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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015. - The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015.

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Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle. - Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle.

A Norwegian cadet pulls himself under barbed wire while completing the Combat Course at Officer Candidate School.While most candidates arrive at OCS via a combination of air and personal vehicle travel, the Norwegian cadets sailed a 101-year-old, three-masted steel bark known as the “Statsraad Lehmkuhl” from Norway to Baltimore. - A Norwegian cadet pulls himself under barbed wire while completing the Combat Course at Officer Candidate School.While most candidates arrive at OCS via a combination of air and personal vehicle travel, the Norwegian cadets sailed a 101-year-old, three-masted steel bark known as the “Statsraad Lehmkuhl” from Norway to Baltimore.

A UH-1Y helicopter lands in preparation for the boarding of Lt. Gen. Michael G. Dana Nov. 5 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Dana boarded the helicopter for an air tour of various strategic access points as well as Marine Corps bases on Okinawa from the air. After the air tour, Dana visited bases on Okinawa to assess and discuss manpower and financial needs. Dana is the deputy commandant for installations and logistics. - A UH-1Y helicopter lands in preparation for the boarding of Lt. Gen. Michael G. Dana Nov. 5 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Dana boarded the helicopter for an air tour of various strategic access points as well as Marine Corps bases on Okinawa from the air. After the air tour, Dana visited bases on Okinawa to assess and discuss manpower and financial needs. Dana is the deputy commandant for installations and logistics.

Marines with Amphibious Assault Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, practice amphibious embarking and debarking drills during routine training in the Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 28. The sustainment drills allowed the unit to practice launch and recovery procedures from aboard the USS Oak Hill. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed to the 6th fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. - Marines with Amphibious Assault Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, practice amphibious embarking and debarking drills during routine training in the Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 28. The sustainment drills allowed the unit to practice launch and recovery procedures from aboard the USS Oak Hill. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed to the 6th fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan. - Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts. - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts.

Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission. - Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission.

Two Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment maintain security during the Basic Urban Skills Training course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2015. The BUST Course trains Marines to perform multiple combat operations on urban environments. - Two Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment maintain security during the Basic Urban Skills Training course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2015. The BUST Course trains Marines to perform multiple combat operations on urban environments.

Two MV-22B Ospreys with Joint Task Force 505 return from delivering relief supplies to Jiri Village during the dignified transfer of six U.S. Marines and two Nepalese soldiers at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 17, 2015. JTF 505 conducting Operation Sahayogi Haat continues to honor their fallen service members by carrying on with their original humanitarian aid mission to help Nepalese civilians still suffering from 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes that struck the region April 25 and May 12, respectively. - Two MV-22B Ospreys with Joint Task Force 505 return from delivering relief supplies to Jiri Village during the dignified transfer of six U.S. Marines and two Nepalese soldiers at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 17, 2015. JTF 505 conducting Operation Sahayogi Haat continues to honor their fallen service members by carrying on with their original humanitarian aid mission to help Nepalese civilians still suffering from 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes that struck the region April 25 and May 12, respectively.

A Marine with 1st Marine Raider Battalion fires a .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle during a Company Collective Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 7, 2015. Marine Special Operations Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command spent the first phase of their three-phase Company Collective Exercise practicing Foreign Internal Defense aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 5-8. - A Marine with 1st Marine Raider Battalion fires a .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle during a Company Collective Exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 7, 2015. Marine Special Operations Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command spent the first phase of their three-phase Company Collective Exercise practicing Foreign Internal Defense aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 5-8.

An infantryman with Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, the ground combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires from behind cover as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle moves into position to provide supporting fire during amphibious assault training as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team. - An infantryman with Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, the ground combat element for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires from behind cover as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle moves into position to provide supporting fire during amphibious assault training as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise, Oct. 23, 2015. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Navy-Marine Corps team.

A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A landing craft air cushion-class hovercraft approaches Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, for a beach landing exercise, Oct. 27, 2015, during Blue Chromite 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost effective on-island training event lead by 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Col. Joseph M. Murray, commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico, presents Jeff Galloway with a plaque during a Marine Corps Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Reagan National Airport in Crystal City, Va., Oct. 23, 2015. Galloway was inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame for his contributions to the marathon over the years. Galloway, a retired Navy lieutenant and founder of the Run-Walk-Run program, has been involved with the marathon for 20 years and has completed 12. He travels the nation hosting running clinics and encouraging runners to be safer and easier on their bodies. - Col. Joseph M. Murray, commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico, presents Jeff Galloway with a plaque during a Marine Corps Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Reagan National Airport in Crystal City, Va., Oct. 23, 2015. Galloway was inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame for his contributions to the marathon over the years. Galloway, a retired Navy lieutenant and founder of the Run-Walk-Run program, has been involved with the marathon for 20 years and has completed 12. He travels the nation hosting running clinics and encouraging runners to be safer and easier on their bodies.

Brig. Gen David Jones, commander of the Belize Defence Force, and Maj. Gen. William Beydler, former commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, meet during a visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 22, 2015. The purpose of the visit was to assess the capabilities of U.S. forces, discern opportunities for Belize forces to train alongside Marines and sustain enduring partnerships between the two countries in their efforts to counter transnational organized crime. - Brig. Gen David Jones, commander of the Belize Defence Force, and Maj. Gen. William Beydler, former commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, meet during a visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 22, 2015. The purpose of the visit was to assess the capabilities of U.S. forces, discern opportunities for Belize forces to train alongside Marines and sustain enduring partnerships between the two countries in their efforts to counter transnational organized crime.

Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, prepare to X-ray the inside of a device during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The unit simulated neutralizing a device containing a deadly nerve agent in a contaminated area before it was dispersed to the public. - Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, prepare to X-ray the inside of a device during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2015. The unit simulated neutralizing a device containing a deadly nerve agent in a contaminated area before it was dispersed to the public.

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U.S. Marines stand guard during a simulated civilian evacuation at the National Gendarmerie Tactical Training Center in Saint-Astier, France, Oct. 9. The exercise marks the third rotation of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Marines training alongside the Gendarmerie. - U.S. Marines stand guard during a simulated civilian evacuation at the National Gendarmerie Tactical Training Center in Saint-Astier, France, Oct. 9. The exercise marks the third rotation of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Marines training alongside the Gendarmerie.

U.S. Marines and Senegalese military members search a vehicle during a two-day training event aboard Bel-Air military base, Sept. 21-22 in Dakar, Senegal. The Marines, based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating forward-staging capabilities in Dakar, Senegal, while building partnerships with their Senegalese counterparts. - U.S. Marines and Senegalese military members search a vehicle during a two-day training event aboard Bel-Air military base, Sept. 21-22 in Dakar, Senegal. The Marines, based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating forward-staging capabilities in Dakar, Senegal, while building partnerships with their Senegalese counterparts.

A young boy sits on a motorcycle with a dog while waiting for the Italian heritage parade to start on Oct. 11., as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW '15 is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - A young boy sits on a motorcycle with a dog while waiting for the Italian heritage parade to start on Oct. 11., as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW '15 is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

The San Francisco Sheriff’s Department demonstrates their dogs ability to search and locate bomb components and drugs during the Bark at the Park event Oct. 10, as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - The San Francisco Sheriff’s Department demonstrates their dogs ability to search and locate bomb components and drugs during the Bark at the Park event Oct. 10, as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

Cpl. Wesley McCulloch, left, and Cpl. Jake Morales troubleshoot a Hawkeye III Lite satellite at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Communication Marines are a vital link to the command and provided 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade with communications throughout Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX 2015 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. Morales from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a data network specialist with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. McCulloch, from Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a field radio operator with 7th Comm Bn., III MHG, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released) - Cpl. Wesley McCulloch, left, and Cpl. Jake Morales troubleshoot a Hawkeye III Lite satellite at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Communication Marines are a vital link to the command and provided 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade with communications throughout Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX 2015 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. Morales from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a data network specialist with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. McCulloch, from Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a field radio operator with 7th Comm Bn., III MHG, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)

U.S. Marines and the teachers and staff of Concepcion Elementary School sing together during an intermission at the ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 8, during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 in Puerta Princesa, Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces. It focuses on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations, including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. The ribbon cutting ceremony signified the end of the Humanitarian Civic Assistance projects at the Concepcion and Binduyan Elementary schools. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released) - U.S. Marines and the teachers and staff of Concepcion Elementary School sing together during an intermission at the ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 8, during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 in Puerta Princesa, Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces. It focuses on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations, including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. The ribbon cutting ceremony signified the end of the Humanitarian Civic Assistance projects at the Concepcion and Binduyan Elementary schools. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

A Coast Guard cutter passes through San Francisco Bay during the parade of ships event as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 9, 2015. The parade of ships is a traditional part of Fleet Week in which service members and San Francisco natives pay respects to the ships who pass through the harbor. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - A Coast Guard cutter passes through San Francisco Bay during the parade of ships event as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 9, 2015. The parade of ships is a traditional part of Fleet Week in which service members and San Francisco natives pay respects to the ships who pass through the harbor. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

A member of the San Francisco Fire Department gives a sticker to a young young boy during a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief static display at Marina Green Park, San Francisco, Oct. 9, 2015, as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices focused on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - A member of the San Francisco Fire Department gives a sticker to a young young boy during a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief static display at Marina Green Park, San Francisco, Oct. 9, 2015, as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices focused on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

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Brig. Gen. David W. Coffman, the deputy commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks at the senior leadership seminar as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 7. The seminars brought together leaders from local, regional, and federal agencies, as well as political and diplomatic leaders to broaden working relationships and encourage cooperative emergency planning in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. SFFW 15’ is a weeklong event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - Brig. Gen. David W. Coffman, the deputy commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks at the senior leadership seminar as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 7. The seminars brought together leaders from local, regional, and federal agencies, as well as political and diplomatic leaders to broaden working relationships and encourage cooperative emergency planning in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. SFFW 15’ is a weeklong event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, commanding general, left, speaks with Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Alexander F. Balutan, Armed Force Philippines, Naval Inspector General, during the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (PHIBLEX 15) at the Philippine Marine Corps Base in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 1, 2015. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, commanding general, left, speaks with Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Alexander F. Balutan, Armed Force Philippines, Naval Inspector General, during the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (PHIBLEX 15) at the Philippine Marine Corps Base in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 1, 2015. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations.

Second Lt. Aaron Burtner, security cooperation team leader, poses for a photo with Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos after completing their final exercise with U.S. service members in Dakar, Senegal, September 17, 2015. The Marines and Coast Guardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa spent four weeks training the COFUMACO on basic infantry tactics and small-boat operations as a part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance mission to increase interoperability with Senegal’s and strengthen the bond between the partner nations. - Second Lt. Aaron Burtner, security cooperation team leader, poses for a photo with Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos after completing their final exercise with U.S. service members in Dakar, Senegal, September 17, 2015. The Marines and Coast Guardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa spent four weeks training the COFUMACO on basic infantry tactics and small-boat operations as a part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance mission to increase interoperability with Senegal’s and strengthen the bond between the partner nations.

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A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying. - A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying.

A firefighter with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, battles a structure fire as part of a mutual aid response to the Butte Fire in Northern California. More than 3,300 fire crews from all over the state assisted in containing the huge blaze. - A firefighter with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, battles a structure fire as part of a mutual aid response to the Butte Fire in Northern California. More than 3,300 fire crews from all over the state assisted in containing the huge blaze.

A U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy arrives to Dakar, Senegal with U.S. Marines and equipment from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, based out of Morón, Spain, to establish a cooperative security location, or CSL, Sept. 14. The CSL allows SPMAGTF-CR-AF to temporarily locate forces in areas where they can quickly respond to developing crises. - A U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy arrives to Dakar, Senegal with U.S. Marines and equipment from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, based out of Morón, Spain, to establish a cooperative security location, or CSL, Sept. 14. The CSL allows SPMAGTF-CR-AF to temporarily locate forces in areas where they can quickly respond to developing crises.

Lance Cpl. Trent Meade, a rifleman with Security Cooperation Team-4, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, instructs a Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando on supporting his buddy during an immediate action practical application exercise led by Marines in Toubacouta, Senegal, Sept. 1, 2015. Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen with SCT-4 are in Senegal training with the COFUMACO on infantry tactics and small-boat operations to continue building a strong relationship between the partner nations and improve the interoperability of the Senegalese military. - Lance Cpl. Trent Meade, a rifleman with Security Cooperation Team-4, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, instructs a Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando on supporting his buddy during an immediate action practical application exercise led by Marines in Toubacouta, Senegal, Sept. 1, 2015. Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen with SCT-4 are in Senegal training with the COFUMACO on infantry tactics and small-boat operations to continue building a strong relationship between the partner nations and improve the interoperability of the Senegalese military.

A wreath is laid beside the silhouette of a combat videographer following the unveiling of the Marine Week Phoenix mural in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 12, 2015. The silhouette memorializes Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, a Scottsdale native, who perished in a helicopter crash while the Corps was providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Nepal. - A wreath is laid beside the silhouette of a combat videographer following the unveiling of the Marine Week Phoenix mural in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 12, 2015. The silhouette memorializes Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, a Scottsdale native, who perished in a helicopter crash while the Corps was providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Nepal.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.

Ishikawa police officers Chikae Higa, left, Satoshi Goto, center, and Hisakazu Higa detain a simulated aggressive trespasser, Takao Agarijo, during a bilateral scenario-based training exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. The training increased teamwork between Ishikawa Police Station and the Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler Provost Marshal's Office, Precinct North, Camp Hansen. - Ishikawa police officers Chikae Higa, left, Satoshi Goto, center, and Hisakazu Higa detain a simulated aggressive trespasser, Takao Agarijo, during a bilateral scenario-based training exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. The training increased teamwork between Ishikawa Police Station and the Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler Provost Marshal's Office, Precinct North, Camp Hansen.

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks during a dedication ceremony at the John W. Warner Center for Advanced Military Studies at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 7, 2015. The ceremony honored both Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Simmons and John W. Warner, both of whom played an integral role in improving military education during their careers. - Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks during a dedication ceremony at the John W. Warner Center for Advanced Military Studies at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 7, 2015. The ceremony honored both Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Simmons and John W. Warner, both of whom played an integral role in improving military education during their careers.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, establish security during a helicopter raid, as part of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE), aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 4, 2015. The MCCRE is used evaluate the operational readiness of a designated unit. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, establish security during a helicopter raid, as part of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE), aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 4, 2015. The MCCRE is used evaluate the operational readiness of a designated unit.

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Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug’s name is mounted July 27, 2015, in the Hall of Heroes at the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Md. Hug, along with Cpl. Sara Medina, had their names mounted to the Hall of Heroes display at DINFOS during a ceremony honoring their service after losing their lives in a helicopter crash during relief efforts in Nepal. - Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug’s name is mounted July 27, 2015, in the Hall of Heroes at the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Md. Hug, along with Cpl. Sara Medina, had their names mounted to the Hall of Heroes display at DINFOS during a ceremony honoring their service after losing their lives in a helicopter crash during relief efforts in Nepal.

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