U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 and VMFA-251, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in Atlantic Lightning 26-1 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 29, 2026. Atlantic Lightning 26-1 is a tactical aircraft exercise focused on Marine Air-Ground Task Force and Joint Force integration and distributed aviation operations, including offensive and defensive counter-air, suppression of enemy air defenses, close air support, and expeditionary operations. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Octavius Jordan)
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Calvert L. Worth Jr., the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Gunnery Sgt. Jacob Bellis, an administrative chief at II MEF, shake hands during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Feb. 12, 2026. This ceremony recognized Bellis for his services and contributions to the command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ayden Millette)
