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U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion compete in the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion annual Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, December 15, 2017. The events included the basic skills and knowledge of the reconnaissance operations fields. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion compete in the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion annual Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, December 15, 2017. The events included the basic skills and knowledge of the reconnaissance operations fields.

A drill instructor figurine, part of a much larger statue, holds a steady salute on its day of unveiling at the National Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Virginia, Dec. 13, 2017. At Their Core, one of three statutes that were unveiled, was crafted by Kris Kuksi for Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Battles Won brand idea, but also to represent the irreducible fighting spirit of Marines. Kuksi is an artist contracted to work with MCRC's contracted advertisement agency, J. Walter Thompson. - A drill instructor figurine, part of a much larger statue, holds a steady salute on its day of unveiling at the National Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Virginia, Dec. 13, 2017. At Their Core, one of three statutes that were unveiled, was crafted by Kris Kuksi for Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Battles Won brand idea, but also to represent the irreducible fighting spirit of Marines. Kuksi is an artist contracted to work with MCRC's contracted advertisement agency, J. Walter Thompson.

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper removal of a gas mask from a simulated chemical contact victim while training for the medical management of chemical and biological causalties during an exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments. - Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper removal of a gas mask from a simulated chemical contact victim while training for the medical management of chemical and biological causalties during an exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments.

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Marines conduct a field user evaluation for the Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps, or IDS-MC, in Dahlgren, Virginia. In September, Marine Corps Systems Command completed fielding of the IDS-MC, which is a new biometrics system to help deployed Marines identify and track the movement of individuals encountered on the battlefield, conduct entry control point operations, and determine who is a friend or foe. - Marines conduct a field user evaluation for the Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps, or IDS-MC, in Dahlgren, Virginia. In September, Marine Corps Systems Command completed fielding of the IDS-MC, which is a new biometrics system to help deployed Marines identify and track the movement of individuals encountered on the battlefield, conduct entry control point operations, and determine who is a friend or foe.

Sgt. Ethan Mintus and Sgt. Joseph Latsch, both unmanned aerial system operators with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, wait to be awarded during a ceremony at Hangar 103, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Dec. 11, 2017. They were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the newly authorized Remote Impact “R” Device for their performance during combat operations. - Sgt. Ethan Mintus and Sgt. Joseph Latsch, both unmanned aerial system operators with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, wait to be awarded during a ceremony at Hangar 103, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Dec. 11, 2017. They were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the newly authorized Remote Impact “R” Device for their performance during combat operations.

Cpl. Javier Carpintero performs a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) technique on a student on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Dec. 7, 2017. The purpose of MCMAP is to train Marines on combat skills that may be used in real-life scenarios. - Cpl. Javier Carpintero performs a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) technique on a student on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Dec. 7, 2017. The purpose of MCMAP is to train Marines on combat skills that may be used in real-life scenarios.

A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, controls a laceration on a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. - A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, controls a laceration on a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development.

Vivianlee Aguero is a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. At 17 she enlisted as an embarkation specialist from her home in Guam. - Vivianlee Aguero is a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps. At 17 she enlisted as an embarkation specialist from her home in Guam. She is currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, the 31st MEU provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group battle one another with pugil sticks during 2nd TSB’s Commander’s Cup 2017 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. The competition included an obstacle course, assembly and disassembly of the M240B medium machine gun, maneuver under fire course, tire flip relay race, log tossing, Tug o’ War and pugil stick battle. The Marines improved their physical fitness and strengthening their unit. - Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group battle one another with pugil sticks during 2nd TSB’s Commander’s Cup 2017 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. The competition included an obstacle course, assembly and disassembly of the M240B medium machine gun, maneuver under fire course, tire flip relay race, log tossing, Tug o’ War and pugil stick battle. The Marines improved their physical fitness and strengthening their unit.

MCAS Iwakuni welcomes US Navy squadrons - U.S. Navy personnel with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 arrive at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 4-5, 2017. The relocation of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 from Naval Air Facility Atsugi to MCAS Iwakuni fulfills the final Defense Policy Review Initiative objective. The relocation is in accordance with the United States’ strategic vision for the rebalance in the Indo-Asia Pacific Region and does much to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gabriela Garcia-Herrera)

Ambassador William Hagerty, U.S. ambassador to Japan, waves to local Japanese and American visitors at Iwakuni City, Japan, Nov. 30, 2017. Ambassador Hagerty toured Kizuna Stadium during his first official Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni visit since arriving in Japan earlier this year. - Ambassador William Hagerty, U.S. ambassador to Japan, waves to local Japanese and American visitors at Iwakuni City, Japan, Nov. 30, 2017. Ambassador Hagerty toured Kizuna Stadium during his first official Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni visit since arriving in Japan earlier this year.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), picks up an AV-8B Harrier engine to transport it from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to the fleet replenishment ship USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) during a Helicopter Support Team mission as part of Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 1, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise allows all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to join and train in realistic scenarios so the MEU as a whole can meet its Pre-Deployment Training Program objectives prior to their upcoming deployment at sea. - A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), picks up an AV-8B Harrier engine to transport it from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to the fleet replenishment ship USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) during a Helicopter Support Team mission as part of Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 1, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise allows all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to join and train in realistic scenarios so the MEU as a whole can meet its Pre-Deployment Training Program objectives prior to their upcoming deployment at sea.

U.S. Marines with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, depart the USS Rushmore to conduct an amphibious assault on Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, California, during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. DB17 is a scenario-driven amphibious exercise conducted between Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, testing their ability to conduct amphibious operations in response to global crises and to project power ashore as part of a Navy-Marine Corps team. - U.S. Marines with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, depart the USS Rushmore to conduct an amphibious assault on Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, California, during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. DB17 is a scenario-driven amphibious exercise conducted between Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, testing their ability to conduct amphibious operations in response to global crises and to project power ashore as part of a Navy-Marine Corps team.

An MV-22 Osprey of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. - An MV-22 Osprey of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carmen Christman, right, a logistics mobility chief with the USS Essex, and Lance Cpl. Angela Chang, an embark specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, review flight plans aboard the Essex during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Carmen Christman, right, a logistics mobility chief with the USS Essex, and Lance Cpl. Angela Chang, an embark specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, review flight plans aboard the Essex during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven amphibious exercise conducted between Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, testing their ability to conduct amphibious operations in response to global crises and to project power ashore as part of a Navy-Marine Corps team.

Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer speaks to Sailors and Marines during all hands call in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS America during his visit on Thanksgiving Day. - Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer speaks to Sailors and Marines during all hands call in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS America during his visit on Thanksgiving Day. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

U.S. Marines with Combat Assault Company (CAC), 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct ground fighting in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Nov. 20, 2017. CAC celebrated the anniversary with a motivational run and beach grappling to promote comradery among the Marines, while understanding the sacrifices at Tarawa. MCBH, along with its tenant units, strives to promote resiliency in remembering the past battles won and to instill in the newest generation what it means to be U.S. Marine. - U.S. Marines with Combat Assault Company (CAC), 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct ground fighting in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Nov. 20, 2017. CAC celebrated the anniversary with a motivational run and beach grappling to promote comradery among the Marines, while understanding the sacrifices at Tarawa. MCBH, along with its tenant units, strives to promote resiliency in remembering the past battles won and to instill in the newest generation what it means to be U.S. Marine.

A Marine tests the enhanced vision capability—part of an upgrade to the Light Armored Vehicle’s Anti-Tank Weapon System—during new equipment training Sept. 18-29, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Marine Corps Systems Command completed its first fielding of four upgraded ATWS in September. - A Marine tests the enhanced vision capability—part of an upgrade to the Light Armored Vehicle’s Anti-Tank Weapon System—during new equipment training Sept. 18-29, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Marine Corps Systems Command completed its first fielding of four upgraded ATWS in September.

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Capt. Miguel Garcia pushes his son during the 28th Annual Kinser Half Marathon Nov. 19 aboard Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The 13.1-mile run brought the local and military communities together for a friendly competition. Awards were given to the top three runners in each age category. Garcia is a supply officer with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. - Capt. Miguel Garcia pushes his son during the 28th Annual Kinser Half Marathon Nov. 19 aboard Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The 13.1-mile run brought the local and military communities together for a friendly competition. Awards were given to the top three runners in each age category. Garcia is a supply officer with the Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

Several 3-D-printed assault vehicle models sit on display in the General Support Maintenance Company (GSM), 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, as a display of advanced capabilities, Nov. 21 2017, at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The Dreamer Flashforge 3-D printer is regularly used at GSM to test form, fit and functionality of equipment and military systems before the finished product is produced out of metal. - Several 3-D-printed assault vehicle models sit on display in the General Support Maintenance Company (GSM), 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, as a display of advanced capabilities, Nov. 21 2017, at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. The Dreamer Flashforge 3-D printer is regularly used at GSM to test form, fit and functionality of equipment and military systems before the finished product is produced out of metal.

Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Eubaldo Lovato (left), Silver Star recipient, Brig. Gen. Michael Martin (center), deputy commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Command, and Sgt. Maj. Bryan Fuller, Inspector Instructor Sgt. Maj. of Combat Logistics Group 453 Sgt. Maj., 4th Marine Logistics Group, render honors during the playing of the National Anthem during the Silver Star award ceremony in Montrose, Colo., Nov. 18, 2017. Lovato received an award upgrade, from his previous Bronze Star, for his heroic actions while serving as a squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during Operation Al Fajr, part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, on Nov. 15, 2004. The Silver Star is the United States third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat. - Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Eubaldo Lovato (left), Silver Star recipient, Brig. Gen. Michael Martin (center), deputy commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Command, and Sgt. Maj. Bryan Fuller, Inspector Instructor Sgt. Maj. of Combat Logistics Group 453 Sgt. Maj., 4th Marine Logistics Group, render honors during the playing of the National Anthem during the Silver Star award ceremony in Montrose, Colo., Nov. 18, 2017. Lovato received an award upgrade, from his previous Bronze Star, for his heroic actions while serving as a squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during Operation Al Fajr, part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, on Nov. 15, 2004. The Silver Star is the United States third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat.

U.S. Col. Michael V. Samarov, the commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, answers questions from Honduran press members after a closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 8, 2017. The unit held a closing ceremony to wrap up their six-month deployment to Central America and to thank interagency and international partners for their support. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC have completed a successful deployment in Central America and are scheduled to return to the United States in mid-November 2017. - U.S. Col. Michael V. Samarov, the commander of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, answers questions from Honduran press members after a closing ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Nov. 8, 2017. The unit held a closing ceremony to wrap up their six-month deployment to Central America and to thank interagency and international partners for their support. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC have completed a successful deployment in Central America and are scheduled to return to the United States in mid-November 2017.

Judges evaluate each contestant’s speech and stage presence during the 56th Annual Japanese and English Speech Contest at Sinfonia Iwakuni Concert Hall in Iwakuni City, Japan, Nov. 19, 2017. The contest was hosted by the Japanese American Society to help contestants understand and appreciate each other’s language and culture, strengthening the Japanese and American friendship. - Judges evaluate each contestant’s speech and stage presence during the 56th Annual Japanese and English Speech Contest at Sinfonia Iwakuni Concert Hall in Iwakuni City, Japan, Nov. 19, 2017. The contest was hosted by the Japanese American Society to help contestants understand and appreciate each other’s language and culture, strengthening the Japanese and American friendship.

A bomb disposal robot inspects a suspicious object during non-combatant evacuation operation training aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, on Nov. 17, 2017. SPMAGTF-CR-AF deployed to conduct limited crisis-response and theater-security operation in Europe and Africa. - A bomb disposal robot inspects a suspicious object during non-combatant evacuation operation training aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, on Nov. 17, 2017. SPMAGTF-CR-AF deployed to conduct limited crisis-response and theater-security operation in Europe and Africa.

The Marines with CLB-3 practiced firing inert and live mine-clearing charges as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 18.1/Exercise Winter Workhorse 17, which familiarizes the American armed forces with the Korean Peninsula and builds upon an enduring alliance between the two militaries. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Larry Anderson, a landing support specialist with Landing Support Company, 3d Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, crosses an obstacle with help from his unit and Republic of Korea Marines with Landing Support Battalion, ROK Marine Logistics Group, Oct. 28, 2017 in Pohang, South Korea. The Marines from both nations came together to conduct a Leadership Reaction Course, a series of team-building exercises designed to encourage communication and camaraderie between the two forces. The LRC was held as a part of Exercise Winter Workhorse 17/ Korean Marine Exchange Program 18.1, which familiarizes American military forces with the Korean peninsula.

Funk was one of more than 100 veterans who attended a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the city. - R.B. Funk, a resident of Big Bear Lake and a U.S. Army Air Force veteran, stands at Veterans Park in Big Bear Lake, Calif., Nov. 11, 2017. Funk was one of more than 100 veterans who attended a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the city.

Multiple squadrons participated in the professional military education on the island to gain information on its historical significance and foster esprit de corps. - U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, collect sand at Iwo To (Iwo Jima), Japan, Nov. 7, 2017. Multiple squadrons participated in the professional military education on the island to gain information on its historical significance and foster esprit de corps.

Sonny Wong, a Vietnam veteran, shares stories about the unit during his tour of 12th Marine Regiments facilities Nov. 7, 2017, at 12th Marine Regiment’s company office on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. - Sonny Wong, a Vietnam veteran, shares stories about the unit during his tour of 12th Marine Regiments facilities Nov. 7, 2017, at 12th Marine Regiment’s company office on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Wong was an interpreter attached to 12th Marines during the Vietnam War and decided to visit his old unit 51 years later. Sgt. Maj. Douglas W. Yagel gave him a tour of the Regiment’s facilities and weapons as Wong described his experience working with the Marines.

Marine Corps Systems Command recently fielded the M007 to Marine and civilian CID agents and members of Helicopter Squadron One. - Individual Weapons project officer Gunnery Sgt. Brian Nelson prepares to draw the M007 concealed carry weapon. The M007 offers enhanced concealed carry capabilities, which includes a smaller frame, ambidextrous slide stop lever and flared magazine well. Marine Corps Systems Command recently fielded the M007 to Marine and civilian CID agents and members of Helicopter Squadron One.

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Marines with Headquaters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations - East prepare to march in the Warsaw Veterans Day Parade in Warsaw, N.C., Nov. 4, 2017. T - Marines with Headquaters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations - East prepare to march in the Warsaw Veterans Day Parade in Warsaw, N.C., Nov. 4, 2017. Thousands of attendees gathered for the 97th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Warsaw to recognize and celebrate America’s veterans and active duty service members.

Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the joint field training exercise Blue Chromite 2018, throughout the prefecture of Okinawa, Japan, October 23 – November 3, 2017. - Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the joint field training exercise Blue Chromite 2018, throughout the prefecture of Okinawa, Japan, October 23 – November 3, 2017. BC18 is a U.S.-only mission rehearsal which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid- response capabilities required to swiftly and effectively respond to a regional crisis or contingency across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the Navy's newest Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, T-ESB 5, will be named in honor of Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Miguel Keith during a ceremony in National Harbor, Maryland, Nov. 4. - Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the Navy's newest Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, T-ESB 5, will be named in honor of Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Miguel Keith during a ceremony in National Harbor, Maryland, Nov. 4.

U.S. Marine Capt. David Miller prepares to conduct a simulated night raid with multiple rifle squads during an air assault training event at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 31, 2017. - U.S. Marine Capt. David Miller prepares to conduct a simulated night raid with multiple rifle squads during an air assault training event at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 31, 2017. Miller is currently participating in Blue Chromite 18 in Okinawa, Japan. Miller is a forward air controller (FAC) with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment attached to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the Unit Deployment Program. Miller is a native of Queenstown, Maryland.

A service member running the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon Forward approaches the 10-mile mark of the 26.2-mile race while deployed in the Middle East Oct. 22, 2017. The Marine Corps Marathon Forward gave Marines deployed with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command the opportunity to run the ‘Peoples Marathon’ while far from home. The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world and hosts the event in forward locations to allow service members outside the United States an opportunity to compete. - A service member running the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon Forward approaches the 10-mile mark of the 26.2-mile race while deployed in the Middle East Oct. 22, 2017. The Marine Corps Marathon Forward gave Marines deployed with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command the opportunity to run the ‘Peoples Marathon’ while far from home. The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world and hosts the event in forward locations to allow service members outside the United States an opportunity to compete.

The tower, where air traffic control Marines work, overlooks the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. - The tower, where air traffic control Marines work, overlooks the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Each member of ATC safely organizes and regulates the flow of air traffic within MCAS Miramar’s airspace and prevents collisions between aircraft.

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushions is guided offshore during exercise Bold Alligator 17 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a multinational, naval amphibious exercise that focuses on combined training of multiple forces executing complex shaping, amphibious, and sea basing operations to improve U.S. and coalition ship-to-shore capabilities. - A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushions is guided offshore during exercise Bold Alligator 17 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017. Bold Alligator 17 is a multinational, naval amphibious exercise that focuses on combined training of multiple forces executing complex shaping, amphibious, and sea basing operations to improve U.S. and coalition ship-to-shore capabilities.

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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