DOW Support to the Southern Border

Army Pfc. Juan-Carlos Morales assesses a simulated casualty during a partnered medical training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 6, 2026. The training enables medics to share best practices and gain valuable insights to prepare for the Army Best Medic Competition.

A soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border interacts with a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection during a joint patrol in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 31, 2025.

An airman adjusts specialized stanchion systems and adjustable wall fixtures during Pale Serpent at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 29, 2025. The exercise supported U.S. Africa Command's ability to respond to regional emergencies by preparing medical and evacuation teams to operate under realistic conditions.

A Marine assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border puts a post for a National Defense Area sign into the ground in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 26, 2025. This marks the fifth such area established along the southern border.

Coast Guardsmen conduct unmanned aircraft systems training aboard the Cutter Robert Ward off the coast of San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025. The training expands the crew's operational reach and sharpens response capabilities while saving time and resources.

Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Aaron Duran, left, and Juan Hilario fire on simulated adversary forces with an M240B machine gun while conducting platoon attacks in an urban environment during Korea Viper at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025. The exercise was designed to demonstrate the South Korea and U.S. Marine Corps' ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust.

An MK 38 25 mm machine gun fires during a live-fire exercise aboard the USS Michael Murphy at sea, Dec. 16, 2025.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Art prepares a safety line for hoisting during search and rescue operations as part of Steel Knight off the coast of Southern California, Dec. 12, 2025. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of participants to respond forward, integrate across domains and sustain Marine air-ground task force readiness.

A Marine fires an M4 carbine during a simulated raid as part of Steel Knight at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 12, 2025. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of participants to respond forward, integrate across domains and sustain Marine air-ground task force readiness.

U.S. forces participate in a live-fire event with Patriot missiles during Sky Shield at Udari Range Complex, Kuwait, Dec. 9, 2025. The exercise was designed to expand technical exchanges and advance regional understanding of counter-drone tactics and systems.

The USS George Washington and the USS Dewey participate in a maneuvering exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 10, 2025.

An Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II receives fuel from an HC-130J Combat King II during helicopter air-to-air refueling as part of Steel Knight off the coast of California, Dec. 7, 2025. The exercise was designed to improve interoperability, boost readiness and enhance coordination across battle space.

Airmen conduct water operations training during Steel Knight off the coast of California, Dec. 5, 2025. The exercise is designed to strengthen interoperability, refine combat readiness and enhance seamless coordination across battle space.

The USS Paul Ignatius fires the MK 45 5-inch gun during a naval surface fire support exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 4, 2025.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hayden Vitte performs a communications check with the AN/PRC-117F Falcon II multiband manpack radio during Steel Knight at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 8, 2025. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of participants to respond forward, integrate across domains and sustain Marine air-ground task force readiness.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Frank Blahut and Warrant Officer Carter Winters, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, prepare to land a Black Hawk helicopter at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Dec. 4, 2025, after completing a mission with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Navy SEALs provide simulated security during a crisis response exercise at the U.S. Embassy in Panama City, Dec. 5, 2025.

Marines fire an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer during Steel Knight at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 5, 2025. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of participants to respond forward, integrate across domains and sustain Marine air-ground task force readiness.

Soldiers conduct a platoon live-fire exercise while operating an M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Dec. 6, 2025. The exercise was designed to increase lethality and warfighting readiness.

Army Col. Joseph Katz, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) deputy commanding officer for support, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, observes the southern border during a visit to El Paso, Texas, Dec. 1, 2025. Katz visited to gain on-ground insight into operations in that sector.