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Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, discuss the findings of an area search during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 22, 2015. The Marines faced various scenarios during the exercise, which included IEDs located in buildings, sports stadiums, and explosives used in hostage situations, each of which prepared the EOD technicians to face threats found on deployments and at home. - Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, discuss the findings of an area search during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 22, 2015. The Marines faced various scenarios during the exercise, which included IEDs located in buildings, sports stadiums, and explosives used in hostage situations, each of which prepared the EOD technicians to face threats found on deployments and at home.

Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, presents a folded flag to the widow of Sgt. Carson Holmquist, a motor transport maintenance chief with Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, during his funeral July 25, 2015 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Holmquist, along with three other Marines and a sailor, was killed in an attack at the Naval Operation Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennesee July 16, 2015. Marines, family, friends and the community of Grantsburg gathered to honor the memory and sacrifice of Holmquist and his fallen brothers-in-arms. - Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, presents a folded flag to the widow of Sgt. Carson Holmquist, a motor transport maintenance chief with Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, during his funeral July 25, 2015 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Holmquist, along with three other Marines and a sailor, was killed in an attack at the Naval Operation Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennesee July 16, 2015. Marines, family, friends and the community of Grantsburg gathered to honor the memory and sacrifice of Holmquist and his fallen brothers-in-arms.

Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug’s name is mounted July 27, 2015, in the Hall of Heroes at the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Md. Hug, along with Cpl. Sara Medina, had their names mounted to the Hall of Heroes display at DINFOS during a ceremony honoring their service after losing their lives in a helicopter crash during relief efforts in Nepal. - Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug’s name is mounted July 27, 2015, in the Hall of Heroes at the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Md. Hug, along with Cpl. Sara Medina, had their names mounted to the Hall of Heroes display at DINFOS during a ceremony honoring their service after losing their lives in a helicopter crash during relief efforts in Nepal.

James Gallant, a young man diagnosed with brain cancer, poses for a photo with his family aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 25, 2015. Collaborating with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, helped James experience what being an EOD technician is like by giving him a tour through their library of ordnance and EOD tools, teaching him to operate the TALON bomb disposing robot and presenting him with his own desert utilities and EOD badge. - James Gallant, a young man diagnosed with brain cancer, poses for a photo with his family aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 25, 2015. Collaborating with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, helped James experience what being an EOD technician is like by giving him a tour through their library of ordnance and EOD tools, teaching him to operate the TALON bomb disposing robot and presenting him with his own desert utilities and EOD badge.

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Freedman Rider motorcyclists line up along the road outside of the United Methodist Church in Hixson, Tennessee, July 24, 2015. The motorcyclists held American flags to honor Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, one of five service members killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Wyatt was taken to the Chattanooga National Cemetery after the church service to be laid to rest with full military honors. - Freedman Rider motorcyclists line up along the road outside of the United Methodist Church in Hixson, Tennessee, July 24, 2015. The motorcyclists held American flags to honor Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, one of five service members killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Wyatt was taken to the Chattanooga National Cemetery after the church service to be laid to rest with full military honors.

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Lance Cpl. Steven Hoggand, a machine gunner and section leader with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, directs his Marines’ fire while suppressing an enemy position during platoon attack drills, July 24, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Training began for the Marines of Company C with a combined arms fire and maneuver exercise as part of their Integrated Training Exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1 scheduled to depart later this year. - Lance Cpl. Steven Hoggand, a machine gunner and section leader with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, directs his Marines’ fire while suppressing an enemy position during platoon attack drills, July 24, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Training began for the Marines of Company C with a combined arms fire and maneuver exercise as part of their Integrated Training Exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1 scheduled to depart later this year.

Marines carry Lance Cpl. Skip Wells’ casket into the First Baptist Church of Woodstock July 26, 2015 in Woodstock, Georgia. Wells was one of five service members killed during the shooting at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Hundreds of people were present at the service showing their respect and support for Wells, his family and friends. - Marines carry Lance Cpl. Skip Wells’ casket into the First Baptist Church of Woodstock July 26, 2015 in Woodstock, Georgia. Wells was one of five service members killed during the shooting at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. Hundreds of people were present at the service showing their respect and support for Wells, his family and friends.

Romanian and Georgian soldiers stand alongside Latvian, Lithuanian and Bulgarian soldiers and U.S. Marines during the Exercise Agile Spirit closing ceremony July 22, 2015, at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Exercise Agile Spirit 15 involved a NATO Response Force level combined operation that incorporated a wide range of planning and execution challenges during a command post exercise and a field training exercise. The U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force and 10th Marine Regiment supported the exercise. - Romanian and Georgian soldiers stand alongside Latvian, Lithuanian and Bulgarian soldiers and U.S. Marines during the Exercise Agile Spirit closing ceremony July 22, 2015, at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Exercise Agile Spirit 15 involved a NATO Response Force level combined operation that incorporated a wide range of planning and execution challenges during a command post exercise and a field training exercise. The U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force and 10th Marine Regiment supported the exercise.

Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke. - Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke.

Sergeant Austen Clark, the hot zone controller for the Search and Extraction Platoon, helps one of his Marines fasten and secure his gas mask before completing the final exercise of the afternoon during Exercise Scarlet Response 2015 at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, July 21. The hot zone is the area where an incident occurs. Clark makes sure he keeps accountability of everything that goes on when his Marines go in and search a building, such as their gear, if there are any casualties inside or if there are any further issues besides what they already know. - Sergeant Austen Clark, the hot zone controller for the Search and Extraction Platoon, helps one of his Marines fasten and secure his gas mask before completing the final exercise of the afternoon during Exercise Scarlet Response 2015 at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, July 21. The hot zone is the area where an incident occurs. Clark makes sure he keeps accountability of everything that goes on when his Marines go in and search a building, such as their gear, if there are any casualties inside or if there are any further issues besides what they already know.

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Marines with Marine Corps Installations Pacific and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force assist role players off a CH-53E Super Stallion July 23, during the Churashima Rescue Exercise on Camp Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The event marked the first year Marines participated in the exercise, supporting mutual preparation and demonstrating the importance of interoperability. “(The exercise) is exactly the type of mission that requires JSDF and the Marine Corps cooperation and coordination,” said Maj. Thai N. Nguyen, G-5, planner, MCIPAC. “When (this is) accomplished in advance of a disaster, (it) saves valuable time, resources, and lives.” - Marines with Marine Corps Installations Pacific and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force assist role players off a CH-53E Super Stallion July 23, during the Churashima Rescue Exercise on Camp Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The event marked the first year Marines participated in the exercise, supporting mutual preparation and demonstrating the importance of interoperability. “(The exercise) is exactly the type of mission that requires JSDF and the Marine Corps cooperation and coordination,” said Maj. Thai N. Nguyen, G-5, planner, MCIPAC. “When (this is) accomplished in advance of a disaster, (it) saves valuable time, resources, and lives.”

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Ammunition Detachment, and 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, inspect a 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle prior to loading it with ammunition during an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2015. Ammunition distribution is performed at the field ammunition supply point, which is set-up and operated by CLB-1, Ammunition Detachment. CLB-1 is currently training to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Ammunition Detachment, and 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, inspect a 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle prior to loading it with ammunition during an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2015. Ammunition distribution is performed at the field ammunition supply point, which is set-up and operated by CLB-1, Ammunition Detachment. CLB-1 is currently training to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1.

Lance Cpl. Colin Brennan, an assault man with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, prepares to insert a blasting cap into a claymore during training as the battalion prepares for an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 21. ITX focuses on the tactical application of combined arms maneuver warfare during global contingency operations. - Lance Cpl. Colin Brennan, an assault man with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, prepares to insert a blasting cap into a claymore during training as the battalion prepares for an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 21. ITX focuses on the tactical application of combined arms maneuver warfare during global contingency operations.

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, conduct unknown distance shooting during the Pre-Scout Sniper Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 17, 2015. The six-week long course is designed to prepare and screen students for the follow-on training at Scout Sniper Basic School - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, conduct unknown distance shooting during the Pre-Scout Sniper Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 17, 2015. The six-week long course is designed to prepare and screen students for the follow-on training at Scout Sniper Basic School

U.S. Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a ceremonially decorated MV-22 Osprey, in Southwest Asia, July 17, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel. - U.S. Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a ceremonially decorated MV-22 Osprey, in Southwest Asia, July 17, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel.

The Sprayberry JROTC presents the colors as the National Anthem is sang at Lance Cpl. Squire Wells memorial in Marietta, Georgia on July 21, 2015. Wells was killed in an attack by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 16, 2015. Marines, family, friends and the community gathered together at the high school stadium to pay their respects and thank Wells for his sacrifice and selfless service. - The Sprayberry JROTC presents the colors as the National Anthem is sang at Lance Cpl. Squire Wells memorial in Marietta, Georgia on July 21, 2015. Wells was killed in an attack by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 16, 2015. Marines, family, friends and the community gathered together at the high school stadium to pay their respects and thank Wells for his sacrifice and selfless service.

Marines from the National Capitol Region salute during the playing of the National Anthem, July 21, 2015, at Nationals Park in Washington. The Washington Nationals hosted a Marine Corps Day to honor Marines who serve and who have served in the past. The event featured Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. - Marines from the National Capitol Region salute during the playing of the National Anthem, July 21, 2015, at Nationals Park in Washington. The Washington Nationals hosted a Marine Corps Day to honor Marines who serve and who have served in the past. The event featured Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training. - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Stephan James, a team leader with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, directs Ghanaian soldiers moving a simulated casualty to a litter near Accra, Ghana, June 23, 2015. The Marines and Sailors of SPMAGTF-CR-AF partnered with the Ghanaian army for a month-long security cooperation exercise in infantry skills to help foster a stronger working relationship between the two nations’ militaries. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Stephan James, a team leader with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, directs Ghanaian soldiers moving a simulated casualty to a litter near Accra, Ghana, June 23, 2015. The Marines and Sailors of SPMAGTF-CR-AF partnered with the Ghanaian army for a month-long security cooperation exercise in infantry skills to help foster a stronger working relationship between the two nations’ militaries.

The Marines of Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment pose for a picture with Col. Joseph Russo, commanding officer of 14th Marine Regiment, in front of Schultz’s Battery M monument at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, July 20, 2015. The Marines gathered together at the park to not only honor the Marines and Sailor killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center, but to band together as a unit. - The Marines of Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment pose for a picture with Col. Joseph Russo, commanding officer of 14th Marine Regiment, in front of Schultz’s Battery M monument at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, July 20, 2015. The Marines gathered together at the park to not only honor the Marines and Sailor killed by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center, but to band together as a unit.

Marines of Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, prepare an M1A1 Abrams tank to receive fuel from a CH-53 Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 at Acorn Training Area, July 16, 2015. Each tank has the capability to hold 500 gallons of fuel. - Marines of Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, prepare an M1A1 Abrams tank to receive fuel from a CH-53 Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 at Acorn Training Area, July 16, 2015. Each tank has the capability to hold 500 gallons of fuel.

Bulgarian Army Capt. Penio Todoranov, company commander with the 61st Mechanized Brigade, speaks during the closing ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force spent two weeks alongside soldiers from Bulgaria, Albania, United Kingdom and Romania during the multi-national NATO training exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. - Bulgarian Army Capt. Penio Todoranov, company commander with the 61st Mechanized Brigade, speaks during the closing ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force spent two weeks alongside soldiers from Bulgaria, Albania, United Kingdom and Romania during the multi-national NATO training exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available. - Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available.

The ramp on the Landing Craft Utility 2000 is lowered and unloading of vehicles begins at Anmyeon Beach, Republic of Korea. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S. - ROK Alliance. - The ramp on the Landing Craft Utility 2000 is lowered and unloading of vehicles begins at Anmyeon Beach, Republic of Korea. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S. - ROK Alliance.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, measure detonation cord and create breaching charges during the urban breaching portion of a demolition package at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, 2015. The demolition package was conducted in preparation for an upcoming deployment, where the two units will be working together in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response- Africa. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, measure detonation cord and create breaching charges during the urban breaching portion of a demolition package at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, 2015. The demolition package was conducted in preparation for an upcoming deployment, where the two units will be working together in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response- Africa.

A Marine with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines clears an enemy building during a military operations in urban terrain training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2015. The Marines cleared buildings that housed enemy troops in order to secure the building and use it to their advantage. - A Marine with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines clears an enemy building during a military operations in urban terrain training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2015. The Marines cleared buildings that housed enemy troops in order to secure the building and use it to their advantage.

Courtesy photo for Chattanooga, TN release. - Courtesy photo for Chattanooga, TN release.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shakes hands with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization director Lieutenant General John D. Johnson before presenting the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) at the Pentagon on July 16, 2015. - Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shakes hands with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization director Lieutenant General John D. Johnson before presenting the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) at the Pentagon on July 16, 2015.

Australian Army soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and U.S. Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, work together during an amphibious assault exercise during Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. - Australian Army soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and U.S. Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, work together during an amphibious assault exercise during Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Drew provides over watch of a cordon and search operation during the final exercise of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnership between NATO nations and share knowledge to improve military skill sets. The culminating final event consisted of cordon and search operations, intelligence gathering and live-fire maneuver training. Drew is a squad leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Drew provides over watch of a cordon and search operation during the final exercise of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnership between NATO nations and share knowledge to improve military skill sets. The culminating final event consisted of cordon and search operations, intelligence gathering and live-fire maneuver training. Drew is a squad leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force.

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U.S. Marines and Australian service members move into defensive positions for the night after conducting an amphibious assault at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. The Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Australians with Combat Team Bravo, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, assaulted the beach and moved inland to secure additional objectives as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in the exercise while deployed on its regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines and Australian service members move into defensive positions for the night after conducting an amphibious assault at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. The Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Australians with Combat Team Bravo, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, assaulted the beach and moved inland to secure additional objectives as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in the exercise while deployed on its regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with the Advanced Infantryman, Machinegun, Mortarman, Assaultman and Anti-Tank Missileman courses conduct the Final Field Exercise, a live-fire exercise which engages the students’ leadership abilities by allowing them a degree of flexibility in planning and accomplishing a company-wide mission. The courses introduce students to advanced concepts, new technology, techniques tactics and procedures through classroom instruction, lecture, practical application, field training, and live fire exercises. - Marines with the Advanced Infantryman, Machine Gunner, Mortarman, Assaultman and Anti-Tank Missileman courses conduct the Final Field Exercise, a live-fire exercise which engages the students’ leadership abilities by allowing them a degree of flexibility in planning and accomplishing a company-wide mission. The courses introduce students to advanced concepts, new technology, techniques tactics and procedures through classroom instruction, lecture, practical application, field training, and live fire exercises.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, practice dry run raids in a simulated combat town during Special Operations Training Group’s Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 10, 2015. The two-week long course focuses on preparing Marines to successfully conduct combat raids. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, practice dry run raids in a simulated combat town during Special Operations Training Group’s Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 10, 2015. The two-week long course focuses on preparing Marines to successfully conduct combat raids.

A U.S. Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa emplaces a machine gun on the roof of a notional American Embassy during a training exercise in the urban training facility in Baumholder, Germany, July 6, 2015. More than 78 Marines and sailors conducted the full-mission rehearsal, which demonstrated the unit’s ability to rapidly deploy and conduct embassy reinforcement. - A U.S. Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa emplaces a machine gun on the roof of a notional American Embassy during a training exercise in the urban training facility in Baumholder, Germany, July 6, 2015. More than 78 Marines and sailors conducted the full-mission rehearsal, which demonstrated the unit’s ability to rapidly deploy and conduct embassy reinforcement.

1st Lt. Carson Fletcher, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, speaks with an Australian Army Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during an amphibious assault for Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young/Released) - 1st Lt. Carson Fletcher, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, speaks with an Australian Army Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during an amphibious assault for Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and members of the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos pose for a picture after a graduation ceremony in St. Louis, Senegal, July 9, 2015. More than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins graduated a nearly six-week long maritime security force assistance training course, where the U.S. service members taught the Senegalese small-boat operations and light infantry skills. - Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and members of the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos pose for a picture after a graduation ceremony in St. Louis, Senegal, July 9, 2015. More than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins graduated a nearly six-week long maritime security force assistance training course, where the U.S. service members taught the Senegalese small-boat operations and light infantry skills.

Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum. - Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bruce Beard escorts a high profile target to a detainee retention center during the culminating event of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-11 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, May 16, 2015. KMEP 15-11 is focused on exchanging law enforcement techniques, tactics and procedures while enhancing relations across the Korean Peninsula. Beard is a military policeman with Alpha Company, 3rd Law Enforcement, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bruce Beard escorts a high profile target to a detainee retention center during the culminating event of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-11 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, May 16, 2015. KMEP 15-11 is focused on exchanging law enforcement techniques, tactics and procedures while enhancing relations across the Korean Peninsula. Beard is a military policeman with Alpha Company, 3rd Law Enforcement, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cason Cunningham, a machine gun squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, congratulates a Timor-Leste Defence Force member for excelling in room-clearing operations during Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 24. The Marines conducted a bilateral exercise with one platoon of the Timor-Leste Defence Force’s land component of the naval force and one platoon of their Marines, focusing on the fundamentals of squad and platoon-level tasks. The bilateral training exercise allows the Marines to share their tactics, techniques and procedures with our international partner, strengthening our understanding of each other’s Defence forces standard operating procedures. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cason Cunningham, a machine gun squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, congratulates a Timor-Leste Defence Force member for excelling in room-clearing operations during Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 24. The Marines conducted a bilateral exercise with one platoon of the Timor-Leste Defence Force’s land component of the naval force and one platoon of their Marines, focusing on the fundamentals of squad and platoon-level tasks. The bilateral training exercise allows the Marines to share their tactics, techniques and procedures with our international partner, strengthening our understanding of each other’s Defence forces standard operating procedures.

U.S. Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos execute a “line of stern” patrolling formation during small-boat operations training in St. Louis, Senegal, July 3, 2015. Approximately 20 Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen with the unit spent the week teaching more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins small-boat operations and maintenance skills. - U.S. Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos execute a “line of stern” patrolling formation during small-boat operations training in St. Louis, Senegal, July 3, 2015. Approximately 20 Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen with the unit spent the week teaching more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins small-boat operations and maintenance skills.

Marine Cpl. Trevor Thompson, right, an infantryman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, observes as a member of the Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos moves towards a simulated casualty during a basic skills competition in St. Louis, Senegal, July 2, 2015. More than 15 U.S. Marines and Sailors with the unit held a weapons and combat medical skills competition for more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins in an effort to build and sustain infantry fundamentals. - Marine Cpl. Trevor Thompson, right, an infantryman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, observes as a member of the Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos moves towards a simulated casualty during a basic skills competition in St. Louis, Senegal, July 2, 2015. More than 15 U.S. Marines and Sailors with the unit held a weapons and combat medical skills competition for more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins in an effort to build and sustain infantry fundamentals.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

“More than seven decades have passed since 10 July 1941 when [2nd Marine Aircraft Wing] was activated in San Diego, [California]. Wars in the Pacific, in the Middle East and operations around the world have added to your battle colors, but have not dulled your spirit … As we continue to confront those who would do us harm, take pride in knowing you continue to add to the storied history of our Corps, and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation.” - “More than seven decades have passed since 10 July 1941 when [2nd Marine Aircraft Wing] was activated in San Diego, [California]. Wars in the Pacific, in the Middle East and operations around the world have added to your battle colors, but have not dulled your spirit … As we continue to confront those who would do us harm, take pride in knowing you continue to add to the storied history of our Corps, and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation.”

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis speaks to Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., May 27, 2015. The visit of Gen. Mattis was held to motivate the Marines for their upcoming exercise. - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis speaks to Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., May 27, 2015. The visit of Gen. Mattis was held to motivate the Marines for their upcoming exercise.