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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division. - A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division.

Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it. - Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit transported a purification system with a CH-53E helicopter from the USS New Orleans to the Purple Islands Dec. 7, 2015, as part of Operation Intrinsic Fidelity. - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit transported a purification system with a CH-53E helicopter from the USS New Orleans to the Purple Islands Dec. 7, 2015, as part of Operation Intrinsic Fidelity.

U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, swears in U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell as the third senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 11, 2015. It included a ceremony honoring outgoing SEAC Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, who's scheduled to retire in April 2016 after nearly 36 years of service. - U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, swears in U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell as the third senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 11, 2015. It included a ceremony honoring outgoing SEAC Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, who's scheduled to retire in April 2016 after nearly 36 years of service.

Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271. - Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271.

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Lt. Col. Robert B. Green runs football players through drills during practice Nov. 17, 2015, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Green recently was appointed the outside linebacker coach of the team. Green is a Naval Academy graduate, and played on the football team as a defensive back during the 1993-1996 seasons. - Lt. Col. Robert B. Green runs football players through drills during practice Nov. 17, 2015, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Green recently was appointed the outside linebacker coach of the team. Green is a Naval Academy graduate, and played on the football team as a defensive back during the 1993-1996 seasons.

A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C.Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial. - Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial.

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An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015. - The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015.

A reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marine assists a peer to suit up mission-oriented protective postures four gear during a simulated chemical attack at the Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 motor transportation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. As part of an operational decontamination exercise, this is just a glimpse of MWSS-171's annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness. - A reconnaissance, surveillance and decontamination Marine assists a peer to suit up mission-oriented protective postures four gear during a simulated chemical attack at the Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 motor transportation at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. As part of an operational decontamination exercise, this is just a glimpse of MWSS-171's annual unit level chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training that enables combat proactivity and readiness.

Officer candidates from Class 220 recite the oath for commissioned officers during their commissioning ceremony Nov. 24, 2015 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. These new second lieutenants now head to The Basic School. - Officer candidates from Class 220 recite the oath for commissioned officers during their commissioning ceremony Nov. 24, 2015 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. These new second lieutenants now head to The Basic School.

Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va. - Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va.

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A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual. - A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual.

Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family. - Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family.

A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, looks a through compass during a 60mm mortar live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. Despite heavy rainfall and wind, the Marines completed the mortar shoot in order to retain and refine their skills with the weapons system and prove they could complete a fire mission under any conditions. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, looks a through compass during a 60mm mortar live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. Despite heavy rainfall and wind, the Marines completed the mortar shoot in order to retain and refine their skills with the weapons system and prove they could complete a fire mission under any conditions.

Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water. - Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water.

A C-9B Skytrain launches down a Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. runway April 8, 2014. The C-9 is a Marine Transport Squadron 1 asset and is used for the transportation of essential personnel and equipment. - A C-9B Skytrain launches down a Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. runway April 8, 2014. The C-9 is a Marine Transport Squadron 1 asset and is used for the transportation of essential personnel and equipment.

U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo. - U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo.

Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific salute Cpl. Roger K. Nielson during a dignified transfer of remains at the Honolulu International Airport, Nov. 12, 2015. Nielson was a World War II Marine assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, who was killed during the battle of Tarawa, where more than 18,000 Marines fought and more than 1,000 were killed over three days of fighting. - Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific salute Cpl. Roger K. Nielson during a dignified transfer of remains at the Honolulu International Airport, Nov. 12, 2015. Nielson was a World War II Marine assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, who was killed during the battle of Tarawa, where more than 18,000 Marines fought and more than 1,000 were killed over three days of fighting.

A Marine places a portrait of Staff Sgt. Denver Sugano on an altar during a memorial service at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 4, 2015. Sugano faithfully served in the Marine Corps for 13 years, primarily serving as a flight equipment technician and a Marine recruiter. Sugano participated in three Unit Deployment Programs, assisted with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and deployed in support of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Family, friends and fellow Marines remember Sugano for his dedication to his beloved Corps and his family. - A Marine places a portrait of Staff Sgt. Denver Sugano on an altar during a memorial service at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 4, 2015. Sugano faithfully served in the Marine Corps for 13 years, primarily serving as a flight equipment technician and a Marine recruiter. Sugano participated in three Unit Deployment Programs, assisted with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and deployed in support of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Family, friends and fellow Marines remember Sugano for his dedication to his beloved Corps and his family.

Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

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U.S. Marines with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, currently deployed in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command 16.1, prepare the hook block of a MAC-50 Crane to move Alaskan walls at Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2015. The 12-ton T-walls are placed around key structures to provide protection from shrapnel. - U.S. Marines with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, currently deployed in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command 16.1, prepare the hook block of a MAC-50 Crane to move Alaskan walls at Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2015. The 12-ton T-walls are placed around key structures to provide protection from shrapnel.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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