United States Marine Corps aviation units are arming F-35B fighter jets based in Puerto Rico as they prepare for combat missions in the Caribbean.
New images released by the Marine Corps show F-35B Lightning II aircraft being loaded with GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition at José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Puerto Rico.
The moves are part of ongoing missions led by the United States Southern Command and the Department of Defense, under President Trump’s orders to “combat illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland.”
The Marine Corps said the activity demonstrates the squadron’s readiness to conduct missions throughout the Caribbean as part of Southern Command’s broader effort to monitor, intercept and deter criminal networks using the region’s air and sea routes for smuggling.
Although the operations take place outside the United States, they target trafficking routes that directly impact U.S. communities and law enforcement agencies.
Photo: Michael Gavin. This content was created using AI and reviewed by editors.
