Photo By Cpl. Destiny Perez | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Allen Tomb, left, an electrician, and Lance Cpl. Dylan...... read more read more
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DOUGLAS, Ariz.— U.S. Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) achieved a significant engineering and security milestone May 14, 2026, completing the barrier reinforcement of Zone 33 with more than 13,000 meters (about eight miles) of concertina wire in Douglas, Arizona.
The engineering operation, conducted in direct support of JTF-SB, further enhances the physical security of the designated sector. By removing old concertina wire and implementing a triple-strand concertina wire configuration, the new barrier reinforcement provides a significantly more effective and durable deterrent than the old wire it replaced.
"The completion of this reinforcement in Zone 33 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Marines," said Marine Lt. Col. Gregory Lynch, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 1st Marine Logistics Group. "Laying over 13,000 meters of wire requires extensive coordination and enduring effort, especially given the environmental conditions."
Working alongside U.S. Border Patrol, the Marines deployed the concertina wire to effectively fortify the sector's barrier. This addition to the barrier is a critical component of JTF-SB's broader mission to control the southern border and secure the territorial integrity of the United States.
The new reinforcement serves as a force multiplier for U.S. Border Patrol, specifically designed to deter illegal alien crossings. The triple-strand configuration delays individuals attempting to breach the barrier, providing Border Patrol agents with critical time necessary to respond and interdict in areas where crossings are most prevalent.
More than 3,000 brackets were used to mount and support nearly eight miles of triple-strand wire. The operation required extensive logistic planning and support. The reinforcement required the transport of heavy materials, heavy machinery operation, and the sustained physical labor of the engineering Marines involved.
"Our Marines of Bravo Company have worked tirelessly to ensure this sector was secured to the highest standard," said Marine Capt. Andrew Trossen, commanding officer of Bravo Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion. "This milestone demonstrates their readiness and toughness and our commitment to supporting the JTF-SB mission."
While the completion of zone 33 marks a major milestone, the engineering mission attached to JTF-SB is far from over. Embracing the ongoing challenge, the Marines have already transitioned to their next objective, initiating barrier reinforcement operations in nearby Naco, Arizona.
Joint Task Force-Southern Border continues to coordinate military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, providing specialized capabilities such as engineering, aviation, and surveillance support to enhance overall border security operations.
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2026 18:04 |
| Story ID: | 566160 |
| Location: | FORT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, FOR PUBLISH: U.S. Marines complete barrier reinforcement milestone near Douglas, Arizona, by 2LT Steven Maturino, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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