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Combat engineers with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, shoot the Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun at Engineer Training Area 1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. Before breaching with the shotgun, Marines took their time simply familiarizing themselves with the weapon in order to find a comfort level with it, before moving on to entering doorways with it. - Combat engineers with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, shoot the Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun at Engineer Training Area 1 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. Before breaching with the shotgun, Marines took their time simply familiarizing themselves with the weapon in order to find a comfort level with it, before moving on to entering doorways with it.

Lance Cpl. Michael Miller and Lance Cpl. Kyle Osborne, Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Camp Pendleton, Calif., oversee unloading of equipment with solders from 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas, as part of their Railway Operations training at the Yermo Annex on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 11. The 80-hour RailOps training is now being offered through Marine Corps Training Information Management System and includes class instruction and hands-on learning - Lance Cpl. Michael Miller and Lance Cpl. Kyle Osborne, Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Camp Pendleton, Calif., oversee unloading of equipment with solders from 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas, as part of their Railway Operations training at the Yermo Annex on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 11. The 80-hour RailOps training is now being offered through Marine Corps Training Information Management System and includes class instruction and hands-on learning

Marine captures role-playing protester during Special Marine Air Ground Task Force embassy reinforcement exercise, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.,Feb.10. Marines participating in the exercise came from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, both in Southern California. - Marine captures role-playing protester during Special Marine Air Ground Task Force embassy reinforcement exercise, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.,Feb.10. Marines participating in the exercise came from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, both in Southern California.

A U.S. Marine pilot enters the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet, Feb. 16. U.S. Marines attached to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Royal Thai Air Force train together to maintain readiness and interoperability in support of peace and security in the region as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2015. Exercise Cobra Gold 2015 has provided an opportunity for U.S. Marines and the Royal Thai Air Force to train together. - A U.S. Marine pilot enters the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet, Feb. 16. U.S. Marines attached to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Royal Thai Air Force train together to maintain readiness and interoperability in support of peace and security in the region as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2015. Exercise Cobra Gold 2015 has provided an opportunity for U.S. Marines and the Royal Thai Air Force to train together.

Battle of Iwo Jima veteran and wife speak with each other after the Iwo Jima Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. on Feb. 19, 2015. The wreath laying recognized the 70th anniversary of the battle and the veterans' sacrifice. - Battle of Iwo Jima veteran and wife speak with each other after the Iwo Jima Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. on Feb. 19, 2015. The wreath laying recognized the 70th anniversary of the battle and the veterans' sacrifice.

Hershel "Woody" Williams, Marine survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima and the last living Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the battle, and William "Bil" Schott a Marine survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, salute during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner during the 70th Anniversary Iwo Jima Veteran's Program at Sheppard Air Force Base Elementary School, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, February 13, 2015. The students at the school performed a program with the Sheppard Choir singing songs and the sixth graders reading poems they wrote. - Hershel "Woody" Williams, Marine survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima and the last living Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the battle, and William "Bil" Schott a Marine survivor from the battle of Iwo Jima, salute during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner during the 70th Anniversary Iwo Jima Veteran's Program at Sheppard Air Force Base Elementary School, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, February 13, 2015. The students at the school performed a program with the Sheppard Choir singing songs and the sixth graders reading poems they wrote.

Marines and Sailors with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, triage and evacuate role-playing victims of a simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during an embassy reinforcement scenario on Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Feb. 12, 2015. This training was a part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Central Command – 15.2 certification exercise, conducted across several locations in the Western United States. The purpose of the CERTEX was to test and certify SPMAGTF CR-CC 15.2 across a broad spectrum of mission essential tasks. - Marines and Sailors with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, triage and evacuate role-playing victims of a simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during an embassy reinforcement scenario on Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Feb. 12, 2015. This training was a part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Central Command – 15.2 certification exercise, conducted across several locations in the Western United States. The purpose of the CERTEX was to test and certify SPMAGTF CR-CC 15.2 across a broad spectrum of mission essential tasks.

Air Vice-Marshal Bhanupong Seyayongka, third from the right, stands with Royal Thai Air Force personnel and U.S. Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, I Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force for a picture in front of a U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey and a RTAF F-16 Air Defense Fighter at an open house held by Royal Thai Air Force Wing 1 and U.S. Marines at Royal Thai Air Force Base Korat during Exercise Cobra Gold 2015, Feb. 13. Cobra Gold is a Thailand /United States co-sponsored, multinational and joint theater security cooperation exercise, conducted annually in the Kingdom of Thailand, with 25 nations participating. This year there is an increased focus on Humanitarian Civic Action, community engagement, and medical activities to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region. - Air Vice-Marshal Bhanupong Seyayongka, third from the right, stands with Royal Thai Air Force personnel and U.S. Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, I Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force for a picture in front of a U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey and a RTAF F-16 Air Defense Fighter at an open house held by Royal Thai Air Force Wing 1 and U.S. Marines at Royal Thai Air Force Base Korat during Exercise Cobra Gold 2015, Feb. 13. Cobra Gold is a Thailand /United States co-sponsored, multinational and joint theater security cooperation exercise, conducted annually in the Kingdom of Thailand, with 25 nations participating. This year there is an increased focus on Humanitarian Civic Action, community engagement, and medical activities to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region.

Sergeant Marlon Madison, a military police working dog trainer with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 15.2 (SP-MAGTF-CR-CC), and his military working dog, Fedor, conduct directional training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 11, 2015. The training was part of SP-MAGTF-CR-CC’s Certification Exercise held in several locations across southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho Feb. 5-14, 2015. Certification exercises are conducted regularly throughout the Corps, testing unit performance across a broad spectrum of mission sets and core mission essential tasks. - Sergeant Marlon Madison, a military police working dog trainer with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 15.2 (SP-MAGTF-CR-CC), and his military working dog, Fedor, conduct directional training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 11, 2015. The training was part of SP-MAGTF-CR-CC’s Certification Exercise held in several locations across southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho Feb. 5-14, 2015. Certification exercises are conducted regularly throughout the Corps, testing unit performance across a broad spectrum of mission sets and core mission essential tasks.

PUULOA RANGE TRAINING FACILITY, Hawaii - Cpl. Christian Cox, a Marine with the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 and a Tacoma, Wash., native, fires his M16 service rifle in the prone position at the 500-yard line during this year’s Pacific Division Matches at Pu’uloa Range Training facility Feb. 9, 2015. More than 190 Marines competed side-by-side to claim the title of rifle or pistol champion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Adam O. Korolev) - PUULOA RANGE TRAINING FACILITY, Hawaii - Cpl. Christian Cox, a Marine with the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 and a Tacoma, Wash., native, fires his M16 service rifle in the prone position at the 500-yard line during this year’s Pacific Division Matches at Pu’uloa Range Training facility Feb. 9, 2015. More than 190 Marines competed side-by-side to claim the title of rifle or pistol champion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Adam O. Korolev)

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, work with the Marines and sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as they load vehicles, equipment and personnel aboard the USS New York at the port in Morehead City, N.C., Dec. 13, 2014. Heavy equipment operators and embarkation specialists spent several days prior to the ship's arrival staging and organizing the gear. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James R. Smith/Released) - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, work with the Marines and sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as they load vehicles, equipment and personnel aboard the USS New York at the port in Morehead City, N.C., Dec. 13, 2014. Heavy equipment operators and embarkation specialists spent several days prior to the ship's arrival staging and organizing the gear. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James R. Smith/Released)

Cpl. Justin M. Goodchild, right, assists Pfc. Luis A. Chavez with locating a simulated enemy target during ground-based air defense training at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., Feb. 3, 2015. Both Goodchild and Chavez are low altitude air defense gunners with Alpha Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Goodchild is a native of Longwood, Fla., and Chavez is a native of Beaumont, Calif. - Cpl. Justin M. Goodchild, right, assists Pfc. Luis A. Chavez with locating a simulated enemy target during ground-based air defense training at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, N.C., Feb. 3, 2015. Both Goodchild and Chavez are low altitude air defense gunners with Alpha Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Goodchild is a native of Longwood, Fla., and Chavez is a native of Beaumont, Calif.

Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines clear a building during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-17 Feb. 9 at the Cham Sae Mi Close-Quarters Battle Training Facility in Pohang, Republic of Korea. KMEP 15-17 is a regularly-scheduled, bilateral, small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. The ROK Marines are with Company 5, 32nd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines clear a building during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-17 Feb. 9 at the Cham Sae Mi Close-Quarters Battle Training Facility in Pohang, Republic of Korea. KMEP 15-17 is a regularly-scheduled, bilateral, small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. The ROK Marines are with Company 5, 32nd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

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.

Lance Cpl. Dakota Woodward, from Brandon, Florida, drinks cobra blood Feb. 8 during exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The Royal Thai Marines showed U.S. Marines various jungle survival methods. Drinking snake blood is used as a last resort in case there is nothing else to drink. Woodward is a distribution management specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Lance Cpl. Dakota Woodward, from Brandon, Florida, drinks cobra blood Feb. 8 during exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The Royal Thai Marines showed U.S. Marines various jungle survival methods. Drinking snake blood is used as a last resort in case there is nothing else to drink. Woodward is a distribution management specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines from the Marine Artillery Detachment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma gather around Marine veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams after a ceremony held to honor Iwo Jima veterans and their service. Williams is the last surviving veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle for Iwo Jima. - Marines from the Marine Artillery Detachment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma gather around Marine veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams after a ceremony held to honor Iwo Jima veterans and their service. Williams is the last surviving veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle for Iwo Jima.

Intelligence Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 31 attended the Squadron Intelligence Training and Certification Course, graduating Feb. 13. The four-week course trains intelligence Marines to serve in the air combat element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - Intelligence Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 31 attended the Squadron Intelligence Training and Certification Course, graduating Feb. 13. The four-week course trains intelligence Marines to serve in the air combat element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Lance Cpl. Connor J. Shellabarger, a machine gunner for Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, listens in along with his junior Marine, on the corrections his instructor has for him during a machine gun course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 4, 2015. Shellabarger is bonding with his junior Marine to create the camaraderie Marines are known for. - Lance Cpl. Connor J. Shellabarger, a machine gunner for Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, listens in along with his junior Marine, on the corrections his instructor has for him during a machine gun course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 4, 2015. Shellabarger is bonding with his junior Marine to create the camaraderie Marines are known for.

Marines with the Offload Preparation Party onboard the Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, perform pre-operation checks, Feb. 6, in order to support Exercise Cobra Gold 2015. Their mission is to prepare and offload supplies and equipment from ship to shore. - Marines with the Offload Preparation Party onboard the Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, perform pre-operation checks, Feb. 6, in order to support Exercise Cobra Gold 2015. Their mission is to prepare and offload supplies and equipment from ship to shore.

As part of the annual training exercise Scorpion Fire, Lance Cpl. Clinton Lehner, a crew chief with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369 “Gunfighters,” looks down range during close-air support maneuvers at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., Jan. 29. Marines with both tiltrotor and fixed-wing squadrons participate in this annual exercise, which provides a realistic environment for ground units in need of close air support. - As part of the annual training exercise Scorpion Fire, Lance Cpl. Clinton Lehner, a crew chief with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369 “Gunfighters,” looks down range during close-air support maneuvers at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., Jan. 29. Marines with both tiltrotor and fixed-wing squadrons participate in this annual exercise, which provides a realistic environment for ground units in need of close air support.

U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 Juan Rodriguez, an explosive ordnance disposal officer with Task Force Al Asad, and brigade-level leaders of the Iraqi Army walk through an improvised explosive device training lane aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 31, 2015. The classes showed the leadership the training their soldiers will receive in the future and gave them a look at tactics being used today by Da'esh. - U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 Juan Rodriguez, an explosive ordnance disposal officer with Task Force Al Asad, and brigade-level leaders of the Iraqi Army walk through an improvised explosive device training lane aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 31, 2015. The classes showed the leadership the training their soldiers will receive in the future and gave them a look at tactics being used today by Da'esh.

Cpl. Kyleigh M. Porter, from Montross, Va., eats a scorpion Feb. 8 in Ban Chan Krem, Thailand, during exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The Royal Thai Marines demonstrated several jungle survival tactics and asked for U.S. Marine volunteers to participate. Porter is a radio operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Cpl. Kyleigh M. Porter, from Montross, Va., eats a scorpion Feb. 8 in Ban Chan Krem, Thailand, during exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The Royal Thai Marines demonstrated several jungle survival tactics and asked for U.S. Marine volunteers to participate. Porter is a radio operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Brig. Gen. Charles G. Chiarotti, left, Commanding General, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks with Cpl. David A. Fowler, a motor vehicle operator with Marine Air Ground Task Force Materiel Distribution Company, following the company’s activation ceremony, Feb. 9, 2015, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Fowler and other Marines with the company discussed the unit’s capabilities with Chiarotti. The company has been created within 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, to establish a proof of principle on the reorganization of intermediate supply and distribution capabilities in order to provide tailored capabilities to units deploying in support if the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The integration of personnel in the new company will enhance the unit’s ability to support outside units, with no changes to garrison support operations or deployed support operations. - Brig. Gen. Charles G. Chiarotti, left, Commanding General, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks with Cpl. David A. Fowler, a motor vehicle operator with Marine Air Ground Task Force Materiel Distribution Company, following the company’s activation ceremony, Feb. 9, 2015, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Fowler and other Marines with the company discussed the unit’s capabilities with Chiarotti. The company has been created within 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, to establish a proof of principle on the reorganization of intermediate supply and distribution capabilities in order to provide tailored capabilities to units deploying in support if the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The integration of personnel in the new company will enhance the unit’s ability to support outside units, with no changes to garrison support operations or deployed support operations.

A Marine greets his son during a homecoming event aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14, 2015. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion-2 returned from a six-month deployment in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - A Marine greets his son during a homecoming event aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14, 2015. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion-2 returned from a six-month deployment in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Chieu, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, brushes snow and ice off of a CH-53 Super Stallion during a deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Dawson, West Virginia, Jan. 30, 2015. Inclement weather caused the Marines to take extra steps in preparing the helicopters for flight. - Lance Cpl. Nicholas Chieu, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, brushes snow and ice off of a CH-53 Super Stallion during a deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Dawson, West Virginia, Jan. 30, 2015. Inclement weather caused the Marines to take extra steps in preparing the helicopters for flight.

Landing support specialists attach a load of tires to a UH-1Y Huey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a helicopter support team exercise Feb. 6 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. The Marines used a MK-105 cable, also known as the Q-tip, to hook the load onto the bottom of the Huey. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, and are currently deployed in support of the annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - Landing support specialists attach a load of tires to a UH-1Y Huey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a helicopter support team exercise Feb. 6 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. The Marines used a MK-105 cable, also known as the Q-tip, to hook the load onto the bottom of the Huey. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, and are currently deployed in support of the annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

Capt. Don E. Pigott, captain of the Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, welcomes Brig. Gen. Steven Rudder, the commanding general for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, aboard the ship. Rudder received a tour of the supplies and equipment onboard the ship to be used during Exercise Cobra Gold 2015. - Capt. Don E. Pigott, captain of the Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, welcomes Brig. Gen. Steven Rudder, the commanding general for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, aboard the ship. Rudder received a tour of the supplies and equipment onboard the ship to be used during Exercise Cobra Gold 2015.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Alex S. Rankin, center, digs a hiding position alongside Republic of Korea Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-4 Feb. 4 at the Pyeongchang Winter Training Facility, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. The ROK recon Marines specialize in stealth and scouting, so this training teaches the Marines how to survive without getting caught and still accomplishing the mission. This exercise highlights the two countries’ combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and peace and security in the region. Rankin, a Secane, Pennsylvania, native, is an intelligence specialist with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The ROK Marines are with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Alex S. Rankin, center, digs a hiding position alongside Republic of Korea Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-4 Feb. 4 at the Pyeongchang Winter Training Facility, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. The ROK recon Marines specialize in stealth and scouting, so this training teaches the Marines how to survive without getting caught and still accomplishing the mission. This exercise highlights the two countries’ combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and peace and security in the region. Rankin, a Secane, Pennsylvania, native, is an intelligence specialist with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The ROK Marines are with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division.

Marines from Marines Forces Reserve practice how to properly report a casualty and possible toxic gas during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training simulation aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Feb. 5, 2015. When they locate a casualty, Marines must report it to the control center and wait for further instructions. The CBRN defense training equips Marines from diverse units, with the proper knowledge and readiness needed to handle a real combat zone situation. - Marines from Marines Forces Reserve practice how to properly report a casualty and possible toxic gas during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense training simulation aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Feb. 5, 2015. When they locate a casualty, Marines must report it to the control center and wait for further instructions. The CBRN defense training equips Marines from diverse units, with the proper knowledge and readiness needed to handle a real combat zone situation.

Maj. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, thanks the Second Marine Division Association for being present to celebrate the unit’s birthday with the Marines of the division aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Beaudreault talked about what it meant to be in the unit, and how he was honored to be a part of the unit as they celebrate their past and future together. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Dalton Precht/Released) - Maj. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, thanks the Second Marine Division Association for being present to celebrate the unit’s birthday with the Marines of the division aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Beaudreault talked about what it meant to be in the unit, and how he was honored to be a part of the unit as they celebrate their past and future together. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Dalton Precht/Released)

A Marine, with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, packs his parachute after completing a High Altitude Low Opening free-fall jump during a parachute training exercise at Training Landing Zone Pheasant aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28. When Marines with the battalion insert for a mission, they carry enough equipment to sustain themselves for up to 96 hours. - A Marine, with Force Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, packs his parachute after completing a High Altitude Low Opening free-fall jump during a parachute training exercise at Training Landing Zone Pheasant aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28. When Marines with the battalion insert for a mission, they carry enough equipment to sustain themselves for up to 96 hours.

Assault amphibious vehicles are used to mobilize infantry units during the Integrated Training Exercise 2-15 Tank Mechanized Assault Course Feb. 2 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. AAVs are used to get infantry in the fight fast. The AAVs that were used during the TMAC are with Company D, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/Released) - Assault amphibious vehicles are used to mobilize infantry units during the Integrated Training Exercise 2-15 Tank Mechanized Assault Course Feb. 2 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. AAVs are used to get infantry in the fight fast. The AAVs that were used during the TMAC are with Company D, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/Released)

Republic of Korea Marines demonstrate their combat tactics for U.S. Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-4 Feb. 4 at the Pyeongchang Winter Training Facility, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. Sharing cultures is a significant factor in gaining a better understanding of the combat tactics of the two forces despite the language barrier, according to ROK Marine Capt. Moon Jung Hwan. KMEP is a regularly scheduled, bilateral, small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps’ forces. The ROK Marines are with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Company L, 3rd 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 Pfc. Cedric R. Haller II/Released) - Republic of Korea Marines demonstrate their combat tactics for U.S. Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-4 Feb. 4 at the Pyeongchang Winter Training Facility, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. Sharing cultures is a significant factor in gaining a better understanding of the combat tactics of the two forces despite the language barrier, according to ROK Marine Capt. Moon Jung Hwan. KMEP is a regularly scheduled, bilateral, small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps’ forces. The ROK Marines are with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Company L, 3rd 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 Pfc. Cedric R. Haller II/Released)

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Surviving Montford Point Marines attend a ceremony for Sgt. Hiram L. Knowles to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Feb. 7, 2015. Knowles was one of over 400 Montford Point Marines to be awarded since 2012. - Surviving Montford Point Marines attend a ceremony for Sgt. Hiram L. Knowles to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Feb. 7, 2015. Knowles was one of over 400 Montford Point Marines to be awarded since 2012.

Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released) - Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released)

U.S. Marines shoot their M16 rifles during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. Each Marine fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently underway as part 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. Marines shoot their M16 rifles during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. Each Marine fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently underway as part of the regularly scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

Capt. Mark Cumashot refreshes tying knots with Marines and sailors with Technical Rescue Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, Feb. 3, at Henrico Fire Drill Facility in Glen Allen, Virginia. Cumashot is the team leader of the Technical Rescue Team, Henrico County Division of Fire. - Capt. Mark Cumashot refreshes tying knots with Marines and sailors with Technical Rescue Platoon, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, Feb. 3, at Henrico Fire Drill Facility in Glen Allen, Virginia. Cumashot is the team leader of the Technical Rescue Team, Henrico County Division of Fire.

Marines and Sailors with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice their decontamination skills on a volunteer during a training evolution at the Guardian Center in Perry, Ga. on February 4, 2015. The training aims to provide the Marines and Sailors with realistic crisis response scenarios. (Photo by: Sgt. Fareeza Ali/USMC) - Marines and Sailors with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice their decontamination skills on a volunteer during a training evolution at the Guardian Center in Perry, Ga. on February 4, 2015. The training aims to provide the Marines and Sailors with realistic crisis response scenarios. (Photo by: Sgt. Fareeza Ali/USMC)

A data network specialist from Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group, communicates with an MV-22 Osprey pilot during an en-route care exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 28, 2015. During the four-day exercise, corpsmen trained to prepare a Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force group that is going to forward deploy later this year. The more than 40 corpsmen set up a shock trauma platoon facility, or mobile emergency room, to treat simulated casualties. The casualties were stabilized in the STP and then flown out via aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna/Released) - A data network specialist from Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group, communicates with an MV-22 Osprey pilot during an en-route care exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 28, 2015. During the four-day exercise, corpsmen trained to prepare a Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force group that is going to forward deploy later this year. The more than 40 corpsmen set up a shock trauma platoon facility, or mobile emergency room, to treat simulated casualties. The casualties were stabilized in the STP and then flown out via aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna/Released)

Sergeant Maj. Ronald Green returns the noncommissioned officer’s sword to Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, I Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, signifying the end of his tour as the I MEF sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 4, 2015. During the ceremony, the Marines bid farewell to Green as he prepares to assume his new post as the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and welcomed Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal as the new I MEF sergeant major. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher J. Moore/Released) - Sergeant Maj. Ronald Green returns the noncommissioned officer’s sword to Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, I Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, signifying the end of his tour as the I MEF sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 4, 2015. During the ceremony, the Marines bid farewell to Green as he prepares to assume his new post as the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and welcomed Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal as the new I MEF sergeant major. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher J. Moore/Released)

Staff Sgt. Jose Flores, non-prior service recruiter, Recruiting Station Substation Patchogue, New York, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for being named the Non-Prior Service Recruiter of the Year for FY14 on Jan. 29 at the Clubs at Quantico during the Combined Awards Ceremony. Flores was also meritoriously promoted from the rank of sergeant to staff sergeant. - Staff Sgt. Jose Flores, non-prior service recruiter, Recruiting Station Substation Patchogue, New York, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for being named the Non-Prior Service Recruiter of the Year for FY14 on Jan. 29 at the Clubs at Quantico during the Combined Awards Ceremony. Flores was also meritoriously promoted from the rank of sergeant to staff sergeant.

Sgt. Sloan Seiler, Winter Mountain Leaders Course 1-15, student, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, and 1st Lt. Mancelino Figueroa, WMLC 1-15, class commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, lead a line of Marines pulling a block of ice back into Levitt Lake at the MCMWTC, Bridgeport Calif., Jan. 30, 2015. The blocks of ice that were cut out of the lake were returned after the Marines concluded training. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released) - Sgt. Sloan Seiler, Winter Mountain Leaders Course 1-15, student, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, and 1st Lt. Mancelino Figueroa, WMLC 1-15, class commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, lead a line of Marines pulling a block of ice back into Levitt Lake at the MCMWTC, Bridgeport Calif., Jan. 30, 2015. The blocks of ice that were cut out of the lake were returned after the Marines concluded training. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria/Released)

A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released). - A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released).

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct amphibious raids and military operations on urban terrain during Exercise Iron Fist 15 aboard Camp Pendleton on Feb. 3, 2015. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released) - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct amphibious raids and military operations on urban terrain during Exercise Iron Fist 15 aboard Camp Pendleton on Feb. 3, 2015. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released)

Romanian and U.S. Marines during a Naval Infantry workshop, where they shared their tactics and procedures with the only Romanian Marine battalion about tactics and troop leading procedures and how the U.S. Marines utilize there noncommissioned officers. The Romanians will take what they learned and adapt it in to their own procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ashton C. Buckingham) - Romanian and U.S. Marines during a Naval Infantry workshop, where they shared their tactics and procedures with the only Romanian Marine battalion about tactics and troop leading procedures and how the U.S. Marines utilize there noncommissioned officers. The Romanians will take what they learned and adapt it in to their own procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ashton C. Buckingham)

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., speaks to Marines of Company A and Weapons Company during their final field exercise at Range G6 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 3, 2015. Dunford visited GCEITF Marines to observe their training and discuss the future of the Corps, and how the Marines are helping shape a better Marine Corps. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released) - Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., speaks to Marines of Company A and Weapons Company during their final field exercise at Range G6 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 3, 2015. Dunford visited GCEITF Marines to observe their training and discuss the future of the Corps, and how the Marines are helping shape a better Marine Corps. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alicia R. Leaders/Released)

U.S. Marine Pfc. Cody Dunlap throws a simulated grenade during squad tactics and maneuver training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 26, 2015. Dunlap is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. As the ground combat element for the 15th MEU, BLT 3/1 is preparing for their upcoming deployment by enhancing their combat skills and learning to work as a cohesive unit. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Cody Dunlap throws a simulated grenade during squad tactics and maneuver training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 26, 2015. Dunlap is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. As the ground combat element for the 15th MEU, BLT 3/1 is preparing for their upcoming deployment by enhancing their combat skills and learning to work as a cohesive unit.

A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities. - A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities.

Navy personnel practice treating a victim while wearing protective clothing during training recently at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.The event was held to ensure each area responds correctly in the event of an emergency involving hazardous equipment, people or environments. - Navy personnel practice treating a victim while wearing protective clothing during training recently at the Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.The event was held to ensure each area responds correctly in the event of an emergency involving hazardous equipment, people or environments.