II MEF News

VMFA-533 received their first F-35B Lightning II jet, marking their transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett, from Illinois and the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, taxis an F-35B Lightning II jet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 11, 2024. VMFA-533 received their first F-35B Lightning II jet, marking their transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

VMFA-533 becomes first operational F-35 squadron aboard MCAS Beaufort to receive aircraft

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35B Lightning II jet today aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina.

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First in the DoD: Camp Lejeune’s Wrap-Around Care Pilot Program - Students run to the playground during an after-school Wrap-Around Care program at Johnson Primary School (JPS) on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 2, 2024. Wrap-Around Care is a collaborative solution developed between the Department of Defense Education Activity and Marine Corps Community Services Lejeune-New River’s Family Care Program using JPS as a pilot site to bridge the gaps in essential before-and-after school services, ensuring that all students receive the support they need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Loriann Dauscher)

First in the DoD: Camp Lejeune’s Wrap-Around Care Pilot Off to a Solid Start

Nearly 50 children at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune are taking part in a new pilot program at

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U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jennifer McKenna, a newly appointed Chief Petty Officer with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, and a Clio, Michigan native, poses for a photo during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2024. Established by the Navy in 1893, the distinction for Chief Petty Officer was marked by changes in uniform and authority, with Chief Selects completing a six-week initiation that included physical fitness, team-building, and leadership training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexis Sanchez) - U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jennifer McKenna, a newly appointed Chief Petty Officer with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, and a Clio, Michigan native, poses for a photo during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2024. Established by the Navy in 1893, the distinction for Chief Petty Officer was marked by changes in uniform and authority, with Chief Selects completing a six-week initiation that included physical fitness, team-building, and leadership training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexis Sanchez)

The Path Unveiled: HMC McKenna Finds Her Calling

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — On September 27, 2024, Hospital Corpsman First Class Jennifer A. McKenna, a corpsman with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, became a Chief Petty Officer during a ceremony held at the Base Theater on Camp Lejeune. The distinguished anchors were pinned on her collar by her two children, and she received the Combination Cover by her sponsor, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ace Tran.

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U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines stand at the position of attention during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2024. Established by the Navy in 1893, the distinction for Chief Petty Officer was marked by changes in uniform and authority, with Chief Selects completing a six-week initiation that included physical fitness, team-building, and leadership training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexis Sanchez) - U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines stand at the position of attention during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2024. Established by the Navy in 1893, the distinction for Chief Petty Officer was marked by changes in uniform and authority, with Chief Selects completing a six-week initiation that included physical fitness, team-building, and leadership training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexis Sanchez)

A Time-Honored Tradition

On September 27, 2024, U.S. Marines, Sailors, families, and friends gathered at the Base Theater on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to honor the pinning of 20 Sailors and two Marines to Chief Petty Officer (CPO), a distinction that a select few accomplish in their military careers.

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MCAS New River Go-Getter: Sgt. Luc Groleau - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Luc Groleau, a MV-22 Osprey avionics technician and instructor with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit New River, poses for a photo on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 20, 2024. Groleau, the recipient of the September 2024 MCAS New River Go-Getter award, is a native of Flat Rock, Michigan, and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2018. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yasmine De La Rosa)

MCAS New River Go-Getter: Sgt. Luc Groleau

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Luc Groleau, an MV-22 Osprey avionics technician and instructor with the

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Sky Scouts of FESD – FF Ackley of Camp Geiger’s Fire Station 6 - FF Jabbok Ackley, a firefighter with Fire Station 6, Fire and Emergency Services Division (FESD), Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, poses with a drone in front of Fire Station 6 at Camp Geiger on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024. FESD was given the opportunity to be an early adopter of the small Unmanned Aircraft System program in February 2024 and has since then successfully been used in search and rescue operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Leo Amaro)

Marine Corps Drone Technology Proves Vital in Search for Missing Child

On July 9, 2024, the Camp Lejeune Fire and Emergency Services Division (FESD) successfully used

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VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, from Virginia and commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, taxis an F-35C Lightning Il at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024. VMFA-251 became the first East Coast-based Marine Corps squadron to receive the F-35C, designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational flexibility and persistence to II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlanys Diaz Figueroa)

VMFA-251 receives first F-35, the first East Coast-based Marine Corps F-35C to arrive

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35C Lightning II jet aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 17, 2024.

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Emergency Response Drill prepares Camp Lejeune to respond to an active threat - U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO), and firefighters with Fire and Emergency Services Division (FESD), both with Headquarters and Support Battalion, conduct a breaching and clearing technique during an emergency response drill on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2024. The drill effectively demonstrated a joint interoperability capability between first responders, emergency managers and support personnel in the event of an emergency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yasmine De La Rosa)

Emergency Response Drill prepares Camp Lejeune to respond to an active threat

Marines and civilians assigned to Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, tested their response capabilities through a series of drills focused on an active threat to the installation. During the multi-faceted drill, H&S Battalion, along with the Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO) and Fire and Emergency Services Division (FESD), worked with Marine Corps Installations East G-3 Operations, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT), and Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (NMCCL).

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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) arrive in Paphos, Cyprus ahead of scheduled bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard, September 9, 2024. The training, set to take place from September to early November, was coordinated with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia. The 24th MEU (SOC) and Wasp Amphibious Ready Group are on a scheduled deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations to support U.S., Allied, and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Routine training exercises ensure that we, alongside our Allies and partners, are always prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to any mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sammet) - 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) arrive in Paphos, Cyprus ahead of scheduled bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard, September 9, 2024. The training, set to take place from September to early November, was coordinated with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia. The 24th MEU (SOC) and Wasp Amphibious Ready Group are on a scheduled deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations to support U.S., Allied, and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Routine training exercises ensure that we, alongside our Allies and partners, are always prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to any mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sammet)

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) Sustainment Training in the Republic of Cyprus

THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS – Elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) arrived in Paphos, Cyprus ahead of scheduled bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard, September 9, 2024. The training, set to take place from September to early November, was coordinated with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia. The United States is grateful to the Republic of Cyprus and its National Guard for their significant commitment and contribution of resources to support this bilateral training.

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Anderton recently won a 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) cowbell award, which recognizes and encourages members of 2nd MAW to actively seek out and implement innovations, improvements, and best practices that enhance collective performance and readiness. The cowbell award helps 2nd MAW foster a culture of continuous improvement driven by individual and shared excellence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff. Sgt. Theodore Bergan) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Parker Anderton, from Maine, a heavy equipment mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina Aug. 22, 2024. Anderton recently won a 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) cowbell award, which recognizes and encourages members of 2nd MAW to actively seek out and implement innovations, improvements, and best practices that enhance collective performance and readiness. The cowbell award helps 2nd MAW foster a culture of continuous improvement driven by individual and shared excellence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff. Sgt. Theodore Bergan)

Lance Cpl. Parker Anderton wins 2nd MAW Cowbell Award

Recognizing inefficiencies in existing processes, Lance Cpl. Parker Anderton, from Maine, a 1341 Heavy Equipment Mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), took it upon himself to develop a more effective troubleshooting system to mitigate those inefficiencies in MWSS-271’s maintenance and repair process.

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