Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) prepare for detailed aircraft decontamination training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 25. HMLA-267 Marines learned the five station, five-stage process and will now serve as subject matter experts on aircraft decontamination for their respective unit’s aircraft. - Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) prepare for detailed aircraft decontamination training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 25. HMLA-267 Marines learned the five station, five-stage process and will now serve as subject matter experts on aircraft decontamination for their respective unit’s aircraft.
News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail
The medium terminals in the Very Small Aperture Terminal Family of Systems undergo interoperability evaluations at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A Request for Information for a VSAT-medium replacement was released by Marine Corps Systems Command to industry in October 2017 to develop and deliver an updated, cost-effective, reliable solution. - The medium terminals in the Very Small Aperture Terminal Family of Systems undergo interoperability evaluations at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A Request for Information for a VSAT-medium replacement was released by Marine Corps Systems Command to industry in October 2017 to develop and deliver an updated, cost-effective, reliable solution.
ITX is a large-scale, combined-arms training exercise conducted on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms conducted to continue increasing the units’ readiness as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - Marines standby for their departure to Integrated Training Exercise 2-18 from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 12, 2018. ITX is a large-scale, combined-arms training exercise conducted on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms conducted to continue increasing the units’ readiness as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The participation from the Hawaii-based units includes 3d Marine Regiment; 2d Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Battalion 3. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)
Claudio D’Augustino stands in front of his sculpture during a dedication ceremony at the Officers’ Club aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 9, 2018. The sculpture was donated to the Combat Center during the ceremony to express D’Augustino’s appreciation for members of the armed services. - Claudio D’Augustino stands in front of his sculpture during a dedication ceremony at the Officers’ Club aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 9, 2018. The sculpture was donated to the Combat Center during the ceremony to express D’Augustino’s appreciation for members of the armed services.
Coordinating together guarantees mission success - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 sits idle before MK-82 High Explosive General Purpose bombs are loaded onto the aircraft during hot-pit refueling and hot-load training at Naval Air Station Pohang, Republic of Korea, Dec. 12, 2017. The purpose of the exercise was to show that the Marines could effectively establish a forward arming and refueling point with supporting entities and conduct the training evolutions on foreign soil. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Campbell)
Marine Corps Base Quantico welcomes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Microsoft Software and Systems Academy, Jan. 8, which will allow Marines to get training for promising careers in information technology and various STEM fields. - Marine Corps Base Quantico welcomes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Microsoft Software and Systems Academy, Jan. 8, which will allow Marines to get training for promising careers in information technology and various STEM fields.
French forces secure the area in preparation to depart the simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission during Alligator Dagger. Alligator Dagger, led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Expedition Brigade, is a dedicated, bilateral combat rehearsal that combines U.S. and French forces to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore. - French forces secure the area in preparation to depart the simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission during Alligator Dagger. Alligator Dagger, led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Expedition Brigade, is a dedicated, bilateral combat rehearsal that combines U.S. and French forces to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore.
Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17. - Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17.
Marines conduct a field user evaluation for the Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps, or IDS-MC, in Dahlgren, Virginia. In September, Marine Corps Systems Command completed fielding of the IDS-MC, which is a new biometrics system to help deployed Marines identify and track the movement of individuals encountered on the battlefield, conduct entry control point operations, and determine who is a friend or foe. - Marines conduct a field user evaluation for the Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps, or IDS-MC, in Dahlgren, Virginia. In September, Marine Corps Systems Command completed fielding of the IDS-MC, which is a new biometrics system to help deployed Marines identify and track the movement of individuals encountered on the battlefield, conduct entry control point operations, and determine who is a friend or foe.
Sgt. Ethan Mintus and Sgt. Joseph Latsch, both unmanned aerial system operators with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, wait to be awarded during a ceremony at Hangar 103, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Dec. 11, 2017. They were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the newly authorized Remote Impact “R” Device for their performance during combat operations. - Sgt. Ethan Mintus and Sgt. Joseph Latsch, both unmanned aerial system operators with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, wait to be awarded during a ceremony at Hangar 103, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Dec. 11, 2017. They were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the newly authorized Remote Impact “R” Device for their performance during combat operations.
A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), picks up an AV-8B Harrier engine to transport it from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to the fleet replenishment ship USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) during a Helicopter Support Team mission as part of Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 1, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise allows all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to join and train in realistic scenarios so the MEU as a whole can meet its Pre-Deployment Training Program objectives prior to their upcoming deployment at sea. - A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), picks up an AV-8B Harrier engine to transport it from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to the fleet replenishment ship USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) during a Helicopter Support Team mission as part of Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 1, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise allows all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to join and train in realistic scenarios so the MEU as a whole can meet its Pre-Deployment Training Program objectives prior to their upcoming deployment at sea.
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carmen Christman, right, a logistics mobility chief with the USS Essex, and Lance Cpl. Angela Chang, an embark specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, review flight plans aboard the Essex during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carmen Christman, right, a logistics mobility chief with the USS Essex, and Lance Cpl. Angela Chang, an embark specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, review flight plans aboard the Essex during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven amphibious exercise conducted between Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, testing their ability to conduct amphibious operations in response to global crises and to project power ashore as part of a Navy-Marine Corps team.
U.S. Marines with Combat Assault Company (CAC), 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct ground fighting in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Nov. 20, 2017. CAC celebrated the anniversary with a motivational run and beach grappling to promote comradery among the Marines, while understanding the sacrifices at Tarawa. MCBH, along with its tenant units, strives to promote resiliency in remembering the past battles won and to instill in the newest generation what it means to be U.S. Marine. - U.S. Marines with Combat Assault Company (CAC), 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct ground fighting in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Nov. 20, 2017. CAC celebrated the anniversary with a motivational run and beach grappling to promote comradery among the Marines, while understanding the sacrifices at Tarawa. MCBH, along with its tenant units, strives to promote resiliency in remembering the past battles won and to instill in the newest generation what it means to be U.S. Marine.
U.S. Col. Michael V. Samarov, the commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, answers questions from Honduran press members after a closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 8, 2017. The unit held a closing ceremony to wrap up their six-month deployment to Central America and to thank interagency and international partners for their support. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC have completed a successful deployment in Central America and are scheduled to return to the United States in mid-November 2017. - U.S. Col. Michael V. Samarov, the commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, answers questions from Honduran press members after a closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 8, 2017. The unit held a closing ceremony to wrap up their six-month deployment to Central America and to thank interagency and international partners for their support. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC have completed a successful deployment in Central America and are scheduled to return to the United States in mid-November 2017.
A bomb disposal robot inspects a suspicious object during non-combatant evacuation operation training aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, on Nov. 17, 2017. SPMAGTF-CR-AF deployed to conduct limited crisis-response and theater-security operation in Europe and Africa. - A bomb disposal robot inspects a suspicious object during non-combatant evacuation operation training aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, on Nov. 17, 2017. SPMAGTF-CR-AF deployed to conduct limited crisis-response and theater-security operation in Europe and Africa.
Funk was one of more than 100 veterans who attended a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the city. - R.B. Funk, a resident of Big Bear Lake and a U.S. Army Air Force veteran, stands at Veterans Park in Big Bear Lake, Calif., Nov. 11, 2017. Funk was one of more than 100 veterans who attended a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the city.
Marine Corps Systems Command recently fielded the M007 to Marine and civilian CID agents and members of Helicopter Squadron One. - Individual Weapons project officer Gunnery Sgt. Brian Nelson prepares to draw the M007 concealed carry weapon. The M007 offers enhanced concealed carry capabilities, which includes a smaller frame, ambidextrous slide stop lever and flared magazine well. Marine Corps Systems Command recently fielded the M007 to Marine and civilian CID agents and members of Helicopter Squadron One.
Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the joint field training exercise Blue Chromite 2018, throughout the prefecture of Okinawa, Japan, October 23 – November 3, 2017. - Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the joint field training exercise Blue Chromite 2018, throughout the prefecture of Okinawa, Japan, October 23 – November 3, 2017. BC18 is a U.S.-only mission rehearsal which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid- response capabilities required to swiftly and effectively respond to a regional crisis or contingency across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the Navy's newest Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, T-ESB 5, will be named in honor of Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Miguel Keith during a ceremony in National Harbor, Maryland, Nov. 4. - Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the Navy's newest Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, T-ESB 5, will be named in honor of Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Miguel Keith during a ceremony in National Harbor, Maryland, Nov. 4.
U.S. Marine Capt. David Miller prepares to conduct a simulated night raid with multiple rifle squads during an air assault training event at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 31, 2017. - U.S. Marine Capt. David Miller prepares to conduct a simulated night raid with multiple rifle squads during an air assault training event at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 31, 2017. Miller is currently participating in Blue Chromite 18 in Okinawa, Japan. Miller is a forward air controller (FAC) with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment attached to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the Unit Deployment Program. Miller is a native of Queenstown, Maryland.
A service member running the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon Forward approaches the 10-mile mark of the 26.2-mile race while deployed in the Middle East Oct. 22, 2017. The Marine Corps Marathon Forward gave Marines deployed with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command the opportunity to run the ‘Peoples Marathon’ while far from home. The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world and hosts the event in forward locations to allow service members outside the United States an opportunity to compete. - A service member running the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon Forward approaches the 10-mile mark of the 26.2-mile race while deployed in the Middle East Oct. 22, 2017. The Marine Corps Marathon Forward gave Marines deployed with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command the opportunity to run the ‘Peoples Marathon’ while far from home. The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world and hosts the event in forward locations to allow service members outside the United States an opportunity to compete.
The tower, where air traffic control Marines work, overlooks the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. - The tower, where air traffic control Marines work, overlooks the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Each member of ATC safely organizes and regulates the flow of air traffic within MCAS Miramar’s airspace and prevents collisions between aircraft.
U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), unload emergency care items at the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 12, 2017. The 26th MEU worked jointly with Department of Defense services and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to provide food, water, and other essential care items in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts. - U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), unload emergency care items at the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 12, 2017. The 26th MEU worked jointly with Department of Defense services and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to provide food, water, and other essential care items in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 based out of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, pilot a KC-130J Hercules during a nighttime aerial refueling training operation Oct. 25, 2017. The training consisted of refueling the air station’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 and F/A-18C Hornets with VMFA-251 based out of MCAS Iwakuni. This training was conducted at night to improve operational readiness and enhance pilot proficiency. - U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 based out of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, pilot a KC-130J Hercules during a nighttime aerial refueling training operation Oct. 25, 2017. The training consisted of refueling the air station’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 and F/A-18C Hornets with VMFA-251 based out of MCAS Iwakuni. This training was conducted at night to improve operational readiness and enhance pilot proficiency.
U.S. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Information Group, fire M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during a live fire training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2017. The importance of this exercise was to prepare the Marines for their upcoming deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Information Group, fire M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during a live fire training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2017. The importance of this exercise was to prepare the Marines for their upcoming deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. John Pesto, driver of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle at the mobile assault course during Exercise Bougainville II at the Pohakuloa Training Area, on the island of Hawaii, Oct. 23, 2017. Exercise Bougainville II prepares 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines for service as a forward deployed force in the Pacific by training them to fight as a ground combat element in a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Lance Cpl. Pesto is with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and native of Batavia, N.Y. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. John Pesto, driver of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle at the mobile assault course during Exercise Bougainville II at the Pohakuloa Training Area, on the island of Hawaii, Oct. 23, 2017. Exercise Bougainville II prepares 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines for service as a forward deployed force in the Pacific by training them to fight as a ground combat element in a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Lance Cpl. Pesto is with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and native of Batavia, N.Y.
Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range. - Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range in South Korea during exercise Midori Guardian 17, which was held from September 5 to October 15, 2017. Midori Guardian, a Unit Level Training event aimed at enhancing squadron readiness while in a field environment, utilizes simulated real-world scenarios focused on Direct Air Support Center and an Air Support Element operations, live-fire ranges, and Marine Corps Common Skills training to prepare the unit for future operations. (courtesy photo)
A MV-22 Osprey prepares to take off at Torrey Gray Field aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13, 2017. The landing was conducted as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise in order to prepare Marines for the evacuation of non-essential U.S. citizens and Department of Defense personnel from dangerous situations overseas. - A MV-22 Osprey prepares to take off at Torrey Gray Field aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13, 2017. The landing was conducted as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise in order to prepare Marines for the evacuation of non-essential U.S. citizens and Department of Defense personnel from dangerous situations overseas.
Motorcyclists ride down Highway 62 during the 4th Annual Roar Against Domestic Violence Motorcycle Ride, Oct. 13, 2017. The ride was hosted to raise awareness for domestic violence amongst Combat Center patrons as well as provide them with resources in the event that they suspect an incident of domestic violence has occurred. - Motorcyclists ride down Highway 62 during the 4th Annual Roar Against Domestic Violence Motorcycle Ride, Oct. 13, 2017. The ride was hosted to raise awareness for domestic violence amongst Combat Center patrons as well as provide them with resources in the event that they suspect an incident of domestic violence has occurred.
MCTSSA engineers build virtual afloat network - Paul Pham (center), a computer engineer with Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, demonstrates a virtualized tactical afloat network capability Sept. 27, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations.
Gill and his Marines provide security and stability at landing zones and at the U.S. Department of State’s evacuation control center at the airport. - U.S Marine Maj. Robert Gill, the officer in charge of Joint Task Force - Leeward Island’s security element, gathers flight helmets from a U.S. sailor with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 to give to U.S. citizens departing Dominica at Charles-Douglas Airport in Melville Hall, Dominica, Sept. 25, 2017. Gill and his Marines provide security and stability at landing zones and at the U.S. Department of State’s evacuation control center at the airport. At the request of partner nations and both the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, JTF-LI has deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. 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 both disasters. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Trisha Black)
U.S. Marine Pfc. Olivia Rutherford, an ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (CLB-5), Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, counts out ammunition during Mountain Training Exercise 4-17 at Mountain Warfare Training Center, August 4, 2017. Blanks were handed to Marines to be used on the convoys in case of simulated enemy contacts. Throughout the training evolution, Marines with CLB-5 received over 9000 blank ammunition for the M16A4 service rifle for practical experience and utilizing their weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Shoemaker) - U.S. Marine Pfc. Olivia Rutherford, an ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (CLB-5), Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, counts out ammunition during Mountain Training Exercise 4-17 at Mountain Warfare Training Center, August 4, 2017. Blanks were handed to Marines to be used on the convoys in case of simulated enemy contacts. Throughout the training evolution, Marines with CLB-5 received over 9000 blank ammunition for the M16A4 service rifle for practical experience and utilizing their weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Shoemaker)
PWTI Digitally Aided Close Air Support - U.S Marine Corps Maj. Eben Buxton, CH-53E instructor with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepares a tablet to provide digitally aided close air support in support of Weapons Tactics Instructors course (WTI) 1-18 at Fire Base Burt, Calif., Sept. 22, 2017. WTI is a seven-week training even hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advance tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. AaronJames Vinculado)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 Load Ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 load ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II while conducting a hotload during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-18 in Yuma, AZ, on Sept. 21, 2017. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron (MAWTS-1) cadre which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps Aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.
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.
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)
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 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.
3/18/2026 - https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/san-diego/marines-rescue-family-camp-pendleton/
3/16/2026 - https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/03/10/marine-corps-to-ramp-up-swim-test-difficulty/
3/11/2026 - https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-john-ripley-medal-of-honor/
3/05/2026 - https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/virginia/prince-william-county/new-exhibit-highlights-marine-corps-football-history/
2/27/2026 - https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/u-s-marine-corps-opens-30mm-cannon-plant-for-amphibious-combat-vehicle-in-pennsylvania