II MEF News - Page 18

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable, and Latvian National Guard soldier with 4th Brigade, 44th Infantry Battalion, set security during military operations in urban terrain as part of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 8, 2024. BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy) - A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable, and Latvian National Guard soldier with 4th Brigade, 44th Infantry Battalion, set security during military operations in urban terrain as part of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 8, 2024. BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy)

WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) Concludes Participation in BALTOPS 24

BALTIC SEA - The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) successfully concluded their participation in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, June 20, 2024.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, left, commanding officer, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, accepts a microphone from Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd DSB, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 27, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson relinquished command of 2nd DSB to her husband Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, after serving two years as the battalion’s commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jessica J. Mazzamuto) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, left, commanding officer, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, accepts a microphone from Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd DSB, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 27, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson relinquished command of 2nd DSB to her husband Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, after serving two years as the battalion’s commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jessica J. Mazzamuto)

2nd DSB’s Unique Change of Command

“To Lieutenant Colonel Bethany S. Peterson, effective 0830, 27 June 2024, you stand relieved of all of your duties as the Commanding Officer of 2nd Distribution Support Battalion…”

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The reactivation of HMLA-269 provides 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and II Marine Expeditionary Force with additional offensive air support, utility support, armed escort, and airborne supporting arms capability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Theodore Bergan) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jens Gilbertson, left, from Washington, the commanding officer, and Sgt. Maj. Perry Bessant, from South Carolina, the command senior enlisted leader, both with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, uncase the organizational colors during a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 1, 2024. The reactivation of HMLA-269 provides 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and II Marine Expeditionary Force with additional offensive air support, utility support, armed escort, and airborne supporting arms capability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Theodore Bergan)

HMLA-269 reactivates after 18-month hiatus

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), reactivated during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina, July 1.

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240608-N-JC445-1024 BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2024) Ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations 2024 (BALTOPS 24) steam in formation through the Baltic Sea, June 8, 2024. BALTOPS24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mario Coto) - 240608-N-JC445-1024 BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2024) Ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations 2024 (BALTOPS 24) steam in formation through the Baltic Sea, June 8, 2024. BALTOPS24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mario Coto)

USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrives in Kiel, Germany, marking its final stop after completing BALTOPS 24

KIEL, Germany (June 19, 2024) – The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Kiel, Germany, for a scheduled port visit, June 19, 2024. The ship’s visit to Kiel completes its participation in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, and builds on the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Germany. BALTOPS 24 is an annual joint, multinational maritime-focused exercise designed to enhance interoperability, capability, and demonstrate cohesion among NATO Allies while maintaining freedom of navigation and defending the Baltic Sea region. USS Mount Whitney’s visit to Kiel marks the culmination of its participation in BALTOPS 24 as it travels across the Baltic Sea.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, meets with 98-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charles “Chester” Clapper during a celebration in Clapper’s honor at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2024. Clapper, whose life goal was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General, was drafted into military service in 1943 and served as a flame thrower during the Battle of Iwo Jima, being one of seven surviving members of his company following the battle. One of Clapper’s life goals was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Noah Seal) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, meets with 98-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charles “Chester” Clapper during a celebration in Clapper’s honor at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2024. Clapper, whose life goal was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General, was drafted into military service in 1943 and served as a flame thrower during the Battle of Iwo Jima, being one of seven surviving members of his company following the battle. One of Clapper’s life goals was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Noah Seal)

A Hero's Welcome: Iwo Jima Veteran, 98, Honored by Camp Lejeune Marines

On February 19th, 1945, more than 70,000 United States Marines landed on the dark volcanic beaches of Iwo Jima. As gunfire whizzed overhead and artillery screamed through the skies, these 70,000 men pressed forward to establish control of the island to provide a staging area for air raids against Japan’s mainland. The Marines fought Japanese troops for five consecutive weeks, enduring the brutal jungle conditions and an unforgiving occupying force, until finally declaring victory over Iwo Jima on March 26th, 1945. Victory, however, came at a harrowing cost; nearly 7,000 Marines gave their lives on the island, with roughly 20,000 returning home wounded. Nearly 80 years later, the Battle of Iwo Jima remains the Marine Corps’ most fatal battle in American history.

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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) to establish a forward base of operations in Sweden during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24 while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, June 9, 2024. BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John Allen) - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) to establish a forward base of operations in Sweden during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24 while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, June 9, 2024. BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John Allen)

24th MEU (SOC) Deploys Aviation Detachment to Sweden for BALTOPS 24

KALLINGE, SWEDEN – The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) deployed a detachment of U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier jets, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and personnel to Ronneby Airport in Kallinge, Sweden to conduct expeditionary advanced base flight operations in support of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, June 9, 2024.

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U.S. Marines with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in a live fire and maneuver drill during the Scout School course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 2023. The 2d LAR Scout School is a 28-day course focusing on basic individual skills and core competencies, live fire training, advanced skills, and team-to-squad level events. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cara Castañeda) - U.S. Marines with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in a live fire and maneuver drill during the Scout School course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 2023. The 2d LAR Scout School is a 28-day course focusing on basic individual skills and core competencies, live fire training, advanced skills, and team-to-squad level events. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cara Castañeda)

Beyond the Basics: Breeding the Future of Light Armored Reconnaissance

This year marks 40 years of honor, professionalism, and boldness demonstrated by the Marines and Sailors of 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance, 2d Marine Division (2d LAR, 2d MARDIV). Victory to the Bold is the motto of 2d LAR, and as they remain loyal to their amphibious roots, they continue to be the unit to drive innovation in support of the ground combat elements of 2d MARDIV. 2d LAR has demonstrated their ability to balance their directed tasks to generate APEX forces for Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) deployments and support Marine Air-Ground Task Force missions, while also driving Marine Corps Force Design initiatives with scout and mobile reconnaissance companies.

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The official logo for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - The official logo for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Rhett Butler continues his family legacy

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- The U.S. Marine Corps continues its transitional journey and development of its fifth-generation fixed-wing capabilities with the F-35B Lightning II jet. Those jets could not fly without Marines like Sgt. Rhett Butler who maintain them through long days and nights.

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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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