This past Monday, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) released a video on its official X account showcasing the tactical prowess of the Littoral Combat Force 24 (LCF-24), an elite unit stationed within SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility to aid in counter-narcotics operations across the Western Hemisphere.
The footage features several Marines adopting tactical stances on the deck of an amphibious ship while a Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopter, marked with tail number 63 and bearing the "MARINES" inscription, hovers at a low altitude with its side doors open.
The personnel on deck are outfitted in full tactical gear, including helmets, vests, radios, backpacks, night-vision goggles, and assault rifles, all donned in the Marine Corps' MARPAT camouflage uniforms.
SOUTHCOM accompanied the visual display with a message reading, "Always ready: The Marines and sailors of Littoral Combat Force 24 consistently demonstrate their elite combat readiness and skills while deployed in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility."
Additionally, the institution clarified that LCF-24 "supports Operation Southern Spear, operations directed by the Department of Defense, and the President's priorities of disrupting illicit narcotics trafficking and safeguarding the homeland through continuous presence."
LCF-24 represents the operational redesignation of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which formally assumed the mission on May 29, succeeding the 22nd MEU after nearly ten months of deployment. The unit is under the command of Colonel Ryan Lynch and comprises over 1,300 Marines and sailors organized as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).
The unit operates from the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico—reactivated in November 2025 following a $79 million investment—and aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28).
LCF-24 is certified for rapid reaction operations, which include embassy reinforcement, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, and maritime interdiction.
Operation Southern Spear was initiated on January 28, 2025, as a maritime surveillance mission and was officially expanded on November 13 of that year by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as an anti-narcoterrorism campaign.
From September 2025 to the present, the operation has carried out at least 62 airstrikes, destroying 63 vessels and resulting in over 208 fatalities among suspected narcotraffickers.
Just a day before SOUTHCOM’s publication, the Southern Spear Joint Task Force eliminated a drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, resulting in two deaths and six survivors.
On June 12, an operation strike led to the death of Niño Guerrero, leader of the Tren de Aragua, in coordination with Venezuelan authorities, marking one of the campaign's most significant successes to date.
In March, General Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM's commander, encapsulated the institution's stance: "It's time for our partners to take decisive action against this scourge of narcoterrorism."
Insight into SOUTHCOM's Operations and Strategies
What is the primary mission of Littoral Combat Force 24?
The primary mission of LCF-24 is to support counter-narcotics operations within the Western Hemisphere, focusing on disrupting illicit drug trafficking and enhancing homeland security through continuous presence.
What significant success has been achieved by Operation Southern Spear?
One notable success of Operation Southern Spear was the elimination of Niño Guerrero, leader of the Tren de Aragua, in coordination with Venezuelan authorities, which marked a significant blow to narcoterrorism.
Who is in command of Littoral Combat Force 24?
Colonel Ryan Lynch is the commander of Littoral Combat Force 24, overseeing a unit of over 1,300 Marines and sailors organized as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force.