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Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires a Benelli M4 shotgun at a target during a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills. - Cpl. Joshua Hodel, Stone Bay target shed noncommissioned officer in charge, fires a Benelli M4 shotgun at a target during a 3-gun shooting competition coordinated by the Combat Marksmanship Trainer Course at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 1, 2016. The competition enabled CMT students to become familiar with how to set up and run a range and range personnel were also able to hone their marksmanship skills.

U.S. Marines, sailors and civilians joined together for a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 9, 2016. The stair climb honored the fallen firefighters who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Centers on Sept. 11, 2001. - U.S. Marines, sailors and civilians joined together for a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 9, 2016. The stair climb honored the fallen firefighters who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Centers on Sept. 11, 2001.

Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Nashville salute during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2016. Marine Week Nashville is a chance to reconnect with our Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations. - Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Nashville salute during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 11, 2016. Marine Week Nashville is a chance to reconnect with our Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations.

Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion. - Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion.

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Capt. Cray Pack, left, and Capt. Nolan Utterback, right, read a story to children at the Nashville Public Library in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Pack is an AH-1W Cobra pilot and Utterback is a UH-1Y Venom pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 based out of New River, N.C. Marine Week Nashville celebrates the contributions of local Marines whose service to our nation has protected and preserved our way of life for hundreds of years. - Capt. Cray Pack, left, and Capt. Nolan Utterback, right, read a story to children at the Nashville Public Library in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2016. Pack is an AH-1W Cobra pilot and Utterback is a UH-1Y Venom pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 based out of New River, N.C. Marine Week Nashville celebrates the contributions of local Marines whose service to our nation has protected and preserved our way of life for hundreds of years.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group man the rails aboard the USS Boxer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman Pier, August 29, 2016. The 13th MEU, embarked on the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Pacific region. - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group man the rails aboard the USS Boxer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman Pier, August 29, 2016. The 13th MEU, embarked on the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Pacific region.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile during U.S. Marine F-35B operational tests. These employment scenarios differed from those conducted in Developmental Tests in that they were specifically designed around operational employment scenarios with the aim of further validating and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for all three variants of the F-35. The tests began August 9 and ended September 1, 2016. - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile during U.S. Marine F-35B operational tests. These employment scenarios differed from those conducted in Developmental Tests in that they were specifically designed around operational employment scenarios with the aim of further validating and developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for all three variants of the F-35. The tests began August 9 and ended September 1, 2016.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matt Heidtman, an airframes Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, tightens fasteners on an F/A-18C Hornet during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 31, 2016. The Marines perform maintenance on the aircraft in preparation for departure at the conclusion of Southern Frontier. This three week unit level training that helps pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matt Heidtman, an airframes Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, tightens fasteners on an F/A-18C Hornet during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, August 31, 2016. The Marines perform maintenance on the aircraft in preparation for departure at the conclusion of Southern Frontier. This three week unit level training that helps pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery.

Two F/A-18C Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 fly over head during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 31, 2016. The Hornet squadron trained in low-altitude tactics, building pilots’ confidence and skills with low flying while performing air-to-surface maneuvers simultaneously. Southern Frontier is a three week unit level training helping pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery. - Two F/A-18C Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 fly over head during Southern Frontier at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 31, 2016. The Hornet squadron trained in low-altitude tactics, building pilots’ confidence and skills with low flying while performing air-to-surface maneuvers simultaneously. Southern Frontier is a three week unit level training helping pilots gain experience and qualifications in low-altitude tactics, close air support, and air ground, high explosive ordnance delivery.

Pfc. Luis Moreno, a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, requests permission to board the USS America at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., Aug. 29, 2016. The ship will carry Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen to Los Angeles Fleet Week, Sept. 2 – Sept. 5. Fleet Weeks are annual patriotic events where active Navy and Coast Guard ships dock in major U.S. cities giving Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen an opportunity to interact with locals. This is the first year L.A. has hosted an official Fleet Week event. - Pfc. Luis Moreno, a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, requests permission to board the USS America at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., Aug. 29, 2016. The ship will carry Marines, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen to Los Angeles Fleet Week, Sept. 2 – Sept. 5. Fleet Weeks are annual patriotic events where active Navy and Coast Guard ships dock in major U.S. cities giving Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen an opportunity to interact with locals. This is the first year L.A. has hosted an official Fleet Week event.

Reserve Marines are greeted by Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the Today Show, during the celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, at Times Square, New York, Aug. 29, 2016. The Marines are commemorating 100 years of rich history, heritage, esprit de corps, and a bond with not only New York City but with all communities across the U.S. The celebration brings awareness to the Reserve’s essential role as a crisis response force and expeditionary force in readiness that is always prepared to augment the active component. - Reserve Marines are greeted by Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the Today Show, during the celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, at Times Square, New York, Aug. 29, 2016. The Marines are commemorating 100 years of rich history, heritage, esprit de corps, and a bond with not only New York City but with all communities across the U.S. The celebration brings awareness to the Reserve’s essential role as a crisis response force and expeditionary force in readiness that is always prepared to augment the active component.

Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response, Central Command, check role-players ID cards before screening them during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise at Range 220, a military operations on urbanized terrain facility, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 24, as part of a Certification Exercise. - Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response, Central Command, check role-players ID cards before screening them during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise at Range 220, a military operations on urbanized terrain facility, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 24, as part of a Certification Exercise.

(Left to right) U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2, speaks with Brig. Gen. Robert F. Castellvi, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during a rehearsal of concepts drill as part of Bold Alligator 2016 in Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 13, 2016. BA16 focuses on improving Navy-Marine Corps amphibious core competencies along with coalition, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Allied and partner nations as an investment in the current and future readiness of naval forces. BA16 is taking place Aug. 15-26, 2016, along the eastern seaboard. - (Left to right) U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2, speaks with Brig. Gen. Robert F. Castellvi, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during a rehearsal of concepts drill as part of Bold Alligator 2016 in Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 13, 2016. BA16 focuses on improving Navy-Marine Corps amphibious core competencies along with coalition, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Allied and partner nations as an investment in the current and future readiness of naval forces. BA16 is taking place Aug. 15-26, 2016, along the eastern seaboard.

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin box during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. - Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin box during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces.

Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, paraloft chief for Company C, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, checks the distance left before a jump during Exercise Northern Strike 2016 at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich., Aug. 16, 2016. Reserve Recon Marines practice jumping from the back of C-130s to meet their requirements and perfect their skills. Exercise Northern Strike 16 is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting approximately 5,000 Army, Air Force, Marine, and Special Forces service members from 20 states and three coalition countries. The exercise strives to provide accessible, readiness-building opportunities for military units from all service branches to achieve and sustain proficiency in conducting mission command, air, sea, and ground maneuver integration, and the synchronization of fires in a joint, multinational, decisive action environment. - Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, paraloft chief for Company C, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, checks the distance left before a jump during Exercise Northern Strike 2016 at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich., Aug. 16, 2016. Reserve Recon Marines practice jumping from the back of C-130s to meet their requirements and perfect their skills. Exercise Northern Strike 16 is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting approximately 5,000 Army, Air Force, Marine, and Special Forces service members from 20 states and three coalition countries. The exercise strives to provide accessible, readiness-building opportunities for military units from all service branches to achieve and sustain proficiency in conducting mission command, air, sea, and ground maneuver integration, and the synchronization of fires in a joint, multinational, decisive action environment.

Lance Cpl. Vicente C. Spence, right, a motor transport operator with 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, receives a challenge coin from Rear Adm. Christina M. Alavarado, commander, reserve component expeditionary medicine, during Exercise Global Medic at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 19, 2016. Spence was presented the coin for the continuous hard work he did throughout the course of the exercise and for constantly maintaining a positive and upbeat attitude. - Lance Cpl. Vicente C. Spence, right, a motor transport operator with 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, receives a challenge coin from Rear Adm. Christina M. Alavarado, commander, reserve component expeditionary medicine, during Exercise Global Medic at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, August 19, 2016. Spence was presented the coin for the continuous hard work he did throughout the course of the exercise and for constantly maintaining a positive and upbeat attitude.

Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force and sailors with 553 Cyber Protection Team, monitor network activity during I MEF Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug 22, 2016. The overall purpose of the exercise was to practice the deployment of a fighting force of more than 50,000 military personnel to a partner nation and incorporate both live-fire and simulated combat scenarios against a near-peer enemy force. 553-CPT is a team of cyber defense specialists with Fleet Cyber Command. The team advised I MEF while setting up the command element’s networks. - Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force and sailors with 553 Cyber Protection Team, monitor network activity during I MEF Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug 22, 2016. The overall purpose of the exercise was to practice the deployment of a fighting force of more than 50,000 military personnel to a partner nation and incorporate both live-fire and simulated combat scenarios against a near-peer enemy force. 553-CPT is a team of cyber defense specialists with Fleet Cyber Command. The team advised I MEF while setting up the command element’s networks.

An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 taxis to the runway for a night flight during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 17, 2016. The flying squadron executed large force close air support, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance, and strike coordination and reconnaissance missions over the three week training evolution. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region. - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 taxis to the runway for a night flight during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 17, 2016. The flying squadron executed large force close air support, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance, and strike coordination and reconnaissance missions over the three week training evolution. The biennial, multinational exercise involves approximately 10 allied nations and prepares these forces for possible real-world scenarios. The bilateral effort amongst Exercise Pitch Black 2016 furthermore showcases the strength amongst various militaries and solidifies the relationship across the Pacific region.

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U.S. Marines with Company A, Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, practice weapons tactics training during I Marine Expeditionary Force Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 17, 2016. LSE-16 is designed to enhance the command and control and interoperability between I MEF command element staff and its higher, adjacent and subordinate command headquarters. The exercise includes cyber and electronic warfare, information support operations, and simulated and live-fire events. - U.S. Marines with Company A, Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, practice weapons tactics training during I Marine Expeditionary Force Large Scale Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 17, 2016. LSE-16 is designed to enhance the command and control and interoperability between I MEF command element staff and its higher, adjacent and subordinate command headquarters. The exercise includes cyber and electronic warfare, information support operations, and simulated and live-fire events.

Lance Cpl. Samuel L. Posey, a rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, sights in through his rifle while conducting room clearing drills during exercise Arctic Eagle at Camp Grayling, Mich., April 7, 2016. Posey overcame a rough childhood to become a Marine and serve his country. - Lance Cpl. Samuel L. Posey, a rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, sights in through his rifle while conducting room clearing drills during exercise Arctic Eagle at Camp Grayling, Mich., April 7, 2016. Posey overcame a rough childhood to become a Marine and serve his country.

A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas. - A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 takes off from a simulated combat zone during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 17, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted the exercise in support of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in order to increase proficiency in conducting CAS EVACS. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 takes off from a simulated combat zone during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 17, 2016. Marines with VMM-161 conducted the exercise in support of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in order to increase proficiency in conducting CAS EVACS.

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U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 10, 2016. Marines, already in mission oriented protective posture gear, were evaluated on their ability to effectively detect, report, respond and operate in a simulated CBRN environment. When given the signal “gas, gas, gas,” Marines scrambled to don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks before returning to work as if everything was normal. Conducting this training helps Marines refresh their tactical skill sets specific to CBRN response, maintain situational readiness and ensures the safety of personnel. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 10, 2016. Marines, already in mission oriented protective posture gear, were evaluated on their ability to effectively detect, report, respond and operate in a simulated CBRN environment. When given the signal “gas, gas, gas,” Marines scrambled to don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks before returning to work as if everything was normal. Conducting this training helps Marines refresh their tactical skill sets specific to CBRN response, maintain situational readiness and ensures the safety of personnel.

Col. Jay R. Vargas, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, waves at the camera after speaking to service members about the importance of finding help for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder May 12, 2015, at the Chaplain Joseph W. Estabrook Chapel aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. - Col. Jay R. Vargas, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, waves at the camera after speaking to service members about the importance of finding help for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder May 12, 2015, at the Chaplain Joseph W. Estabrook Chapel aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The “Helo Dunker” is a mock helicopter that is used to provide the safest way of simulating an actual invent of an aircraft crashing into the water without actually crashing a helicopter, it is used by submerging the Marines completely under the water to train them to egress from the vehicle at the Water Survival training facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Aug. 5, 2016. The Marines undertook the training which is designed as a lifesaving course that provides service members with the skills and confidence too successfully and safely egress out of a helicopter that has suffered a controlled or uncontrolled landing within a body of water. - The “Helo Dunker” is a mock helicopter that is used to provide the safest way of simulating an actual invent of an aircraft crashing into the water without actually crashing a helicopter, it is used by submerging the Marines completely under the water to train them to egress from the vehicle at the Water Survival training facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Aug. 5, 2016. The Marines undertook the training which is designed as a lifesaving course that provides service members with the skills and confidence too successfully and safely egress out of a helicopter that has suffered a controlled or uncontrolled landing within a body of water.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cpl. Ryan T. Fry and Lance Cpl. Fabian J. Villegas, combat engineers with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, assemble a linear breaching charge with detonation cord at Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2016. A live-fire training exercise was conducted to give assaultmen and riflemen an opportunity to integrate with combat engineers and learn to build improvised breaching charges. - Cpl. Ryan T. Fry and Lance Cpl. Fabian J. Villegas, combat engineers with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, assemble a linear breaching charge with detonation cord at Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2016. A live-fire training exercise was conducted to give assaultmen and riflemen an opportunity to integrate with combat engineers and learn to build improvised breaching charges.

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

A Marine Sniper prepares to fire a 7.62mm NATO through a M40A6 rifle with a chronograph attached during a market research caliber study July 13, at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. Marine Corps Systems Command’s Infantry Weapons Systems conducted the study to inform Marine Corps acquisition leaders about future Marine sniper weapon system requirements. - A Marine Sniper prepares to fire a 7.62mm NATO through a M40A6 rifle with a chronograph attached during a market research caliber study July 13, at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. Marine Corps Systems Command’s Infantry Weapons Systems conducted the study to inform Marine Corps acquisition leaders about future Marine sniper weapon system requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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U.S. Marine Sgt. Max T. Humphreys (center) discusses gear and personnel movement during the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment's arrival to port at Kawaihae Pier, Hawaii from the HMAS Canberra, July 12, 2016. The soldiers and Marines are participating in Rim of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC enables units to integrate joint and combined capabilities to conduct amphibious, offensive, defensive, and stability operations. Humphreys, a native of Pueblo, Colorado, is an embarkation specialist with Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, which supports III Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Max T. Humphreys (center) discusses gear and personnel movement during the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment's arrival to port at Kawaihae Pier, Hawaii from the HMAS Canberra, July 12, 2016. The soldiers and Marines are participating in Rim of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC enables units to integrate joint and combined capabilities to conduct amphibious, offensive, defensive, and stability operations. Humphreys, a native of Pueblo, Colorado, is an embarkation specialist with Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, which supports III Marine Expeditionary Force.