U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment prepare for an ambush during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 5, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon) - U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment prepare for an ambush during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 5, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 observes the takeoff of an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed airtime environment. - A U.S. Marine with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 observes the takeoff of an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 1, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed airtime environment.

Philippine Marines with Marine Battalion Landing Teams 8 and 10 build a wooden shelter at a jungle shelter class during KAMANDAG 7 at Paredes Air Station, Philippines, Nov. 10, 2023. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps led exercise aimed at improving multinational readiness, relationships, and mutual capabilities in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the seventh iteration of this exercise and includes participants from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and observers from the United Kingdom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons) - Philippine Marines with Marine Battalion Landing Teams 8 and 10 build a wooden shelter at a jungle shelter class during KAMANDAG 7 at Paredes Air Station, Philippines, Nov. 10, 2023. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps led exercise aimed at improving multinational readiness, relationships, and mutual capabilities in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the seventh iteration of this exercise and includes participants from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and observers from the United Kingdom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons)

U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, unload from an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, for a simulated embassy reinforcement during a mission rehearsal exercise as part of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 29, 2023. Steel Knight maintains and sharpens I Marine Expeditionary Force as America’s expeditionary force in readiness – organized, trained and equipped to respond to any crisis, anytime, anywhere. This exercise will certify 5th Marines to be forward-postured in Australia as Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, a six-month deployment during which Marines train with Australian allies and facilitate rapid response to crises and contingencies. - U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, unload from an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, for a simulated embassy reinforcement during a mission rehearsal exercise as part of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 29, 2023. Steel Knight maintains and sharpens I Marine Expeditionary Force as America’s expeditionary force in readiness – organized, trained and equipped to respond to any crisis, anytime, anywhere. This exercise will certify 5th Marines to be forward-postured in Australia as Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, a six-month deployment during which Marines train with Australian allies and facilitate rapid response to crises and contingencies.

A collection of toys sit on a table during the Toys for Tots Luncheon and Toy Collection Event hosted by the Quantico Spouses’ Social Club at The Clubs at Quantico on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Nov. 13, 2023. The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. - A collection of toys sit on a table during the Toys for Tots Luncheon and Toy Collection Event hosted by the Quantico Spouses’ Social Club at The Clubs at Quantico on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Nov. 13, 2023. The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Space Force Guardians with Space Systems Command, and Mobile User Objective System Program Office personnel attend a MUOS presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16, 2023. Members of Space Systems Command and the MUOS Program Office engaged with 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force Marines to understand end-user considerations and see MUOS used at the tactical level. MUOS elevates Marine Corps warfighting capabilities by enhancing long-range, rapid communication and expanding the operational reach of the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Space Force Guardians with Space Systems Command, and Mobile User Objective System Program Office personnel attend a MUOS presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16, 2023. Members of Space Systems Command and the MUOS Program Office engaged with 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force Marines to understand end-user considerations and see MUOS used at the tactical level. MUOS elevates Marine Corps warfighting capabilities by enhancing long-range, rapid communication and expanding the operational reach of the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marines with Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a live-fire exercise in the Philipine Sea, June 16, 2023. The purpose of the training was to enhance crew chief and pilot profeciency during defensive air combat maneuvers. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a live-fire exercise in the Philipine Sea, June 16, 2023. The purpose of the training was to enhance crew chief and pilot profeciency during defensive air combat maneuvers. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 7472 attend an award ceremony. Retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Lou Schott was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Thursday May 18th, 2023, for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa on June 20th, 1945. Schott, at 102 years old, is the oldest ranking U.S. Marine Corps officer. His Bronze Star Medal was officially upgraded to a Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7472 in Ellicott City, Maryland. - Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 7472 attend an award ceremony. Retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Lou Schott was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Thursday May 18th, 2023, for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa on June 20th, 1945. Schott, at 102 years old, is the oldest ranking U.S. Marine Corps officer. His Bronze Star Medal was officially upgraded to a Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7472 in Ellicott City, Maryland.

U.S. Marines assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conduct waterborne training with an Amphibious Combat Vehicle from shore to loading amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 12, 2022. The two-day waterborne training evolution focused on safety and transport capabilities for both the Marine Corps and Navy and is part of a larger training plan to refine tactics and doctrine for amphibious operations. - U.S. Marines assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conduct waterborne training with an Amphibious Combat Vehicle from shore to loading amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 12, 2022. The two-day waterborne training evolution focused on safety and transport capabilities for both the Marine Corps and Navy and is part of a larger training plan to refine tactics and doctrine for amphibious operations.

Private Daylien Diaz conducts the Obstacle Course during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 7th, 2023. Pvt. Diaz graduated from recruit training Nov. 21 and will return to her profession as a police officer with the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department while serving in the Marine Corps Reserves. - Private Daylien Diaz conducts the Obstacle Course during the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 7th, 2023. Pvt. Diaz graduated from recruit training Nov. 21 and will return to her profession as a police officer with the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department while serving in the Marine Corps Reserves.

Participants of the 80th Tarawa Commemoration Ceremony pose for a group photo on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Republic of Kiribati, Nov. 22, 2023. - Participants of the 80th Tarawa Commemoration Ceremony pose for a group photo on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Republic of Kiribati, Nov. 22, 2023.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Way, a fire support Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, watches for notional vessels of interest at a shore-based maritime sensing site for a simulated close air support activity during MRF-SEA 23, in Sorsogon, Luzon, Philippines, Oct. 9, 2023. Sensing sites such as this one advance maritime domain awareness and improve lethality of the joint force. MRF-SEA is a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model which involves planned exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and partners, and positions I MEF forces west of the International Date Line. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Way, a fire support Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, watches for notional vessels of interest at a shore-based maritime sensing site for a simulated close air support activity during MRF-SEA 23, in Sorsogon, Luzon, Philippines, Oct. 9, 2023. Sensing sites such as this one advance maritime domain awareness and improve lethality of the joint force. MRF-SEA is a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model which involves planned exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and partners, and positions I MEF forces west of the International Date Line.

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Helicopter Attack Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off after inserting a ground control team at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, Nov. 5, 2023 - A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Helicopter Attack Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off after inserting a ground control team at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, Nov. 5, 2023. HMLAT-303 supported state, federal, and private agencies utilizing long-line external lift capabilities of the UH-1Y to replace water guzzlers throughout the park. Guzzlers are self-filling, constructed watering facilities that collect, store, and make water available for wildlife. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trent Randolph)