CAMP SANTIAGO, Puerto Rico – The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) is leveraging its deployment under U.S. Southern Command to turn shore-based training in Puerto Rico into a strategic advantage, not just for the Marine Corps, but for the entire joint force. Through high-tempo engineering operations, realistic live-fire training, and agile logistics, the 22nd MEU is enhancing its warfighting lethality while establishing lasting infrastructure improvements that will benefit U.S. forces operating in the Caribbean for years to come.

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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Two Marines assigned to the Onslow Beach Marine Detachment were awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award at Onslow Beach on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025.

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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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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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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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