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U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region.

Bob Opett, a Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations course instructor, shows service members and firefighters how to properly seal the HazMat suit during the course at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. Provided by Bucks County Community College Department of Public Safety from Doylestown, Penn., the course is used to make individuals more aware of potential hazards and teach them initial response procedures. - Bob Opett, a Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations course instructor, shows service members and firefighters how to properly seal the HazMat suit during the course at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2015. Provided by Bucks County Community College Department of Public Safety from Doylestown, Penn., the course is used to make individuals more aware of potential hazards and teach them initial response procedures.

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A graphic in support of content about the Secretary of the Navy. - A graphic in support of content about the Secretary of the Navy.

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

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

Sgt. Maj. Robin C. Fortner (Ret.) holds up a photo from within the time capsule on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., May 5, 2022. Fortner buried multiple items as the Battalion Sergeant Major in 2012 at the time of the celebration. - Sgt. Maj. Robin C. Fortner (Ret.) holds up a photo from within the time capsule on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., May 5, 2022. Fortner buried multiple items as the Battalion Sergeant Major in 2012 at the time of the celebration.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Martin, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during exercise Hagåtña Fury 21 on Ukibaru, Japan, Feb. 17, 2021. The exercise demonstrated that Marines are capable of seizing, defending, and providing expeditionary sustainment for key maritime terrain in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as a part of the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Martin, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during exercise Hagåtña Fury 21 on Ukibaru, Japan, Feb. 17, 2021. The exercise demonstrated that Marines are capable of seizing, defending, and providing expeditionary sustainment for key maritime terrain in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as a part of the unit deployment program.

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Staff Sgt. Lynn Kinney, the Public Affairs Chief for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, receives a graduation certificate from Col. Ian R. Clark, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, after the first annual year class of Career Course Seminar on Camp Pendleton May 26, 2016. Career Course is required for promotion to gunnery sergeant. The 15-week seminar requires staff sergeants to attend a three-hour class, once a week and complete homework assignments and participate in small group discussions. - Staff Sgt. Lynn Kinney, the Public Affairs Chief for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, receives a graduation certificate from Col. Ian R. Clark, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, after the first annual year class of Career Course Seminar on Camp Pendleton May 26, 2016. Career Course is required for promotion to gunnery sergeant. The 15-week seminar requires staff sergeants to attend a three-hour class, once a week and complete homework assignments and participate in small group discussions.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bryan Mata, left, instructs Marines during a machine gun range on Range 7, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2019. During the range, Marines with Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, trained to improve field communications skills while employing M249 light machine guns, M240B medium machine guns and .50 caliber machine guns. Mata, a native of Kearns, Utah, is a weapons instructor with Tactical Readiness and Training Platoon, CLR-37, 3rd MLG. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Pinkney) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bryan Mata, left, instructs Marines during a machine gun range on Range 7, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 20, 2019. During the range, Marines with Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, trained to improve field communications skills while employing M249 light machine guns, M240B medium machine guns and .50 caliber machine guns. Mata, a native of Kearns, Utah, is a weapons instructor with Tactical Readiness and Training Platoon, CLR-37, 3rd MLG. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Maintainers from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform after-flight inspections and repairs to the squadron’s F/A-18D aircraft in preparation for exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 4, 2016. Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 provides VMFA-314 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, based out of Marine Corps Station Iwakuni, Japan, the opportunity to train with joint and international units, increasing their combat skills by participating simulated combat situations in a realistic threat environment. - Maintainers from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform after-flight inspections and repairs to the squadron’s F/A-18D aircraft in preparation for exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 4, 2016. Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 provides VMFA-314 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, based out of Marine Corps Station Iwakuni, Japan, the opportunity to train with joint and international units, increasing their combat skills by participating simulated combat situations in a realistic threat environment.

Marines get set to perform buddy rushes during squad attack training on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2016. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted squad attack training in preparation for the MEU’s upcoming spring deployment. - Marines get set to perform buddy rushes during squad attack training on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2016. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted squad attack training in preparation for the MEU’s upcoming spring deployment.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, head back to sea Feb. 17 , 2016, in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft after conducting a successful boat raid the night before. The Marines conducted the boat raid as part of the 31st MEU's amphibious integration training with the Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed to the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, head back to sea Feb. 17 , 2016, in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft after conducting a successful boat raid the night before. The Marines conducted the boat raid as part of the 31st MEU's amphibious integration training with the Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed to the Asia-Pacific region.

Lance Cpl. Hunter Rooks, a Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, deflects baton attacks from an assailant after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, more commonly known as OC spray, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14. “The purpose of this course is to gain compliance without using lethal force,” said Cpl. Hayden Jolly, an artillery section chief with the unit. - Lance Cpl. Hunter Rooks, a Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, deflects baton attacks from an assailant after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, more commonly known as OC spray, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14. “The purpose of this course is to gain compliance without using lethal force,” said Cpl. Hayden Jolly, an artillery section chief with the unit.

Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, introduces Nicole Spaid the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Marine Corps Spouse of the Year, at the 8th Annual Awards Luncheon at Joint Base Myer- Henderson Hall, May 8, 2015.Spaid has overcome many obstacles in her life, including cancer, but has yet to stop reaching out to local spouses to encourage them to thrive. - Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, introduces Nicole Spaid the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Marine Corps Spouse of the Year, at the 8th Annual Awards Luncheon at Joint Base Myer- Henderson Hall, May 8, 2015. Spaid has overcome many obstacles in her life, including cancer, but has yet to stop reaching out to local spouses to encourage them to thrive.

Children from a local school try on the flight gear worn by MV-22 crew members on an MV-22 Osprey during a tour aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in Valparaiso, Chile, Aug. 25, 2014. The children were given the opportunity to get hands on with several static displays hosted by Marines and Sailors showcasing the capabilities that Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South brings to the ship. SPMAGTF-South is embarked aboard America in support of her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” The transit demonstrates the capabilities that the Navy-Marine Corps team brings to our nation and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/Released) - Children from a local school try on the flight gear worn by MV-22 crew members on an MV-22 Osprey during a tour aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in Valparaiso, Chile, Aug. 25, 2014. The children were given the opportunity to get hands on with several static displays hosted by Marines and Sailors showcasing the capabilities that Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South brings to the ship. SPMAGTF-South is embarked aboard America in support of her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” The transit demonstrates the capabilities that the Navy-Marine Corps team brings to our nation and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/Released)

U.S. Marine Sgt. Dustin J. Houghton, an infantry trainer with the Belize Detachment, Ground Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, shows service members with the Belize Defence Force how to load their ammunition into magazines as part of basic combat marksmanship training near Ladyville, Belize, July 20, 2017. The training was part of basic infantry skills course taught by the detachment to members of the BDF. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America for the next six months to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Dustin J. Houghton, an infantry trainer with the Belize Detachment, Ground Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, shows service members with the Belize Defence Force how to load their ammunition into magazines as part of basic combat marksmanship training near Ladyville, Belize, July 20, 2017. The training was part of basic infantry skills course taught by the detachment to members of the BDF. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America for the next six months to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador.

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.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Sgt. Travis R. Dipiazza, center, teaches room clearing techniques to role players during General Exercise 2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 3, 2017. The Marines conducted the final rehearsal exercise of the Marine Advisor Course in order to assess their readiness to train foreign security forces during their upcoming deployment to Central America. Dipiazza is a tactics instructor with the Ground Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command. The Marine Advisor Course is taught by the Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group. - CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Sgt. Travis R. Dipiazza, center, teaches room clearing techniques to role players during General Exercise 2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 3, 2017. The Marines conducted the final rehearsal exercise of the Marine Advisor Course in order to assess their readiness to train foreign security forces during their upcoming deployment to Central America. Dipiazza is a tactics instructor with the Ground Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command. The Marine Advisor Course is taught by the Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group.

Cpl. Ivan A. Barbosa, a heavy equipment operator with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, operates a 624KR TRAM during a partner-nation construction project between Honduran service members and U.S. Marines at Puerto Castilla, Honduras, June 24, 2016. The Marines worked side by side with Honduran engineers on different construction and restoration projects, and shared knowledge and experience on techniques including maintenance and operation of heavy equipment. - Cpl. Ivan A. Barbosa, a heavy equipment operator with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, operates a 624KR TRAM during a partner-nation construction project between Honduran service members and U.S. Marines at Puerto Castilla, Honduras, June 24, 2016. The Marines worked side by side with Honduran engineers on different construction and restoration projects, and shared knowledge and experience on techniques including maintenance and operation of heavy equipment.

Navy Corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command asses a role player at an evacuation control center during a simulated natural disaster that displaced the local populace as part the unit’s Certification Exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 13, 2016. Marines from SPMAGTF-SC put months of pre-deployment training to the test during the three-day exercise, which evaluated the unit's ability to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. - Navy Corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command asses a role player at an evacuation control center during a simulated natural disaster that displaced the local populace as part the unit’s Certification Exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 13, 2016. Marines from SPMAGTF-SC put months of pre-deployment training to the test during the three-day exercise, which evaluated the unit's ability to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

A U.S. Navy sailor watches as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall while conducting deck landing qualification training off the coast of Belize, July 7, 2018. The Marines of SPMAGTF-SC worked closely with Gunston Hall sailors to qualify six pilots and five enlisted aircrew members responsible for the helicopters’ safe operation. Having qualified Marines provides SPMAGTF-SC with helicopter movement capabilities of personnel and cargo between the shore and ship. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are conducting security cooperation training and engineering projects alongside partner nation military forces in Central and South America. The unit is also on standby to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the event of a hurricane or other emergency in the region. - A U.S. Navy sailor watches as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command comes in for a landing on the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall while conducting deck landing qualification training off the coast of Belize, July 7, 2018. The Marines of SPMAGTF-SC worked closely with Gunston Hall sailors to qualify six pilots and five enlisted aircrew members responsible for the helicopters’ safe operation. Having qualified Marines provides SPMAGTF-SC with helicopter movement capabilities of personnel and cargo between the shore and ship. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are conducting security cooperation training and engineering projects alongside partner nation military forces in Central and South America. The unit is also on standby to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the event of a hurricane or other emergency in the region.

amp Manion's footprint takes up a small corner of the base here, providing working space and housing for the Marines of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command. - Camp Manion's footprint takes up a small corner of the base here, providing working space and housing for the Marines of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command. The Marines live and work out of the area providing disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and crisis response amongst other things to the counties of Central and South America.

Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water. - Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water.

A security forces Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force--Crisis Response--Central Command fires after transitioning to his pistol during a live-fire, combat maneuver range in Southwest Asia, August 19, 2015. The live-fire range is designed to emulate realistic combat conditions and force Marines to shoot, move, and communicate to overcome targets at an unknown distance. - A security forces Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force--Crisis Response--Central Command fires after transitioning to his pistol during a live-fire, combat maneuver range in Southwest Asia, August 19, 2015. The live-fire range is designed to emulate realistic combat conditions and force Marines to shoot, move, and communicate to overcome targets at an unknown distance.

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Cpl. Mitchell York, a rifleman with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, rushes forward during a simulated contact left attack during a patrolling exercise with Cameroonian soldiers with Forces Fusiliers Marins et Palmeurs de Combat in Limbé, Cameroon, June 28, 2016. Marines share tactics, techniques and skills with the FORFUMAPCO soldiers to combat the illicit trafficking in Cameroon. - Cpl. Mitchell York, a rifleman with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, rushes forward during a simulated contact left attack during a patrolling exercise with Cameroonian soldiers with Forces Fusiliers Marins et Palmeurs de Combat in Limbé, Cameroon, June 28, 2016. Marines share tactics, techniques and skills with the FORFUMAPCO soldiers to combat the illicit trafficking in Cameroon.

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.

U.S. Marines with the Ground Combat Element, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, run toward an MV-22B Osprey after recovering a simulated casualty during an alert-force drill at Naval Station Rota, Spain, January 23, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-sustaining crisis-response force prepared for the protection of American personnel and facilities on the African continent when directed. - U.S. Marines with the Ground Combat Element, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, run toward an MV-22B Osprey after recovering a simulated casualty during an alert-force drill at Naval Station Rota, Spain, January 23, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-sustaining crisis-response force prepared for the protection of American personnel and facilities on the African continent when directed.

Warrant Officer Dan Pare, left, explosive ordnance disposal officer for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, stands with EOD personnel of the Spanish Second Air Support Deployment Squadron (SEADA) after the successful completion of a joint explosive demolition training at Morón Air Base, Spain, June 20, 2017. This was the first time, either jointly or separately, U.S. and Spanish EOD personnel conducted live, explosive ordnance training on the air base. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kenneth K. Trotter Jr./Released) - Warrant Officer Dan Pare, left, explosive ordnance disposal officer for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, stands with EOD personnel of the Spanish Second Air Support Deployment Squadron (SEADA) after the successful completion of a joint explosive demolition training at Morón Air Base, Spain, June 20, 2017. This was the first time, either jointly or separately, U.S. and Spanish EOD personnel conducted live, explosive ordnance training on the air base. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kenneth K. Trotter Jr./Released)

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, prepare to extract from a landing zone during a quick response force, full mission profile rehearsal in Thiés, Senegal, Aug. 5, 2019. The rehearsal increased the Marines’ ability to conduct link-up procedures, on scene and in-route trauma stabilization, and offensive and defensive operations. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. - U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, prepare to extract from a landing zone during a quick response force, full mission profile rehearsal in Thiés, Senegal, Aug. 5, 2019. The rehearsal increased the Marines’ ability to conduct link-up procedures, on scene and in-route trauma stabilization, and offensive and defensive operations. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa.

U.S. Marines Corps 1st Lt. David Powell, an assault amphibian vehicle commander with 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion, 4th Marine Division, guards the perimeter of a UH-1Y Venom landing zone during riverine operations training on the Río Sinú during UNITAS LXIV near Base de Entrenamiento de Infantería de Marina in Coveñas, Colombia, July 14, 2023. Through event-driven scenarios, UNITAS provides unique training opportunities both at sea and ashore in challenging and uncertain environments to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of surface, air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces. - U.S. Marines Corps 1st Lt. David Powell, an assault amphibian vehicle commander with 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion, 4th Marine Division, guards the perimeter of a UH-1Y Venom landing zone during riverine operations training on the Río Sinú during UNITAS LXIV near Base de Entrenamiento de Infantería de Marina in Coveñas, Colombia, July 14, 2023. Through event-driven scenarios, UNITAS provides unique training opportunities both at sea and ashore in challenging and uncertain environments to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of surface, air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa provides security as two MV-22B Ospreys prepare to land during an alert force drill at Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 20, 2016. The purpose of the drill was to rehearse and assess the SPMAGTF’s ability to integrate elements and respond to a time-sensitive crisis. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is designed to provide contingency support to U.S. Africa Command, including tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, embassy reinforcement, support to noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. - A U.S. Marine assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa provides security as two MV-22B Ospreys prepare to land during an alert force drill at Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 20, 2016. The purpose of the drill was to rehearse and assess the SPMAGTF’s ability to integrate elements and respond to a time-sensitive crisis. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is designed to provide contingency support to U.S. Africa Command, including tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, embassy reinforcement, support to noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Sgt. Richard Flavell, (left), and Lance Cpl. Michael Ciavirella (right rear), lead the Senegalese Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos, or COFUMACO, in a fire and movement drill in Toubacouta, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2014. During the drill, the man bounding has to catch a ball and throw it back, forcing him to maintain situational awareness while bounding. The drill was part of a joint training engagement between U.S. Marines, Coast Guard, and the COFUMACO. (Courtesy Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Neumann) - Sgt. Richard Flavell, (left), and Lance Cpl. Michael Ciavirella (right rear), lead the Senegalese Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos, or COFUMACO, in a fire and movement drill in Toubacouta, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2014. During the drill, the man bounding has to catch a ball and throw it back, forcing him to maintain situational awareness while bounding. The drill was part of a joint training engagement between U.S. Marines, Coast Guard, and the COFUMACO. (Courtesy Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Neumann)

Marines with 1st Platoon, Bridge Company, 8th Electronic Support Battalion, check the security ropes holding a piece of an improvised ribbon raft during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 26, 2016. The MCCRE is where various units are evaluated in the performance of all tasks, as they pertain to combat readiness. - Marines with 1st Platoon, Bridge Company, 8th Electronic Support Battalion, check the security ropes holding a piece of an improvised ribbon raft during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 26, 2016. The MCCRE is where various units are evaluated in the performance of all tasks, as they pertain to combat readiness.

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)

U.S. Navy Sailors stand in front of a MV-22B Osprey in Kuwait, Aug. 5. - U.S. Navy Sailors stand in front of a MV-22B Osprey in Kuwait, Aug. 5.

The Provost Marshall Office Special Reaction Team conducts the avalanche drill at Range 300, Oct. 23. The avalanche drill is a technique to tactically withdraw in the event the team is overrun by an enemy. - The Provost Marshall Office Special Reaction Team conducts the avalanche drill at Range 300, Oct. 23. The avalanche drill is a technique to tactically withdraw in the event the team is overrun by an enemy.

Pfc. William Baker, a prospect for the Special Reaction Team, holds a shield during close-quarters battle training Jan. 8 at Camp Hansen. Baker is a San Antonio, Texas, native. The special reaction team is with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams. - Pfc. William Baker, a prospect for the Special Reaction Team, holds a shield during close-quarters battle training Jan. 8 at Camp Hansen. Baker is a San Antonio, Texas, native. The special reaction team is with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams.

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U.S. Marines and Naval personnel with Special Reaction Team, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for a photo during multiple weapons sustainment training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. The members of SRT are attached to the Provost Marshal’s Office and are specifically trained and equipped to react in scenarios like an active shooter, hostage situations, and barricaded subjects. - U.S. Marines and Naval personnel with Special Reaction Team, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for a photo during multiple weapons sustainment training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. The members of SRT are attached to the Provost Marshal’s Office and are specifically trained and equipped to react in scenarios like an active shooter, hostage situations, and barricaded subjects.

Heavy Mobile Equipment mechanics work together with mechanics from the original equipment manufacturer, Flyer Defense, to learn every aspect of maintenance and repair of the Special Operations’ Ground Mobility Vehicle at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, aboard the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 24. - Heavy Mobile Equipment mechanics work together with mechanics from the original equipment manufacturer, Flyer Defense, to learn every aspect of maintenance and repair of the Special Operations’ Ground Mobility Vehicle at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, aboard the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 24.

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa embed with a Spanish Legion company during a week-long exercise in the mountains of Almeria, Spain, Dec. 14-18, 2015. The combined urban and mountain warfare training is another bilateral training opportunity strengthening the U.S. and Spanish military relationship. - U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa embed with a Spanish Legion company during a week-long exercise in the mountains of Almeria, Spain, Dec. 14-18, 2015. The combined urban and mountain warfare training is another bilateral training opportunity strengthening the U.S. and Spanish military relationship.

Sousa Season Opener Concert - This concert will no be impacted by the government shutdown. Sunday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. - John Philip Sousa re-entered the service of his country at the age of 64, joining the U.S. Navy during World War I to train bands at the Great Lakes Naval Center outside of Chicago. When the end of the Great War came with the Armistice in November of 1918, Sousa returned to his status as one of the foremost bandleaders and composers in America and his famous Sousa Band resumed touring. The 1919 tour took the band coast to coast with Sousa’s signature musical program mix. But after the Armistice, the concerts also included references to the losses of war and the need for the country to come together to heal. This year’s Sousa Season Opener largely takes its inspiration from this first post-War tour and Sousa’s return to the podium to share his unique brand of musicianship with Americans across the nation. The concert, which is free and no tickets required, will take place at George Mason University's Center for the Arts Concert Hall in Fairfax, Va.

President Donald J. Trump participates in the National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal presentations in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 21, 2019. - President Donald J. Trump participates in the National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal presentations in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 21, 2019.

A plate and paddle carrying the names of fallen Marines will be carried by participants of a 770-mile ruck from Navarre, Florida, to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to honor 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash one year ago. For the next 10 days, the ruckers will walk in seven teams and trade off every 10-11 miles, about 110 miles each, until they get there.. - A plate and paddle carrying the names of fallen Marines will be carried by participants of a 770-mile ruck from Navarre, Florida, to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to honor 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash one year ago. For the next 10 days, the ruckers will walk in seven teams and trade off every 10-11 miles, about 110 miles each, until they get there..

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ian Bergman, a cyberspace warfare operator with I Marine Expeditionary Force’s Defensive Cyber Operations Internal Defensive Measures team, poses for a photo at 9th Communication Battalion on Camp Pendleton, California June 29, 2022. I MEF’s DCO-IDM team won the Deputy Commandant for Information, Marine Corps “Capture the Flag” Cyber Games 2022. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ian Bergman, a cyberspace warfare operator with I Marine Expeditionary Force’s Defensive Cyber Operations Internal Defensive Measures team, poses for a photo at 9th Communication Battalion on Camp Pendleton, California June 29, 2022. I MEF’s DCO-IDM team won the Deputy Commandant for Information, Marine Corps “Capture the Flag” Cyber Games 2022.

U.S. Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a U.S. Soldier with Golf Company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment load a simulated casualty onto an HH-60M helicopter during a joint-service casualty evacuation class at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. - U.S. Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a U.S. Soldier with Golf Company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment load a simulated casualty onto an HH-60M helicopter during a joint-service casualty evacuation class at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

Lance Cpl. Cedric Hargrove enters data into Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps uses a laptop in a motor bay at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Thanks to a recent GCSS-MC software update, Marines will be able to make better use of the logistics and resource management software system in limited-connectivity environments. - Lance Cpl. Cedric Hargrove enters data into Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps uses a laptop in a motor bay at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Thanks to a recent GCSS-MC software update, Marines will be able to make better use of the logistics and resource management software system in limited-connectivity environments.