Blount Island Visit Strengthens Joint Operability, Supports Allied Cooperation - U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alexander Woodward, port operations officer in charge at Blount Island Command, explains cargo loading procedures Sept. 19, 2025, during a tour aboard the USNS Sgt. William W. Seay, a cargo ship operated by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The ship visit was part of a WHINSEC tour highlighting how the Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs support rapid global response. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Dustin Senger)

Blount Island anchors readiness talks as Marine leaders set priorities - Regional commanders and sergeants major listen to U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr., commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, discusses perimeter security while touring Blount Island aboard an Improved Navy Lighterage System Sept. 9, 2025, during the Marine Corps Installations East fall commander’s conference at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Jacksonville, Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Dustin Senger)

Blount Island Command Marks 39 Years of Global Marine Corps Readiness - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tatiana Corbeil of Sarasota, Florida, receives a piece of cake from Sgt. Elizbeth Diazpilier during Blount Island Command’s 39th birthday celebration Sept. 4, 2025, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Jacksonville, Florida. The event honored the command’s nearly four decades of supporting the Marine Corps’ global reach and rapid response capabilities. (Official Marine Corps Photo/Dustin Senger)

Blount Island Marines Support Special Operations Osprey Launch - U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command takeoff in a CV-22 Osprey during maneuvers Aug. 25, 2025, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The launch was supported by aviation ground support equipment provided by Blount Island Command. OPSEC redactions applied per DoD guidance. (Official Marine Corps Photo/Cpl. Nicholas Martinez)

M777 howitzer backloaded onto USNS Pililaau - An M777 howitzer is pulled aboard the USNS Pililaau during backload operations Aug. 19, 2025, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The return of howitzers to maritime prepositioning, along with new innovations such as a recoil exerciser, strengthens long-term readiness for global contingencies. (Official Marine Corps Photo/Dustin Senger)

U.S. Marines load an MV-22 Osprey onto a vessel - U.S. Marines secure an MV-22 Osprey aboard a contracted vessel Aug. 15, 2025, at Dames Point Marine Terminal in Jacksonville, Florida. Blount Island Command provided tow tractors and other prepositioned equipment to support Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) as part of regional responsiveness efforts in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa area of responsibility. (Official Marine Corps Photo/Dustin Senger)

Marine Corps Slipway Survey Supports Prepositioning, Hurricane Readiness - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District conduct a slipway survey Aug. 6 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, supporting efficient and uninterrupted maritime operations for Marine Corps prepositioning program. Quarterly hydrographic surveys support efficient operations for the Marine Corps prepositioning programs by monitoring sediment buildup and confirming dredging needs around the slipway, ensuring the safe movement of maritime prepositioning ships. Third quarter data is especially important during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, for assessing storm damage and identifying hazards, such as sunken vessels or debris. (Official Marine Corps Photo/Cpl. Nicholas Martinez)

Faster, Sharper, Safer: Blount Island Shop Powers Global Readiness - Jeremy Biggers, woodworker, operates a computer-controlled beam saw July 21, 2025, in the preservation, packing and packaging shop at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Installed for Blount Island Command, the HK5 PL Series Horizontal Beam Saw was placed into production that day to enhance precision cutting and output in support of global prepositioning missions. (Official Marine Corps Photo/Dustin Senger)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nicholas Martinez holds a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nicholas Martinez holds a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal after a formation July 15 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida. Martinez, 22, of Doral, Florida, earned the volunteer medal for his dedication to children with autism and their families, spanning more than 500 hours of volunteer service in Jacksonville. The medal is awarded to service members for exceptional, sustained volunteer service to the civilian community that produces tangible results and reflects favorably on the Marine Corps. Martinez’s commitment, spanning from October 2021 to October 2024, exemplified these criteria through his consistent coaching and mentorship. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo/Dustin Senger)

Merles Takes Helm at Key Marine Corps Logistics Hub in Florida - U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Merles speaks to service members, government civilians, defense contractors and community leaders during a change of command ceremony July 2 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Col. Luke Watson, who had served as commanding officer of Blount Island Command since Aug. 11, 2023, relinquished command to Merles while aboard the USNS Sgt. William W. Seay, a U.S. Navy maritime prepositioning ship. The facility is the hub of the Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command supports Marine expeditionary forces worldwide during military exercises and contingency operations, from combat to humanitarian. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo/Dustin Senger)