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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.

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs at Campus Martius during the Marine Week Detroit opening ceremony, Sept. 6, 2017. More than 700 Marines are participating in Marine Week Detroit to give the citizens of the greater Detroit area the opportunity to meet their Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps. - The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs at Campus Martius during the Marine Week Detroit opening ceremony, Sept. 6, 2017. More than 700 Marines are participating in Marine Week Detroit to give the citizens of the greater Detroit area the opportunity to meet their Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps.

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Marine Week Detroit is a chance to reconnect with our Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations. - Local dignitaries from Detroit, enjoy their military experience during the MV-22 Osprey flights over Detroit as part of Marine Week, Sept. 6, 2017. More than 700 Marines are participating in Marine Week Detroit to give the citizens of the greater Detroit area the opportunity to meet their Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps.

The 31st MEU partners with the Navy's Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, providing a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, clear an abandoned house during Military Operations in Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) training at Andersen South Air Force Base, Guam, August 30, 2017. Marines with BLT 3/5 train regularly in different environments to maintain their readiness as the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy's Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, providing a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with Charlie Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, along with members of the Texas Highway Patrol and Texas State Guard, pull Marine Corps F470 Zodiacs Combat Rubber Raiding crafts through a flooded street in Houston, Texas, Aug. 31, 2017. Marines from Charlie Company assisted rescue effort in wake of Hurricane Harvey by providing Zodiacs and personal to local law enforcement. - Marines with Charlie Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, along with members of the Texas Highway Patrol and Texas State Guard, pull Marine Corps F470 Zodiacs Combat Rubber Raiding crafts through a flooded street in Houston, Texas, Aug. 31, 2017. Marines from Charlie Company assisted rescue effort in wake of Hurricane Harvey by providing Zodiacs and personal to local law enforcement.

he Marines are with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - A Marine clears an area after conducting an ambush on an opposing force during defensive operations training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 31, 2017. The exercise is used by the battalion to improve proficiency with combat tactics and in preparation for future operations. The Marine is with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell)

Marine saves Vietnam veteran after motorcycle accident - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dustin Gill, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Springfield, Mass., saved the life of George Wingert, an 80-year-old Florida resident and Vietnam War veteran, following a motorcycle accident in Bowman, South Carolina, July 31, 2017. Gill made a tourniquet on Wingert’s leg using a tire iron and a belt. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Connor Hancock)

4th Reconnaissance Marines support rescue efforts in wake of Hurricane Harvey - Division, Marine Forces Reserve and joint integrated agencies conduct search and rescue operations in order to evacuate civilians from their homes and life-threatening conditions in Beaumont, Texas, Aug. 30, 2017. Marine Forces Reserve is providing Department of Defense support to FEMA, state and local response efforts due to Hurricane Harvey.

Northern Viper 17 comes to an end - A crew chief fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun from the back of a CH-53E Super Stallion above Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. The crew chief is assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently forward deployed under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, based out of Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

VMGR-152 conducts division tactical navigation - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, conducts division tactical navigation training with VMGR-152 as part of unit-level training Evergreen at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 18, 2017. Division tactical navigation training allows the squadrons’ aircraft to perform gear drops in close proximity to a single location, which enhances operational efficiency. Evergreen will serve as VMGR-152’s 2017 Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation through tri-lateral training with the U.S. Army 160th Special operations Aviation Regiment and U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group to gain valuable insight on the most recent Operation Inherent Resolve assault-support tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Abrego)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducts Patriot Advanced Capability-3 training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni - Local Japanese media interview U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Vuolo, left, the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni operations officer, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Lt. Col. Kotaro Hyodo, commander of the 2nd Air Defense Missile Group, during Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) deployment training at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 29, 2017. PAC-3 protects ground forces and critical assets at all echelons from advanced aircraft to cruise missiles and tactical-ballistic missiles. This training displays the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and demonstrates the JASDF’s ability to rapidly deploy multiple defense assets to U.S. military installations across Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Henson)

Marine awarded Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroic actions - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen Austin E. Renforth, the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, applauds Cpl. Miles Hogan during a ceremony at Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 24, 2017. Hogan was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps medal for rescuing a man after a vehicle accident.

A day in the life of the Marine Corps' Mounted Color Guard - Sergeants Fernando Blancas, Jedidiah Birnie, Terry Barker, Jacob Cummins, Corporals Nicholas Davis, Alicia Frost and Javier Castellon all post with Staff Sgt. Nicholas Beberniss for a Mounted Color Guard portrait with Elephant Mountain in the background, at the stables aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Aug. 10. The Marine Corps is proudly celebrating the MCG's 50th year of service throughout 2017.

Honoring the fallen Marines of VMGR-452 - Lance Cpl. Christian Rosario, a bugler with Marine Corps Band New Orleans, performs “Taps” during the end of a memorial honoring nine Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, Aug. 27, 2017. The Marines were among 15 Marines and one sailor killed in a KC-130T accident, July 10, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dallas Johnson)

India Company’s field life during CERTEX - Cpl. Jesse A. Beaver, a team leader with India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, shoots an azimuth with a lensatic compass during an amphibious raid as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Certification Exercise at Freshwater Beach, Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, August 16, 2018. Marines with BLT 3/5, the Ground Combat Element of the 31st MEU, cleared and secured the area for humanitarian assistance-disaster relief training. BLT 3/5 is exploring state-of-the-art concepts and technologies as the dedicated force for Sea Dragon 2025, a Marine Corps initiative to prepare for future battles. The 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron 11 are conducting CERTEX, the final evaluation in a series of training exercises which ensures readiness for crisis response throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue/Released)

Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones) - Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones)

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