26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

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A Certain Force in an Uncertain World | 26th MEU(SOC) Tri-Geographic Combatant Command 23-24 Deployment

April 19, 2024 | 9:39

A Certain Force in an Uncertain World | 26th MEU(SOC) Tri-Geographic Combatant Command 23-24 Deployment

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

April 19, 2024 | 9:39

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Bataan ARG, 26th MEU(SOC) Return from 8-month Deployment

NORFOLK, Virginia – More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) returned to Hampton Roads following an eight and a half-month deployment to the U.S. 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, March 21.

Upholding Tradition and Excellence: The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Sergeant Major Relief and Appointment

Transition of leadership is not just a routine event; it's a significant moment symbolizing continuity, excellence, and the passing of the torch of responsibility. Such transitions are particularly notable when it involves the position of Sergeant Major. Recently, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) witnessed a change in its Sergeant Major, marking a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and the pursuit of excellence.

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) MV-22 Ospreys Safely Return Home from 8-month Tri-Geographic Combatant Command Region Deployment

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – After completing an extended eight-month deployment, the Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)) Aviation Combat Element (ACE) will return their MV-22s to flight status Mar. 17, 2024, following Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) announcement that deemed the aircraft safe to fly following an extensive engineering analysis.

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Marines and Sailors aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) salute the ships colors after returning from deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), Morehead City, North Carolina, Mar. 17, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

26th MEU Homecoming

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air-Cushion with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group transporting Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) arrives at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 18, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

26th MEU Homecoming

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), stand in formation during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Mar. 17, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

26th MEU Homecoming

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Larry L. Buzzard (right), the commanding officer for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), relieves Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Haber (center) of his duties as Sergeant Major of VMM-162 (Rein.) during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Apr. 18, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

VMM-162 Change of Command

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) stand for the playing of the national anthem during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 19, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves)

26th MEU Change of Command

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christopher Taylor (right) accepts responsibilities as Sergeant Major of the 26th MEU(SOC) during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 19, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves)

26th MEU Change of Command

U.S. Marine Maj. Earl Ehrhart, an AV-8B pilot assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 231 Detachment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) poses for a photo after flying from the USS Bataan (LHD-5) from deployment at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Mar. 16, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

26th MEU Homecoming

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) reunites with his family, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 18, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing a eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

CLB-22 Homecoming

A U.S. Marine Corps 11m rigid hull, inflatable boat is lowered from Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in preparation for integrated amphibious operations with Hellenic Marines assigned to 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade during the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)) exercise named “Odyssey Encore,” Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) readiness sustainment exercise enhances the unit’s operational capabilities as an expeditionary crisis response force and provides an opportunity for the 26th MEU(SOC) to conduct advanced integrated expeditionary operations and live-fire training with both the 32nd and 24th Marine Brigades in Greece. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Exercise Odyssey Encore

240315-N-ED646-1580- ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 15, 2024) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Austin Block, assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), fires an M4 rifle as Cpl. Gabriel SantosCunningham, an ammunition technician assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), monitors during a qualification shoot in the Atlantic Ocean, March 15. Carter Hall is deployed in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval)

Deck Shoot

Unit Leaders

Colonel Ben Reid

Commanding Officer, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2000, Colonel Ben Reid was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, and after completing The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course, he was assigned as a Rifle Platoon Commander in Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines where he deployed as part of a Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa. In April 2002, he was assigned duties as a Weapons Platoon Commander and conducted combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I. Following return from deployment, Colonel Reid was assigned duties at the battalion’s Assistant Operations Officer.

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