News

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni. - Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

A pilot prepares to take off from the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort,South Carolina, May 4,2016. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 is participating in a Weapons Systems Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6-20,2016. The program gives pilots experience with flying against real aircraft outside a simulation. The real world training helps Marines be tactically proficient and prepared to deploy. - A pilot prepares to take off from the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort,South Carolina, May 4,2016. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 is participating in a Weapons Systems Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6-20,2016. The program gives pilots experience with flying against real aircraft outside a simulation. The real world training helps Marines be tactically proficient and prepared to deploy.

An aircraft hovers over water at the Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 hosted by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at Las Pulgas Lake, May 5, 2016. The Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 combines elements of aviation and ground units from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Navy Region Southwest, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Diego's Sheriff's Department. - An aircraft hovers over water at the Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 hosted by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at Las Pulgas Lake, May 5, 2016. The Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 combines elements of aviation and ground units from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Navy Region Southwest, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Diego's Sheriff's Department.

Col. Jay Wylie, assistant chief of staff, G-4 Installations and Logistics, and Maj Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, Combat Center Commanding General, greet Mr. Joseph Bryan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and the Honorable Dennis V. McGinn, Assistant Secretary of the Navy at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, Jan. 21, 2016. McGinn later awarded the Combat Center’s Exercise Support Division the 2015 Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Award in the United States Marine Corps Expeditionary category, at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field. McGinn also recognized the Combat Center as an installation, for a Gold Level of Achievement under the awards program, which indicates a very good to outstanding energy or water program. - Col. Jay Wylie, assistant chief of staff, G-4 Installations and Logistics, and Maj Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, Combat Center Commanding General, greet Mr. Joseph Bryan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and the Honorable Dennis V. McGinn, Assistant Secretary of the Navy at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, Jan. 21, 2016. McGinn later awarded the Combat Center’s Exercise Support Division the 2015 Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Award in the United States Marine Corps Expeditionary category, at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field. McGinn also recognized the Combat Center as an installation, for a Gold Level of Achievement under the awards program, which indicates a very good to outstanding energy or water program.

Download the Historic Half App through any smartphone to view both the Historic Half and Semper five course maps, event weekend schedule including the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, parking and shuttle information and important event-day news such as weather updates, road closures, Family Link Up location, runner tracking and runner results. Both the Historic Half App and Track A Runner programs are available free of charge. - Download the Historic Half App through any smartphone to view both the Historic Half and Semper five course maps, event weekend schedule including the Healthy Lifestyle Expo, parking and shuttle information and important event-day news such as weather updates, road closures, Family Link Up location, runner tracking and runner results. Both the Historic Half App and Track A Runner programs are available free of charge.

Major Misty Posey speaks to a panel of women at the Reebok Headquarters' Honor Your Days event in Canton, Massachusetts, April 28, 2016. Posey was invited to the event due to her hardwork and dedication to the Corps, and to show young women that they can achieve their dreams. Posey spoke the the panelists and attendees about her dream to help women train to do pull-ups, and told them that anything is possible if they set their heart and mind to it. She hopes to spread the word about her pull-up program to help men and women across the nation. - Major Misty Posey speaks to a panel of women at the Reebok Headquarters' Honor Your Days event in Canton, Massachusetts, April 28, 2016. Posey was invited to the event due to her hardwork and dedication to the Corps, and to show young women that they can achieve their dreams. Posey spoke the the panelists and attendees about her dream to help women train to do pull-ups, and told them that anything is possible if they set their heart and mind to it. She hopes to spread the word about her pull-up program to help men and women across the nation.

Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload equipment, vehicles and personnel after returning home from deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 29, 2016. Parachute riggers with 2nd TSB developed their skills by cross-training with landing support specialists. - Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload equipment, vehicles and personnel after returning home from deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 29, 2016. Parachute riggers with 2nd TSB developed their skills by cross-training with landing support specialists.

Lance Cpl. Casey Hall, a motor transport vehicle operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, searches for targets down range behind an M240B medium machine gun during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 29, 2016. Marines began the exercise by firing the M240B medium machine gun and .50-caliber machine gun from tripods before mounting them on a moving Humvee. - Lance Cpl. Casey Hall, a motor transport vehicle operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, searches for targets down range behind an M240B medium machine gun during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 29, 2016. Marines began the exercise by firing the M240B medium machine gun and .50-caliber machine gun from tripods before mounting them on a moving Humvee.

Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew J. Cool (center), a Fleet Marine Force reconnaissance corpsman and Inspector-Instructor medical staff with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, teaches reserve sailors methods of waterproofing gear during a FMF reconnaissance corpsman screening in San Antonio, April 19, 2016. The screening was hosted by 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, for Sailors across Marine Forces Reserve and the U.S. Navy Reserve to gain familiarity with the demands of the FMF reconnaissance corpsman pipeline. - Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew J. Cool (center), a Fleet Marine Force reconnaissance corpsman and Inspector-Instructor medical staff with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, teaches reserve sailors methods of waterproofing gear during a FMF reconnaissance corpsman screening in San Antonio, April 19, 2016. The screening was hosted by 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, for Sailors across Marine Forces Reserve and the U.S. Navy Reserve to gain familiarity with the demands of the FMF reconnaissance corpsman pipeline.

Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2 prepare MK-19 automatic grenade launcher ammunition for familiarization training at shooting range G-3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Apr. 29, 2016. The training honed their accuracy, communication abilities and suppressive fire capabilities. - Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2 prepare MK-19 automatic grenade launcher ammunition for familiarization training at shooting range G-3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Apr. 29, 2016. The training honed their accuracy, communication abilities and suppressive fire capabilities.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member visiting the annual Training Expo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan tests out the Instrumental Tactical Evaluation Simulated System on Friday, April 29, 2016. This recently updated system works almost like the popular game, "laser tag," where a laptop traces the marksmanship of the shooter. This training can be recorded and handed back to the unit on a CD to evaluate performance. - A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member visiting the annual Training Expo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan tests out the Instrumental Tactical Evaluation Simulated System on Friday, April 29, 2016. This recently updated system works almost like the popular game, "laser tag," where a laptop traces the marksmanship of the shooter. This training can be recorded and handed back to the unit on a CD to evaluate performance.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

The Unmanned Tactical Autonomous Control and Collaboration patrols a simulated town indoors in Ellis Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, April 19, 2016. The UTACC is a team of aerial and ground robots using the Distributed Real-time Autonomously Guided Operations Engine to provide multi-dimensional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the squad-level units. Though the tests are conceptual, the UTACC represents potential capabilities for robotics integrated into squad-level units. - The Unmanned Tactical Autonomous Control and Collaboration patrols a simulated town indoors in Ellis Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, April 19, 2016. The UTACC is a team of aerial and ground robots using the Distributed Real-time Autonomously Guided Operations Engine to provide multi-dimensional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the squad-level units. Though the tests are conceptual, the UTACC represents potential capabilities for robotics integrated into squad-level units.

Drill instructor Sgt. Matthew Lee presents Jared Goff with his Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl jersey at a banquet Jan. 3, 2013. More than 100 athletes were selected to participate in the event. The Los Angeles Rams drafted Goff with the number one pick in the 2016 NFL draft, April 28, 2016. - Drill instructor Sgt. Matthew Lee presents Jared Goff with his Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl jersey at a banquet Jan. 3, 2013. More than 100 athletes were selected to participate in the event. The Los Angeles Rams drafted Goff with the number one pick in the 2016 NFL draft, April 28, 2016.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Craig Finnerty, a mortarman with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, maintains a low profile as he maneuvers over a wall during a stress event held by U.S. Army Special Forces in Germany, Apr. 12, 2016. The stress event consisted of a timed firing course, an urban agility course and a squad log run to test the Marines’ speed and endurance under stressful conditions. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Craig Finnerty, a mortarman with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, maintains a low profile as he maneuvers over a wall during a stress event held by U.S. Army Special Forces in Germany, Apr. 12, 2016. The stress event consisted of a timed firing course, an urban agility course and a squad log run to test the Marines’ speed and endurance under stressful conditions.

Marines fire an illumination round from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm during live-fire artillery training Sept. 1 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2. The illumination round is able to light a 1-by-1-kilometer grid square for two minutes. The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines fire an illumination round from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm during live-fire artillery training Sept. 1 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2. The illumination round is able to light a 1-by-1-kilometer grid square for two minutes. The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marine Corps Installations - West conducting Exercise Semper Durus 2016, a full-scale, Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection exercise, April 25 – 29 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Semper Durus is a regional command post exercise that is comprised of a series of field training scenarios designed to reinforce operational response capabilities supporting MCI-West installations, tenant commands and families on base. - Marine Corps Installations - West conducting Exercise Semper Durus 2016, a full-scale, Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection exercise, April 25 – 29 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Semper Durus is a regional command post exercise that is comprised of a series of field training scenarios designed to reinforce operational response capabilities supporting MCI-West installations, tenant commands and families on base.

Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, advance to their objective during an amphibious operations training exercise as part of an Expeditionary Operations Training Group course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 21, 2016. The Marines conducted beach surveys from designated positions in the ocean, where they observed and reported information to their headquarters team. - Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, advance to their objective during an amphibious operations training exercise as part of an Expeditionary Operations Training Group course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 21, 2016. The Marines conducted beach surveys from designated positions in the ocean, where they observed and reported information to their headquarters team.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Lt. General John A. Toolan addresses the Marines who participated in the Australia New Zealand Army Corps Day Commemoration ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific April 25, 2016. Toolan is the commander of Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Toolan highlighted the significance of ANZAC day when he focused on the long-lasting friendship between the three nations that continues to the present day. - Lt. General John A. Toolan addresses the Marines who participated in the Australia New Zealand Army Corps Day Commemoration ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific April 25, 2016. Toolan is the commander of Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Toolan highlighted the significance of ANZAC day when he focused on the long-lasting friendship between the three nations that continues to the present day.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

Pfc. Adam J. Wiscombe, a rifleman with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, rushes down range during a fire-team attack exercise as part of the battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 26, 2016. The FEX, now in the final week of operations, previously tested Marines on basic infantry fundamentals such as patrolling and land navigation. - Pfc. Adam J. Wiscombe, a rifleman with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, rushes down range during a fire-team attack exercise as part of the battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 26, 2016. The FEX, now in the final week of operations, previously tested Marines on basic infantry fundamentals such as patrolling and land navigation.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016,. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016,. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Marines conduct a helicopter support team exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2016. The Marines are landing support specialists, commonly referred to as red patchers, with Landing Support Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines conduct a helicopter support team exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2016. The Marines are landing support specialists, commonly referred to as red patchers, with Landing Support Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Dowdell and his family received the keys to their new custom-built, mortgage-free home during a special welcome home ceremony in League City, Texas, April 14, 2016. The home dedication marks Operation FINALLY HOME’s 100th dedication for a deserving veteran or surviving spouse. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Dowdell and his family received the keys to their new custom-built, mortgage-free home during a special welcome home ceremony in League City, Texas, April 14, 2016. The home dedication marks Operation FINALLY HOME’s 100th dedication for a deserving veteran or surviving spouse.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Bouvia, a heavy equipment operator with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, builds a berm for security in Djibouti, Apr. 9, 2016. The 13th MEU is conducting sustainment training to maintain proficiency and combat readiness while deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group during Western Pacific Deployment 16-1. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Bouvia, a heavy equipment operator with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, builds a berm for security in Djibouti, Apr. 9, 2016. The 13th MEU is conducting sustainment training to maintain proficiency and combat readiness while deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group during Western Pacific Deployment 16-1.

Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Marines find items to make an improvised explosive device inside a closet during the Tactical Site Exploitation Course, taught by 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune N.C., April 20 2016. During the exercise, students carefully photographed every inch of the room before entering. Then they inspected the room for anything that could give them a hint to who was in the room and what they were doing there. - Marines find items to make an improvised explosive device inside a closet during the Tactical Site Exploitation Course, taught by 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune N.C., April 20 2016. During the exercise, students carefully photographed every inch of the room before entering. Then they inspected the room for anything that could give them a hint to who was in the room and what they were doing there.

Cpl. Jacob Lebo, a rifleman with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, mans the main security post built using over 600 sandbags with his .50 caliber machine gun during the II Marine Expeditionary Force Command Post Exercise 3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2016. During the CPX, 2nd LEB posted security around the campsite and defend it from mock enemies, ensuring the headquarters element could complete the mission safely. - Cpl. Jacob Lebo, a rifleman with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, mans the main security post built using over 600 sandbags with his .50 caliber machine gun during the II Marine Expeditionary Force Command Post Exercise 3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 20, 2016. During the CPX, 2nd LEB posted security around the campsite and defend it from mock enemies, ensuring the headquarters element could complete the mission safely.

Marines monitor and guide a remote controlled robot to the site of a simulated Improvised Explosive Device during training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort April 19. Marines need to be prepared for real world scenarios to arise that require their expertise. Disposing of ordnance is a vital contribution to the Marine Corps mission success. The Marines are technicians with EOD. - Marines monitor and guide a remote controlled robot to the site of a simulated Improvised Explosive Device during training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort April 19. Marines need to be prepared for real world scenarios to arise that require their expertise. Disposing of ordnance is a vital contribution to the Marine Corps mission success. The Marines are technicians with EOD.

Students at the Marine Military Police Basic Course and the new Marine Military Police Officer Basic Course patrol during a field exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, April 14, 2016. The exercise tests the Marines readiness for tasks they may be required to do in the fleet. - Students at the Marine Military Police Basic Course and the new Marine Military Police Officer Basic Course patrol during a field exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, April 14, 2016. The exercise tests the Marines readiness for tasks they may be required to do in the fleet.

President Truman congratulates three Marines who have just been presented the Medal of Honor in Washington, Nov. 24, 1952. They are, from left to right, Pfc. Hector A. Cafferata, Jr., retired Tech Sgt. Robert S. Kennemore and Lt. Col. Raymond G. Davis. - President Truman congratulates three Marines who have just been presented the Medal of Honor in Washington, Nov. 24, 1952. They are, from left to right, Pfc. Hector A. Cafferata, Jr., retired Tech Sgt. Robert S. Kennemore and Lt. Col. Raymond G. Davis.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Cpl. Kody Biggs, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, makes his down river, around a trail that is known to have notional improvised explosive devices during an attack evolution at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The Marines conducted patrols, ambushes and assaults to prepare of their upcoming Integrated Training Exercise. - Cpl. Kody Biggs, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, makes his down river, around a trail that is known to have notional improvised explosive devices during an attack evolution at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The Marines conducted patrols, ambushes and assaults to prepare of their upcoming Integrated Training Exercise.

Pfc. Dugan Gilbert, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, suppresses enemy fire during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The unit practiced buddy rushing and squad tactics to maintain readiness and prepare for future deployments. - Pfc. Dugan Gilbert, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, suppresses enemy fire during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2016. The unit practiced buddy rushing and squad tactics to maintain readiness and prepare for future deployments.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 begin to check role-players through their Evacuation Control Center set at Del Valle Field Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, as part of a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-16 April 15, 2016. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24 begin to check role-players through their Evacuation Control Center set at Del Valle Field Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, as part of a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-16 April 15, 2016.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force officers watch as a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), refuels aboard the JS Hyuga (DDH 181), at sea, April 22, 2016. The Osprey received supplies from the Hyuga in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force officers watch as a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), refuels aboard the JS Hyuga (DDH 181), at sea, April 22, 2016. The Osprey received supplies from the Hyuga in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

The U.S. Special Operations Command inducted five former special operators into the USSOCOM Commando Hall of Honor located at the USSOCOM headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 20. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to honor the inductees and watched as each of the inductees received a medal from Army Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, USSOCOM command senior enlisted adviser. - The U.S. Special Operations Command inducted five former special operators into the USSOCOM Commando Hall of Honor located at the USSOCOM headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 20. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to honor the inductees and watched as each of the inductees received a medal from Army Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, USSOCOM command senior enlisted adviser.

The families of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, and Lance Cpl. Squire Wells, are presented the Purple Heart honoring the Marines sacrifice, at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tenn., April 20, 2016. The Marines were honored for giving their lives to protect others when they were attacked by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga on July 16, 2015. - The families of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, and Lance Cpl. Squire Wells, are presented the Purple Heart honoring the Marines sacrifice, at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tenn., April 20, 2016. The Marines were honored for giving their lives to protect others when they were attacked by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga on July 16, 2015.

Lance Cpl. Rafael Garcia III, left, and Lance Cpl. Marcus A. Brown, right, apprehend a role player that entered their simulated patrol base as Marines from 7th Engineer Support Battalion conduct an imitation resupply at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 25, 2016. Marines performed the training in preparation for upcoming deployments with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and Koa Moana. Garcia, a native of Mission, Texas, and Brown, from Elko, Nevada, are combat engineers with 7th ESB, 1st Marine Logistics Group. - Lance Cpl. Rafael Garcia III, left, and Lance Cpl. Marcus A. Brown, right, apprehend a role player that entered their simulated patrol base as Marines from 7th Engineer Support Battalion conduct an imitation resupply at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 25, 2016. Marines performed the training in preparation for upcoming deployments with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin and Koa Moana. Garcia, a native of Mission, Texas, and Brown, from Elko, Nevada, are combat engineers with 7th ESB, 1st Marine Logistics Group.

A student at the Marine Military Police Officers Basic Course leads a patrol during a field exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Apr. 14, 2016. The Marine MPOBC is a 70-day training course. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julien Rodarte/Released) - A student at the Marine Military Police Officers Basic Course leads a patrol during a field exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Apr. 14, 2016. The Marine MPOBC is a 70-day training course. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julien Rodarte/Released)

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Self-Defense Force members deliver earthquake relief supplies to Hakusui Sports Park in island of Kyushu, Japan April 19, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Self-Defense Force members deliver earthquake relief supplies to Hakusui Sports Park in island of Kyushu, Japan April 19, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, begins to takeoff April 17, 2016 from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan. United States Forces, Japan is providing operational airlift support in coordination with the Government of Japan’s efforts to provide relief following the devastating earthquake near Kumamoto. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, begins to takeoff April 17, 2016 from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan. United States Forces, Japan is providing operational airlift support in coordination with the Government of Japan’s efforts to provide relief following the devastating earthquake near Kumamoto.

Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 20, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 20, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Supplies await to be loaded onto an MV-22B Osprey belonging to Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron 265 (Reinforced). 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit April 18, 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. 31st MEU Marines are in Iwakuni to support the Government of Japan’s relief efforts in response to the earthquakes that struck the island of Kyushu earlier this week. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Supplies await to be loaded onto an MV-22B Osprey belonging to Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron 265 (Reinforced). 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit April 18, 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. 31st MEU Marines are in Iwakuni to support the Government of Japan’s relief efforts in response to the earthquakes that struck the island of Kyushu earlier this week. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.