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U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Nathaniel Schoenhoefer, a data systems chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, takes aim during the 2020 Far East Intramural Matches on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10. The competition is held annually to improve Marines’ marksmanship, combat readiness, and proficiency with both a rifle and pistol. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Larsen) - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Nathaniel Schoenhoefer, a data systems chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, takes aim during the 2020 Far East Intramural Matches on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10.

Vehicles and equipment are staged at the designated offload pier during a pre-planned Single Ship Movement and offload of military equipment from a Maritime Prepositioning Force ship in the Trøndelag region of Norway. U.S. Marines from 2nd Marine Logistics Group out of Camp Lejeune, NC, in coordination with their Norwegian counterparts, are modernizing some of the equipment currently stored within six caves as a part of the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway by placing approximately 350 containers of gear and nearly 400 pieces of heavy rolling stock into the storage caves. 

Specific equipment which will greatly increase the program’s readiness includes M1A1 Main Battle Tanks, Tank Retrievers, Armored Breeching Vehicles, Amphibious Assault Vehicles, Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) Gun Trucks and several variants of the MTVR 7 ½ ton trucks. Planning for this equipment refresh began in the spring of 2010. Marines and contractors from Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla. and Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa are also in Norway to ensure the operation is conducted in a safe and timely manner. - Vehicles and equipment are staged at the designated offload pier during a pre-planned Single Ship Movement and offload of military equipment from a Maritime Prepositioning Force ship in the Trøndelag region of Norway. U.S. Marines from 2nd Marine Logistics Group out of Camp Lejeune, NC, in coordination with their Norwegian counterparts, are modernizing some of the equipment currently stored within six caves as a part of the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway by placing approximately 350 containers of gear and nearly 400 pieces of heavy rolling stock into the storage caves. 

Specific equipment which will greatly increase the program’s readiness includes M1A1 Main Battle Tanks, Tank Retrievers, Armored Breeching Vehicles, Amphibious Assault Vehicles, Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECV) Gun Trucks and several variants of the MTVR 7 ½ ton trucks. Planning for this equipment refresh began in the spring of 2010. Marines and contractors from Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla. and Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa are also in Norway to ensure the operation is conducted in a safe and timely manner.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 10, 2016. Marines, already in mission oriented protective posture gear, were evaluated on their ability to effectively detect, report, respond and operate in a simulated CBRN environment. When given the signal “gas, gas, gas,” Marines scrambled to don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks before returning to work as if everything was normal. Conducting this training helps Marines refresh their tactical skill sets specific to CBRN response, maintain situational readiness and ensures the safety of personnel. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 36 don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, August 10, 2016. Marines, already in mission oriented protective posture gear, were evaluated on their ability to effectively detect, report, respond and operate in a simulated CBRN environment. When given the signal “gas, gas, gas,” Marines scrambled to don their M50 Joint Service General Purpose Masks before returning to work as if everything was normal. Conducting this training helps Marines refresh their tactical skill sets specific to CBRN response, maintain situational readiness and ensures the safety of personnel.

Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region. - Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region.

A Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando demonstrates his swimming technique during a swim assessment by personnel with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, during a swim assessment in Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2015. The assessment was conducted to ensure the COFUMACO are capable and confident in the water before they conduct small-boat operations training together in the following weeks. - A Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando demonstrates his swimming technique during a swim assessment by personnel with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, during a swim assessment in Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2015. The assessment was conducted to ensure the COFUMACO are capable and confident in the water before they conduct small-boat operations training together in the following weeks.

U.S. Marines and JMSDF Soldiers conduct MWD detection training exercises - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Adam Cook, left, the kennel master for the Provost Marshal Office with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, conducts military working dog detection training at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Nov. 20, 2019. The training was part of a joint force detection exercise with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) soldiers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Triton Lai)

Soldiers with 7th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, set up landing zone security during the final exercise of Exercise Tiger Strike 2016, in Sabah Province, Malaysia, Nov. 13, 2016. During the initial training phases of TS16, RMR soldiers were able to participate in loading, offloading and security drills with MV-22 Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft, allowing them to experience the aircraft firsthand prior to conducting FINEX. - Soldiers with 7th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, set up landing zone security during the final exercise of Exercise Tiger Strike 2016, in Sabah Province, Malaysia, Nov. 13, 2016. During the initial training phases of TS16, RMR soldiers were able to participate in loading, offloading and security drills with MV-22 Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft, allowing them to experience the aircraft firsthand prior to conducting FINEX.

SENOOR BEACH, Oman (Feb. 15, 2017) U.S. Marine Cpl. Johnathan Riethmann, a mortarman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks to a staging area at Senoor Beach, Oman, in preparation for Exercise Sea Soldier, Feb. 15. Sea Soldier 2017 is an annual, bilateral exercise conducted with the Royal Army of Oman designed to demonstrate the cooperative skill and will of U.S. and partner nations to work together in maintaining regional stability and security. USS Somerset, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce and enhance regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.) - SENOOR BEACH, Oman (Feb. 15, 2017) U.S. Marine Cpl. Johnathan Riethmann, a mortarman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks to a staging area at Senoor Beach, Oman, in preparation for Exercise Sea Soldier, Feb. 15. Sea Soldier 2017 is an annual, bilateral exercise conducted with the Royal Army of Oman designed to demonstrate the cooperative skill and will of U.S. and partner nations to work together in maintaining regional stability and security. USS Somerset, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce and enhance regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown Jr.)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Declan N. Kellogg, an engineer equipment mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion shoots the M1014 shotgun during the Security Augmentation Force Training from Dec. 12. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Declan N. Kellogg, an engineer equipment mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion shoots the M1014 shotgun during the Security Augmentation Force Training from Dec. 12.

Brazilian sailors conduct helicopter operations on a Brazilian UH-15 Super Cougar - Brazilian sailors conduct helicopter operations on a Brazilian UH-15 Super Cougar on the deck of the Brazilian Naval vessel Navio-Aeródromo Multipropósito (NAM) Atlântico in support of the Brazilian Joint Exercise DRAGÃO in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Oct. 29 to Nov. 5. DRAGÃO is a bi-annual joint Brazilian exercise focused on maritime security and sea control in the South Atlantic. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo by Lt. Col. Michael Aubry)

Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations. - Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations.

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U.S. Marine Capt. Jeremy Phillips, the intelligence security cooperation Officer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, discuss intelligence gathering with Ghanaia Navy intelligence at Ghana’s Navy Trade Training School in Sekondi, Ghana, Oct. 19. U.S. forces completed a Tactical Intelligence Support To Maritime Operations Centers “train-the-trainer” course for the Ghanaian Navy from Oct. 12-23. This two-week introduction to intelligence was the first of four planned for the fiscal year. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members taught Sixteen Ghanaian sailors, along with two senior members of Ghana’s Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service. The course was designed as both an introduction to the intelligence process, particularly in support of their MOCs, and to prepare the students to become intelligence instructors for the Ghanaian Navy’s internal intelligence courses. - U.S. Marine Capt. Jeremy Phillips, the intelligence security cooperation Officer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, discuss intelligence gathering with Ghanaia Navy intelligence at Ghana’s Navy Trade Training School in Sekondi, Ghana, Oct. 19. U.S. forces completed a Tactical Intelligence Support To Maritime Operations Centers “train-the-trainer” course for the Ghanaian Navy from Oct. 12-23. This two-week introduction to intelligence was the first of four planned for the fiscal year. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service members taught Sixteen Ghanaian sailors, along with two senior members of Ghana’s Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service. The course was designed as both an introduction to the intelligence process, particularly in support of their MOCs, and to prepare the students to become intelligence instructors for the Ghanaian Navy’s internal intelligence courses.

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Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa bow their heads in prayer during a September 11th remembrance ceremony in Nissoria, Italy, Sept. 22, 2015. The local priest offered a prayer as Americans and Nissorians remembered the shared pain of the lives lost that day 14 years ago. - Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa bow their heads in prayer during a September 11th remembrance ceremony in Nissoria, Italy, Sept. 22, 2015. The local priest offered a prayer as Americans and Nissorians remembered the shared pain of the lives lost that day 14 years ago.

U.S. Marine and the commanding officer of 5th Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, chant with the forces during an opening ceremony to start off exercise Northern Viper on Hokudaien Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 26. - U.S. Marine and the commanding officer of 5th Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, chant with the forces during an opening ceremony to start off exercise Northern Viper on Hokudaien Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 26.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and service members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force salute the national colors of both nations at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, during the opening ceremony for Yama Sakura 71, Dec. 7, 2016,. The purpose of YS 71 is to enhance both nations’ combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and service members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force salute the national colors of both nations at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, during the opening ceremony for Yama Sakura 71, Dec. 7, 2016,. The purpose of YS 71 is to enhance both nations’ combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 9, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region. - U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 9, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region.

Members of the Malaysian Armed Forces observe as a landing craft air cushion carrying Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron Five arrives on a beach during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2014. MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a bilateral exercise between the 11th MEU and Malaysian Armed Forces that includes operational and tactical level training in planning, command and control, and combat service support using both ground and sea assets. - Members of the Malaysian Armed Forces observe as a landing craft air cushion carrying Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron Five arrives on a beach during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2014. MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a bilateral exercise between the 11th MEU and Malaysian Armed Forces that includes operational and tactical level training in planning, command and control, and combat service support using both ground and sea assets.

A fleet of military vehicles wait in a staging lot after being offloaded from ship in preparation of Exercise Saber Strike 16 in Riga, Latvia, June 4, 2016. Exercise Saber Strike is an annual combined-joint exercise in the Baltic region. The combined training prepares allies and partners to rapidly amass during regional crises and meet their own security needs by improving the security of borders and countering threats. - A fleet of military vehicles wait in a staging lot after being offloaded from ship in preparation of Exercise Saber Strike 16 in Riga, Latvia, June 4, 2016. Exercise Saber Strike is an annual combined-joint exercise in the Baltic region. The combined training prepares allies and partners to rapidly amass during regional crises and meet their own security needs by improving the security of borders and countering threats.

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Republic of Korea Marine Cpl. Geon Shin breaches a building alongside U.S. Marines under smoke concealment during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Gimpo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Mokpo, ROK, is a rifleman with 1st Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/ Released) - Republic of Korea Marine Cpl. Geon Shin breaches a building alongside U.S. Marines under smoke concealment during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Gimpo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Mokpo, ROK, is a rifleman with 1st Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/ Released)

Landing Craft, Air Cushion 88 exits the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), May 27. - Landing Craft, Air Cushion 88 exits the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), May 27.

U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo. - U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos teach Nigerian sailors weapons handling skills and marksmanship, Oct. 22, in Sekondi, Ghana. U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos trained the Nigerian sailors as part of the Africa Partnership Station, which is a U.S. Naval Forces Africa initiative that aims to increase the maritime safety and security capacity of African partners through collaboration and regional cooperation through engagement exercises that build toward self-sustained African security of the maritime domain. The training came at the request of U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.K. Royal Navy to support NAVAF’s APS missions in the Gulf of Guinea. Six U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa took part in the training, alongside their U.K. Royal Marine Commando counterparts, which also included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), immediate action drills, patrolling and combat lifesaver training. The APS also made stops in Ghana, Angola and Togo.

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matt Hakola, right, Native Fury 22 Combined Exercise Coordination Cell co-director, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, awards Col. Saud T. N. Al-Oqaily, CECC co-director, Saudi Armed Forces, a plaque during the closing ceremony for exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 25, 2022. The U.S. and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to enhance interoperability by providing regional stability and security while forward deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibilities during Native Fury 22. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matt Hakola, right, Native Fury 22 Combined Exercise Coordination Cell co-director, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, awards Col. Saud T. N. Al-Oqaily, CECC co-director, Saudi Armed Forces, a plaque during the closing ceremony for exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 25, 2022. The U.S. and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to enhance interoperability by providing regional stability and security while forward deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibilities during Native Fury 22.

A sailor aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) signals to the pilot of an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to land as it arrives for the first phase of operational testing, May 18, 2015. The short take-off, vertical landing capabilities of the F-35B are crucial to the mission of the Marine Corps and necessary for operation aboard a Navy amphibious ship. The aircraft are stationed with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Beaufort, South Carolina and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Remington Hall/Released) - A sailor aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) signals to the pilot of an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to land as it arrives for the first phase of operational testing, May 18, 2015. The short take-off, vertical landing capabilities of the F-35B are crucial to the mission of the Marine Corps and necessary for operation aboard a Navy amphibious ship. The aircraft are stationed with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Beaufort, South Carolina and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Remington Hall/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Naomi L. Polumbo, left, Lance Cpl. Jacob Walton, center, motor transport mechanics, and Lance Cpl Edgar Garcia, right, a small arms repairman, all with Combat Logistics Detachment 34, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a mine resistant, ambush protected vehicle, Southwest Asia, February 10, 2019. As a quick reaction force, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC is capable of deploying aviation, ground and logistical forces forward at a moment’s notice. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Naomi L. Polumbo, left, Lance Cpl. Jacob Walton, center, motor transport mechanics, and Lance Cpl Edgar Garcia, right, a small arms repairman, all with Combat Logistics Detachment 34, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a mine resistant, ambush protected vehicle, Southwest Asia, February 10, 2019. As a quick reaction force, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC is capable of deploying aviation, ground and logistical forces forward at a moment’s notice.

The U.S. Marine Corps has concluded that a previously unknown Marine is in the iconic flag raising image taken atop Mt. Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. - The U.S. Marine Corps has concluded that a previously unknown Marine is in the iconic flag raising image taken atop Mt. Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

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Harvey Pratt in Da Nang, Vietnam. Pratt, the designer whose concept was selected to create the Smithsonian’s National Native American Veterans Memorial for the National Museum of the American Indian is a Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal member. He is a self-taught artist from Oklahoma and a forensic artist. Pratt works in oil, watercolor, metal, clay and wood. His works include themes of Native American history and tradition and the Cheyenne people. - Harvey Pratt in Da Nang, Vietnam. Pratt, the designer whose concept was selected to create the Smithsonian’s National Native American Veterans Memorial for the National Museum of the American Indian is a Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal member. He is a self-taught artist from Oklahoma and a forensic artist. Pratt works in oil, watercolor, metal, clay and wood. His works include themes of Native American history and tradition and the Cheyenne people.

A Navy seaman wearing personal protective equipment stands on the driver's side of a vehicle and talks to a service member who is sitting in his vehicle. - Navy Seaman Christian Monieno, assigned to the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, N.C., prepares to conduct a COVID-19 screening on Marine Corps Cpl. Menelik Collins, a combat photographer assigned to the Communication Strategy and Operations Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, at the new Combined Respiratory Aid Station, Jan. 8, 2021.

U.S. Marines depart a CH-53E Super Stallion during an aerial raid exercise in Wadi Shadiya, Jordan, Sept. 4. - U.S. Marines depart a CH-53E Super Stallion during an aerial raid exercise in Wadi Shadiya, Jordan, Sept. 4.

A U.S. Marine observers an illumination round fired from an 81mm mortar system during a call for fire exercise, Oct. 4. - A U.S. Marine observers an illumination round fired from an 81mm mortar system during a call for fire exercise, Oct. 4.

Assault Amphibious Vehicles assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruise towards land after exiting the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry is part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. - Assault Amphibious Vehicles assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruise towards land after exiting the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry is part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

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

Hershel Woodrow Williams, Retired Chief Warrant Officer Four and Medal of Honor recipient, salutes as he is introduced to the stage along with other members of the ship commissioning committee, March 7. - Hershel Woodrow Williams, Retired Chief Warrant Officer Four and Medal of Honor recipient, salutes as he is introduced to the stage along with other members of the ship commissioning committee, March 7.

Brazilian Navy frigate Independencia executes a manuever on the port side of the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams during manuevering drills, Aug. 22, 2021. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. - Brazilian Navy frigate Independencia executes a manuever on the port side of the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams during manuevering drills, Aug. 22, 2021. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa.

A U.S. Marine performs a functions check on the communications equipment inside the Landing Force Operations Center, Oct. 29. - A U.S. Marine performs a functions check on the communications equipment inside the Landing Force Operations Center, Oct. 29.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde conduct a Manning the Rails ceremony during their first port visit on their scheduled deployment in Plymouth, United Kingdom, July 28, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. - U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde conduct a Manning the Rails ceremony during their first port visit on their scheduled deployment in Plymouth, United Kingdom, July 28, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

The U.S. Special Operations Command inducted five former special operators into the USSOCOM Commando Hall of Honor located at the USSOCOM headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 20. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to honor the inductees and watched as each of the inductees received a medal from Army Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, USSOCOM command senior enlisted adviser. - The U.S. Special Operations Command inducted five former special operators into the USSOCOM Commando Hall of Honor located at the USSOCOM headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 20. More than 100 people attended the ceremony to honor the inductees and watched as each of the inductees received a medal from Army Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. William F. Thetford, USSOCOM command senior enlisted adviser.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aaron Duran, left, and Lance Cpl. Juan Hilario, both machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, fire on simulated adversary forces with an M240B machine gun while conducting platoon attacks in an urban environment during Korea Viper 26.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025. Korea Viper is a recurring exercise series that demonstrates the Republic of Korea and U.S. Marine Corps' ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Duran is a native of California, and Hilario is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John Simpson) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aaron Duran, left, and Lance Cpl. Juan Hilario, both machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, fire on simulated adversary forces with an M240B machine gun while conducting platoon attacks in an urban environment during Korea Viper 26.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025. Korea Viper is a recurring exercise series that demonstrates the Republic of Korea and U.S. Marine Corps' ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Duran is a native of California, and Hilario is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John Simpson)

U.S. Aviation Ordnance Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron12 prepare ordnance for aviation squadrons participating in Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, September 12, 2016. The ordnance constructed, provided the Marines of MALS-12 valuable experience assembling live ordnance to be used during VS16 for a sinking exercise. VS16 is a biennial U.S. only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to increase interoperability and working relationships. - U.S. Aviation Ordnance Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron12 prepare ordnance for aviation squadrons participating in Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, September 12, 2016. The ordnance constructed, provided the Marines of MALS-12 valuable experience assembling live ordnance to be used during VS16 for a sinking exercise. VS16 is a biennial U.S. only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to increase interoperability and working relationships.

Powerliners assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness. - Powerliners assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform maintenance on an F/A-18D Hornet after a flight mission during Exercise Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. Powerliners, airframes mechanics, communication navigation, and ordnance technicians, work around the clock to ensure flight schedules are met for aviation operations during the exercise. During this U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise, F/A-18D Hornets flew in a plethora of missions that emphasize joint integration, interoperability and expeditionary readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Buley, Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio Terminal operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 adjusts the radio terminal’s trajectory allowing it to receive and transmit data during Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. The radio terminal provided uninterruptable communications between Guam and Tinian. VS16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force to increase interoperability and working relationships. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Buley, Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio Terminal operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 adjusts the radio terminal’s trajectory allowing it to receive and transmit data during Valiant Shield 16 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 18, 2016. The radio terminal provided uninterruptable communications between Guam and Tinian. VS16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise that focuses on joint training with U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force to increase interoperability and working relationships.

Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei) - Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei)

U.S. Navy sailors of Patrol Squadron 46 load a P-3 Orion aircraft with AGM-65F MAVERICKS Air to Surface Missiles prior to a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces. - U.S. Navy sailors of Patrol Squadron 46 load a P-3 Orion aircraft with AGM-65F MAVERICKS Air to Surface Missiles prior to a sinking exercise Sept. 13, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Valiant Shield 2016. SINKEX provided service members the opportunity to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting, and live firing against a surface target at sea. Valiant Shield is a biennial, U.S. -only field-training exercise with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces.

A Hospital Corpsman documents a patient's vitals during Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Nov. 14. - A Hospital Corpsman documents a patient's vitals during Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Nov. 14.

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