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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.

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.

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.

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)

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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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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170816-M-NX410-037.JPG - U.S. Marines with 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and soldiers with the 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion, discuss troop movements over a terrain model after conducting a patrol during the Georgia Deployment Program-Resolute Support Mission Mission Rehearsal Exercise aboard the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Aug. 16, 2017. The MRE is the culminating event of the GDP-RSM in which 6th ANGLICO Marines are working alongside the 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion to demonstrate that the battalion is ready for deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kimberly Aguirre/Released)

Story - Pfc. James P. Gross, a radio and satellite communications operator, places barbed wire on the ground at Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 10, 2017, signifying the start of exercise Northern Viper 2017. This exercise tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together and provides the opportunity to conduct realistic training in an unfamiliar environment. Gross, a Milwaukee native, is with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373 and other volunteers set up tents for the Veterans Village of San Diego’s Homeless Veteran Stand Down at San Diego High School in San Diego, July 19. The Veterans Village of San Diego hosted the Homeless Veteran Stand Down to support homeless veterans by giving them a place to stay and providing services such as medical care, dental care, legal assistance, haircuts and food for three days. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jake McClung/ Released) - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373 and other volunteers set up tents for the Veterans Village of San Diego’s Homeless Veteran Stand Down at San Diego High School in San Diego, July 19. The Veterans Village of San Diego hosted the Homeless Veteran Stand Down to support homeless veterans by giving them a place to stay and providing services such as medical care, dental care, legal assistance, haircuts and food for three days. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jake McClung/ Released)

Daniel Wilson, a patient attending Innovative Readiness Training Louisiana Care 2017, smiles after getting his teeth inspected by a Navy Corpsman at Amite High School in Amite, La., July 15, 2017. Several of the patients attending the IRT came for dental services such as fillings, simple dental extractions, screenings for oral cancer and examinations for sports medicine injuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Niles Lee/Released) - Daniel Wilson, a patient attending Innovative Readiness Training Louisiana Care 2017, smiles after getting his teeth inspected by a Navy Corpsman at Amite High School in Amite, La., July 15, 2017. Several of the patients attending the IRT came for dental services such as fillings, simple dental extractions, screenings for oral cancer and examinations for sports medicine injuries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Niles Lee/Released)

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U.S. Marine Cpls. Otto Thiele (center left), Eric Goodman (center), and Christopher Ehms (far right) and Lance Cpls. Antonio Martinez (far left) and Avelardo Guevera Osuna (center right) came together to assist a local Japanese woman during their hike on Mount Fuji, Japan, July 3, 2017. The woman, Moe Oda, was found lying on the ground, hyperventilating and struggling to breathe when the Marines came to her assistance. Together, they created a makeshift stretcher to carry her down approximately two miles to get to medical assistance. The Marines are with Electronics Maintenance Company, 3d Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marine Cpls. Otto Thiele (center left), Eric Goodman (center), and Christopher Ehms (far right) and Lance Cpls. Antonio Martinez (far left) and Avelardo Guevera Osuna (center right) came together to assist a local Japanese woman during their hike on Mount Fuji, Japan, July 3, 2017. The woman, Moe Oda, was found lying on the ground, hyperventilating and struggling to breathe when the Marines came to her assistance. Together, they created a makeshift stretcher to carry her down approximately two miles to get to medical assistance. The Marines are with Electronics Maintenance Company, 3d Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a Tactical Evacuation Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27, 2017. The course consisted of corpsmen identifying dummy casualties and assessing them for injuries ranging from gunshot wounds, amputations to severe trauma and treating them accordingly, followed by stabilizing and evacuating the casualty with an MV-22 Osprey. - U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a Tactical Evacuation Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27, 2017. The course consisted of corpsmen identifying dummy casualties and assessing them for injuries ranging from gunshot wounds, amputations to severe trauma and treating them accordingly, followed by stabilizing and evacuating the casualty with an MV-22 Osprey.

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Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Col. Roger Carter, right, the assistant chief staff officer of Headquarters, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and U.S. Coast Guardsmen pose for a photo with students while at Carenage Boy Government Primary School as part of a community relations event during Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 16, 2017. Tradewinds, sponsored by U.S. Southern Command, brings together security forces and regional civilian agencies from 20 participating countries to strengthen relationships, build partner nation capacity and conduct subject matter expert exchanges in security-related operations. U.S. Marines are providing providing training and logistical support for Phase II of the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald) - Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Col. Roger Carter, right, the assistant chief staff officer of Headquarters, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and U.S. Coast Guardsmen pose for a photo with students while at Carenage Boy Government Primary School as part of a community relations event during Phase II of Exercise Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 16, 2017. Tradewinds, sponsored by U.S. Southern Command, brings together security forces and regional civilian agencies from 20 participating countries to strengthen relationships, build partner nation capacity and conduct subject matter expert exchanges in security-related operations. U.S. Marines are providing providing training and logistical support for Phase II of the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joseph P. DiSalvo, the U.S. Southern Command military deputy commander, speaks to distinguished guests and service members from 20 nations during the closing ceremony for Phase II of Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 17, 2017. The overall objective of Tradewinds, an annual exercise sponsored by SOUTHCOM, is to enhance the collective ability of the participating nations to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and counter transnational organized crime. U.S. Marines provided training and logistical support for Phase II of Tradewinds. - U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joseph P. DiSalvo, the U.S. Southern Command military deputy commander, speaks to distinguished guests and service members from 20 nations during the closing ceremony for Phase II of Tradewinds 2017 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, June 17, 2017. The overall objective of Tradewinds, an annual exercise sponsored by SOUTHCOM, is to enhance the collective ability of the participating nations to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and counter transnational organized crime. U.S. Marines provided training and logistical support for Phase II of Tradewinds.

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit move sea bags, packs and gear pier side at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, June 7, 2017. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group – a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific. - Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit move sea bags, packs and gear pier side at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, June 7, 2017. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group – a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, practice applying spints during a Combat Life Saver class aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD 20), at sea, Mar. 30, 2017. The Marines are currently on patrol as the Ground Combat Element for the 31st MEU. As the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, practice applying spints during a Combat Life Saver class aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD 20), at sea, Mar. 30, 2017. The Marines are currently on patrol as the Ground Combat Element for the 31st MEU. As the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

VENTSPILS, Latvia- NATO nations participate in convoy operations alongside Marines while escorted by Latvian Movement and Control officers during exercise Saber Strike 17 in Ventspils, Latvia, May 28, 2017. Exercise Saber Strike 17 is an annual combined-joint exercise conducted at various locations throughout the Baltic region and Poland. The combined training prepares allies and partners to respond more to regional crises and meet their own security needs by improving the security of borders and countering threats. - VENTSPILS, Latvia- NATO nations participate in convoy operations alongside Marines while escorted by Latvian Movement and Control officers during exercise Saber Strike 17 in Ventspils, Latvia, May 28, 2017. Exercise Saber Strike 17 is an annual combined-joint exercise conducted at various locations throughout the Baltic region and Poland. The combined training prepares allies and partners to respond more to regional crises and meet their own security needs by improving the security of borders and countering threats.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

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Armed Forces of the Philippines Maj. Gen. Herminigildo Aquino, left, AFP Gen. Eduardo M. Año, the Honorable Ambassador Sung Y. Kim, Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Under Secretary Ariel Y. Abadilla, AFP Lt. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, and U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” and shake hands during the Balikatan 2017 closing ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, May 19, 2017. Aquino is the Philippine assistance exercise director. Año is the Chief of Staff of the AFP. Kim is the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. Lorenzana is the Philippine Secretary of National Defense. Abadilla is the Philippine Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns. Lactao is the Philippine exercise director for Balikatan. Cavanaugh is the deputy commander of Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine bilateral military exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations. ( - Armed Forces of the Philippines Maj. Gen. Herminigildo Aquino, left, AFP Gen. Eduardo M. Año, the Honorable Ambassador Sung Y. Kim, Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Under Secretary Ariel Y. Abadilla, AFP Lt. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, and U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” and shake hands during the Balikatan 2017 closing ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, May 19, 2017. Aquino is the Philippine assistance exercise director. Año is the Chief of Staff of the AFP. Kim is the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. Lorenzana is the Philippine Secretary of National Defense. Abadilla is the Philippine Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns. Lactao is the Philippine exercise director for Balikatan. Cavanaugh is the deputy commander of Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine bilateral military exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations. (

Philippine Army Capt. Armando Moncayo, Jr., left, and U.S. Marine Sgt. Lance Escobar discuss construction progress during an engineering civic assistance project in support of Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, May 14, 2017. Philippine and U.S. service members worked together to build new classrooms for students at Don Carlos Elementary School. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine bilateral military exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations. - Philippine Army Capt. Armando Moncayo, Jr., left, and U.S. Marine Sgt. Lance Escobar discuss construction progress during an engineering civic assistance project in support of Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, May 14, 2017. Philippine and U.S. service members worked together to build new classrooms for students at Don Carlos Elementary School. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine bilateral military exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Alexander Davis adjusts a satellite communication antenna during Balikatan 2017 at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu, April 25, 2017. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Pettis) - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Alexander Davis adjusts a satellite communication antenna during Balikatan 2017 at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu, April 25, 2017. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Pettis)

A role player seeks medical attention during Assault Support Tactics 3, supporting Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron during the semiannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 21. Lasting seven weeks, WTI is a training evolution hosted by MAWTS-1 which provides standardized advanced and tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness. The AST-3 training focused on conducting noncombatant evacuation operations in an urban environment while providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the simulated host nation. - A role player seeks medical attention during Assault Support Tactics 3, supporting Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron during the semiannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 21. Lasting seven weeks, WTI is a training evolution hosted by MAWTS-1 which provides standardized advanced and tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness. The AST-3 training focused on conducting noncombatant evacuation operations in an urban environment while providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the simulated host nation.

Marines of Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Continuing Promise 2010 walk up the hill where on July 14, 1898, Sgt. John H. Quick and Pvt. John Fitzgerald performed heroic actions that earned them both the Medal of Honor. The 30 Marines had the unique opportunity to visit the Spanish American War battle site, Aug. 5, while the USS Iwo Jima made a port stop at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The USS Iwo Jima is currently underway to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across Latin America and the Caribbean. - Marines of Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Continuing Promise 2010 walk up the hill where on July 14, 1898, Sgt. John H. Quick and Pvt. John Fitzgerald performed heroic actions that earned them both the Medal of Honor. The 30 Marines had the unique opportunity to visit the Spanish American War battle site, Aug. 5, while the USS Iwo Jima made a port stop at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The USS Iwo Jima is currently underway to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Marines with Engineer Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, carve wood at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, March 23, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. During a 36-hour field operation, the Marines with CBIRF were tested on their ability to perform their skills during nighttime scenarios. Engineering Platoon used wooden planks to support collapsed structures. - Marines with Engineer Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, carve wood at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, March 23, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. During a 36-hour field operation, the Marines with CBIRF were tested on their ability to perform their skills during nighttime scenarios. Engineering Platoon used wooden planks to support collapsed structures.

A Marine posts security March 15 in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in amphibious assault training in order to hone their amphibious capabilities. - A Marine posts security March 15 in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in amphibious assault training in order to hone their amphibious capabilities.

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Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water. - Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters past Mount Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan, March 12, 2017. The squadron, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, validated the long-range capability of auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day mission, March 10. - Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters past Mount Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan, March 12, 2017. The squadron, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, validated the long-range capability of auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day mission, March 10.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit man the rails as amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepares to go underway for deployment March 1, 2017. The 24th MEU will operate in Europe and the Middle East in the coming months providing crisis response and contingency support for combatant commanders, including maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance, and advance force operations. - Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit man the rails as amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepares to go underway for deployment March 1, 2017. The 24th MEU will operate in Europe and the Middle East in the coming months providing crisis response and contingency support for combatant commanders, including maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance, and advance force operations.

1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - 1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

U.S. Marines and Royal Thai Marines discuss training techniques during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 with Royal Thai Marines Feb. 14, 2017 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. During patrols of the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit engages partner nations to sustain theater security and continue integrated bilateral training, furthering cohesion between our militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released) - U.S. Marines and Royal Thai Marines discuss training techniques during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 with Royal Thai Marines Feb. 14, 2017 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. During patrols of the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit engages partner nations to sustain theater security and continue integrated bilateral training, furthering cohesion between our militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released)

Participants pose for a photograph during the Medical Senior Leader Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand, during exercise Cobra Gold, Feb. 15, 2017. Cobra Gold, in its 36th iteration, includes a specific focus on humanitarian civic action, community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region. - Participants pose for a photograph during the Medical Senior Leader Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand, during exercise Cobra Gold, Feb. 15, 2017. Cobra Gold, in its 36th iteration, includes a specific focus on humanitarian civic action, community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region.

A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. - A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region.

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

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 head to Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to conduct a deployment for training (DFT) exercise, Dec. 1. The squadron is scheduled to complete several missions during this exercise, which include long range raids, aerial refueling, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel in preparation for their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 head to Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to conduct a deployment for training (DFT) exercise, Dec. 1. The squadron is scheduled to complete several missions during this exercise, which include long range raids, aerial refueling, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel in preparation for their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year.

Maritime Raid Force Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrate how to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure of a vessel for Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron Sailors during a Theater Security Cooperation training event at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 24, 2016. This bilateral training allows the two militaries to share tactics and procedures that help build and maintain military readiness, and increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - Maritime Raid Force Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrate how to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure of a vessel for Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron Sailors during a Theater Security Cooperation training event at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 24, 2016. This bilateral training allows the two militaries to share tactics and procedures that help build and maintain military readiness, and increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Soldiers with 7th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, set up landing zone security during the final exercise of Exercise Tiger Strike 2016, in Sabah Province, Malaysia, Nov. 13, 2016. During the initial training phases of TS16, RMR soldiers were able to participate in loading, offloading and security drills with MV-22 Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft, allowing them to experience the aircraft firsthand prior to conducting FINEX. - Soldiers with 7th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, set up landing zone security during the final exercise of Exercise Tiger Strike 2016, in Sabah Province, Malaysia, Nov. 13, 2016. During the initial training phases of TS16, RMR soldiers were able to participate in loading, offloading and security drills with MV-22 Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft, allowing them to experience the aircraft firsthand prior to conducting FINEX.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 taxis down the flight line during exercise Cope West 17 at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Indonesia, Nov. 10, 2016. This fighter-focused, bilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and Indonesian Air Force is designed to enhance the readiness of combined interoperability between the two nations. - A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 taxis down the flight line during exercise Cope West 17 at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Indonesia, Nov. 10, 2016. This fighter-focused, bilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and Indonesian Air Force is designed to enhance the readiness of combined interoperability between the two nations.