U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas Eaton, from Kentucky, a Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) gunner with 2nd LAAD Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, shoots at moving targets using the SMASH 2000L fire control system at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025. The SMASH 2000L system was developed with computer vision and machine learning technology and can be mounted to small arms weapons to target unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This system increases 2nd LAAD’s counter-UAS capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gavin K. Kulczewski)
U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct live-fire training with the SMARTSHOOTER system at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 16, 2025. The SMARTSHOOTER system was developed with computer vision and machine learning technology and can be mounted to small arms weapons to target unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This system increases 2nd LAAD's counter-UAS capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gavin K. Kulczewski)
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, was reactivated during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, on Thursday.
VMM-264, known as “The Black Knights,” was deactivated on June 24, 2020, under Force Design initiatives. Throughout the squadron’s deactivation, the Marine Corps conducted an analysis of force management to ensure no operational commitments were unmet. This analysis identified the need for an additional VMM squadron on the east coast to provide sustained operational support to II Marine Expeditionary Force. This change within 2nd MAW reflects incremental adjustments to Force Design to meet the operational demands of the service.
During the reactivation ceremony,...
12.11.2025 | JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Story by Capt. Jacob Ballard
