The United States conducted a series of live-fire operations off the Caribbean coast as part of the deployment of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, designated Special Operations Capable.
Helicopters of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MY) practiced firing from moving ships and practiced the sensor-gunner link that helps turn aerial observations into precision strikes at sea.
According to the command of the helicopter crew AH-1Z Cobra a UH-1Y Venom participated in exercises using rockets and heavy machine guns during separate series that took place on 16 and 22 September 2025.
+ Japanese fighters were raised after Russian bombers flew over the Sea of Japan
The exercises were conducted during the voyage of ships and aircraft to the Caribbean Sea as part of forces deployed in support of the missions of the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
Official pictures of the exercise, taken and published by the unit 22nd MYemphasized the unit’s focus on naval strikes, close air support and interdiction operations, the command said in a news release.
SOUTHCOM described the activity as training that strengthens Expeditionary Air Force tactics and improves interoperability with partner agencies. “Transnational criminal organizations threaten the security, prosperity and health of our hemisphere,” the admiral said Alvin Holsey in his statement.
The press release emphasized that these exercises support broader goals SOUTHCOMincluding the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and expand real-time information-sharing capabilities among the U.S. military, federal security forces, and partner nations.
Photo: 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit X @22nd_MEU. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
