A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II conducted a live-fire precision strike from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during an October 2 exercise over the Caribbean Sea, according to defense officials familiar with the operation. The Pentagon characterized the sortie as part of ongoing readiness training, but officials acknowledged that the mission was executed under “operational conditions” and carried strategic signaling value in light of rising regional tensions following a deadly maritime interdiction involving Venezuelan forces days earlier. Read full Naval News at this link ...
 |
| A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II launches from the flight deck of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during a live-fire strike exercise conducted by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit while operating in the Caribbean Sea on October 2, 2025. The mission highlights forward-deployed U.S. naval air power amid escalating regional tensions. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) |
Read More