On Wednesday, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) engaged in nighttime rapid reaction drills at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, as announced by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on its official social media channels.
Photographs released by SOUTHCOM capture marines fully equipped with tactical gear boarding a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during the nocturnal operation, with the rotor blades creating luminous trails captured in long exposure shots.
This exercise is part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Defense with three stated goals: disrupting drug trafficking, deterring hostile actors, and safeguarding national territory through continuous presence in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.
SOUTHCOM clarified that the forces are deployed "in support of Operation Southern Spear, operations led by the Department of Defense, and presidential priorities."
The 24th MEU, operating under the designation Littoral Combat Force 24 (LCF-24) and commanded by Colonel Ryan Lynch, officially took over the mission on May 29, relieving the 22nd MEU, which returned to Camp Lejeune.
This unit comprises over 1,300 marines and sailors with integrated air and ground capabilities, certified for rapid response operations, including embassy reinforcement and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel.
The connection to Cuba is direct: on June 4, LCF-24 conducted simultaneous training missions from the deck of the USS Fort Lauderdale to the Cuban coastline, as reported by SOUTHCOM.
Roosevelt Roads, initially closed in 2004, was reactivated in November 2025 as a logistical hub for regional operations, with a projected $79 million investment for its rehabilitation.
Wednesday's drills are part of a series of exercises that have heightened U.S. military presence in the Caribbean in recent months.
Exercise FLEX 2026, held from April 24 to 30 in Key West, integrated drones, artificial intelligence, and conventional naval forces in the first comprehensive demonstration of a kinetic detection and response chain in the region.
On May 20, SOUTHCOM announced the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Caribbean for the multinational exercise Southern Seas 2026, while more than 8,100 U.S. troops will conduct maneuvers in Puerto Rico between May and August 2026, as confirmed by the island’s governor on June 11.
Since February 4, the U.S. has logged over 150 hours of aerial surveillance around Cuba using P-8A Poseidon, RC-135V Rivet Joint aircraft, and the MQ-4C Triton drone, a presence the Havana regime cannot overlook.
Key Aspects of U.S. Military Exercises in Puerto Rico
What is the purpose of the Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear aims to disrupt drug trafficking, deter hostile actors, and protect U.S. territory by maintaining a continuous military presence in the region.
What does the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit specialize in?
The 24th MEU specializes in rapid response operations, including embassy reinforcement and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, utilizing both ground and air capabilities.
How has the U.S. increased its military presence in the Caribbean?
The U.S. has intensified its military activities in the Caribbean through exercises like FLEX 2026 and Southern Seas 2026, as well as by deploying thousands of troops and enhancing surveillance around Cuba.