A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules taxis and takes off during ARCTIC EDGE 2026 (AE26) at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2026. Canadian aircrew preformed preflight checks to ensure support personnel and cargo are transported successfully across various regions in Alaska during the exercise, strengthening interoperability and operational readiness in Arctic and cold weather environments. AE26 is a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise designed to improve readiness, demonstrate capabilities, and enhance Joint and Allied Force interoperability in the Arctic. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Benjamin Kimball)
A Marine from Madera, California, has become a model of versatility and dedication, taking on roles far outside his specialty to bolster the Joint Task Force-Southern Border mission.
Lance Cpl. Lopez, an Artillery Systems Technician who has been in the Marine Corps for just 17 months, has demonstrated rare adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the mission. He originally joined the Marine Corps to "develop himself as a person and build...
From the small town of Stilwell, Oklahoma, a young Marine is filling a crucial role in securing the nationās southern border.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Shade Andrew Watie, 24, is a geospatial intelligence specialist with the 1st Marine Divisionās S-2 section, which is supporting Joint Task ForceāSouthern Border (JTF-SB). His work provides a vital, detailed understanding of the terrain for those operating on the front lines of border security.
