionnaires conduct an amphibious infiltration in Agde, France, April 6, 2026. The Marines swam from boat to shore and back while performing an amphibious infiltration training. The purpose of this training is to increase interoperability and camaraderie amongst U.S. and French forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and French Foreign Legionnaires conduct an amphibious infiltration in Agde, France, April 6, 2026. The Marines swam from boat to shore and back while performing an amphibious infiltration training. The purpose of this training is to increase interoperability and camaraderie amongst U.S. and French forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter Kuester

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), takes off from Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during flight operations while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 13, 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 Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), takes off from Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during flight operations while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 13, 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. Marine with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fires an M240B machine gun, mounted from a Light Armored Vehicle during a live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, May 1, 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 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fires an M240B machine gun, mounted from a Light Armored Vehicle during a live-fire range on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, May 1, 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

Current and former commanding officers of Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, salute during a pass in review as part of a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 21, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally signifies the transfer of command and entails total accountability, authority and responsibility from one individual to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Current and former commanding officers of Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, salute during a pass in review as part of a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 21, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally signifies the transfer of command and entails total accountability, authority and responsibility from one individual to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Sgt. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

A U.S. Marine Corps Mission Master SP unmanned ground vehicle is test driven during a UGV demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18, 2026. Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group is field testing Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory funded experimental capabilities to provide feedback on design changes and operational stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

A U.S. Marine Corps Mission Master SP unmanned ground vehicle is test driven during a UGV demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18, 2026. Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group is field testing Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory funded experimental capabilities to provide feedback on design changes and operational stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Sgt. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Duc Nguyen, left, a utilities systems technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Carl Lynn, a contractor with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, set up solar panels for a Hybrid Expeditionary Power trailer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2026. CLB-2 is field testing Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory funded experimental capabilities to provide feedback on design changes and operational stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Duc Nguyen, left, a utilities systems technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Carl Lynn, a contractor with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, set up solar panels for a Hybrid Expeditionary Power trailer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2026. CLB-2 is field testing Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory funded experimental capabilities to provide feedback on design changes and operational stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Sgt. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

II Marine Expeditionary Force