II MEF News

U.S. Marines, alongside NATO allies and partners, strategically advance, securing cover and providing fire support during a breaching and clearing mission in preparation for Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in coordination with NATO allies and partners, are gearing up for the biennial exercise Nordic Response 24. This NATO training exercise aims to enhance Arctic security, elevate global readiness, and foster interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl. Christian Salazar) - U.S. Marines, alongside NATO allies and partners, strategically advance, securing cover and providing fire support during a breaching and clearing mission in preparation for Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in coordination with NATO allies and partners, are gearing up for the biennial exercise Nordic Response 24. This NATO training exercise aims to enhance Arctic security, elevate global readiness, and foster interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl. Christian Salazar)

Cold Response: 25,000 NATO Allies Launch High-North Exercise

The Norwegian Armed Forces, approximately 3,000 U.S. Marines and other U.S. forces, as well as other NATO military forces, are scheduled to conduct exercise Cold Response 26 in March 2026. Allied militaries plan to conduct unit-level cold weather training in Norway beginning in January in preparation for the exercise.

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U.S. Marines from around II Marine Expeditionary Force receive training on the Multi-Mission communications terminal during a Commercial Satellite Communication Operator Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 17, 2025. The purpose of CSOC is to provide knowledge and hands on training with commercial off-the-shelf communication equipment to modernize communication efforts in accordance with Force Design. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Gavin Umboh) - U.S. Marines from around II Marine Expeditionary Force receive training on the Multi-Mission communications terminal during a Commercial Satellite Communication Operator Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 17, 2025. The purpose of CSOC is to provide knowledge and hands on training with commercial off-the-shelf communication equipment to modernize communication efforts in accordance with Force Design. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Gavin Umboh)

Know Yourself and Seek Self Improvement: 2nd MLG Helps Create Commercial Satellite Communications Course for 06xx Marines

A new course facilitated by 2nd Marine Logistics Group is teaching Marines the skills required to operate the next generation of satellite equipment, directly addressing the need for in-depth training on new commercial off-the-shelf systems are not yet part of the formal schoolhouse curriculum.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Sanderson, a military working dog trainer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, trains with Kkorak, a military working dog, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. A military working dog trainer is responsible for developing, conditioning, and certifying K-9 teams to ensure they are mission ready for detection, patrols, and combat operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Casey Ornelas) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Sanderson, a military working dog trainer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, trains with Kkorak, a military working dog, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 14, 2026. A military working dog trainer is responsible for developing, conditioning, and certifying K-9 teams to ensure they are mission ready for detection, patrols, and combat operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Casey Ornelas)

Handling Readiness of Four-Legged Partners

Military working dog handlers are one of several secondary military occupational specialties within the Military Police community, playing a key role in maintaining base security. Through constant training and daily operations, handlers and their dogs operate as a team to identify potential threats to guard both the installation’s community and its assets.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare a CH-53K King Stallion helicopter for external lifts before an initial accession flight at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Dec. 18, 2025. HMHT-302 provides foundational training for new CH-53K pilots arriving from flight school and for pilots and aircrew transitioning from the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas) - U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare a CH-53K King Stallion helicopter for external lifts before an initial accession flight at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Dec. 18, 2025. HMHT-302 provides foundational training for new CH-53K pilots arriving from flight school and for pilots and aircrew transitioning from the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas)

HMHT-302 trains the future of Marine Corps heavy-lift aviation

“Primarily, the mission is to develop an aircrew” said Maj. Connor “Axe” Robertson, a Michigan native and a CH-53K King Stallion pilot instructor with HMHT-302. “The ideal goal is to send a proficient crew member that is able and ready to be a co-pilot [or crew chief] in the fleet.”

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Holder, from Alabama, a network administrator with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, runs with the squadron colors at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 2025. U.S. Marines with MWHS-2 took part in a 250-mile relay run in celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th birthday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anakin Smith) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Holder, from Alabama, a network administrator with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, runs with the squadron colors at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 2025. U.S. Marines with MWHS-2 took part in a 250-mile relay run in celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th birthday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anakin Smith)

The Path Towards More

Becoming a Marine was something Sgt. Matthew B. Holder, an Alabama native and a network administrator with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 2, always knew he wanted to do. Afterall, he grew up in the Marine Corps.

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A U.S. Marine with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conducts aircraft runway construction on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 6, 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. Marine with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conducts aircraft runway construction on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, Dec. 6, 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)

Sharpening the Spear, Strengthening the Shore: 22nd MEU(SOC) Forges Strategic Investment in Puerto Rico

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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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Malikah Warren, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, left, and Cpl. Zbigniew Adamczyk, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, right, pose for a photo after receiving Red Cross Lifesaving Awards on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025. The Marines received the Lifesaving Award, the second highest award the American Red Cross bestows, for rescuing people during an emergency at a local beach earlier this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erica S. Padgett) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Malikah Warren, 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, left, and Cpl. Zbigniew Adamczyk, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, right, pose for a photo after receiving Red Cross Lifesaving Awards on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025. The Marines received the Lifesaving Award, the second highest award the American Red Cross bestows, for rescuing people during an emergency at a local beach earlier this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erica S. Padgett)

Two Marines Awarded American Red Cross Lifesaving Award After Swift Action on Onslow Beach

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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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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