II MEF News

A U.S. Marine Corps heavy-lift Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, off-loads a F-35B Lightning II after a long-range external lift operation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Aug. 27, 2025. The F-35B Lighting II aircraft, known as BF-1, was the first F-35B Lightning II variant ever built, ushering in a new era for Marine Corps Aviation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Renaud) - A U.S. Marine Corps heavy-lift Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, off-loads a F-35B Lightning II after a long-range external lift operation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Aug. 27, 2025. The F-35B Lighting II aircraft, known as BF-1, was the first F-35B Lightning II variant ever built, ushering in a new era for Marine Corps Aviation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Renaud)

First F-35 B ever built makes its way to MCAS Beaufort

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. – Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort welcomed a piece of aviation history. The F-35B Lightning II, known as BF-01 is the first F-35B variant ever built, and it has made its way to the Lowcountry to serve as a permanent static display, ushering in a new era for Marine Corps Aviation.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luis Garcia, a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo with high mobility multipurpose wheel vehicles at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2025. Garcia was nominated as the 2nd MLG Warrior of the Week by his command due to his superior leadership, technical mastery, and unwavering dedication to mission accomplishment. Garcia is a native of Wimauma, Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luis Garcia, a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo with high mobility multipurpose wheel vehicles at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2025. Garcia was nominated as the 2nd MLG Warrior of the Week by his command due to his superior leadership, technical mastery, and unwavering dedication to mission accomplishment. Garcia is a native of Wimauma, Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos)

Combat Logistics Battalion 2; Warrior of the Week Cpl. Luis Garcia

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luis Garcia, a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, was selected as the 2nd MLG Warrior of the Week by his command due to his superior leadership, technical mastery, and unwavering dedication to mission accomplishment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2025.

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Mr. Scott Yoder with the Command Data Analytics Office, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, looks at a screen showing the 2nd MLG Commanding General App at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 12, 2025. The Command Data Analytics Office, first formed at 2nd MLG, aims to improve the way that 2nd MLG analyzes and implements digital transformation and ethical artificial intelligence use into enabled decision making for its customers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady V. Hathaway) - Mr. Scott Yoder with the Command Data Analytics Office, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, looks at a screen showing the 2nd MLG Commanding General App at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 12, 2025. The Command Data Analytics Office, first formed at 2nd MLG, aims to improve the way that 2nd MLG analyzes and implements digital transformation and ethical artificial intelligence use into enabled decision making for its customers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady V. Hathaway)

2nd MLG Leads the Way in Command Data Analytics

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – In today’s world, data drives everything. Whether it’s hand-drafted information that’s carefully observed, assessed, and aggregated by a team of experts, or the ones and zeros pinging behind a computer’s AI program that output identifiable patterns, nothing in 2025 is possible without data analytics. Modern case studies in battlefields across the globe prove that the ability to recognize trends and analyze recurring behaviors is a critical component of success in present-day conflict.

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Hope Fiorvanti, II Marine Expeditionary Force Chief of Protocol, addresses the audience during her retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 5, 2025. For more than a decade, Fiorvanti served as a special staff officer for II MEF and was the subject matter expert on the planning, coordination and synchronization required to support all special events and Distinguished Visitors to the command. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Adam Scalin) - Hope Fiorvanti, II Marine Expeditionary Force Chief of Protocol, addresses the audience during her retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 5, 2025. For more than a decade, Fiorvanti served as a special staff officer for II MEF and was the subject matter expert on the planning, coordination and synchronization required to support all special events and Distinguished Visitors to the command. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Adam Scalin)

II Marine Expeditionary Force Chief of Protocol Retires after 27 years of service

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Hope Fiorvanti, II Marine Expeditionary Force Chief of Protocol to the Commanding General, announced her retirement during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 5, 2025.

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22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Conducts Military Training in Puerto Rico

CAMP SANTIAGO, Puerto Rico – Beginning on Aug. 31, 2025, U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit will begin conducting amphibious training and flight operations in Southern Puerto Rico. This training is designed to enhance the 22nd MEU’s readiness and capabilities, while also fostering stronger relationships with the Puerto Rican National Guard.

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U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune shakes hands with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein during his first official visit to MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 29, 2025. - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune shakes hands with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein during his first official visit to MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 29, 2025. During his visit, Stein attended the quarterly North Carolina Commanders Council and met with military leaders to discuss range modernization and capability developments in support of Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Loriann Dauscher)

Governor Stein visits Camp Lejeune, attends North Carolina Commander’s Council

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein attended the North Carolina Commander’s Council (NCCC) forum during his first official visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune on Friday, Aug. 29.

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Current and former commanding generals of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) render their respects to colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 28, 2025. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Maj. Gen. William H. Swan to Maj. Gen. Ryan S. Rideout. 2nd MAW generates, deploys and sustains expeditionary, combat-ready aviation forces for II Marine Expeditionary Force, the Marine Corps and the joint force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rowdy Vanskike) - Current and former commanding generals of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) render their respects to colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 28, 2025. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Maj. Gen. William H. Swan to Maj. Gen. Ryan S. Rideout. 2nd MAW generates, deploys and sustains expeditionary, combat-ready aviation forces for II Marine Expeditionary Force, the Marine Corps and the joint force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rowdy Vanskike)

Maj. Gen. William H. Swan relinquishes command of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to Maj. Gen. Ryan S. Rideout

Maj. Gen. William H. Swan relinquished command of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) to Maj. Gen. Ryan S. Rideout during a change of command ceremony held at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Thursday.  

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An amphibious combat vehicle operates in the water at Camp Lejeune, NC - U.S. Marines from 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion conduct water recovery on the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) during Water Driving Operations Training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 14, 2025. ACV Operator New Equipment Training (OPNET) is designed to train and license Assault Amphibian Marines to operate the ACV on land and water.

Amphibious Combat Vehicle: A deliberate approach to building proficiency and lethality

The U.S. Marine Corps continues its deliberate and disciplined approach to fielding the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), a next-generation platform designed to enhance ship-to-shore operations and replace the legacy Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV). From August 13th – 15th, Marines from the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion conducted Operator New Equipment Training (OPNET) Water Driving with the ACV at Mile Hammock Bay in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. LeRoy Barton, a pilot who served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, speaks during an interview in New Bern, North Carolina May 29, 2025. As the Marine Corps commemorates 250 years of unwavering dedication to the nation and looks to the future, we honor heroes like Barton who has paved the way for our legacy through selfless commitment to the Marine Corps and our country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Naimah Green) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. LeRoy Barton, a pilot who served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, speaks during an interview in New Bern, North Carolina May 29, 2025. As the Marine Corps commemorates 250 years of unwavering dedication to the nation and looks to the future, we honor heroes like Barton who has paved the way for our legacy through selfless commitment to the Marine Corps and our country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Naimah Green)

One Marine, Three Wars

“He would do it again if he could,” said Pam Turnage, daughter of retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. LeRoy Barton. At 102 years old, Barton is one of the few Marines who has served in three wars and is still living today.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin Madriaga, an air traffic control communications technician, with Air Traffic Control Platoon completes a process called “turn ups” to ensure communications between aircraft and the tower are intact, at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 25, 2025. Madriaga, the recipient of the August MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted in March of 2022 from Sacramento, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Yvonna Guyette) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin Madriaga, an air traffic control communications technician, with Air Traffic Control Platoon completes a process called “turn ups” to ensure communications between aircraft and the tower are intact, at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 25, 2025. Madriaga, the recipient of the August MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted in March of 2022 from Sacramento, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Yvonna Guyette)

MCAS New River Go Getter: Cpl. Kevin Madriaga

There comes a moment in every person’s life when a single decision has the power to alter the course of their future. For U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin Madriaga, that moment came when he chose to pursue a life defined not by comfort, but by challenge, growth and a deeper sense of purpose.

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