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Corporal Gerard V. Scparta, a military policeman and dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and his working dog, Quick, prepare to conduct a vehicle search during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 9, 2015. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities while providing the opportunity for supporting units to hone essential warfighting skills. - Corporal Gerard V. Scparta, a military policeman and dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and his working dog, Quick, prepare to conduct a vehicle search during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 9, 2015. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities while providing the opportunity for supporting units to hone essential warfighting skills.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, load onto busses headed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 18, 2018. BLT 2/5 will be taking up the role as the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. - Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, load onto busses headed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 18, 2018. BLT 2/5 will be taking up the role as the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations.

Clockwise from top left, 1st Lieutenant John Neail, tank commander, Cpl. Christian Bills, gunner, Lance Cpl. Robert Benaridez driver, Lance Cpl. Patrick Bellinger, loader, the crew for the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank named “Star Lord” participated in Desert Scimitar aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities and ensures 1st Marine Division units remain committed to consistently improving the quality of their training efforts and their resultant warfighting capabilities. - Clockwise from top left, 1st Lieutenant John Neail, tank commander, Cpl. Christian Bills, gunner, Lance Cpl. Robert Benaridez driver, Lance Cpl. Patrick Bellinger, loader, the crew for the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank named “Star Lord” participated in Desert Scimitar aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities and ensures 1st Marine Division units remain committed to consistently improving the quality of their training efforts and their resultant warfighting capabilities.

Remembering President George H. W. Bush - "The President's Own" remembers and honors George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States of America. (Photo courtesy of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library)

India Company’s field life during CERTEX - Cpl. Jesse A. Beaver, a team leader with India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, shoots an azimuth with a lensatic compass during an amphibious raid as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Certification Exercise at Freshwater Beach, Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, August 16, 2018. Marines with BLT 3/5, the Ground Combat Element of the 31st MEU, cleared and secured the area for humanitarian assistance-disaster relief training. BLT 3/5 is exploring state-of-the-art concepts and technologies as the dedicated force for Sea Dragon 2025, a Marine Corps initiative to prepare for future battles. The 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron 11 are conducting CERTEX, the final evaluation in a series of training exercises which ensures readiness for crisis response throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue/Released)

Capt. Meleah Martin smiles from the cockpit of an F/A-18C Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 2. - Capt. Meleah Martin smiles from the cockpit of an F/A-18C Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 2.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Karl Arbogast, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jad Daley, president and chief executive officer, American Forests, Karnig Ohannessian, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy of Environment and Mission Readiness, and Gary Herndon, natural and cultural resources manager, MCAS Beaufort, plant a tree during a commemorative tree planting ceremony in celebration of Earth Day at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, April 19, 2023. American Forests gifted an estimated 1,008,625 pine tree seedlings that will be planted at Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia. This reforestation effort will cover over 1600 acres. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Karl Arbogast, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jad Daley, president and chief executive officer, American Forests, Karnig Ohannessian, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy of Environment and Mission Readiness, and Gary Herndon, natural and cultural resources manager, MCAS Beaufort, plant a tree during a commemorative tree planting ceremony in celebration of Earth Day at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, April 19, 2023. American Forests gifted an estimated 1,008,625 pine tree seedlings that will be planted at Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia. This reforestation effort will cover over 1600 acres.

Marines load a charge into an M777A2 Howitzer during a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 26, 2017. The purpose of this field operation is to test and improve the unit’s capabilities by putting the Marines into a simulated combat environment. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell) - Marines load a charge into an M777A2 Howitzer during a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 26, 2017. The purpose of this field operation is to test and improve the unit’s capabilities by putting the Marines into a simulated combat environment. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell)

Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones) - Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones)

Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment participate in a section chief course learn to use every position in operating a howitzer aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 18 – June 5. The howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece that requires a minimum of five gun crewmembers to operate. During the course, students become familiarized with every aspect of the weapons system. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment participate in a section chief course learn to use every position in operating a howitzer aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 18 – June 5. The howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece that requires a minimum of five gun crewmembers to operate. During the course, students become familiarized with every aspect of the weapons system.

A Marine assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares an M777 howitzer to fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 17, 2015. CH-53E Super Stallions transported howitzers and ammunition as part of 1/11’s quarterly exercise to test the artillery Marines’ proficiency and readiness. - A Marine assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares an M777 howitzer to fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 17, 2015. CH-53E Super Stallions transported howitzers and ammunition as part of 1/11’s quarterly exercise to test the artillery Marines’ proficiency and readiness.

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Lance Cpl. Andrew Tucker (left) and Master Sgt. Timothy Harvey coordinate artillery strikes with Bravo Battery over military radios from the Fire Direction Center March 8, 2015, during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2 at Pohakuloa Training Area. The military radios are referred to as the “hooks.” - Lance Cpl. Andrew Tucker (left) and Master Sgt. Timothy Harvey coordinate artillery strikes with Bravo Battery over military radios from the Fire Direction Center March 8, 2015, during Operation Spartan Fury 15.2 at Pohakuloa Training Area. The military radios are referred to as the “hooks.”

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Mikelot A. Edouard, battalion mess chief with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, gives a brief prior to teaching foraging techniques during Spartan Fury 22.1 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, March 7, 2022. Individual Batteries procured local food and experimented with field cooking methods using lightweight, expeditionary equipment that is sustainable for long durations in austere environments. Spartan Fury is a Battalion level training exercise designed to refine long-range communications through naval asset integration, mission processing from battalion to firing sections, and 21st Century Foraging. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Mikelot A. Edouard, battalion mess chief with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, gives a brief prior to teaching foraging techniques during Spartan Fury 22.1 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, March 7, 2022. Individual Batteries procured local food and experimented with field cooking methods using lightweight, expeditionary equipment that is sustainable for long durations in austere environments. Spartan Fury is a Battalion level training exercise designed to refine long-range communications through naval asset integration, mission processing from battalion to firing sections, and 21st Century Foraging.

The Marines of 1/2 conducted immediate remedial action drills and traversed, searched and engaged targets moving from one to another. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment wait for nightfall to conduct live-fire exercises on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2018. The Marines of 1/2 conducted immediate remedial action drills and traversed, searched and engaged targets moving from one to another.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division arrive at a training area to conduct squad-level exercises in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 14. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division arrive at a training area to conduct squad-level exercises in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 14. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

Lance Cpl. Richard Emmis, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and native of Corona, California, posts security during a patrol to identify improvised explosive devices aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, April 21, 2015. Locating IEDs prepares Marines with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa, Japan this fall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released) - Lance Cpl. Richard Emmis, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and native of Corona, California, posts security during a patrol to identify improvised explosive devices aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, April 21, 2015. Locating IEDs prepares Marines with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa, Japan this fall. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson/Released)

Lance Cpl. Grant R. Burch, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, simulates clearing a room during urban warfare training during Exercise Arctic Eagle at Camp Grayling, Michigan, April 24, 2014. Marines joined members of the Army National Guard and the Danish Home Guard at this exercise to train counterinsurgency tactics and urban warfare. - Lance Cpl. Grant R. Burch, a rifleman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, simulates clearing a room during urban warfare training during Exercise Arctic Eagle at Camp Grayling, Michigan, April 24, 2014. Marines joined members of the Army National Guard and the Danish Home Guard at this exercise to train counterinsurgency tactics and urban warfare.

Marines, sailors and members of the Canadian Army conduct an amphibious landing at Evangola State Park, New York, Sept. 11, 2015. The landing was part of exercise Lake Effect, which was a joint exercise focusing on patrolling and strengthening the interoperability between each service. The Marines are with Charlie Co, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, the Canadians are with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment and the sailors are with full time service support staff in Buffalo, U.S. Navy mid Atlantic Reserve Component Command. - Marines, sailors and members of the Canadian Army conduct an amphibious landing at Evangola State Park, New York, Sept. 11, 2015. The landing was part of exercise Lake Effect, which was a joint exercise focusing on patrolling and strengthening the interoperability between each service. The Marines are with Charlie Co, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, the Canadians are with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment and the sailors are with full time service support staff in Buffalo, U.S. Navy mid Atlantic Reserve Component Command.

Lance Cpl. Emmitt Aimino, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, secures his snow shoes during exercise Riley Xanten II, in Burwash, Ontario, Feb. 3-5, 2017. During the exercise, the Marines joined soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces to exchange knowledge and increase proficiency in cold weather tactics, survival skills, shelter building, ice fishing, and more. - Lance Cpl. Emmitt Aimino, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, secures his snow shoes during exercise Riley Xanten II, in Burwash, Ontario, Feb. 3-5, 2017. During the exercise, the Marines joined soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces to exchange knowledge and increase proficiency in cold weather tactics, survival skills, shelter building, ice fishing, and more.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Sam Lamonda fireman carries a simulated casualty during a combined anti-armor team mounted patrol training event during Exercise Bougainville I at Marines Corps Training Area Bellows, March 15, 2018. Throughout the CAAT training, the Marines had to react to simulated improvised explosive devices and ambushes. Exercise Bougainville I is used to train U.S. Marines to fight at the small-unit level and build their proficiency for future deployments. Lamonda, a native of Columbus, Ohio, is with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment. He graduated from Worthington Kilbourne High School. - U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Sam Lamonda fireman carries a simulated casualty during a combined anti-armor team mounted patrol training event during Exercise Bougainville I at Marines Corps Training Area Bellows, March 15, 2018. Throughout the CAAT training, the Marines had to react to simulated improvised explosive devices and ambushes. Exercise Bougainville I is used to train U.S. Marines to fight at the small-unit level and build their proficiency for future deployments. Lamonda, a native of Columbus, Ohio, is with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment. He graduated from Worthington Kilbourne High School.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment used the P7 amphibious assault vehicle to travel to various locations in order to reach their objectives during Large Scale Exercise 15 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 14 – 15, 2015. LSE-15 is a combined U.S. Marine Corps, Canadian and British exercise conducted at the brigade level, designed to enable live, virtual and constructive training for participating forces. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment used the P7 amphibious assault vehicle to travel to various locations in order to reach their objectives during Large Scale Exercise 15 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 14 – 15, 2015. LSE-15 is a combined U.S. Marine Corps, Canadian and British exercise conducted at the brigade level, designed to enable live, virtual and constructive training for participating forces.

Cpl. Jacob Gomez, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Lubbock, Texas native, walks across a log while running through the obstacle course at Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 15, 2015. Marines from Bravo Co. 1st Bn., 3rd Marines conducted sustainment training to ensure they keep their combat mindset sharp and intact before embarking on their upcoming Unit Deployment Program. Training like this supports the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii by enhancing and sustaining combat readiness. - Cpl. Jacob Gomez, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Lubbock, Texas native, walks across a log while running through the obstacle course at Boondocker Training Area aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 15, 2015. Marines from Bravo Co. 1st Bn., 3rd Marines conducted sustainment training to ensure they keep their combat mindset sharp and intact before embarking on their upcoming Unit Deployment Program. Training like this supports the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii by enhancing and sustaining combat readiness.

Lance Cpl. Colin Brennan, an assault man with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, prepares to insert a blasting cap into a claymore during training as the battalion prepares for an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 21. ITX focuses on the tactical application of combined arms maneuver warfare during global contingency operations. - Lance Cpl. Colin Brennan, an assault man with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, prepares to insert a blasting cap into a claymore during training as the battalion prepares for an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 21. ITX focuses on the tactical application of combined arms maneuver warfare during global contingency operations.

An instructor with the Marine Corps Engineer Society teaches Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, how to inspect for hazardous chemicals during searchers and site exploitation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27-29, 2015. The three-day training period provided 1/5 personnel with instruction on how to identify threats within a designated area and conduct systematic searches using appropriate detection equipment. - An instructor with the Marine Corps Engineer Society teaches Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, how to inspect for hazardous chemicals during searchers and site exploitation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27-29, 2015. The three-day training period provided 1/5 personnel with instruction on how to identify threats within a designated area and conduct systematic searches using appropriate detection equipment.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, assault an objective during a platoon-reinforced attack at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. “What I truly hope my Marines take from this training is that they build that implicit communication and that mutual trust between each other. I want them to know the Marines on the support by fire position are covering them so the Marines in the assault know they are able to lean into those fires in order to stay covered while destroying the enemy on the objective,” said 1st Lt. Mark Dela Pena, a platoon commander with the unit. The battalion is conducting this training in order to prepare for their upcoming deployment on the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, assault an objective during a platoon-reinforced attack at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. “What I truly hope my Marines take from this training is that they build that implicit communication and that mutual trust between each other. I want them to know the Marines on the support by fire position are covering them so the Marines in the assault know they are able to lean into those fires in order to stay covered while destroying the enemy on the objective,” said 1st Lt. Mark Dela Pena, a platoon commander with the unit. The battalion is conducting this training in order to prepare for their upcoming deployment on the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit next year.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course.

Two Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment maintain security during the Basic Urban Skills Training course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2015. The BUST Course trains Marines to perform multiple combat operations on urban environments. - Two Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment maintain security during the Basic Urban Skills Training course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2015. The BUST Course trains Marines to perform multiple combat operations on urban environments.

Lance Cpl. Steven Hoggand, a machine gunner and section leader with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, directs his Marines’ fire while suppressing an enemy position during platoon attack drills, July 24, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Training began for the Marines of Company C with a combined arms fire and maneuver exercise as part of their Integrated Training Exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1 scheduled to depart later this year. - Lance Cpl. Steven Hoggand, a machine gunner and section leader with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, directs his Marines’ fire while suppressing an enemy position during platoon attack drills, July 24, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Training began for the Marines of Company C with a combined arms fire and maneuver exercise as part of their Integrated Training Exercise in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1 scheduled to depart later this year.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with U.S. Marines embarked from Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, lands at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to insert the Marines into a training area during a mission readiness exercise Nov. 23, 2015. The training exercise consisted of a scenario where a forward operating base in the area of responsibility required SPMAGTF-CR-CC reinforcement as part of its crisis response mission spanning 20 nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with U.S. Marines embarked from Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, lands at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to insert the Marines into a training area during a mission readiness exercise Nov. 23, 2015. The training exercise consisted of a scenario where a forward operating base in the area of responsibility required SPMAGTF-CR-CC reinforcement as part of its crisis response mission spanning 20 nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment clear a building in a simulated combat town during the culminating event of Division School’s Urban Leaders Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 22, 2015. The three-week course is designed to prepare Marines to lead in an urban environment. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment clear a building in a simulated combat town during the culminating event of Division School’s Urban Leaders Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 22, 2015. The three-week course is designed to prepare Marines to lead in an urban environment.

Marines with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, render honors to Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, Regional Command and Marine Expeditionary Brigade–Afghanistan, during the battalion’s transfer of authority ceremony aboard Tactical Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 1, 2014. The ceremony signified the battalion’s transfer of authority of the base and their area of responsibility to 3rd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, a U.S. Army command based out of Fort Hood, Texas. The ceremony also meant the end of combat operations for 7th Marines – a regiment which has been actively supporting Operation Enduring Freedom for several years. - Marines with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, render honors to Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, Regional Command and Marine Expeditionary Brigade–Afghanistan, during the battalion’s transfer of authority ceremony aboard Tactical Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 1, 2014. The ceremony signified the battalion’s transfer of authority of the base and their area of responsibility to 3rd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, a U.S. Army command based out of Fort Hood, Texas. The ceremony also meant the end of combat operations for 7th Marines – a regiment which has been actively supporting Operation Enduring Freedom for several years.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, enter a fake village to conduct essential training at the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The training is designed to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Logistical Command Element Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released)  - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, enter a fake village to conduct essential training at the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The training is designed to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Logistical Command Element Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released) 

Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fire an M-72 light anti-tank weapon during a live-fire rocket range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 5, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to build confidence, camaraderie and weapon proficiency throughout the unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kirstin Merrimarahajara/released) - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fire an M-72 light anti-tank weapon during a live-fire rocket range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 5, 2015. The purpose of the exercise was to build confidence, camaraderie and weapon proficiency throughout the unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kirstin Merrimarahajara/released)

Lance Cpl. John Knobloch throws a M69 training grenade during a fire and maneuver range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 29, 2016. The range was held in order to sharpen the fundamentals of the Marines and increase combat readiness. Knobloch is a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - Lance Cpl. John Knobloch throws a M69 training grenade during a fire and maneuver range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 29, 2016. The range was held in order to sharpen the fundamentals of the Marines and increase combat readiness. Knobloch is a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, advance on a simulated village during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2015. They assaulted a simulated town, set up a defensive position and waited to repel simulated attacks in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response. - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, advance on a simulated village during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2015. They assaulted a simulated town, set up a defensive position and waited to repel simulated attacks in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, checks the line of sight on an 81mm Mortar during a training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. July 30, 2015. Marines with the unit conducted “hip shoots” to better prepare them on the go. A “hip shoot” is where mortar teams receive a call for fire on the move and use their leadership and teamwork to set-up the mortars and begin supporting the unit. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, checks the line of sight on an 81mm Mortar during a training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. July 30, 2015. Marines with the unit conducted “hip shoots” to better prepare them on the go. A “hip shoot” is where mortar teams receive a call for fire on the move and use their leadership and teamwork to set-up the mortars and begin supporting the unit.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment conduct M249 light machine gun training at G-21 Machine Gun Range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2014. Marines honed in on weapon skills and knowledge as they engaged various targets at unknown distances during different live-fire scenarios. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment conduct M249 light machine gun training at G-21 Machine Gun Range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2014. Marines honed in on weapon skills and knowledge as they engaged various targets at unknown distances during different live-fire scenarios.

Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment hike out to a live fire and maneuver exercise course during the Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 23-24. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment hike out to a live fire and maneuver exercise course during the Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 23-24. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

Lance Cpl. Dale Dibble, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment looks through the sight on the M224 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System during a 10-day long 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System course under the direction of the Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2015. The course began with classroom instruction over the weapons system in which they learned how to boresight, misfire procedures and deflection changes for elevation before the unit moves into live-fire. - Lance Cpl. Dale Dibble, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment looks through the sight on the M224 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System during a 10-day long 60 mm Mortar Lightweight Company Mortar System course under the direction of the Division Combat Skills Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 10, 2015. The course began with classroom instruction over the weapons system in which they learned how to boresight, misfire procedures and deflection changes for elevation before the unit moves into live-fire.

Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board an MV-22 Osprey after recovering a downed pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft personnel mission as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 5, 2015. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, are participating in a wide variety of exercises throughout ITX to prepare for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board an MV-22 Osprey after recovering a downed pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft personnel mission as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 5, 2015. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, are participating in a wide variety of exercises throughout ITX to prepare for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Lance Cpl. John K. Cash Jr. rushes in a squad assault as part of a live-fire range during a squadathon at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 12, 2017. The range was an opportunity for the Marines to practice the fundamentals of their job, while the squad leaders were evaluated on their ability to control their squads. Cash is a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. - Lance Cpl. John K. Cash Jr. rushes in a squad assault as part of a live-fire range during a squadathon at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 12, 2017. The range was an opportunity for the Marines to practice the fundamentals of their job, while the squad leaders were evaluated on their ability to control their squads. Cash is a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Immanuel M. Johnson/Released) - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Immanuel M. Johnson/Released)

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Andre Adams, the quality assurance evaluator with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, folds the U.S. flag during the 77th Anniversary Evening Colors Ceremony at the Pacific Views Event Center on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 24, 2019. The ceremony was held in honor of the official dedication of MCB Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, which took place Sept. 25, 1942. - U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Andre Adams, the quality assurance evaluator with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, folds the U.S. flag during the 77th Anniversary Evening Colors Ceremony at the Pacific Views Event Center on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 24, 2019. The ceremony was held in honor of the official dedication of MCB Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, which took place Sept. 25, 1942.

U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar spar in the ocean during Marine Corps martial arts instructor course 224-19 at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Oct. 9. 2019. The three-week MAI course trains marines to become martial arts instructors. - U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar spar in the ocean during Marine Corps martial arts instructor course 224-19 at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Oct. 9. 2019. The three-week MAI course trains marines to become martial arts instructors.

Change of Charge - Leaders of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), salute the colors as they pass during a change of charge ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 30, 2019. The ceremony recognized U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald L. Davis' service, leadership and dedication to 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaime Reyes)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Robin Leilimarrazzo reunites with his wife during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., September 15, 2019. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Robin Leilimarrazzo reunites with his wife during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., September 15, 2019.

Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, look over a map of the surrounding area during Operation Firestorm, and exercise to prepare the unit for their upcoming exercise, Rolling Thunder, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 15, 2015. The operation is a week-long field operation and is designed to ensure that communication and logistics capabilities are up to par before pushing out to Fort Bragg for Rolling Thunder. - Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, look over a map of the surrounding area during Operation Firestorm, and exercise to prepare the unit for their upcoming exercise, Rolling Thunder, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 15, 2015. The operation is a week-long field operation and is designed to ensure that communication and logistics capabilities are up to par before pushing out to Fort Bragg for Rolling Thunder.

U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 howitzer during Summer Fire Exercise 19 at 62 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 23, 2019. The Marines are conducting Summer FIREX, a live-fire regimental-level exercise, from July 22 to Aug. 1. The exercise is designed to bring the entire regiment together and maximize the training areas available on Camp Pendleton to enhance their ability to conduct real-world operations. - U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 howitzer during Summer Fire Exercise 19 at 62 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 23, 2019. The Marines are conducting Summer FIREX, a live-fire regimental-level exercise, from July 22 to Aug. 1. The exercise is designed to bring the entire regiment together and maximize the training areas available on Camp Pendleton to enhance their ability to conduct real-world operations.