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U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), unload emergency care items at the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 12, 2017. The 26th MEU worked jointly with Department of Defense services and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to provide food, water, and other essential care items in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts. - U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), unload emergency care items at the St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 12, 2017. The 26th MEU worked jointly with Department of Defense services and Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to provide food, water, and other essential care items in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 based out of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, pilot a KC-130J Hercules during a nighttime aerial refueling training operation Oct. 25, 2017. The training consisted of refueling the air station’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 and F/A-18C Hornets with VMFA-251 based out of MCAS Iwakuni. This training was conducted at night to improve operational readiness and enhance pilot proficiency. - U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 based out of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, pilot a KC-130J Hercules during a nighttime aerial refueling training operation Oct. 25, 2017. The training consisted of refueling the air station’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 and F/A-18C Hornets with VMFA-251 based out of MCAS Iwakuni. This training was conducted at night to improve operational readiness and enhance pilot proficiency.

Royal Marines make their way to their first infiltration point for a ground insertion operation during Bold Alligator 17 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 20, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a training exercise focused on a regimental amphibious assault that allows the Navy and Marine Corps team to train with partner nations to refine and strengthen core amphibious competencies critical to maritime power projection. - Royal Marines make their way to their first infiltration point for a ground insertion operation during Bold Alligator 17 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 20, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a training exercise focused on a regimental amphibious assault that allows the Navy and Marine Corps team to train with partner nations to refine and strengthen core amphibious competencies critical to maritime power projection.

U.S. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Information Group, fire M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during a live fire training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2017. The importance of this exercise was to prepare the Marines for their upcoming deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Information Group, fire M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during a live fire training exercise on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2017. The importance of this exercise was to prepare the Marines for their upcoming deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. John Pesto, driver of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle at the mobile assault course during Exercise Bougainville II at the Pohakuloa Training Area, on the island of Hawaii, Oct. 23, 2017. Exercise Bougainville II prepares 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines for service as a forward deployed force in the Pacific by training them to fight as a ground combat element in a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Lance Cpl. Pesto is with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and native of Batavia, N.Y. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. John Pesto, driver of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle at the mobile assault course during Exercise Bougainville II at the Pohakuloa Training Area, on the island of Hawaii, Oct. 23, 2017. Exercise Bougainville II prepares 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines for service as a forward deployed force in the Pacific by training them to fight as a ground combat element in a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Lance Cpl. Pesto is with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, and native of Batavia, N.Y.

U.S. Marine veteran Ralph Simoneau from the 5th Marine Division shakes hands with Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Cristopher Marquez. - U.S. Marine veteran Ralph Simoneau from the 5th Marine Division shakes hands with Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Cristopher Marquez during a visit to the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Island of Hawaii, Oct. 20, 2017. The veterans of 5th Marine Division visited as part of the 68th Annual Reunion of the 5th Marine Division Association Tour. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ricky Gomez)

Sgt. David McCarty explains the different training during a K-9 demonstration for the Okinawa Prefectural Police. - KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan – Sgt. David McCarty explains the different training during a K-9 demonstration for the Okinawa Prefectural Police at the Kadena Passenger Terminal on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. This was the first K-9 demonstration Marine Corps Installations Pacific K-9 held for OPP’s K-9. OPP’s K-9 unit is currently trained in tracking; however, in 2017 and 2018, they are looking to introduce narcotics and aggression capabilities. McCarty is a military police officer and a dog handler with Provost Marshall’s Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCIPAC- Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. (U.S Marine photo by Lance Corporal Tayler P. Schwamb)

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)

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U.S. Marines and Master Labor Contractors with the Logistics Department Fuels Division fold in the Aircraft Direct Fueling System - U.S. Marines and Master Labor Contractors with the Logistics Department Fuels Division fold in the Aircraft Direct Fueling System (ADFS) during the first hot refuel utilizing the new system at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 19, 2017. The ADFS allows the aircraft to rotate crew, take on cargo or Marines and keep its engines running while accepting fuel. This training marked the first refueling evolution at the new hot refueling pit designed to distribute fuel to Type-4 aircraft such as the KC-130J Hercules, MV-22 Osprey and MH-60 helicopter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donato Maffin)

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.

Motorcyclists ride down Highway 62 during the 4th Annual Roar Against Domestic Violence Motorcycle Ride, Oct. 13, 2017. The ride was hosted to raise awareness for domestic violence amongst Combat Center patrons as well as provide them with resources in the event that they suspect an incident of domestic violence has occurred. - Motorcyclists ride down Highway 62 during the 4th Annual Roar Against Domestic Violence Motorcycle Ride, Oct. 13, 2017. The ride was hosted to raise awareness for domestic violence amongst Combat Center patrons as well as provide them with resources in the event that they suspect an incident of domestic violence has occurred.

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MCTSSA engineers build virtual afloat network - Paul Pham (center), a computer engineer with Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, demonstrates a virtualized tactical afloat network capability Sept. 27, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)

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Retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Gus Alexander, the head coach of Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s youth wrestling team, leads wrestlers in warm-ups during a practice at the Youth Semper Fit Center, Oct. 12, 2017. The program, organized by Marine Corps Community Services, works in conjunction with Police Activities League and USA Wrestling to arrange wrestling tournaments with competitors from across the island of Oahu. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen) - Retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Gus Alexander, the head coach of Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s youth wrestling team, leads wrestlers in warm-ups during a practice at the Youth Semper Fit Center, Oct. 12, 2017. The program, organized by Marine Corps Community Services, works in conjunction with Police Activities League and USA Wrestling to arrange wrestling tournaments with competitors from across the island of Oahu. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations.

A KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 7. For eight days, Marines with VMGR-352 participated in a humanitarian aid mission and helped victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. - A KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 7. For eight days, Marines with VMGR-352 participated in a humanitarian aid mission and helped victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

British commando gunners prepare 105mm shells to be fired from an M119A3 Howitzer during field artillery training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 11, 2017. - British commando gunners prepare 105mm shells to be fired from an M119A3 Howitzer during field artillery training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 11, 2017. British soldiers exchanged knowledge and skills with U.S. Marines to refine their artillery operation capabilities in preparation for joint exercise Bold Alligator, a large-scale, multinational Naval amphibious exercise to execute complex shaping, amphibious, and sea basing operations to improve U.S. and coalition ship-to-shore capabilities. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and the British soldiers are with 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Abrey D. Liggins)

The 3-D printer from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment begins to form the base layer of pack clips - The 3-D printer from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment begins to form the base layer of pack clips at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 6, 2017. 2/8 is the first infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps to utilize a 3-D printer to ensure battalion readiness in the event of equipment malfunctions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley McLaughlin)

Flora “Mackie” Jordan, body armor engineer at Marine Corps Systems Command, recently developed a modular body armor system that is just as effective as, but 45 percent lighter than, the body armor system Marines currently use. - Flora “Mackie” Jordan, body armor engineer at Marine Corps Systems Command, recently developed a modular body armor system that is just as effective as, but 45 percent lighter than, the body armor system Marines currently use. Jordan recently received the “Promising Innovations Medal” at the Partnership for Public Service‘s annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Awards, which recognizes federal employees who are responsible for noteworthy and inspiring accomplishments in the federal workforce.

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Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepares to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team.

The 15th MEU is deployed with the America Amphibious Ready Group in order to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tonya Jury demonstrates placing a nasopharyngeal adjunct during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care Course targeted toward the management of post blast injuries and hemorrhage control during a medical exchange with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior explosive ordnance team in Kuwait. The 15th MEU is deployed with the America Amphibious Ready Group in order to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist and humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. - U.S. Marines with Amphibious Assault Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, embark Assault Amphibious Vehicles onto the Philippine Navy’s BRP Tarlac (LD 601) during exercise KAMANDAG, Subic Bay, Philippines, October 2, 2017. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist and humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering.

These Marines went above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated characteristics that are instilled in every Marine during training and life in the Marine Corps. - MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Sgt. Michael Vura and Cpl. Austin Cox, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303 helicopter mechanics, assisted in victim evacuation and casualty care following the mass casualty attack in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 1. These Marines went above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated characteristics that are instilled in every Marine during training and life in the Marine Corps.

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The Spiritual Fitness Fair was organized to promote spiritual and mental wellness with the end state being a safe, well attended event that enhances the morale and esprit de corps of the battalion. - Col. John R. Polidoro, Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, addresses Camp Pendleton Marines, Sailors, and families before a concert by Switchfoot at the Spiritual Fitness Fair at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse, Oct. 5, 2017. The Spiritual Fitness Fair was organized to promote spiritual and mental wellness with the end state being a safe, well attended event that enhances the morale and esprit de corps of the battalion.

Gill and his Marines provide security and stability at landing zones and at the U.S. Department of State’s evacuation control center at the airport. - U.S Marine Maj. Robert Gill, the officer in charge of Joint Task Force - Leeward Island’s security element, gathers flight helmets from a U.S. sailor with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 to give to U.S. citizens departing Dominica at Charles-Douglas Airport in Melville Hall, Dominica, Sept. 25, 2017. Gill and his Marines provide security and stability at landing zones and at the U.S. Department of State’s evacuation control center at the airport. At the request of partner nations and both the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, JTF-LI has deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to both disasters. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Trisha Black)

Marines and technicians from the U.S. Army tested the craft to learn its capabilities and practical application in field environments. - A Marine takes control of a small unmanned aerial system during flight testing at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 27, 2017. Marines and technicians from the U.S. Army tested the craft to learn its capabilities and practical application in field environments.

Oshana also explained why he decided to become an infantry first sergeant. - U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Gilbert G. Oshana, Baker Company, 1st Marine Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment recounted why he believes in this country and the Marine Corps. Oshana also explained why he decided to become an infantry first sergeant.

VMFA-251 has intensified training on familiarizing aircrew members with the JPACE, a pilot’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense equipment, while still maintaining focus on the squadron’s mission. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Wilson T. Southerland, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., receives assistance with his Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble (JPACE) and Respirator equipment at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 29, 2017. VMFA-251 has intensified training on familiarizing aircrew members with the JPACE, a pilot’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense equipment, while still maintaining focus on the squadron’s mission.

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U.S. Marine Pfc. Olivia Rutherford, an ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (CLB-5), Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, counts out ammunition during Mountain Training Exercise 4-17 at Mountain Warfare Training Center, August 4, 2017. Blanks were handed to Marines to be used on the convoys in case of simulated enemy contacts. Throughout the training evolution, Marines with CLB-5 received over 9000 blank ammunition for the M16A4 service rifle for practical experience and utilizing their weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Shoemaker) - U.S. Marine Pfc. Olivia Rutherford, an ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (CLB-5), Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, counts out ammunition during Mountain Training Exercise 4-17 at Mountain Warfare Training Center, August 4, 2017. Blanks were handed to Marines to be used on the convoys in case of simulated enemy contacts. Throughout the training evolution, Marines with CLB-5 received over 9000 blank ammunition for the M16A4 service rifle for practical experience and utilizing their weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Shoemaker)

PWTI Digitally Aided Close Air Support - U.S Marine Corps Maj. Eben Buxton, CH-53E instructor with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepares a tablet to provide digitally aided close air support in support of Weapons Tactics Instructors course (WTI) 1-18 at Fire Base Burt, Calif., Sept. 22, 2017. WTI is a seven-week training even hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advance tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. AaronJames Vinculado)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 Load Ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 load ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II while conducting a hotload during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-18 in Yuma, AZ, on Sept. 21, 2017. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron (MAWTS-1) cadre which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps Aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Teaching, Breaching, Beaching: 2nd AAB prepares for Bold Alligator - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion prepare their vehicles to perform amphibious breaching operations in preparation for the combined, joint exercise, Bold Alligator at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 20, 2017. The Marines operated amphibious assault vehicles with a mounted MK-154 Mine Clearance Launchers to remove notional mines and obstacles that the enemy may place on the beach or inland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ashley Lawson)

Marines and Sailors hand out water to the public in Key West Fl., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) distributed water in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. - Marines and Sailors hand out water to the public in Key West Fl., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) distributed water in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. - An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. Alligator Dagger is a dedicated, unilateral combat rehearsal led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in which combined Navy and Marine Corps units of the America Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities that are available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore.

Capt. Joseph Raines, a pilot training officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, nicknamed the “Red Dragons,” wears his unit patch after completing a trans-Pacific flight from Australia, Marine Corps Base Hawaii , Sept. 19, 2017. - Capt. Joseph Raines, a pilot training officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, nicknamed the “Red Dragons,” wears his unit patch after completing a trans-Pacific flight from Australia, Marine Corps Base Hawaii , Sept. 19, 2017. The “Red Dragons” supported the Australian Defence Force as the aviation combat element for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with Marine Rotational Force Darwin, Australia. These are the first Trans-Pacific flights the MV-22 Ospreys have conducted from Hawaii to Australia. This movement demonstrates that the unfueled range of our MV-22s combined with our refueling capabilities allow us to reach across the entire Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Marine Corps can get it's aircraft and personnel to a crisis on the other side of the world in a matter of days.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyler S. Barrett, a landing support specialist with Joint Task Force - Leeward Islands, assembles the Lightweight Water Purification System at Orient Beach, Saint Martin, Sept. 16, 2017. The Marines arrived to assess possible locations to set up their LWPS in order to produce potable water for communities on the island most affected by Hurricane Irma. At the request of partner nations, JTF-LI deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea impacted by the storm. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to Hurricane Irma. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyler S. Barrett, a landing support specialist with Joint Task Force - Leeward Islands, assembles the Lightweight Water Purification System at Orient Beach, Saint Martin, Sept. 16, 2017. The Marines arrived to assess possible locations to set up their LWPS in order to produce potable water for communities on the island most affected by Hurricane Irma. At the request of partner nations, JTF-LI deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea impacted by the storm. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to Hurricane Irma.

31st MEU completes deployment, returns to Okinawa - 170722-N-OY799-618 CORAL SEA (July 22, 2017) U.S. and Australian naval ships, including ships from the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and Australian amphibious, combatant, support and advance force ships, sail in formation during Talisman Saber 2017. Talisman Saber 2017 is a realistic and challenging exercise that improves both U.S. and Australia’s ability to work together in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

The involvement of family, friends and fellow Marines is the best method to deter suicide. Aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., the Behavioral Health Section provides counselors and a 24-hour help line for those reaching out during times of crisis. - The involvement of family, friends and fellow Marines is the best method to deter suicide. Aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., the Behavioral Health Section provides counselors and a 24-hour help line for those reaching out during times of crisis.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted cleanup operations in the streets of Key West, Fla., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU assisted the residents of Key West by clearing debris from the streets in support of Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. - U.S. Marines with the Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), shovel debris caused by Hurricane Irma in Key West, Fl., Sept. 13, 2017. Marines and Sailors from the 26th MEU assisted the residents of Key West by clearing debris from the streets in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jered T. Stone)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adam Wellington, right, aircraft maintenance officer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, answers questions for Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Mamoru Yamaura, F-35A Lightning II program office chief with Third Air Wing, during an educational tour and class centered on the F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adam Wellington, right, aircraft maintenance officer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, answers questions for Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Mamoru Yamaura, F-35A Lightning II program office chief with Third Air Wing, during an educational tour and class centered on the F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. Several classes were conducted for JASDF personnel regarding maintenance, serviceability, operability and more. Afterwards, they briefly toured VMFA-121’s facility, taking a peek into a few shop departments and visiting the hangar to see, touch and study the aircraft up close. This is the first time VMFA-121 has conducted an exchange like this.

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeni Ridgell, an aircraft recovery Marine with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, watches a gauge on an M-31 Marine Corps Expeditionary Aircraft arresting gear during an annual certification at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeni Ridgell, an aircraft recovery Marine with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, watches a gauge on an M-31 Marine Corps Expeditionary Aircraft arresting gear during an annual certification at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2017. The M-31 arresting gear is a deployable arrestment gear that can handle rapid-cycle arrestments of aircraft with tail hooks. The annual certification was to ensure proper function of the arresting gear.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations.

Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field. - Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field.