CAMP SANTIAGO, Puerto Rico – The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) is leveraging its deployment under U.S. Southern Command to turn shore-based training in Puerto Rico into a strategic advantage, not just for the Marine Corps, but for the entire joint force. Through high-tempo engineering operations, realistic live-fire training, and agile logistics, the 22nd MEU is enhancing its warfighting lethality while establishing lasting infrastructure improvements that will benefit U.S. forces operating in the Caribbean for years to come.
continue reading
CARIBBEAN SEA – Since late August 2025, U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) embarked on the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, have been conducting amphibious training, infantry sustainment exercises, and flight operations in southern and eastern Puerto Rico.
continue reading
CARIBBEAN SEA – At the request of the Government of Jamaica and under the direction of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit have commenced foreign humanitarian assistance operations in response to Hurricane Melissa, which struck the region on Oct. 28, 2025.
continue reading
CAMP SANTIAGO, Puerto Rico – Beginning on Aug. 31, 2025, U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit will begin conducting amphibious training and flight operations in Southern Puerto Rico. This training is designed to enhance the 22nd MEU’s readiness and capabilities, while also fostering stronger relationships with the Puerto Rican National Guard.
continue reading
ATLANTIC OCEAN – In a strategic effort to inform future defense policy and resource allocation, a delegation from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation (OSD CAPE) and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Policy (OUSD(P)) recently embarked with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) during their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). Conducted aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) off the east coast of the United States from July 8-9, this visit provided a firsthand look at the ARG/MEU's critical role in national defense.
continue reading
ATLANTIC OCEAN – A bipartisan Senate Staff Delegation witnessed the critical importance of amphibious readiness and naval integration firsthand during the Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Integration (PMINT) exercise, held off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina from April 4-5, 2025. The delegation, comprised of Senate Military Legislative Assistants, Military, Defense and National Security Advisors, observed the complex coordination required to unite the air, ground and logistics elements of the 22nd MEU with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG). The IWO ARG consists of its flagship, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and the two San Antonio-class amphibious
continue reading