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Pedro helicopter “02” lifts off to join Marine Transport Squadron 1’s other two HH-46 helicopters on their final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 25, 2015. The three search and rescue aircraft have been the last flying “phrogs” in the Department of Defense since Aug. 1. Today’s final flight marks the end of an era in combat aviation. These aircraft will be turned over to the U.S. Navy by Oct. 1. They leave behind a legacy of Cherry Point’s support to the local community in eastern North Carolina, which began in 1957. - Pedro helicopter “02” lifts off to join Marine Transport Squadron 1’s other two HH-46 helicopters on their final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 25, 2015. The three search and rescue aircraft have been the last flying “phrogs” in the Department of Defense since Aug. 1. Today’s final flight marks the end of an era in combat aviation. These aircraft will be turned over to the U.S. Navy by Oct. 1. They leave behind a legacy of Cherry Point’s support to the local community in eastern North Carolina, which began in 1957.

Petty Officer Third Class retired Michael Keenan greets Cpl. retired Jim Caines at the opening breakfast for Honor Flight Savannah aboard U.S. Army Garrison Hunter Army Airfield Fort Stewart, Savannah, GA, Oct. 14. Keenan served as a journalist in the Navy from 1966-1976 and Caines served as an infantryman in the Marine Corps from 1966-1968. Honor Flight Savannah brings together veterans from World War II, Vietnam and Korea for a trip to visit their war memorials at the National Mall in Washington D.C. - Petty Officer Third Class retired Michael Keenan greets Cpl. retired Jim Caines at the opening breakfast for Honor Flight Savannah aboard U.S. Army Garrison Hunter Army Airfield Fort Stewart, Savannah, GA, Oct. 14. Keenan served as a journalist in the Navy from 1966-1976 and Caines served as an infantryman in the Marine Corps from 1966-1968. Honor Flight Savannah brings together veterans from World War II, Vietnam and Korea for a trip to visit their war memorials at the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Marines and civilians use a boom to contain a simulated oil spill at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The boom is towed behind the boats and acts as a large net, trapping the oil to be collected by a skimmer boat. The Marines and civilians are with the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort fuels sections and the Natural Resources Environmental Affairs Office. - Marines and civilians use a boom to contain a simulated oil spill at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The boom is towed behind the boats and acts as a large net, trapping the oil to be collected by a skimmer boat. The Marines and civilians are with the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort fuels sections and the Natural Resources Environmental Affairs Office.

An F/A-18C Hornet lands aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 24. VMFAT-101 brought 15 jets from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, to train at MCAS Beaufort. The Hornet is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11. - An F/A-18C Hornet lands aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 24. VMFAT-101 brought 15 jets from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, to train at MCAS Beaufort. The Hornet is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11.

Marines monitor and guide a remote controlled robot to the site of a simulated Improvised Explosive Device during training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort April 19. Marines need to be prepared for real world scenarios to arise that require their expertise. Disposing of ordnance is a vital contribution to the Marine Corps mission success. The Marines are technicians with EOD. - Marines monitor and guide a remote controlled robot to the site of a simulated Improvised Explosive Device during training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort April 19. Marines need to be prepared for real world scenarios to arise that require their expertise. Disposing of ordnance is a vital contribution to the Marine Corps mission success. The Marines are technicians with EOD.

Capt. Christopher Lavergne, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, proudly displays the 2017 Marine Corps Aviation Association Henry Wildfang award in front of a KC-130J at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 27. VMGR-352 received the Henry Wildfang award for successful mission accomplishments and the most mishap free hours. - Capt. Christopher Lavergne, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, proudly displays the 2017 Marine Corps Aviation Association Henry Wildfang award in front of a KC-130J at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 27. VMGR-352 received the Henry Wildfang award for successful mission accomplishments and the most mishap free hours.

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A MV-22 Osprey prepares to take off at Torrey Gray Field aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13, 2017. The landing was conducted as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise in order to prepare Marines for the evacuation of non-essential U.S. citizens and Department of Defense personnel from dangerous situations overseas. - A MV-22 Osprey prepares to take off at Torrey Gray Field aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13, 2017. The landing was conducted as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise in order to prepare Marines for the evacuation of non-essential U.S. citizens and Department of Defense personnel from dangerous situations overseas.

An aircraft mechanic Marine with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 wipes down the tail of an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter during a routine maintenance inspection during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-15 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 22, 2015. The maintenance that they provide ensures all pilot candidates complete every mission safely. WTI is a seven-week course hosted by MAWTS-1 that provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to return to the fleet and serve in key training officer billets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas) - An aircraft mechanic Marine with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 wipes down the tail of an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter during a routine maintenance inspection during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-15 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 22, 2015. The maintenance that they provide ensures all pilot candidates complete every mission safely. WTI is a seven-week course hosted by MAWTS-1 that provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to return to the fleet and serve in key training officer billets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas)

Private First Class Brenen Tischner, left, a motor transportation operator, with 1st Transport Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attaches a fuel hose to an AMK-23 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement with the help of two other Marines during routine refueling maintenance on the outskirts of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 10, 2015. Tischner inspects vehicles like this each day to ensure optimum reliability for logistic units supporting the bi-annual, seven-week long Weapons Tactics and Instructor course at MCAS Yuma and the surrounding area. WTI, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to serve in key training officer billets in the fleet Marine force. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas/Released) - Private First Class Brenen Tischner, left, a motor transportation operator, with 1st Transport Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attaches a fuel hose to an AMK-23 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement with the help of two other Marines during routine refueling maintenance on the outskirts of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 10, 2015. Tischner inspects vehicles like this each day to ensure optimum reliability for logistic units supporting the bi-annual, seven-week long Weapons Tactics and Instructor course at MCAS Yuma and the surrounding area. WTI, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, provides advanced tactical training to certify Marine pilots as weapons and tactics instructors, preparing them to serve in key training officer billets in the fleet Marine force. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cody Haas/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. James Wellons, commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons, and Tactics Squadron One, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Casey Nelson, an MV-22B Osprey pilot for MAWTS-1, display Maj. Nelson's 2015 exceptional pilot award alongside U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Nicholas (Ret.) Kehoe at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Jan. 4, 2017. The Exceptional Pilot Award recognizes one pilot from each branch for exceptional service which Maj. Nelson displayed by directing and coordinating a humanitarian aid mission in Nepal after being hit with earthquakes. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. James Wellons, commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons, and Tactics Squadron One, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Casey Nelson, an MV-22B Osprey pilot for MAWTS-1, display Maj. Nelson's 2015 exceptional pilot award alongside U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Nicholas (Ret.) Kehoe at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Jan. 4, 2017. The Exceptional Pilot Award recognizes one pilot from each branch for exceptional service which Maj. Nelson displayed by directing and coordinating a humanitarian aid mission in Nepal after being hit with earthquakes.

Crew capsules of several Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATV, sit awaiting repair and upgrade at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, on the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Jan. 12, 2017. The artisans working the M-ATV line are refurbishing the 17-ton vehicles for both the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps for use in Afghanistan. The formidable M1 Abrams tanks usually used in the field are too wide for the narrow mountain roads found in abundance in that region. - Crew capsules of several Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATV, sit awaiting repair and upgrade at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, on the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Jan. 12, 2017. The artisans working the M-ATV line are refurbishing the 17-ton vehicles for both the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps for use in Afghanistan. The formidable M1 Abrams tanks usually used in the field are too wide for the narrow mountain roads found in abundance in that region.

Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range. - Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range in South Korea during exercise Midori Guardian 17, which was held from September 5 to October 15, 2017. Midori Guardian, a Unit Level Training event aimed at enhancing squadron readiness while in a field environment, utilizes simulated real-world scenarios focused on Direct Air Support Center and an Air Support Element operations, live-fire ranges, and Marine Corps Common Skills training to prepare the unit for future operations. (courtesy photo)

Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1. - Lance Cpl. Aaron Philson fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allows them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. Philson is an aviation communications technician with MASS-1.

Marines set up a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun prior to a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allowed them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters. - Marines set up a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun prior to a weapons familiarization range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 2015. More than 100 Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 1 honed their weapons skills with the M240B machine gun, Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the M1014 combat shotgun. Marines from various military job specialties received hands-on experience that allowed them to improve crucial skills and become well-rounded war fighters.

Lance Cpl. Nathan Nguyen fires a M-1014 combat shotgun during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2014. Nguyen is an aviation communications technician with Marine Air Support Squadron 1. - Lance Cpl. Nathan Nguyen fires a M-1014 combat shotgun during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2014. Nguyen is an aviation communications technician with Marine Air Support Squadron 1.

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U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (Ret.) Thomas Cullison, former deputy surgeon general, U.S. Navy, teaches fundamentals of global health engagement to a class on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 21, 2023. Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosted the course for military health care professionals at all levels to broaden their knowledge on the subject and its relationship to the special operations forces area of operations. - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (Ret.) Thomas Cullison, former deputy surgeon general, U.S. Navy, teaches fundamentals of global health engagement to a class on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 21, 2023. Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosted the course for military health care professionals at all levels to broaden their knowledge on the subject and its relationship to the special operations forces area of operations.

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.

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Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division participated in Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN. The training conducted provides exposure to small unit tactics they might not otherwise receive, particularly units like 3rd AABN, whose day-to-day responsibilities are focused on amphibious assault vehicle readiness, basic formations and water ops, and terrain driving. The exercise serves as the certification exercise for a soon-to-be deploying Marine Special Operations Company. It has evolved into a multilevel venue to integrate the various command structures and capabilities deployed by MARSOC. Each level of command, down to the team, is challenged in planning and executing, and command and controlling activities in urban environments. It is also an opportunity to enhance collaboration and strengthen our operational relationships between members of the SOF community, conventional Marine Corps units and other partners with whom Marine Raiders work closely, ensuring MARSOC provides the nation with an agile, adaptive force to meet the complex demands of the future operating environment. - Marines with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion from 1st Marine Division participated in Marine Forces Special Operations Command's unit readiness exercise, RAVEN. The training conducted provides exposure to small unit tactics they might not otherwise receive, particularly units like 3rd AABN, whose day-to-day responsibilities are focused on amphibious assault vehicle readiness, basic formations and water ops, and terrain driving. The exercise serves as the certification exercise for a soon-to-be deploying Marine Special Operations Company. It has evolved into a multilevel venue to integrate the various command structures and capabilities deployed by MARSOC. Each level of command, down to the team, is challenged in planning and executing, and command and controlling activities in urban environments. It is also an opportunity to enhance collaboration and strengthen our operational relationships between members of the SOF community, conventional Marine Corps units and other partners with whom Marine Raiders work closely, ensuring MARSOC provides the nation with an agile, adaptive force to meet the complex demands of the future operating environment.

Marines build their strength in the water during a water physical training session of Phase I of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command's Assessment and Selection course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 30, 2015. Marines must successfully complete several qualifications with varying criteria, during the course. - Marines build their strength in the water during a water physical training session of Phase I of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command's Assessment and Selection course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 30, 2015. Marines must successfully complete several qualifications with varying criteria, during the course.

A Multi-Purpose Canine handler, with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, fast-ropes with his canine aboard Stone Bay, Oct. 1, 2014. As MARSOC continues to demonstrate their capabilities and versatilities, MPC handlers with the command are preparing themselves and their canines for new areas of operation, they’ll be deploying to. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released) - A Multi-Purpose Canine handler, with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, fast-ropes with his canine aboard Stone Bay, Oct. 1, 2014. As MARSOC continues to demonstrate their capabilities and versatilities, MPC handlers with the command are preparing themselves and their canines for new areas of operation, they’ll be deploying to. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Master Chief Jody Fletcher, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command command master chief, receives an Operation One Voice branded coin from Bill Stevens, the founder of OOV, during a ceremony at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Gwinnett Justice Center in Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 11, 2014. Fletcher, Stevens and other Marines, sailors and OOV volunteers embarked on a 465-mile bike ride from North Carolina to Florida to honor Master Sgt. Aaron Torian, an explosive ordinance disposal technician and team chief with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, who was killed in action Jan. 29, 2014, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee/released) - Master Chief Jody Fletcher, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command command master chief, receives an Operation One Voice branded coin from Bill Stevens, the founder of OOV, during a ceremony at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Gwinnett Justice Center in Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 11, 2014. Fletcher, Stevens and other Marines, sailors and OOV volunteers embarked on a 465-mile bike ride from North Carolina to Florida to honor Master Sgt. Aaron Torian, an explosive ordinance disposal technician and team chief with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, who was killed in action Jan. 29, 2014, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee/released)

A U.S. Marine Critical Skills Operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, releases his ruck sack from his body, preparing to land during a double-bag static line parachute training course , Aug 26, 2014, in rural Arizona. The course was an introduction to the High Altitude, High Opening insertion method utilized by Special Operations Forces. - A U.S. Marine Critical Skills Operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, releases his ruck sack from his body, preparing to land during a double-bag static line parachute training course , Aug 26, 2014, in rural Arizona. The course was an introduction to the High Altitude, High Opening insertion method utilized by Special Operations Forces.

Marine Special Operations Teams with Bravo Company, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, prepare to board a target vessel during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training near Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Jan. 16. - Marine Special Operations Teams with Bravo Company, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, prepare to board a target vessel during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training near Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Jan. 16.

Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Jacklin, a critical skills operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. - Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Jacklin, a critical skills operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.

Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. - Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. The competition brings together the top male and female Marines from each Marine Corps installation in a demanding competition of military function fitness and to promote the advanced dynamics found in the High Intensity Tactical Training program.

Seven Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operation Command died when a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter crashed near Eglin, Florida, March 10, 2015. - Seven Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operation Command died when a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter crashed near Eglin, Florida, March 10, 2015.

Marines with 1st Marines Special Operations Support Battalion make their way to the ocean to swim through the surf zone during the Tactical Skills Package aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 15, 2015. The Tactical Skills Package was established to enhance enabler’s skills and qualifications before deploying. - Marines with 1st Marines Special Operations Support Battalion make their way to the ocean to swim through the surf zone during the Tactical Skills Package aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 15, 2015. The Tactical Skills Package was established to enhance enabler’s skills and qualifications before deploying.

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, presents Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Salabarria, a corpsman with Marine Special Operations Company F, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, the Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at Stone Bay, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 5, 2016. Salabarria was awarded for his actions in Afghanistan Sept. 15, 2014. - Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, presents Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Salabarria, a corpsman with Marine Special Operations Company F, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, the Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at Stone Bay, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 5, 2016. Salabarria was awarded for his actions in Afghanistan Sept. 15, 2014.

The photographs of 11 fallen service members line a theater stage, commemorating the individuals during their celebration of life ceremony, May 15, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The seven MARSOC Marines and four Louisiana Army National Guardsmen pictured were killed when a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter crashed during amphibious operations involving helicopter and boat insertion and extraction training near Eglin, Fla., March 10. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released) - The photographs of 11 fallen service members line a theater stage, commemorating the individuals during their celebration of life ceremony, May 15, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The seven MARSOC Marines and four Louisiana Army National Guardsmen pictured were killed when a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter crashed during amphibious operations involving helicopter and boat insertion and extraction training near Eglin, Fla., March 10. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Riggs, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command air mobility liaison officer, assists in loading cargo aboard a C-17 aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. As MARSOC’s AMLO, Riggs provides a critical link of communication between the airlift and ground forces in the area of operations. He facilitated the mission from planning and coordination through hands-on facilitation by piloting the aircraft as it deployed and re-deployed two MARSOC units. - U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Riggs, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command air mobility liaison officer, assists in loading cargo aboard a C-17 aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. As MARSOC’s AMLO, Riggs provides a critical link of communication between the airlift and ground forces in the area of operations. He facilitated the mission from planning and coordination through hands-on facilitation by piloting the aircraft as it deployed and re-deployed two MARSOC units.

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast rope from a SH-60 Seahawk with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 while conducting visit, board, search and seizure training during an Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (ARG/MEU-Ex) aboard the USNS Robert E. Peary June 19, 2015. Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU and PHIBRON 4 are conducting an ARG/MEU-Ex in preparation for their deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year. - U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast rope from a SH-60 Seahawk with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 while conducting visit, board, search and seizure training during an Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (ARG/MEU-Ex) aboard the USNS Robert E. Peary June 19, 2015. Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU and PHIBRON 4 are conducting an ARG/MEU-Ex in preparation for their deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year.

Sgt. Eric Ortega holds security while waiting for a helicopter to land during a raid Jan. 13, 2015 on Guam. The raid is part of Realistic Urban Training Exercise, a high-intensity, close quarter battle training exercise conducted by Marines and sailors with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, in an actual urban environment to provide a high degree of realism to the training. RUTEX is part of the MRF’s pre-deployment training before their upcoming deployment with the 31st MEU. Ortega, from Fresno, California, is the assistant communications chief with MRF, 31st MEU. - Sgt. Eric Ortega holds security while waiting for a helicopter to land during a raid Jan. 13, 2015 on Guam. The raid is part of Realistic Urban Training Exercise, a high-intensity, close quarter battle training exercise conducted by Marines and sailors with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, in an actual urban environment to provide a high degree of realism to the training. RUTEX is part of the MRF’s pre-deployment training before their upcoming deployment with the 31st MEU. Ortega, from Fresno, California, is the assistant communications chief with MRF, 31st MEU.

Lance Cpl. Loren Cluff sets up satellite communications for Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conduct a raid Dec. 10, 2015, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The raid was part of Interoperability Exercise 16-1, an exercise used to build a working bond between the MRF and the rest of the MEU quickly and effectively. Cluff, from Snowflake, Arizona, is a field radio operator with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Lance Cpl. Loren Cluff sets up satellite communications for Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conduct a raid Dec. 10, 2015, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The raid was part of Interoperability Exercise 16-1, an exercise used to build a working bond between the MRF and the rest of the MEU quickly and effectively. Cluff, from Snowflake, Arizona, is a field radio operator with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility. - U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility.

An Assault Amphibious Vehicle rolls off the USNS Sergeant William R. Button, a prepositioning ship that transported more than 130 pieces of vehicles and cargo to Rota, Spain, for Marines to support Exercise Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21. The exercise is NATO’s largest since 2002 and will include more than 30 nations participating. - An Assault Amphibious Vehicle rolls off the USNS Sergeant William R. Button, a prepositioning ship that transported more than 130 pieces of vehicles and cargo to Rota, Spain, for Marines to support Exercise Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21. The exercise is NATO’s largest since 2002 and will include more than 30 nations participating.

Participants pose for a group photo after the 2025 Philippine Marine Corps-U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Marine-to-Marine Staff Talks at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Feb. 6, 2025. The three-day talks provided a forum to improve coordination of bilateral exercises and operations while discussing mutual areas of interest throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chloe Zimmerer) - Participants pose for a group photo after the 2025 Philippine Marine Corps-U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Marine-to-Marine Staff Talks at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Feb. 6, 2025. The three-day talks provided a forum to improve coordination of bilateral exercises and operations while discussing mutual areas of interest throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chloe Zimmerer)

US Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy J. Smith, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Science and Technology Logistics Combat Element branch head, receives the US Army Transportation School Chief of Transportation’s Coin from US Army Brig. Gen. Beth A. Behn, US Army Transportation School chief of transportation, for his work regarding Marine Corps capabilities during Project Convergence Capstone 4, March 5, 2024 at Camp Pendleton, CA.PC-C4 is an Army-hosted, all-Service and multinational experiment. During PC-C4, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory tested new technologies and capabilities and emerging concepts, including the multi-domain corridor. The Marine Corps’ participation in PC-C4 supported Force Design initiatives, integrated Joint force and Coalition capabilities into experimentation, and demonstrated the Marine Corps' commitment to the Joint Warfighting Concept. (US Marine Corps photo by Kevin Ray J. Salvador) - US Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy J. Smith, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Science and Technology Logistics Combat Element branch head, receives the US Army Transportation School Chief of Transportation’s Coin from US Army Brig. Gen. Beth A. Behn, US Army Transportation School chief of transportation, for his work regarding Marine Corps capabilities during Project Convergence Capstone 4, March 5, 2024 at Camp Pendleton, CA. PC-C4 is an Army-hosted, all-Service and multinational experiment. During PC-C4, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory tested new technologies and capabilities and emerging concepts, including the multi-domain corridor. The Marine Corps’ participation in PC-C4 supported Force Design initiatives, integrated Joint force and Coalition capabilities into experimentation, and demonstrated the Marine Corps' commitment to the Joint Warfighting Concept. (US Marine Corps photo by Kevin Ray J. Salvador)

Bud Hennebaul, the scholastic leadership academy director for the National Wrestling Coaches Association, Col. David Fallon, the commanding officer of 9th Marine Corps District, and Brian Smith, the head wrestling coach for the University of Missouri, speak during a NWCA online webinar held June 10, 2020. The webinar, titled “Marines and Wrestling: Developing the Next Great American Generation,” was part of NWCA’s scholastic wrestling webinar series sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. The series is designed for ongoing coaching development and to inform coaches and influencers of opportunities to involve Marines in their programs. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Naomi May) - Bud Hennebaul, the scholastic leadership academy director for the National Wrestling Coaches Association, Col. David Fallon, the commanding officer of 9th Marine Corps District, and Brian Smith, the head wrestling coach for the University of Missouri, speak during a NWCA online webinar held June 10, 2020. The webinar, titled “Marines and Wrestling: Developing the Next Great American Generation,” was part of NWCA’s scholastic wrestling webinar series sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. The series is designed for ongoing coaching development and to inform coaches and influencers of opportunities to involve Marines in their programs. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Naomi May)

Sgt. Nichole Stoehrer, a marketing and communication Marine at Recruiting Station San Francisco, stands in the honor guard to welcome the USA Rugby women’s team onto the pitch during the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, July 20, 2018. This year, the Marine Corps attended the Rugby World Cup Sevens as part of its partnership with USA Rugby. Rugby players tend to share the fighting spirit embodied in Marines and by partnering with USA Rugby, the national governing body for the sport in America, the Marine Corps will reach a broad cross-section of high school and collegiate-aged rugby players as well as an ever-growing influencer network of coaches, referees, rugby alumni and parents. Stoehrer is from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and to the right of Stoehrer stands Nicole Heavirland, a native of Whitefish, Montana. - Sgt. Nichole Stoehrer, a marketing and communication Marine at Recruiting Station San Francisco, stands in the honor guard to welcome the USA Rugby women’s team onto the pitch during the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, July 20, 2018. This year, the Marine Corps attended the Rugby World Cup Sevens as part of its partnership with USA Rugby. Rugby players tend to share the fighting spirit embodied in Marines and by partnering with USA Rugby, the national governing body for the sport in America, the Marine Corps will reach a broad cross-section of high school and collegiate-aged rugby players as well as an ever-growing influencer network of coaches, referees, rugby alumni and parents. Stoehrer is from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and to the right of Stoehrer stands Nicole Heavirland, a native of Whitefish, Montana.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician conducts a breaching class with a soldier with the Ugandan People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa were in Uganda from Oct. - Dec., training alongside the UPDF, focusing on countering improvised explosive devices, land navigation and logistics. - An explosive ordnance disposal technician conducts a breaching class with a soldier with the Ugandan People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa were in Uganda from Oct. - Dec., training alongside the UPDF, focusing on countering improvised explosive devices, land navigation and logistics.

U.S. Marines and sailors man the rails aboard the USS New York (LPD 21) during Fleet Week New York 2025 in New York City, May 21, 2025. America’s warfighting Navy and Marine Corps celebrate 250 years of protecting American prosperity and freedom. Fleet Week New York 2025 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kayla Halloran) - U.S. Marines and sailors man the rails aboard the USS New York (LPD 21) during Fleet Week New York 2025 in New York City, May 21, 2025. America’s warfighting Navy and Marine Corps celebrate 250 years of protecting American prosperity and freedom. Fleet Week New York 2025 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kayla Halloran)

TONGATAPU ISLAND, Tonga — U.S. Marines and sailors with Task Force Koa Moana 17, Tonga’s His Majesty’s Armed Forces, French soldiers and members of the New Zealand Defense Force stand at attention as a Tongan flag is raised during the opening ceremony of Exercise TAFAKULA July 17 on Tongatapu Island, Tonga. The ceremony marks the start of two weeks of infantry and law enforcement training between the militaries. - TONGATAPU ISLAND, Tonga — U.S. Marines and sailors with Task Force Koa Moana 17, Tonga’s His Majesty’s Armed Forces, French soldiers and members of the New Zealand Defense Force stand at attention as a Tongan flag is raised during the opening ceremony of Exercise TAFAKULA July 17 on Tongatapu Island, Tonga. The ceremony marks the start of two weeks of infantry and law enforcement training between the militaries.

Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan - Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, establish security during a helicopter raid, as part of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE), aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 4, 2015. The MCCRE is used evaluate the operational readiness of a designated unit. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, establish security during a helicopter raid, as part of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE), aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 4, 2015. The MCCRE is used evaluate the operational readiness of a designated unit.

Marines with Bulk Fuel Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, team up with sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 to perform a beach unloading exercise using the Beach Termination Unit, in Coronado, California, Aug. 1-4, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines with Bulk Fuel Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, teamed up with sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 to conduct a beach unloading exercise. What made the training unique was the use of the BTU, which allows Marines to transfer fuel from a ship out in the ocean to Marines on land. - Marines with Bulk Fuel Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, team up with sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 to perform a beach unloading exercise using the Beach Termination Unit, in Coronado, California, Aug. 1-4, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines with Bulk Fuel Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, teamed up with sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 to conduct a beach unloading exercise. What made the training unique was the use of the BTU, which allows Marines to transfer fuel from a ship out in the ocean to Marines on land.

First Sgt. John Beckett, the company first sergeant for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, gives a speech during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Midway aboard the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) in the Gulf of Aden, June 6, 2015. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - First Sgt. John Beckett, the company first sergeant for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, gives a speech during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Midway aboard the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) in the Gulf of Aden, June 6, 2015. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Newkirt (left) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Sebastian Quiceno (right), corpsmen with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, check the vitals of a role-player with notional symptoms of concussion at the casualty control point during a foreign humanitarian assistance exercise at Kiwanis Park, Yuma, Arizona, as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-15, April 17. Role-players yelled in pain and pretended to be unconscious, providing a realistic scenario for the evaluated Sailors and Marines during the exercise. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released) - Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Newkirt (left) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Sebastian Quiceno (right), corpsmen with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, check the vitals of a role-player with notional symptoms of concussion at the casualty control point during a foreign humanitarian assistance exercise at Kiwanis Park, Yuma, Arizona, as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-15, April 17. Role-players yelled in pain and pretended to be unconscious, providing a realistic scenario for the evaluated Sailors and Marines during the exercise. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released)