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Nick Thomson, base firefighter and paramedica, helps Layne Jackson, base firefighter and emergency medical technician, into his gear to show students hazardous waste protective gear during the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 14. HAZWOPER training is vital for safety aboard the Air Station, which has many hazardous waste risks. - Nick Thomson, base firefighter and paramedica, helps Layne Jackson, base firefighter and emergency medical technician, into his gear to show students hazardous waste protective gear during the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 14. HAZWOPER training is vital for safety aboard the Air Station, which has many hazardous waste risks.

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Maj. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart passes the Marine Corps colors Maj. Gen. Daniel J. O’Donohue during a change of command ceremony January 21, 2015 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Stewart relinquished his position as commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace to O'Donohue to take the position as director of Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JFCC-ISR). - Maj. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart passes the Marine Corps colors Maj. Gen. Daniel J. O’Donohue during a change of command ceremony January 21, 2015 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Stewart relinquished his position as commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace to O'Donohue to take the position as director of Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JFCC-ISR).

Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Romanian soldiers paired together during Platinum Lion 15 Jan 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. BSRF Marines trained with Serbian, Bulgarian and Romanian soldiers during the exercise. - Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Romanian soldiers paired together during Platinum Lion 15 Jan 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. The Marines trained with Serbian, Bulgarian and Romanian soldiers during the exercise.

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Marines with Headquarters Regiment stand with their maintenance readiness awards from all four quarters and the overall 2014 fiscal year on Camp Kinser, Dec. 31. Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force maintained an overall maintenance readiness of 90% or higher throughout the entire year of 2014. “My success comes from the success of my Marines,” said Col. Edmund J. Bowen, the regiment’s commanding officer, from Staten Island, New York. - Marines with Headquarters Regiment stand with their maintenance readiness awards from all four quarters and the overall 2014 fiscal year on Camp Kinser, Dec. 31. Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force maintained an overall maintenance readiness of 90% or higher throughout the entire year of 2014. “My success comes from the success of my Marines,” said Col. Edmund J. Bowen, the regiment’s commanding officer, from Staten Island, New York.

The chamber was filled with chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, or CS gas, a non-lethal tear gas and riot control agent. When the chemical is places on a heated surface, it turns to smoke and rises, spreading itself within the walls of the chamber. - The chamber was filled with chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, or CS gas, a non-lethal tear gas and riot control agent. When the chemical is places on a heated surface, it turns to smoke and rises, spreading itself within the walls of the chamber.

The high-risk training conducted at the Methods of Entry School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico necessitates regular emergency response training. On Dec. 18 the school conducted a nighttime emergency response exercise involving corspmen, firefighters and paramedics from Quantico, and a medical aircrew and helicopter from Manassas. - The high-risk training conducted at the Methods of Entry School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico necessitates regular emergency response training. On Dec. 18 the school conducted a nighttime emergency response exercise involving corspmen, firefighters and paramedics from Quantico, and a medical aircrew and helicopter from Manassas.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Alex C. Cabero Jr., center, explains an upcoming event Dec. 9 to a group of Marines at Camp Kinser during a Truck Rodeo. The rodeo increased camaraderie and refreshed basic motor transportation skills for Marines stationed across Okinawa. Cabero, from Vista, California, is the unit movement control chief with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Master Gunnery Sgt. Alex C. Cabero Jr., center, explains an upcoming event Dec. 9 to a group of Marines at Camp Kinser during a Truck Rodeo. The rodeo increased camaraderie and refreshed basic motor transportation skills for Marines stationed across Okinawa. Cabero, from Vista, California, is the unit movement control chief with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The final nine Marines representing the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s involvement in Afghanistan walk down the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Dec. 6, 2014. The Marines belong to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and served more than seven months in Afghanistan. - The final nine Marines representing the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s involvement in Afghanistan walk down the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Dec. 6, 2014. The Marines belong to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and served more than seven months in Afghanistan.

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A Multi-Purpose Canine handler, with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, fast-ropes with his canine aboard Stone Bay, Oct. 1, 2014. As MARSOC continues to demonstrate their capabilities and versatilities, MPC handlers with the command are preparing themselves and their canines for new areas of operation, they’ll be deploying to. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released) - A Multi-Purpose Canine handler, with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, fast-ropes with his canine aboard Stone Bay, Oct. 1, 2014. As MARSOC continues to demonstrate their capabilities and versatilities, MPC handlers with the command are preparing themselves and their canines for new areas of operation, they’ll be deploying to. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Greeley Wells Jr., Barbara Kenney and Elizabeth Wells display letters and challenge coins they received from Maj. Sung Kim, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Seattle, on behalf of 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos following a memorial service for their father, 1st Lt. George Greeley Wells, in Bellevue, Washington, Oct. 25, 2014. Greeley served as the adjutant of 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, during World War II’s famed Battle of Iwo Jima. He carried the first flag that was raised on Mt. Suribachi, a moment later captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal in the war’s most famous photo. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he was featured in James Bradley’s best-selling book “Flags of Our Fathers” and “War Stories with Oliver North,” produced by the retired Marine and Fox News correspondent. Greeley, a native of Lake Forest, Illinois, moved with his family from Harding Township, New Jersey, to Bellevue in the early 2000s. At 94, he passed away in his sleep here Sept. 22, 2014. - Greeley Wells Jr., Barbara Kenney and Elizabeth Wells display letters and challenge coins they received from Maj. Sung Kim, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Seattle, on behalf of 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos following a memorial service for their father, 1st Lt. George Greeley Wells, in Bellevue, Washington, Oct. 25, 2014. Greeley served as the adjutant of 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, during World War II’s famed Battle of Iwo Jima. He carried the first flag that was raised on Mt. Suribachi, a moment later captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal in the war’s most famous photo. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he was featured in James Bradley’s best-selling book “Flags of Our Fathers” and “War Stories with Oliver North,” produced by the retired Marine and Fox News correspondent. Greeley, a native of Lake Forest, Illinois, moved with his family from Harding Township, New Jersey, to Bellevue in the early 2000s. At 94, he passed away in his sleep here Sept. 22, 2014.

Retired Col. James “Rip” Harper (second from left) and Brig. Gen. Patrick Hermesmann, commanding general of 4th Marine Logistics Group (third from left), observe the 6th Engineer Support Battalion’s battle color rededication ceremony in Portland, Ore., Nov. 15, 2014.The battalion celebrated the 70th anniversary of its formation with a rededication ceremony and paid homage to Harper, the battalion’s first adjutant. Harper served as the unit’s first adjutant as a first lieutenant in 1944, when the unit was formed in Guadalcanal during World War II. - Retired Col. James “Rip” Harper (second from left) and Brig. Gen. Patrick Hermesmann, commanding general of 4th Marine Logistics Group (third from left), observe the 6th Engineer Support Battalion’s battle color rededication ceremony in Portland, Ore., Nov. 15, 2014.The battalion celebrated the 70th anniversary of its formation with a rededication ceremony and paid homage to Harper, the battalion’s first adjutant. Harper served as the unit’s first adjutant as a first lieutenant in 1944, when the unit was formed in Guadalcanal during World War II.

A Japanese volunteer from the Oshima Fire Department and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert C. Austin quickly offload humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies from an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Nov. 8 during Tomodachi relief exercise 15.2 near Izu Oshima Island, Tokyo Metropolis Prefecture, Japan. TREX 15.2 is an annual, bilateral training exercise that simulates humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Japan while strengthening U.S. and Japanese alliance. During the offload, approximately 600 pounds of food, water, blankets, and medical supplies were transported from the Osprey to a waiting truck in less than eight minutes. Austin, from Grand Ledge, Michigan, is an Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A Japanese volunteer from the Oshima Fire Department and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert C. Austin quickly offload humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies from an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Nov. 8 during Tomodachi relief exercise 15.2 near Izu Oshima Island, Tokyo Metropolis Prefecture, Japan. TREX 15.2 is an annual, bilateral training exercise that simulates humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Japan while strengthening U.S. and Japanese alliance. During the offload, approximately 600 pounds of food, water, blankets, and medical supplies were transported from the Osprey to a waiting truck in less than eight minutes. Austin, from Grand Ledge, Michigan, is an Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

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Marines with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, conduct a direct fire exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 3, 2014. The training re-established specific close-quarters firing skills with the Marines, ensuring successful future combat operations. - Marines with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, conduct a direct fire exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 3, 2014. The training re-established specific close-quarters firing skills with the Marines, ensuring successful future combat operations.

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Two Combat Rubber Raiding Craft drop out the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during an aerial delivery mission at near Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 24, 2014. The training was conducted in support of United States Special Operations Command. The Hercules belongs to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. - Two Combat Rubber Raiding Craft drop out the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during an aerial delivery mission at near Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 24, 2014. The training was conducted in support of United States Special Operations Command. The Hercules belongs to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, boost a Marine over a wall during a vertical-assault raid course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2014. The course teaches vertical assault techniques and the importance of working together as a cohesive unit during a raid. - U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, boost a Marine over a wall during a vertical-assault raid course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2014. The course teaches vertical assault techniques and the importance of working together as a cohesive unit during a raid.

Sergeant Tyler W. Envall, an H-1 avionics technician with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, conducts 90-degree gear box wiring of a UH-1Y Huey aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 27, 2014. Marines conduct flight maintenance around the clock to maintain mission readiness for all MEU aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols) - Sergeant Tyler W. Envall, an H-1 avionics technician with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, conducts 90-degree gear box wiring of a UH-1Y Huey aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 27, 2014. Marines conduct flight maintenance around the clock to maintain mission readiness for all MEU aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols)

Marines load simulated casualties onto a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 helicopter Oct. 28 here during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2014. The exercise, which included personnel assigned to the Japan Self-Defense Force, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler Japan, Urasoe City, Camp Kinser emergency services, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and other civilian agencies, simulated a collaborative emergency response to a tsunami and tested cooperative emergency response procedures. The Marines are with camp services, Camp Kinser, MCIPAC-Marine Corp Base, Camp Butler Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released) - Marines load simulated casualties onto a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 helicopter Oct. 28 here during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2014. The exercise, which included personnel assigned to the Japan Self-Defense Force, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler Japan, Urasoe City, Camp Kinser emergency services, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and other civilian agencies, simulated a collaborative emergency response to a tsunami and tested cooperative emergency response procedures. The Marines are with camp services, Camp Kinser, MCIPAC-Marine Corp Base, Camp Butler Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released)

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Gen. James F. Amos, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, passes the colors to Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., during the change of command and subsequent retirement ceremony Oct. 17, 2014 at Marine Corps Barracks Washington, at 8th & I. After more than 44 years of military service, Amos passed the duties as senior-ranking officer of the Marine Corps to Dunford, who has now become the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps. - Gen. James F. Amos, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, passes the colors to Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., during the change of command and subsequent retirement ceremony Oct. 17, 2014 at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. After more than 44 years of military service, Amos passed the duties as senior-ranking officer of the Marine Corps to Dunford, who has now become the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

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As the final days in his Marine Corps career end, Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. Reflects on his past experiences and how he has molded his career to guide and inspire younger Marines. - As the final days in his Marine Corps career end, Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. Reflects on his past experiences and how he has molded his career to guide and inspire younger Marines.

Eric Rodriguez [bottom right], from the Marine Corps volleyball team, tips the ball to teammate Jorge Salazar [middle left] during the Marine Corps vs Air Force volleyball game at the 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 29. The Marines won the first out of three matches with a final of 25-23. - Eric Rodriguez [bottom right], from the Marine Corps volleyball team, tips the ball to teammate Jorge Salazar [middle left] during the Marine Corps vs Air Force volleyball game at the 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 29. The Marines won the first out of three matches with a final of 25-23.

Lance Cpl. Edward Manibusan, Jr., from Koblerville, Saipan, stands outside of his tent Sept. 26 during Exercise Forager Fury III. He was raised in Saipan, located near Tinian, and joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating high school. Manibusan is a field wireman with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released) - Lance Cpl. Edward Manibusan, Jr., from Koblerville, Saipan, stands outside of his tent Sept. 26 during Exercise Forager Fury III. He was raised in Saipan, located near Tinian, and joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating high school. Manibusan is a field wireman with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Sgt. Anthony McDaniel Jr. from Pascagoula, Mississippi, plays front and center during sitting volleyball practice for the Marine team, Sept. 26, in preparation for the 2014 Warrior Games. The Marine team has been training since September 15 in order to build team cohesion and acclimate to the above 6,000 feet altitude of Colorado Springs. The Marine team is comprised of both active duty and veteran wounded, ill and injured Marines who are attached to or supported by the Wounded Warrior Regiment, the official unit of the Marine Corps charged with providing comprehensive non-medical recovery care to wounded, ill and injured Marines. The Warrior Games are a Paralympic-style competition for more than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and are taking place Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Follow the Marine team's progress at www.facebook.com/wwr.usmc. - Sgt. Anthony McDaniel Jr. from Pascagoula, Mississippi, plays front and center during sitting volleyball practice for the Marine team, Sept. 26, in preparation for the 2014 Warrior Games. The Marine team has been training since September 15 in order to build team cohesion and acclimate to the above 6,000 feet altitude of Colorado Springs. The Marine team is comprised of both active duty and veteran wounded, ill and injured Marines who are attached to or supported by the Wounded Warrior Regiment, the official unit of the Marine Corps charged with providing comprehensive non-medical recovery care to wounded, ill and injured Marines. The Warrior Games are a Paralympic-style competition for more than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and are taking place Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Follow the Marine team's progress at www.facebook.com/wwr.usmc.

Two Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific land on Echo Field, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, during the first day of Forager Fury III on Sept. 24, 2014. Echo Field is a 7,000 by 500 foot runway cleared by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment operators. An estimated 1300 personnel are participating in FF III, which is a Marine Corps led exercise involving a full spectrum of fixed wing and rotary aircraft operations between Guam and Tinian. FF III began Sept. 24, and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 6. - Two Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific land on Echo Field, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, during the first day of Forager Fury III on Sept. 24, 2014. Echo Field is a 7,000 by 500 foot runway cleared by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment operators. An estimated 1300 personnel are participating in FF III, which is a Marine Corps led exercise involving a full spectrum of fixed wing and rotary aircraft operations between Guam and Tinian. FF III began Sept. 24, and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 6.

Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, patrol with Afghan National Army counterparts during a security operation in Helmand province, Sept. 9, 2014. During the 72-hour operation, Marines and ANA soldiers conducted dismounted patrols on foot to search nearby compounds for weapons and lethal aid. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released) - Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, patrol with Afghan National Army counterparts during a security operation in Helmand province, Sept. 9, 2014. During the 72-hour operation, Marines and ANA soldiers conducted dismounted patrols on foot to search nearby compounds for weapons and lethal aid. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard Burkett releases an arrow during the gold medal match against Canada’s Cpl. Luc Martin. Burkett won the gold medal in the mixed individual compound bow category of the Archery event at the Invictus Games. Over 400 competitors from 13 nations took part in the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service members. Maj. Burkett enlisted in the Army in 1994 and was later commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1999. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with multiple Marine Expeditionary Units, but was injured on his right leg, which led to an amputation below the knee, and a left knee replacement. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard Burkett releases an arrow during the gold medal match against Canada’s Cpl. Luc Martin. Burkett won the gold medal in the mixed individual compound bow category of the Archery event at the Invictus Games. Over 400 competitors from 13 nations took part in the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service members. Maj. Burkett enlisted in the Army in 1994 and was later commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1999. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with multiple Marine Expeditionary Units, but was injured on his right leg, which led to an amputation below the knee, and a left knee replacement.

Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, left, shakes hands with Col. Christopher B. Snyder,Sept. 6 during a day of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training on and around Miyako Island. The drills marked the first time members of the Okinawa Prefectural Government hosted a series of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills with full-fledged participation by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marines. Nakaima is the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture and Snyder is the deputy commander with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. - Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, left, shakes hands with Col. Christopher B. Snyder,Sept. 6 during a day of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training on and around Miyako Island. The drills marked the first time members of the Okinawa Prefectural Government hosted a series of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills with full-fledged participation by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marines. Nakaima is the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture and Snyder is the deputy commander with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

The Quantico Marine Band performs the “National Anthem” at Yankee Stadium Sept. 11, 2014, at New York City. The band traveled to the city to perform and pay their respects to the people who lost their lives 13 years ago during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. - The Quantico Marine Band performs the “National Anthem” at Yankee Stadium Sept. 11, 2014, at New York City. The band traveled to the city to perform and pay their respects to the people who lost their lives 13 years ago during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Marines, sailors and coalition partners with Regional Command (Southwest) bow their heads during a moment of silence at the 9/11 memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. “That moment of silence gave us an opportunity to reflect and reminds us of why we are here today in Afghanistan in Helmand province,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan. - Marines, sailors and coalition partners with Regional Command (Southwest) bow their heads during a moment of silence at the 9/11 memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. “That moment of silence gave us an opportunity to reflect and reminds us of why we are here today in Afghanistan in Helmand province,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan.

Sergeant Maj. James Roberts (left) and Gunnery Sgt. Jason M. Whipkey stand on the flight deck of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) September 10. The Marines were embarked on the ship 13 years ago when it was diverted from Darwin, Australia to Afghanistan in response to the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. Roberts is the Sergeant Major of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and is from Dallas. Whipkey is the platoon sergeant for Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and is from Carneys Point, New Jersey. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group is currently conducting Amphibious Integration Training in preparation for the regularly schedule Fall Patrol ’14. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed expeditionary unit. - Sergeant Maj. James Roberts (left) and Gunnery Sgt. Jason M. Whipkey stand on the flight deck of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) September 10. The Marines were embarked on the ship 13 years ago when it was diverted from Darwin, Australia to Afghanistan in response to the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. Roberts is the Sergeant Major of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and is from Dallas. Whipkey is the platoon sergeant for Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and is from Carneys Point, New Jersey. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group is currently conducting Amphibious Integration Training in preparation for the regularly schedule Fall Patrol ’14. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed expeditionary unit.

General James F. Amos, left, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speak to Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2014. Gen. Amos and Sgt. Maj. Barrett visited Marines and sailors serving with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan in Helmand province for the final time, thanking them for their service and sacrifice. - General James F. Amos, left, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speak to Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2014. Gen. Amos and Sgt. Maj. Barrett visited Marines and sailors serving with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan in Helmand province for the final time, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Sgt. Rafael Cervantes Jr., a combat-injured Marine with Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, raises his hand during his re-enlistment ceremony at the Pacific War Memorial aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Suzanna Knotts) - MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Sgt. Rafael Cervantes Jr., a combat-injured Marine with Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, raises his hand during his re-enlistment ceremony at the Pacific War Memorial aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Suzanna Knotts)

Lance Cpl. Johnny Alston (right), a personnel retrieval and processing specialist with PRP Company, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and Sgt. 1st Class Matevz Scheicher, a weapons specialist with the Slovenian army, inspect and document simulated remains during the culminating event of exercie Immediate Response 2014 here, Aug. 25-27, 2014 PRP’s mission is to process the physical remains of deceased Marines, including other service members and civilians, ensuring everything they arrived at the disaster site with, he or she returns home with. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Codey Underwood) - Lance Cpl. Johnny Alston (right), a personnel retrieval and processing specialist with PRP Company, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and Sgt. 1st Class Matevz Scheicher, a weapons specialist with the Slovenian army, inspect and document simulated remains during the culminating event of exercise Immediate Response 2014, Aug. 25-27, 2014 PRP’s mission is to process the physical remains of deceased Marines, including other service members and civilians, ensuring everything they arrived at the disaster site with, he or she returns home with. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Codey Underwood)

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania hold a joint press conference at the Georgian Ministry of Defense in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 7, 2014. Hagel and Irakli gave remarks emphasizing the importance of the relationship of their two nations and answered questions from an international pool of reporters. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett - Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania hold a joint press conference at the Georgian Ministry of Defense in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 7, 2014. Hagel and Irakli gave remarks emphasizing the importance of the relationship of their two nations and answered questions from an international pool of reporters. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett

Marines stand guard at a warehouse during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug. 22 at Camp Kinser. The Marines are training for real combat situations in the Asia-Pacific region by checking for security badges, security access levels and searching all bags entering the grounds. The Marines are with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines stand guard at a warehouse during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug. 22 at Camp Kinser. The Marines are training for real combat situations in the Asia-Pacific region by checking for security badges, security access levels and searching all bags entering the grounds. The Marines are with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Pvt. Tyler Knotts, 19, from Kingwood, W.V., grips a ledge as he navigates his way up a cliff during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Sept. 1, 2014. Rice is an infantry rifleman with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marine Pvt. Tyler Knotts, 19, from Kingwood, W.V., grips a ledge as he navigates his way up a cliff during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Sept. 1, 2014. Rice is an infantry rifleman with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)