U.S. service members and distinguished visitors from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State pose for a group photo upon arrival to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Aug. 12, 2025. The visitors received mission overviews from NSGB, Joint Task Force Southern Guard and Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aubree Owens)
There’s a small percentage of Americans—the 1%—who choose to serve. When the nation calls, we answer. For me, that call came sooner than expected.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 329th Composite Watercraft Company, currently deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, keep the Joint Task Force Southern Guard Mission afloat. Despite being a smaller career field within the Army, the versatility of LCUs are becoming more vital to joint operations.
U.S. service members assigned to the 36th Medical Company Area Support conduct a medical evacuation exercise at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 15, 2025. The 36th MCAS, currently supporting Operation Southern Guard, provides emergency care, basic surgical support, and short-term patient holding, and is staffed with combat medics, nurses, and physicians. The exercise aimed to enhance the skills of U.S. service members to perform emergency response operations. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Natalie Rubenak)
