The U.S. Southern Command has released new footage showing Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting live-fire exercises from rigid-hull inflatable boats in the Caribbean Sea. The drills, held on October 14, 2025, demonstrated the Marines’ ability to rapidly respond to maritime threats, including drug trafficking and regional instability emanating from nearby Venezuela and cartel activity throughout the region.

Operating from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, the 22nd MEU executed simulated maritime interdiction missions—engaging moving targets and practicing precision fire coordination in dynamic sea conditions. The training showcased the unit’s operational flexibility and readiness to carry out complex missions at sea, reinforcing America’s deterrence posture and commitment to regional stability under the Trump administration’s strong national defense doctrine.

U.S. Southern Command emphasized that these exercises are routine but essential, improving the Marines’ capacity to support counter-narcotics operations, humanitarian assistance, and crisis response missions across the Caribbean and Latin America. Officials noted that such training directly contributes to maintaining security partnerships with allied nations and deterring illicit networks that exploit maritime routes for trafficking and migration.

The footage, released by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, underscored the discipline and precision of the Marines as they executed live-fire operations under strict safety and coordination protocols. Defense analysts say the timing of the drills sends a clear signal of U.S. resolve to protect its interests and allies in the Western Hemisphere, particularly as regional instability continues to challenge democratic governance and border security.

As President Trump continues to prioritize a strong military and secure borders, exercises like these highlight America’s enduring leadership in defending freedom, combating transnational threats, and ensuring stability across the hemisphere.