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U.S. Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, conduct patrol-based operations and engage in platoon-level attacks with troops from His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga, the New Zealand Defence Force, the French Army of New Caledonia and the Tongan Royal Guards during their culminating event for Exercise Tafakula 15 Sept. 9-11 on Tongatapu Island, Tonga. Each military force split into integrated platoons for the event that comprised of 72 hours of patrolling, land navigation and attacking mock enemy positions. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Darwin affords unprecedented combined training opportunities such as Exercise Tafakula and improves interoperability between the involved forces. - U.S. Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, conduct patrol-based operations and engage in platoon-level attacks with troops from His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga, the New Zealand Defence Force, the French Army of New Caledonia and the Tongan Royal Guards during their culminating event for Exercise Tafakula 15 Sept. 9-11 on Tongatapu Island, Tonga. Each military force split into integrated platoons for the event that comprised of 72 hours of patrolling, land navigation and attacking mock enemy positions. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Darwin affords unprecedented combined training opportunities such as Exercise Tafakula and improves interoperability between the involved forces.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft.

Modern Day Marine Military Exposition offers vendors, manufacturers, and industry the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the Marine Corps to evaluate how to apply these goods and technologies in their duties and missions. - Modern Day Marine Military Exposition offers vendors, manufacturers, and industry the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the Marine Corps to evaluate how to apply these goods and technologies in their duties and missions.

Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission. - Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission.

A Marine with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and a Japanese soldier shake hands prior to the start of a live-fire shoot together during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at San Clemente Island, California, Sept. 1, 2015. ANGLICO Marines and Japanese soldiers conducted a combined arms shoot with naval gunfire, attack rotary aircraft and 120mm mortars. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. - A Marine with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier shake hands prior to the start of a live-fire shoot together during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at San Clemente Island, California, Sept. 1, 2015. ANGLICO Marines and the JGSDF conducted a combined arms shoot with naval gunfire, attack rotary aircraft and 120mm mortars. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.

CWO4 Jerod Murphy, assistant ordnance officer for 1st Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Shannon Sweeney, operations chief, ordnance officer and Inspector-Instructor for Combat Logistics Battalion 451, look at a make-shift memorial at what appears to be a former fountain in Biloxi, Miss., Aug. 12, 2015. Murphy and Sweeney were part of a team of Marines and sailors who rescued more than 200 people during and after Hurricane Katrina, August 2005. - CWO4 Jerod Murphy, assistant ordnance officer for 1st Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Shannon Sweeney, operations chief, ordnance officer and Inspector-Instructor for Combat Logistics Battalion 451, look at a make-shift memorial at what appears to be a former fountain in Biloxi, Miss., Aug. 12, 2015. Murphy and Sweeney were part of a team of Marines and sailors who rescued more than 200 people during and after Hurricane Katrina, August 2005.

Gregory "Greg" Lake, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in front of a painting in his home in Calistoga, California, June 22, 2015. Lake made the painting based on a night he endured combat in Vietnam and swam across a river under fire to save the lives of his Marines. - Gregory "Greg" Lake, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in front of a painting in his home in Calistoga, California, June 22, 2015. Lake made the painting based on a night he endured combat in Vietnam and swam across a river under fire to save the lives of his Marines.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.

U.S. Marines fill up water jugs for locals as part of a typhoon relief mission in Saipan, Aug. 15, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marines fill up water jugs for locals as part of a typhoon relief mission in Saipan, Aug. 15, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.

Arthur "Art" Petty, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in his Marine museum he created from a farm house on his property in Woodbury, Tennessee, June 19, 2015. Petty enlisted into the Marine Corps March 13, 1941 and retired at the rank of sergeant major. - Arthur "Art" Petty, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in his Marine museum he created from a farm house on his property in Woodbury, Tennessee, June 19, 2015. Petty enlisted into the Marine Corps March 13, 1941 and retired at the rank of sergeant major.

A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 drives a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and trailer off of a Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility and onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System during an in-stream Marine Prepositioning Force Exercise off the coast of Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida, Aug. 19, 2015. Marines with CLR-25 and sailors with Naval Beach Group 2 joined forces for the latest iteration of MPFEX, which saw service members offloading the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus using Lift-on/Lift-Off and Roll-on/Roll-off procedures. - A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 drives a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and trailer off of a Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility and onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System during an in-stream Marine Prepositioning Force Exercise off the coast of Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Florida, Aug. 19, 2015. Marines with CLR-25 and sailors with Naval Beach Group 2 joined forces for the latest iteration of MPFEX, which saw service members offloading the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus using Lift-on/Lift-Off and Roll-on/Roll-off procedures.

Benjamin "Ben" Palermo holds a photo of himself when he was serving on active duty in the Marine Corps in his home in San Antonio, Texas, June 4, 2015. Palermo served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment during Operation Starlite during August 1965 in Vietnam. - Benjamin "Ben" Palermo holds a photo of himself when he was serving on active duty in the Marine Corps in his home in San Antonio, Texas, June 4, 2015. Palermo served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment during Operation Starlite during August 1965 in Vietnam.

Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam. - Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam.

U.S. Marine 7-ton trucks with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to distribute water and supplies from the USS Ashland to local civilians as part of typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 11, 2015. The 31st MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group are assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency with distributing emergency relief supplies to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marine 7-ton trucks with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to distribute water and supplies from the USS Ashland to local civilians as part of typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 11, 2015. The 31st MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group are assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency with distributing emergency relief supplies to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.

Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received. - Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received.

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3.

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3.

A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 drives a Rough Terrain Container Handler onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System while being guided by sailors with Amphibious Construction Battalion Two, while training at Green Beach Two aboard Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, North Carolina Aug. 4, 2015. The Marines with CLR-25 practiced driving various vehicles on and off the INLS to prepare for loading and unloading material from the craft later on in the week. This exercise, led by the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group Two, is one part of BOLD ALLIGATOR 2014, the year's largest amphibious exercise on the East Coast, which will serve as a capstone event for the Marines' Expeditionary Force 21 concept. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Long) - A Marine with Combat Logistics Regiment 25 drives a Rough Terrain Container Handler onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System while being guided by sailors with Amphibious Construction Battalion Two, while training at Green Beach Two aboard Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, North Carolina Aug. 4, 2015. The Marines with CLR-25 practiced driving various vehicles on and off the INLS to prepare for loading and unloading material from the craft later on in the week. This exercise, led by the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group Two, is one part of BOLD ALLIGATOR 2014, the year's largest amphibious exercise on the East Coast, which will serve as a capstone event for the Marines' Expeditionary Force 21 concept. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Long)

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Service members, veterans and civilians hold American flags as they stand outside the First Baptist Church of Woodstock entrance, waiting for Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells’ casket to arrive July 26, 2015 in Woodstock, Georgia. Wells was one of five service members killed during a shooting at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. More than a thousand people attended the funeral service to pay their respects and show support to Wells and his family. - Service members, veterans and civilians hold American flags as they stand outside the First Baptist Church of Woodstock entrance, waiting for Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells’ casket to arrive July 26, 2015 in Woodstock, Georgia. Wells was one of five service members killed during a shooting at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. More than a thousand people attended the funeral service to pay their respects and show support to Wells and his family.

Alison Malachowski holds a photograph of her son, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James Malachowski, in front of his grave in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, July 22, 2015. Staff Sgt. Malachowski was with the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marines when he stepped on an improvised explosive device during his fourth combat deployment on March 20, 2011, while his unit was raising the Afghanistan national flag over a small compound near Patrol Base Dakota in Marjah Province. "He died a terrible, painful death," said Alison. "But he did not scream or cry and I know why - it was so he wouldn't frighten his guys. I know I sound like just another grieving mother - but he was one of those Marines; if a platoon wasn't doing well they'd assign him to straighten things out. His last words were, 'Is everyone OK?' He was all about taking care of his men." (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar) - Alison Malachowski holds a photograph of her son, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James Malachowski, in front of his grave in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, July 22, 2015. Staff Sgt. Malachowski was with the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marines when he stepped on an improvised explosive device during his fourth combat deployment on March 20, 2011, while his unit was raising the Afghanistan national flag over a small compound near Patrol Base Dakota in Marjah Province. "He died a terrible, painful death," said Alison. "But he did not scream or cry and I know why - it was so he wouldn't frighten his guys. I know I sound like just another grieving mother - but he was one of those Marines; if a platoon wasn't doing well they'd assign him to straighten things out. His last words were, 'Is everyone OK?' He was all about taking care of his men." (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar)

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

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

Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion arrive to put their Light Armored Vehicle on display for the public to look at as a part of Marine Day at Bryant Park, New York City, May 21, 2015. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-New York showcase the capabilities of the Marine Corps both physically, mentally and technologically during Fleet Week New York. Fleet Week is an annual event that provides New York and surrounding area a chance to see the sea services capabilities. - Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion arrive to put their Light Armored Vehicle on display for the public to look at as a part of Marine Day at Bryant Park, New York City, May 21, 2015. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-New York showcase the capabilities of the Marine Corps both physically, mentally and technologically during Fleet Week New York. Fleet Week is an annual event that provides New York and surrounding area a chance to see the sea services capabilities.

Former U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Robert A. Henderson, 95, a Pearl Harbor survivor, tells Clemson University student Will Hines his story for the Veterans Project, an undergraduate research project, Feb. 21, 2015. The project was started to assist the Library of Congress collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans. "The first plane flew so close to me I could have thrown a rock and hit it," said Henderson. He would go on to serve 51 months in combat during WWII, culminated with the Battle of Okinawa. "I was in the first and last battles of the war," he said. - Former U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Robert A. Henderson, 95, a Pearl Harbor survivor, tells Clemson University student Will Hines his story for the Veterans Project, an undergraduate research project, Feb. 21, 2015. The project was started to assist the Library of Congress collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans. "The first plane flew so close to me I could have thrown a rock and hit it," said Henderson. He would go on to serve 51 months in combat during WWII, culminated with the Battle of Okinawa. "I was in the first and last battles of the war," he said.

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U.S. Marines bow their heads as a chaplain prays during the Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Day Ceremony April 25, 2015, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The day commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, fought by Australian-New Zealand Army Corps forces in World War I. The battle is remembered for the valiant men and the significant losses the nations both suffered. Those who fought are known as “ANZACS” and are honored in one of the most recognized holidays in the South Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Sarah Anderson) - U.S. Marines bow their heads as a chaplain prays during the Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Australian-New Zealand Army Corps Day Ceremony April 25, 2015, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The day commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, fought by Australian-New Zealand Army Corps forces in World War I. The battle is remembered for the valiant men and the significant losses the nations both suffered. Those who fought are known as “ANZACS” and are honored in one of the most recognized holidays in the South Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Private First Class John McGraw, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division and native of Ashland, Kentucky, collapses during the initial blast of an improvised explosive device during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. Another Marine steps up and assumes the role and responsibilities that belonged to that Marine that was affected allowing the patrol to continue. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released) - Private First Class John McGraw, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division and native of Ashland, Kentucky, collapses during the initial blast of an improvised explosive device during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. Another Marine steps up and assumes the role and responsibilities that belonged to that Marine that was affected allowing the patrol to continue. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Sprouse, left, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, introduces himself to Philippine Navy Seaman Apprentices Raymond Baclason, center, and Arturo Arandela, both Seabees with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, at the site of a new classroom they are helping build at San Rafael Elementary School in San Rafael, on the island of Palawan, Philippines, April 16. The three are part of a larger group of service members from the AFP and U.S. militaries, constructing five new buildings across the island of Palawan as part of humanitarian civic assistance projects taking place during exercise Balikatan 2015. Balikatan, a Filipino word meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder," is an annual bilateral exercise with the AFP and U.S. militaries, which helps increase combined military-to-military training and build relationships in order to support future engagements. ( - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Sprouse, left, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, introduces himself to Philippine Navy Seaman Apprentices Raymond Baclason, center, and Arturo Arandela, both Seabees with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, at the site of a new classroom they are helping build at San Rafael Elementary School in San Rafael, on the island of Palawan, Philippines, April 16. The three are part of a larger group of service members from the AFP and U.S. militaries, constructing five new buildings across the island of Palawan as part of humanitarian civic assistance projects taking place during exercise Balikatan 2015. Balikatan, a Filipino word meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder," is an annual bilateral exercise with the AFP and U.S. militaries, which helps increase combined military-to-military training and build relationships in order to support future engagements. (

Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. - Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Robert “Bob” Klingman flew his F4U Corsair with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in support of the Battle of Okinawa near the close of World War II. During operations he flew into Marine Corps history when he used his propellor to chop off the tail of Japanese aircraft. - Robert “Bob” Klingman flew his F4U Corsair with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in support of the Battle of Okinawa near the close of World War II. During operations he flew into Marine Corps history when he used his propellor to chop off the tail of Japanese aircraft.

Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson/Released) - Gen. Joseph Dunford, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, March 26. Dunford traveled to the Marine bases on Okinawa from March 24 to the 26 to talk with Marines about his expectations for the Marines and the Corps. “My priorities are to make sure we have the warfighting capabilities we need, to address the maturity of our leaders and to make sure they have the training, education and the experience that they need to be successful on the battlefield,” said Dunford. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson/Released)

John ‘Jack’ Cassidy, World War II and Navy veteran reaches out to shake someone’s hand before a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on April 1, 2015. On April 1, 1945, allied forces invaded the island of Okinawa. The battle lasted 82 days amassed high totals of allied, japanese and civilian casualties. - John ‘Jack’ Cassidy, World War II and Navy veteran reaches out to shake someone’s hand before a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. on April 1, 2015. On April 1, 1945, allied forces invaded the island of Okinawa. The battle lasted 82 days amassed high totals of allied, Japanese and civilian casualties.

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise on San Clemente Island, California., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills. - A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise on San Clemente Island, California., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills.

U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to assault a simulated objective during Exercise Eagle Resolve 2015 with service members from Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia at Failaka Island, Kuwait, March 23, 2015. Eagle Resolve is the premiere Arabian Peninsula/gulf region exercise among the United States, Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and international partners. It serves to address regional challenges associated with asymmetric/unconventional warfare in a multi-national environment. - U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to assault a simulated objective during Exercise Eagle Resolve 2015 with service members from Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia at Failaka Island, Kuwait, March 23, 2015. Eagle Resolve is the premiere Arabian Peninsula/gulf region exercise among the United States, Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and international partners. It serves to address regional challenges associated with asymmetric/unconventional warfare in a multi-national environment.

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on San Clemente Island, Calif., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released) - A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches over the objective during an airfield seizure mission as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on San Clemente Island, Calif., March 22, 2015. These Marines inserted onto the island to execute a raid and practice their urban combat skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)

Corporal David Elliot, a sniper with Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and a native of Santa Rosa, Calif., communicates with his partner during the aerial sniper portion of the machine-gun and aerial sniper familiarization exercise at training area SR-8 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. Marines with the unit used M240B machine guns and M110 semi-automatic sniper systems during the aerial sniper and machine gun familiarization fire. - Corporal David Elliot, a sniper with Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and a native of Santa Rosa, Calif., communicates with his partner during the aerial sniper portion of the machine-gun and aerial sniper familiarization exercise at training area SR-8 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 12, 2015. Marines with the unit used M240B machine guns and M110 semi-automatic sniper systems during the aerial sniper and machine gun familiarization fire.

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James "Jim" Krodel, a Marine veteran and survivor of the battle for Iwo Jima from Quitman, Texas, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Krodel served in the Marines 1944-1946. - James "Jim" Krodel, a Marine veteran and survivor of the battle for Iwo Jima from Quitman, Texas, poses for a photo during the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion at Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Krodel served in the Marines 1944-1946.

Lance Cpl. Andrew Tucker (left) and Master Sgt. Timothy Harvey coordinate artillery strikes with Bravo Battery over military radios from the Fire Direction Center March 8, 2015, during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2 at Pohakuloa Training Area. The military radios are referred to as the “hooks.” - Lance Cpl. Andrew Tucker (left) and Master Sgt. Timothy Harvey coordinate artillery strikes with Bravo Battery over military radios from the Fire Direction Center March 8, 2015, during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2 at Pohakuloa Training Area. The military radios are referred to as the “hooks.”

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment.

Members of the Marine Corps Historical Company present an Iwo Jima Flag Raising Tableau during the Iwo Jima Commemorative Banquet for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 7. The evening included a sunset memorial, 21-gun salute, banquet and a video message for veterans from Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford. “Your legacy is the young men and women who use your example of courage and commitment to inspire them to confront and overcome the challenges that they face today … I pledge that today’s Marines will keep the spirit of Iwo Jima alive,” said Dunford. - Members of the Marine Corps Historical Company present an Iwo Jima Flag Raising Tableau during the Iwo Jima Commemorative Banquet for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 7. The evening included a sunset memorial, 21-gun salute, banquet and a video message for veterans from Commandant of the Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford. “Your legacy is the young men and women who use your example of courage and commitment to inspire them to confront and overcome the challenges that they face today … I pledge that today’s Marines will keep the spirit of Iwo Jima alive,” said Dunford.

Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The third gun of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment fires a 155 mm howitzer under camouflage netting on Pohakuloa Training Area during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2, March 2, 2015. The training was part of Operation Spartan Fury 15.2. - The third gun of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment fires a 155 mm howitzer under camouflage netting on Pohakuloa Training Area during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2, March 2, 2015. The training was part of Operation Spartan Fury 15.2.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13 poses for a photo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps artillery and went to Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan. - Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13 poses for a photo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps artillery and went to Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan.

Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles. - Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles.

William "Bill" Schott, a Marine veteran and survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, poses for a photo at the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion in Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Schott served in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1947. - William "Bill" Schott, a Marine veteran and survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, poses for a photo at the Iwo Jima Battle Survivors and Family Association 70th anniversary reunion in Wichita Falls, Texas, February 14, 2015. Schott served in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1947.

Sergeant Cody Olson, a main battle tank repairer/technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assembles an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun on an M88A2 Hercules Armored Recovery Vehicle during an exercise ashore in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 8, 2015. The 24th MEU is conducting theater security cooperation exercises to increase cooperation and interoperability, enhance relationships with existing partners and promote long-term regional stability within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Sergeant Cody Olson, a main battle tank repairer/technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assembles an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun on an M88A2 Hercules Armored Recovery Vehicle during an exercise ashore in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 8, 2015. The 24th MEU is conducting theater security cooperation exercises to increase cooperation and interoperability, enhance relationships with existing partners and promote long-term regional stability within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.