Photos

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 16:47:00
Pfc. Joseph Swidarski, a rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds security on the side of the ship during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 16:49:00
Lance Cpl. Andrew Vaughn, a rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds security during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 16:59:00
Cpl. Stephen Rockwell, a rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Seaman Ricky Donaldson, an information system technologist with the USS Gunston Hall, hold security on the top of the ship during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 17:09:00
Cpl. Darrell Kincaid, a team leader with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds security on the side of the ship in the rain during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 16:08:00
Lance Cpl. Neil Lipon and Pfc. Kyler Ramsey, machine gunners with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit hold security on the ship’s flight deck during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 16:13:00
Cpl. Ryan Kretschmer, a machine gunner with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds security during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 16:31:00
Lance Cpl. Alex Krieger and Pfc. Jason Otero, machine gunners with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, hold security during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-10 16:41:00
Lance Cpl. Earl Sproul, a rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds security during a Defense of the Amphibious Task Force training exercise, Feb 10. While at sea, Marines and Sailors must be prepared to guard the ship whenever it passes a danger area or when there may be an increased threat to the force. The training exercise was a smaller part of the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-08 14:38:00
(Right) Seaman Scott Blanchard, a hospital corpsman, with Combat Logistic Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, teaches Lance Cpl. Ariel Dominguez, a motor transportation operator with CLB 24, 24th MEU, how to use a rubber hose to create a pathway for breathing during a Combat Life Savers Course Feb. 8. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-08 14:39:00
Seaman Scott Blanchard, a hospital corpsman, with Combat Logistic Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches Lance Cpl. Ariel Dominguez, a motor transportation operator with CLB 24, 24th MEU, insert a rubber hose into his nose, used to create a pathway for breathing, during a Combat Life Savers Course Feb. 8. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-08 15:20:00
(Top) Sgt. Jose Alvarez, a motor transportation mechanic with Headquarters Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit grapples with Cpl. Joshua Brooks, a section leader with Charlie Company, BLT 1 /2, 24th MEU during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program black belt course Feb. 8. Alvarez is a MCMAP black belt instructor trainer and has been running the course during his downtime on ship. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-08 15:39:00
(Right top) Sgt. Jose Alvarez, a motor transportation mechanic with Headquarters Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit instructs Marines on how to perform a move from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program during a black belt course Feb. 8. Alvarez is a MCMAP black belt instructor trainer and has been running the course during his downtime on ship. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-08 09:05:00
Sgt. Christopher Day, a squad leader with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches as the USS Gunston Hall is resupplied by another ship during a replenishment at sea operation, Jan. 8. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-08 09:05:00
USS GUNSTON HALL, OFF THE COAST OF Va. – Sgt. Christopher Day, a squad leader with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches as the USS Gunston Hall is resupplied by another ship, during a Replenishment At Sea operation, Feb. 8. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-04 12:21:00
A Landing Craft Air Cushioned hovercraft enters the ship’s well deck, Feb. 4 as a means to practice loading and offloading from shore to ship, and ship to shore. Transportation of assets and personnel from shore and between ships are common operations for Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima ARG scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-04 12:22:00
A Landing Craft Air Cushioned hovercraft enters the ship’s well deck, Feb. 4 as a means to practice loading and offloading from shore to ship, and ship to shore. Transportation of assets and personnel from shore and between ships are common operations for Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima ARG scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 22:52:00
Lance Cpl. Alexander Solares, a rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cheers in the ship’s chow hall while watching the Super Bowl, Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 22:54:00
Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watch the last play of the Super Bowl in anticipation in the ship’s chow hall, Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 22:54:00
Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, erupt into cheers and bouts of disappointment in the ship’s chow hall as the New York Giants secure victory in the Super Bowl, Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 22:17:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cheer while watching the Super Bowl in the ship’s chow hall, Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 20:49:00
Sgt. Gamamuel Jean, a squad leader with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cheers as the New England Patriots take the lead just before the end of the second quarter of the Super Bowl Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 21:37:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cheer while watching the Super Bowl in the ship’s chow hall, Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 21:48:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cheer while watching the Super Bowl in one of the ship’s gyms, Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-05 22:49:00
Pfc. Nathanael Eichorn, a squad automatic weapon gunner with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, grimaces in the ship’s chow hall while watching the Super Bowl, as the New England Patriots drop the ball during the last 50 seconds of the game, Feb. 5. Marines and Sailors aboard the USS Gunston Hall crammed into office spaces, lounge areas, gyms, the chow hall and anywhere else with a television to watch the Super Bowl while at sea. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-03 15:48:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit fire an M-240B machine gun at a Killer Tomato, a target used for shooting at sea, from the ship’s flight deck, Feb. 3. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th MEU, and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-03 16:02:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit fire an M-240B machine gun at a Killer Tomato, a target used for shooting at sea, from the ship’s flight deck, Feb. 3. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th MEU, and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-03 15:45:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit fire an M-240B machine gun at a Killer Tomato, a target used for shooting at sea, from the ship’s flight deck, Feb. 3. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th MEU, and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-03 15:01:00
Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, push a Killer Tomato, a target used for shooting at sea, off the side of the ship, Feb. 3. The Marines and Sailors spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2003-12-02 00:00:00
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, the motor transportation chief for Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, gives a safety brief to Marines and Sailors before conducting a crew served weapons shoot on the ship’s flight deck, Feb. 3. Marines and Sailors with CLB 24 and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-03 15:23:00
Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, shoot at a Killer Tomato, a target used for shooting at sea, from the ship’s flight deck, Feb. 3. The Marines spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-03 15:32:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit fire an M-240B machine gun at a Killer Tomato, a target used for shooting at sea, from the ship’s flight deck, Feb. 3. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th MEU, and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Sgt. Richard Blumenstein
Date: 2012-02-03 15:41:00
Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit fire an M-249 squad automatic weapon at a Killer Tomato, a target used for shooting at sea, from the ship’s flight deck, Feb. 3. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 and Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, spent the day firing M-240B medium machine guns and M-249 squad automatic weapons off the back of Internally Transportable Vehicles. The training took place during the 24th MEU’s Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Cpl. Michael Petersheim
Date: 2012-02-01 12:10:00
Marines with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, post a security perimeter after fast roping onto the USNS Laramie for a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Feb. 1, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Cpl. Michael Petersheim
Date: 2012-02-01 12:10:00
Marines with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, collect their gear after fast roping onto the USNS Laramie using CH-53E Super Stallions to conduct a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Feb. 1, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU. (Official USMC Photo by: Cpl. Michael Petersheim/ Released)

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Cpl. Michael Petersheim
Date: 2012-02-01 14:02:00
A CH-53E Super Stallion takes off after Marines with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast roped onto the USNS Laramie during a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Feb. 1, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Cpl. Michael Petersheim
Date: 2012-02-01 12:13:00
Sgt. Kyle Tanner, the platoon sergeant for the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, directs his Marines to provide security in key areas during a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training mission aboard the USNS Laramie Feb. 1, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-31 11:41:00
Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon and Security Element, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, race through a hole cut in a mock sealed hatch while conducting a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure aboard the USNS Laramie, Jan. 31, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-31 11:40:00
Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon and Security Element, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure aboard the USNS Laramie, Jan. 31, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-31 11:10:00
Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon and Security Element, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment fast rope from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter while conducting a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure aboard the USNS Laramie, Jan. 31, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-31 11:09:00
Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon and Security Element, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment fast rope from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter while conducting a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure aboard the USNS Laramie, Jan. 31, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-31 10:23:00
Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon and Security Element, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, load a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter prior to conducting a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure aboard the USNS Laramie, Jan. 31, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-30 13:41:00
Marines and Sailors with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast rope onto the USS Iwo Jima from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in preparation for an upcoming simulated Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Jan. 30, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from HMH-464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-30 13:23:00
Marines and Sailors with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, ride in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter awaiting fast rope training in preparation for a upcoming simulated Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Jan. 30, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from HMH-464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-30 13:19:00
USS IWO JIMA –Marines and Sailors with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, ride in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter awaiting fast rope training in preparation for a upcoming simulated Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Jan. 30, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from HMH-464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU. (Official USMC Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/ Released)

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl
Date: 2011-01-30 13:16:00
Marines and Sailors with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walk to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter to practice fast roping onto the deck of the USS Iwo Jima in preparation for an upcoming simulated Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Jan. 30, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from HMH-464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Cpl. Michael Petersheim
Date: 2012-01-30 12:42:00
Marines and Sailors with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast rope onto the USS Iwo Jima from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in preparation for an upcoming simulated Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Jan. 30, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from HMH-464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Cpl. Michael Petersheim
Date: 2012-01-30 12:41:00
Marines and Sailors with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast rope onto the USS Iwo Jima from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in preparation for an upcoming simulated Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Jan. 30, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from HMH-464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.

Unit: 24th MEU
Byline: Cpl. Michael Petersheim
Date: 2012-01-30 12:27:00
Marines and Sailors with the Security Element Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast rope onto the USS Iwo Jima from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in preparation for an upcoming simulated Expanded Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Jan. 30, 2012. The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The CH-53E helicopters are a detachment from HMH-464 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and comprise part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Rein), which is the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th MEU.