621st CRG and 22nd MEU Marines Expand Caribbean Airlift Capabilities

1st Lt. Brady Williams, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Marine Mobile Air Traffic Control Team officer in charge, and Capt. Juan Niño, 621st Contingency Response Group landing zone survey team lead, discuss the different requirements and criteria for landing zone surveys between the U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force in the SOUTHCOM AOR, Jan. 2026. The 621st Contingency Response Wing is a highly specialized team of Airmen that rapidly deploy to open airbases, coordinate air mobility operations, enable joint interoperability, and advise partner nations. From wartime taskings to disaster relief, the 621st CRW extends Air Mobility Command's reach in deploying people and equipment around the globe. (Courtesy photo).

621st CRG and 22nd MEU Marines Expand Caribbean Airlift Capabilities

Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Group and Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit set up a dirt landing zone for aircraft in the SOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility, Jan. 2026. The joint effort collaborated to share tactics, techniques and procedures, and become familiar with both unit’s equipment to facilitate a better understanding for future joint operations. The 621st Contingency Response Wing is a highly specialized team of Airmen that rapidly deploy to open airbases, coordinate air mobility operations, enable joint interoperability, and advise partner nations. From wartime taskings to disaster relief, the 621st CRW extends Air Mobility Command's reach in deploying people and equipment around the globe. (Courtesy photo).

621st CRG and 22nd MEU Marines Expand Caribbean Airlift Capabilities

Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Group pose for a group photo in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Operations after conducting landing zone survey operations. A landing zone survey must be conducted to evaluate the risk using any landing surface for military air-land operations. The 621st Contingency Response Wing is a highly specialized team of Airmen that rapidly deploy to open airbases, coordinate air mobility operations, enable joint interoperability, and advise partner nations. From wartime taskings to disaster relief, the 621st CRW extends Air Mobility Command's reach in deploying people and equipment around the globe. (Courtesy photo).

621st CRG and 22nd MEU Marines Expand Caribbean Airlift Capabilities

Published Feb. 9, 2026
By 1st Lt. Jessica McLaughlin
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY --

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Group (CRG) recently collaborated with a Marine Mobile Air Traffic Control Team (MMT) from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to significantly expand airlift capabilities in the Caribbean. The joint team surveyed and certified a C-130 landing zone on the island, opening the area to more mobility aircraft platforms.

This effort was a model of inter-service cooperation, with the 621st CRG Airmen integrating with their Marine partners to share tactics, techniques, and procedures for landing zone operations. The collaboration created valuable synergy for future joint missions in the region.

Combat engineers from Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), delivered a major enhancement to Camp Santiago's operational infrastructure by constructing a KC‑130J Super Hercules-capable runway.

Their work required precise surveying, grading, compaction, and surface preparation to meet the requirements of a C‑130 landing zone, transforming an undeveloped stretch of terrain into a fully functional tactical airstrip. This engineering achievement fundamentally expanded Camp Santiago's training and mobility capabilities, creating a direct link between ground forces operating in Puerto Rico and the MEU's airlift platform.

By enabling KC130J aircraft to land, refuel, and support distributed training events, 22nd MEU Marines effectively bridged the gap between land-based exercises and rapid, theater relevant lift capacity. Their work both strengthened forces' ability to project combat power across the Caribbean and left a lasting imprint on the theater.

In addition to the new landing zone, an engineering team from the 621 CRG deployed to conduct a critical pavement analysis, ensuring airfields are ready for contingency staging. The task force also surveyed two new drop zones, providing essential training locations for pararescue squadrons and boosting their proficiency for any emergency response scenario.

During operational lulls, the team conducted extensive academic refreshers on airfield criteria, operational procedures, and equipment fundamentals. This continuous training ensures that all personnel remain proficient and prepared for rapid deployment.