(Iwo Jima ARG – 22nd MEU(SOC): From 1983 Invasion to Anti-Drug Deployment 2025)
The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which integrate naval and combat resources from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, is the special combat structure deployed by the U.S. government to counter drug cartels in the southern Caribbean.
However, a specific review of the formation, characteristics, and integrated capabilities shows the potential (or threat) of an invasion into Latin America. On Thursday, August 14, the USS Iwo Jima, leading the group, departed from Norfolk, Virginia.
Written by: Data Journalism Platform Team of La Tabla
I. Combat Legacy: The Ghost of Grenada
· October 1983: The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MAU, now MEU) was decisive in Operation Urgent Fury.
· Captured 75% of the island in 72 hours.
· Rescued 600 American students under fire in St. George.
· Neutralized Cuban BTR-60s in urban combat.
· Strategic lesson: Demonstrated capacity for mass rescues in hostile territory.
II. The Current Amphibious Group: Iwo Jima ARG
(Key operational and technical data)
⚓ Nuclear Ships
Ship Class Capacity Marines Speed Commander Critical History
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) Wasp (LH/D) 1,687 20 knots Commander: Captain Richard Haley – Iraq (2003), Katrina (2005) – Maintenance delays 2024
USS San Antonio (LPD-17) San Antonio 800 22 knots Commander: Capt. Thomas J. Uhl – Engine failed 4 times (2011) – Repair costs: $36M
USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) San Antonio Block II 800 22 knots Commander: Captain Jiwan A. Mack – First deployment (2025) – Improved design
All commanders assumed their roles in June 2025, prior to the Caribbean deployment (August 2025).
Superior Command: Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8
· Commander: Captain Christopher Ferricker
· Role: Coordinates all operations of the Iwo Jima ARG and supervises command changes on the USS San Antonio.
⏱️ Operational Projection
· Time to Venezuela from:
· Curacao (U.S. base): 6-8 hours (maximum speed).
· Colombia (current operational zone): 3-4 hours.
· Norfolk (U.S.): 3.5 days.
III. The 22nd MEU(SOC): A Steel Fist
🪖 Tactical Profile
· Personnel: 2,200 Marines + 600 supporting sailors.
· Commander: Colonel Tom “Banshee” Trimble (aggressive style, emphasis on “lethal response”).
· Certification: Special Operations Capable (SOC) since 1986.
✅ Key Competencies
1. Civil Extraction:
· Grenada (1983): 600 students.
· Liberia (1996): 1,600 civilians in Operation Assured Response.
· Beirut (2006): Evacuations under bombardment.
2. Quick Strikes:
· Night amphibious assault (Grenada).
· Airport takeovers (Point Salines, 1983).
3. Territorial Control:
· Occupation of cities (Grenada, FOB Ripley in Afghanistan 2004).
❌ Strategic Weakness
· Zero Experience in Anti-Drug Operations: They rely on Coast Guard for maritime interdictions.
IV. Operational Context 2025
· Official Narrative: Deployment against “narcoterrorism” in the southern Caribbean (Southern Command).
· Total Force: 4,000 personnel with support from:
· Destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG-84) (AEGIS system).
· Unidentified nuclear submarine.
· P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
· Recent Exercises:
· COMPTUEX (July 2025): Simulations of Non-Combatant Evacuation (NEO) and amphibious assault.
V. The Elephant in the Room: Venezuela Scenario
Indicators of Invasive Capacity
1. Similarity Grenada 1983 → Venezuela 2025:
· Same unit (22nd MEU).
· Justification pattern: “Civilian Protection” (1983) vs. “Counter Drug” (2025).
2. Critical Resources Embarked:
· 8 LCAC boats: Transport AAV-7A1 armored vehicles to beaches.
· 12 CH-53K helicopters: Rapid troop mobilization.
· Field Hospitals: For mass treatment of civilians/injured.
3. Revealing Statements:
· Colonel Trimble (August 2025): “We are the choice force for sudden crises.”
VI. Conclusion: Between Narcos and Contingencies
The 22nd MEU is not a drug police force: it is a strategic hammer. Its deployment off the coast of Venezuela—with the same structure that invaded Grenada—exceeds drug combat. The numbers don’t lie:
· 800 Marines per amphibious ship ready to land in 4 hours.
· SOC certification for covert operations.
· Aggressive commander with a history of rescues under fire.
Like in 1983, it could shift from “security operation” to a lightning intervention if Washington gives the order. The shadow of Grenada looms large.