II Marine Expeditionary Force

II Marine Expeditionary Force

Train. Fight. Win.

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

II MEF Photos

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Andres Pina, combat engineer, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, moves concertina wire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 5-20, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 26, 2020. MWX is the culminating event of the service level training exercise, challenging Marines to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colton Brownlee)

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 5-20, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 25, 2020. MWX is the culminating event of the service level training exercise, challenging Marines to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colton Brownlee)

General's letter to II Marine Expeditionary Force.

General's letter to II Marine Expeditionary Force.

General's letter to II Marine Expeditionary Force.

General's letter to II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric K. Terashima, senior reserve integrator with II Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photo with Brig. Gen. David L. Odom, commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, after receiving a bronze star medal with a gold star in lieu of second award for his actions during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 25, 2020. As senior advisor to the Helmand and Nimroz Afghan National Police, he negotiated dynamic, physical and human terrain of southwest Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric K. Terashima, senior reserve integrator with II Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photo with Brig. Gen. David L. Odom, commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, after receiving a bronze star medal with a gold star in lieu of second award for his actions during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 25, 2020. As senior advisor to the Helmand and Nimroz Afghan National Police, he negotiated dynamic, physical and human terrain of southwest Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric K. Terashima, senior reserve integrator with II Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photo with his wife after receiving a bronze star medal with a gold star in lieu of second award for his actions during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 25, 2020. As senior advisor to the Helmand and Nimroz Afghan National Police, he negotiated dynamic, physical and human terrain of southwest Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric K. Terashima, senior reserve integrator with II Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photo with his wife after receiving a bronze star medal with a gold star in lieu of second award for his actions during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 25, 2020. As senior advisor to the Helmand and Nimroz Afghan National Police, he negotiated dynamic, physical and human terrain of southwest Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)

Sgt. Ryan Loughlin, an administrative non commissioned officer in charge with 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 24, 2020. “It’s easy to be a Marine; it’s hard to be in the Marine Corps. Always be prepared,” said Loughlin, a Philadelphia, Pa. According to his leadership, Loughlin is a dedicated Marine who leaves a long-lasting impression on his subordinates. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Haley McMenamin)

Cpl. Avery R. Bettis, a finance technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 29. According to his leadership, Bettis, a Columbus, S.C. native, demonstrated meritorious leadership ability that caused a significant impact during the White Oak High School Graduation. While volunteering to assist with the event, unexpected changes occurred to the ceremony. Showing great flexibility and innovative thinking, Bettis revamped the entire ceremony to ensure the graduating class of White Oak High School received the spectacle they deserved despite the challenges of the pandemic. As a result, Bettis’s scheme of maneuver received recognition from multiple individuals to include fellow Marines, graduates, families of graduates, school staff, social media and local news outlets.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 5-20, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 24, 2020. MWX is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colton Brownlee)

Cpl. Tyler Collins, a vehicle commander with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2d Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2d Marine Division, sits on the ramp of an assault amphibious vehicle on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 23, 2020. “I inspect what I expect because how can I expect my Marines to be perfect if I'm not,” said Collins, a Bellaire, Md. native. According to his leadership, Collins is a superb Marine non commissioned officer, the epitome of an amphibious tracker. This is proven daily through his keen attention to detail and the self-reliance of his complex duties. He is currently serving as Crew Chief of 2B111, a coveted responsibility, and typically assigned to a senior NCO. Collins operates above his peers and is commensurate with the senior NCO’s within the Platoon, thus why he has been selected to be a Vehicle Commander. Collins can be given a myriad of taskers with full confidence of an expedient and proficient outcome. Continuously seeks out more knowledge and strives to instill all of that knowledge to subordinate Marines. A true force multiplier and asset to not only his Section but to the Platoon and to the Company, as well. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Reine Whitaker)

Sgt. Caleb R. Masters, a logistics chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 18, 2020. “The only person that can beat you is you,” said Masters, a Huntsville, Ala., native. According to his leadership, Masters remained on his feet during a global epidemic that brought most to their knees. A landing support specialist by trade, Masters utilized his operational experience to step into the role as the S-4 chief. His ability to meet people on a human level, determine their strengths and develop their weaknesses, allowed him to develop his Marines and draw them out of their comfort zones. Masters keeps his finger on the pulse of the Battalion and inserts his leadership, where necessary, to affect positive change and growth. Under his direct leadership, the S-4 was able to organize the battalion's table of equipment in order to support the COVID-19 DSCA and a battalion MOBEX. Masters is a true example of sustaining the transformation, and small unit leadership. He has proven that marine noncommissioned officers can help commanders lead, train and take care of people to enable good Marines to get ahead and to make use of essential skills. Masters is extremely deserving of recognition as Motivator of the Week. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rachel K. Young-Porter)

Lance Cpl. Ryan Caltabiano, a forward observer with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, poses for an photo on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17, 2020. “The essence of great leadership is influence, not authority,” said Caltabiano, an East Setauket, N.Y., native. According to his leadership, Caltabiano has distinguished himself as a critical asset to the unit, both inside and outside of his military occupation specialty. During the company’s naval gunfire exercise, Caltabiano conducted multiple calls for fire and established high frequency communications with the USS Mahan, utilizing a field expedient antenna. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Haley McMenamin)

Lance Cpl. Kenneth Shirley, an assault breach vehicle operator with 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Mobility Assault Company, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 18, 2020. “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things,” said Shirley, a Pearl, Miss., native. According to his leadership, Shirley demonstrates the attributes of a model noncommissioned officer by dedicating his personal time to improving himself through rigorous physical fitness. Shirley ran 31.5 miles in one day during a battalion memorial run for fallen 2nd CEB Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick King)

Cpl. Jordyn L. Chapin, a helpdesk/Samsung nco with, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., June 16, 2020. “Being a leader is about showing passion, dedication and selflessness to your work; encouragement, understanding and capability to others,” said Chapin, a Little Rock, Ark. native. According to her leadership, Chapin was nominated for her work ethic, can-do attitude and for motivating her Marines with her infectious spirit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Steven Walls)

Chris Baker, deputy G-1 operations officer, his wife Jenice, and two daughters Kennidy and Avery, pose for a photo during an award ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 11, 2020. Baker received the Civilian of the Year Award which is presented to a civilian working for the Marines Corps for their exceptional work and accomplishments over the past year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara)

Sgt. Joseph L. Vazquez, a quality assurance representative with Marine-All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., June 10, 2020. “A good leader will tell you how to do a task, but a great leader will be there doing the task with you,” said Vazquez, a Castlebury, Fla., native. According to his leadership, Vazquez was chosen for his superior achievements as a sergeant, Vazquez has been managing the Naval Aviation Maintenance Discrepancy Reporting Program, usually reserved for a senior staff noncommissioned officer. He received the only noteworthy program evaluation during the squadron’s most recent inspection for his superior record keeping. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aidan Parker)