26th Marine Expeditionary Unit - Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

Our Mission

Since World War II, in nearly every crisis, the United States Marine Corps has deployed projection forces, with the ability to move ashore with sufficient sustainability for prolonged operations. These forces have been organized into Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTF), a combination of air, ground and support assets. MAGTFs are established for specific missions, or in anticipation of a wide range of possible missions. Combining air, ground and logistic assets maximizes the combat power of each of the war fighting elements. MAGTFs have long provided the United States with a broad spectrum of response options when U.S. and allied interests have been threatened and in non-combat situations that require instant response to crisis. Selective, timely and credible commitment of air-ground units have, on many occasions, helped bring stability to a region and sent signals worldwide to aggressors that the United States is willing to defend its interests, and it is able to do so with a significantly powerful force on extremely short notice.

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Face's of the MEU: Not Your Average Day on the Trail

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

July 29, 2021 | 2:53

Face's of the MEU: Not Your Average Day on the Trail

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

July 29, 2021 | 2:53

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Latest News

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit aviation assets conduct live-fire training in Albania

BIZE, Albania – U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venoms and AH-1W Super Cobras assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and attached to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) participated in a live-fire training exercise in Bize, Albania, June 22, 2020.

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Bataan Amphibious Ready Group conduct second phase of training on Saudi Arabian islands

Arabian Gulf – The U.S. and Saudi forces are conducting a routine and joint sustainment training on and around Karan and Kurayn islands, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 24-30, 2020.

U.S. Naval Forces train with AC-130W Gunship in Arabian Gulf

Arabian Gulf – The USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted joint integration training with a Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) AC-130W Stinger II aircraft in the Arabian Gulf, May 19-21. During the training, SOCCENT and 26th MEU Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) teams, stationed aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and at locations ashore, directed command and control (C2) for simulated defensive strikes on surface targets from the AC-130W gunship.

Explore Photos

200702-M-CB805-1026 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 2, 2020) Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), unpack supplies during a vertical replenishment-at-sea aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) July 2, 2020. 26th MEU is conducting operations in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of regional allies and partners, and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Pablo D. Morrison/Released)

Oak hill receives supplies sea

200506-M-IR130-1021 ARABIAN GULF (May 6, 2020) Reconnaissance Marines assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), walk through the procedures of a free-fall insert aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan May 6, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III)

MRF rehearses free-fall insert

200606-M-KE756-1023 ARABIAN SEA (June 6, 2020) Sgt. Cullen McNeil, crew chief, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M240B machine gun from an MV-22B Osprey June 6, 2020. 26th MEU is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)

VMM 365 (reinforced) executes machine gun shoot utilizing MV-22B Ospreys

200528-M-IR130-1047 ARABIAN GULF (May 28, 2020) Reconnaissance Marines assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), utilize a U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk to Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction rig on Kurayn Island, Saudi Arabia, during routine sustainment training May 28, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU are conducting sustainment training in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in order to enhance the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to employ operationally relevant and strategically mobile crisis response forces for power projection over key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III)

MRF SPIE rigs on Kurayn Island, Saudi Arabia

200521-M-MV109-1129 ARABIAN GULF (May 21, 2020) An Air Force AC-130W assigned to Joint Special Operations Air Component engages a target utilizing aviation-delivered fires during an aviation operation in support of sea control training evolution May 21, 2020. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia A. Morris)

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit train in sea control with AC-130W in Arabian Gulf

200528-M-IR130-1203 ARABIAN GULF (May 28, 2020) A reconnaissance Marine assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), utilizes a U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk to Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction rig on Kurayn Island, Saudi Arabia, during routine sustainment training May 28, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU are conducting sustainment training in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in order to enhance the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to employ operationally relevant and strategically mobile crisis response forces for power projection over key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III)

MRF SPIE rigs on Kurayn Island, Saudi Arabia

200425-M-CB805-1010 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 25, 2020) The dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5), left, refuels the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a replenishment-at-sea April 25, 2020. Oak Hill, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Pablo D. Morrison)

USS Oak Hill receives supplies during vertical replenishement-at-sea

200425-M-CB805-1064 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 25, 2020) A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) delivers cargo to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea April 25, 2020. Oak Hill, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Pablo D. Morrison)

USS Oak Hill receives supplies during vertical replenishement-at-sea

200414-M-MV109-1015 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 14, 2020) Lance Cpl. Joseph Fischer, field artillery cannoneer, assigned to Fox Battery, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M4 carbine from the kneeling during a live-fire training range aboard the amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) April 14, 2020. New York, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia A. Morris)

Fox Battery conducts live-fire training range

200407-M-MV109-1129 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 7, 2020) A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) April 7, 2020. New York, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia A. Morris)

Marines partake in night training aboard USS New York

200413-M-IR130-1183 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 13, 2020) Reconnaissance Marines assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), signal a dive supervisor prior to diving underneath the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) to retrieve fishing line April 13, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III)

MRF untangles fishing line from USS Bataan

200414-M-MV109-2199 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 14, 2020) Marines assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast-rope from a UH-1Y Venom aboard the amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) April 14, 2020. New York, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia A. Morris)

MRF conducts fast-rope drills aboard USS New York

200207-M-IR130-2037 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Feb. 7, 2020) Marines assigned to Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gary Jayne III)

Fox Company stays fit while underway

200327-M-IR130-1007 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (March 27, 2020) Marines assigned to Weapons Platoon, Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), carry water containers and meals, ready to eat down the flight ramp of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) March 27, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III

Fox Company trains aboard USS Bataan

200316-M-OO419-1010 RED SEA (March 16, 2020) Cpl. Michael Fowler, left, and Cpl. Edgar Perez, flight line mechanics assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), maintain an MV-22B Osprey aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) March 16, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Reyes)

Ospreys receive maintenance aboard USS Bataan

200321-M-OO419-1001 RED SEA (March 21, 2020) Cpl. Gary Jayne III, combat videographer assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), adjusts a camera tripod aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) March 21, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Reyes)

Behind the scene

190909-M-CB805-1004

HOMESTEAD, FL (Sept. 9, 2019) U.S. Airmen board a Department of Defense aircraft to conduct an airfield assessment in The Bahamas. U.S. Northern Command provided military-unique capabilities to the U.S. Agency for International Development, enabling the broader relief efforts addressing the acute humanitarian needs of the Bahamian people. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Pablo Morrison)

19DODHurricane

200316-M-IR130-1004 RED SEA (March 16, 2020) 1st Lt. Joseph Lockard, a platoon commander assigned to Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts radio checks aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) March 16, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III)

Fox Company Trains Aboard the Bataan

U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5)

200229-M-OO419-1020 GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 29, 2020) A Marine assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast-ropes from a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) Feb. 29, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Reyes)

Maritime Raid Force fast-ropes aboard USS Bataan

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct ship-to-shore movements utilizing amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) from Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) MEU Integration Training (PMINT) in vicinity of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15 2019. PMINT is part of the 26th MEU’s and PHIBRON 8’s pre-deployment training program, which enhances interoperability and familiarizes Marines and Sailors to life on ship prior to deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Reyes)

Ship-to-shore movements

200301-M-KE756-1028 GULF OF OMAN (March 1, 2020) Pfc. Chad Burke, a rifleman assigned to Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M4A1 carbine during a live-fire training range aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) March 1, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)

Fox Company conducts deck shoot aboard USS Bataan

200228-M-KE756-1013 GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 28, 2020) Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepare to receive their graduation certificates after completing Lance Corporal Seminar aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) Feb. 28, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)

Lance Corporal Seminar Graduation aboard the Bataan

200301-M-KE756-1066 GULF OF OMAN (March 1, 2020) Marines assigned to Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire M4A1 carbines during a live-fire training range aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) March 1, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)

Fox Company conducts deck shoot aboard USS Bataan

200228-M-OO419-1002 GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 28, 2020) Marines assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), execute speed-reload drills with M1911A1 pistols during a live-fire training range aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) Feb. 28, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Reyes)

Maritime Raid Force executes deck shoot in Gulf of Oman

200208-M-KE756-1025 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Feb. 8, 2020) A Marine and Sailor assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) fix a fishing line aboard the Bataan. Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 26th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)

Marines Participate in a Fishing Call

Press Releases

13
Sep
2021

26th MEU Supports Operation Allies Welcome

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), coupled with elements from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines (V 3/6) deployed this past weekend from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to Fort Pickett, Virginia in support of Operation Allies Welcome, a mission to provide Afghans temporary housing, sustainment, and support inside the United States in response to the State Department’s request for Department of Defense (DoD) assistance.