DEFENDER is the Army’s largest annual opportunity to exercise moving personnel and equipment into theater across modes for initial and follow-on operations critical to Large Scale Combat Operations. Led by U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the exercise focuses on the strategic deployment of CONUS-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stock and follow-on exercises demonstrating lethality and interoperability with Allies and partners

DEFENDER 25 Outreach tour
DEFENDER 25 Infographic

Videos
Video by Cpl. Alora Finigan
31st MEU conducts off-loading and onloading rehearsals
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
Feb. 8, 2025 | 1:55
U.S. Marines and Navy sailors with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit load a landing craft, air cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7 onto the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during off-loading and onloading rehearsals in preparation for a ship to shore movement in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 29, 2025. The Marines and Navy sailors executed off-loading and onloading operations to certify joint operations between weaponized and amphibious units in support of Marine and Navy personnel. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprising amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Alora Finigan)
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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.