A U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, prepares to set up an observation post during a patrol base exercise on Camp Santiago Joint Training Center, Puerto Rico, Sept. 8, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, 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)
A U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Littoral Combat Force-24, prepares to set up an observation post during a patrol base exercise on Camp Santiago Joint Training Center, Puerto Rico, Sept. 8, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, 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 Maritime Raid Force, Littoral Combat Force-24, and Sailors with San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), conduct a Maritime Interdiction Operation while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 28, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, 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)
PANAMA CANAL — On August 1, 2026, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) — operating as Littoral Combat Force-24 (LCF-24) — aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), completed a transit through the Panama Canal while operating under United States Southern Command.
Marking the first time a Marine Expeditionary Unit has navigated the canal since 2008, this large-scale maneuver is a demonstration of the Marine Corps’ capacity for rapid global mobility, maritime dominance, and seamless power projection.
Since its completion, the Panama Canal has served as a vital strategic pathway for the United States and its allies. The canal allows naval vessels to rapidly shift between the Atlantic and Pacific...
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...
