U.S. military members from Marine Forces Pacific Command, American officials and distinguished guests from partner nations gather for a memorial ceremony in Betio, Tarawa Atoll, Republic of Kiribati, Nov. 20, 2018. The ceremony marks the 75th anniversary of the landings in Betio that initiated the Battle of Tarawa. It was held to memorialize the shared sacrifice of all who fought there and showcase combined commitment to sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Alexia Lythos and Lance Cpl. Brennan Priest)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Division (2D MarDiv) conducted anniversary ceremonies both aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Betio, Tarawa Atoll, Republic of Kiribati, Nov. 20, 2018. 2D MarDiv commemorated the sacrifices of the Marines and Sailors who fought during the battle of Tarawa. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Aaron Douds and Cpl. Liah Smuin)

U.S. Marines and Sailors from Koa Moana 15.3 conduct a ceremony for the Marine Corps birthday in Tarawa, Kiribati, Oct. 30, 2015. More than 1,000 U.S. troops were killed in action and some 2,000 were wounded in only three days of fighting at Tarawa during World War II.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Koa Moana 15.3 train the Kiribati Police Force in Tarawa, Kiribati, Oct. 30, 2015. The training focused on teaching riot control tactics, crime scene handling, building searches, CPR, and other combat and basic life-saving skills.