DOW Support to the Southern Border

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border place concertina wire on top of barriers at National Defense Area 2 near Fort Hancock, Texas, Aug. 6, 2026. The barrier reinforcement operation enhances detection and observation capabilities along the U.S. southern border.

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Robert Ward alongside Mexican, Ecuadorian, Colombian and Panamanian vessels conduct tactical signaling training during Panamax in the Pacific Ocean near Panama, Aug. 7, 2026. The exercise was designed to improve interoperability, sharpen skills and demonstrate the ability to respond and deter threats to the region and its critical waterways.

A member of the Coast Guard Women's Rugby Team carries the ball up field while being chased by members of the Navy Women's Rugby Team during a match in Annapolis, Md., Aug. 2, 2026.

Marines assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border reinforce concertina wire along the southern barrier in Naco, Ariz., July 31, 2026. Barrier reinforcement operations ensure sustained protection and observation capabilities along the U.S. southern border.

Army Sgt. Justin Masterson, left, and Spc. Vladimir Alves, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, retrieve a Skydio X10D small unmanned aircraft system after an aerial observation in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, July 23, 2026. The unmanned system helps detect illegal crossings and enhances aerial monitoring capabilities to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border.

Navy, Coast Guard and ships from allied and partner nations sail together during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026, July 22, 2026. Thirty nations, 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and more than 30,000 personnel are participating in the exercise, held in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

Mexican Border Defense Medals are displayed during a ceremony honoring soldiers assigned to the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at Joint Base San Antonio, June 15, 2026. This image was cropped to emphasize the subject and adjusted for color and light.

Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of 1st Armored Division and Joint Task Force Southern Border, observes a motion sensor array with soldiers and a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Fort Hancock, Texas, July 18, 2026. The sensor array detects suspected illegal entry into the Joint Operations Area and notifies Border Patrol agents.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Stevens and Petty Officer 2nd Class Chaz Russel deploy an air/sea rescue kit during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, July 21, 2026. The training fosters international partnership and maritime security.

Army Sgt. Mauri Sanchez and Staff Sgt. Chris Wright, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, demonstrate the C-100 capabilities during an unmanned aerial observation in Del Rio, Texas, July 3, 2026. The unmanned aircraft system helps detect illegal crossings and enhance aerial monitoring capabilities.

A C-100 unmanned aircraft system hovers above the ground as a soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border demonstrates its capabilities in Del Rio, Texas, July 3, 2026,

Army Sgt. Mauri Sanchez, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, demonstrates the capabilities of the C-100 unmanned aircraft system in Del Rio, Texas, July 3, 2026. The system helps detect illegal crossings and enhances aerial monitoring capabilities.

U.S. Coast Guardsmen and Norwegian crew members participate in damage control training aboard the USS Buttercup wet trainer in Newport, R.I., July 13, 2026. The trainer simulates flooding and battle damage aboard a ship, allowing crews to practice emergency repair and damage control response.

Army Sgt. Maj. William Frazer, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border in support of Operation Ardent Vanguard, observes recovery operations of the Persistent Surveillance System-Tethered aerostat at Site Noria near Santa Teresa, N.M., July 8, 2026. The PSS-T aerostat is an elevated monitoring platform that enhances situational awareness and supports border security operations.

Coast Guardsmen aboard the cutter Hollyhock work to place a new buoy off the coast of Honolulu for a restoration project as part of Rim of the Pacific 26, July 9, 2026. The exercise provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Eagle sails into Boston Harbor alongside other tall ships, July 11, 2026. Tall ships from more than 20 countries sailed into Boston to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

An Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border hovers over a telecommunication network system during an Operation Muleskinner Trailblazer III sling-load mission in Big Bend, Texas, July 2, 2026. The operation helped the U.S. Border Patrol replace telecommunications equipment to boost joint-agency communications.

Army Spc. Derrick Obeng, a construction equipment repairer assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, prepares the reach tube during a sling-load operation as part of Operation Muleskinner Trailblazer III in Big Bend, Texas, July 2, 2026. The operation helped the U.S. Border Patrol replace telecommunications equipment to boost joint-agency communications.

Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Wood, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, monitors terrain from the cargo ramp of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Operation Muleskinner Trailblazer III in Big Bend, Texas, July 2, 2026. The operation helped the U.S. Border Patrol replace telecommunications equipment to boost joint-agency communications.

Army Spc. Cody Doran, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew chief assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, assists with the dual-point sling-load hookup during Operation Muleskinner Trailblazer III in Big Bend, Texas, July 2, 2026. The operation helped the U.S. Border Patrol replace telecommunications equipment to boost joint-agency communications.