US Marines link drone sensors and forward air bases in drill

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit operated two expeditionary advanced bases simultaneously off California with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. At one site, coastal radars, electronic sensors and small drones detected, identified and tracked vessels before transmitting data through Navy–Marine command networks; the wider event also included a separate forward aircraft-refueling function. Splitting sensing, command and sustainment across locations tested how Marines can support naval operations without presenting one concentrated target or node, a core requirement for expeditionary advanced base operations in contested littorals.