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U.S. service members recently completed the second module of Tactical Intelligence Support to Maritime Operations course for the Ghanaian Navy and Maritime Police Force, Dec. 7-18, at Ghana’s Eastern Naval Command Headquarters here. This course has already paid dividends, according to Foster Kotoku, the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force assistant superintendent. During the two-week course, students from the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force seized an undisclosed amount of illicit drugs from a smuggler on a ferry. With follow-on questioning, the police forces were led to a higher connection in the drug trade. - U.S. service members recently completed the second module of Tactical Intelligence Support to Maritime Operations course for the Ghanaian Navy and Maritime Police Force, Dec. 7-18, at Ghana’s Eastern Naval Command Headquarters here. This course has already paid dividends, according to Foster Kotoku, the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force assistant superintendent. During the two-week course, students from the Ghanaian Maritime Police Force seized an undisclosed amount of illicit drugs from a smuggler on a ferry. With follow-on questioning, the police forces were led to a higher connection in the drug trade.

On Dec. 18, 2015 Lt. Col. Jonathan Morel became the first Marine to fly the CH-53K helicopter, during a test flight over Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Development Flight Center at West Palms Beach. The flight test ran for 1.5 hours and now marks the sixth flight for the aircraft. - On Dec. 18, 2015 Lt. Col. Jonathan Morel became the first Marine to fly the CH-53K helicopter, during a test flight over Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Development Flight Center at West Palms Beach. The flight test ran for 1.5 hours and now marks the sixth flight for the aircraft.

Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions. - Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions.

U.S. Marine noncommissioned officers of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa visited the historic Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, Dec. 11-13, a pivotal site featuring the remnants of the amphibious Allied landings during World War II, also known as D-Day. The Marine NCOs are the backbone of service component operations for U.S. European Command that supports numerous NATO-led operations and exercises in Europe that enables the Alliance to continue their proven, enduring partnerships. - U.S. Marine noncommissioned officers of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa visited the historic Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, Dec. 11-13, a pivotal site featuring the remnants of the amphibious Allied landings during World War II, also known as D-Day. The Marine NCOs are the backbone of service component operations for U.S. European Command that supports numerous NATO-led operations and exercises in Europe that enables the Alliance to continue their proven, enduring partnerships.

Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets. - Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets.

A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group puts on knee pads before a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 17, 2015. The HEAT class is designed to show Marines what to do if a vehicle rolls over during low visibility, no visibility, or experiences sideways or 180-degree rollovers. - A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group puts on knee pads before a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer class at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 17, 2015. The HEAT class is designed to show Marines what to do if a vehicle rolls over during low visibility, no visibility, or experiences sideways or 180-degree rollovers.

1st Lt. Joshua Foster provides security for his team during the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. TRAP’s placement in a MCCRE is meant to evaluate Marines on this mission set which is performed for the specific purpose of the recovery of personnel, equipment, and/or aircraft by the insertion of a TRAP force. 1st Lt. Foster is a platoon commander with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - 1st Lt. Joshua Foster provides security for his team during the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. TRAP’s placement in a MCCRE is meant to evaluate Marines on this mission set which is performed for the specific purpose of the recovery of personnel, equipment, and/or aircraft by the insertion of a TRAP force. 1st Lt. Foster is a platoon commander with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Nearly 30 Marines participate in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course to learn how to save lives in combat situations, Dec. 14-18, 2015 on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. Medical officers and corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa taught the Marines how to apply emergency medical services to injured service members in the event a corpsman is injured or not near a casualty.The Marines and sailors are deployed to NAS Sigonella, Italy, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - Nearly 30 Marines participate in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course to learn how to save lives in combat situations, Dec. 14-18, 2015 on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. Medical officers and corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa taught the Marines how to apply emergency medical services to injured service members in the event a corpsman is injured or not near a casualty.The Marines and sailors are deployed to NAS Sigonella, Italy, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets. - Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets.

Lance Cpl. Roderick Jacquote, a combat photographer with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, edits photos during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear drill aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marines and Sailors with 5th Marine Regiment conducted the gas drill as part of Steel Knight 2016, a division-led exercise which prepares Marines and Sailors with the 1st Marine Division and adjacent I Marine Expeditionary Force units with the skill sets necessary to operate as a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force. - Lance Cpl. Roderick Jacquote, a combat photographer with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, edits photos during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear drill aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marines and Sailors with 5th Marine Regiment conducted the gas drill as part of Steel Knight 2016, a division-led exercise which prepares Marines and Sailors with the 1st Marine Division and adjacent I Marine Expeditionary Force units with the skill sets necessary to operate as a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force.

Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets. - Bulk refueling specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Red Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. Various squadrons within 3rd MAW performed more than 70 sorties ranging from external lifts, convoy escorts and casualty evacuation missions with rotary aircraft and fire support missions with the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to providing refueling points for air and ground assets.

Lance Cpl. Cary Chafton, a rifleman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gives directions to his squad during a patrolling exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec 15, 2015. The unit practiced patrolling techniques and set up patrol bases to maintain readiness. - Lance Cpl. Cary Chafton, a rifleman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gives directions to his squad during a patrolling exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec 15, 2015. The unit practiced patrolling techniques and set up patrol bases to maintain readiness.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepare to fire during a company live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The exercise is in preparation for the integrated training exercise taking place at Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., in October. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment prepare to fire during a company live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 30, 2015. The exercise is in preparation for the integrated training exercise taking place at Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., in October.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment pauses as he fires during the sniper marksmanship assessment as part of Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 24, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires downrange while maintaining contact with Marines to his right during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 26, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment fires downrange while maintaining contact with Marines to his right during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 26, 2015. During ITX, Marines demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive stability operations.

Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations. - Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations.

A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment sights in during the defensive phase of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC assessed a battalion’s ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations integrating elements from the Air Combat Element and Logistics Combat Element. - A Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment sights in during the defensive phase of the Battalion Assault Course, the culminating event for Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 6, 2015. The BAC assessed a battalion’s ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations integrating elements from the Air Combat Element and Logistics Combat Element.

Lance Cpl. Travis DeShazo, a rifleman assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares a computer to control a Raven unmanned aerial system to establish the location of notional enemy units aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The Marines employed the Raven UAS as part of Steel Knight to gain a better understanding of it and develop a higher proficiency of what it takes to operate as a more effective as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Lance Cpl. Travis DeShazo, a rifleman assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares a computer to control a Raven unmanned aerial system to establish the location of notional enemy units aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The Marines employed the Raven UAS as part of Steel Knight to gain a better understanding of it and develop a higher proficiency of what it takes to operate as a more effective as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crewmen assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, prepare their launcher for live-fire operations after debarking a KC-130J aircraft, supporting their raid operations at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2015. “We were essentially trying to test the capability of the HIMARS to launch an air raid from any position,” said Sgt. Garrett S. Zurich, HIMARS launcher section chief, 1st platoon, Battery D. - High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crewmen assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, prepare their launcher for live-fire operations after debarking a KC-130J aircraft, supporting their raid operations at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2015. “We were essentially trying to test the capability of the HIMARS to launch an air raid from any position,” said Sgt. Garrett S. Zurich, HIMARS launcher section chief, 1st platoon, Battery D.

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Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, survey a named area of interest during reconnaissance and surveillance training, Nov. 19-21, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. The Marines conducted insertion, infiltration, execution, exfiltration, and extraction in terrain unfamiliar to what is usually found at their home base in California. The Hawaiian terrain ranged from beach shores, to dense jungle and open valleys during pouring rains - Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, survey a named area of interest during reconnaissance and surveillance training, Nov. 19-21, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. The Marines conducted insertion, infiltration, execution, exfiltration, and extraction in terrain unfamiliar to what is usually found at their home base in California. The Hawaiian terrain ranged from beach shores, to dense jungle and open valleys during pouring rains

An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation. - An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation.

An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a conventional take-off at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. This year’s iteration of Exercise Steel Knight works to advance 1st Marine Division’s warfighting capabilities, to include interoperability between the ground and air forces and integration of the F-35B. - An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a conventional take-off at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field during Exercise Steel Knight 2016 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. This year’s iteration of Exercise Steel Knight works to advance 1st Marine Division’s warfighting capabilities, to include interoperability between the ground and air forces and integration of the F-35B.

U.S., Romanian and Moldovan military members participate in a tank shoot rehearsal during Platinum Lynx 16-2 at Smardan Training Area, Romania, Dec. 9, 2015. Exercise Platinum Lynx 16-2 is a NATO-led multinational exercise designed to strengthen combat readiness, increase improve collective capabilities, and maintain proven relationships with allied and partner nations - U.S., Romanian and Moldovan military members participate in a tank shoot rehearsal during Platinum Lynx 16-2 at Smardan Training Area, Romania, Dec. 9, 2015. Exercise Platinum Lynx 16-2 is a NATO-led multinational exercise designed to strengthen combat readiness, increase improve collective capabilities, and maintain proven relationships with allied and partner nations

The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015. The results of Uniform Board 214 and 215 were released as part of Marine Administrative Message 622/15. - The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller approved lock and twist hairstyles in uniform, Dec. 14, 2015. The results of Uniform Board 214 and 215 were released as part of Marine Administrative Message 622/15.

A Marine with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Headquarters Group, checks on his team members during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Security Assistance Liaison Team training exercise to improve their ability to work with coalition forces, Dec. 10, 2015. The Security Assistance Liaison Team will support Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189. - A Marine with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Headquarters Group, checks on his team members during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Security Assistance Liaison Team training exercise to improve their ability to work with coalition forces, Dec. 10, 2015. The Security Assistance Liaison Team will support Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189.

Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations. - Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations.

An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders. - An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders.

Cpl. Candice Lopez, a U.S. Marine with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scans the identification bands of evacuees, preparing them to be flown to a safe haven during a simulated noncombatant evacuation as part of Certification Exercise, Dec. 8, 2015. Noncombatant evacuations are one of the MEU's mission essential tasks, which it is specially trained to complete anywhere in the world within hours of notification. CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations. - Cpl. Candice Lopez, a U.S. Marine with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, scans the identification bands of evacuees, preparing them to be flown to a safe haven during a simulated noncombatant evacuation as part of Certification Exercise, Dec. 8, 2015. Noncombatant evacuations are one of the MEU's mission essential tasks, which it is specially trained to complete anywhere in the world within hours of notification. CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

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A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment advances down range during a battalion exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 10, 2015. The battalion-wide exercise reinforced basic infantry skills and brought junior Marines up to optimal operability across the companies. - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment advances down range during a battalion exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 10, 2015. The battalion-wide exercise reinforced basic infantry skills and brought junior Marines up to optimal operability across the companies.

Cpl. Ryan Gilligan, a fire direction control man, with the 120mm Mortar Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), records information passed to him from the forward observers for a notional fire mission, during mission processing training in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 8, 2015. The platoon conducts training while afloat in order to maintain readiness to support the 26th MEU. The MEU is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Cpl. Ryan Gilligan, a fire direction control man, with the 120mm Mortar Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), records information passed to him from the forward observers for a notional fire mission, during mission processing training in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 8, 2015. The platoon conducts training while afloat in order to maintain readiness to support the 26th MEU. The MEU is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division. - A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division.

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Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it. - Marines perform a weapons functional test on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 10, 2015. The F-35B is a single seat, single engine stealth multi-role fighter bringing the Marine Corps into a whole new generation of aircraft. Exercise Steel Knight allowed for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 to train on integrating the F-35B and find its place in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, while giving the ground forces of 1st Marine Division the ability to become familiar with it.

A Marine holds security during a route clearance drill as a part of Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marine is with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. During route clearance Marines use a variety of vehicles to search for improvised explosive devices, mines and other dangerous obstructions. Steel Knight is a 1st Marine Division led exercise, which enables the Marines and sailors to operate in a realistic environment to develop skill sets necessary to maintain a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force. - A Marine holds security during a route clearance drill as a part of Exercise Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 13, 2015. The Marine is with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. During route clearance Marines use a variety of vehicles to search for improvised explosive devices, mines and other dangerous obstructions. Steel Knight is a 1st Marine Division led exercise, which enables the Marines and sailors to operate in a realistic environment to develop skill sets necessary to maintain a fully capable Marine Air Ground Task Force.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Peter A. Lawson, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses an EOD hook and line kit to maneuver an inert 82mm mortar shell replica during an EOD demonstration aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge in the Arabian Gulf Dec. 12, 2015. The EOD exploration event afforded Marines in other occupations the opportunity to learn about the equipment and responsibilities of EOD Marines. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Peter A. Lawson, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses an EOD hook and line kit to maneuver an inert 82mm mortar shell replica during an EOD demonstration aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge in the Arabian Gulf Dec. 12, 2015. The EOD exploration event afforded Marines in other occupations the opportunity to learn about the equipment and responsibilities of EOD Marines. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit transported a purification system with a CH-53E helicopter from the USS New Orleans to the Purple Islands Dec. 7, 2015, as part of Operation Intrinsic Fidelity. - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit transported a purification system with a CH-53E helicopter from the USS New Orleans to the Purple Islands Dec. 7, 2015, as part of Operation Intrinsic Fidelity.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis down the runway after refueling at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. This is the first time that the F-35 conducted close air support missions in support of exercise Steel Knight. - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis down the runway after refueling at Red Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2015. This is the first time that the F-35 conducted close air support missions in support of exercise Steel Knight.

U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, swears in U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell as the third senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 11, 2015. It included a ceremony honoring outgoing SEAC Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, who's scheduled to retire in April 2016 after nearly 36 years of service. - U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, swears in U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell as the third senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a change of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 11, 2015. It included a ceremony honoring outgoing SEAC Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, who's scheduled to retire in April 2016 after nearly 36 years of service.

Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271. - Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271.

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Lance Cpl. Colten Corsetti, right, military working dog handler with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, escorts Cpl. Brendon Teague, military working dog handler with H&HS, while Corsetti’s K-9 provides security during night training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 9, 2015. To ensure the safety of personnel on the air station, this training is conducted to keep military working dogs familiarized with the installation as its landscape continues to develop with the Defense Policy Review Initiative. Military working dogs are trained in different abilities such as locating narcotics or explosives and conducting patrol work. - Lance Cpl. Colten Corsetti, right, military working dog handler with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, escorts Cpl. Brendon Teague, military working dog handler with H&HS, while Corsetti’s K-9 provides security during night training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 9, 2015. To ensure the safety of personnel on the air station, this training is conducted to keep military working dogs familiarized with the installation as its landscape continues to develop with the Defense Policy Review Initiative. Military working dogs are trained in different abilities such as locating narcotics or explosives and conducting patrol work.

Lt. Col. Robert B. Green runs football players through drills during practice Nov. 17, 2015, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Green recently was appointed the outside linebacker coach of the team. Green is a Naval Academy graduate, and played on the football team as a defensive back during the 1993-1996 seasons. - Lt. Col. Robert B. Green runs football players through drills during practice Nov. 17, 2015, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Green recently was appointed the outside linebacker coach of the team. Green is a Naval Academy graduate, and played on the football team as a defensive back during the 1993-1996 seasons.

Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer¬ during the opening day of live-fire operations for Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, on Dec. 10, 2015. The tough, realistic training is intended to develop combat skills necessary to operate as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fire an M777 Howitzer¬ during the opening day of live-fire operations for Steel Knight at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, on Dec. 10, 2015. The tough, realistic training is intended to develop combat skills necessary to operate as the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, right, presents Lt. Gen. Sang Hoon Lee, commandant of the of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, left, with a gift Dec. 11, 2015 at III MEF Headquarters, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Lee was on Okinawa from Dec. 11 to increase awareness of senior leader collaboration and oneness as the Combined Marine Component Command. The CMCC is a focused combined force designed to protect the safety and security of the people of Korea. - Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, right, presents Lt. Gen. Sang Hoon Lee, commandant of the of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, left, with a gift Dec. 11, 2015 at III MEF Headquarters, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Lee was on Okinawa from Dec. 11 to increase awareness of senior leader collaboration and oneness as the Combined Marine Component Command. The CMCC is a focused combined force designed to protect the safety and security of the people of Korea.

Marines introduced the concept of Company Level Intelligence Cells to Land Forces brigade officers and noncommissioned officers of the Baltic allies in Lithuania from Nov. 24- Dec. 3, 2015. The training was conducted as part of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa’s focused implementation plan for military intelligence engagements. In both Baltic nations, small military intelligence corps can benefit from increasing their tactical information-gathering capabilities using concepts like CLIC. - Marines introduced the concept of Company Level Intelligence Cells to Land Forces brigade officers and noncommissioned officers of the Baltic allies in Lithuania from Nov. 24- Dec. 3, 2015. The training was conducted as part of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa’s focused implementation plan for military intelligence engagements. In both Baltic nations, small military intelligence corps can benefit from increasing their tactical information-gathering capabilities using concepts like CLIC.

A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - A student in the Martial Arts Instructor Course grapples with Staff Sgt. Roger Nelson, the chief instructor of the course, during a training session at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 4, 2015. The three-week long course will qualify its students to be Martial Arts instructors. The course’s development of endurance, strength, fighting ability and knowledge will benefit Marines for future operations in any location. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties. - U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties.