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Master Sgt. Richard Thomas, operations chief with Engineer Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, instructs one of his Marines on the proper procedures for felling a tree with a chainsaw, Jan. 28, 2015. The MWSS-274 engineers were clearing and preparing an undeveloped piece of land aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River for a forward arming and refueling point to be utilized as a future training area. - Master Sgt. Richard Thomas, operations chief with Engineer Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, instructs one of his Marines on the proper procedures for felling a tree with a chainsaw, Jan. 28, 2015. The MWSS-274 engineers were clearing and preparing an undeveloped piece of land aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River for a forward arming and refueling point to be utilized as a future training area.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment patrol alongside a road during an exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 22. The Marines conducted reconnaissance and security patrols to enhance their combat skills and readiness for future deployments. - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment patrol alongside a road during an exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 22. The Marines conducted reconnaissance and security patrols to enhance their combat skills and readiness for future deployments.

Lance Cpl. Tyler Brinkman, an entry control point guard and radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, Communications Company, 2nd Marine Division, relays information through a radio as a 7-ton truck carrying Marines travels though the command post exercise ECP at Landing Zone Bluebird on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2015. ECP guard’s duty is to control movement going in and out of the compound and maintain awareness at all times to keep the compound safe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released) - Lance Cpl. Tyler Brinkman, an entry control point guard and radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, Communications Company, 2nd Marine Division, relays information through a radio as a 7-ton truck carrying Marines travels though the command post exercise ECP at Landing Zone Bluebird on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2015. ECP guard’s duty is to control movement going in and out of the compound and maintain awareness at all times to keep the compound safe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released)

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, teach Basic Maneuver Techniques for the Combat Rubber Raiding Craft to members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force aboard Camp Pendleton on Jan. 28, 2015, during Exercise Iron Fist 2015 to help develop the Self-Defense Force’s understanding of amphibious operations. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California. - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, teach Basic Maneuver Techniques for the Combat Rubber Raiding Craft to members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force aboard Camp Pendleton on Jan. 28, 2015, during Exercise Iron Fist 2015 to help develop the Self-Defense Force’s understanding of amphibious operations. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California.

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An M1A1 Abrams Tank from 1st Tank Battalion, Company B, fires its 120 mm main gun toward a target 1200 meters away during an assault on a Military Operation in Urban Terrain town on Range 210 during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation Exercise, Jan. 20, 2015. ‘1st Tanks’ and 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion supported 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment during their assault of the MOUT. - An M1A1 Abrams Tank from 1st Tank Battalion, Company B, fires its 120 mm main gun toward a target 1200 meters away during an assault on a Military Operation in Urban Terrain town on Range 210 during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation Exercise, Jan. 20, 2015. ‘1st Tanks’ and 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion supported 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment during their assault of the MOUT.

U.S. Navy Seaman Barry Sullivan, corpsman, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, Task Force Al Asad, demonstrates to Iraqi soldiers the proper way to evaluate and move a notional casualty after an Improvised Explosive Device detonation at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 18, 2015. Coalition forces are facilitating training in the Build Partnership Capacity program designed to equip Iraqi army units with the training and knowledge necessary to degrade and defeat Daesh in Iraq. - U.S. Navy Seaman Barry Sullivan, corpsman, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, Task Force Al Asad, demonstrates to Iraqi soldiers the proper way to evaluate and move a notional casualty after an Improvised Explosive Device detonation at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 18, 2015. Coalition forces are facilitating training in the Build Partnership Capacity program designed to equip Iraqi army units with the training and knowledge necessary to degrade and defeat Daesh in Iraq.

Sgt. Maj. Justin LeHew , Training and Education Command Sergeant Major, took part in the 25th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on March, 23, 2014. LeHew earned the Navy Cross for his actions as a gunnery sergeant during Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of 2003. - Sgt. Maj. Justin LeHew, Training and Education Command Sergeant Major, took part in the 25th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on March, 23, 2014. LeHew earned the Navy Cross for his actions as a gunnery sergeant during Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of 2003.

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An AV-8B Harrier lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway conducting Afloat Training Group basic phase training. - An AV-8B Harrier lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway conducting Afloat Training Group basic phase training.

Soldiers from the nations of Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania receive certificates after the completion of Platinum Lion 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Jan 26. Platinum Lion was a multi-national exercise with the nations of Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania and Black Sea Rotational Force Marines. - Soldiers from the nations of Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania receive certificates after the completion of Platinum Lion 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Jan 26. Platinum Lion was a multi-national exercise with the nations of Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania and Black Sea Rotational Force Marines.

Marine Special Operations Teams with Bravo Company, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, prepare to board a target vessel during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training near Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Jan. 16. - Marine Special Operations Teams with Bravo Company, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, prepare to board a target vessel during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training near Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Jan. 16.

An Air Force KC-10 Extender releases its drogue, or hose, in order to refuel a MV-22B Osprey above the Marine Corps Air Station New River area, Jan. 15, 2015. Marine pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 flew behind the KC-10 and practiced aerial refuels with the aircraft. - An Air Force KC-10 Extender releases its drogue, or hose, in order to refuel a MV-22B Osprey above the Marine Corps Air Station New River area, Jan. 15, 2015. Marine pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 flew behind the KC-10 and practiced aerial refuels with the aircraft.

Marines with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division clear a room after conducting a mechanical breach during a breach and clear exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15, 2015. Marines with Force Company conducted explosive and mechanical breaches and limited force raids in preparation for future deployments. - Marines with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division clear a room after conducting a mechanical breach during a breach and clear exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15, 2015. Marines with Force Company conducted explosive and mechanical breaches and limited force raids in preparation for future deployments.

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Nick Thomson, base firefighter and paramedica, helps Layne Jackson, base firefighter and emergency medical technician, into his gear to show students hazardous waste protective gear during the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 14. HAZWOPER training is vital for safety aboard the Air Station, which has many hazardous waste risks. - Nick Thomson, base firefighter and paramedica, helps Layne Jackson, base firefighter and emergency medical technician, into his gear to show students hazardous waste protective gear during the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 14. HAZWOPER training is vital for safety aboard the Air Station, which has many hazardous waste risks.

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Lance Cpl. Brett Haertling, an intelligence analyst with Scout Platoon, 2nd Tank Battalion, and a Jackson, Miss. native, makes a fully loaded Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher ready to fire by pulling back on the charging handle during an annual qualification at training area G-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 21, 2015. Marines with the unit launched grenades at various, non-moving targets between 400 and 1,500 meters away to prove their level of marksmanship. - Lance Cpl. Brett Haertling, an intelligence analyst with Scout Platoon, 2nd Tank Battalion, and a Jackson, Miss. native, makes a fully loaded Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher ready to fire by pulling back on the charging handle during an annual qualification at training area G-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 21, 2015. Marines with the unit launched grenades at various, non-moving targets between 400 and 1,500 meters away to prove their level of marksmanship.

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Margaret B. Davis (left) and Isaiah Leiva (right) during the North Carolina Scholarship Announcement Ceremony hosted at the Marston Pavillion in Camp Lejeune on July, 18, 2015. - Margaret B. Davis (left) and Isaiah Leiva (right) during the North Carolina Scholarship Announcement Ceremony hosted at the Marston Pavillion in Camp Lejeune on July, 18, 2015.

Marines with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, assault targets downrange during a live-fire exercise at Range SR-10 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 20, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Marines with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, assault targets downrange during a live-fire exercise at Range SR-10 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 20, 2015. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

Maj. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart passes the Marine Corps colors Maj. Gen. Daniel J. O’Donohue during a change of command ceremony January 21, 2015 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Stewart relinquished his position as commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace to O'Donohue to take the position as director of Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JFCC-ISR). - Maj. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart passes the Marine Corps colors Maj. Gen. Daniel J. O’Donohue during a change of command ceremony January 21, 2015 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Stewart relinquished his position as commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace to O'Donohue to take the position as director of Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JFCC-ISR).

Motor Transport Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and Combat Logistics Battalion 26, Headquarters Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a simulated convoy throughout the hills aboard Bridgeport, California, Jan. 14, 2015. The Marines learned how to operate the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and the small unit support vehicles in mountainous terrain during classroom instruction and practical application. - Motor Transport Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and Combat Logistics Battalion 26, Headquarters Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a simulated convoy throughout the hills aboard Bridgeport, California, Jan. 14, 2015. The Marines learned how to operate the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and the small unit support vehicles in mountainous terrain during classroom instruction and practical application.

Members of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines provide security during convoy operations training, Jan. 14, 2015, at Penny Lake Fields aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The training is part of combined arms training focused on improving unit cohesion and combat readiness. - Members of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines provide security during convoy operations training, Jan. 14, 2015, at Penny Lake Fields aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The training is part of combined arms training focused on improving unit cohesion and combat readiness.

Participants prepare to shoot during the Combat Center DieSeL Classic at the base Qualification Range, Jan. 17, 2015. This is one of several competitions that the Combat Center shooting team participates in each year. - Participants prepare to shoot during the Combat Center DieSeL Classic at the base Qualification Range, Jan. 17, 2015. This is one of several competitions that the Combat Center shooting team participates in each year.

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Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Romanian soldiers paired together during Platinum Lion 15 Jan 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. BSRF Marines trained with Serbian, Bulgarian and Romanian soldiers during the exercise. - Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Romanian soldiers paired together during Platinum Lion 15 Jan 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. The Marines trained with Serbian, Bulgarian and Romanian soldiers during the exercise.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. announced the selection of Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green as the next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Jan. 20, 2015. In this 2011 image, Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, then serving as the Marine Forces Africa sergeant major, speaks to a group of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 Marines and sailors. - Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. announced the selection of Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green as the next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Jan. 20, 2015. In this 2011 image, Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, then serving as the Marine Forces Africa sergeant major, speaks to a group of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 Marines and sailors.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Gilbert B. Heath, a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion and Security Forces, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, does a tactical reload during a live fire and maneuver exercise on Jan. 11, 2015, in the Central Command area of operations. The live fire exercise was conducted to prepare for a future, larger-scale range to help keep SPMAGTF-CR-CC’s Security Forces primed and ready if called to action. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Gilbert B. Heath, a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion and Security Forces, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, does a tactical reload during a live fire and maneuver exercise on Jan. 11, 2015, in the Central Command area of operations. The live fire exercise was conducted to prepare for a future, larger-scale range to help keep SPMAGTF-CR-CC’s Security Forces primed and ready if called to action.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael Bumanglag (left) and Lance Cpl. Erik Delgadillo (right), with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, Task Force Al Asad, search for the impact site of a 122 mm rocket aboard Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, Jan. 4, 2015. Soldiers and Marines are taking prudent measures to protect the members of Task Force Al Asad from the threat of indirect fire. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael Bumanglag (left) and Lance Cpl. Erik Delgadillo (right), with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, Task Force Al Asad, search for the impact site of a 122 mm rocket aboard Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, Jan. 4, 2015. Soldiers and Marines are taking prudent measures to protect the members of Task Force Al Asad from the threat of indirect fire.

Gunnery Sgt. Tawanda “Tee” Hanible, and her family attended the Washingtonian of the Year Award ceremony in the Ballroom at the Willard InterContinental Hotel, Washington, D.C, Jan. 15. Since 1971, Washingtonian Magazine has been recognizing individuals, who have stood out due to the impact they have had on the community. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, friends and loved ones,” Tee said, a Southside Chicago native who most recently serves as the administration chief with Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division. - Gunnery Sgt. Tawanda “Tee” Hanible, and her family attended the Washingtonian of the Year Award ceremony in the Ballroom at the Willard InterContinental Hotel, Washington, D.C, Jan. 15. Since 1971, Washingtonian Magazine has been recognizing individuals, who have stood out due to the impact they have had on the community. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, friends and loved ones,” Tee said, a Southside Chicago native who most recently serves as the administration chief with Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division.

Friends and family members of U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit wait for the return of their Marines from deployment at the 26th MEU command post, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 13, 2015. The Marines were deployed in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa. - Friends and family members of U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit wait for the return of their Marines from deployment at the 26th MEU command post, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 13, 2015. The Marines were deployed in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa.

Cpl. Sierra K. Tilson, rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Company A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, fires the M203 grenade launcher during a live-fire range at the Verona Loop training area, near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 14, 2015. Marines with Co. A conducted live-fire training, squad attacks, and patrolling in preparation for their upcoming assessment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Cpl. Sierra K. Tilson, rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Company A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, fires the M203 grenade launcher during a live-fire range at the Verona Loop training area, near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 14, 2015. Marines with Co. A conducted live-fire training, squad attacks, and patrolling in preparation for their upcoming assessment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

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Lance Cpl. Ronald Summerlin prepares to reset equipment following the landing of an FA-18D Hornet Jan. 9 during arrested landing safety training on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Arrested landings are the use of equipment, such as a safety barrier or an arresting wire, to rapidly slow down aircraft and ensure the landing path is straight and clear. During the training, Marines demonstrated proficiency in the use of arresting equipment while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment on the airstrip. Summerlin is a Virginia Beach, Virginia, native and an expeditionary airfield systems technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. - Lance Cpl. Ronald Summerlin prepares to reset equipment following the landing of an FA-18D Hornet Jan. 9 during arrested landing safety training on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Arrested landings are the use of equipment, such as a safety barrier or an arresting wire, to rapidly slow down aircraft and ensure the landing path is straight and clear. During the training, Marines demonstrated proficiency in the use of arresting equipment while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment on the airstrip. Summerlin is a Virginia Beach, Virginia, native and an expeditionary airfield systems technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan.

1st Lt. William Tidd, center, from Angola, Indiana, confers with other members of the Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team after responding to a natural disaster scenario Jan. 13 at Camp Hansen. The HAST responds to areas that have been struck by natural disasters and determine how much supply and resources are required to assist the affected area. Tidd is the assistant officer in charge of the HAST, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - 1st Lt. William Tidd, center, from Angola, Indiana, confers with other members of the Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team after responding to a natural disaster scenario Jan. 13 at Camp Hansen. The HAST responds to areas that have been struck by natural disasters and determine how much supply and resources are required to assist the affected area. Tidd is the assistant officer in charge of the HAST, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

John L. L'Abbe, native of Boise, Idaho, served with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division from 1942 to 1945. L'Abbe was hit in the legs by a grenade at the Battle of Tarawa. While lying on the beach injured, a Japanese officer tried to slay L'Abbe with his sword. L'Abbe seized the enemy's sword and killed him with it. The photo is courtesy of L'Abbe, who sent this newspaper clipping in a letter addressed to 2nd Bn., 8th Marines, Nov. 18, 2014. - John L. L'Abbe, native of Boise, Idaho, served with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division from 1942 to 1945. L'Abbe was hit in the legs by a grenade at the Battle of Tarawa. While lying on the beach injured, a Japanese officer tried to slay L'Abbe with his sword. L'Abbe seized the enemy's sword and killed him with it. The photo is courtesy of L'Abbe, who sent this newspaper clipping in a letter addressed to 2nd Bn., 8th Marines, Nov. 18, 2014.

Max, military working dog, K9 unit, Provost Marshal’s Office, signals that he found a bomb threat during night training at Condor Elementary School, Dec. 9, 2014. The training helped evaluate the condition of the dogs while working. - Max, military working dog, K9 unit, Provost Marshal’s Office, signals that he found a bomb threat during night training at Condor Elementary School, Dec. 9, 2014. The training helped evaluate the condition of the dogs while working.

Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general of Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan speaks at a deactivation ceremony for MEB-A aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 9; symbolically closing another chapter in Marine Corps history following the 13-year conflict known as Operation Enduring Freedom. Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan officially took authority of Regional Command (Southwest) from II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Feb. 5, 2014, and assumed the responsibility to lead coalition operations in Helmand and Nimroz provinces. The Marines completed operations and departed Afghanistan Oct. 27, 2014. “Ultimately the real end state was responsible transitioning and I think we did that in good order, and we should be proud of that,” added Yoo to his remarks. - Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general of Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan speaks at a deactivation ceremony for MEB-A aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 9; symbolically closing another chapter in Marine Corps history following the 13-year conflict known as Operation Enduring Freedom. Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan officially took authority of Regional Command (Southwest) from II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Feb. 5, 2014, and assumed the responsibility to lead coalition operations in Helmand and Nimroz provinces. The Marines completed operations and departed Afghanistan Oct. 27, 2014. “Ultimately the real end state was responsible transitioning and I think we did that in good order, and we should be proud of that,” added Yoo to his remarks.

Cpl. Nick A. Buenviaje, left, tank gunner, and Sgt. Michelle A. Svec, tank crewman, both with Tank Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, tighten a bolt on the track pad of an M1A1 Abrams tank during vehicle maintenance at Range SR-10, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 9, 2015. Marines with Tank Platoon conducted offensive and defensive engagements to prepare for an upcoming assessment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks. - Cpl. Nick A. Buenviaje, left, tank gunner, and Sgt. Michelle A. Svec, tank crewman, both with Tank Platoon, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, tighten a bolt on the track pad of an M1A1 Abrams tank during vehicle maintenance at Range SR-10, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 9, 2015. Marines with Tank Platoon conducted offensive and defensive engagements to prepare for an upcoming assessment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. From October 2014 to July 2015, the GCEITF will conduct individual and collective level skills training in designated ground combat arms occupational specialties in order to facilitate the standards based assessment of the physical performance of Marines in a simulated operating environment performing specific ground combat arms tasks.

Marines with Headquarters Regiment stand with their maintenance readiness awards from all four quarters and the overall 2014 fiscal year on Camp Kinser, Dec. 31. Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force maintained an overall maintenance readiness of 90% or higher throughout the entire year of 2014. “My success comes from the success of my Marines,” said Col. Edmund J. Bowen, the regiment’s commanding officer, from Staten Island, New York. - Marines with Headquarters Regiment stand with their maintenance readiness awards from all four quarters and the overall 2014 fiscal year on Camp Kinser, Dec. 31. Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force maintained an overall maintenance readiness of 90% or higher throughout the entire year of 2014. “My success comes from the success of my Marines,” said Col. Edmund J. Bowen, the regiment’s commanding officer, from Staten Island, New York.

Marines evacuate a simulated casualty Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three situational training events that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF’s ability to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility. - Marines evacuate a simulated casualty Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three situational training events that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF’s ability to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility.

Chuck Hagel, secretary of defense, speaks to Marines and Sailors aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 13. Marines and Sailors also had the opportunity to ask questions, take photos with Hagel and receive coins. - Chuck Hagel, secretary of defense, speaks to Marines and Sailors aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 13. Marines and Sailors also had the opportunity to ask questions, take photos with Hagel and receive coins.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Kaden Prickett, machine gunner and team leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, fires a .50 caliber Special Applications Scoped Rifle at a target 1,200 meters away, in the Central Command area of operations, Jan. 6, 2015. Marines and sailors of Golf Company spent time on the range getting acquainted with various weapons systems and cross-training one another in their respective areas of expertise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carson A. Gramley/Released) - U.S. Marine Cpl. Kaden Prickett, machine gunner and team leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, fires a .50 caliber Special Applications Scoped Rifle at a target 1,200 meters away, in the Central Command area of operations, Jan. 6, 2015. Marines and sailors of Golf Company spent time on the range getting acquainted with various weapons systems and cross-training one another in their respective areas of expertise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carson A. Gramley/Released)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division fire a FGM-148 Javelin at a firing range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 6, 2015. The Javelin missile system is most often used by teams of two, a gunner and assistant gunner, although it can be used by one person if necessary. While the gunner aims and fires the missile itself, the assistant gunner remains on the lookout for potential targets and threats, and ensures the back blast area of the missile launcher is clear of obstructions and personnel. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division fire a FGM-148 Javelin at a firing range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 6, 2015. The Javelin missile system is most often used by teams of two, a gunner and assistant gunner, although it can be used by one person if necessary. While the gunner aims and fires the missile itself, the assistant gunner remains on the lookout for potential targets and threats, and ensures the back blast area of the missile launcher is clear of obstructions and personnel.

Pfc. William Baker, a prospect for the Special Reaction Team, holds a shield during close-quarters battle training Jan. 8 at Camp Hansen. Baker is a San Antonio, Texas, native. The special reaction team is with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams. - Pfc. William Baker, a prospect for the Special Reaction Team, holds a shield during close-quarters battle training Jan. 8 at Camp Hansen. Baker is a San Antonio, Texas, native. The special reaction team is with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams.

Gunnery Sgt. Michael Woods, electronic key management system manager with Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS) 38, shoots an M16A4 rifle on Range 109 during Back in the Saddle training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7. Marines practiced marksmanship skills all while in full combat gear including Kevlar and flak jacket to make the training seem as real as possible. - Gunnery Sgt. Michael Woods, electronic key management system manager with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, shoots an M16A4 rifle on Range 109 during Back in the Saddle training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7. Marines practiced marksmanship skills all while in full combat gear including Kevlar and flak jacket to make the training seem as real as possible.