U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct their first flight with the F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 4, 2026. VMFA-231 conducted its first flight of the F-35B Lightning II ahead of its official reactivation in the summer of 2026; Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 officially deactivated as one of the U.S. Marine Corps' last AV-8B Harrier II squadrons in 2025.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kevin Toro, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embraces his family on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 7, 2026. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 22nd MEU (SOC) returned home from a nearly 10-month-long deployment to support U.S. Southern Command to counter illicit threats, strengthen regional partnerships and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Claassen)
