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An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal. - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal.

A group of Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment attacking the oppositional force headquarters during the Marine Air Ground Task Force Integrated Experiment 2016 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. as part of the final course of action for the exercise. July 31, 2016. The Marines used everything they learn throughout the course of the exercise to secure the enemy headquarters. - A group of Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment attacking the oppositional force headquarters during the Marine Air Ground Task Force Integrated Experiment 2016 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. as part of the final course of action for the exercise. July 31, 2016. The Marines used everything they learn throughout the course of the exercise to secure the enemy headquarters.

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 takes off to conduct a troop lift exercise with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., The CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest helicopter in the United States military, and able to carry a 26,000-pound Light Armored Vehicle, 16 tons of cargo, or enough combat-loaded Marines to lead an assault or humanitarian operation. The capabilities provided by the CH-53E strengthen the expeditionary capabilities of Marines Corps units and make this aircraft one of the most useful in the Marine Corps. HMH-461 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 takes off to conduct a troop lift exercise with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., The CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest helicopter in the United States military, and able to carry a 26,000-pound Light Armored Vehicle, 16 tons of cargo, or enough combat-loaded Marines to lead an assault or humanitarian operation. The capabilities provided by the CH-53E strengthen the expeditionary capabilities of Marines Corps units and make this aircraft one of the most useful in the Marine Corps. HMH-461 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment line up to board an aircraft during a training exercise, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 28. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 and the Royal Canadian Air Force supported 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment line up to board an aircraft during a training exercise, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 28. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 and the Royal Canadian Air Force supported 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016.

U.S. service members and guests attend the Montford Point Marine Memorial dedication ceremony held at Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 29, 2016. The memorial was built in honor of the 20,000 African-Americans who attended training at Montford Point. - U.S. service members and guests attend the Montford Point Marine Memorial dedication ceremony held at Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 29, 2016. The memorial was built in honor of the 20,000 African-Americans who attended training at Montford Point.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Marin, a heavy equipment mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, radios-in a simulated casualty during Exercise Eagle Wrath 2016 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji,Japan, July 28, 2016. During the culminating event, Marines established a mock air base including a landing zone and refueling point, constructed defensive and machine-gun positions, and conducted convoys and patrols over the course of four days. MWSS-171 conducts this exercise once a year in order to train all the Marines within the squadron, enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Marin, a heavy equipment mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, radios-in a simulated casualty during Exercise Eagle Wrath 2016 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji,Japan, July 28, 2016. During the culminating event, Marines established a mock air base including a landing zone and refueling point, constructed defensive and machine-gun positions, and conducted convoys and patrols over the course of four days. MWSS-171 conducts this exercise once a year in order to train all the Marines within the squadron, enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Lane, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 pilot, conducts a preflight check on an F/A-18C Hornet during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 1, 2016. Pitch Black 16 is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal. As the training progresses, the U.S. pilots will also get the opportunity to fly with Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand and Thailand. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Lane, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 pilot, conducts a preflight check on an F/A-18C Hornet during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 1, 2016. Pitch Black 16 is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal. As the training progresses, the U.S. pilots will also get the opportunity to fly with Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand and Thailand.

Lance Cpl. Trevor Serenelli, an aviation ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, unloads high explosive ordnance during exercise Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 28, 2016. Southern Frontier is three weeks of unit level training helping the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level. VMFA-122 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina and are currently assigned to MAG-12 at MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program. Australia is the last stop on the squadron’s deployment before heading back home. - Lance Cpl. Trevor Serenelli, an aviation ordnance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, unloads high explosive ordnance during exercise Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 28, 2016. Southern Frontier is three weeks of unit level training helping the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level. VMFA-122 is home based out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina and are currently assigned to MAG-12 at MCAS Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program. Australia is the last stop on the squadron’s deployment before heading back home.

U.S. Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, assault a beach during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. - U.S. Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, assault a beach during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

Second Lieutenant David Higgins shoots his rifle in the World Championships in Granada, Spain, in September 2014. Higgins attended the United States Air Force Academy, and then decided to cross-commission into the United States Marine Corps. Higgins has qualified for the Olympics this year, and will be going to Rio to represent Team USA as well as the U.S. Marine Corps on the rifle shooting team. - Second Lieutenant David Higgins shoots his rifle in the World Championships in Granada, Spain, in September 2014. Higgins attended the United States Air Force Academy, and then decided to cross-commission into the United States Marine Corps. Higgins has qualified for the Olympics this year, and will be going to Rio to represent Team USA as well as the U.S. Marine Corps on the rifle shooting team.

Marines with Company A., 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, return from patrolling in M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks during their annual training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 17, 2016. The annual training exercise displayed the Marines ability to execute heavily armored, large scale attacks while working with their active duty counterparts. - Marines with Company A., 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, return from patrolling in M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks during their annual training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 17, 2016. The annual training exercise displayed the Marines ability to execute heavily armored, large scale attacks while working with their active duty counterparts.

A Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command rappels off the ramp of a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 on Landing Zone Parrot at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 20, 2016. The exercise was a part of a two weeklong Helicopter Insertion and Extraction Techniques Course. The CH-53 provided for the training evolution was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - A Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command rappels off the ramp of a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 on Landing Zone Parrot at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 20, 2016. The exercise was a part of a two weeklong Helicopter Insertion and Extraction Techniques Course. The CH-53 provided for the training evolution was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.” - Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.”

An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, taxis into an ordnance loading area after landing at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 21, 2016. VMFA-122 traveled to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time to participate in Pitch Black 2016 and unit level training known as Southern Frontier. Pitch Black affords Marines with VMFA-122 the opportunity to integrate and increase interoperability with regional joint and coalition partners, while developing operational concepts for conducting sustained combat operations. Southern Frontier will help the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level. - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, taxis into an ordnance loading area after landing at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, July 21, 2016. VMFA-122 traveled to RAAF Base Tindal for the first time to participate in Pitch Black 2016 and unit level training known as Southern Frontier. Pitch Black affords Marines with VMFA-122 the opportunity to integrate and increase interoperability with regional joint and coalition partners, while developing operational concepts for conducting sustained combat operations. Southern Frontier will help the squadron gain experience and qualifications in low altitude, air-ground, high explosive ordnance delivery at the unit level.

Marines with Engineer Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, add soffit sheathing to the roof of a building used by the U.S. Forest Service, helping to mitigate the waste produce by birds flying in and out of the roofing area during Exercise Forest Rattler in Bend, Ore., July 20, 2016. The exercise allowed Marines to work with the U.S. Forest service to complete various projects while honing their skills and giving back to the community. - Marines with Engineer Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, add soffit sheathing to the roof of a building used by the U.S. Forest Service, helping to mitigate the waste produce by birds flying in and out of the roofing area during Exercise Forest Rattler in Bend, Ore., July 20, 2016. The exercise allowed Marines to work with the U.S. Forest service to complete various projects while honing their skills and giving back to the community.

U.S. Marines with Fuels platoon and Headquarters and Service Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, carry a simulated casualty to an evacuation point while conducting company level training during exercise Eagle Wrath 2016 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, July 21, 2016. MWSS-171 conducts this exercise once a year in order to train all the Marines within the squadron, enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability. During this training, the company commanders have the opportunity to train their personnel and prepare for the final culminating event where Marines will construct and defend a landing zone and refueling point. - U.S. Marines with Fuels platoon and Headquarters and Service Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, carry a simulated casualty to an evacuation point while conducting company level training during exercise Eagle Wrath 2016 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, July 21, 2016. MWSS-171 conducts this exercise once a year in order to train all the Marines within the squadron, enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability. During this training, the company commanders have the opportunity to train their personnel and prepare for the final culminating event where Marines will construct and defend a landing zone and refueling point.

Cpl. Christopher Neumann reviews his objectives during a close air support exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 19, 2016. Neumann is participating in Rim of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 8 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC offers the U.S. military the opportunity to train with partners and allies in the Pacific region. Neumann, a native of Wells, Maine, is a UH-1Y Huey crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, which supports III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Cpl. Christopher Neumann reviews his objectives during a close air support exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 19, 2016. Neumann is participating in Rim of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 8 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC offers the U.S. military the opportunity to train with partners and allies in the Pacific region. Neumann, a native of Wells, Maine, is a UH-1Y Huey crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, which supports III Marine Expeditionary Force.

An M1A1 Abrams battle tank with Fox Company, 4th Tank Battalion, drives to an objective as a part of a combined arms breaching exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune N.C., July 22, 2016. Elements from a Marine engineer unit worked with 4th Tanks to clear obstacles to make way for the infantry. - An M1A1 Abrams battle tank with Fox Company, 4th Tank Battalion, drives to an objective as a part of a combined arms breaching exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune N.C., July 22, 2016. Elements from a Marine engineer unit worked with 4th Tanks to clear obstacles to make way for the infantry.

1st Lt. Molly Hurt approaches a CH-53E Super Stallion, Okinawa, Japan Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program, worked alongside the Japan Self-Defense Force and Okinawa emergency services in Chura-Shima Rescue 2016. The annual exercise hosted by the 15th Brigade, Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, trains humanitarian assistance and disaster relief-involved agencies for a swift reaction to a large-scale earthquake and tsunami in Okinawa. Hurt is a CH-53E pilot wit Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program. - 1st Lt. Molly Hurt approaches a CH-53E Super Stallion, Okinawa, Japan Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program, worked alongside the Japan Self-Defense Force and Okinawa emergency services in Chura-Shima Rescue 2016. The annual exercise hosted by the 15th Brigade, Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, trains humanitarian assistance and disaster relief-involved agencies for a swift reaction to a large-scale earthquake and tsunami in Okinawa. Hurt is a CH-53E pilot wit Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program.

Pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 exit F-35B Lightning II’s after conducting training during exercise Red Flag 16-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 20, 2016. This is the first time that the fifth generation fighter has participated in the multiservice air-to-air combat training exercise. - Pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 exit F-35B Lightning II’s after conducting training during exercise Red Flag 16-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 20, 2016. This is the first time that the fifth generation fighter has participated in the multiservice air-to-air combat training exercise.

1st Lt. Molly Hurt approaches a CH-53E Super Stallion, Okinawa, Japan Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program, worked alongside the Japan Self-Defense Force and Okinawa emergency services in Chura-Shima Rescue 2016. The annual exercise hosted by the 15th Brigade, Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, trains humanitarian assistance and disaster relief-involved agencies for a swift reaction to a large-scale earthquake and tsunami in Okinawa. Hurt is a CH-53E pilot wit Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program. - 1st Lt. Molly Hurt approaches a CH-53E Super Stallion, Okinawa, Japan Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program, worked alongside the Japan Self-Defense Force and Okinawa emergency services in Chura-Shima Rescue 2016. The annual exercise hosted by the 15th Brigade, Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, trains humanitarian assistance and disaster relief-involved agencies for a swift reaction to a large-scale earthquake and tsunami in Okinawa. Hurt is a CH-53E pilot wit Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing currently deployed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the unit deployment program.

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Sgt. Anthony Carbajal, an explosive ordnance disposal team leader with 2nd EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, removes dirt surrounding a controlled improvised explosive device during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 19, 2016. The unit conducted the training to test the effects of different types of excavation charges. - Sgt. Anthony Carbajal, an explosive ordnance disposal team leader with 2nd EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, removes dirt surrounding a controlled improvised explosive device during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 19, 2016. The unit conducted the training to test the effects of different types of excavation charges.

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Deputy sheriffs with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team clear a building in the military operations in urban terrain facility at Range 800 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 12, 2016. The Combat Center’s Special Reaction Team hosted the cross-training to provide SBCSD with insight of the Marine Corps’ tactics capabilities. - Deputy sheriffs with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team clear a building in the military operations in urban terrain facility at Range 800 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 12, 2016. The Combat Center’s Special Reaction Team hosted the cross-training to provide SBCSD with insight of the Marine Corps’ tactics capabilities.

A combat controller from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron clears a UH-60 Blackhawk for takeoff during a humanitarian assistance and disaster response as part of Rim of the Pacific 2016, at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 10, 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. - A combat controller from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron clears a UH-60 Blackhawk for takeoff during a humanitarian assistance and disaster response as part of Rim of the Pacific 2016, at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 10, 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

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.

U.S. Marines with Company B, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, depart Mexican Navy’s ARM Usumacinta (A-412), in an amphibious assault vehicle at Naval Base San Diego, as part of AAV operation training during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. - U.S. Marines with Company B, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, depart Mexican Navy’s ARM Usumacinta (A-412), in an amphibious assault vehicle at Naval Base San Diego, as part of AAV operation training during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

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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.

Landing support specialists with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, await the arrival of an MV-22B Osprey during a helicopter support team exercise at Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 6, 2016. This training prepares Marines to deliver and recover supplies quickly and efficiently in potential future missions across Europe and Africa. - Landing support specialists with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, await the arrival of an MV-22B Osprey during a helicopter support team exercise at Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 6, 2016. This training prepares Marines to deliver and recover supplies quickly and efficiently in potential future missions across Europe and Africa.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, Scout Sniper Platoon, fast rope from an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 30. The ability to fast rope enables Marines to insert into an area or structure without landing the aircraft, eliminating the need for a landing zone. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company, Scout Sniper Platoon, fast rope from an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 30. The ability to fast rope enables Marines to insert into an area or structure without landing the aircraft, eliminating the need for a landing zone.

Master Sgt. Berle Sigman, a student in the Faculty Advisors Course at the Quantico Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, completes a High Intensity Tactical Training physical training session aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, June 27, with Master Gunnery Sgt. Amber Hecht, a lead instructor in the FAC. Sigman, whose original Military Occupational Specialty was 0369 Infantryman, will teach warfighting classes at the SNCO Academy after he gradutes from the course on June 29. He was injured in Ramadi, Iraq in 2004, leading to the loss of his leg. - Master Sgt. Berle Sigman, a student in the Faculty Advisors Course at the Quantico Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, completes a High Intensity Tactical Training physical training session aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, June 27, with Master Gunnery Sgt. Amber Hecht, a lead instructor in the FAC. Sigman, whose original Military Occupational Specialty was 0369 Infantryman, will teach warfighting classes at the SNCO Academy after he gradutes from the course on June 29. He was injured in Ramadi, Iraq in 2004, leading to the loss of his leg.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Colby Goranson, a radio operator with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, works with Portuguese soldiers to set up communications equipment during Exercise Orion 16 at military training area Tancos, Portugal, June 22, 2016. Exercise Orion is an annual crisis response operation hosted by the Portuguese military, bringing together forces from Portugal, Spain and the U.S. to enhance interoperability among NATO forces. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Colby Goranson, a radio operator with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, works with Portuguese soldiers to set up communications equipment during Exercise Orion 16 at military training area Tancos, Portugal, June 22, 2016. Exercise Orion is an annual crisis response operation hosted by the Portuguese military, bringing together forces from Portugal, Spain and the U.S. to enhance interoperability among NATO forces.

The Marine Corps has announced today that revisions have been made to its physical fitness program, to include the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Combat Fitness Test (CFT) and the Body Composition Program (BCP). Changes to BCP will take effect immediately, while PFT and CFT changes will be implemented starting Jan. 1, 2017. - The Marine Corps has announced today that revisions have been made to its physical fitness program, to include the Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Combat Fitness Test (CFT) and the Body Composition Program (BCP). Changes to BCP will take effect immediately, while PFT and CFT changes will be implemented starting Jan. 1, 2017.

Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa pose for a picture with the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando in Thies, Senegal, June 22, 2016. Marines and the COFUMACO conducted a three-week training exercise that included advanced combat firing techniques, a machine gun range and a live-fire platoon attack range. - Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa pose for a picture with the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando in Thies, Senegal, June 22, 2016. Marines and the COFUMACO conducted a three-week training exercise that included advanced combat firing techniques, a machine gun range and a live-fire platoon attack range.

The F-35B made its first trans-Atlantic flight June 29, 2016. Three F-35’s flew from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina and landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. They were assisted by two KC-10’s, and refueled 15 times over the Atlantic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Burdett/Released) - The F-35B made its first trans-Atlantic flight June 29, 2016. Three F-35’s flew from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina and landed at Royal Air Force Base Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. They were assisted by two KC-10’s, and refueled 15 times over the Atlantic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Burdett/Released)

A Marine student with the Tactical Air Control Party course, conducted by Expeditionary Warfare Training Group-Atlantic, determines the range of enemy targets during a two-day live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 20-21, 2016. The five-week course certifies Marines in safely and efficiently employing fixed and rotor-wing aircraft in close proximity to friendly forces. - A Marine student with the Tactical Air Control Party course, conducted by Expeditionary Warfare Training Group-Atlantic, determines the range of enemy targets during a two-day live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 20-21, 2016. The five-week course certifies Marines in safely and efficiently employing fixed and rotor-wing aircraft in close proximity to friendly forces.

A UH-1Y Venom conducts high-speed, low-level approaches at a landing zone during a training exercise at Camp Davis near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17, 2016. The aircraft and its crew are assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Familiarization flights familiarize pilots new to the unit with the different landing zones and flight procedures around the Camp Lejeune area. - A UH-1Y Venom conducts high-speed, low-level approaches at a landing zone during a training exercise at Camp Davis near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17, 2016. The aircraft and its crew are assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Familiarization flights familiarize pilots new to the unit with the different landing zones and flight procedures around the Camp Lejeune area.

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, speaks to the Reserve Marines attending Integrated Training Exercise 4-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, June 19, 2016. Over the two-week period the Marines trained in combined-arms exercises to hone their skills as a Marine Air Ground Task Force, in order to prepare for worldwide deployment and augment the active component. - Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, speaks to the Reserve Marines attending Integrated Training Exercise 4-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, June 19, 2016. Over the two-week period the Marines trained in combined-arms exercises to hone their skills as a Marine Air Ground Task Force, in order to prepare for worldwide deployment and augment the active component.

A CH-53E Super Stallion carries an external load during a training exercise at Landing Zone Albatross on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 9, 2016. The purpose of external lifts is to transport large amounts of supplies and heavy gear to areas inaccessible by ground vehicles. - A CH-53E Super Stallion carries an external load during a training exercise at Landing Zone Albatross on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 9, 2016. The purpose of external lifts is to transport large amounts of supplies and heavy gear to areas inaccessible by ground vehicles.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, is parked after it's mission at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during its participation in Red Flag-Alaska 16-2, June 7, 2016. Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 provides squadrons the opportunity to train with joint and international units, increasing their combat skills by participating in simulated combat situations in a realistic threat environment. - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, is parked after it's mission at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during its participation in Red Flag-Alaska 16-2, June 7, 2016. Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 provides squadrons the opportunity to train with joint and international units, increasing their combat skills by participating in simulated combat situations in a realistic threat environment.

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Reserve Marines with 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, provide suppressive machine gun fire for ground units at range 410A during Integrated Training Exercise 4-16, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 14, 2016. ITX 4-16 allows Reserve Marines to train in realistic environments to increase their proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. - Reserve Marines with 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, provide suppressive machine gun fire for ground units at range 410A during Integrated Training Exercise 4-16, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 14, 2016. ITX 4-16 allows Reserve Marines to train in realistic environments to increase their proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment.

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U.S. Marine Col. Eric M. Mellinger, right, receives a certificate of appreciation and a Defense Cooperation Medal from Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Shusei Hotta on behalf of Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, June 13, 2016, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Mellinger was awarded for significantly contributing to increased training opportunities for the JGSDF by advancing co-use of Marine Corps training facilities on Okinawa and expanding III Marine Expeditionary Force efforts to participate in alliance/bilateral exercises. Hotta is the deputy chief of Policy and Programs Division, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF. Iwata is JGSDF chief of staff. Mellinger is III MEF chief of staff. - U.S. Marine Col. Eric M. Mellinger, right, receives a certificate of appreciation and a Defense Cooperation Medal from Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Shusei Hotta on behalf of Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, June 13, 2016, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Mellinger was awarded for significantly contributing to increased training opportunities for the JGSDF by advancing co-use of Marine Corps training facilities on Okinawa and expanding III Marine Expeditionary Force efforts to participate in alliance/bilateral exercises. Hotta is the deputy chief of Policy and Programs Division, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF. Iwata is JGSDF chief of staff. Mellinger is III MEF chief of staff.

A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 looks outside an MV-22B Osprey during a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8. Crew chiefs aboard the Osprey assisted with maintaining visuals during the flight for the pilots. - A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 looks outside an MV-22B Osprey during a training flight from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8. Crew chiefs aboard the Osprey assisted with maintaining visuals during the flight for the pilots.

Capt. Jason Grimes, a UH-1Z Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Squadron (HMLA) 369 and a Hibbing, Minnesota, native, is the first pilot to complete the Aviator Immersion Program in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Grimes completed the training with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. - Capt. Jason Grimes, a UH-1Z Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Squadron (HMLA) 369 and a Hibbing, Minnesota, native, is the first pilot to complete the Aviator Immersion Program in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Grimes completed the training with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, advance to a simulated enemy defensive position in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during the final exercise of Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in the Blacktop Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 1, 2016. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, advance to a simulated enemy defensive position in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during the final exercise of Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in the Blacktop Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 1, 2016.

A mortar team with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, adjusts the mortar to the measurements provided to hit their targets during a training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 6, 2016. Marines underwent mortar familiarization and proficiency training in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - A mortar team with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, adjusts the mortar to the measurements provided to hit their targets during a training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 6, 2016. Marines underwent mortar familiarization and proficiency training in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.