📍 Pacific Fleet — March 26, 2026

Aboard the mighty Wasp-class amphibious ᴀssault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), the deck shakes violently as the thunder of live-fire exercises rips through the night. Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade are conducting high-intensity live-fire exercises on the deck of a rapidly moving ship at sea – a vivid demonstration of the relentless expeditionary power of the United States Marine Corps.
Amidst the ocean waves and the roar of helicopter rotors, the soldiers continuously execute intense, realistic combat scenarios: live-fire heavy machine gun fire, anti-tank missiles, artillery support, and coordinated air fire while the ship is in full motion. There is no room for error. There is no room for hesitation. Every sH๏τ must be accurate, every movement must be perfect, even as the ship’s deck tilts amidst the waves and the sea wind howls. This is the strength of the expeditionary force – always ready to fight even while traveling hundreds of nautical miles at sea.
This training not only hones individual skills but also affirms the ability to maintain a precise attack readiness posture and react quickly in a constantly turbulent sea environment. Conducted to directly support the mission priorities of the U.S. Southern Command, this deployment clearly demonstrates America’s unwavering commitment to strengthening regional stability and countering transnational threats – from drug trafficking and illegal immigration to potential destabilizing activities along the Western Hemisphere.

The USS Iwo Jima – named after one of the bloodiest and most heroic battles in Marine Corps history – once again demonstrated the crucial role of Wasp-class amphibious ᴀssault ships: a flexible and powerful platform that allows U.S. forces to rapidly deploy and seamlessly coordinate air, land, and sea operations. From this ship’s deck, the Marine Corps can launch fighter jets, attack helicopters, amphibious tanks, and thousands of troops in just hours, creating a truly formidable expeditionary force.

Military observers believe that continuous naval training like this is key to maintaining the operational effectiveness of expeditionary forces in a constantly changing global security landscape. Strategic analysts emphasize that maintaining a constant level of operational readiness, coupled with close joint force coordination, is a clear commitment by the U.S. to its deterrence strategy, protecting national security, and strengthening alliances.

From the deck of the USS Iwo Jima, the message is clear, powerful, and unmistakable:
Modern expeditionary forces must always be ready to respond – anywhere, anytime.
Whether in the vast ocean or facing any threat, the U.S. Marine Corps stands firm, fires accurately, and remains the world’s most formidable vanguard force.
Semper Fidelis – Always loyal, always ready.