News

Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board an MV-22 Osprey after recovering a downed pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft personnel mission as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 5, 2015. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, are participating in a wide variety of exercises throughout ITX to prepare for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board an MV-22 Osprey after recovering a downed pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft personnel mission as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 5, 2015. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, are participating in a wide variety of exercises throughout ITX to prepare for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan. - Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts. - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts.

Marines and civilians use a boom to contain a simulated oil spill at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The boom is towed behind the boats and acts as a large net, trapping the oil to be collected by a skimmer boat. The Marines and civilians are with the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort fuels sections and the Natural Resources Environmental Affairs Office. - Marines and civilians use a boom to contain a simulated oil spill at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The boom is towed behind the boats and acts as a large net, trapping the oil to be collected by a skimmer boat. The Marines and civilians are with the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort fuels sections and the Natural Resources Environmental Affairs Office.

A Marine deploys a sea dye marker during a search and rescue exercise off the coast of Charleston, Nov. 3. Sea dye markers contain a fluorescent green dye that spreads over the surface of the water to signal rescue pilots. The Marine is a pilot is with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - A Marine deploys a sea dye marker during a search and rescue exercise off the coast of Charleston, Nov. 3. Sea dye markers contain a fluorescent green dye that spreads over the surface of the water to signal rescue pilots. The Marine is a pilot is with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Marine students in the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge bay during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The course teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based in Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During the exercise, Marines constructed and deconstructed a bridge 11 bays in length. - Marine students in the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Bridge Master’s Course lift a bridge bay during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The course teaches Marines to lead the bridge building process, and is hosting Marines from 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based in Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During the exercise, Marines constructed and deconstructed a bridge 11 bays in length.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

U.S. Marine Sgt. Kyle Bailey, left, and 1st Lt. Conn Wiseman, center, discuss possible routes with a British soldier while trying to complete a three-mile conditioning hike during Exercise Phoenix Odyssey II near Edinburgh, U.K., Oct. 30, 2015. Bailey is an intelligence specialist, and Wiseman is an air intelligence officer, both with 2nd Intelligence Battalion. The exercise is designed to enhance joint intelligence operations, while also building military skills in preparation for potential real-world crises. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Kyle Bailey, left, and 1st Lt. Conn Wiseman, center, discuss possible routes with a British soldier while trying to complete a three-mile conditioning hike during Exercise Phoenix Odyssey II near Edinburgh, U.K., Oct. 30, 2015. Bailey is an intelligence specialist, and Wiseman is an air intelligence officer, both with 2nd Intelligence Battalion. The exercise is designed to enhance joint intelligence operations, while also building military skills in preparation for potential real-world crises.

A Marine shoots an M9 Beretta down range on Stage 6 of the 2015 Combat Shooting Match on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Oct. 26-30. The Quantico Shooting Team invited Marines from all over the east coast to attend this combat shooting match which required the Marines to plan, think and react quickly with several different weapons on each of the six combat stages. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kathy Nunez) - A Marine shoots an M9 Beretta down range on Stage 6 of the 2015 Combat Shooting Match on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Oct. 26-30. The Quantico Shooting Team invited Marines from all over the east coast to attend this combat shooting match which required the Marines to plan, think and react quickly with several different weapons on each of the six combat stages. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kathy Nunez)

Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission. - Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission.

Lance Cpl. Breeann Rogers is sprayed with oleoresin capsicum aboard the USS Essex on the Indian Ocean, Oct. 31, 2015 during a non-lethal weapons course. Rogers is a motor transportation operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and is a member of the combat cargo platoon. U.S. Marines and Sailors were sprayed across the face with OC spray and went through a series of exercises as their final event of the course. - Lance Cpl. Breeann Rogers is sprayed with oleoresin capsicum aboard the USS Essex on the Indian Ocean, Oct. 31, 2015 during a non-lethal weapons course. Rogers is a motor transportation operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and is a member of the combat cargo platoon. U.S. Marines and Sailors were sprayed across the face with OC spray and went through a series of exercises as their final event of the course.

A student driver performs a driving test in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle during a licensing course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 3, 2015. The course trains Marines how to drive various tactical vehicles used within the Marine Corps. - A student driver performs a driving test in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle during a licensing course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 3, 2015. The course trains Marines how to drive various tactical vehicles used within the Marine Corps.

A Light Armored Vehicle attached to 4th LAV Battalion, 4th Marine Division, sits on the horizon during exercise Trident Juncture 2015 in Almería, Spain, Oct. 30, 2015. The exercise provided an opportunity for Reserve Marines to gain experience within their military occupational specialty and demonstrates their readiness in conjunction with other foreign nationals. - A Light Armored Vehicle attached to 4th LAV Battalion, 4th Marine Division, sits on the horizon during exercise Trident Juncture 2015 in Almería, Spain, Oct. 30, 2015. The exercise provided an opportunity for Reserve Marines to gain experience within their military occupational specialty and demonstrates their readiness in conjunction with other foreign nationals.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, assault an objective during a platoon-reinforced attack at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. “What I truly hope my Marines take from this training is that they build that implicit communication and that mutual trust between each other. I want them to know the Marines on the support by fire position are covering them so the Marines in the assault know they are able to lean into those fires in order to stay covered while destroying the enemy on the objective,” said 1st Lt. Mark Dela Pena, a platoon commander with the unit. The battalion is conducting this training in order to prepare for their upcoming deployment on the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, assault an objective during a platoon-reinforced attack at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. “What I truly hope my Marines take from this training is that they build that implicit communication and that mutual trust between each other. I want them to know the Marines on the support by fire position are covering them so the Marines in the assault know they are able to lean into those fires in order to stay covered while destroying the enemy on the objective,” said 1st Lt. Mark Dela Pena, a platoon commander with the unit. The battalion is conducting this training in order to prepare for their upcoming deployment on the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit next year.

From across the U.S. Military and International Armies, two-man teams compete during the 2015 International Sniper Competition, Oct. 21, 2015, at Fort Benning, Ga. The competition was hosted by the United States Army and consisted of 37 two-man sniper teams from around the world. - From across the U.S. Military and International Armies, two-man teams compete during the 2015 International Sniper Competition, Oct. 21, 2015, at Fort Benning, Ga. The competition was hosted by the United States Army and consisted of 37 two-man sniper teams from around the world.

Lance Cpl. Garrett Wonnacott, a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and St. Marys, Ga., native, prepares to fire the BGM-71 TOW missile during exercise Lava Viper, one of the staples of their pre-deployment training, at Range 20 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Oct. 24, 2015. Lava Viper provides the Hawaii-based Marines with an opportunity to conduct various movements, live-fire and tactical training before departing for Integrated Training Exercise aboard Marine Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., where the battalion will train and be evaluated as a whole. "Trinity" strives to fight and win on both the tactical and ethical battlefield, always cultivating the values of honor, courage, and commitment, ultimately producing morally guided citizens whose obligations and responsibilities supersede rights and privileges. - Lance Cpl. Garrett Wonnacott, a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and St. Marys, Ga., native, prepares to fire the BGM-71 TOW missile during exercise Lava Viper, one of the staples of their pre-deployment training, at Range 20 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Oct. 24, 2015. Lava Viper provides the Hawaii-based Marines with an opportunity to conduct various movements, live-fire and tactical training before departing for Integrated Training Exercise aboard Marine Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., where the battalion will train and be evaluated as a whole. "Trinity" strives to fight and win on both the tactical and ethical battlefield, always cultivating the values of honor, courage, and commitment, ultimately producing morally guided citizens whose obligations and responsibilities supersede rights and privileges.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Two Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment maintain security during the Basic Urban Skills Training course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2015. The BUST Course trains Marines to perform multiple combat operations on urban environments. - Two Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment maintain security during the Basic Urban Skills Training course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2015. The BUST Course trains Marines to perform multiple combat operations on urban environments.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nathaniel Kragel, maintenance officer, Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38, explains setting up the Common Aviation Command and Control System on a ‘Shellback’ mounted on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, used as a part of the Tactical Air Command Center for Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-16, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Oct. 20, 2015. The single ‘Shellback’ houses the electronic equipment and software in a deployed environment. - Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nathaniel Kragel, maintenance officer, Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38, explains setting up the Common Aviation Command and Control System on a ‘Shellback’ mounted on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, used as a part of the Tactical Air Command Center for Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-16, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Oct. 20, 2015. The single ‘Shellback’ houses the electronic equipment and software in a deployed environment.

Two MV-22B Ospreys with Joint Task Force 505 return from delivering relief supplies to Jiri Village during the dignified transfer of six U.S. Marines and two Nepalese soldiers at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 17, 2015. JTF 505 conducting Operation Sahayogi Haat continues to honor their fallen service members by carrying on with their original humanitarian aid mission to help Nepalese civilians still suffering from 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes that struck the region April 25 and May 12, respectively. - Two MV-22B Ospreys with Joint Task Force 505 return from delivering relief supplies to Jiri Village during the dignified transfer of six U.S. Marines and two Nepalese soldiers at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 17, 2015. JTF 505 conducting Operation Sahayogi Haat continues to honor their fallen service members by carrying on with their original humanitarian aid mission to help Nepalese civilians still suffering from 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes that struck the region April 25 and May 12, respectively.

An instructor with the Marine Corps Engineer Society teaches Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, how to inspect for hazardous chemicals during searchers and site exploitation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27-29, 2015. The three-day training period provided 1/5 personnel with instruction on how to identify threats within a designated area and conduct systematic searches using appropriate detection equipment. - An instructor with the Marine Corps Engineer Society teaches Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, how to inspect for hazardous chemicals during searchers and site exploitation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27-29, 2015. The three-day training period provided 1/5 personnel with instruction on how to identify threats within a designated area and conduct systematic searches using appropriate detection equipment.

A Marine with 1st Marine Raider Battalion fires a .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle during a Company Collective Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 7, 2015. Marine Special Operations Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command spent the first phase of their three-phase Company Collective Exercise practicing Foreign Internal Defense aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 5-8. - A Marine with 1st Marine Raider Battalion fires a .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle during a Company Collective Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 7, 2015. Marine Special Operations Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command spent the first phase of their three-phase Company Collective Exercise practicing Foreign Internal Defense aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 5-8.

An infantryman with Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, the ground combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires from behind cover as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle moves into position to provide supporting fire during amphibious assault training as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team. - An infantryman with Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, the ground combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires from behind cover as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle moves into position to provide supporting fire during amphibious assault training as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team.

Lance Cpl. Devan D. Johnson a military police officer with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit role-plays, as a patrol/explosive detector dog with the MEU executes an attack command on Oct. 26, 2015 at Doganbey, Turkey as part of a military working dogs demonstration for Turkish Marines and sailors during Exercise Egemen. The exercise is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. - Lance Cpl. Devan D. Johnson a military police officer with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit role-plays, as a patrol/explosive detector dog with the MEU executes an attack command on Oct. 26, 2015 at Doganbey, Turkey as part of a military working dogs demonstration for Turkish Marines and sailors during Exercise Egemen. The exercise is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants.

A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, the logistics combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks passports and identification at the orientation station of the evacuee collection center during non-combatant evacuation operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California as part of as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team. - A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, the logistics combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks passports and identification at the orientation station of the evacuee collection center during non-combatant evacuation operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California as part of as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks a role-player's information and enters it into an electronic database as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation training exercise during Exercise Egemen 2015 Oct. 26. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. Turkish Marines and sailors acted as non-combatants to enhance the training and experience it first-hand. - A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks a role-player's information and enters it into an electronic database as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation training exercise during Exercise Egemen 2015 Oct. 26. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. Turkish Marines and sailors acted as non-combatants to enhance the training and experience it first-hand.

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.

Royal Danish Army Sgt. 1st Class Martin, left, a primary shooting instructor, marks shot groups during a live-fire range at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2015. The training was a part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity mission to teach the Iraqi soldiers proper marksmanship techniques to improve their effectiveness on the battlefield against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. - Royal Danish Army Sgt. 1st Class Martin, left, a primary shooting instructor, marks shot groups during a live-fire range at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2015. The training was a part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity mission to teach the Iraqi soldiers proper marksmanship techniques to improve their effectiveness on the battlefield against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Royal Marines with 45 Commando and U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa discuss tactics and techniques for patrols during Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21, 2015. Trident Juncture is one of many exercises ensuring that NATO is ready to deal with any emerging crisis from any direction, and that the Alliance is able to work effectively with partner nations. - Royal Marines with 45 Commando and U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa discuss tactics and techniques for patrols during Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21, 2015. Trident Juncture is one of many exercises ensuring that NATO is ready to deal with any emerging crisis from any direction, and that the Alliance is able to work effectively with partner nations.

A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Capt. Jeremy Phillips, the intelligence security cooperation Officer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, discuss intelligence gathering with Ghanaia Navy intelligence at Ghana’s Navy Trade Training School in Sekondi, Ghana, Oct. 19. U.S. forces completed a Tactical Intelligence Support To Maritime Operations Centers “train-the-trainer” course for the Ghanaian Navy from Oct. 12-23. This two-week introduction to intelligence was the first of four planned for the fiscal year. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members taught Sixteen Ghanaian sailors, along with two senior members of Ghana’s Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service. The course was designed as both an introduction to the intelligence process, particularly in support of their MOCs, and to prepare the students to become intelligence instructors for the Ghanaian Navy’s internal intelligence courses. - U.S. Marine Capt. Jeremy Phillips, the intelligence security cooperation Officer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, discuss intelligence gathering with Ghanaia Navy intelligence at Ghana’s Navy Trade Training School in Sekondi, Ghana, Oct. 19. U.S. forces completed a Tactical Intelligence Support To Maritime Operations Centers “train-the-trainer” course for the Ghanaian Navy from Oct. 12-23. This two-week introduction to intelligence was the first of four planned for the fiscal year. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members taught Sixteen Ghanaian sailors, along with two senior members of Ghana’s Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service. The course was designed as both an introduction to the intelligence process, particularly in support of their MOCs, and to prepare the students to become intelligence instructors for the Ghanaian Navy’s internal intelligence courses.

Master Sgt. Donald Johnson prepares M67 fragmentation grenades during a grenade and MK-19 Grenade Launcher range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. More than 70 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion took turns handling the MK19 and handheld grenades during the familiarization range. The range offered Marines the opportunity to build confidence and proficiency skills on some of the crew-served weapons they operate while providing security in a deployed environment. Johnson is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Detachment staff noncommissioned officer in charge with the battalion. - Master Sgt. Donald Johnson prepares M67 fragmentation grenades during a grenade and MK-19 Grenade Launcher range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. More than 70 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion took turns handling the MK19 and handheld grenades during the familiarization range. The range offered Marines the opportunity to build confidence and proficiency skills on some of the crew-served weapons they operate while providing security in a deployed environment. Johnson is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Detachment staff noncommissioned officer in charge with the battalion.

An instructor lays out a plan of attack during first responder's training with Marines from General Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 25, 2015. Marines demonstrate core essential tasks and conduct offensive and defensive stability operations throughout ITX. - An instructor lays out a plan of attack during first responder's training with Marines from General Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 25, 2015. Marines demonstrate core essential tasks and conduct offensive and defensive stability operations throughout ITX.

A Marine with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, conducts live fire drills during exercise Trident Juncture 2015 in Almeria, Spain, Oct. 27, 2015. Trident Juncture is the largest exercise NATO has held in the past 10 years with more than 30 nations and more than 5,000 U.S. service members participating. NATO is showing the world how they operate as a global response force with multiple nations in the mix. - A Marine with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, conducts live fire drills during exercise Trident Juncture 2015 in Almeria, Spain, Oct. 27, 2015. Trident Juncture is the largest exercise NATO has held in the past 10 years with more than 30 nations and more than 5,000 U.S. service members participating. NATO is showing the world how they operate as a global response force with multiple nations in the mix.

Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment hike out to a live fire and maneuver exercise course during the Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 23-24. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment hike out to a live fire and maneuver exercise course during the Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 23-24. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, finds concealment during a training event run by Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 27, 2015. The support provided by the DCSC enables Division units to focus on higher level task and larger exercise while ensuring that Marines and Sailors receive standardized small unit level training. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, finds concealment during a training event run by Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 27, 2015. The support provided by the DCSC enables Division units to focus on higher level task and larger exercise while ensuring that Marines and Sailors receive standardized small unit level training.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment maintains positive sighting of the range ahead 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 maintains positive sighting of the range ahead 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.

F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Cpl. Joseph Giordano, a team leader with Alpha Battery, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, carries a FIM-92 stinger weapons system during the National Training Center Rotation 16-01 on Fort Irwin, Calif., Oct. 20. This was the first time in more than 10 years that a Marine LAAD unit participated in this exercise. - Cpl. Joseph Giordano, a team leader with Alpha Battery, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, carries a FIM-92 stinger weapons system during the National Training Center Rotation 16-01 on Fort Irwin, Calif., Oct. 20. This was the first time in more than 10 years that a Marine LAAD unit participated in this exercise.

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Joseph Ryan, a watch officer with 2nd Intelligence Battalion and British soldiers take notes before beginning Exercise Phoenix Odyssey II in Edinburgh, U.K., Oct. 25, 2015. The two-week exercise allows the two forces to enhance intelligence capabilities and build upon military skills. - U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Joseph Ryan, a watch officer with 2nd Intelligence Battalion and British soldiers take notes before beginning Exercise Phoenix Odyssey II in Edinburgh, U.K., Oct. 25, 2015. The two-week exercise allows the two forces to enhance intelligence capabilities and build upon military skills.

A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Orlando, Fla., native Cpl. Suzette Clemans, a military working dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Denny, her Belgian Malinois patrol explosive detection dog, prepare to search for explosives on the beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21, 2015. Exposing dog teams to working with different equipment and scenarios enhances their skills across a range of secuirty threats in support of Marine Air Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Orlando, Fla., native Cpl. Suzette Clemans, a military working dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Denny, her Belgian Malinois patrol explosive detection dog, prepare to search for explosives on the beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21, 2015. Exposing dog teams to working with different equipment and scenarios enhances their skills across a range of secuirty threats in support of Marine Air Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

Marine candidates with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, halt during a patrol as part of the Scout Sniper Platoon screening at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2015. The exercise required candidates to move to an extraction point while evading the enemy. - Marine candidates with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, halt during a patrol as part of the Scout Sniper Platoon screening at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2015. The exercise required candidates to move to an extraction point while evading the enemy.

Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense soldiers assess possible casualties in a simulated improvised explosive device explosion during Exercise Guard and Protect at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20-23, 2015. Guard and Protect is a joint security force operation that enables readiness in case the station has to make a defense posture. The exercise tested the abilities of the Marines and Japanese soldiers to respond effectively in real world situations. - Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense soldiers assess possible casualties in a simulated improvised explosive device explosion during Exercise Guard and Protect at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20-23, 2015. Guard and Protect is a joint security force operation that enables readiness in case the station has to make a defense posture. The exercise tested the abilities of the Marines and Japanese soldiers to respond effectively in real world situations.

Staff Sgt. James Hohenstein, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, mans a GAU-21 .50 caliber mounted machine gun during urban close air support training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 19, 2015. Marines with HMLA-167 flew in a UH-1Y Venom to Camp Lejeune to assist joint terminal air controllers conducting realistic training with air support. - Staff Sgt. James Hohenstein, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, mans a GAU-21 .50 caliber mounted machine gun during urban close air support training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 19, 2015. Marines with HMLA-167 flew in a UH-1Y Venom to Camp Lejeune to assist joint terminal air controllers conducting realistic training with air support.

Cynthia Gregory, a runner in the marathon, finishes the 40th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 25 at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gregory finished the 26.2 miles in seven hours, seven minutes and 21 seconds and ranked 427th in her division. - Cynthia Gregory, a runner in the marathon, finishes the 40th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 25 at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gregory finished the 26.2 miles in seven hours, seven minutes and 21 seconds and ranked 427th in her division.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

A Marine student with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group conducts a fast-rope descent out of an UH-1Y Venom helicopter as part of the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques Master Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The Marines conducted their descent at approximately 50 feet from the helicopter, which was operated by pilots with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - A Marine student with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group conducts a fast-rope descent out of an UH-1Y Venom helicopter as part of the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques Master Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The Marines conducted their descent at approximately 50 feet from the helicopter, which was operated by pilots with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Marines with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct a road march in light armored vehicles in Rota, Spain, Oct. 23, 2015, in support of Exercise Trident Juncture 2015. The exercise is the largest NATO exercise in the past 10 years that includes more than 5,000 U.S. service members out of 36,000 troops from more than 30 nations. - Marines with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct a road march in light armored vehicles in Rota, Spain, Oct. 23, 2015, in support of Exercise Trident Juncture 2015. The exercise is the largest NATO exercise in the past 10 years that includes more than 5,000 U.S. service members out of 36,000 troops from more than 30 nations.