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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.

U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Division, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to enter a room suspected of hazardous materials during exercise Habu Sentinel 16 at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment. - U.S. Marines from 3rd Marine Division, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to enter a room suspected of hazardous materials during exercise Habu Sentinel 16 at Disaster Village, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2016. As the annual capstone exercise for the division’s response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division prepare to launch an attack during the Eager Lion 16 final exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 24, 2016. 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 prepare to launch an attack during the Eager Lion 16 final exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 24, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

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.

Scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board a CH-53 ‘Super Stallion’ for extraction from the Combat Ville training area aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., during Integrated Training Exercise 3-16, May 29, 2016. - Scout snipers with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, board a CH-53 ‘Super Stallion’ for extraction from the Combat Ville training area aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., during Integrated Training Exercise 3-16, May 29, 2016.

U.S. Marines assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment conduct an amphibious transition from ship to shore at Tanduo Beach, Malaysia, May 30, 2016. The Marines are embarked aboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48) in support of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. CARAT is a series of annual, bilateral maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste.The Ashland is assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet. - U.S. Marines assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment conduct an amphibious transition from ship to shore at Tanduo Beach, Malaysia, May 30, 2016. The Marines are embarked aboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48) in support of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. CARAT is a series of annual, bilateral maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste.The Ashland is assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet.

Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., take photos of the grave marker for Lt. j.g. Weedon Osborne the only Medal of Honor recipient interred at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 26, 2016. Osborne was a dentist who served as corpsman for the 6th Marine Regiment and was killed in action trying to carry an injured Marine to safety June 6, 1918. - Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., take photos of the grave marker for Lt. j.g. Weedon Osborne the only Medal of Honor recipient interred at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France, May 26, 2016. Osborne was a dentist who served as corpsman for the 6th Marine Regiment and was killed in action trying to carry an injured Marine to safety June 6, 1918.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft.

Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. listen as a French guide at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial explains how American troops landed at Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944, during World War Two in Coleville sur Mer, France, May 25, 2016. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach and is the final resting place of more than 9,000 American service members and honors more than 1,500 American service members who are missing in action. - Marines from Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall and Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. listen as a French guide at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial explains how American troops landed at Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944, during World War Two in Coleville sur Mer, France, May 25, 2016. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach and is the final resting place of more than 9,000 American service members and honors more than 1,500 American service members who are missing in action.

Cpl. Austin Richards, a flight equipment technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, paints the gymnasium of the Graham Windham’s Manhattanville Cornerstone Community Center in Manhattan, New York, May 27, 2016. The Marines are visiting the city to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America's sea services. - Cpl. Austin Richards, a flight equipment technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, paints the gymnasium of the Graham Windham’s Manhattanville Cornerstone Community Center in Manhattan, New York, May 27, 2016. The Marines are visiting the city to interact with the public, demonstrate capabilities and teach the people of New York about America's sea services.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fire a 155mm M777A2 Light-weight Towed Howitzer in the Black Top Training Area aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 18, 2016. Various units from 2nd Marine Division participated in Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in preparation for their deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fire a 155mm M777A2 Light-weight Towed Howitzer in the Black Top Training Area aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 18, 2016. Various units from 2nd Marine Division participated in Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 in preparation for their deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), boards the USS Wasp (LHD-1), to bring Marines back from a tactical recovery of aircraft and personal mission May 19, 2016. The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), boards the USS Wasp (LHD-1), to bring Marines back from a tactical recovery of aircraft and personal mission May 19, 2016. The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).

Mongolian Armed Forces Lt. Col. B. Baasaadorj practices the steps of launching an unmanned aerial vehicle during the UAV training portion of Khaan Quest 2016 at Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, May 27. The training equipped MAF members with a deeper understanding of the purpose and operations of UAVs and how they can be used during peacekeeping missions. Khaan Quest 2016 is an annual, multinational peacekeeping operations exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces, co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command, and supported by U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Khaan Quest, in its 14th iteration, is the capstone exercise for this year’s Global Peace Operations Initiative program. The exercise focuses on training activities to enhance international interoperability, develop peacekeeping capabilities, build to mil-to-mil relationships, and enhance military readiness. - Mongolian Armed Forces Lt. Col. B. Baasaadorj practices the steps of launching an unmanned aerial vehicle during the UAV training portion of Khaan Quest 2016 at Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, May 27. The training equipped MAF members with a deeper understanding of the purpose and operations of UAVs and how they can be used during peacekeeping missions. Khaan Quest 2016 is an annual, multinational peacekeeping operations exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces, co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command, and supported by U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Khaan Quest, in its 14th iteration, is the capstone exercise for this year’s Global Peace Operations Initiative program. The exercise focuses on training activities to enhance international interoperability, develop peacekeeping capabilities, build to mil-to-mil relationships, and enhance military readiness.

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa form a wall of shields to protect a simulated U.S. Embassy during a riot-control exercise at the National Gendarmerie Training Center in St. Astier, France, May 13, 2016. The Marines trained alongside the French National Gendarmerie to operate through dense smoke and CS gas while maintaining tightly organized formations. - U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa form a wall of shields to protect a simulated U.S. Embassy during a riot-control exercise at the National Gendarmerie Training Center in St. Astier, France, May 13, 2016. The Marines trained alongside the French National Gendarmerie to operate through dense smoke and CS gas while maintaining tightly organized formations.

Tents, communication networks and vehicles are set up for Marines to operate during MEFEX 16 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 16, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a simulated deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II Marine Expeditionary Force's C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Conducting exercises of this nature ensures II MEF remains ready to provide the Marine Corps with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allies and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations. - Tents, communication networks and vehicles are set up for Marines to operate during MEFEX 16 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 16, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a simulated deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II Marine Expeditionary Force's C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Conducting exercises of this nature ensures II MEF remains ready to provide the Marine Corps with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allies and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations.

Cpl. Matthew Maenner, crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) observes the other MV-22B Osprey returning from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. Marines with VMM0-163 (Rein.) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid and supplied four MV-22B Ospreys, two AH-1W Cobras, two UH-1Y Hueys and one CH-53E Super Stallion. - Cpl. Matthew Maenner, crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) observes the other MV-22B Osprey returning from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. Marines with VMM0-163 (Rein.) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid and supplied four MV-22B Ospreys, two AH-1W Cobras, two UH-1Y Hueys and one CH-53E Super Stallion.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion detonate a charge while formed up in their stack during breaching operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2016. The unit built, placed, and detonated charges to practice gaining entry and clearing an enemy-occupied building in preparation for an upcoming deployment. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion detonate a charge while formed up in their stack during breaching operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2016. The unit built, placed, and detonated charges to practice gaining entry and clearing an enemy-occupied building in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watch a Jordanian armed forces’ AH-1 Cobra engage a simulated target during combined arms live-fire event during exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watch a Jordanian armed forces’ AH-1 Cobra engage a simulated target during combined arms live-fire event during exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

A reconnaissance man with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures his parachute after an air insert into a reconnaissance and surveillance mission at a MEU field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 12, 2016. The Maritime Raid Force provides a unique capability to the MEU commander and can respond to a number of mission requirements the MEU may respond to such as visit, board, search and seizure, reconnaissance and surveillance, and direct action raids. - A reconnaissance man with the Maritime Raid Force, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures his parachute after an air insert into a reconnaissance and surveillance mission at a MEU field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 12, 2016. The Maritime Raid Force provides a unique capability to the MEU commander and can respond to a number of mission requirements the MEU may respond to such as visit, board, search and seizure, reconnaissance and surveillance, and direct action raids.

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.

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A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire a 155mm M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer in the Lead Mountain Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, May 3, 2016. This firing exercise was focused on the ability of the M776 Chrome Tubes to resist the formation of hardened downbore residue when firing the M232A1 Propelling Charge 5H (top zone charges). - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire a 155mm M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer in the Lead Mountain Training Area at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, May 3, 2016. This firing exercise was focused on the ability of the M776 Chrome Tubes to resist the formation of hardened downbore residue when firing the M232A1 Propelling Charge 5H (top zone charges).

Col. John E. Walker Jr., right, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Intelligence Schools, and Master Sgt. Eldar Krueger, MCIS S-6 Chief, display the Department of Defense Intelligence and Security Learning Enterprise Gold Level of Achievement Award for 2015. MCIS received the Gold Level award for being the top school, chosen from a field of 52 formal learning centers encompassing $2 billion in resources and assets across the Department of Defense. - Col. John E. Walker Jr., right, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Intelligence Schools, and Master Sgt. Eldar Krueger, MCIS S-6 Chief, display the Department of Defense Intelligence and Security Learning Enterprise Gold Level of Achievement Award for 2015. MCIS received the Gold Level award for being the top school, chosen from a field of 52 formal learning centers encompassing $2 billion in resources and assets across the Department of Defense.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 participate in a hike during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 12, 2016. The week-long exercise focused on reinforcing skills that Marines learned throughout their military occupational specialty schooling and during Marine Combat Training in order to maintain situational readiness. Motor transportation operators, bulk fuels specialists, and field radio operators trained in various areas including direct refueling, recovery and general engineering operations and established a tactical motor pool. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 participate in a hike during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 12, 2016. The week-long exercise focused on reinforcing skills that Marines learned throughout their military occupational specialty schooling and during Marine Combat Training in order to maintain situational readiness. Motor transportation operators, bulk fuels specialists, and field radio operators trained in various areas including direct refueling, recovery and general engineering operations and established a tactical motor pool.

Cpl. John Luze, a competitor with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, loads a magazine before a practice fire with his M40A5 sniper rifle at Puckpunyal Military Area in Victoria, Australia, May 7, 2016. The M40A5 is a bolt-action sniper rifle that the Marine Corps uses for long-range enemy engagements. - Cpl. John Luze, a competitor with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, loads a magazine before a practice fire with his M40A5 sniper rifle at Puckpunyal Military Area in Victoria, Australia, May 7, 2016. The M40A5 is a bolt-action sniper rifle that the Marine Corps uses for long-range enemy engagements.

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Cpl. John C. Fisher, squad leader, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, leads his Marines through Range 410 while participating in Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 9, 2016. 2/8 came from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to participate in ITX 3-16. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dave Flores/Released) - Cpl. John C. Fisher, squad leader, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, leads his Marines through Range 410 while participating in Integrated Training Exercise 3-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 9, 2016. 2/8 came from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to participate in ITX 3-16. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dave Flores/Released)

Marines from across I Marine Expeditionary Force post security during fast rope inserts on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. May 9, 2016. This training was a part of a helicopter rope suspension techniques training package facilitated by 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I MEF. Marines and Royal British Commandos practiced these techniques on a rappel tower prior to fast roping out of helicopters hovering nearly 40 feet off the ground. - Marines from across I Marine Expeditionary Force post security during fast rope inserts on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. May 9, 2016. This training was a part of a helicopter rope suspension techniques training package facilitated by 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I MEF. Marines and Royal British Commandos practiced these techniques on a rappel tower prior to fast roping out of helicopters hovering nearly 40 feet off the ground.

A Marine with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires on virtual targets with a Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher during training at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2015. The ISMT allows training with a variety of simulated weapons including Mk 19s, M2 50-caliber machine guns, M240 medium machine guns and M16 service rifles. - A Marine with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires on virtual targets with a Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher during training at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2015. The ISMT allows training with a variety of simulated weapons including Mk 19s, M2 50-caliber machine guns, M240 medium machine guns and M16 service rifles.

An AH-1Z Cobra with Marine Aircraft Group taxis down the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2016. Col. Michael Borgschulte, commanding officer of MAG-39, developed a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration effort to develop a closer integration of the ground combat element and aviation combat element. - An AH-1Z Cobra with Marine Aircraft Group taxis down the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2016. Col. Michael Borgschulte, commanding officer of MAG-39, developed a Marine Air-Ground Task Force integration effort to develop a closer integration of the ground combat element and aviation combat element.

Marines with aircraft rescue and firefighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, guide a simulated aircraft to the back of a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 11, 2016. Motor transportation operators, combat engineers, heavy equipment operators and aircraft rescue and firefighters worked together to recover the simulated downed aircraft. The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness. The opportunity to train in this environment helps Marines within different squadrons enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capabilities. - Marines with aircraft rescue and firefighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, guide a simulated aircraft to the back of a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 11, 2016. Motor transportation operators, combat engineers, heavy equipment operators and aircraft rescue and firefighters worked together to recover the simulated downed aircraft. The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness. The opportunity to train in this environment helps Marines within different squadrons enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capabilities.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 assemble an M240 Bravo Light-Machine Gun on a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 9, 2016. The squadron plans to conduct various drills pertaining to aviation ground support forces, aircraft salvage and recovery, convoys, direct refueling, recovery and general engineering operations, establishing a tactical motor pool, providing air operations and planning expeditionary fire rescue services. The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 assemble an M240 Bravo Light-Machine Gun on a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 9, 2016. The squadron plans to conduct various drills pertaining to aviation ground support forces, aircraft salvage and recovery, convoys, direct refueling, recovery and general engineering operations, establishing a tactical motor pool, providing air operations and planning expeditionary fire rescue services. The exercise focuses on reinforcing skills that Marines learned during Marine Combat Training and throughout their military occupational specialty schooling in order to maintain situational readiness.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California is renowned as the Marine Corps’ premiere training facility. While meeting the needs of visiting units, the installation also utilizes a significant amount of resources while also dedicating to resources to conserving energy, while maintaining the training standards. - Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California is renowned as the Marine Corps’ premiere training facility. While meeting the needs of visiting units, the installation also utilizes a significant amount of resources while also dedicating to resources to conserving energy, while maintaining the training standards.

The Marine Corps’ first two Kaman K-MAX Helicopters arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Saturday, May 7, 2016. The K-MAX will be added to MCAS Yuma's already vast collection of military air assets, and will utilize the station’s ranges to strengthen training, testing and operations across the Marine Corps. - The Marine Corps’ first two Kaman K-MAX Helicopters arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Saturday, May 7, 2016. The K-MAX will be added to MCAS Yuma's already vast collection of military air assets, and will utilize the station’s ranges to strengthen training, testing and operations across the Marine Corps.

Marines learn about the Joint Infantry Company Prototype during the Expeditionary Energy Concepts symposium at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 3, 2016. The JIC-P is a wearable energy management system that uses multiple sources, including kinetic harvesting, to recharge batteries in radios and other equipment that cuts down the amount of weight each Marine has to carry and eliminates the need to frequently resupply forward units with fresh batteries. E2C features new technologies developed by outside companies to improve the reach and effectiveness of the Marine Corps. The three-day event also gives Marines who would work with the technology on a daily basis the opportunity to identify possible areas for improvement. - Marines learn about the Joint Infantry Company Prototype during the Expeditionary Energy Concepts symposium at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 3, 2016. The JIC-P is a wearable energy management system that uses multiple sources, including kinetic harvesting, to recharge batteries in radios and other equipment that cuts down the amount of weight each Marine has to carry and eliminates the need to frequently resupply forward units with fresh batteries. E2C features new technologies developed by outside companies to improve the reach and effectiveness of the Marine Corps. The three-day event also gives Marines who would work with the technology on a daily basis the opportunity to identify possible areas for improvement.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni. - Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni hosted friendship day May 5, 2016. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has conducted a single-day air show and open house specifically designed to foster positive relationships between the air station and our Japanese hosts. The event offers a culturally enriching experience that displays aviation performances, demonstrations and provides food and entertainment for guests of the largest single-day event in Iwakuni.

A pilot prepares to take off from the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort,South Carolina, May 4,2016. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 is participating in a Weapons Systems Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6-20,2016. The program gives pilots experience with flying against real aircraft outside a simulation. The real world training helps Marines be tactically proficient and prepared to deploy. - A pilot prepares to take off from the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort,South Carolina, May 4,2016. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 is participating in a Weapons Systems Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6-20,2016. The program gives pilots experience with flying against real aircraft outside a simulation. The real world training helps Marines be tactically proficient and prepared to deploy.

An aircraft hovers over water at the Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 hosted by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at Las Pulgas Lake, May 5, 2016. The Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 combines elements of aviation and ground units from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Navy Region Southwest, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Diego's Sheriff's Department. - An aircraft hovers over water at the Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 hosted by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at Las Pulgas Lake, May 5, 2016. The Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 combines elements of aviation and ground units from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Navy Region Southwest, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Diego's Sheriff's Department.

Col. Jay Wylie, assistant chief of staff, G-4 Installations and Logistics, and Maj Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, Combat Center Commanding General, greet Mr. Joseph Bryan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and the Honorable Dennis V. McGinn, Assistant Secretary of the Navy at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, Jan. 21, 2016. McGinn later awarded the Combat Center’s Exercise Support Division the 2015 Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Award in the United States Marine Corps Expeditionary category, at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field. McGinn also recognized the Combat Center as an installation, for a Gold Level of Achievement under the awards program, which indicates a very good to outstanding energy or water program. - Col. Jay Wylie, assistant chief of staff, G-4 Installations and Logistics, and Maj Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, Combat Center Commanding General, greet Mr. Joseph Bryan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and the Honorable Dennis V. McGinn, Assistant Secretary of the Navy at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, Jan. 21, 2016. McGinn later awarded the Combat Center’s Exercise Support Division the 2015 Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Award in the United States Marine Corps Expeditionary category, at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field. McGinn also recognized the Combat Center as an installation, for a Gold Level of Achievement under the awards program, which indicates a very good to outstanding energy or water program.

Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload equipment, vehicles and personnel after returning home from deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 29, 2016. Parachute riggers with 2nd TSB developed their skills by cross-training with landing support specialists. - Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload equipment, vehicles and personnel after returning home from deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 29, 2016. Parachute riggers with 2nd TSB developed their skills by cross-training with landing support specialists.

Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2 prepare MK-19 automatic grenade launcher ammunition for familiarization training at shooting range G-3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Apr. 29, 2016. The training honed their accuracy, communication abilities and suppressive fire capabilities. - Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2 prepare MK-19 automatic grenade launcher ammunition for familiarization training at shooting range G-3 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Apr. 29, 2016. The training honed their accuracy, communication abilities and suppressive fire capabilities.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member visiting the annual Training Expo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan tests out the Instrumental Tactical Evaluation Simulated System on Friday, April 29, 2016. This recently updated system works almost like the popular game, "laser tag," where a laptop traces the marksmanship of the shooter. This training can be recorded and handed back to the unit on a CD to evaluate performance. - A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member visiting the annual Training Expo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan tests out the Instrumental Tactical Evaluation Simulated System on Friday, April 29, 2016. This recently updated system works almost like the popular game, "laser tag," where a laptop traces the marksmanship of the shooter. This training can be recorded and handed back to the unit on a CD to evaluate performance.

The Unmanned Tactical Autonomous Control and Collaboration patrols a simulated town indoors in Ellis Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, April 19, 2016. The UTACC is a team of aerial and ground robots using the Distributed Real-time Autonomously Guided Operations Engine to provide multi-dimensional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the squad-level units. Though the tests are conceptual, the UTACC represents potential capabilities for robotics integrated into squad-level units. - The Unmanned Tactical Autonomous Control and Collaboration patrols a simulated town indoors in Ellis Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, April 19, 2016. The UTACC is a team of aerial and ground robots using the Distributed Real-time Autonomously Guided Operations Engine to provide multi-dimensional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the squad-level units. Though the tests are conceptual, the UTACC represents potential capabilities for robotics integrated into squad-level units.

Marines fire an illumination round from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm during live-fire artillery training Sept. 1 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2. The illumination round is able to light a 1-by-1-kilometer grid square for two minutes. The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines fire an illumination round from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm during live-fire artillery training Sept. 1 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2. The illumination round is able to light a 1-by-1-kilometer grid square for two minutes. The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marine Corps Installations - West conducting Exercise Semper Durus 2016, a full-scale, Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection exercise, April 25 – 29 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Semper Durus is a regional command post exercise that is comprised of a series of field training scenarios designed to reinforce operational response capabilities supporting MCI-West installations, tenant commands and families on base. - Marine Corps Installations - West conducting Exercise Semper Durus 2016, a full-scale, Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection exercise, April 25 – 29 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Semper Durus is a regional command post exercise that is comprised of a series of field training scenarios designed to reinforce operational response capabilities supporting MCI-West installations, tenant commands and families on base.

Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, advance to their objective during an amphibious operations training exercise as part of an Expeditionary Operations Training Group course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 21, 2016. The Marines conducted beach surveys from designated positions in the ocean, where they observed and reported information to their headquarters team. - Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, advance to their objective during an amphibious operations training exercise as part of an Expeditionary Operations Training Group course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 21, 2016. The Marines conducted beach surveys from designated positions in the ocean, where they observed and reported information to their headquarters team.

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Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

Pfc. Adam J. Wiscombe, a rifleman with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, rushes down range during a fire-team attack exercise as part of the battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 26, 2016. The FEX, now in the final week of operations, previously tested Marines on basic infantry fundamentals such as patrolling and land navigation. - Pfc. Adam J. Wiscombe, a rifleman with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, rushes down range during a fire-team attack exercise as part of the battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 26, 2016. The FEX, now in the final week of operations, previously tested Marines on basic infantry fundamentals such as patrolling and land navigation.