MANTA, Ecuador —Marines and Sailors of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) recently completed a rigorous two-week bilateral training exercise with Marines from the Ecuadorian Marine Corps. The training enhanced tactical interoperability, strengthened a longstanding security partnership, and increased the combined readiness of both forces to respond to crises across the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
Operating from Naval Base Jaramijó from April 17 to May 2, 2026, the exercise was designed to elevate the tactical proficiency of both militaries. Having been deployed and embarked on the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group since August 2025, the 22d MEU (SOC) leveraged its sustained operational tempo...
