26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) - Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

Marines

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC)

A Certain Force In An Uncertain World

Our Mission is straight forward: While we provide a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the Geographic Combatant Commander (GCC), fundamentally, we must be ready, relevant, and capable of aggregating forces and deploying with limited notice as a MAGTF in support of crises, expeditionary operations on land or from the sea, or other emergent rotational requirements.

Featured Videos

FEATURED STORIES

26th MEU(SOC) Marines conduct amphibious operations with Hellenic Marines

MEDITERRANEAN SEA – The Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), will be participating in an integrated Greek Bi-Lateral Exercise with the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade, Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 1-3, 2023.

continue reading

‘Happy Birthday Marines and Semper Fidelis,’ Youngest Marine helps celebrates 248 years of tradition

MEDITERRANEAN SEA – Every year, around the world, all U.S. Marines currently serving, as well as those who have hung up their uniform for the last time, come together to celebrate the founding of their Corps. The Marine Corps Birthday is a time to honor the bloodline of Marines who have come and gone. As well as, celebrate the achievements made over the last two and a half centuries.

continue reading

26MEU(SOC) and USS Mesa Verde arrives in Cartagena, Spain for Mid-Deployment Voyage Repair and Spain Bilateral Exercise

CARTAGENA, Spain – The Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), arrived in Cartagena, Spain, Oct. 4, 2023, to conduct Marine Air-Ground Task Force unit-level sustainment training and a bilateral training exercise to strengthen relations with a key NATO ally during a scheduled mid-deployment maintenance period for the USS Mesa Verde.

continue reading

In The News

MILITARY EXERCISES NORTHERN COASTS

9/28/2023 - https://www.ventasbalss.lv/foto/2671-militaras-macibas-northern-coasts/81921

Marines aim to accelerate Force Design modernization, if budget allows

9/28/2023 - https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/09/08/marines-aim-to-accelerate-force-design-modernization-if-budget-allows/

How US Marines can protect commercial shipping in the Gulf

9/28/2023 - https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/2023/09/12/how-us-marines-can-protect-commercial-shipping-in-the-gulf/

Department of Defense to Deploy Forces to CENTCOM to Bolster Maritime Security

7/20/2023 - https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3466120/department-of-defense-to-deploy-forces-to-centcom-to-bolster-maritime-security/

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit Leave on Deployment

7/15/2023 - https://news.usni.org/2023/07/10/bataan-amphibious-ready-group-26-marine-expeditionary-unit-leave-on-deployment

Explore Photos

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mark Frick, a native of Baltimore, Maryland and explosive ordnance disposal team leader with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), photographs a neutralized simulated improvised explosive device during Exercise Northern Challenge 2023, Keflavik Airport, Iceland, Sept. 22, 2023. Northern Challenge 23 is an Icelandic Coast Guard-led bomb disposal exercise, hosted to train teams from over a dozen nations with response to incidents involving simulated improvised and military explosive devices. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Kyle Jia)

EOD Specialist

230906-M-WR609-1080 UDAIRI RANGE COMPLEX, Kuwait (Sept. 6, 2023) – A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), fires an M72 LAW anti-tank weapon during an integrated platoon reinforced live-fire attack with Kuwaiti Marines at Udairi Range Complex, Kuwait, Sept. 6, 2023. Elements of the 26th MEU(SOC) conduct bilateral training with Kuwait armed forces to increase interoperability, maintain operational readiness, and strengthen relationships with partner forces. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU(SOC) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Cordero)

Kuwait Bilateral Exercise

A U.S. Marine with Combined Anti-armor Team Red, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) gives the signal for the Marines to begin fast roping out of an MV-22 Osprey at Sierra del Retin Training Camp, Oct. 6, 2023. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docking ship USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Michele Clarke)

Spanish Bilateral Exercise

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) and Royal Bahrain Marines pose for a group photo after completing an urban terrain force-on-force training event during a Bahrain bilateral training exercise, undisclosed location in the Middle East, Sept. 10, 2023. The training was completed alongside members of the Royal Bahrain Marine Force to facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures between partners. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

Bahrain Bilateral Training

U.S. Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Detachment, employ the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) during Red Sands 23.2, a counter-unmanned aerial system live fire exercise conducted by the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Central at Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia on Sept. 10, 2023. This is the second iteration of the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center (IEC) concept, a forum to test and field counter-UAS systems and implement best practices to optimize interoperability between partners and systems. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Latasha Price)

Red Sands 23.2

230913-N-HA192-1122 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 13, 2023) Distinguished visitors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrive aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) for a tour of the ship in the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 13. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew F. Brown)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Visit

U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), disembark from a landing craft, air cushion to begin a patrol during an amphibious landing for Northern Coast 2023 (NOCO 23) in Ventspils, Latvia, Sept. 12, 2023. NOCO 23 is a German-led multinational exercise that strengthens military and maritime combat readiness through realistic training in order to sharpen interoperability with our Allies and partners. The San Antonio-class amphibious ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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 Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

Amphibious Landing

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adam White, company commander, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), speaks to media during an amphibious landing for Northern Coast 2023 (NOCO 23) in Ventspils, Latvia, Sept. 12, 2023. NOCO 23 is a German-led multinational exercise that strengthens military and maritime combat readiness through realistic training in order to sharpen interoperability with our Allies and partners. The San Antonio-class amphibious ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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 Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

Smile for the Camera

230814-N-ED646-2036- GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 14, 2023) Sailors assigned to dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) refuel a U.S. Marine Corps AH-12 Viper helicopter, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, 26th Marine Expeditonary Unit (MEU), during flight operations in the Gulf of Oman, Aug. 14, 2023. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval)

Viper Refuel

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) and Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) conduct a Manning the Rails ceremony during their a port visit on their scheduled deployment in Narvik, Norway, August 5, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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 Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

Welcome to Norway!

230806-N-LZ839-1046 SUEZ CANAL (Aug. 6, 2023) Amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transit the Suez Canal, Aug. 6, 2023. Bataan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Darren Newell)

Thru the Suez Canal

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Bravo Command Element, conducts a wash down of a MV-22 Osprey shortly after flying off the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in Bardufoss, Norway, Aug. 6, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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, allies and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Osprey Wash Down

Elements of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable (SOC)), prepare for their upcoming bilateral training with Norwegian Armed Forces by conducting a convoy with personnel and equipment from Narvik to Setermoen, Norway on Aug. 6, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Michele Clarke)

Offload and Roll Out

A U.S Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Bravo Command Element, conducts flight operations in Bardufoss, Norway, Aug. 7, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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, allies and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

'Golden Eagles' take to the sky

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), prepares for takeoff during a unit level training exercise in Djibouti, Aug. 8, 2023. While in Djibouti the 26th MEU’s Aviation Combat Element conducted reduced visibility landings, low altitude tactics, and air-to-air refueling to further advance aircrew training and proficiency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

Osprey used Sandstorm!

Unit Leaders

Colonel Dennis W. Sampson

Commanding Officer, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)

Born in Oceanside, California, Colonel Sampson is a third generation United States Marine raised in

Lieutenant Colonel Josef H. Wiese

Executive Officer, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)

Lieutenant Colonel Wiese is a native of Tacoma, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History

Sergeant Major James L. Horr

Sergeant Major, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)

Sergeant Major Horr began his current assignment as the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Sergeant

Resources
Media Information

Resources

Media Information

200602-M-UJ804-1001 Coronavirus Information Button.jpg

200603-M-UJ804-1001 Eagle Eyes Button.jpg

200714-M-LH997-0007 Off Limits Establishments Button.jpg

200714-M-LH997-0001 DBIDS Button.jpg

200603-M-UJ804-1002 PCS Button.jpg

200609-M-UJ804-1002 Voter Registration Button.jpg

200825-M-LH140-0001 Domestic Violence.jpg

200825-M-LH140-0004 SAPR.jpg

200714-M-LH997-0003 Veterans Expanded Access Button.jpg

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)