Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, U.S. Marine Forces Command

11/06/2023

Montford Point Marines
📍Norfolk, Virginia

Col David Hyman, the chief of staff w/ Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, U.S. Marine Forces Command presents a Congressional Gold Medal to Mr. Rick E. King & Mr. Jacob J. King during an award ceremony.

Cpl. Willie King, a USMC & graduate of the segregated Montford Point Camp in Jacksonville, NC, posthumously received the Certificate of Status & Congressional Gold Medal for service in WWII. The NMPMA is dedicated to preserving the legacy of nearly 20,000 WWII Marine Corps veterans who served from 1942 – 1949 & trained in the segregated training facility.

( 📷 by Staff Sgt. Servante Coba)

11/03/2023

📍North Carolina

w/2d Marine Division engage in a live-fire range exercise during a MCCRE.. The purpose of a is to formally evaluate the unit’s combat in preparation for .

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Daysia McCree)

11/02/2023

EOD Training

📍MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina

Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, operate a Man Transportable System to search for improvised explosive devices during a training exercise.. EOD conducted a event to maintain their proficiency on protective works, a technique utilized to detonate unexploded ordnance while reducing collateral damage.

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Matthew Williams)

11/02/2023

Marines, Sailors, and Civilians

To read the Secretary of the Navy updated strategic guidance please use the link below.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro released his updated strategic guidance today – One U.S. Navy - U.S. Marine Corps Team: Advancing Department of the Navy Priorities. The document informs activities within the Department of the Navy to include planning, investments, budgeting, and prioritization of personnel and resources. U.S. Fleet Forces Command

WASHINGTON, DC - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro released his updated strategic guidance today – One Navy-Marine Corps Team: Advancing Department of the Navy Priorities. The document

11/01/2023

VBSS Training

📍Hampton, Virginia

w/ 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit board a vessel during visit, board, search & seizure aboard the James River Reserve Fleet.

The VBSS course teaches Marines how to properly conduct vessel boarding procedures & maritime interdiction operations while underway with the .

( 📷 by Cpl. Noah Seal)

10/31/2023

In this Together
📍Bishop, California
& w/ 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, 2nd Marine Logistics Group & U.S. Forest Service execute the lift of a downed U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk.
The combined efforts of Marines, Sailors, & Forest Service personnel allowed HMH-461 to successfully recover an MH-60S Seahawk w/ a CH-53K King Stallion.
( 📷 by Cpl. Rowdy Vanskike)

10/30/2023

In case you missed it!

📍Washington D.C.

Runners participate in the 48th Marine Corps Marathon and the 'wear blue: run to remember' mile over the weekend. The running event drew roughly 20,000 participants, more than 2,200 and , and 1,500 civilian volunteers. Known as "The People's Marathon," the race was a celebration of every finisher’s honor, courage, and commitment to training for and completing the marathon.

( 📷 by James Frank)

10/27/2023

PT PT🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

📍Camp Elmore, VA

with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, conduct a physical training session in honor of the fallen heroes.

This event is dedicated to U.S. Navy, HM1 Darrel Enos, 3d Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Special Operations Company Kilo, Team 8313, for his heroism during Operation Enduring Freedom. Marines conducted the physical training to enhance morale, camaraderie, and promote goodwill and fellowship among MARFORCOM personnel.

📷by Lance Cpl. Jack Chen

10/26/2023

🎀✂️
📍NWS Yorktown, VA

Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, MARFORCOM CG joins Col. Scott M. Reed, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Security Force Regiment center right, MARFORCOM Command Senior Enlisted Leaders and NAVFAC Atlantic leadership gather for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and tour of barracks at Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia.
MCSFR organizes, trains, equips, and provides Naval and combatant commanders with anti-terrorism security forces who conduct expeditionary security operations and provide security for strategic assets.

( 📷 by SSgt. Servante R. Coba and Casey Price)
U.S. Marine Corps

10/24/2023

📍Camp Johnson, North Carolina

Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, renders a salute during a Deactivation, Activation and Redesignation .

previously with 2nd Transportation Battalion, activated Headquarters and Service Battalion, alongside the redesignation of 2nd Landing Support Battalion to 2nd Distribution Support Battalion in accordance with the Marine Corps’ .

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Jessica J. Mazzamuto)

10/23/2023

Remembering Beirut

📍Hampton Roads, Virginia

, , civilians w/ Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, U.S. Marine Forces Command & military personnel, conduct a remembrance ceremony for the Beirut Lebanon bombing.

Forty years ago, in 1983, the lives of 220 U.S. Marines, 18 Sailors, three Soldiers, & 58 French paratroopers were lost when terrorists attacked the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Jack Chen)

10/20/2023

Timberrr🌳

📍Camp Elmore, Virginia

w/ Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, U.S. Marine Forces Command compete in a lumberjack competition during Camp Cogar.

Camp Cogar provided an opportunity for Marines to participate and learn Lumberjack discipline from a professional athlete.

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Jack Chen)

10/19/2023

Get to Cover

📍Sierra Del Retin

w/ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit bound forward during a rehearsal as part of bilateral alongside the military.

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group & embarked is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations to defend U.S., interests.

( 📷 by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

10/18/2023

Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Marines please be aware of this delay during your commute to and from work. For more updates please check the City of Norfolk Government page.

‼️ Until further notice, NB and SB Hampton Blvd. is shutdown due to a gas main hit by a subcontractor. Lexan Ave. is the side street impacted. Currently, there is no estimated time for resumption of traffic. Virginia Natural Gas is on site.

10/18/2023

Information Warfare Exercise

📍Quantico, Virginia

U.S. & soldiers participate in wargaming service members during the Information Warfighting Exercise 23.3.

The two-week exercise is an annual, multinational training event hosted by the Marine Corps Information Operation Center which provides realistic application and ex*****on of operations in the information environment.

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Justin Cledera & Caitlin Brookins)
Royal Marines British Army Armée de Terre Koninklijke Marine

10/17/2023

Clear, Moving!

📍Sierra del Retin

w/ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit traverse through a trench during a live-fire .

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group & embarked is on a scheduled deployment employed by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., & interests.

( 📷 by Cpl. Michele Clarke)

10/16/2023

Let's Keep it Clean

📍Virginia Beach, Virginia

w/ Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, U.S. Marine Forces Command pick up trash during a Single Marine Program volunteer event.

Marines volunteered to help reduce the amount of harmful waste & litter along the trail at First Landing State Park.

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Jack Chen)

10/13/2023

Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy!

Since 1775, Marines and Sailors have served side-by-side, sailing the seas, storming the beaches, and rendering aid wherever the nation needed them most. We look forward to the years ahead, and our continued service as a .

“Not Self, But Country”

10/13/2023

Need a Lift?

📍Yuma, Arizona

w/ 2nd Marine Logistics Group conduct helicopter support team operations during Weapons & Tactics Instructor course 1-24.

WTI 1-24 is an advanced seven-week course, which provides standardized tactical & incorporates Marine Corps planning & implementation of air & ground tactics.

( 📷 by Cpl. Meshaq Hylton)

10/12/2023

Town Hall

📍Norfolk, Virginia

U.S. Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, the commanding general of FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM, addresses Marines, Sailors, & Civilian Marines during a town hall meeting.

MARFORCOM leadership answered questions, set expectations, and discussed priorities.

( 📷 by Staff Sgt. Servante Coba)

10/11/2023

Osprey Takeoff

📍North Carolina

w/ 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing prepare for takeoff from HMS Prince of Wales, a Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier.

Marines conducted carrier qualifications aboard to maintain crew readiness & to showcase cooperation w/ .

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

10/10/2023

Fast Roping aboard USS Bataan

📍Arabian Gulf

w/ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct fast roping aboard the USS Bataan.

Components of the BAT ARG & are deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to increase maritime security & stability in the Middle East region.

( 📷 by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

10/09/2023

Today, we recognize the many contributions Indigenous peoples’ have made to history and celebrate their cultures that enrich our world.

10/06/2023

📍Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Col. Matthew Good, deputy commander of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, harbor security boats during his visit to the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion.

MCSFBn Kings Bay secures strategic assets within the Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic, areas of responsibility in order to prevent unauthorized access or loss of custody.

( 📷 by Madison Zapf)

10/05/2023

Tartan Eagle Phase II

📍Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

w/ Marine Corps Security Force Regiment conduct close-quarters battles drills during Tartan Eagle 23.

Tartan Eagle is an annual bilateral training exercise for U.S. Marines & Commandos to travel to each command’s training facilities to exchange warfighting tactics.

( 📷 by SSgt. Servante R. Coba)
U.S. European Command (EUCOM) Royal Marines

10/04/2023

📍Norfolk, Virginia

In case you missed it, October 2 was the 21st anniversary of U.S. Northern Command.

mission is to defend our homeland – deter, detect, deny, and defeat threats to the United States, conduct security cooperation activities with allies and partners, and support civil authorities. As a component command, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, U.S. Marine Forces Command executes antiterrorism programs and force protection responsibilities in support of USNORTHCOM.

The current USNORTHCOM commander General Glen D. VanHerck.

10/03/2023

Refueling in the Desert

📍Camp Wilson, California

w/ 2nd Marine Logistics Group refuel a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement at a mobile fuel station setup during Service Level Training Exercise 5-23.

SLTE 5-23 simulated combat conditions to strengthen the Marine Air-Ground Task Forces ability to adapt & accomplish missions across the full range of military operations.

( 📷 by Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar)

10/02/2023

"Let's have a conversation, let's talk."

September was Su***de Awareness Month, but it is our responsibility to raise awareness, encourage seeking assistance, and cultivate a culture that promotes trust, respect, and connection among Marines, attached Service Members, and their family members year round.

Our own Chief of Staff, Col David Hyman, took this principle to heart and put it into action.

Learn more about this story on WKTR here: https://www.wtkr.com/news/military/marine-saves-young-sailors-life-in-chance-encounter-on-naval-station-norfolk

Col. Hyman would cross paths with a sailor on Naval Station Norfolk on September 6, 2023. He quickly realized the sailor planned to take his own life.

09/29/2023

Recap on Exercise Tartan Eagle Phase I

📍Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex, Chesapeake, Virginia

Exercise Tartan Eagle is an annual bilateral training exercise for the U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment and British Royal Marines with 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines to travel to each other's training facilities to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in fixed site security.

Read more with the link below:
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/454197/exercise-tartan-eagle-phase

( 📷 by SSgt. Servante R. Coba)
U.S. European Command (EUCOM) Royal Marines

09/28/2023

📍United Kingdom

w/ Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment and a British Royal Marine Commando w/ 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines make entry into a building during CQB tactics training. Exercise Tartan Eagle is an annual bilateral exercise for the U.S. Marines and British Royal Marine Commandos with 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines to travel to each other's training facilities to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in fixed site security.

( 📷 by SSgt. Servante R. Coba)

09/27/2023

📍Middle East

w/ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct an urban terrain force-on-force training event during a Bahrain bilateral training exercise. The training was completed alongside members of the Royal Bahrain Marine Force to facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures between . Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26MEU(SOC) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to increase maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

( 📷 by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

09/26/2023

Visitors at Sea

w/ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit observe Naval warships from multiple nations fire their weapons while in formation near the USS Mesa Verde during Northern Coast 2023.

NoCo 23 is a German-led multinational exercise that strengthens military & maritime combat readiness through realistic training in order to sharpen interoperability w/ our .

( 📷 by Cpl. Michele Clarke)

09/25/2023

Littoral Riverine Operations

📍 Camp Lejeune N.C.

w/ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit underwent rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) training part of MEUEX III. The continues to enhance RHIB through conducting on and off and shore to shore drills prior to . The 11m RHIBs provide a high-speed, long –range, low-signature combatant craft capable of projecting and recovering Marines for a variety of .

(📸 by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

09/23/2023

Congratulations!

U.S. General Eric M. Smith, was sworn-in as the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps by the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro on Sept. 22, 2023.

General Smith, who was also the 36th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, had been performing the duties of the Commandant since July 10, 2023.

“I am grateful the Senate took action to allow the Marine Corps to have a confirmed Commandant, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to continue to serve Marines,” Gen. Smith said. “I remain mindful that dozens of junior Marine officers, families, and their units remain in an unstable position as they wait for confirmation. I look forward to the day when all Marines and their families enjoy the stability they deserve.”

09/22/2023

⚠️ Inclement weather is heading our way. 🌧

🅿️ The York Street Garage will open to residents beginning Friday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. through Sunday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.

🤳 For additional updates, sign up for Norfolk Alert at www.norfolk.gov/alert or text NORFOLKVA to 888-777.

09/22/2023

📍Fort Walker, Virginia

w/ 2d Marine Division conduct a radio check during the Division Leaders Assessment Program.

The program helps Marines improve their abilities through mentorship & learning opportunities, resulting in greater lethality & endurance.

( 📷 by Cpl. Alexis Sanchez )

09/21/2023

📍Fort Walker, Virginia

w/ 2d Marine Division review weapon components & fundementals during a Division Leaders Assessment Program.

The program helps Marines improve their warfighting abilities through mentorship & learning opportunities, resulting in greater lethality & endurance.

( 📷 by Cpl. Alexis Sanchez)

09/21/2023

📍Kuwait

w/ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit provide obscuration during an integrated platoon reinforced live-fire training event executed alongside Marines.

Elements of the conduct bilateral training w/ Kuwait armed forces to increase interoperability, maintain operational readiness, & strengthen relationships w/ partner forces.

( 📷 by Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Cordero)

09/20/2023

📍Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Col. Todd E. Mahar, CO w/ 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit speaks w/ Navy Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson w/ Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 .

Nicholson visited the to discuss & Marine Corps interoperability.

( 📷 by Sgt. Jacqueline Peguero-Montes)