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U.S. Navy and Army medical personnel prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter during a mass casualty exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 23, 2015. Canadian forces, U.S. Air Force and Army medical personnel, along with U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, participated in the joint exercise to hone the coalition’s medical response capabilities. SPMAGTF-CR-CC is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with a mission spanning 20 nations. - U.S. Navy and Army medical personnel prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter during a mass casualty exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 23, 2015. Canadian forces, U.S. Air Force and Army medical personnel, along with U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, participated in the joint exercise to hone the coalition’s medical response capabilities. SPMAGTF-CR-CC is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with a mission spanning 20 nations.

Lance Cpl. Loren Cluff sets up satellite communications for Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conduct a raid Dec. 10, 2015, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The raid was part of Interoperability Exercise 16-1, an exercise used to build a working bond between the MRF and the rest of the MEU quickly and effectively. Cluff, from Snowflake, Arizona, is a field radio operator with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Lance Cpl. Loren Cluff sets up satellite communications for Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conduct a raid Dec. 10, 2015, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The raid was part of Interoperability Exercise 16-1, an exercise used to build a working bond between the MRF and the rest of the MEU quickly and effectively. Cluff, from Snowflake, Arizona, is a field radio operator with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Cpl. James R. Beck, a Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, fires on his target during the Far East Division Marksmanship Match Dec. 17 aboard Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The shots were fired from various shooting positions and distances. Only Marines stationed throughout Japan competed in the match. - Cpl. James R. Beck, a Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, fires on his target during the Far East Division Marksmanship Match Dec. 17 aboard Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The shots were fired from various shooting positions and distances. Only Marines stationed throughout Japan competed in the match.

Marines with the 1st Expeditionary Operations Training wait to reach the proper altitude before a free fall jump at 10,000 feet above Drop Zone Basilone, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec.21. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 supported the 1st EOTG in their parachute-operations training. This training is intended to improve the Marines’ skill for future uses of this knowledge, such as a deployment situation. Units like the 1st EOTG deploy often and this training allows the Marines to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. - Marines with the 1st Expeditionary Operations Training wait to reach the proper altitude before a free fall jump at 10,000 feet above Drop Zone Basilone, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec.21. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 supported the 1st EOTG in their parachute-operations training. This training is intended to improve the Marines’ skill for future uses of this knowledge, such as a deployment situation. Units like the 1st EOTG deploy often and this training allows the Marines to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

Cpl. Jordan Canchola, an artillery gunner with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee to shield himself from the rotor wash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015. The battery was training to distribute food and water as part of a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation when the crowd, played by other Marines, became unruly. A quick reaction force was called to help restore order and continue to distribute supplies. The HADR training was conducted as part of the 31st MEU’s Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. Cpl. Canchola is from Hollister, California. - Cpl. Jordan Canchola, an artillery gunner with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee to shield himself from the rotor wash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015. The battery was training to distribute food and water as part of a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation when the crowd, played by other Marines, became unruly. A quick reaction force was called to help restore order and continue to distribute supplies. The HADR training was conducted as part of the 31st MEU’s Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. Cpl. Canchola is from Hollister, California.

Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Mulcahy, a combat marksmanship trainer instructor with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, fires an M134 GAU-17 Minigun during an aerial gunnery shoot at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 17. Marines with HMLAT-303 flew a formation flight and conducted an aerial gunnery to shoot give students the opportunity to refine basic skills needed to operate in the Fleet Marine Force. - Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Mulcahy, a combat marksmanship trainer instructor with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, fires an M134 GAU-17 Minigun during an aerial gunnery shoot at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 17. Marines with HMLAT-303 flew a formation flight and conducted an aerial gunnery to shoot give students the opportunity to refine basic skills needed to operate in the Fleet Marine Force.

U.S. Marines with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon (SMAW) during live fire training Nov 24, 2015. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marines with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon (SMAW) during live fire training Nov 24, 2015. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

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Lynn Kinney (left), Megan McClung (center) and Amy Forsythe(right) served together during their deployment to Camp Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. They were assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Public Affairs Office. This photo was taken at Camp Fallujah in April 2006. McClung was killed by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2006. Kinney, now a staff sergeant, serves as the public affairs chief for I MEF at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Forsythe transferred out of the Marine Corps and now serves as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. - Lynn Kinney (left), Megan McClung (center) and Amy Forsythe(right) served together during their deployment to Camp Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. They were assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Public Affairs Office. This photo was taken at Camp Fallujah in April 2006. McClung was killed by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2006. Kinney, now a staff sergeant, serves as the public affairs chief for I MEF at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Forsythe transferred out of the Marine Corps and now serves as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

A Marine conceals himself under the obstruction of deployed smoke during the company supported, live-fire assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marine is with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - A Marine conceals himself under the obstruction of deployed smoke during the company supported, live-fire assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marine is with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Cpl. Dustin Deloris relays orders over the radio during the mechanized assault portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 8, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. Deloris is a team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - Cpl. Dustin Deloris relays orders over the radio during the mechanized assault portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 8, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. Deloris is a team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaisance Battalion board a HUMVEE during Steel Knight 16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. Steel Knight is an annual field training exercise that enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities by acting as the headquarters element for a forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaisance Battalion board a HUMVEE during Steel Knight 16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. Steel Knight is an annual field training exercise that enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities by acting as the headquarters element for a forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 attach a simulated cargo of 1,400 pounds to an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 16, 2015. Daytime external lift training prepares the Marines with VMM-363 to attach cargo to the aircraft which helps qualify more air crew in the mission-essential task of rapid insertion and extraction for the squadron. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 attach a simulated cargo of 1,400 pounds to an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 16, 2015. Daytime external lift training prepares the Marines with VMM-363 to attach cargo to the aircraft which helps qualify more air crew in the mission-essential task of rapid insertion and extraction for the squadron.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 perform post-flight checks on an MV-22B Osprey after an aerial refueling training event at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 16. The squadron conducts this annual training once every two months to maintain their proficiency with the maneuvers. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 perform post-flight checks on an MV-22B Osprey after an aerial refueling training event at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 16. The squadron conducts this annual training once every two months to maintain their proficiency with the maneuvers.

A Marine from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 assists Sgt. Deedmund Nettles, left, food service specialist with MWSS-171, in removing his personal protective equipment during Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 18, 2015. The course covered topics such as the hazards associated with working around chemicals, how to locate information on different chemicals, and the four aspects of planning and organizing a hazardous waste site, which are organizational structure, work plan, safety meetings and inspections. This training provided Marines with the proper knowledge to identify contain and clean up hazardous materials. - A Marine from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 assists Sgt. Deedmund Nettles, left, food service specialist with MWSS-171, in removing his personal protective equipment during Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 18, 2015. The course covered topics such as the hazards associated with working around chemicals, how to locate information on different chemicals, and the four aspects of planning and organizing a hazardous waste site, which are organizational structure, work plan, safety meetings and inspections. This training provided Marines with the proper knowledge to identify contain and clean up hazardous materials.

Lance Cpl. Taylor A. Vollmer observes aircraft as his team prepares to take off for a Joint Terminal Attack Control training scenerio Dec. 15 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A JTAC is when combat aircraft engage in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. Vollmer, a Bakersfield, California, native, is a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. - Lance Cpl. Taylor A. Vollmer observes aircraft as his team prepares to take off for a Joint Terminal Attack Control training scenerio Dec. 15 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A JTAC is when combat aircraft engage in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. Vollmer, a Bakersfield, California, native, is a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group prepare to conduct a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 17, 2015. The HEAT class is designed to show Marines what to do if a vehicle rolls over during low visibility, no visibility, or experiences sideways or 180-degree rollovers. - Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group prepare to conduct a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 17, 2015. The HEAT class is designed to show Marines what to do if a vehicle rolls over during low visibility, no visibility, or experiences sideways or 180-degree rollovers.

First Lt. Chris Christeson, a platoon commander with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, plans for the next fire mission during a limited objective experiment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 8, 2015. The unit partnered with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory and 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, to test direct fire missions from an artillery platoon while supporting an infantry company landing team. - First Lt. Chris Christeson, a platoon commander with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, plans for the next fire mission during a limited objective experiment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 8, 2015. The unit partnered with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory and 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, to test direct fire missions from an artillery platoon while supporting an infantry company landing team.

U.S. service members recently completed the second module of Tactical Intelligence Support to Maritime Operations course for the Ghanaian Navy and Maritime Police Force, Dec. 7-18, at Ghana’s Eastern Naval Command Headquarters here. This course has already paid dividends, according to Foster Kotoku, the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force assistant superintendent. During the two-week course, students from the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force seized an undisclosed amount of illicit drugs from a smuggler on a ferry. With follow-on questioning, the police forces were led to a higher connection in the drug trade. - U.S. service members recently completed the second module of Tactical Intelligence Support to Maritime Operations course for the Ghanaian Navy and Maritime Police Force, Dec. 7-18, at Ghana’s Eastern Naval Command Headquarters here. This course has already paid dividends, according to Foster Kotoku, the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force assistant superintendent. During the two-week course, students from the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force seized an undisclosed amount of illicit drugs from a smuggler on a ferry. With follow-on questioning, the police forces were led to a higher connection in the drug trade.

On Dec. 18, 2015 Lt. Col. Jonathan Morel became the first Marine to fly the CH-53K helicopter, during a test flight over Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Development Flight Center at West Palms Beach. The flight test ran for 1.5 hours and now marks the sixth flight for the aircraft. - On Dec. 18, 2015 Lt. Col. Jonathan Morel became the first Marine to fly the CH-53K helicopter, during a test flight over Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Development Flight Center at West Palms Beach. The flight test ran for 1.5 hours and now marks the sixth flight for the aircraft.

Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions. - Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions.

U.S. Marine noncommissioned officers of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa visited the historic Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, Dec. 11-13, a pivotal site featuring the remnants of the amphibious Allied landings during World War II, also known as D-Day. The Marine NCOs are the backbone of service component operations for U.S. European Command that supports numerous NATO-led operations and exercises in Europe that enables the Alliance to continue their proven, enduring partnerships. - U.S. Marine noncommissioned officers of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa visited the historic Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, Dec. 11-13, a pivotal site featuring the remnants of the amphibious Allied landings during World War II, also known as D-Day. The Marine NCOs are the backbone of service component operations for U.S. European Command that supports numerous NATO-led operations and exercises in Europe that enables the Alliance to continue their proven, enduring partnerships.

Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets. - Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets.

A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group puts on knee pads before a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 17, 2015. The HEAT class is designed to show Marines what to do if a vehicle rolls over during low visibility, no visibility, or experiences sideways or 180-degree rollovers. - A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group puts on knee pads before a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 17, 2015. The HEAT class is designed to show Marines what to do if a vehicle rolls over during low visibility, no visibility, or experiences sideways or 180-degree rollovers.

1st Lt. Joshua Foster provides security for his team during the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. TRAP’s placement in a MCCRE is meant to evaluate Marines on this mission set which is performed for the specific purpose of the recovery of personnel, equipment, and/or aircraft by the insertion of a TRAP force. 1st Lt. Foster is a platoon commander with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - 1st Lt. Joshua Foster provides security for his team during the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. TRAP’s placement in a MCCRE is meant to evaluate Marines on this mission set which is performed for the specific purpose of the recovery of personnel, equipment, and/or aircraft by the insertion of a TRAP force. 1st Lt. Foster is a platoon commander with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Nearly 30 Marines participate in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course to learn how to save lives in combat situations, Dec. 14-18, 2015 on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. Medical officers and corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa taught the Marines how to apply emergency medical services to injured service members in the event a corpsman is injured or not near a casualty.The Marines and sailors are deployed to NAS Sigonella, Italy, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - Nearly 30 Marines participate in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course to learn how to save lives in combat situations, Dec. 14-18, 2015 on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. Medical officers and corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa taught the Marines how to apply emergency medical services to injured service members in the event a corpsman is injured or not near a casualty.The Marines and sailors are deployed to NAS Sigonella, Italy, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets. - Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets.

Lance Cpl. Roderick Jacquote, a combat photographer with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, edits photos during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear drill aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marines and Sailors with 5th Marine Regiment conducted the gas drill as part of Steel Knight 2016, a division-led exercise which prepares Marines and Sailors with the 1st Marine Division and adjacent I Marine Expeditionary Force units with the skill sets necessary to operate as a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force. - Lance Cpl. Roderick Jacquote, a combat photographer with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, edits photos during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear drill aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marines and Sailors with 5th Marine Regiment conducted the gas drill as part of Steel Knight 2016, a division-led exercise which prepares Marines and Sailors with the 1st Marine Division and adjacent I Marine Expeditionary Force units with the skill sets necessary to operate as a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force.

Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets. - Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets.

Lance Cpl. Cary Chafton, a rifleman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gives directions to his squad during a patrolling exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec 15, 2015. The unit practiced patrolling techniques and set up patrol bases to maintain readiness. - Lance Cpl. Cary Chafton, a rifleman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gives directions to his squad during a patrolling exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec 15, 2015. The unit practiced patrolling techniques and set up patrol bases to maintain readiness.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepare to fire during a company live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The exercise is in preparation for the integrated training exercise taking place at Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., in October. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepare to fire during a company live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The exercise is in preparation for the integrated training exercise taking place at Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., in October.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires downrange while maintaining contact with Marines to his right during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 26, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires downrange while maintaining contact with Marines to his right during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 26, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations. - Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations.

A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment sights in during the defensive phase of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC assessed a battalion’s ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations integrating elements from the Air Combat Element and Logistics Combat Element. - A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment sights in during the defensive phase of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC assessed a battalion’s ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations integrating elements from the Air Combat Element and Logistics Combat Element.

Lance Cpl. Travis DeShazo, a rifleman assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares a computer to control a Raven unmanned aerial system to establish the location of notional enemy units aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The Marines employed the Raven UAS as part of Steel Knight to gain a better understanding of it and develop a higher proficiency of what it takes to operate as a more effective as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Lance Cpl. Travis DeShazo, a rifleman assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares a computer to control a Raven unmanned aerial system to establish the location of notional enemy units aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The Marines employed the Raven UAS as part of Steel Knight to gain a better understanding of it and develop a higher proficiency of what it takes to operate as a more effective as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crewmen assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, prepare their launcher for live-fire operations after debarking a KC-130J aircraft, supporting their raid operations at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2015. “We were essentially trying to test the capability of the HIMARS to launch an air raid from any position,” said Sgt. Garrett S. Zurich, HIMARS launcher section chief, 1st platoon, Battery D. - High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crewmen assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, prepare their launcher for live-fire operations after debarking a KC-130J aircraft, supporting their raid operations at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2015. “We were essentially trying to test the capability of the HIMARS to launch an air raid from any position,” said Sgt. Garrett S. Zurich, HIMARS launcher section chief, 1st platoon, Battery D.

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Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, survey a named area of interest during reconnaissance and surveillance training, Nov. 19-21, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. The Marines conducted insertion, infiltration, execution, exfiltration, and extraction in terrain unfamiliar to what is usually found at their home base in California. The Hawaiian terrain ranged from beach shores, to dense jungle and open valleys during pouring rains - Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, survey a named area of interest during reconnaissance and surveillance training, Nov. 19-21, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. The Marines conducted insertion, infiltration, execution, exfiltration, and extraction in terrain unfamiliar to what is usually found at their home base in California. The Hawaiian terrain ranged from beach shores, to dense jungle and open valleys during pouring rains

An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation. - An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation.

An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a conventional take-off at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. This year’s iteration of Exercise Steel Knight works to advance 1st Marine Division’s warfighting capabilities, to include interoperability between the ground and air forces and integration of the F-35B. - An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a conventional take-off at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. This year’s iteration of Exercise Steel Knight works to advance 1st Marine Division’s warfighting capabilities, to include interoperability between the ground and air forces and integration of the F-35B.

U.S., Romanian and Moldovan military members participate in a tank shoot rehearsal during Platinum Lynx 16-2 at Smardan Training Area, Romania, Dec. 9, 2015. Exercise Platinum Lynx 16-2 is a NATO-led multinational exercise designed to strengthen combat readiness, increase improve collective capabilities, and maintain proven relationships with allied and partner nations - U.S., Romanian and Moldovan military members participate in a tank shoot rehearsal during Platinum Lynx 16-2 at Smardan Training Area, Romania, Dec. 9, 2015. Exercise Platinum Lynx 16-2 is a NATO-led multinational exercise designed to strengthen combat readiness, increase improve collective capabilities, and maintain proven relationships with allied and partner nations

The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015. The results of Uniform Board 214 and 215 were released as part of Marine Administrative Message 622/15. - The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015. The results of Uniform Board 214 and 215 were released as part of Marine Administrative Message 622/15.

A Marine with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Headquarters Group, checks on his team members during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Security Assistance Liaison Team training exercise to improve their ability to work with coalition forces, Dec. 10, 2015. The Security Assistance Liaison Team will support Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189. - A Marine with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Headquarters Group, checks on his team members during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Security Assistance Liaison Team training exercise to improve their ability to work with coalition forces, Dec. 10, 2015. The Security Assistance Liaison Team will support Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189.

Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations. - Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations.

An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders. - An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders.

Cpl. Candice Lopez, a U.S. Marine with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scans the identification bands of evacuees, preparing them to be flown to a safe haven during a simulated noncombatant evacuation as part of Certification Exercise, Dec. 8, 2015. Noncombatant evacuations are one of the MEU's mission essential tasks, which it is specially trained to complete anywhere in the world within hours of notification. CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations. - Cpl. Candice Lopez, a U.S. Marine with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scans the identification bands of evacuees, preparing them to be flown to a safe haven during a simulated noncombatant evacuation as part of Certification Exercise, Dec. 8, 2015. Noncombatant evacuations are one of the MEU's mission essential tasks, which it is specially trained to complete anywhere in the world within hours of notification. CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

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A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment advances down range during a battalion exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 10, 2015. The battalion-wide exercise reinforced basic infantry skills and brought junior Marines up to optimal operability across the companies. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment advances down range during a battalion exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 10, 2015. The battalion-wide exercise reinforced basic infantry skills and brought junior Marines up to optimal operability across the companies.

Cpl. Ryan Gilligan, a fire direction control man, with the 120mm Mortar Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), records information passed to him from the forward observers for a notional fire mission, during mission processing training in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 8, 2015. The platoon conducts training while afloat in order to maintain readiness to support the 26th MEU. The MEU is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Cpl. Ryan Gilligan, a fire direction control man, with the 120mm Mortar Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), records information passed to him from the forward observers for a notional fire mission, during mission processing training in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 8, 2015. The platoon conducts training while afloat in order to maintain readiness to support the 26th MEU. The MEU is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.