Photo By Lance Cpl. Abigail Hutcheson | A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Navy–Marine Corps team demonstrated the future of naval warfare through integrated command and control, distributed maritime operations, and advanced all-domain capabilities during the Marine Corps 250th Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, Oct. 18.
The demonstration brought together every element of I Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Third Fleet in a synchronized, large-scale operation, featuring amphibious landings, integrated naval maneuvers, and aviation from both sea and shore. It highlighted the Navy–Marine Corps team’s ability to project combat power globally, from ship to shore, with speed and precision.
Marines and Sailors train every day to operate from the sea. Weeks of deliberate planning, integrated training, air and waterborne certifications, and rehearsals ensured success at every phase of execution, underscoring the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to safely conduct complex amphibious operations.
“This demonstration is more than a celebration – it’s proof that America’s expeditionary force-in-readiness remains capable, credible, and committed,” said Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force. “From ship to shore, today’s Marines and Sailors demonstrated the same grit and discipline that have defined our Corps for 250 years.”
From integrated amphibious landings and live-fire artillery to aviation operations and naval surface maneuvers, this event synchronized the actions of units from across I MEF and Third Fleet. More than 35 aircraft, including CH-53E Super Stallions, MV-22B Ospreys, KC-130J Hercules, and F/A-18 and F-35 jets, supported Marines and Sailors as they executed a synchronized assault with amphibious combat vehicles, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction Systems, landing craft air cushion and light armored vehicles.
Today’s Marine Corps fights as a more distributed, networked force – linking dispersed systems through precision sensors and unmanned platforms to enable decisive strikes from sea to shore. These technological advances increase survivability, tempo and lethality on the battlefield.
“Embarked on a three-ship Amphibious Ready Group, the Marine Expeditionary Unit stands as the United States’ most versatile, flexible, and lethal global response force,” said Col. Caleb Hyatt, commanding officer of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “During the 250th Amphibious Demonstration, the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU seized the opportunity to hone and demonstrate our warfighting readiness, excellence in mission accomplishment, and unwavering teamwork, emerging as an even more lethal fighting force.”
Capt. Wayne Liebold, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 1, emphasized the enduring partnership between the Navy and Marine Corps in projecting power from the sea. “Our Navy and Marine Corps team operates as one — integrated, adaptable, and ready to deliver effects from the sea whenever and wherever our nation calls,” Liebold said. “The Boxer ARG and 11th MEU exemplify what that partnership looks like in action.”
"This demonstration is vital to informing the American public, as well as our adversaries, about the evolving capabilities of modern amphibious warfare," stated Col. Jonathon Frerichs, I Marine Expeditionary Force Future Operations Officer. "The Marine Corps’ 250-year legacy of sea-based operations remains foundational to our national defense. Events like this reinforce that legacy and demonstrate the Navy-Marine Corps team’s unwavering commitment to readiness and responsiveness in a dynamic security environment."
Along with the thousands watching from the beach, the moment also resonated personally with the Marines executing the mission. “I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,” said Cpl. Grayson Hilderbrandt, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th MEU. “Being part of this demonstration shows what today’s Marines are capable of — we’re faster, smarter, and more lethal than ever, and we get to prove that to the world.”
During the amphibious assault, thousands of Marines, Sailors, and families gathered at Del Mar Beach for the Marine Corps 250th Birthday Beach Bash. “This anniversary is about honoring the Marines, Sailors, and families who make our legacy possible,” said Brig. Gen. Nick I. Brown, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West. “Camp Pendleton has been the home of West Coast warfighting excellence for generations. Today, we celebrate that heritage and the strength of the community that continues to sustain our force.”
Imagery and video from the Marine Corps 250th Birthday Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration are available at [www.dvidshub.net/feature/NMC250CPEN](http://www.dvidshub.net/feature/NMC250CPEN)
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2025 17:44 |
| Story ID: | 550240 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 330 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Navy–Marine Corps Formation Showcases 250 Years of Amphibious Power, by CPT MacKenzie Margroum, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
