U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), and Coast Guardsmen conduct hook and climb training aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Nov. 26, 2025. 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 and protect the homeland.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aaron Stone, front, and Lance Cpl. Jesus Alverez, both heavy equipment operators with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, prepare a MAC 50 All-Terrain Crane to load equipment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 5, 2025. Marines with 8th ESB then loaded the equipment in preparation for missions, honing their skills while showcasing the unit’s capabilities to prepare for onward movement at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dorian Melrath)
