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An international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region. - An international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region.

Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), observe ordnance from U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers during a combined arms live-fire event as part of exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), observe ordnance from U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers during a combined arms live-fire event as part of exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 prepares to land onto the Karel Doorman, a Dutch warship, during an interoperability test near Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 12, 2015. The unit worked jointly with the Royal Netherlands Navy to perform the first MV-22 Osprey carrier landing aboard a Dutch warship and strengthened the existing partnership between the two countries. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 prepares to land onto the Karel Doorman, a Dutch warship, during an interoperability test near Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 12, 2015. The unit worked jointly with the Royal Netherlands Navy to perform the first MV-22 Osprey carrier landing aboard a Dutch warship and strengthened the existing partnership between the two countries.

A U.S. Marine participates in a combat marksmanship program range on the flight deck of the USS Ashland June 12, 2015. The Marines honed their skills by executing different shooting drills. The Marines are with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary. The 31st MEU is currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region - A U.S. Marine participates in a combat marksmanship program range on the flight deck of the USS Ashland June 12, 2015. The Marines honed their skills by executing different shooting drills. The Marines are with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary. The 31st MEU is currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region

A Marine with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides watch during a military operations on urban terrain exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 11, 2015. Safely practicing transitions in an urban combat environment increased Marines’ confidence and better prepared them for a combat situation. - A Marine with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides watch during a military operations on urban terrain exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 11, 2015. Safely practicing transitions in an urban combat environment increased Marines’ confidence and better prepared them for a combat situation.

Lance Cpl. Cody McMillian, Team Leader, 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Lima Company,3rd Battalion 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve shoots down range during the 2015 Integrated Training Exercise at Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 12, 2015. ITX allows Reserve Marines the opportunity to train in realistic environments and conditions, ensuring the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. - Lance Cpl. Cody McMillian, Team Leader, 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Lima Company,3rd Battalion 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve shoots down range during the 2015 Integrated Training Exercise at Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 12, 2015. ITX allows Reserve Marines the opportunity to train in realistic environments and conditions, ensuring the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment.

U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse urban operation tactics aboard USS Rushmore at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2015. 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. Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse urban operation tactics aboard USS Rushmore at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2015. 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. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment patrol a beach off the shores of Sweden during BALTOPS 2015, June 9. In its 43rd iteration, BALTOPS is a multinational exercise designed to enhance the operational familiarity of NATO allied and partner nations and demonstrate their collective capability to defend the Baltic region. - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment patrol a beach off the shores of Sweden during BALTOPS 2015, June 9. In its 43rd iteration, BALTOPS is a multinational exercise designed to enhance the operational familiarity of NATO allied and partner nations and demonstrate their collective capability to defend the Baltic region.

A corpsman, left, with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, treats a simulated injury on a Marine roleplaying as a pilot, June 10, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel course. For a TRAP mission, a platoon of Marines is flown into an objective area, where they secure the area before locating a downed aircraft and its personnel to bring them back to safety. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted the course as an evaluation for Marines with 3/8, and with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in preparation for upcoming deployments. - A corpsman, left, with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, treats a simulated injury on a Marine roleplaying as a pilot, June 10, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel course. For a TRAP mission, a platoon of Marines is flown into an objective area, where they secure the area before locating a downed aircraft and its personnel to bring them back to safety. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted the course as an evaluation for Marines with 3/8, and with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, in preparation for upcoming deployments.

An international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region. - An international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region.

Lithuanian forces are teamed with U.S. Marines from the Black Sea Rotational Force during Exercise Saber Strike at the Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, June 9, 2015. The exercise brings NATO allies and other partner nations together in eastern Europe for a multilateral training event designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen partnerships, and foster trust. - Lithuanian forces are teamed with U.S. Marines from the Black Sea Rotational Force during Exercise Saber Strike at the Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, June 9, 2015. The exercise brings NATO allies and other partner nations together in eastern Europe for a multilateral training event designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen partnerships, and foster trust.

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.

Sgt. Cody Leifheit, a Marine recruiter in Lewiston, Idaho, responded to a 19-year-old man hanging himself from a tree outside his house June 7, 2015. Without hesitation, the 28-year-old infantry Marine from Ferndale, Washington climbed up the tree 25 feet and took hold of the man, who wasn’t breathing and lacked a pulse. Leifheit worked to keep him alive until first responders arrived, continuously performing chest compressions as the man faded in and out. Despite spending 48 hours in a coma, the man survived. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Reece Lodder) - Sgt. Cody Leifheit, a Marine recruiter in Lewiston, Idaho, responded to a 19-year-old man hanging himself from a tree outside his house June 7, 2015. Without hesitation, the 28-year-old infantry Marine from Ferndale, Washington climbed up the tree 25 feet and took hold of the man, who wasn’t breathing and lacked a pulse. Leifheit worked to keep him alive until first responders arrived, continuously performing chest compressions as the man faded in and out. Despite spending 48 hours in a coma, the man survived. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Reece Lodder)

A Guard Marine with Marine Barracks Washington, shoots an M9 service pistol during a training exercise at Range 5, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 10, 2015. 1st platoon, Guard Company, traveled there to increase overall marksmanship with the M9 service pistol, the M4 service rifle and M1014 shotgun. - A Guard Marine with Marine Barracks Washington, shoots an M9 service pistol during a training exercise at Range 5, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 10, 2015. 1st platoon, Guard Company, traveled there to increase overall marksmanship with the M9 service pistol, the M4 service rifle and M1014 shotgun.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to dive and perform underwater knot-tying in a Special Operation Command screener during a pre-dive course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 25 – June 5, 2015. The students had to tie five knots underwater; having only five separate breathing opportunities with only 30 seconds on the surface of the water between tying each knot. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to dive and perform underwater knot-tying in a Special Operation Command screener during a pre-dive course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 25 – June 5, 2015. The students had to tie five knots underwater; having only five separate breathing opportunities with only 30 seconds on the surface of the water between tying each knot.

Marines with Bravo Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, take a defensive position during a live-fire and maneuver exercise at a range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 6, 2015. The training simulated the Marine’s response to encountering an enemy attack while on patrol. “If we work together in this training we’ll already know our plans, call signs and signals,” said Sgt. Christian Sampson, a combat engineer with the company. “We’ll have a plan laid out already so when we get in a fight we’ll know what to do.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. David N. Hersey/Released) - Marines with Bravo Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, take a defensive position during a live-fire and maneuver exercise at a range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 6, 2015. The training simulated the Marine’s response to encountering an enemy attack while on patrol. “If we work together in this training we’ll already know our plans, call signs and signals,” said Sgt. Christian Sampson, a combat engineer with the company. “We’ll have a plan laid out already so when we get in a fight we’ll know what to do.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. David N. Hersey/Released)

150608-N-AC887-004 CAMP PENDLETON (June 8, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus comforts the mother of Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta after presenting her with a Navy Cross, the Navy and Marine Corps' second highest medal for valor during a ceremony at Camp Pendleton. Mabus posthumously awarded the medal for actions Peralta took in 2004. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sam Shavers/Released) - 150608-N-AC887-004 CAMP PENDLETON (June 8, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus comforts the mother of Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta after presenting her with a Navy Cross, the Navy and Marine Corps' second highest medal for valor during a ceremony at Camp Pendleton. Mabus posthumously awarded the medal for actions Peralta took in 2004. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Sam Shavers/Released)

A crew operating the M1A1 Abrams tank fires at a target during the 13th annual TIGERCOMP at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 5, 2015. The best tank gunner crews from 1st Tank Battalion, 2nd Tank Battalion and 4th Tank Battalion competed for top honors and the McCard trophy bringing the entire tank community, including tank battalion veterans, together for an entertaining display of the tanks force and powerful capabilities. - A crew operating the M1A1 Abrams tank fires at a target during the 13th annual TIGERCOMP at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 5, 2015. The best tank gunner crews from 1st Tank Battalion, 2nd Tank Battalion and 4th Tank Battalion competed for top honors and the McCard trophy bringing the entire tank community, including tank battalion veterans, together for an entertaining display of the tanks force and powerful capabilities.

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. James P. Salka wears his Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device and Purple Heart after an awards ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 8, 2015. Salka received the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device for heroic service in connection with combat operations in Afghanistan. - U.S. Marine 1st Lt. James P. Salka wears his Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device and Purple Heart after an awards ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 8, 2015. Salka received the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device for heroic service in connection with combat operations in Afghanistan.

First Sgt. John Beckett, the company first sergeant for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, gives a speech during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Midway aboard the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) in the Gulf of Aden, June 6, 2015. 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. - First Sgt. John Beckett, the company first sergeant for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, gives a speech during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Midway aboard the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) in the Gulf of Aden, June 6, 2015. 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. Marines and a Navy corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide first aid to a simulated patient 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 and a Navy corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide first aid to a simulated patient 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.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment participate in a section chief course learn to use every position in operating a howitzer aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 18 – June 5. The howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece that requires a minimum of five gun crewmembers to operate. During the course, students become familiarized with every aspect of the weapons system. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment participate in a section chief course learn to use every position in operating a howitzer aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 18 – June 5. The howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece that requires a minimum of five gun crewmembers to operate. During the course, students become familiarized with every aspect of the weapons system.

Marines and Sailors with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, escort a simulated casualty to an MV-22 Osprey during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training exercise, May 29, 2015, in Southwest Asia. With U.S. and coalition forces conducting airstrikes in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the TRAP forces of the SPMAGTF provide an on-call force dedicated to the safe return of the U.S. and coalition service members. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Garrett D. White, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs) - Marines and Sailors with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, escort a simulated casualty to an MV-22 Osprey during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training exercise, May 29, 2015, in Southwest Asia. With U.S. and coalition forces conducting airstrikes in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the TRAP forces of the SPMAGTF provide an on-call force dedicated to the safe return of the U.S. and coalition service members. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Garrett D. White, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

Marines and civilians attend a meeting hosted at ManTech Spaces in Stafford Va. June 2, 2015 to discuss Intelligence problems the Marine Corps faces. This is the second time this meeting was hosted. - Marines and civilians attend a meeting hosted at ManTech Spaces in Stafford Va. June 2, 2015 to discuss Intelligence problems the Marine Corps faces. This is the second time this meeting was hosted.

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An F-35B Lightning II takes off on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, as part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. Data and lessons learned during the operational test will lay the groundwork for future F-35B deployments aboard amphibious ships. - An F-35B Lightning II takes off on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, as part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. Data and lessons learned during the operational test will lay the groundwork for future F-35B deployments aboard amphibious ships.

Cpl. Alex Nguyen (left), a native of Fremont, Nebraska, tries to maneuver past his defender, Staff Sgt. Phillip Shockley, a native of Scuffleton, North Carolina, during wheelchair basketball practice for the Marine team, Sept. 20, in preparation for the 2014 Warrior Games. The Marine team is comprised of active duty and veteran wounded, ill and injured Marines who are attached to or supported by the Wounded Warrior Regiment, the official unit of the Marine Corps charged with providing comprehensive non-medical recovery care to wounded, ill and injured Marines. - Cpl. Alex Nguyen (left), a native of Fremont, Nebraska, tries to maneuver past his defender, Staff Sgt. Phillip Shockley, a native of Scuffleton, North Carolina, during wheelchair basketball practice for the Marine team, Sept. 20, in preparation for the 2014 Warrior Games. The Marine team is comprised of active duty and veteran wounded, ill and injured Marines who are attached to or supported by the Wounded Warrior Regiment, the official unit of the Marine Corps charged with providing comprehensive non-medical recovery care to wounded, ill and injured Marines.

Michelle Mummers, a retired Marine major and wounded warrior, swims at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia May 28, 2015 in preparation for the 2015 Department of Defense Warrior Games. This will be Mummer's second time competing in both the cycling and swimming portion of the games. - Michelle Mummers, a retired Marine major and wounded warrior, swims at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia May 28, 2015 in preparation for the 2015 Department of Defense Warrior Games. This will be Mummer's second time competing in both the cycling and swimming portion of the games.

Marines load ordnance onto an F-35B Lightning II during Operational Testing 1 aboard USS Wasp at sea, May 27. Marines and sailors have been working together since May 18 to assess the integration of the F-35B Lightning II, which is currently on track to replace the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Prowler, and the AV-8B Harrier. By the end of the testing period on May 29, U.S. Marine pilots had flown 110 F-35B sorties from USS Wasp, racking up more than 85 flight hours. - Marines load ordnance onto an F-35B Lightning II during Operational Testing 1 aboard USS Wasp at sea, May 27. Marines and sailors have been working together since May 18 to assess the integration of the F-35B Lightning II, which is currently on track to replace the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Prowler, and the AV-8B Harrier. By the end of the testing period on May 29, U.S. Marine pilots had flown 110 F-35B sorties from USS Wasp, racking up more than 85 flight hours.

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa move toward an objective during a training exercise on Quartier Colonel de Chabrieres, France, May 29, 2015. Marines stationed at Moròn Air Base, Spain, conducted a seize and capture training exercise with service members from the French Foreign Legion’s 6th Light Armored Brigade to further improve interoperability between the two NATO forces as they concurrently deploy their service members to Africa. - U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa move toward an objective during a training exercise on Quartier Colonel de Chabrieres, France, May 29, 2015. Marines stationed at Moròn Air Base, Spain, conducted a seize and capture training exercise with service members from the French Foreign Legion’s 6th Light Armored Brigade to further improve interoperability between the two NATO forces as they concurrently deploy their service members to Africa.

A squad leader with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment calculates distance and elevation of a simulated target during emergency close air support training at the Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer facility aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 2, 2015. The training was conducted to ensure all of the squad leaders within the company are familiar with emergency CAS procedures so they can employ the tactics if the need arises while on deployment. - A squad leader with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment calculates distance and elevation of a simulated target during emergency close air support training at the Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer facility aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 2, 2015. The training was conducted to ensure all of the squad leaders within the company are familiar with emergency CAS procedures so they can employ the tactics if the need arises while on deployment.

Marines with 1st Marines Special Operations Support Battalion make their way to the ocean to swim through the surf zone during the Tactical Skills Package aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 15, 2015. The Tactical Skills Package was established to enhance enabler’s skills and qualifications before deploying. - Marines with 1st Marines Special Operations Support Battalion make their way to the ocean to swim through the surf zone during the Tactical Skills Package aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 15, 2015. The Tactical Skills Package was established to enhance enabler’s skills and qualifications before deploying.

One of the pilots of an MV-22 Osprey straps Secretary of Defense Ash Carter into his seat before surveying the Straits of Malacca off the coast of Singapore, May 29, 2015. - One of the pilots of an MV-22 Osprey straps Secretary of Defense Ash Carter into his seat before surveying the Straits of Malacca off the coast of Singapore, May 29, 2015.

Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting battle the blaze as part of monthly training to ensure they are always prepared in the event of an emergency on the flight line. The ARFF Marines are a part of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. - Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting battle the blaze as part of monthly training to ensure they are always prepared in the event of an emergency on the flight line. The ARFF Marines are a part of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, begin their patrol through a mock village during Infantry Immersion Training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 29, 2015. The immersion center is an indoor Military Operation on Urban Terrain environment that allows Marines to go through a life-like village and encounter role-players to better sharpen their MOUT skills. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released) - Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, begin their patrol through a mock village during Infantry Immersion Training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 29, 2015. The immersion center is an indoor Military Operation on Urban Terrain environment that allows Marines to go through a life-like village and encounter role-players to better sharpen their MOUT skills. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye/Released)

Marines load ordnance onto an F-35B Lightning II during Operational Testing 1 aboard USS Wasp at sea, May 27. Marines and sailors have been working together since May 18 to assess the integration of the F-35B Lightning II, which is currently on track to replace the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Prowler, and the AV-8B Harrier. By the end of the testing period on May 29, U.S. Marine pilots had flown 110 F-35B sorties from USS Wasp, racking up more than 85 flight hours. - Marines load ordnance onto an F-35B Lightning II during Operational Testing 1 aboard USS Wasp at sea, May 27. Marines and sailors have been working together since May 18 to assess the integration of the F-35B Lightning II, which is currently on track to replace the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Prowler, and the AV-8B Harrier. By the end of the testing period on May 29, U.S. Marine pilots had flown 110 F-35B sorties from USS Wasp, racking up more than 85 flight hours.

A Marine with 1st Marine Division, 7th Marine Regiment participates in stalking training aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California May 27, 2015. The training was the last event during Division School’s 6-week-long Pre-Scout Sniper Course. - A Marine with 1st Marine Division, 7th Marine Regiment participates in stalking training aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California May 27, 2015. The training was the last event during Division School’s 6-week-long Pre-Scout Sniper Course.

A platoon of U.S. Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, MRF-D, sit with their gear inside of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a refueling and transport operation May 22 at Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. Two CH-53Es picked up and transported approximately 140 Marines from Robertson Barracks to MBTA to begin Exercise Predator Walk. The exercise is a three-week bilateral training evolution with the Australian Army and enables Marines to become familiar with and improve their knowledge of the Australians’ technical and tactical procedures and standard operating procedures to strengthen interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reba James/Released) - A platoon of U.S. Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, MRF-D, sit with their gear inside of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a refueling and transport operation May 22 at Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. Two CH-53Es picked up and transported approximately 140 Marines from Robertson Barracks to MBTA to begin Exercise Predator Walk. The exercise is a three-week bilateral training evolution with the Australian Army and enables Marines to become familiar with and improve their knowledge of the Australians’ technical and tactical procedures and standard operating procedures to strengthen interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reba James/Released)

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Brig. Gen Michael Groen, the director of Marine Corps Intelligence, tests the capabilities and functions of the new Tellus program to judge its effectiveness, May 29, 2015. Tellus can be used to instantly report new information to patrols and convoys without the use of radio. - Brig. Gen Michael Groen, the director of Marine Corps Intelligence, tests the capabilities and functions of the new Tellus program to judge its effectiveness, May 29, 2015. Tellus can be used to instantly report new information to patrols and convoys without the use of radio.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to board an assault amphibious vehicle with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion during an obstacle-breaching exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 20, 2015. The Marines used 2nd AA Bn. for communication, fire support and transport to and from their objectives throughout the exercise. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to board an assault amphibious vehicle with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion during an obstacle-breaching exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 20, 2015. The Marines used 2nd AA Bn. for communication, fire support and transport to and from their objectives throughout the exercise.

Maintenance is performed on an F-35B Lightning II on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, a part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. OT-1 is serving the purpose of evaluating the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness, as well as assessing the integration of the aircraft into the spectrum of flight operations. The F-35B is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - Maintenance is performed on an F-35B Lightning II on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, a part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. OT-1 is serving the purpose of evaluating the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness, as well as assessing the integration of the aircraft into the spectrum of flight operations. The F-35B is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Master Sgt. David Jarvis, a reconnaissance Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, and Capt. Patrick Zuber, a company commander for 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, are awarded for winning the 7th Annual Recon Challenge aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 15, 2015. The Marines received this honor from Col. Christopher J. Williams, the commanding officer of School of Infantry-West, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Brian Yarolem, the operations chief for Reconnaissance Training Company and event coordinator. - Master Sgt. David Jarvis, a reconnaissance Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, and Capt. Patrick Zuber, a company commander for 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, are awarded for winning the 7th Annual Recon Challenge aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 15, 2015. The Marines received this honor from Col. Christopher J. Williams, the commanding officer of School of Infantry-West, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Brian Yarolem, the operations chief for Reconnaissance Training Company and event coordinator.

Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion demonstrate crowd control procedures against group of Moroccan, Dutch and Belgium soldiers acting as an unruly crowd May 20 in the Tifnit, Morocco, training area. Exercise African Lion 15 is an annually-scheduled, combined U.S.–Moroccan exercise designed to improve mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating the strong bond between the two nation’s militaries. The one-week exercise includes various types of military training, including a command post exercise; stability operations, such as nonlethal weapons training and crisis/disaster response training. Additionally, in February an intelligence capacity building seminar was conducted. - Marines with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion demonstrate crowd control procedures against group of Moroccan, Dutch and Belgium soldiers acting as an unruly crowd May 20 in the Tifnit, Morocco, training area. Exercise African Lion 15 is an annually-scheduled, combined U.S.–Moroccan exercise designed to improve mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating the strong bond between the two nation’s militaries. The one-week exercise includes various types of military training, including a command post exercise; stability operations, such as nonlethal weapons training and crisis/disaster response training. Additionally, in February an intelligence capacity building seminar was conducted.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Edwin Soto, the team’s noncommissioned officer-in-charge, observes a Senegalese Gendarme during a vehicle search exercise with the National Gendarmerie near Diamniadio, Senegal, May 5, 2015. In a two-week-long course led by U.S. Marines, Senegal’s team of handpicked national policemen learned a systematic approach to personnel and vehicle searches to supplement their current procedures and strengthen their force. (Courtesy photo/Released) - U.S. Marine Sgt. Edwin Soto, the team’s noncommissioned officer-in-charge, observes a Senegalese Gendarme during a vehicle search exercise with the National Gendarmerie near Diamniadio, Senegal, May 5, 2015. In a two-week-long course led by U.S. Marines, Senegal’s team of handpicked national policemen learned a systematic approach to personnel and vehicle searches to supplement their current procedures and strengthen their force. (Courtesy photo/Released)

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An explosive ordnance disposal technician undergoes the decontamination process after leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases. - An explosive ordnance disposal technician undergoes the decontamination process after leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases.

An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter taxies to be refueled on the flight deck of USS Wasp during night operations, a part of Operational Testing 1, May, 22. The F-35B is the future of Marine Corps aviation and will be replacing three legacy platforms; the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The F-35B is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. - An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter taxies to be refueled on the flight deck of USS Wasp during night operations, a part of Operational Testing 1, May, 22. The F-35B is the future of Marine Corps aviation and will be replacing three legacy platforms; the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The F-35B is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Kelly, military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, provides background on the Marine Corps’ F-35B program to Air Marshall Bollam, Chief of Defence Material Air, United Kingdom, aboard USS Wasp while embarked in the Atlantic Ocean May 20, 2015. The current Marine Corps operational test, scheduled to continue through the end of May, will assess the integration of the F-35B while operating across a wide array of flight and deck operations, maintenance operations and logistical supply chain support in an at-sea environment. A former test pilot and career Marine aviator, Kelly participated in the earlier shipboard developmental tests of the F-35B. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots are scheduled to begin flying the F-35B from the UK in 2018, and are on track to operate from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers in 2020. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Kelly, military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, provides background on the Marine Corps’ F-35B program to Air Marshall Bollam, Chief of Defence Material Air, United Kingdom, aboard USS Wasp while embarked in the Atlantic Ocean May 20, 2015. The current Marine Corps operational test, scheduled to continue through the end of May, will assess the integration of the F-35B while operating across a wide array of flight and deck operations, maintenance operations and logistical supply chain support in an at-sea environment. A former test pilot and career Marine aviator, Kelly participated in the earlier shipboard developmental tests of the F-35B. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots are scheduled to begin flying the F-35B from the UK in 2018, and are on track to operate from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers in 2020.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Zane Harmon fast ropes from a tower aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 12, 2015. Harmon is part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force security element. These Marines practice fast roping to ensure they are prepared for any type of mission during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Zane Harmon fast ropes from a tower aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 12, 2015. Harmon is part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force security element. These Marines practice fast roping to ensure they are prepared for any type of mission during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)