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Bulgarian Army Capt. Penio Todoranov, company commander with the 61st Mechanized Brigade, speaks during the closing ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force spent two weeks alongside soldiers from Bulgaria, Albania, United Kingdom and Romania during the multi-national NATO training exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. - Bulgarian Army Capt. Penio Todoranov, company commander with the 61st Mechanized Brigade, speaks during the closing ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force spent two weeks alongside soldiers from Bulgaria, Albania, United Kingdom and Romania during the multi-national NATO training exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available. - Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available.

The ramp on the Landing Craft Utility 2000 is lowered and unloading of vehicles begins at Anmyeon Beach, Republic of Korea. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S. - ROK Alliance. - The ramp on the Landing Craft Utility 2000 is lowered and unloading of vehicles begins at Anmyeon Beach, Republic of Korea. CJLOTS 2015 is an exercise designed to train U.S. and ROK service members to accomplish vital logistical measures in a strategic area while strengthening communication and cooperation in the U.S. - ROK Alliance.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, measure detonation cord and create breaching charges during the urban breaching portion of a demolition package at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, 2015. The demolition package was conducted in preparation for an upcoming deployment, where the two units will be working together in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response- Africa. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, measure detonation cord and create breaching charges during the urban breaching portion of a demolition package at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, 2015. The demolition package was conducted in preparation for an upcoming deployment, where the two units will be working together in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response- Africa.

A Marine with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines clears an enemy building during a military operations in urban terrain training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2015. The Marines cleared buildings that housed enemy troops in order to secure the building and use it to their advantage. - A Marine with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines clears an enemy building during a military operations in urban terrain training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2015. The Marines cleared buildings that housed enemy troops in order to secure the building and use it to their advantage.

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Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shakes hands with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization director Lieutenant General John D. Johnson before presenting the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) at the Pentagon on July 16, 2015. - Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shakes hands with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization director Lieutenant General John D. Johnson before presenting the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) at the Pentagon on July 16, 2015.

Australian Army soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and U.S. Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, work together during an amphibious assault exercise during Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. - Australian Army soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and U.S. Marines, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, work together during an amphibious assault exercise during Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force personnel to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Drew provides over watch of a cordon and search operation during the final exercise of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnership between NATO nations and share knowledge to improve military skill sets. The culminating final event consisted of cordon and search operations, intelligence gathering and live-fire maneuver training. Drew is a squad leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Drew provides over watch of a cordon and search operation during the final exercise of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnership between NATO nations and share knowledge to improve military skill sets. The culminating final event consisted of cordon and search operations, intelligence gathering and live-fire maneuver training. Drew is a squad leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force.

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U.S. Marines and Australian service members move into defensive positions for the night after conducting an amphibious assault at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. The Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Australians with Combat Team Bravo, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, assaulted the beach and moved inland to secure additional objectives as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in the exercise while deployed on its regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines and Australian service members move into defensive positions for the night after conducting an amphibious assault at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. The Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Australians with Combat Team Bravo, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, assaulted the beach and moved inland to secure additional objectives as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in the exercise while deployed on its regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with the Advanced Infantryman, Machinegun, Mortarman, Assaultman and Anti-Tank Missileman courses conduct the Final Field Exercise, a live-fire exercise which engages the students’ leadership abilities by allowing them a degree of flexibility in planning and accomplishing a company-wide mission. The courses introduce students to advanced concepts, new technology, techniques tactics and procedures through classroom instruction, lecture, practical application, field training, and live fire exercises. - Marines with the Advanced Infantryman, Machine Gunner, Mortarman, Assaultman and Anti-Tank Missileman courses conduct the Final Field Exercise, a live-fire exercise which engages the students’ leadership abilities by allowing them a degree of flexibility in planning and accomplishing a company-wide mission. The courses introduce students to advanced concepts, new technology, techniques tactics and procedures through classroom instruction, lecture, practical application, field training, and live fire exercises.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, practice dry run raids in a simulated combat town during Special Operations Training Group’s Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 10, 2015. The two-week long course focuses on preparing Marines to successfully conduct combat raids. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, practice dry run raids in a simulated combat town during Special Operations Training Group’s Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 10, 2015. The two-week long course focuses on preparing Marines to successfully conduct combat raids.

A U.S. Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa emplaces a machine gun on the roof of a notional American Embassy during a training exercise in the urban training facility in Baumholder, Germany, July 6, 2015. More than 78 Marines and sailors conducted the full-mission rehearsal, which demonstrated the unit’s ability to rapidly deploy and conduct embassy reinforcement. - A U.S. Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa emplaces a machine gun on the roof of a notional American Embassy during a training exercise in the urban training facility in Baumholder, Germany, July 6, 2015. More than 78 Marines and sailors conducted the full-mission rehearsal, which demonstrated the unit’s ability to rapidly deploy and conduct embassy reinforcement.

1st Lt. Carson Fletcher, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, speaks with an Australian Army Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during an amphibious assault for Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young/Released) - 1st Lt. Carson Fletcher, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, speaks with an Australian Army Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during an amphibious assault for Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and members of the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos pose for a picture after a graduation ceremony in St. Louis, Senegal, July 9, 2015. More than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins graduated a nearly six-week long maritime security force assistance training course, where the U.S. service members taught the Senegalese small-boat operations and light infantry skills. - Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and members of the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos pose for a picture after a graduation ceremony in St. Louis, Senegal, July 9, 2015. More than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins graduated a nearly six-week long maritime security force assistance training course, where the U.S. service members taught the Senegalese small-boat operations and light infantry skills.

Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum. - Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bruce Beard escorts a high profile target to a detainee retention center during the culminating event of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-11 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, May 16, 2015. KMEP 15-11 is focused on exchanging law enforcement techniques, tactics and procedures while enhancing relations across the Korean Peninsula. Beard is a military policeman with Alpha Company, 3rd Law Enforcement, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bruce Beard escorts a high profile target to a detainee retention center during the culminating event of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-11 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, May 16, 2015. KMEP 15-11 is focused on exchanging law enforcement techniques, tactics and procedures while enhancing relations across the Korean Peninsula. Beard is a military policeman with Alpha Company, 3rd Law Enforcement, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cason Cunningham, a machine gun squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, congratulates a Timor-Leste Defence Force member for excelling in room-clearing operations during Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 24. The Marines conducted a bilateral exercise with one platoon of the Timor-Leste Defence Force’s land component of the naval force and one platoon of their Marines, focusing on the fundamentals of squad and platoon-level tasks. The bilateral training exercise allows the Marines to share their tactics, techniques and procedures with our international partner, strengthening our understanding of each other’s Defence forces standard operating procedures. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cason Cunningham, a machine gun squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, congratulates a Timor-Leste Defence Force member for excelling in room-clearing operations during Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 24. The Marines conducted a bilateral exercise with one platoon of the Timor-Leste Defence Force’s land component of the naval force and one platoon of their Marines, focusing on the fundamentals of squad and platoon-level tasks. The bilateral training exercise allows the Marines to share their tactics, techniques and procedures with our international partner, strengthening our understanding of each other’s Defence forces standard operating procedures.

U.S. Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos execute a “line of stern” patrolling formation during small-boat operations training in St. Louis, Senegal, July 3, 2015. Approximately 20 Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen with the unit spent the week teaching more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins small-boat operations and maintenance skills. - U.S. Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos execute a “line of stern” patrolling formation during small-boat operations training in St. Louis, Senegal, July 3, 2015. Approximately 20 Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen with the unit spent the week teaching more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins small-boat operations and maintenance skills.

Marine Cpl. Trevor Thompson, right, an infantryman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, observes as a member of the Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos moves towards a simulated casualty during a basic skills competition in St. Louis, Senegal, July 2, 2015. More than 15 U.S. Marines and Sailors with the unit held a weapons and combat medical skills competition for more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins in an effort to build and sustain infantry fundamentals. - Marine Cpl. Trevor Thompson, right, an infantryman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, observes as a member of the Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos moves towards a simulated casualty during a basic skills competition in St. Louis, Senegal, July 2, 2015. More than 15 U.S. Marines and Sailors with the unit held a weapons and combat medical skills competition for more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins in an effort to build and sustain infantry fundamentals.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

“More than seven decades have passed since 10 July 1941 when [2nd Marine Aircraft Wing] was activated in San Diego, [California]. Wars in the Pacific, in the Middle East and operations around the world have added to your battle colors, but have not dulled your spirit … As we continue to confront those who would do us harm, take pride in knowing you continue to add to the storied history of our Corps, and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation.” - “More than seven decades have passed since 10 July 1941 when [2nd Marine Aircraft Wing] was activated in San Diego, [California]. Wars in the Pacific, in the Middle East and operations around the world have added to your battle colors, but have not dulled your spirit … As we continue to confront those who would do us harm, take pride in knowing you continue to add to the storied history of our Corps, and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation.”

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis speaks to Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., May 27, 2015. The visit of Gen. Mattis was held to motivate the Marines for their upcoming exercise. - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis speaks to Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., May 27, 2015. The visit of Gen. Mattis was held to motivate the Marines for their upcoming exercise.

Marines with 4th Assault Amphibian battalion drive an amphibious assault vehicle during a simulated amphibious assault at Peninsula Express 15-8 on Dogu Beach, July 3, 2015. Peninsula Express is the eighth iteration this year of the Korean-Marine Exchange Program, and the first time Marine Forces Reserve has participated in the series of exercises between the U.S. and Republic of Korea Marine Corps designed to build interoperability and tactical familiarity between partner nations. - Marines with 4th Assault Amphibian battalion drive an amphibious assault vehicle during a simulated amphibious assault at Peninsula Express 15-8 on Dogu Beach, July 3, 2015. Peninsula Express is the eighth iteration this year of the Korean-Marine Exchange Program, and the first time Marine Forces Reserve has participated in the series of exercises between the U.S. and Republic of Korea Marine Corps designed to build interoperability and tactical familiarity between partner nations.

Gabonese Gendarmerie service members practice non-lethal compliance techniques at a Cooperative Security Location established by U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Libreville, Gabon, June 24, 2015. The Gendarmerie service members first completed a physically challenging circuit course to test their ability to remain calm and put their training to the test under fatigue and stress. The Marines, who are based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating their forward-staging capabilities aboard the CSL while building partnerships with their Gabonese counterparts. - Gabonese Gendarmerie service members practice non-lethal compliance techniques at a Cooperative Security Location established by U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Libreville, Gabon, June 24, 2015. The Gendarmerie service members first completed a physically challenging circuit course to test their ability to remain calm and put their training to the test under fatigue and stress. The Marines, who are based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating their forward-staging capabilities aboard the CSL while building partnerships with their Gabonese counterparts.

Capt. Joseph Tremaine, a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, conducts preflight checks aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 2. The aircrew prepares the aircraft for night fast-rope training on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. - Capt. Joseph Tremaine, a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, conducts preflight checks aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 2. The aircrew prepares the aircraft for night fast-rope training on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Cpl. Eric Rueseler, marksmanship trainer, Weapons and Training Battalion, Camp Pendleton, practices firing on the move during the Western Regional Combat Match at the Combat Center Rifle Range, June 30, 2015. The match consisted of two days of practice and two days of recorded matches. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Mudd/ Released) - Cpl. Eric Rueseler, marksmanship trainer, Weapons and Training Battalion, Camp Pendleton, practices firing on the move during the Western Regional Combat Match at the Combat Center Rifle Range, June 30, 2015. The match consisted of two days of practice and two days of recorded matches. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Mudd/ Released)

scout sniper student, fires a .50 caliber M107 special application scoped rifle during scout sniper training, July 2. The Scout Sniper Instructor School is part of the Weapon’s Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. - scout sniper student, fires a .50 caliber M107 special application scoped rifle during scout sniper training, July 2. The Scout Sniper Instructor School is part of the Weapon’s Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicle from Assault Craft Unit 5 lands on Red Beach as part of a loading exercise along side Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2015. This loading exercise reinforces the Marine Corps role as an amphibious force in readiness by maintaining capabilities through realistic training. - U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicle from Assault Craft Unit 5 lands on Red Beach as part of a loading exercise along side Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2015. This loading exercise reinforces the Marine Corps role as an amphibious force in readiness by maintaining capabilities through realistic training.

Corporal Russell Robertson, a squad leader assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, extends the antenna for his radio operator during the 1st Marine Division Super Squad Competition aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 30, 2015. The Marines and Sailors tested their abilities to conduct infantry operations for the title of super squad. - Corporal Russell Robertson, a squad leader assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, extends the antenna for his radio operator during the 1st Marine Division Super Squad Competition aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 30, 2015. The Marines and Sailors tested their abilities to conduct infantry operations for the title of super squad.

A Romanian soldier holds his nation's colors next to color bearers from NATO partners during the opening ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnerships between the NATO nations and share knowledge to help improve their military skill sets. - A Romanian soldier holds his nation's colors next to color bearers from NATO partners during the opening ceremony of Platinum Lion 15-3. The two-week training exercise is designed to strengthen the partnerships between the NATO nations and share knowledge to help improve their military skill sets.

U.S. Marines, Cpl. Shea P. Nolan and Lance Cpl. Edward Y. Cho, stand in front of a Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical-Terminal during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 at Robertson Barracks, Australia, July 6. The exercise is designed to improve U.S.-Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. Nolan, from Wallington, New Jersey, is a tropospheric scatter radio multi-channel equipment operator. Cho, from Dix Hills, New York, is a satellite communications operator and maintainer. They are with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. - U.S. Marines, Cpl. Shea P. Nolan and Lance Cpl. Edward Y. Cho, stand in front of a Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical-Terminal during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 at Robertson Barracks, Australia, July 6. The exercise is designed to improve U.S.-Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. Nolan, from Wallington, New Jersey, is a tropospheric scatter radio multi-channel equipment operator. Cho, from Dix Hills, New York, is a satellite communications operator and maintainer. They are with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Lance Cpl. Levi Hall with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force, sights in on the M240B medium machine gun at the support-by-fire position during the dry-run of the U.S. and Romanian platoon attacks at Babadag Training Area, July 2. This week-long engagement is part of a continuous military skills series between BSRF and the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry. - Lance Cpl. Levi Hall with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force, sights in on the M240B medium machine gun at the support-by-fire position during the dry-run of the U.S. and Romanian platoon attacks at Babadag Training Area, July 2. This week-long engagement is part of a continuous military skills series between BSRF and the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry.

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Senegalese Fusilier de Marine Commandos during plot a route during land navigation training, near St. Louis, Senegal, in early June 2015. A team of approximately 10 U.S. Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and Senegalese Compagnie Fusilier de Marine Commandos are working together as part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance training program to improve the light infantry and small boat operations skills. - Senegalese Fusilier de Marine Commandos during plot a route during land navigation training, near St. Louis, Senegal, in early June 2015. A team of approximately 10 U.S. Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and Senegalese Compagnie Fusilier de Marine Commandos are working together as part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance training program to improve the light infantry and small boat operations skills.

Lance Cpl. Raymond Guerrero, a technical controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and a Rio Hondo, Texas, native, shoots the M1014 shotgun during security augment force training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 30. SAF training is a two-week course that teaches service members arrest techniques and defensive tactics. - Lance Cpl. Raymond Guerrero, a technical controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and a Rio Hondo, Texas, native, shoots the M1014 shotgun during security augment force training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 30. SAF training is a two-week course that teaches service members arrest techniques and defensive tactics.

An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 prepares to touch down aboard Edwards Air Force Base, California, Oct. 9, 2014. This is the squadron’s first F-35 Lightning II. - An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 prepares to touch down aboard Edwards Air Force Base, California, Oct. 9, 2014. This is the squadron’s first F-35 Lightning II.

Soldiers with the U.S. Army Reserves fire down range during the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 29, 2015. Participants in the competition fired from distances between 200 - 1000 yards in the standing, sitting, and prone positions. This will be the last time Department of Defense competitors will face off against each other before going to the National Rifle Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio. - Soldiers with the U.S. Army Reserves fire down range during the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 29, 2015. Participants in the competition fired from distances between 200 - 1000 yards in the standing, sitting, and prone positions. This will be the last time Department of Defense competitors will face off against each other before going to the National Rifle Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio.

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Staff Sgt. Chad Ranton fires an M16A4 service rifle during the Marine Corps Combat Development Command Team Match at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 29, 2015. The match is part of the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship held at MCB Quantico from June 25 - July 1. The Marine Corps Shooting Team will spend months of training to develop muscle memory and conditioning to prepare them for rifle matches throughout the military and the nation. Ranton is a member of the Marine Corps Shooting Team. - Staff Sgt. Chad Ranton fires an M16A4 service rifle during the Marine Corps Combat Development Command Team Match at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 29, 2015. The match is part of the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship held at MCB Quantico from June 25 - July 1. The Marine Corps Shooting Team will spend months of training to develop muscle memory and conditioning to prepare them for rifle matches throughout the military and the nation. Ranton is a member of the Marine Corps Shooting Team.

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ATU.S. Marine Corps AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles disembark from the USS Ashland (LSD 48) during splash and recovery training June 10, 2015. The AAV's are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines with BLT 2/5 and the rest of the 31st MEU are currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - ATU.S. Marine Corps AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles disembark from the USS Ashland (LSD 48) during splash and recovery training June 10, 2015. The AAV's are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines with BLT 2/5 and the rest of the 31st MEU are currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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Maj. Gen. Greg Charles Bilton, the deputy commanding general of operations for U.S. Army Pacific, delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, July 1, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. This year marks the 13th iteration of Khaan Quest. - Maj. Gen. Greg Charles Bilton, the deputy commanding general of operations for U.S. Army Pacific, delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, July 1, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. This year marks the 13th iteration of Khaan Quest.