U.S. Navy San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) sails through the Caribbean Sea, July 30, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)
U.S. Navy San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) sails through the Caribbean Sea, July 30, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)
U.S. Marines, with Littoral Combat Force-24, conduct a Maritime Interdiction Operation Full Mission Profile aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) off the coast of Venezuela, July 17, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Marine Corps video)
CARACAS, VENEZUELA — Following two earthquakes off the northern coast of Venezuela on June 24 the United States mobilized a humanitarian response at the request of the Venezuelan government. To support U.S. Southern Command’s rapid deployment of personnel and specialized equipment into the disaster zone, Littoral Combat Force 24 transitioned from scheduled regional security missions to support the U.S. government’s disaster response operation.
On the evening of June 24, twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck west of Caracas, causing immense destruction in coastal cities like Catia La Mar and the state of La Guaira. The U.S. response mobilized massive aid and dispatched a specialized Disaster Assistance Response Team....
U.S. Marine Pfc. Herbert A. Littleton was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for falling on an enemy grenade to save the lives of his Marines. Named in his honor, the Pfc. Littleton Award is intended to recognize individuals who exemplify the same courage and spirit that defined Pfc. Littleton’s service.
Sgt. Lucas Camacho, a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit was selected for the...
