II MEF News

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith speaks to Marines and sailors with Task Force 61/2 during a town hall meeting at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, May 29, 2024. The town hall meeting was held to discuss the future of naval expeditionary warfare and other Marine Corps-wide modernization such as Force Design, talent management, retention, training and education. TF 61/2 is a forward-deployed command element in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet operations in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, and is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to support U.S. allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Marc Imprevert) - Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith speaks to Marines and sailors with Task Force 61/2 during a town hall meeting at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, May 29, 2024. The town hall meeting was held to discuss the future of naval expeditionary warfare and other Marine Corps-wide modernization such as Force Design, talent management, retention, training and education. TF 61/2 is a forward-deployed command element in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet operations in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, and is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to support U.S. allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Marc Imprevert)

Commandant, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps visit TF 61/2

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy — Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz visited Commander Task Force 61/2 (CTF 61/2) and U.S. Sixth Fleet at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, on May 29, 2024.

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U.S. Marines Sgt. Tyler Severns and Sgt. Bryan Aguilar, explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepare to dispose of a cache during a simulated cache call during exercise EFES-24 and Marine Rotational Force Europe (MRF-E) 24.2 at Özbek, Türkiye, on May 11, 2024. EFES-24 is an international combined joint exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between the U.S., Turkey, and allied nations. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhances the overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz) - U.S. Marines Sgt. Tyler Severns and Sgt. Bryan Aguilar, explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepare to dispose of a cache during a simulated cache call during exercise EFES-24 and Marine Rotational Force Europe (MRF-E) 24.2 at Özbek, Türkiye, on May 11, 2024. EFES-24 is an international combined joint exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between the U.S., Turkey, and allied nations. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhances the overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

2d MEB assumes role as Task Force 61/2

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy — Marines and Sailors with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), recently arrived in Naples, Italy, on May 16, 2024, to assume the role of Task Force 61/2 (TF 61/2). TF 61/2 is a forward-deployed command element in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet operations in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to support the interests of U.S. allies and partners.

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U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Samuel L. Meyer, the commanding general of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), received honors from Marines, Sailors, and family members with 2d MEB and II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) during the 2d MEB change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 16, 2024. The role of 2d MEB’s commanding general is to provide a scalable, standing, joint-capable, deployment-ready headquarters element to support II MEF operations abroad. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Noah Seal) - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Samuel L. Meyer, the commanding general of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), received honors from Marines, Sailors, and family members with 2d MEB and II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) during the 2d MEB change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 16, 2024. The role of 2d MEB’s commanding general is to provide a scalable, standing, joint-capable, deployment-ready headquarters element to support II MEF operations abroad. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Noah Seal)

2d MEB Change of Command

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJUENE, N.C. - Brig. Gen. Andrew T. Priddy relinquished command of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), to Brig. Gen. Samuel L. Meyer during a change of command ceremony at the Marston Pavilion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 16, 2024.

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II MEF Marines Return from Inaugural Fleet Week Miami

Camp Lejeune, N.C. – U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) return to their home stations upon the completion of the inaugural Fleet Week Miami, May 17, 2024.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Gage Barbieri, a Florida native and corporals course instructor with Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, works on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 4, 2024. Motor Transport operators are responsible for maintaining and operating both commercial and tactical vehicles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Megan Ozaki) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Gage Barbieri, a Florida native and corporals course instructor with Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, works on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 4, 2024. Motor Transport operators are responsible for maintaining and operating both commercial and tactical vehicles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Megan Ozaki)

Marine Corps Corporal is Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Earning the title of United States Marine is a profound achievement; however for Gage Barbieri, not only is it an achievement but a bridge to greater feats.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler Halliday, a water maintenance technician, and 1st Lt. Logan Book, executive officer of Combat Engineer Company, both with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, train on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 4, 2024, prior to competing in the 128th Boston Marathon. Halliday and Book qualified to compete in the Boston Marathon as a member of the All-Marine Running Team through their hard work and dedication. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler Halliday, a water maintenance technician, and 1st Lt. Logan Book, executive officer of Combat Engineer Company, both with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, train on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 4, 2024, prior to competing in the 128th Boston Marathon. Halliday and Book qualified to compete in the Boston Marathon as a member of the All-Marine Running Team through their hard work and dedication. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

Running Their Own Race

Boston, Massachusetts— It is 5:00 a.m., dark, with a hint of a mist in the air. You’re alternating from one leg to the other, trying to calm the jitters in your stomach as you stand behind the starting line. In your mind, you’re saying, the goal is to finish, I just need to finish.

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U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Erick Belena, a hull technician with the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), instructs U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Lucas Camacho, a ground radio electronics repairman with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), on how to weld and metal work on April 12, 2024. The USS Wasp, with embarked 24th MEU, is underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing integrated naval training as a WSP ARG-24th MEU team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elton Taylor) - U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Erick Belena, a hull technician with the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), instructs U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Lucas Camacho, a ground radio electronics repairman with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), on how to weld and metal work on April 12, 2024. The USS Wasp, with embarked 24th MEU, is underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing integrated naval training as a WSP ARG-24th MEU team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elton Taylor)

Welding Relationships:

ABOARD USS WASP (LHD 1) – One team, one fight is an adage often heard when discussing naval integration between the U.S. Navy Sailors with the Wasp (WSP) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team aboard the USS Wasp (LHD 1). In this environment, exceptional individuals often reach beyond their normal responsibilities to build lasting relationships that can make the difference between mission accomplishment or failure.

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II MEF Marines to Participate in Inaugural Fleet Week Miami

MIAMI, F.L. – U.S. Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force will join the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard for Miami’s first ever Fleet Week.

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U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Division coach youth lacrosse players in Topsail, North Carolina, April 20, 2024. Volunteering with sports teams helps Marines engage with and contribute to the local communities by mentoring it’s youth. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Max Arellano) - U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Division coach youth lacrosse players in Topsail, North Carolina, April 20, 2024. Volunteering with sports teams helps Marines engage with and contribute to the local communities by mentoring it’s youth. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Max Arellano)

On and Off the Field:

TOPSAIL, NC - From the thunderous cheers on game days to the strong camaraderie forged through training, the lacrosse sport bonds not only Marines with Headquarters Battalion (HQBN), 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), but also the local lacrosse youth in Topsail, North Carolina.

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U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion conduct a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith) - U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion conduct a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Readying for the future fight:

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducted a scenario-driven training for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15-17.

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