II MEF News

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division conduct ship-to-shore movements during Naval Integration Training Package 2 off the coast of North Carolina, Dec. 3, 2025. NITP-2 is an amphibious, ship-to-shore, part of a larger training evolution certifying amphibious combat vehicle crewmen to safely and properly conduct combat operations with the ACV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo) - U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division conduct ship-to-shore movements during Naval Integration Training Package 2 off the coast of North Carolina, Dec. 3, 2025. NITP-2 is an amphibious, ship-to-shore, part of a larger training evolution certifying amphibious combat vehicle crewmen to safely and properly conduct combat operations with the ACV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)

2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion Completes Final ACV Naval Integration Exercise

USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44) – From December 4-7, 2025, U.S. Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division put the Marine Corps’ newly developed tool for amphibious warfare, the amphibious combat vehicle, to the test during a series of shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore exercises aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall off the coast of North Carolina, as part of Naval Integration Training Package 2. The training focused on employing the ACV in realistic environments and enhancing communication between Marines and their Navy counterparts during maritime operations. NITP-2 is a week-long exercise certifying ACV operators to conduct amphibious landings aboard naval vessels with assistance from naval partners for upcoming deployments. “This training was a culminating event,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cory Marmet, the Alpha company commander with 2nd AA BN, 2nd Marine Division. “This is the second time our ACVs landed and splashed down on the well deck of the Gunston Hall.” According to Marmet, the success of the final naval integration exercise was built on previous phases. This includes a foundational well deck rehearsal in Morehead City in July 2025, where Marines conducted a dry run by entering the well deck of the Gunston Hall with their ACVs. Guided by Sailors, the vehicles were staged in an orderly fashion. “It led us to communicate effectively with our Navy partners to embark our vehicles on ship in a timely manner,” said Marmet. Previously, in October 2025, NITP-1 was conducted at Onslow Beach, North Carolina. During that exercise Marines employed their ACVs to maneuver from shore, transited several miles offshore to embark on the Gunston Hall, and returned to shore. “The focus was on seamless communication and operations with the goal of achieving a unified approach to tasks such as vehicle deployment on and off ships,” said Gunnery Sgt. Mathew Swan, the logistics chief with Alpha Company, 2nd AA BN. “The integration was evaluated positively, improving relationships between Marines and Sailors, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.” Throughout NITP, the ACV demonstrated its ability to operate in a littoral environment, successfully passing several checkpoints and embarking on schedule. Marmet explained that 2nd AA BN is currently analyzing how other units employ the ACV to refine their own tactics for maritime operations. “This was a testament to the Marines, mechanics and operators to go out, conduct these splashes and roll back under the vehicle’s own power.” Marmet said the event marked progress toward broader East Coast naval integration. “This operation phase was a demonstration for the operators and our Naval partners working together in a cohesive unit,” said Marmet. “It shows the capabilities of the ACV to project combat power from ship-to-shore.”

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U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force attend the Advanced Artificial Intelligence Command Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2025. The course is designed to train servicemembers in prompt engineering, creating an efficient workflow with AI tools in the military environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Payton Walley) - U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force attend the Advanced Artificial Intelligence Command Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 12, 2025. The course is designed to train servicemembers in prompt engineering, creating an efficient workflow with AI tools in the military environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Payton Walley)

II MEF Advanced AI Command Course

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — As the U.S. military faces increasingly sophisticated threats, the Marine Corps is prioritizing the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to maintain a competitive edge. II Marine Expeditionary Force is at the forefront of this effort, using AI to enhance operational effectiveness, streamline processes, and improve decision making across its ranks.

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U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Karla Sotoarguello, administrative specialist, Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, poses for a photo next to the RPAC sign, at MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Dec. 15, 2025. Sotoarguello, the recipient of the December MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted from Chattanooga, Tennessee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Yvonna Stark) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Karla Sotoarguello, administrative specialist, Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, poses for a photo next to the RPAC sign, at MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Dec. 15, 2025. Sotoarguello, the recipient of the December MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted from Chattanooga, Tennessee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Yvonna Stark)

MCAS New River Go Getter: Lance Cpl. Karla Sotoarguello

The morning's first light illuminates just enough to see the frost still covering the ground. The sun has yet to rise, but she has already begun her day. It’s only the start of December yet the temperature is brisk. As her feet hit the pavement, the cold air feels almost unbearable to her lungs. The thought that she could still be lying in bed has crossed her mind multiple times, but she knows that discipline is only built through habits. For Lance Cpl. Karla Sotoarguello pushing herself to be better was one of the reasons she joined the Marine Corps.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Brandon L. Reagin, from South Carolina, the incoming senior enlisted leader, left, and Lt. Col. Paul J. Lancaster, from Texas, the incoming commanding officer, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, apply battle streamers to the organizational colors during a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Dec. 11, 2025. VMM-264’s reactivation adds an additional MV-22B Osprey squadron to 2nd MAW and II Marine Expeditionary Force and reflects incremental adjustments in Force Design to meet the operational demands of the service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. David Ornelas Baeza) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Brandon L. Reagin, from South Carolina, the incoming senior enlisted leader, left, and Lt. Col. Paul J. Lancaster, from Texas, the incoming commanding officer, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, apply battle streamers to the organizational colors during a reactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Dec. 11, 2025. VMM-264’s reactivation adds an additional MV-22B Osprey squadron to 2nd MAW and II Marine Expeditionary Force and reflects incremental adjustments in Force Design to meet the operational demands of the service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. David Ornelas Baeza)

VMM-264 reactivates following five-year hiatus

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), was reactivated during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, on Thursday.

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William Fish, Navy prepositioning department director at Blount Island Command, explains critical maintenance needs to U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lee Meyer, director of expeditionary warfare on the Navy chief of naval operations' staff (OPNAV N95), during a tour Dec. 8, 2025, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. (Official Marine Corps photo by Dustin Senger) - William Fish, Navy prepositioning department director at Blount Island Command, explains critical maintenance needs to U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lee Meyer, director of expeditionary warfare on the Navy chief of naval operations' staff (OPNAV N95), during a tour Dec. 8, 2025, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. (Official Marine Corps photo by Dustin Senger)

Blount Island Leaders Discuss Ship-to-Shore Needs for Long-Term Readiness

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lee Meyer, director of expeditionary warfare on the Navy chief of naval operations' staff (OPNAV N95), visited Blount Island Command leadership Dec. 8 to discuss improving ship-to-shore systems and enhancing fleet readiness.

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U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Gates, a ground electronics maintenance officer with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, forges a knife during a blacksmithing class held by Black Horse Forge at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2025. This event was organized by 2nd Marine Logistics Group U.S. Navy chaplains with the goal of boosting morale throughout the holiday season while providing Marines and Sailors with a sense of accomplishment, personal well-being and brotherhood. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos) - U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Gates, a ground electronics maintenance officer with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, forges a knife during a blacksmithing class held by Black Horse Forge at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2025. This event was organized by 2nd Marine Logistics Group U.S. Navy chaplains with the goal of boosting morale throughout the holiday season while providing Marines and Sailors with a sense of accomplishment, personal well-being and brotherhood. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos)

More Than a Forge: A Ministry for Active-Duty Service Members

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The winter holiday season is traditionally a time of celebration and connection for service members and their families. However, for some Marines and Sailors, it can also be a period marked by isolation and loneliness.

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The Regional Law Center East Legal Services Complex is located on Holcomb Boulevard, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 4, 2025. The new regional law center marks a major modernization effort that improves operational efficiency by housing legal support functions in one building and restores legal capabilities displaced by Hurricane Florence across MCB Camp Lejeune. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniela Chicas Torres) - The Regional Law Center East Legal Services Complex is located on Holcomb Boulevard, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 4, 2025. The new regional law center marks a major modernization effort that improves operational efficiency by housing legal support functions in one building and restores legal capabilities displaced by Hurricane Florence across MCB Camp Lejeune. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniela Chicas Torres)

Camp Lejeune unveils new Regional Law Center

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly constructed Regional Law Center-East (RLC-E) on Dec. 4, 2025, marking a significant milestone in restoring and enhancing legal capabilities across the installation following the damage caused by Hurricane Florence.

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A U.S. Sailor assigned to the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready group signals a landing craft, air cushion onto a beach landing zone in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Nov. 29, 2025. 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. Sailor assigned to the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready group signals a landing craft, air cushion onto a beach landing zone in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Nov. 29, 2025. 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)

22nd MEU(SOC) Enhances Readiness with Amphibious and MAGTF Operations in Puerto Rico

CARIBBEAN SEA – Since late August 2025, U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) embarked on the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, have been conducting amphibious training, infantry sustainment exercises, and flight operations in southern and eastern Puerto Rico.

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Trees for Troops 2025 - U.S. Marines and civilians load Christmas trees onto vehicles during the annual Trees for Troops Christmas tree holiday event at the Paradise Point Golf Course on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 5, 2025. Trees for Troops is held by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and Marine Corps Community Services, providing over 1,100 Christmas trees to Department of War personnel and their families to spread holiday spirit throughout every military family. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Grace Kim)

Trees for Troops Provides Free Christmas Trees to Military Families

Hundreds of military families on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune received free Christmas trees

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U.S. Navy Midshipmen 3rd Class Carter Breen, an Ohio native, prepares a SkydioX2D small Unmanned Aircraft System for flight during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 2025. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division conducted the MCCRE in order to demonstrate combat proficiency through the combined use of modern infantry tactics and technology, ensuring readiness for any future conflict or operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Preston Morris) - U.S. Navy Midshipmen 3rd Class Carter Breen, an Ohio native, prepares a SkydioX2D small Unmanned Aircraft System for flight during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 2025. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division conducted the MCCRE in order to demonstrate combat proficiency through the combined use of modern infantry tactics and technology, ensuring readiness for any future conflict or operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Preston Morris)

2nd Marine Regiment MCCRE: Advancing The Modern Warfighter

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Staff Sgt. Jacob Jones watched a small drone navigate through a tree canopy ahead of his Marines, confirming enemy positions without exposing a single rifleman. The company completed the movement with zero simulated casualties.

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