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An MV-22 with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-165 (VMM-165), Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force—Crisis Response—Central Command, lands and refuels prior to another mission in Southwest Asia, July 15, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel. - An MV-22 with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-165 (VMM-165), Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force—Crisis Response—Central Command, lands and refuels prior to another mission in Southwest Asia, July 15, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel.

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

Cynthia Akuetteh, left, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Gabon, looks out the back of an MV-22 Osprey, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa's commanding officer, Col. Thomas Savage. The Osprey flew over a Cooperative Security Location established by SPMAGTF-CR-AF in Libreville, Gabon, June 23, 2015. U.S. Marines accompanied French and Gabonese personnel to a training site, where service members from the three nations completed training together. - Cynthia Akuetteh, left, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Gabon, looks out the back of an MV-22 Osprey, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa's commanding officer, Col. Thomas Savage. The Osprey flew over a Cooperative Security Location established by SPMAGTF-CR-AF in Libreville, Gabon, June 23, 2015. U.S. Marines accompanied French and Gabonese personnel to a training site, where service members from the three nations completed training together.

Service members shoot the M9 pistol during security augment force training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 1, 2015. SAF training is a two-week course that teaches service members arrest techniques and defensive tactics. - Service members shoot the M9 pistol during security augment force training at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 1, 2015. SAF training is a two-week course that teaches service members arrest techniques and defensive tactics.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Garcia practices immediate-action drills aboard USS Rushmore at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2015. Garcia is a rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. BLT 3/1 constantly trains for the unknown in order to respond to the needs of the MEU while deployed. These drills keep the Marines in a constant state of combat readiness while at sea. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Garcia practices immediate-action drills aboard USS Rushmore at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2015. Garcia is a rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. BLT 3/1 constantly trains for the unknown in order to respond to the needs of the MEU while deployed. These drills keep the Marines in a constant state of combat readiness while at sea.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Guillermo Lopez, with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides medical attention to a distressed mariner aboard the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 10, 2015. Rushmore rendered assistance to the distressed mariners in the waters between the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Once on board, evacuees were provided food and medical attention by Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Essex Amphibious Ready Group. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Guillermo Lopez, with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides medical attention to a distressed mariner aboard the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 10, 2015. Rushmore rendered assistance to the distressed mariners in the waters between the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Once on board, evacuees were provided food and medical attention by Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Essex Amphibious Ready Group.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, apply simulated first aid and secure a simulated patient to a litter during a mass casualty training exercise at Combat Town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 3, 2015. Marines and sailors with CLB 26 performed casualty assessment, applied first aid and transported the simulated casualties to a landing zone. The training was conducted to prepare for the 26th MEU's deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, apply simulated first aid and secure a simulated patient to a litter during a mass casualty training exercise at Combat Town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 3, 2015. Marines and sailors with CLB 26 performed casualty assessment, applied first aid and transported the simulated casualties to a landing zone. The training was conducted to prepare for the 26th MEU's deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year.

Sailors and distinguished visitors watch an F-35B Lightning II aircraft conduct vertical takeoff and landing flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp. Wasp is conducting the F-35B first phase operational testing to include flight deck operations, maintenance operations and logistical supply chain operations at sea. - Sailors and distinguished visitors watch an F-35B Lightning II aircraft conduct vertical takeoff and landing flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp. Wasp is conducting the F-35B first phase operational testing to include flight deck operations, maintenance operations and logistical supply chain operations at sea.

Marines assigned to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment jump in to help Moroccan Royal Armed Forces artillerymen clean the barrel of a Moroccan howitzer after a live-fire demonstration near Tan Tan, Morocco, during African Lion 15, May 17, 2015. - Marines assigned to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment jump in to help Moroccan Royal Armed Forces artillerymen clean the barrel of a Moroccan howitzer after a live-fire demonstration near Tan Tan, Morocco, during African Lion 15, May 17, 2015.

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Staff Sgt. Andrew Zuehl, a radio chief with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, performs duties of vehicle commander during Exercise Maple Resolve 2015 aboard Canadian Manoeuvre Training Center, Camp Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, May 16, 2015. The multi-national exercise, conducted annually by the Canadian Army, is a three-week, high-readiness validation exercise for Canadian Army elements designated for domestic or international operations. This year, the 1st Canadian Army Division and the 5th Canadian Mechanized Battle Group are being supported by the British 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade, various U.S. Army elements, and for the first time, members of I MEF’s 1st ANGLICO who bring a unique capability to the table. (Photo by Cpl. Owen Kimbrel, U.S. Marine Corps) - Staff Sgt. Andrew Zuehl, a radio chief with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, performs duties of vehicle commander during Exercise Maple Resolve 2015 aboard Canadian Manoeuvre Training Center, Camp Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, May 16, 2015. The multi-national exercise, conducted annually by the Canadian Army, is a three-week, high-readiness validation exercise for Canadian Army elements designated for domestic or international operations. This year, the 1st Canadian Army Division and the 5th Canadian Mechanized Battle Group are being supported by the British 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade, various U.S. Army elements, and for the first time, members of I MEF’s 1st ANGLICO who bring a unique capability to the table. (Photo by Cpl. Owen Kimbrel, U.S. Marine Corps)

U.S. Service members from Joint Task Force 505 load relief supplies from Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Organization onto a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, May 16. JTF 505 along with other multinational forces and humanitarian relief organizations are currently in Nepal providing aid after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country, April 25 and a 7.3 earthquake on May 12. At Nepal’s request the U.S. government ordered JTF 505 to provide unique capabilities to assist Nepal. - U.S. Service members from Joint Task Force 505 load relief supplies from Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Organization onto a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, May 16. JTF 505 along with other multinational forces and humanitarian relief organizations are currently in Nepal providing aid after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country, April 25 and a 7.3 earthquake on May 12. At Nepal’s request the U.S. government ordered JTF 505 to provide unique capabilities to assist Nepal.

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U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility. - U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility.

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U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Gomez-Hickman, from Joint Task Force 505 and Carey, Idaho native, holds a young earthquake victim before loading her into an ambulance at a medical triage area at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the country, May 12. Joint Task Force 505 along with other multinational forces and humanitarian relief organizations are currently in the Nepal providing aid after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country, April 25. At Nepal’s request the U.S. government ordered JTF 505 to provide unique capabilities to assist Nepal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Ricardo Morales/Released) - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Gomez-Hickman, from Joint Task Force 505 and Carey, Idaho native, holds a young earthquake victim before loading her into an ambulance at a medical triage area at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the country, May 12. Joint Task Force 505 along with other multinational forces and humanitarian relief organizations are currently in the Nepal providing aid after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country, April 25. At Nepal’s request the U.S. government ordered JTF 505 to provide unique capabilities to assist Nepal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Ricardo Morales/Released)

U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey with Joint Task Force 505 departs for a search and rescue mission out of the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal May 13. The Osprey, which is assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, carries JTF personnel in search of a UH-1Y Huey helicopter carrying six Marines and two Nepalese soldiers. The Huey, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, went missing while conducting humanitarian assistance after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake May 12. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thor Larson) - U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey with Joint Task Force 505 departs for a search and rescue mission out of the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal May 13. The Osprey, which is assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, carries JTF personnel in search of a UH-1Y Huey helicopter carrying six Marines and two Nepalese soldiers. The Huey, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, went missing while conducting humanitarian assistance after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake May 12. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thor Larson)

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Nepalese military service members unload supplies from a UH-1Y Huey in Charikot, Nepal, May 5. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 and Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 262 carried supplies in a UH-1Y Huey and MV-22 Ospreys to Charikot, Nepal. The supplies will provide Nepalese people with shelter after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Nepal, April 25, causing fatalities, injuries and significant damage. The government of Nepal declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance. The U.S. military, at the direction of the U.S. Agency for International Development, will continue to support Nepal as needed. HMLA-469 and VMM-262 are attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Nepalese military service members unload supplies from a UH-1Y Huey in Charikot, Nepal, May 5. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 and Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 262 carried supplies in a UH-1Y Huey and MV-22 Ospreys to Charikot, Nepal. The supplies will provide Nepalese people with shelter after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Nepal, April 25, causing fatalities, injuries and significant damage. The government of Nepal declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance. The U.S. military, at the direction of the U.S. Agency for International Development, will continue to support Nepal as needed. HMLA-469 and VMM-262 are attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Jordan Yearsley, combat engineer, Engineer Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, crosses a gorge on a rope during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, May 5, 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. - Cpl. Jordan Yearsley, combat engineer, Engineer Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, crosses a gorge on a rope during a Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity assessment aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, California, May 5, 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.

The U.S. Air Force's 36th Contingency Response Group arrived in a C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft May 5 at Tribhuvan international airport to support the ongoing multinational relief efforts following the April 25 earthquake in Nepal. The 36th Contingency Response Group arrived with a 28-man team consisting of pilots, mechanics, medical personnel and other trained airmen in order to provide aid to the country. The Nepalese Government requested the U.S. Government’s help after the earthquake. USAID is a U.S. Government agency that gives civilian foreign aid in time of natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra/Released) - The U.S. Air Force's 36th Contingency Response Group arrived in a C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft May 5 at Tribhuvan international airport to support the ongoing multinational relief efforts following the April 25 earthquake in Nepal. The 36th Contingency Response Group arrived with a 28-man team consisting of pilots, mechanics, medical personnel and other trained airmen in order to provide aid to the country. The Nepalese Government requested the U.S. Government’s help after the earthquake. USAID is a U.S. Government agency that gives civilian foreign aid in time of natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra/Released)

U.S. Marines, Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Miller (top), Cpl. Garrett Gloska and Cpl. Eugene Ganiron, step off a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III onto Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 3. Marines brought an UH-1N Huey, tools and equipment to support the government of Nepal. The Nepalese Government requested the U.S. Government’s help after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck their country, April 25. The Marines are with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Air Group 36, I Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mandaline Hatch/Released) - U.S. Marines, Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Miller (top), Cpl. Garrett Gloska and Cpl. Eugene Ganiron, step off a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III onto Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 3. Marines brought an UH-1N Huey, tools and equipment to support the government of Nepal. The Nepalese Government requested the U.S. Government’s help after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck their country, April 25. The Marines are with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Air Group 36, I Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mandaline Hatch/Released)

Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, transport notionally-injured role-players to be medically evacuated by a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a foreign humanitarian assistance exercise at Kiwanis Park, Yuma, Arizona, as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-15, April 17. Role-players with serious enough injuries had to be physically extracted via helicopter, adding another element of training to the exercise. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released) - Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, transport notionally-injured role-players to be medically evacuated by a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a foreign humanitarian assistance exercise at Kiwanis Park, Yuma, Arizona, as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-15, April 17. Role-players with serious enough injuries had to be physically extracted via helicopter, adding another element of training to the exercise. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released)

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Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion work with members of the U.S. Marine Corps 9th Engineer Support Battalion and U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 to build a two-room classroom at San Rafael Elementary School in the province of San Rafael, on the island of Palawan, Philippines, April 16, as part of exercise Balikatan 2015. This school is one of five buildings being constructed as part of the humanitarian civic assistance projects during the the exercise. Balikatan is an annual bilateral exercise between the AFP and the U.S. military meant to increase combined military-to-military training and build relationships in order to support future engagements. - Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion work with members of the U.S. Marine Corps 9th Engineer Support Battalion and U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 to build a two-room classroom at San Rafael Elementary School in the province of San Rafael, on the island of Palawan, Philippines, April 16, as part of exercise Balikatan 2015. This school is one of five buildings being constructed as part of the humanitarian civic assistance projects during the the exercise. Balikatan is an annual bilateral exercise between the AFP and the U.S. military meant to increase combined military-to-military training and build relationships in order to support future engagements.

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MV-22B Ospreys carrying Marines with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment land on the airstrip at Joint Reserve Training Center Los Alamitos, California, April 11, 2015. The Marines were there to conduct a simulated embassy reinforcement operation as a part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s certification exercise, the last training exercise the MEU conducts before deployment. - MV-22B Ospreys carrying Marines with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment land on the airstrip at Joint Reserve Training Center Los Alamitos, California, April 11, 2015. The Marines were there to conduct a simulated embassy reinforcement operation as a part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s certification exercise, the last training exercise the MEU conducts before deployment.

U.S. Marines and soldiers from the Republic of Georgia conduct a squad-patrol and Close Air Support familiarity exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- ISAF at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 10, 2014. What was formerly known as GDPI has now transitioned to Resolute Support Mission, in which Georgian soldiers and Marines focus on training, advising and assisting Afghan Security forces in ensuring stability and security in the region. - U.S. Marines and soldiers from the Republic of Georgia conduct a squad-patrol and Close Air Support familiarity exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- ISAF at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 10, 2014. What was formerly known as GDPI has now transitioned to Resolute Support Mission, in which Georgian soldiers and Marines focus on training, advising and assisting Afghan Security forces in ensuring stability and security in the region.

Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. - Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Jacklin, a critical skills operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. - Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Jacklin, a critical skills operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.

A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

The national colors of Georgia and the United States, along with the NATO flag, wave above a parade deck before a departure ceremony for Georgian soldiers and U.S. Marines headed to Afghanistan, March 24, Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Over the last six months, the Georgia Deployment Program – Resolute Support Mission prepared the Georgian 43rd Light Infantry Battalion and U.S. Marine advisors for NATO’s Resolute Support in Afghanistan. - The national colors of Georgia and the United States, along with the NATO flag, wave above a parade deck before a departure ceremony for Georgian soldiers and U.S. Marines headed to Afghanistan, March 24, Vaziani Training Area, Georgia. Over the last six months, the Georgia Deployment Program – Resolute Support Mission prepared the Georgian 43rd Light Infantry Battalion and U.S. Marine advisors for NATO’s Resolute Support in Afghanistan.

Army Gen. Brig. Gen. Timothy R. Coffin, commanding general of White Sands Missile Range, delivers opeing remarks to marchers the 26th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range March 22. The event is the 73rd commemoration of the Bataan Death March when more than 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war endured a 60-mile forced march. - Army Gen. Brig. Gen. Timothy R. Coffin, commanding general of White Sands Missile Range, delivers opeing remarks to marchers the 26th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range March 22. The event is the 73rd commemoration of the Bataan Death March when more than 60,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war endured a 60-mile forced march.

U.S. Marines walk towards a MV-22B Osprey on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 19, 2015. The Marines are preparing for a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU and are currently participating in Certification Exercise during their Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines walk towards a MV-22B Osprey on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 19, 2015. The Marines are preparing for a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU and are currently participating in Certification Exercise during their Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force prepare to disembark the USS Essex during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training off the coast of San Diego March 4, 2015. These Marines are practicing a variety of full-mission profiles so they are well-prepared for anything that comes up during their deployment.

Sergeant Cody Olson, a main battle tank repairer/technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assembles an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun on an M88A2 Hercules Armored Recovery Vehicle during an exercise ashore in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 8, 2015. The 24th MEU is conducting theater security cooperation exercises to increase cooperation and interoperability, enhance relationships with existing partners and promote long-term regional stability within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Sergeant Cody Olson, a main battle tank repairer/technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assembles an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun on an M88A2 Hercules Armored Recovery Vehicle during an exercise ashore in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 8, 2015. The 24th MEU is conducting theater security cooperation exercises to increase cooperation and interoperability, enhance relationships with existing partners and promote long-term regional stability within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew Cooper, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, demonstrates the capabilities of a remote controlled robot used by EOD Marines to the Spanish Defense Force’s Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response force, at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines used the demonstration as an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with UME personnel and set the stage for future joint training exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew Cooper, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, demonstrates the capabilities of a remote controlled robot used by EOD Marines to the Spanish Defense Force’s Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response force, at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines used the demonstration as an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with UME personnel and set the stage for future joint training exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released)

A U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technician, right, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa secures a bomb suit to Cabo Primero Antonio Diosdade, a noncommissioned officer with Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response unit, during a joint training event at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines demonstrated the different capabilities of their equipment for Spanish forces, who then provided a guided tour of the UME disaster training site to set the stage for future training opportunities. - A U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technician, right, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa secures a bomb suit to Cabo Primero Antonio Diosdade, a noncommissioned officer with Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response unit, during a joint training event at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines demonstrated the different capabilities of their equipment for Spanish forces, who then provided a guided tour of the UME disaster training site to set the stage for future training opportunities.

Sgt. Jordan Jeffries (Left) a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, prepares to breach a door at Engineer Training Area 1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. Breacher rounds are used specifically for the purpose of breaking the bolt quickly so Marines can enter promptly. - Sgt. Jordan Jeffries (Left) a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, prepares to breach a door at Engineer Training Area 1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. Breacher rounds are used specifically for the purpose of breaking the bolt quickly so Marines can enter promptly.

Cpl. Abraham Ostosmendoza, from Staten Island, New York, and Lance Cpl. Jamie Neal, from Houma, Louisiana, purify pond water Feb. 11 during exercise Cobra Gold 2015 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. The U.S. Marines utilized the Light Weight Water Purification System, and consistently checked the gauges, temperature, and pressure to ensure it was efficiently supplied to the Royal Thai Marines and the ranges. Ostosmendoza is water support technician with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Neal is a water support technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 3rd MLG. - Cpl. Abraham Ostosmendoza, from Staten Island, New York, and Lance Cpl. Jamie Neal, from Houma, Louisiana, purify pond water Feb. 11 during exercise Cobra Gold 2015 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand. The U.S. Marines utilized the Light Weight Water Purification System, and consistently checked the gauges, temperature, and pressure to ensure it was efficiently supplied to the Royal Thai Marines and the ranges. Ostosmendoza is water support technician with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Neal is a water support technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 3rd MLG.

Friends and pets are united during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5, 2015. 1st Lt. Maida Kalic (center) returned from a six-month deployment in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - Friends and pets are united during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5, 2015. 1st Lt. Maida Kalic (center) returned from a six-month deployment in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

The Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, is loaded with equipment to support the various missions of the Marine Corps, such as training exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The MPF enables a rapid response to assemble and deploy a Marine Air-Ground Task Force or individual Marine units forward deployed anywhere in the world to execute a mission. - The Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, is loaded with equipment to support the various missions of the Marine Corps, such as training exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The MPF enables a rapid response to assemble and deploy a Marine Air-Ground Task Force or individual Marine units forward deployed anywhere in the world to execute a mission.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Mayte Rincon fires her M16 rifle during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. This was her first time shooting aboard a ship and she fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. Rincon, from Salinas, California, is a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are currently underway in support of the regularly scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains /Released) - U.S. Marine Cpl. Mayte Rincon fires her M16 rifle during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. This was her first time shooting aboard a ship and she fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. Rincon, from Salinas, California, is a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are currently underway in support of the regularly scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains /Released)

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

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