1,300 More US Marines, Sailors Join Caribbean Buildup as Pressure on Cuba Mounts

1,300 More US Marines, Sailors Join Caribbean Buildup as Pressure on Cuba Mounts Approximately 1,300 U.S. Marines and sailors have begun operating in the Caribbean Sea, augmenting the existing U.S. force presence. This deployment, led by Littoral Combat Force-24, is part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and joins other U.S. military elements already in the region. The buildup occurs during a period of increased U.S. diplomatic pressure on Cuba.

• About 1,300 U.S. Marines and sailors are now operating in the Caribbean Sea.
• This force is known as Littoral Combat Force-24 and is part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
• They join existing U.S. military forces, including the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Nimitz.
• The deployment coincides with rising U.S. diplomatic pressure on Cuba.