“It can do just about everything…”
The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit have proven crucial to the success of recent operations in the Caribbean as part of #OpSouthernSpear.
During testimony March 19 before the Senate Armed Services Committee, #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan told lawmakers how invaluable the Navy-Marine Corps team has been on a daily basis, demonstrating its lethality, precision and superiority to regional friends and foes alike. @USMC@MARFORSOUTH@22nd_MEU@USNavy@NAVSOUS4THFLT@DeptofWar@SecWar@iimefmarines
“Southern Command continues to track the ‘dark fleet,’ those vessels that have been designated carrying illicit oil from or to Venezuela.”
During testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan highlighted the U.S. military's resolve in its mission to combat illicit activities in the region, working closely with @DHSgov, @StateDept, and @TheJusticeDept.
@DeptofWar@USNavy@NAVSOUS4THFLT@USMC@MARFORSOUTH@22nd_MEU
The morning of March 14, 2019, the American flag was lowered for the final time at U.S. Embassy Caracas. This morning, on March 14, 2026, at the same time, my team and I raised the American flag—exactly seven years after it was lowered.
A new era for U.S.-Venezuela relations has begun.
Onward with Venezuela. - LFD
Fun fact: this whole journey started with a whiteboard. I’d break down big, messy defense/military/Marine Corps ideas visually so they’d click for anyone. People noticed (shoutout to the OGs!), and that whiteboard quickly became my signature style.
Breaking News: The U.S. conducted joint military operations with Ecuador against “designated terrorist organizations,” the Pentagon said. https://t.co/KhyYKcgsgX
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.
Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.
“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country.” - #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
@USembassyEc@DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear #SOUTHCOM
Spike in new followers, thanks @johnkonrad.
If you’re new to my feed, I’m passionate about making complex national security topics more approachable. Here’s my summary of @SecWar’s National Defense Strategy… for starters ⬇️
Another historic day as we welcomed #SOUTHCOM Commander General Donovan to Venezuela. In Caracas, General Donovan started by meeting with his team of Joint Force service members – once again standing watch at U.S. Embassy facilities – and his interagency partners. He then met with interim authorities to assess the security environment, ensure the implementation of @POTUS’ three-phase plan, and advance the goal of a U.S.-aligned Venezuela. @DeptofWar
In a ceremony at the Pentagon today, U.S. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan assumed command of #SOUTHCOM, succeeding acting commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus.
General Donovan brings decades of distinguished service and leadership experience to SOUTHCOM. An infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations officer, he has led Marines and Sailors in combat, contingency, and expeditionary operations across the globe, including at sea, from the sea, and ashore.
SOUTHCOM plays a pivotal role in advancing the National Defense Strategy by disrupting illicit networks, deterring malign actors, and fostering security and prosperity throughout the Western Hemisphere. #PeaceThroughStrength
Read more: https://t.co/HyTucdyZqX
@DeptofWar@SecWar@USMC@thejointstaff@WHAAsstSecty@USAenEspanol@USAemPortugues@USArmyWHC@AFSOUTH@MARFORSOUTH@NAVSOUS4THFLT@SOCSOUTH@JTF_Bravo
📍Caribbean Sea
#marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), conduct a live-fire deck shoot aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, on Oct. 14, 2025
@USMC 📸
@Southcom@DeptofWar
Our @USMC Marines assigned to the @22nd_MEU stay ready to dominate in any terrain.
The unit conducted a reconnaissance and surveillance exercise on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, while deployed in the Caribbean in support of @southcom.
Forward deployed Marines in operation SOUTHERN SPEAR & the Indo-Pacific show why restoring a 3.0 ARG/MEU matters. Read my Op-ed here: https://t.co/8dF6R6Q1Zu
President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering.
Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.
Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood – and we will protect it.
Elite warriors ready to meet any challenge: Marines with @22nd_MEU demonstrate their lethality during training in support of the #SOUTHCOM mission, @DeptofWar-directed ops, & @POTUS' priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking & protect the homeland. @MARFORSOUTH@USMC@SecWar
#MarineCorps Lt. Col. Leigh Ross, the operations officer with 4th Civil Affairs Group, briefs leadership from the Quick Reaction Force Brigade, Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF), prior to a female engagement team civil affairs Subject Matter Expert Exchange in Zarqa, Jordan, Aug. 8.