From II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2 July 2024

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina — A key transformational step in the Marine Corps’ journey of Force Design occurred in early July at the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) headquarters in Camp Lejeune.

During a visit by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, II MEF was officially validated as a Joint Task Force – Capable (JTF-C) headquarters on June 10, 2024. This milestone means II MEF is now ready to lead and coordinate complex operations involving different branches of the U.S. military and allied forces.

Transitioning to a JTF-C headquarters involves integrating and coordinating forces across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains, preparing for any situation, from peacekeeping missions to full-scale military operations. To prepare for this new role, II MEF participated in several key exercises that tested their ability to plan, execute and sustain complex operations.

From Feb. 10-17, 2023, around 1,200 Marines and Sailors with II MEF and its four major subordinate commands—2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Air Wing, and 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade — conducted Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise (MEFEX) 23 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This exercise showcased II MEF’s ability to command and control forces during a simulated peacekeeping operation in a challenging environment. It was a crucial step toward their JTF-C validation.

II MEF came together again in Camp Lejeune from Sept. 9-15, 2023, to exercise command and control capabilities with the subordinate commands as well as joint enablers during Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 23. JTFEX 23 simulated II MEF’s ability to operate as a task force during large-scale all-domain operations. Various tools were employed to test the command-and-control capabilities of II MEF during JTFEX 23 including a simulated information environment that tested the real-time response capabilities of the MEF.

In March 2024, II MEF participated in Nordic Response 24 in Norway, assuming authority as the Land Component Command headquarters for a multinational force. This exercise involved 20,000 participants from NATO allies and Nordic partner nations, focusing on crisis response in northern Europe. II MEF worked closely with Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish forces, demonstrating their ability to lead in cold weather conditions.

The validation process involved rigorous assessments by higher headquarters and independent evaluators, who verified II MEF’s capabilities in command and control, intelligence integration, logistics and cyber defense. Colonel Matthew T. McSorley, II MEF G-37 Director of Training, praised II MEF’s achievement.

“The validation of II MEF as a Joint Task Force – Capable headquarters is a significant milestone for the Marine Corps and our joint force capabilities. This transformation establishes II MEF as the service-retained JTF-C headquarters for assignment and tasking as an Immediate Response Force (IRF); enhancing our ability to respond to crises and underscores our commitment to maintaining a robust, adaptable, and ready force,” McSorley said.

As a JTF-C headquarters, II MEF will continue to evolve, embracing new technologies and doctrines. This new role places them at the forefront of the Marine Corps’ efforts to adapt to a complex global security environment. II MEF will play a crucial role in ensuring that the United States and its allies can face future conflicts with unity and strength.

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Marine Corps’ MQ-9A ER [extended-range] Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are capable of carrying an electronic warfare pod that renders the UAVs “mostly undetectable” to enemy radars, a senior Marine Corps official said.  

General Eric M. Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, speaking July 2 at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, discussing the capabilities of a Marine littoral regiment and the forces supporting them — including the Reaper UAVs — pointed out the sensing mission of the regiments in the first island chain in the Pacific. 

“What they bring with them is a sensing and making sense capability;” Smith said. “Some of the programs are classified. Some of the pods that go on our MQ-9s are classified. It’s called a T-SOAR pod, and what it does is it can mimic things that are sent to it that it detects, turn it around, and send it back so that it becomes a black hole. It becomes mostly undetectable.” 

“Without crossing classification levels, it has the ability to somewhat disappear off of an enemy radar,” he said later in the webinar, in response to a reporter’s question. “I’ll just leave it at that.” 

Although not clear, the commandant may have been referring to the Scalable Open Architecture Reconnaissance (SOAR) pod, which L3Harris describes as a “groundbreaking, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solution from L3Harris Technologies and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). SOAR integrates L3Harris’ industry leading full-band signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability with a medium altitude long-endurance GA-ASI Predator B wing-mounted pod to offer unparalleled options for warfighters in the ISR domain. SOAR provides significant mission expansion for Predator B operations against modern threats in new operating domains and a new dimension for remotely piloted aircraft systems.” 

The builder of the SOAR pod and the MQ-9, GA-ASI, says on its website that the SOAR pod “provides long-range detection, identification, and location of radar and communication signals of interest. SOAR enables MQ-9 or other aircraft operators to provide standoff surveillance — seeing threats before threats can see the aircraft — and communicate actionable intelligence. The system leverages significant U.S. government technology investments in strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems to provide a low-cost, widely deployable capability for a variety of National Security Council and Combatant Command signals intelligence collection objectives.” 

GA-ASI lists key benefits of the 634-pound SOAR pod as: 
 

• Enables long-range persistent surveillance of enemy communications and radar emitters 

• Enables cooperative collection and target exploitation capabilities 

• Features real time collection and onboard storage for post-mission analysis 

• Allows for true multi-intelligence target identification and tracking in real time 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), reactivated during a ceremony this morning aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina.  

HMLA-269, known as “The Gunrunners,” previously deactivated on Dec. 9, 2022, in accordance with Force Design initiatives. Throughout the course of the squadron’s brief deactivation, the Marine Corps conducted analysis on force management in order to ensure that no operational commitments were left unfulfilled. This analysis identified the need for an additional HMLA squadron on the East Coast to provide sustained operational support to II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). This change within 2nd MAW represents incremental change to Force Design to meet the conditions described in recent national security and defense strategies.   

The reactivation ceremony featured remarks from Col. David Fitzsimmons, commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group 29, who thanked the various advocates at 2nd MAW, II MEF, and Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, that made HMLA-269’s reactivation possible.   

“It was a decidedly somber day when HMLA-269 deactivated,” said Fitzsimmons. “That was certainly reversed today.”  

Also present was Lt. Col. Jens Gilbertson, commanding officer, HMLA-269, who highlighted Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMA) 269’s legacy as the Marine Corps’ first attack helicopter squadron and recounted the multiple pilots and aircrew within HMA and HMLA-269’s history who received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He noted that HMA and HMLA-269 was recognized eight times by the Marine Corps Aviation Association as the Marine Corps’ Light Attack Helicopter Squadron of the Year, more so than any other Marine Corps light attack helicopter squadron in history. Gilbertson also recognized the Marines of HMLA-269 who enabled the squadron’s reactivation.   

“Ultimately, it was up to these Marines to get it done,” said Gilbertson. “They have discipline, and they have precision, and that’s the same discipline and precision they’re going to bring when they maintain and fly our aircraft.”   

The squadron will resume operating the AH-1Z “Viper” attack helicopter and the UH-1Y “Venom” utility helicopter. Both aircraft are manned, trained, and equipped to fight from the sea into austere environments and confined littoral spaces, and support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing offensive air support, utility support, armed escort, and airborne supporting arms coordination.   

From the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit 

OKINAWA, Japan (June 24, 2024) – The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted the first overseas ship-to-shore operations with Amphibious Combat Vehicles June 24, 2024, at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan.  

Elements of the 15th MEU, embarked aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), arrived at White Beach June 18 for a port visit and to conduct sustainment training.  

During the training June 24, the Marines and Sailors of Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th MEU, embarked the ACVs as they splashed from the well deck of Harpers Ferry. Safety boats assigned to 3rd Expeditionary Operations Training Group then pulled alongside the ACVs to transfer personnel to their boats and back to the pier, simulating a situation that required personnel to execute safety egress procedures.  

Following the transfer of all embarked personnel, the ACV Platoon then transited through the nearby boat basin to come ashore at the White Beach area to conduct maintenance.  

“This was fairly standard training for us, but I’m proud it also represented the first overseas ship-to-shore employment of ACVs,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nick Freeman, commanding officer of BLT 1/5, 15th MEU. “We’ll continue to train at other locations in the months ahead, using a deliberate approach, capturing useful data and lessons learned, and ultimately sharpening our understanding of how to best employ the ACV in its intended environment — embarked with our forward-deployed ARG/MEUs.”  

In the days prior to the ACV amphibious operations, commanders from III Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Task Force 76, and Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade of the Japanese Self Defense Force and other commands visited 15th MEU aboard Harpers Ferry on June 20. This visit included a tour of the amphibious combat vehicles staged aboard Harpers Ferry, the ship’s well deck, the ACV simulator, and a demonstration of an unmanned hydrographic sensor. See imagery of this visit on DVIDS here. Some of the VIPs also returned to observe the ACV egress training.  

Marines and Sailors of Alpha Company, BLT 1/5, are scheduled to host Marines of Battalion Landing Team 1/4, their counterpart unit assigned to the 31st MEU, at White Beach for a subject matter expert exchange about expeditionary ACV operations. The hands-on exchange will include topics such as well deck operations, vehicle handling, maintenance, embarked troops and amphibious operations.  

The 15th MEU’s Reconnaissance Company is also scheduled to pair with other U.S. military units in the area in the coming days to conduct integrated maritime interdiction operations. The teams will plan, rehearse and execute a simulated visit, board, search and seizure mission using small boats to climb aboard Harpers Ferry and clear key objective areas together to improve their ability to conduct these types of specialized missions.  

“Although this was a routinely-scheduled port visit, both Harpers Ferry and the 15th MEU took advantage of the time to conduct sustainment training to enhance their readiness and cross-train with other Navy and Marine Corps units to strengthen our force,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Chris Stone, commander, Task Force 76 and Expeditionary Strike Group 7. “It was incredible to see the ACVs in operation, as they truly are a force multiplier in this area of operations.”  

The 15th MEU is under the command and control of Commander, Task Force 76, which the U.S. 7th Fleet employs to cooperate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.  

As the U.S. 7th Fleet’s primary Navy advisor on amphibious matters in the 7th Fleet area of operations, CTF 76 is responsible for conducting expeditionary warfare operations to support a full range of theater contingencies, ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations to full combat operations.  

MARIETTA, Ga., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin recently delivered the 2,700th Hercules multi-mission tactical airlifter, increasing the size, reach, and strength of the worldwide C-130 fleet. 

This landmark aircraft is a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker operated by the U.S. Marine Corps’ VMGR-252 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. 

Defined by its proven performance and unmatched versatility, operators in 70 nations around the world fly C-130 airlifters to support any mission – anywhere, any time. The current C-130 production model is the C-130J Super Hercules, which includes the KC-130J tactical tanker. To date, the C-130J is certified to support 18 different mission requirements. 

“The Lockheed Martin team is honored to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. “Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C-130’s ongoing relevance.”
The KC-130J is the global standard for tactical tankers, refueling a majority of rotary-wing aircraft in operation today and multiple fixed-wing aircraft including the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lighting II fighter aircraft. With its truly tactical design, the KC-130J has the ability to fly at the slow speeds and low altitudes that are ideal when refueling helicopters.

Always evolving, continually innovating, and ready for what’s next, the Super Hercules leads the charge by setting standards and shaping the future of tactical airlift missions –  including humanitarian operations around the world. The global C-130J fleet spans 26 operators in 22 nations with 20+ airworthiness certifications. With nearly 3 million flight hours logged across the global fleet of 540+ C-130Js, invaluable insights gained from missions in every scenario equip the C-130J for what’s next. 

17 June 2024 

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Gen. Eric Smith signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Amphibious Warfare Ship Terms of Reference, June 12, 2024, demonstrating Navy and Marine Corps full alignment and commitment to amphibious ship readiness.   

WASHINGTON, (June 17, 2024) – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Gen. Eric Smith signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Amphibious Warfare Ship Terms of Reference, June 12, 2024, demonstrating Navy and Marine Corps full alignment and commitment to amphibious ship readiness.   

The signing follows the CNO and CMC’s letter earlier this year to their three-star officers who oversee plans and operations, calling for a deep dive on ship readiness and requirements for the training and certification of Amphibious Ready Groups.  

“The Marine Expeditionary Unit is our crown jewel, and our Amphibious Warfare Ships are the most versatile, adaptable naval platforms in our inventory,” said Smith. “This MOU ensures consistency and uniformity in how each service talks about amphibious force readiness so we can better plan and execute naval operations. Ultimately, this creates a stronger Navy/Marine Corps team for all our Marines, Sailors, and the American people.”  

The CNO echoed CMC’s sentiment emphasizing that above all else, these new terms are intended to aid in better joint risk decisions between Navy and Marine Corps commanders and ensure the Navy remains ready and prepared to support contingency operations with the Marine Corps.  

“Our Navy – Marine Corps team generates combat power with global impact – unmatched by any other naval force every day,” said Franchetti. “We stand ready to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war, if called to do so. This MOU will ensure the ARG-MEU team remains the centerpiece of our naval expeditionary warfare presence, forcible entry, and sea basing capabilities.”  

The new terms of reference serve as supplemental guidance to existing readiness reporting criteria and will ensure consistency and uniformity in Navy and Marine Corps amphibious force planning, assessment, and operational mission execution.  

The Department of the Navy is committed to reducing maintenance delays and is heavily investing in readiness in the Fiscal Year 2025 Presidential Budget.  

The joint MOU was signed during the 2024 Naval Board. Guided by the CNO and CMC’s priorities, the Naval Board provides a regular forum for senior leaders to consider naval policy and guidance that affects warfighting issues, and works with type commanders to identify solutions for remediating those deficiencies.   

Further remarks from the CNO and CMC on the MOU can found in this video. 

By 24th MEU (SOC) Public Affairs Office, June 10, 2024 

KALLINGE  –  The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) deployed a detachment of U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier jets, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and personnel to Ronneby Airport in Kallinge, Sweden to conduct expeditionary advanced base flight operations in support of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 24, June 9, 2024. 

The aircraft are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU (SOC), which is currently deployed with the U.S. Navy Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). While based at Ronneby Airport, the detachment is capable of self-sustaining and self-deploying in support of various events with NATO Allies during BALTOPS 24. 

“Our self-deploying and self-sustaining detachment demonstrates the ARG-MEU’s ability to project force more than 900 nautical miles and establish a forward operating base in the Baltic region,” said Lt. Col. Cory Jobst, commanding officer, VMM-365 (REIN). “This expeditionary advanced base is a historic first with our longstanding partner, and newest NATO Ally, Sweden.” 

The USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS New York (LPD 21), with the Wasp ARG and embarked 24th MEU (SOC), are participating in BALTOPS 24. The Wasp ARG-24th MEU (SOC) is deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations to support high-end warfighting exercises while demonstrating speed and agility in a dynamic security environment. 

BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime focused military exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. 

BALTOPS 24 is also part of the U.S. Department of Defense exercise series, Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE). LSGE is an umbrella term that incorporates several exercises and military activities, which enable the U.S. Joint Force to train with Allies and partners and improve shared understanding, trust and interoperability on security challenges across the globe. 

While the exercise is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, it will be command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal. 

From the U.S. Department of Defense, June 6, 2024  

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: 

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Melvin G. Carter for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Information, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. Carter is currently serving as the deputy director of Cybersecurity for Combat Support, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland. 

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, Training and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia. Watson is currently serving as the commanding general, 1st Marine Division, San Diego, California. 

$476 billion contribution helps build a ‘greater, more Climate-Ready Nation’ 

From NOAA, June 7, 2024 

The American marine economy continued to bolster the nation in 2022 as demonstrated by increased sales and jobs, according to the most recent statistics from the annual Marine Economy Satellite Account (MESA) released by two Department of Commerce agencies — NOAA and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). 

The marine economy contributed a total of $476 billion in economic impact in 2022, making up nearly 2% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). It generated $777 billion in sales, and supported 2.4 million jobs in 2022. MESA provides valuable insights on how the marine sector contributes to the nation’s economy.  

“A strong, sustainable marine economy helps build a greater, more Climate-Ready Nation,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. “The Biden-Harris Administration and the Department of Commerce are committed to enhancing the marine economy, and helping communities and ecosystems grow and thrive.”   

“These figures show how essential the Blue Economy is to American prosperity,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “The ocean and the Great Lakes are integral to the overall health of America’s economy, and they impact our lives in numerous ways.”  

The largest contributors to GDP are tourism and recreation, with $163 billion; national defense and public administration, with $149 billion; and offshore minerals, with $62 billion.  

The sales sectors that showed the most growth for 2022 include: 
• Ship and boat building, up 14.6%; 
• Coastal tourism and recreation, up 8.1%; and 
• Marine transportation and warehousing, up 7%. 

For the first time, MESA includes information on wind energy and alternative power generation, allowing for a greater understanding of the offshore wind industry’s importance to the nation’s economy. Wind farm construction totaled $161 million in sales, and alternative power generation totaled $10 million in sales.  

MESA is in its seventh year, as NOAA and the BEA produce statistics that improve national estimates for ocean, coastal and major water bodies’ economic activity by major industry, accounting for inflation. The data comprises 10 sectors that represent businesses dependent on America’s ocean, coasts and the Great Lakes. 

“This report underscores the critical need to do whatever we can to support and bolster the marine sector,” said NOAA’s National Ocean Service Assistant Administrator, Nicole LeBoeuf. “Our nation’s marine economy influences many aspects of our economic landscape and our daily lives, affecting regions far beyond our coasts.” 

These data reflect a period from 2017 to 2022 and is the most comprehensive and accurate produced to date. The marine economic statistics validate previous estimates of the marine economy’s value. 

The 10 sectors, ranked by sales, adjusted for inflation, and percentage change compared to the previous year: 
• Tourism and recreation, $220 billion, up 8.1%. 
• National defense and public administration, $194 billion, down 2.5%. 
• Offshore minerals, $66 billion, down 1.3%. 
• Transportation and warehousing, $56 billion, up 7%. 
• Living resources, $31 billion, down 6.7%. 
• Ship and boat building, $20 billion, up 14.6%. 
• Coastal utilities, $15 billion, down 3.2%. 
• Research and education, $12 billion, up 4%. 
• Professional and technical services, $8 billion, down 5.5%. 
• Marine construction, $7 billion, up 3.1%. 

“We can continue building a thriving marine economy for America by investing in restoration, sustainability and working closely with stakeholders,” said NOAA Chief Economist Monica Grasso, Ph.D. “A thriving, resilient marine economy uplifts our communities and drives our nation forward.” 

The report, data and other information are available at NOAA’s Digital Coast website and on the BEA Marine Economy website. MESA’s statistics reflect 2022 data, given data availability and the analysis process. 

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command, 01 June 2024 

ATLANTIC OCEAN – Sailors and Marines assigned to the Wasp (WSP) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) began deployment operations in the Atlantic, June 1. 
 
The deployment is a scheduled rotation of forces that fosters maritime security and increased theater cooperation. The ARG provides a forward naval expeditionary presence with vast, specialized crisis response capabilities to support geographic combatant commander, numbered fleet commander, and joint special operations task force commander. 
 
“The Wasp ARG is ready,” said Capt. Nakia Cooper, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4. “I’m confident in the skill and unwavering commitment of our team. Through robust training and real-world events, we have demonstrated professionalism and proficiency at every level. We are ready to support combatant commanders around the globe in any capacity deemed necessary.” 
 
WSP ARG certified to deploy following a composite training unit exercise, which concluded May 12. The ARG consists of three Hampton Roads-based ships: amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), and dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), totaling more than 4,500 Sailors and Marines across the force. 
 
“The Marines and Sailors of the 24th MEU (SOC) demonstrated their tactical acumen throughout our pre-deployment training program, and we are ready to execute in any clime or place,” said Col. Todd Mahar, commanding officer, 24th MEU (SOC). “We are excited to deploy with our Wasp ARG teammates and take our naval warfighting capabilities forward to support national security objectives.” 
 
Coupled with the WSP ARG, the 24th MEU (SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals or weapons engagement zones of an adversary. The 24th MEU (SOC) serves as one of the Nation’s primary crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, including enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the geographic combatant commander. 
 
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. 
 
To learn more about WASP ARG and 24th MEU “Team of Teams,” visit their DVIDS feature page at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu. 
 
You can find Amphibious Squadron 4, Wasp Amphibious Ready Group on Facebook and DVIDS. 
 
You can find the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit on Facebook, Twitter (@the24MEU), Instagram (@24MEU), and DVIDS. 
 
You can find USS Wasp on Facebook and Instagram (@usswas