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Assault amphibious vehicles with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division drive ashore at Onslow Beach, N.C., during beach operations training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 4, 2014, as part of Exercise Bold Alligator 14. Bold Alligator 14 is a scenario-driven exercise designed to improve naval amphibious core competence, increase proficiency in operations ranging from foreign disaster relief to limited force entry, and help grow interoperability with coalition forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James R. Smith/Released) - Assault amphibious vehicles with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division drive ashore at Onslow Beach, N.C., during beach operations training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 4, 2014, as part of Exercise Bold Alligator 14. Bold Alligator 14 is a scenario-driven exercise designed to improve naval amphibious core competence, increase proficiency in operations ranging from foreign disaster relief to limited force entry, and help grow interoperability with coalition forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James R. Smith/Released)

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, detain a protester during a crisis-response training event Nov. 4 at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana as part of Exercise Bold Alligator 2014. During the event, protestors gathered outside the embassy's gates, picketing and rioting, to cause a heighten state of alertness for the Marines proving security at the site. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, detain a protester during a crisis-response training event Nov. 4 at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana as part of Exercise Bold Alligator 2014. During the event, protestors gathered outside the embassy's gates, picketing and rioting, to cause a heighten state of alertness for the Marines proving security at the site.

U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), celebrate the 239th birthday of the United States Marine Corps during sustainment training in D'Arta Plage, Djibouti, Nov. 10. The 11th MEU is deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and 5th Fleet area of responsibility. - U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), celebrate the 239th birthday of the United States Marine Corps during sustainment training in D'Arta Plage, Djibouti, Nov. 10. The 11th MEU is deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. Tyler Clinton, a tiltrotor airframe mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses a blow dryer to dry a carbon fiber patch on an MV-22B Osprey in the hangar bay of the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 31, 2014. Maintenance on 24th MEU aircraft is near constant in order to maintain a high state of flight readiness. The 24th MEU is participating in Bold Alligator, an exercise intended to improve Navy and Marine Corps amphibious core competencies. - Lance Cpl. Tyler Clinton, a tiltrotor airframe mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses a blow dryer to dry a carbon fiber patch on an MV-22B Osprey in the hangar bay of the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 31, 2014. Maintenance on 24th MEU aircraft is near constant in order to maintain a high state of flight readiness. The 24th MEU is participating in Bold Alligator, an exercise intended to improve Navy and Marine Corps amphibious core competencies.

Marines with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, conduct a direct fire exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 3, 2014. The training re-established specific close-quarters firing skills with the Marines, ensuring successful future combat operations. - Marines with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, conduct a direct fire exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 3, 2014. The training re-established specific close-quarters firing skills with the Marines, ensuring successful future combat operations.

Retired Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, Commanding General of 1st Marine Division from August 2004 to August 2006 Commanding General of I MEF from September 2004 to August 2005, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Keith J. Stalder, Commanding General of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from May 2004 to August 2005 and retired Marine Lt. Gen. Richard S. Kramlich, Commanding General of 1st Force Service Support Group from June 2003 to August 2005 participate in The General Graves B. Erskine Distinguished Lecture Series at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on October 30, 2014. The leaders of Operation al-Fajr shared their experiences in a panel discussion with service members of all ranks and some from different countries. - Retired Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, Commanding General of 1st Marine Division from August 2004 to August 2006 Commanding General of I MEF from September 2004 to August 2005, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Keith J. Stalder, Commanding General of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from May 2004 to August 2005 and retired Marine Lt. Gen. Richard S. Kramlich, Commanding General of 1st Force Service Support Group from June 2003 to August 2005 participate in The General Graves B. Erskine Distinguished Lecture Series at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on October 30, 2014. The leaders of Operation al-Fajr shared their experiences in a panel discussion with service members of all ranks and some from different countries.

Maj. Jason P. Quinter, future plans officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Expeditionary Brigade—Afghanistan, reunites with his children after returning home from a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014. The Marines and Sailors of MEB-A recently completed a transfer of authority with Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand province, marking the end of nine years of Marine operations in the area. - Maj. Jason P. Quinter, future plans officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Expeditionary Brigade—Afghanistan, reunites with his children after returning home from a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014. The Marines and Sailors of MEB-A recently completed a transfer of authority with Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand province, marking the end of nine years of Marine operations in the area.

Marines practice manuevering through a course during the 4th Annual Quantico Combat Shooting Match Oct. 29, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The competition was hosted by the Combat Shooting Team, Weapons Training Battalion as part of a developing program to encourage commands throughout the Marine Corps to support marksmanship competitions. - Marines practice manuevering through a course during the 4th Annual Quantico Combat Shooting Match Oct. 29, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The competition was hosted by the Combat Shooting Team, Weapons Training Battalion as part of a developing program to encourage commands throughout the Marine Corps to support marksmanship competitions.

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Role players protest outside of a simulated embassy while a Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division stands guard at a Military Operations on Urban Terrain town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2014. The Marines provided security for the embassy as part of an embassy reinforcement operation in conjunction with Exercise Bold Alligator 2014. Bold Alligator is a scenario-driven, simulation-supported, amphibious assault exercise and is the largest exercise held on the East Coast. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted through Nov. 10. The battalion is participating in the exercise to prepare for the unit’s upcoming deployment as the ground combat element for the Black Sea Rotational Force. - Role players protest outside of a simulated embassy while a Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division stands guard at a Military Operations on Urban Terrain town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2014. The Marines provided security for the embassy as part of an embassy reinforcement operation in conjunction with Exercise Bold Alligator 2014. Bold Alligator is a scenario-driven, simulation-supported, amphibious assault exercise and is the largest exercise held on the East Coast. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted through Nov. 10. The battalion is participating in the exercise to prepare for the unit’s upcoming deployment as the ground combat element for the Black Sea Rotational Force.

Two Combat Rubber Raiding Craft drop out the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during an aerial delivery mission at near Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 24, 2014. The training was conducted in support of United States Special Operations Command. The Hercules belongs to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. - Two Combat Rubber Raiding Craft drop out the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during an aerial delivery mission at near Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 24, 2014. The training was conducted in support of United States Special Operations Command. The Hercules belongs to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, boost a Marine over a wall during a vertical-assault raid course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2014. The course teaches vertical assault techniques and the importance of working together as a cohesive unit during a raid. - U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, boost a Marine over a wall during a vertical-assault raid course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2014. The course teaches vertical assault techniques and the importance of working together as a cohesive unit during a raid.

Marines from Scout Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, participated in a training and readiness exercise to true their rifles aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 22-24, 2014. The three-day training event helped prepare Marines for upcoming combined arms exercises and potential combat operations abroad. - Marines from Scout Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, participated in a training and readiness exercise to true their rifles aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 22-24, 2014. The three-day training event helped prepare Marines for upcoming combined arms exercises and potential combat operations abroad.

Marines attack their objective Nov. 2 during exercise Blue Chromite 15 in the Central Training Area. Blue Chromite demonstrates the Navy and Marine Corps’ expeditionary capabilities from the sea. Marines rode in assault amphibious vehicles in a ship-to-shore assault from the USS Germantown to Oura Wan Beach. After securing their first objective Marines advanced inland to the CTA. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marines Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Abbey Perria/Released) - Marines attack their objective Nov. 2 during exercise Blue Chromite 15 in the Central Training Area. Blue Chromite demonstrates the Navy and Marine Corps’ expeditionary capabilities from the sea. Marines rode in assault amphibious vehicles in a ship-to-shore assault from the USS Germantown to Oura Wan Beach. After securing their first objective Marines advanced inland to the CTA. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marines Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Abbey Perria/Released)

Capt. Orlando R. Samudio, left, and Capt. Mike A. Jordan pilot a KC-130J Super Hercules during tactical navigation training above Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 23, 2014. The training allows pilots to hone skills through disparate terrain to avoid ground threats. Samudio and Jordan are both naval aviators with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. Samudio is a native of Austin, Texas and Jordan is a native to Decatur, Texas. - Capt. Orlando R. Samudio, left, and Capt. Mike A. Jordan pilot a KC-130J Super Hercules during tactical navigation training above Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 23, 2014. The training allows pilots to hone skills through disparate terrain to avoid ground threats. Samudio and Jordan are both naval aviators with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. Samudio is a native of Austin, Texas and Jordan is a native to Decatur, Texas.

Marines, veterans and their families gathered at the Yemassee train station for the 2nd Annual Yemassee Train Depot Reunion Oct. 16. Yemassee was the first stop for eager recruits seeking to earn the title United States Marine before reaching Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island from 1915 to 1965. Many Marines that fought in wars and conflicts spanning WWI through Vietnam began their transformation at the train station. - Marines, veterans and their families gathered at the Yemassee train station for the 2nd Annual Yemassee Train Depot Reunion Oct. 16. Yemassee was the first stop for eager recruits seeking to earn the title United States Marine before reaching Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island from 1915 to 1965. Many Marines that fought in wars and conflicts spanning WWI through Vietnam began their transformation at the train station.

Sergeant Tyler W. Envall, an H-1 avionics technician with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, conducts 90-degree gear box wiring of a UH-1Y Huey aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 27, 2014. Marines conduct flight maintenance around the clock to maintain mission readiness for all MEU aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols) - Sergeant Tyler W. Envall, an H-1 avionics technician with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, conducts 90-degree gear box wiring of a UH-1Y Huey aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 27, 2014. Marines conduct flight maintenance around the clock to maintain mission readiness for all MEU aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols)

Artillery Marines with Gun 3, Battery A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, prepare to send a round down range during a fire mission at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 29, 2014. Marines of Battery A conducted a live-fire artillery shoot, Oct. 28-30, 2014. 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. - Artillery Marines with Gun 3, Battery A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, prepare to send a round down range during a fire mission at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 29, 2014. Marines of Battery A conducted a live-fire artillery shoot, Oct. 28-30, 2014. 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.

Lance Cpl. James Whearry, a field artilleryman with 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, fires the M777A2 Lightweight Howitzer at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., during exercise Twisted Sister, a battalion fire exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Oct. 25, 2014. Field artillerymen receive various call for fire scenarios, some requiring them to fire a certain number of rounds in a given time, others require precision shooting involving each gun in the battery as well as other batteries combined. - Lance Cpl. James Whearry, a field artilleryman with 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, fires the M777A2 Lightweight Howitzer at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., during exercise Twisted Sister, a battalion fire exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Oct. 25, 2014. Field artillerymen receive various call for fire scenarios, some requiring them to fire a certain number of rounds in a given time, others require precision shooting involving each gun in the battery as well as other batteries combined.

Marines with 3rd Marine Air Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, used the remains of a CH-46E Sea Knight to represent a crashed UH-1Y Huey during a mishap drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27, 2014. The drill provided first responders the opportunity to practice every step of responding to a disabled aircraft including coordinating military and civilian agencies and rescuing the crew of the aircraft. - Marines with 3rd Marine Air Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, used the remains of a CH-46E Sea Knight to represent a crashed UH-1Y Huey during a mishap drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27, 2014. The drill provided first responders the opportunity to practice every step of responding to a disabled aircraft including coordinating military and civilian agencies and rescuing the crew of the aircraft.

A Marine with 1st Marine Division Schools, pre-scout sniper course snaps in before engaging his target. Division schools recently began the second week of training for Marines attending the pre-scout sniper course aboard Camp Pendleton California, Oct. 27 2014. - A Marine with 1st Marine Division Schools, pre-scout sniper course snaps in before engaging his target. Division schools recently began the second week of training for Marines attending the pre-scout sniper course aboard Camp Pendleton California, Oct. 27 2014.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Miller clears a malfunction while blindfolded during a security element course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 23, 2014. Miller is a radio operator with Force Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Marines in this course are preparing for the 15th MEU’s deployment in the spring. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Miller clears a malfunction while blindfolded during a security element course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 23, 2014. Miller is a radio operator with Force Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Marines in this course are preparing for the 15th MEU’s deployment in the spring.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe views the cockpit of an MV-22B Osprey Hyakuri Air Base during the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s Air Review 2014 Oct. 26. The air review happens every three years showcasing Japan's defensive air assets. Abe is the Prime Minister of Japan. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe views the cockpit of an MV-22B Osprey Hyakuri Air Base during the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s Air Review 2014 Oct. 26. The air review happens every three years showcasing Japan's defensive air assets. Abe is the Prime Minister of Japan. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Supporting Operation United Assistance, Armed Forces of Liberia engineers work on the Tubmanburg Ebola treatment unit. Crews quickly put up a series of tents on freshly leveled and graveled ground. The U.S. Agency for International Development is the lead U.S. Government organization for Operation United Assistance. U.S. Africa Command is supporting the effort by providing command and control, logistics, training and engineering assets to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West African nations. - Supporting Operation United Assistance, Armed Forces of Liberia engineers work on the Tubmanburg Ebola treatment unit. Crews quickly put up a series of tents on freshly leveled and graveled ground. The U.S. Agency for International Development is the lead U.S. Government organization for Operation United Assistance. U.S. Africa Command is supporting the effort by providing command and control, logistics, training and engineering assets to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West African nations.

Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 connect a fuel hose from a KC-130J Super Hercules to a UH-60 Black Hawk during air-delivered ground refueling training at Wright Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 22, 2014. ADGR allows aircraft unable to refuel in-flight to land, refuel and resume mission support. The Super Hercules belongs to the Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and the Black Hawk belong to the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). - Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 connect a fuel hose from a KC-130J Super Hercules to a UH-60 Black Hawk during air-delivered ground refueling training at Wright Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 22, 2014. ADGR allows aircraft unable to refuel in-flight to land, refuel and resume mission support. The Super Hercules belongs to the Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and the Black Hawk belong to the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).

A Marine motivates Paul Kelly, a native of North Carolina, as he pushes through the last stretch of the 39th Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Va. Twenty-six thousand, one hundred sixty-one marathon runners crossed the start line this year. - A Marine motivates Paul Kelly, a native of North Carolina, as he pushes through the last stretch of the 39th Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Va. Twenty-six thousand, one hundred sixty-one marathon runners crossed the start line this year.

More than 3,000 children participated in the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run Nov. 25 at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Children ages 5-12 had the opportunity to get active and run a one-mile lap for fun around the five-sided building. - More than 3,000 children participated in the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run Oct. 25 at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Children ages 5-12 had the opportunity to get active and run a one-mile lap for fun around the five-sided building.

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The Provost Marshall Office Special Reaction Team conducts the avalanche drill at Range 300, Oct. 23. The avalanche drill is a technique to tactically withdraw in the event the team is overrun by an enemy. - The Provost Marshall Office Special Reaction Team conducts the avalanche drill at Range 300, Oct. 23. The avalanche drill is a technique to tactically withdraw in the event the team is overrun by an enemy.

Lance Cpl. Keven Saint Louis, a marksmanship student at the Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course, loads rounds into a magazine during the pre-qualification course of fire at the Marksmanship Training Unit, Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, Va., Oct. 24, 2014. This particular CMC course was staffed entirely by Reserve Marines from the Marine Corps Reserve Shooting Team, who are the top competitive shooters in the Marine Corps Reserve. - Lance Cpl. Keven Saint Louis, a marksmanship student at the Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course, loads rounds into a magazine during the pre-qualification course of fire at the Marksmanship Training Unit, Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, Va., Oct. 24, 2014. This particular CMC course was staffed entirely by Reserve Marines from the Marine Corps Reserve Shooting Team, who are the top competitive shooters in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Members of the infantry weapons systems program management office from Marine Corps Systems Command spent a day at a live-fire range getting familiar with the gear they procure and field for Marines in the Fleet. The range day was held Oct. 24 aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. - Members of the infantry weapons systems program management office from Marine Corps Systems Command spent a day at a live-fire range getting familiar with the gear they procure and field for Marines in the Fleet. The range day was held Oct. 24 aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Marines load simulated casualties onto a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 helicopter Oct. 28 here during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2014. The exercise, which included personnel assigned to the Japan Self-Defense Force, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler Japan, Urasoe City, Camp Kinser emergency services, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and other civilian agencies, simulated a collaborative emergency response to a tsunami and tested cooperative emergency response procedures. The Marines are with camp services, Camp Kinser, MCIPAC-Marine Corp Base, Camp Butler Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released) - Marines load simulated casualties onto a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 helicopter Oct. 28 here during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2014. The exercise, which included personnel assigned to the Japan Self-Defense Force, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler Japan, Urasoe City, Camp Kinser emergency services, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and other civilian agencies, simulated a collaborative emergency response to a tsunami and tested cooperative emergency response procedures. The Marines are with camp services, Camp Kinser, MCIPAC-Marine Corp Base, Camp Butler Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released)

First Lt. Thomas Heemer, the logistics officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses with his Marine Corps Marathon bib on “Broadway,” a passageway aboard the USS New York, Oct. 26, 2014. Due to pre-deployment training with the 24th MEU, Heemer ran the MCM on a treadmill aboard the New York, finishing under the four-hour mark. The 24th MEU is conducting its final pre-deployment training exercise before a deployment at the end of the year. - First Lt. Thomas Heemer, the logistics officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses with his Marine Corps Marathon bib on “Broadway,” a passageway aboard the USS New York, Oct. 26, 2014. Due to pre-deployment training with the 24th MEU, Heemer ran the MCM on a treadmill aboard the New York, finishing under the four-hour mark. The 24th MEU is conducting its final pre-deployment training exercise before a deployment at the end of the year.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice clearing rooms during a training exercise at MOC-3 range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2014. The Marines conducted the Military Operations on Urban Terrain training with live rounds and live grenades to expand their level of readiness. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice clearing rooms during a training exercise at MOC-3 range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2014. The Marines conducted the Military Operations on Urban Terrain training with live rounds and live grenades to expand their level of readiness.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 watch as a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 carries simulated cargo during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 23. The training allows Marines to be mission ready and prepared to respond at a moment’s notice. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 watch as a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 carries simulated cargo during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 23. The training allows Marines to be mission ready and prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.

Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan. - Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan.

A Sailor with Beach Master Unit 1 guides heavy machinery off a Landing Craft, Air Cushions while performing a ship-to-shore drill during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct 23, 2014. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. - A Sailor with Beach Master Unit 1 guides heavy machinery off a Landing Craft, Air Cushions while performing a ship-to-shore drill during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct 23, 2014. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28.

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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Lance Cpl. Anthony Andes, right, a water support technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, explains the gages of the Tactical Water Purification System at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015, Oct. 23. PH 15 increases the ability of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to plan, communicate and conduct complex sea and shore based operations in response to natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Lance Cpl. Anthony Andes, right, a water support technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, explains the gages of the Tactical Water Purification System at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015, Oct. 23. PH 15 increases the ability of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to plan, communicate and conduct complex sea and shore based operations in response to natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

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Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Combat Engineer Platoon, erect a multipurpose building during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21. The SWA hut would serve as shelter, billeting or medical facility in a humanitarian aid or disaster relief mission. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rick Hurtado / Released) - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Combat Engineer Platoon, erect a multipurpose building during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21. The SWA hut would serve as shelter, billeting or medical facility in a humanitarian aid or disaster relief mission. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rick Hurtado / Released)

This photo illustration depicts Lance Cpl. Benjamin Ferry and his Grandfather, Richard T. Ferry, side-by-side while each was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Coincidentally, both Benjamin and Richard were assigned the same unit with more than 60 years’ difference in service time. Richard served with 3/5 during the Korean War, fighting in Inchon and at the Chosin Reservoir before being evacuated with two wounds suffered in combat. Benjamin is an automatic rifleman and is currently deployed aboard the USS Peleliu with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit - This photo illustration depicts Lance Cpl. Benjamin Ferry and his Grandfather, Richard T. Ferry, side-by-side while each was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Coincidentally, both Benjamin and Richard were assigned the same unit with more than 60 years’ difference in service time. Richard served with 3/5 during the Korean War, fighting in Inchon and at the Chosin Reservoir before being evacuated with two wounds suffered in combat. Benjamin is an automatic rifleman and is currently deployed aboard the USS Peleliu with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Marines and Sailors on Black Sea Rotational Force 14, with members of the Romanian Land Forces, worked together during Platinum Lynx at the Carpathian Mountains, Romania. Marines and Romanians fostered knowledge through weapons familiarization classes and mountain warfare training. - Marines and Sailors on Black Sea Rotational Force 14, with members of the Romanian Land Forces, worked together during Platinum Lynx at the Carpathian Mountains, Romania. Marines and Romanians fostered knowledge through weapons familiarization classes and mountain warfare training.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to breach a door during a helicopter-raid exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2014. BLT 3/1 is scheduled to deploy as the 15th MEU’s ground combat element next spring. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to breach a door during a helicopter-raid exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2014. BLT 3/1 is scheduled to deploy as the 15th MEU’s ground combat element next spring. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, conduct close-quarters drills during a raid-leaders course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 8, 2014. Marines with 3/1 are the Battalion Landing Team with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Steve H. Lopez/Released) - U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, conduct close-quarters drills during a raid-leaders course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 8, 2014. Marines with 3/1 are the Battalion Landing Team with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

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Erin Vasselian holds a Bronze Star Medal following a ceremony where her husband, Sgt. Daniel Vasselian, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, Oct. 13, in front of the American Legion’s Lewis V. Dorsey Post 112 War Memorial in Abington, Mass. Daniel was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for combat actions while on his third deployment to Afghanistan. Erin Vasselian, and parents, Karen and Mark Vasselian, each were presented with medals during the ceremony. Daniel was killed in action Dec. 23, 2013 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein) - Erin Vasselian holds a Bronze Star Medal following a ceremony where her husband, Sgt. Daniel Vasselian, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, Oct. 13, in front of the American Legion’s Lewis V. Dorsey Post 112 War Memorial in Abington, Mass. Daniel was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for combat actions while on his third deployment to Afghanistan. Erin Vasselian, and parents, Karen and Mark Vasselian, each were presented with medals during the ceremony. Daniel was killed in action Dec. 23, 2013 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein)