T-minus 3, 2, 1 … We have liftoff! The ground rumbled as the engines roared to life. Smoke and flames erupted out of the bottom as it began to lift into the sky, ascending higher until it was finally out of sight. There are some kids who see a rocket take off and begin to dream of becoming astronauts; there are some kids who make that dream come true.Lt. Col. Katherine Spies graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and later earned a master's degree in design engineering from Harvard University. She was sure that she would become an engineer and maybe a pilot in the future. She made that happen one step at a time, accomplishing every goal she set her mind to.Spies joined the
continue reading
Project Dynamis, a bold Marine Corps plan to accelerate the delivery of AI-powered decision advantage to the tactical edge, has kicked off its "Dynamis Series," a months-long campaign of iterative agile software development sprints referred to as "Serials."
continue reading
The Navy-Marine Corps team has concluded Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training (QUART) 26.2, which took place from Jan. 20-30, 2026. The exercise, led by the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7, featured the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), which expanded the training's ability to prepare MEUs and Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs) for future deployments and operations afloat. Further strengthening international partnerships, Peruvian naval officers were aboard to observe the exercise, fostering shared learning and military cooperation.
continue reading
Sgt. Henry David Volpe, an automotive maintenance technician with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, has successfully developed HANX, the Marine Corps’ first NDAA-compliant, 3D-printed drone platform. Developed at the II MEF Innovation Campus in just 90 days, the HANX drone represents a major leap in tactical manufacturing by providing a low-cost, modular system that is resilient against adversary software. By utilizing 3D printing and off-the-shelf parts that meet rigorous security standards, Sgt. Volpe and his team have moved drone production from external contractors directly into the hands of Marines. This "by Marines, for Marines" innovation aligns with the Department of War’s "Drone Dominance" initiative, offering a versatile tool for
continue reading
Innovation is the process of turning limitations into opportunities. When existing equipment failed to meet operational demands, U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, used ingenuity, technical skill, and mission-first thinking to develop a custom StarShield Satellite mount for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, increasing flexibility and connectivity in austere environments.
continue reading
Marines and contractors with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, have established yet another example of Marine Corps ingenuity and adaptability, this time in the repair and maintenance of the new Amphibious Combat Vehicles.
continue reading
From January 9–11, 2026, U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a battlefield visit to the site of Operation Swift, a pivotal engagement of the Vietnam War, to honor the legacy of those who fought there and to reflect on the enduring bonds between past and present generations of service members.During the Vietnam War, Marine forces conducted amphibious and helicopter-borne operations as part of Special Landing Force Alpha, including during Operation Swift, employing integrated air, ground, and logistics elements in combat that reinforced the MAGTF construct and helped shape the MEU’s role as a forward-deployed, rapid-response force.
continue reading
Cold Response 26 is a routine Norwegian-led winter military exercise in northern Norway. U.S. forces are participating as part of U.S. government efforts to support Norwegian and NATO defense concepts and to enable European allies to position NATO for success and effective deterrence. This exercise is part of a regular training schedule designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to operate in challenging conditions. The exercise will bring together over 25,000 personnel from a dozen nations and organizations, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States and NATO to enhance interoperability and prepare for future challenges in
continue reading
The Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group, composed of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Dec. 11.
continue reading
From the littorals of the Indo-Pacific to the familiar training grounds of Southern California, 2025 was a year defined by action for I Marine Expeditionary Force. As America’s crisis response force, the Marines and Sailors of I MEF consistently demonstrated their commitment to being forward-deployed, combat-ready and prepared to answer the nation’s call at a moment’s notice. "This year, the Marines and Sailors of I MEF met every challenge head-on, proving that we are ready, engaged, and if called upon, will fight and win, Our training and operations across the globe have not only sharpened our warfighting edge but have also strengthened the bonds we share with our allies and partners." Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman, commanding general of I
continue reading
U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, honed warfighting skills while training across South Korea, from Nov. 29, 2025 to Jan. 10, 2026.
continue reading
A new program offering a unique career transition for Marine Corps enlisted leaders has attracted attention, and a local Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve is one of the first to benefit from the program.
continue reading
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP SMEDLEY D. BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – For decades, III Marine Expeditionary Force has stood as a beacon of readiness and capability in the Indo-Pacific region. As the Marine Corps marks 250 years of service, III MEF shows no signs of slowing down.
continue reading
The Marine Corps is implementing changes to its Physical Fitness Test and body composition standards in accordance with the Secretary of War’s Military Fitness Standards memorandum issued on Sept. 30, 2025. These changes, announced in MARADMIN 613/25, will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
continue reading
Throughout Exercise Steel Knight 25, H-1 attack helicopters with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and HMLA-367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, delivered continuous close air support to Marines maneuvering across a geographically dispersed battlespace, reinforcing the wing’s role as the Marine Corps’ premier provider of offensive air support and integrated fires. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that strengthens the Navy–Marine Corps team’s ability to respond forward, integrate across domains and sustain Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness.
continue reading