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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joey Cruz, the off-going sergeant major with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, stands at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, July 2, 2026.
The relief and appointment ceremony was held to signify the passing of authority from Sgt. Maj. Cruz to Sgt. Maj. Gilkey (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse Davis)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joey Cruz, the off-going sergeant major with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, stands at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, July 2, 2026. The relief and appointment ceremony was held to signify the passing of authority from Sgt. Maj. Cruz to Sgt. Maj. Gilkey (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse Davis)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Davis

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon pose for a group photo after a performance at Grand Central Station as part of International Naval Review 250 in Manhattan, July 6, 2026. For 250 years, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps stood watch – constant, unabated in mission, faithfully preventing crisis and resolute in defending America’s independence. INR 250 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon pose for a group photo after a performance at Grand Central Station as part of International Naval Review 250 in Manhattan, July 6, 2026. For 250 years, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps stood watch – constant, unabated in mission, faithfully preventing crisis and resolute in defending America’s independence. INR 250 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King)

Photo by Sgt. Andrew King

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Juan Vasquez, from Florida, the incoming command senior enlisted leader of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 1, 2025. The ceremony represented the transfer of authority, accountability, and leadership from Sgt. Maj. Perry Bessant, from South Carolina, the outgoing command senior enlisted leader to Vasquez. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Juan Vasquez, from Florida, the incoming command senior enlisted leader of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, speaks during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, July 1, 2025. The ceremony represented the transfer of authority, accountability, and leadership from Sgt. Maj. Perry Bessant, from South Carolina, the outgoing command senior enlisted leader to Vasquez. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt-Na

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24; U.S. Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28); and Venezuelan service members, offload supplies from a Landing Craft Utility vessel assigned to the Fort Lauderdale during a supply delivery at La Guaira, Venezuela, June 5, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24; U.S. Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28); and Venezuelan service members, offload supplies from a Landing Craft Utility vessel assigned to the Fort Lauderdale during a supply delivery at La Guaira, Venezuela, June 5, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

Ships transit the New York Harbor for the Parade of Sail during the International Naval Review 250 in New York City, July 4, 2026. For 250 years, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps stood watch – constant, unabated in mission, faithfully preventing crisis and resolute in defending America’s independence. INR 250 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Xavier Alicea)

Ships transit the New York Harbor for the Parade of Sail during the International Naval Review 250 in New York City, July 4, 2026. For 250 years, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps stood watch – constant, unabated in mission, faithfully preventing crisis and resolute in defending America’s independence. INR 250 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Xavier Alicea)

Photo by Cpl. Xavier Alicea

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform their "bursting bomb" sequence as the United Arab Emirates Air Force AI Fursan aerobatic display team, show off capabilities of the Hongdu L-15 during a performance aboard the USS Arlington (LPD 24) in New York City, July 4, 2026. For 250 years, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps stood the watch – constant, unabated in mission, faithfully preventing crisis and resolute in defending America’s independence. INR 250 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson)

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon perform their "bursting bomb" sequence as the United Arab Emirates Air Force AI Fursan aerobatic display team, show off capabilities of the Hongdu L-15 during a performance aboard the USS Arlington (LPD 24) in New York City, July 4, 2026. For 250 years, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps stood the watch – constant, unabated in mission, faithfully preventing crisis and resolute in defending America’s independence. INR 250 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, flies during Operation Deliver Aid, along the coast of La Guaira, Venezuela, June 3, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, flies during Operation Deliver Aid, along the coast of La Guaira, Venezuela, June 3, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Tom “Banshee” Trimble, outgoing commanding officer of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit salutes during the 22nd MEU change of command ceremony Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 29, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Col. Tom Trimble, the off-going commanding officer of 22nd MEU, to Col. Jeremy Hawkins. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emily Hazelbaker)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Tom “Banshee” Trimble, outgoing commanding officer of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit salutes during the 22nd MEU change of command ceremony Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 29, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Col. Tom Trimble, the off-going commanding officer of 22nd MEU, to Col. Jeremy Hawkins. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emily Hazelbaker)

Photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepares to land during an aerial damage assessment flight, at Simón Bolívar International Airport, Caracas, Venezuela, June 28, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, prepares to land during an aerial damage assessment flight, at Simón Bolívar International Airport, Caracas, Venezuela, June 28, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, watches a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, depart the landing zone in La Guaira, Venezuela, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, watches a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, depart the landing zone in La Guaira, Venezuela, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Garcia

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, assaults an objective during exercise Baltic Operations 2026 in Saaremaa, Estonia, June 16, 2026. BALTOPS 2026 is a major annual multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea and is led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet, it aims to enhance interoperability among NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, assaults an objective during exercise Baltic Operations 2026 in Saaremaa, Estonia, June 16, 2026. BALTOPS 2026 is a major annual multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea and is led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet, it aims to enhance interoperability among NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter J. Kuester)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hunter Kuester

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Littoral Combat Force 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embark a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Littoral Combat Force 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embark a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepare for a demolition range demonstration during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 16, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, 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. Brady V. Hathaway)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepare for a demolition range demonstration during exercise Baltic Operations 26 in Skrunda, Latvia, June 16, 2026. BALTOPS 2026, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, 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. Brady V. Hathaway)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway

U.S. service members and local authorities pose for a group photo during a wreath-laying ceremony as part of SAIL250 in Baltimore, Maryland, June 26, 2026. SAIL250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore celebrate America’s maritime heritage and the nation’s 250th anniversary by bringing together U.S. and international ships, Marines, Sailors, and community partners throughout Baltimore’s waterfront.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson)

U.S. service members and local authorities pose for a group photo during a wreath-laying ceremony as part of SAIL250 in Baltimore, Maryland, June 26, 2026. SAIL250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore celebrate America’s maritime heritage and the nation’s 250th anniversary by bringing together U.S. and international ships, Marines, Sailors, and community partners throughout Baltimore’s waterfront.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, lands aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 9, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), Littoral Combat Force-24, lands aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) during deck landing qualifications while underway in the Caribbean Sea, June 9, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

A U.S. Navy Corpsman with the Littoral Combat Force-24, center left, gives a tactical combat casualty care class aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 19, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUHTERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

(This photo was altered using Adobe Photoshop to blur names for operational security)

A U.S. Navy Corpsman with the Littoral Combat Force-24, center left, gives a tactical combat casualty care class aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, May 19, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUHTERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo) (This photo was altered using Adobe Photoshop to blur names for operational security)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, take part in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Lt. Col. Leonard J. Niedosik, from North Carolina, the off-going commanding officer of 2nd LAAD, to Lt. Col. Justin R. McCann, from Arkansas, the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, take part in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2026. The ceremony signified the transfer of authority, accountability and leadership from Lt. Col. Leonard J. Niedosik, from North Carolina, the off-going commanding officer of 2nd LAAD, to Lt. Col. Justin R. McCann, from Arkansas, the incoming commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller)

Photo by Pfc. Keani Guthmueller

U.S. Marines with the Combat Logistics Battalion 26 color guard display the national and battalion colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 12, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally signifies the transfer of command and entails the total accountability, authority and responsibility from one individual to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

U.S. Marines with the Combat Logistics Battalion 26 color guard display the national and battalion colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 12, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally signifies the transfer of command and entails the total accountability, authority and responsibility from one individual to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Sgt. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

U.S. Marine Corps Maritime Raid Force with Littoral Combat Force-24, prepare to board an UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, on Aeropuerto Internacional Simon Bolivar de Maiquetia, Venezuela, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Maritime Raid Force with Littoral Combat Force-24, prepare to board an UH-1Y Venom with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), LCF-24, on Aeropuerto Internacional Simon Bolivar de Maiquetia, Venezuela, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Rivas

U.S. Marines with Littoral Combat Force-24, and U.S. Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), offload disaster assistance supplies from a Landing Craft, Utility at La Guaira port, Venezuela, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

U.S. Marines with Littoral Combat Force-24, and U.S. Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), offload disaster assistance supplies from a Landing Craft, Utility at La Guaira port, Venezuela, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Photo by Sgt. Daniel Childs

II Marine Expeditionary Force