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Marines and Sailors hand out water to the public in Key West Fl., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) distributed water in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. - Marines and Sailors hand out water to the public in Key West Fl., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) distributed water in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. - An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. Alligator Dagger is a dedicated, unilateral combat rehearsal led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in which combined Navy and Marine Corps units of the America Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities that are available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore.

Capt. Joseph Raines, a pilot training officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, nicknamed the “Red Dragons,” wears his unit patch after completing a trans-Pacific flight from Australia, Marine Corps Base Hawaii , Sept. 19, 2017. - Capt. Joseph Raines, a pilot training officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, nicknamed the “Red Dragons,” wears his unit patch after completing a trans-Pacific flight from Australia, Marine Corps Base Hawaii , Sept. 19, 2017. The “Red Dragons” supported the Australian Defence Force as the aviation combat element for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with Marine Rotational Force Darwin, Australia. These are the first Trans-Pacific flights the MV-22 Ospreys have conducted from Hawaii to Australia. This movement demonstrates that the unfueled range of our MV-22s combined with our refueling capabilities allow us to reach across the entire Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Marine Corps can get it's aircraft and personnel to a crisis on the other side of the world in a matter of days.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyler S. Barrett, a landing support specialist with Joint Task Force - Leeward Islands, assembles the Lightweight Water Purification System at Orient Beach, Saint Martin, Sept. 16, 2017. The Marines arrived to assess possible locations to set up their LWPS in order to produce potable water for communities on the island most affected by Hurricane Irma. At the request of partner nations, JTF-LI deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea impacted by the storm. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to Hurricane Irma. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyler S. Barrett, a landing support specialist with Joint Task Force - Leeward Islands, assembles the Lightweight Water Purification System at Orient Beach, Saint Martin, Sept. 16, 2017. The Marines arrived to assess possible locations to set up their LWPS in order to produce potable water for communities on the island most affected by Hurricane Irma. At the request of partner nations, JTF-LI deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea impacted by the storm. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to Hurricane Irma.

31st MEU completes deployment, returns to Okinawa - 170722-N-OY799-618 CORAL SEA (July 22, 2017) U.S. and Australian naval ships, including ships from the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and Australian amphibious, combatant, support and advance force ships, sail in formation during Talisman Saber 2017. Talisman Saber 2017 is a realistic and challenging exercise that improves both U.S. and Australia’s ability to work together in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

The involvement of family, friends and fellow Marines is the best method to deter suicide. Aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., the Behavioral Health Section provides counselors and a 24-hour help line for those reaching out during times of crisis. - The involvement of family, friends and fellow Marines is the best method to deter suicide. Aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., the Behavioral Health Section provides counselors and a 24-hour help line for those reaching out during times of crisis.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted cleanup operations in the streets of Key West, Fla., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU assisted the residents of Key West by clearing debris from the streets in support of Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. - U.S. Marines with the Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), shovel debris caused by Hurricane Irma in Key West, Fl., Sept. 13, 2017. Marines and Sailors from the 26th MEU assisted the residents of Key West by clearing debris from the streets in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jered T. Stone)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adam Wellington, right, aircraft maintenance officer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, answers questions for Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Mamoru Yamaura, F-35A Lightning II program office chief with Third Air Wing, during an educational tour and class centered on the F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adam Wellington, right, aircraft maintenance officer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, answers questions for Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Mamoru Yamaura, F-35A Lightning II program office chief with Third Air Wing, during an educational tour and class centered on the F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. Several classes were conducted for JASDF personnel regarding maintenance, serviceability, operability and more. Afterwards, they briefly toured VMFA-121’s facility, taking a peek into a few shop departments and visiting the hangar to see, touch and study the aircraft up close. This is the first time VMFA-121 has conducted an exchange like this.

Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. - Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. The competition brings together the top male and female Marines from each Marine Corps installation in a demanding competition of military function fitness and to promote the advanced dynamics found in the High Intensity Tactical Training program.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeni Ridgell, an aircraft recovery Marine with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, watches a gauge on an M-31 Marine Corps Expeditionary Aircraft arresting gear during an annual certification at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeni Ridgell, an aircraft recovery Marine with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, watches a gauge on an M-31 Marine Corps Expeditionary Aircraft arresting gear during an annual certification at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2017. The M-31 arresting gear is a deployable arrestment gear that can handle rapid-cycle arrestments of aircraft with tail hooks. The annual certification was to ensure proper function of the arresting gear.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations.

Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field. - Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field.

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs at Campus Martius during the Marine Week Detroit opening ceremony, Sept. 6, 2017. More than 700 Marines are participating in Marine Week Detroit to give the citizens of the greater Detroit area the opportunity to meet their Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps. - The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs at Campus Martius during the Marine Week Detroit opening ceremony, Sept. 6, 2017. More than 700 Marines are participating in Marine Week Detroit to give the citizens of the greater Detroit area the opportunity to meet their Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps.

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Marine Week Detroit is a chance to reconnect with our Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations. - Local dignitaries from Detroit, enjoy their military experience during the MV-22 Osprey flights over Detroit as part of Marine Week, Sept. 6, 2017. More than 700 Marines are participating in Marine Week Detroit to give the citizens of the greater Detroit area the opportunity to meet their Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps.

The 31st MEU partners with the Navy's Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, providing a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, clear an abandoned house during Military Operations in Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) training at Andersen South Air Force Base, Guam, August 30, 2017. Marines with BLT 3/5 train regularly in different environments to maintain their readiness as the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy's Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, providing a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with Charlie Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, along with members of the Texas Highway Patrol and Texas State Guard, pull Marine Corps F470 Zodiacs Combat Rubber Raiding crafts through a flooded street in Houston, Texas, Aug. 31, 2017. Marines from Charlie Company assisted rescue effort in wake of Hurricane Harvey by providing Zodiacs and personal to local law enforcement. - Marines with Charlie Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, along with members of the Texas Highway Patrol and Texas State Guard, pull Marine Corps F470 Zodiacs Combat Rubber Raiding crafts through a flooded street in Houston, Texas, Aug. 31, 2017. Marines from Charlie Company assisted rescue effort in wake of Hurricane Harvey by providing Zodiacs and personal to local law enforcement.

he Marines are with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - A Marine clears an area after conducting an ambush on an opposing force during defensive operations training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 31, 2017. The exercise is used by the battalion to improve proficiency with combat tactics and in preparation for future operations. The Marine is with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell)

Marine saves Vietnam veteran after motorcycle accident - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dustin Gill, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Springfield, Mass., saved the life of George Wingert, an 80-year-old Florida resident and Vietnam War veteran, following a motorcycle accident in Bowman, South Carolina, July 31, 2017. Gill made a tourniquet on Wingert’s leg using a tire iron and a belt. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Connor Hancock)

4th Reconnaissance Marines support rescue efforts in wake of Hurricane Harvey - Division, Marine Forces Reserve and joint integrated agencies conduct search and rescue operations in order to evacuate civilians from their homes and life-threatening conditions in Beaumont, Texas, Aug. 30, 2017. Marine Forces Reserve is providing Department of Defense support to FEMA, state and local response efforts due to Hurricane Harvey.

Northern Viper 17 comes to an end - A crew chief fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun from the back of a CH-53E Super Stallion above Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. The crew chief is assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently forward deployed under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, based out of Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

VMGR-152 conducts division tactical navigation - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, conducts division tactical navigation training with VMGR-152 as part of unit-level training Evergreen at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 18, 2017. Division tactical navigation training allows the squadrons’ aircraft to perform gear drops in close proximity to a single location, which enhances operational efficiency. Evergreen will serve as VMGR-152’s 2017 Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation through tri-lateral training with the U.S. Army 160th Special operations Aviation Regiment and U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group to gain valuable insight on the most recent Operation Inherent Resolve assault-support tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Abrego)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducts Patriot Advanced Capability-3 training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni - Local Japanese media interview U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Vuolo, left, the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni operations officer, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Lt. Col. Kotaro Hyodo, commander of the 2nd Air Defense Missile Group, during Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) deployment training at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 29, 2017. PAC-3 protects ground forces and critical assets at all echelons from advanced aircraft to cruise missiles and tactical-ballistic missiles. This training displays the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and demonstrates the JASDF’s ability to rapidly deploy multiple defense assets to U.S. military installations across Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Henson)

Marine awarded Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroic actions - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen Austin E. Renforth, the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, applauds Cpl. Miles Hogan during a ceremony at Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 24, 2017. Hogan was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps medal for rescuing a man after a vehicle accident.

A day in the life of the Marine Corps' Mounted Color Guard - Sergeants Fernando Blancas, Jedidiah Birnie, Terry Barker, Jacob Cummins, Corporals Nicholas Davis, Alicia Frost and Javier Castellon all post with Staff Sgt. Nicholas Beberniss for a Mounted Color Guard portrait with Elephant Mountain in the background, at the stables aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Aug. 10. The Marine Corps is proudly celebrating the MCG's 50th year of service throughout 2017.

Honoring the fallen Marines of VMGR-452 - Lance Cpl. Christian Rosario, a bugler with Marine Corps Band New Orleans, performs “Taps” during the end of a memorial honoring nine Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, Aug. 27, 2017. The Marines were among 15 Marines and one sailor killed in a KC-130T accident, July 10, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dallas Johnson)

India Company’s field life during CERTEX - Cpl. Jesse A. Beaver, a team leader with India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, shoots an azimuth with a lensatic compass during an amphibious raid as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Certification Exercise at Freshwater Beach, Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, August 16, 2018. Marines with BLT 3/5, the Ground Combat Element of the 31st MEU, cleared and secured the area for humanitarian assistance-disaster relief training. BLT 3/5 is exploring state-of-the-art concepts and technologies as the dedicated force for Sea Dragon 2025, a Marine Corps initiative to prepare for future battles. The 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron 11 are conducting CERTEX, the final evaluation in a series of training exercises which ensures readiness for crisis response throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue/Released)

Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones) - Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones)

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Kate Upton and others listen to instructions from GySgt. Sara Pacheco before executing a workout Wayne State University's athletic complex in Detroit on August 22. Upton and others completed a circuit course consisting of several rounds of burpees, sprints, jumping jacks and more in an effort to promote Marine Week Detroit that takes place Sept. 6-10. Marine Week Detroit is a four-day event that will showcase hands-on static displays, live demonstrations, time-honored Marine Corps traditions, musical performances and other events highlighting the history, military capabilities and community involvement of the Corps (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by GySgt. Joseph DiGirolamo) - Kate Upton and others listen to instructions from GySgt. Sara Pacheco before executing a workout Wayne State University's athletic complex in Detroit on August 22. Upton and others completed a circuit course consisting of several rounds of burpees, sprints, jumping jacks and more in an effort to promote Marine Week Detroit that takes place Sept. 6-10. Marine Week Detroit is a four-day event that will showcase hands-on static displays, live demonstrations, time-honored Marine Corps traditions, musical performances and other events highlighting the history, military capabilities and community involvement of the Corps (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by GySgt. Joseph DiGirolamo)

Pfc. Tyler J. Nye (left) and Cpl. Tyler D. Reed (right), both landing support specialist, prepare to attach a container to a CH-53E Super Stallion during external lift training at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. Nye, a Lincoln, Nebraska native and Reed, a Waukesha, Wisconsin native, are assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistic Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez) - Pfc. Tyler J. Nye (left) and Cpl. Tyler D. Reed (right), both landing support specialist, prepare to attach a container to a CH-53E Super Stallion during external lift training at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. Nye, a Lincoln, Nebraska native and Reed, a Waukesha, Wisconsin native, are assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistic Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

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Marines fire an M2 .50 caliber machine gun, mounted to an amphibious assault vehicle, at simulated enemy targets during Large scale Exercise-17 at Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 15-18, 2017. LSE-17 is a multinational exercise, led by 2nd Marine Division, with elements from the United Kingdom, France, Canada and II Marine Expeditionary Force, focused on integrating all capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and coalition forces. - Marines fire an M2 .50 caliber machine gun, mounted to an amphibious assault vehicle, at simulated enemy targets during Large scale Exercise-17 at Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 15-18, 2017. LSE-17 is a multinational exercise, led by 2nd Marine Division, with elements from the United Kingdom, France, Canada and II Marine Expeditionary Force, focused on integrating all capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and coalition forces.

170816-M-NX410-037.JPG - U.S. Marines with 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and soldiers with the 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion, discuss troop movements over a terrain model after conducting a patrol during the Georgia Deployment Program-Resolute Support Mission Mission Rehearsal Exercise aboard the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Aug. 16, 2017. The MRE is the culminating event of the GDP-RSM in which 6th ANGLICO Marines are working alongside the 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion to demonstrate that the battalion is ready for deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kimberly Aguirre/Released)

Service members search for trash at Miss Veedol Beach, Misawa, Japan, August 19, 2017, during Exercise Northern Viper 2017. Marines, Sailors, Airmen banded together with Misawa City employees to participate in the beach cleanup. NV17 tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. - Service members search for trash at Miss Veedol Beach, Misawa, Japan, August 19, 2017, during Exercise Northern Viper 2017. Marines, Sailors, Airmen banded together with Misawa City employees to participate in the beach cleanup. NV17 tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats.

Sgt. Krystian Madrid, intelligence specialist, 7th Marine Regiment, holds his son following his unit’s homecoming at Victory Park aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, August 17, 2017. - Sgt. Krystian Madrid, intelligence specialist, 7th Marine Regiment, holds his son following his unit’s homecoming at Victory Park aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, August 17, 2017. 7th Regiment Marines completed a nine month deployment as the command element of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command 17.1.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conducts formation flights - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conducts formation flights while in transit to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 13, 2017. VMGR-152 is participating in unit-level training Evergreen. The training consists of division formation flights with stateside-based VMGR squadrons and tri-lateral training with the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group to gain valuable insight on the most recent Operation Inherent Resolve assault support tactics.

Japanese locals perform the Bon-Odori, or Bon dance, during the Bon-Odori festival at Kinjuen nursing home in Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 14, 2017. - Japanese locals perform the Bon-Odori, or Bon dance, during the Bon-Odori festival at Kinjuen nursing home in Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 14, 2017. Cultural Adaptation coordinated the event and invited Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni residents to participate and celebrate the festival at the nursing home. The Obon holiday is a Japanese Buddhist custom where people honor the spirits of their ancestors. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance called the Bon-Odori.

Tatsuya Yasue, left, receives a flag from World War II veteran Marvin Strombo at Higashishirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 15, 2017. - Tatsuya Yasue, left, receives a flag from World War II veteran Marvin Strombo at Higashishirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 15, 2017. Tatsuya, along with other members of the family have waited over 70 years for the return of the brother they lost during the war. The ceremony provided both families with closure as they finally have a part of Sadao Yasue to bring home. The reunion was made possible by the Obon Society of Astoria, Oregon. The ceremony also took place during the Obon holiday in Japan, a holiday dedicated to going back to the place of origin of one’s family and spending time with one another.

Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft... - Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft and make their descent towards the drop zone at IDIS-Corps facility in Parker, Ariz., from July 12 to August 1, 2017 The Marines conducted high altitude high opening (HAHO) sustainment training, while implementing the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS).

Capt. Justin Griffis is a current operations and training officer with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, whom assisted in the rescue of a 7-year old Japanese boy who almost drowned at Maeda Flats, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2017. - Capt. Justin Griffis is a current operations and training officer with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, whom assisted in the rescue of a 7-year old Japanese boy who almost drowned at Maeda Flats, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2017.

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Story - Pfc. James P. Gross, a radio and satellite communications operator, places barbed wire on the ground at Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 10, 2017, signifying the start of exercise Northern Viper 2017. This exercise tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together and provides the opportunity to conduct realistic training in an unfamiliar environment. Gross, a Milwaukee native, is with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

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Marines with the engineer platoon for Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, construct a foundation for a Southwest Asia hut at the Combat Center during Integrated Training Exercise 5-17, July 29, 2017. MWSS-272 is supporting the Aviation Combat Element of the ITX. The ACE conducts offensive, defensive, and all other air operations to support the MAGTF mission . - Marines with the engineer platoon for Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, construct a foundation for a Southwest Asia hut at the Combat Center during Integrated Training Exercise 5-17, July 29, 2017. MWSS-272 is supporting the Aviation Combat Element of the ITX. The ACE conducts offensive, defensive, and all other air operations to support the MAGTF mission .

Photo - A Humvee full of Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 is hit with a simulated improvised explosive device during Counter-IED training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 3, 2017. Nearly 30 Marines assigned to the motor transport section of MWSS-271 learned how to properly recognize IEDs during the weeklong course, and applied the lessons learned during a culminating training event that simulated a deployed environment with a known IED threat. MWSS-271 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft and make their descent towards the drop zone at IDIS-Corps facility in Parker, Arizona, from July 12 to August 1, 2017 The Marines conducted high altitude high opening (HAHO) sustainment training, while implementing the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS). - Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft and make their descent towards the drop zone at IDIS-Corps facility in Parker, Arizona, from July 12 to August 1, 2017 The Marines conducted high altitude high opening (HAHO) sustainment training, while implementing the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS).

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