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The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has officially taken up its position as the premier tactical force-in-readiness within the U.S. Southern Command’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), now operating under the designation Littoral Combat Force-24 (LCF-24). This milestone marks a significant development in the deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps’ forces in the region, underscoring the country’s commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring freedom of navigation.
LCF-24, a purpose-built Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) designed for distributed and littoral operations, is comprised of over 1,300 highly trained Marines and sailors. Commanded by Colonel Ryan Lynch, the force operates under the direction of Joint Task Force 84-2 in support of Operation Southern Spear. This operation seeks to counter emerging threats in the region and enhance the capabilities of U.S. Southern Command to maintain regional stability.
LCF-24 is an amphibious force, capable of operating from both shore-based nodes and the state-of-the-art amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28). This versatile capability allows the force to respond to a wide range of scenarios, from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to security cooperation and crisis response.
As part of its duties, LCF-24 will focus on developing and maintaining strategic relationships with regional partners, as well as conducting exercises and operations aimed at enhancing U.S. Southern Command’s capacity to address emerging regional security concerns. These efforts will help foster a sense of stability and cooperation among partner nations, while also highlighting U.S. willingness to defend its interests and values.
Images taken onboard the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) on May 29th showcase the readiness and effectiveness of the LCF-24 force, with crew and personnel demonstrating the full range of the unit’s capabilities. The presence of LCF-24 in the U.S. Southern Command AOR reinforces the country’s commitment to regional security and global leadership.
In assuming this new position, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and LCF-24 have solidified the U.S. Marine Corps’ position as a premier force-in-readiness, able to operate in a rapidly evolving security environment. The unit’s operational experience, combined with ongoing partnerships and diplomacy with regional partners, will help to sustain U.S. interests and promote international cooperation.