Marines and sailors combat drone threats by digging trenches
By Todd South
Jun 18, 2025, 05:42 PM
In a recent exercise, U.S. Marines and sailors worked with Latvian Army troops to build and fortify trenches designed for drone warfare. (Chief Petty Officer Justin Stumberg/Navy)
U.S. Marines and sailors worked alongside Latvian Army troops recently to clear woods and build a warren of trenches for countering potential drone threats — both as practice for real-world deployments and to test new battlefield tactics.
Marines from the 8th Engineer Support Battalion and Seabees with Naval Construction Battalion 14 performed trench-building and fortification activities in an exercise in Skrunda, Latvia, according to a Navy release.
“These field fortifications are built to reduce detection, limit exposure to unmanned systems, and enhance force protection across the battlespace,” Lt. j.g. Wiatt Lewis of Naval Construction Battalion 14 said in the release.
Service members used lumber milled from the Latvian Army’s field-deployable sawmill to reinforce trench walls and build overhead cover and concealment, according to the release.
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2025/06/18/marines-and-sailors-combat-drone-threats-by-digging-trenches/
