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A Marine holds security during a route clearance drill as a part of Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marine is with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. During route clearance Marines use a variety of vehicles to search for improvised explosive devices, mines and other dangerous obstructions. Steel Knight is a 1st Marine Division led exercise, which enables the Marines and sailors to operate in a realistic environment to develop skill sets necessary to maintain a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force. - A Marine holds security during a route clearance drill as a part of Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marine is with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. During route clearance Marines use a variety of vehicles to search for improvised explosive devices, mines and other dangerous obstructions. Steel Knight is a 1st Marine Division led exercise, which enables the Marines and sailors to operate in a realistic environment to develop skill sets necessary to maintain a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force.

Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it. - Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis down the runway after refueling at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. This is the first time that the F-35 conducted close air support missions in support of exercise Steel Knight. - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis down the runway after refueling at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. This is the first time that the F-35 conducted close air support missions in support of exercise Steel Knight.

Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271. - Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271.

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Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer¬ during the opening day of live-fire operations for Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, on Dec. 10, 2015. The tough, realistic training is intended to develop combat skills necessary to operate as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer¬ during the opening day of live-fire operations for Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, on Dec. 10, 2015. The tough, realistic training is intended to develop combat skills necessary to operate as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, right, presents Lt. Gen. Sang Hoon Lee, commandant of the of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, left, with a gift Dec. 11, 2015 at III MEF Headquarters, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Lee was on Okinawa from Dec. 11 to increase awareness of senior leader collaboration and oneness as the Combined Marine Component Command. The CMCC is a focused combined force designed to protect the safety and security of the people of Korea. - Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, right, presents Lt. Gen. Sang Hoon Lee, commandant of the of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, left, with a gift Dec. 11, 2015 at III MEF Headquarters, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Lee was on Okinawa from Dec. 11 to increase awareness of senior leader collaboration and oneness as the Combined Marine Component Command. The CMCC is a focused combined force designed to protect the safety and security of the people of Korea.

U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties. - U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations.

A Uganda People’s Defense Force soldier detonates an "oval charge" on desired entry point during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Dec. 8, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as they prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia. - A Uganda People’s Defense Force soldier detonates an "oval charge" on desired entry point during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Dec. 8, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as they prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia.

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A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 hovers over a landing pad during Field Carrier Landing Practices aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 2, 2015. Marines with HMH-361 conducted section Confined Area Landings and Field Carrier Landing Practices to fulfill training requirements for landing aboard a Navy ship. - A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 hovers over a landing pad during Field Carrier Landing Practices aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 2, 2015. Marines with HMH-361 conducted section Confined Area Landings and Field Carrier Landing Practices to fulfill training requirements for landing aboard a Navy ship.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia.

1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment infantrymen tactically move from building to building in a simulated combat zone during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015. 1st Marine Division has conducted Steel Knight for the past three years, making this the fourth iteration of the exercise. Steel Knight will test I Marine Expeditionary Force’s amphibious capabilities through realistic, scenario-driven training. - 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment infantrymen tactically move from building to building in a simulated combat zone during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 4, 2015. 1st Marine Division has conducted Steel Knight for the past three years, making this the fourth iteration of the exercise. Steel Knight will test I Marine Expeditionary Force’s amphibious capabilities through realistic, scenario-driven training.

An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - An F/A- 18C Hornet rests on the flight line Dec. 1 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. after returning from Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Oct. 16- Nov. 20. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 conducted the training exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment in early 2016 and to increase combat proficiency and readiness. The jet is with VMFA-122, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Dan Barker, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, instructs the first Advance Explosive Ordnance Disposal Ordnance Exploitation Course hosted by the EOD Advanced Training Center at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 30, 2015. Eight select Marine EOD officers and enlisted members gathered from various Marine Corps installations to participate in the three-week course. - Master Gunnery Sgt. Dan Barker, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, instructs the first Advance Explosive Ordnance Disposal Ordnance Exploitation Course hosted by the EOD Advanced Training Center at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 30, 2015. Eight select Marine EOD officers and enlisted members gathered from various Marine Corps installations to participate in the three-week course.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Scarborough, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, begins to remove the explosive ordnance from the Griffin missile at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. A Griffin missile is an air and ground-launched, precise, low collateral-damage missile used for irregular warfare operations. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Scarborough, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with EOD Company, begins to remove the explosive ordnance from the Griffin missile at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2015. A Griffin missile is an air and ground-launched, precise, low collateral-damage missile used for irregular warfare operations.

A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual. - A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual.

U.S. Marine combat engineers with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, assist Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers nail in one of the wall frames during a civil engineering exercise at Camp Singo, Nov. 19, 2015. The exercise helps the partner nations fortify their civil engineering skills while strengthening the bond between the two. - U.S. Marine combat engineers with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, assist Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers nail in one of the wall frames during a civil engineering exercise at Camp Singo, Nov. 19, 2015. The exercise helps the partner nations fortify their civil engineering skills while strengthening the bond between the two.

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.

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A Marine Raider with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and two Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion prepare to clear a building during a night raid at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Camp Shelby, Miss., Nov. 17. The raid was part of a 10-day exercise in the Gulf Coast region to maintain unit readiness. The 2nd CEB Marines participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command exercise to strengthen and enhance Special Operations Forces and Marine Air Ground Task Force interoperability. - A Marine Raider with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and two Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion prepare to clear a building during a night raid at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility at Camp Shelby, Miss., Nov. 17. The raid was part of a 10-day exercise in the Gulf Coast region to maintain unit readiness. The 2nd CEB Marines participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command exercise to strengthen and enhance Special Operations Forces and Marine Air Ground Task Force interoperability.

A Marine Raiders with Marine Special Operations Company Charlie, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, breach a conex box with a saw during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training, as part of a Company Collective Exercise, Oct. 15, 2015, in San Diego, California. - A Marine Raiders with Marine Special Operations Company Charlie, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, breach a conex box with a saw during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training, as part of a Company Collective Exercise, Oct. 15, 2015, in San Diego, California.

U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 “Warhorse” mount a .50-caliber machine gun onto a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16. Marines with HMH-465 will conduct aerial gun shoots, fire bucket training and terrain flights over the course of five days in El Centro, California. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 “Warhorse” mount a .50-caliber machine gun onto a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16. Marines with HMH-465 will conduct aerial gun shoots, fire bucket training and terrain flights over the course of five days in El Centro, California.

Marines with the Ground Combat Element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force post security on a simulated casualty as part of a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct 23-Nov. 15, 2015. The GCE provides a fighting force capable of executing a wide range of mission sets for the MAGTF. - Marines with the Ground Combat Element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force post security on a simulated casualty as part of a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct 23-Nov. 15, 2015. The GCE provides a fighting force capable of executing a wide range of mission sets for the MAGTF.

Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, act as the opposing forces for a movement-to-contact training mission, Exercise Watchtower, Nov. 9, 2015. The exercise provided the Marines an opportunity to better themselves securing areas and locating opposing forces, as well as enabling the leaders of the various teams with the ability to make crucial decisions in the fog of war. - Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, act as the opposing forces for a movement-to-contact training mission, Exercise Watchtower, Nov. 9, 2015. The exercise provided the Marines an opportunity to better themselves securing areas and locating opposing forces, as well as enabling the leaders of the various teams with the ability to make crucial decisions in the fog of war.

U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo. - U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo.

Spanish Brig. Gen. Juan Cifuentes Álvarez gives a ‘thumbs-up’ to a young paratrooper during bilateral training with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, Nov. 13, 2015 in Zaragoza, Spain. More than 25 Spanish paratroopers with Spanish Parachute Brigade jumped out of a KC-130J Hercules, reinforcing mutual defense relationships between U.S. and Spain. - Spanish Brig. Gen. Juan Cifuentes Álvarez gives a ‘thumbs-up’ to a young paratrooper during bilateral training with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, Nov. 13, 2015 in Zaragoza, Spain. More than 25 Spanish paratroopers with Spanish Parachute Brigade jumped out of a KC-130J Hercules, reinforcing mutual defense relationships between U.S. and Spain.

Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment engage the enemy during a counterattack as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Nov. 11, 2015. The counterattack was part of the Battalion Assault Course, a three-day culminating event at the end of ITX. - Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment engage the enemy during a counterattack as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Nov. 11, 2015. The counterattack was part of the Battalion Assault Course, a three-day culminating event at the end of ITX.

The Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward guidon is retired during the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade activation ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Oct. 15, 2015. Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward was re-designated as the 5TH MEB to more accurately reflect Marine Corps organizational doctrine, and will continue to provide a forward-deployed headquarters in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility - The Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward guidon is retired during the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade activation ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Oct. 15, 2015. Command Element Marine Forces Central Command Forward was re-designated as the 5TH MEB to more accurately reflect Marine Corps organizational doctrine, and will continue to provide a forward-deployed headquarters in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility

A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepares to fire during the counterattack of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC integrates all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in order to defeat a large simulated enemy force. - A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepares to fire during the counterattack of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC integrates all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in order to defeat a large simulated enemy force.

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, train members of the Uganda People’s Defense Force on Mine-Resistant, Ambushed-Protected Vehicles, or MRAPs, at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 3, 2015. Marines and sailors with SPMAGTF-CR-AF are training with the UPDF to increase engineering and logistical capabilities while strengthening the bonds between the partner countries. - U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, train members of the Uganda People’s Defense Force on Mine-Resistant, Ambushed-Protected Vehicles, or MRAPs, at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 3, 2015. Marines and sailors with SPMAGTF-CR-AF are training with the UPDF to increase engineering and logistical capabilities while strengthening the bonds between the partner countries.

A U.S. Marine Corps rifleman with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fires rounds at an enemy as his fire team prepares to push towards their next objective in a mechanized assault course during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 30, 2015. Marines participate in a month-long field exercise demonstrating core mission essential tasks by conducting offensive, defensive and stability operations using combined arms, air integration, and battalion-level infantry tactics in order to strengthen operational readiness as they prepare for world-wide deployment. - A U.S. Marine Corps rifleman with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fires rounds at an enemy as his fire team prepares to push towards their next objective in a mechanized assault course during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 30, 2015. Marines participate in a month-long field exercise demonstrating core mission essential tasks by conducting offensive, defensive and stability operations using combined arms, air integration, and battalion-level infantry tactics in order to strengthen operational readiness as they prepare for world-wide deployment.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force--Crisis Response--Central Command, rush with their weapons system as they conduct live-fire training on the new M252A2 81mm mortar system at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 24, 2015. The training allowed the Marines, who are charged with providing security of Al Asad, an opportunity to hone their tactics, techniques and procedures in employment of the system, further reinforcing their ability to provide protection to their coalition and Iraqi Security Force partners as part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s building partner capacity mission. - U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force--Crisis Response--Central Command, rush with their weapons system as they conduct live-fire training on the new M252A2 81mm mortar system at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 24, 2015. The training allowed the Marines, who are charged with providing security of Al Asad, an opportunity to hone their tactics, techniques and procedures in employment of the system, further reinforcing their ability to provide protection to their coalition and Iraqi Security Force partners as part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s building partner capacity mission.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion and British soldiers get briefed before conducting a range in Edinburgh, U.K., Nov. 4, 2015. The service members participated in a shooting competition as part of Exercise Phoenix Odyssey II, which builds joint intelligence operations and basic military skills. - U.S. Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion and British soldiers get briefed before conducting a range in Edinburgh, U.K., Nov. 4, 2015. The service members participated in a shooting competition as part of Exercise Phoenix Odyssey II, which builds joint intelligence operations and basic military skills.

Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

A Marine with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, carries a simulated casualty to an MV-22 Osprey for a medical evacuation during a live-fire vehicle recovery exercise as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 4, 2015. The training tested the Marines’ ability to effectively recover a downed vehicle while engaging the enemy in a live-fire scenario. - A Marine with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, carries a simulated casualty to an MV-22 Osprey for a medical evacuation during a live-fire vehicle recovery exercise as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 4, 2015. The training tested the Marines’ ability to effectively recover a downed vehicle while engaging the enemy in a live-fire scenario.

U.S. Marines with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, currently deployed in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command 16.1, prepare the hook block of a MAC-50 Crane to move Alaskan walls at Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2015. The 12-ton T-walls are placed around key structures to provide protection from shrapnel. - U.S. Marines with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, currently deployed in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command 16.1, prepare the hook block of a MAC-50 Crane to move Alaskan walls at Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2015. The 12-ton T-walls are placed around key structures to provide protection from shrapnel.

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.

Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan. - Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts. - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts.

An infantryman with Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, the ground combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires from behind cover as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle moves into position to provide supporting fire during amphibious assault training as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team. - An infantryman with Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, the ground combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires from behind cover as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle moves into position to provide supporting fire during amphibious assault training as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team.

Lance Cpl. Devan D. Johnson a military police officer with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit role-plays, as a patrol/explosive detector dog with the MEU executes an attack command on Oct. 26, 2015 at Doganbey, Turkey as part of a military working dogs demonstration for Turkish Marines and sailors during Exercise Egemen. The exercise is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. - Lance Cpl. Devan D. Johnson a military police officer with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit role-plays, as a patrol/explosive detector dog with the MEU executes an attack command on Oct. 26, 2015 at Doganbey, Turkey as part of a military working dogs demonstration for Turkish Marines and sailors during Exercise Egemen. The exercise is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants.

A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, the logistics combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks passports and identification at the orientation station of the evacuee collection center during non-combatant evacuation operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California as part of as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team. - A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, the logistics combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks passports and identification at the orientation station of the evacuee collection center during non-combatant evacuation operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California as part of as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team.

Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations. - Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations.

Royal Marines with 45 Commando and U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa discuss tactics and techniques for patrols during Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21, 2015. Trident Juncture is one of many exercises ensuring that NATO is ready to deal with any emerging crisis from any direction, and that the Alliance is able to work effectively with partner nations. - Royal Marines with 45 Commando and U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa discuss tactics and techniques for patrols during Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21, 2015. Trident Juncture is one of many exercises ensuring that NATO is ready to deal with any emerging crisis from any direction, and that the Alliance is able to work effectively with partner nations.

A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Capt. Jeremy Phillips, the intelligence security cooperation Officer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, discuss intelligence gathering with Ghanaia Navy intelligence at Ghana’s Navy Trade Training School in Sekondi, Ghana, Oct. 19. U.S. forces completed a Tactical Intelligence Support To Maritime Operations Centers “train-the-trainer” course for the Ghanaian Navy from Oct. 12-23. This two-week introduction to intelligence was the first of four planned for the fiscal year. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members taught Sixteen Ghanaian sailors, along with two senior members of Ghana’s Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service. The course was designed as both an introduction to the intelligence process, particularly in support of their MOCs, and to prepare the students to become intelligence instructors for the Ghanaian Navy’s internal intelligence courses. - U.S. Marine Capt. Jeremy Phillips, the intelligence security cooperation Officer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, discuss intelligence gathering with Ghanaia Navy intelligence at Ghana’s Navy Trade Training School in Sekondi, Ghana, Oct. 19. U.S. forces completed a Tactical Intelligence Support To Maritime Operations Centers “train-the-trainer” course for the Ghanaian Navy from Oct. 12-23. This two-week introduction to intelligence was the first of four planned for the fiscal year. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members taught Sixteen Ghanaian sailors, along with two senior members of Ghana’s Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service. The course was designed as both an introduction to the intelligence process, particularly in support of their MOCs, and to prepare the students to become intelligence instructors for the Ghanaian Navy’s internal intelligence courses.