Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range. - Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range in South Korea during exercise Midori Guardian 17, which was held from September 5 to October 15, 2017. Midori Guardian, a Unit Level Training event aimed at enhancing squadron readiness while in a field environment, utilizes simulated real-world scenarios focused on Direct Air Support Center and an Air Support Element operations, live-fire ranges, and Marine Corps Common Skills training to prepare the unit for future operations. (courtesy photo)
U.S. Marines and Master Labor Contractors with the Logistics Department Fuels Division fold in the Aircraft Direct Fueling System - U.S. Marines and Master Labor Contractors with the Logistics Department Fuels Division fold in the Aircraft Direct Fueling System (ADFS) during the first hot refuel utilizing the new system at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 19, 2017. The ADFS allows the aircraft to rotate crew, take on cargo or Marines and keep its engines running while accepting fuel. This training marked the first refueling evolution at the new hot refueling pit designed to distribute fuel to Type-4 aircraft such as the KC-130J Hercules, MV-22 Osprey and MH-60 helicopter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donato Maffin)
A MV-22 Osprey prepares to take off at Torrey Gray Field aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13, 2017. The landing was conducted as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise in order to prepare Marines for the evacuation of non-essential U.S. citizens and Department of Defense personnel from dangerous situations overseas. - A MV-22 Osprey prepares to take off at Torrey Gray Field aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13, 2017. The landing was conducted as part of a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise in order to prepare Marines for the evacuation of non-essential U.S. citizens and Department of Defense personnel from dangerous situations overseas.
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U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Trai Pelletier, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, greets a child at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Taufick Bendeck Elementary School in Trujillo, Honduras, July 27, 2017. The Marines are conducting infrastructure improvement projects at local schools in Trujillo at the request of the government of Honduras. The Marines and sailors of SPMAGTF-SC are deployed to Central America to conduct security cooperation training and engineering projects with their counterparts in several Central American and Caribbean nations.
British commando gunners prepare 105mm shells to be fired from an M119A3 Howitzer during field artillery training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 11, 2017. - British commando gunners prepare 105mm shells to be fired from an M119A3 Howitzer during field artillery training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 11, 2017. British soldiers exchanged knowledge and skills with U.S. Marines to refine their artillery operation capabilities in preparation for joint exercise Bold Alligator, a large-scale, multinational Naval amphibious exercise to execute complex shaping, amphibious, and sea basing operations to improve U.S. and coalition ship-to-shore capabilities. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and the British soldiers are with 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Abrey D. Liggins)
Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepares to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team.
The 15th MEU is deployed with the America Amphibious Ready Group in order to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tonya Jury demonstrates placing a nasopharyngeal adjunct during a Tactical Combat Casualty Care Course targeted toward the management of post blast injuries and hemorrhage control during a medical exchange with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior explosive ordnance team in Kuwait. The 15th MEU is deployed with the America Amphibious Ready Group in order to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist and humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. - U.S. Marines with Amphibious Assault Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, embark Assault Amphibious Vehicles onto the Philippine Navy’s BRP Tarlac (LD 601) during exercise KAMANDAG, Subic Bay, Philippines, October 2, 2017. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist and humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering.
These Marines went above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated characteristics that are instilled in every Marine during training and life in the Marine Corps. - MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Sgt. Michael Vura and Cpl. Austin Cox, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303 helicopter mechanics, assisted in victim evacuation and casualty care following the mass casualty attack in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 1. These Marines went above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated characteristics that are instilled in every Marine during training and life in the Marine Corps.
The Spiritual Fitness Fair was organized to promote spiritual and mental wellness with the end state being a safe, well attended event that enhances the morale and esprit de corps of the battalion. - Col. John R. Polidoro, Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, addresses Camp Pendleton Marines, Sailors, and families before a concert by Switchfoot at the Spiritual Fitness Fair at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse, Oct. 5, 2017. The Spiritual Fitness Fair was organized to promote spiritual and mental wellness with the end state being a safe, well attended event that enhances the morale and esprit de corps of the battalion.
Gill and his Marines provide security and stability at landing zones and at the U.S. Department of State’s evacuation control center at the airport. - U.S Marine Maj. Robert Gill, the officer in charge of Joint Task Force - Leeward Island’s security element, gathers flight helmets from a U.S. sailor with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 to give to U.S. citizens departing Dominica at Charles-Douglas Airport in Melville Hall, Dominica, Sept. 25, 2017. Gill and his Marines provide security and stability at landing zones and at the U.S. Department of State’s evacuation control center at the airport. At the request of partner nations and both the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, JTF-LI has deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command’s primary response to both disasters. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Trisha Black)
VMFA-251 has intensified training on familiarizing aircrew members with the JPACE, a pilot’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense equipment, while still maintaining focus on the squadron’s mission. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Wilson T. Southerland, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., receives assistance with his Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble (JPACE) and Respirator equipment at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 29, 2017. VMFA-251 has intensified training on familiarizing aircrew members with the JPACE, a pilot’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense equipment, while still maintaining focus on the squadron’s mission.
U.S. Marine Pfc. Olivia Rutherford, an ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (CLB-5), Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, counts out ammunition during Mountain Training Exercise 4-17 at Mountain Warfare Training Center, August 4, 2017. Blanks were handed to Marines to be used on the convoys in case of simulated enemy contacts. Throughout the training evolution, Marines with CLB-5 received over 9000 blank ammunition for the M16A4 service rifle for practical experience and utilizing their weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Shoemaker) - U.S. Marine Pfc. Olivia Rutherford, an ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (CLB-5), Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, counts out ammunition during Mountain Training Exercise 4-17 at Mountain Warfare Training Center, August 4, 2017. Blanks were handed to Marines to be used on the convoys in case of simulated enemy contacts. Throughout the training evolution, Marines with CLB-5 received over 9000 blank ammunition for the M16A4 service rifle for practical experience and utilizing their weapons. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Shoemaker)
PWTI Digitally Aided Close Air Support - U.S Marine Corps Maj. Eben Buxton, CH-53E instructor with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepares a tablet to provide digitally aided close air support in support of Weapons Tactics Instructors course (WTI) 1-18 at Fire Base Burt, Calif., Sept. 22, 2017. WTI is a seven-week training even hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advance tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. AaronJames Vinculado)
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 Load Ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II - U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 load ordnance on a F-35B Lightning II while conducting a hotload during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-18 in Yuma, AZ, on Sept. 21, 2017. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron (MAWTS-1) cadre which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps Aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.
Teaching, Breaching, Beaching: 2nd AAB prepares for Bold Alligator - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion prepare their vehicles to perform amphibious breaching operations in preparation for the combined, joint exercise, Bold Alligator at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 20, 2017. The Marines operated amphibious assault vehicles with a mounted MK-154 Mine Clearance Launchers to remove notional mines and obstacles that the enemy may place on the beach or inland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ashley Lawson)
An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. - An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. Alligator Dagger is a dedicated, unilateral combat rehearsal led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in which combined Navy and Marine Corps units of the America Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities that are available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore.
Capt. Joseph Raines, a pilot training officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, nicknamed the “Red Dragons,” wears his unit patch after completing a trans-Pacific flight from Australia, Marine Corps Base Hawaii , Sept. 19, 2017. - Capt. Joseph Raines, a pilot training officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, nicknamed the “Red Dragons,” wears his unit patch after completing a trans-Pacific flight from Australia, Marine Corps Base Hawaii , Sept. 19, 2017. The “Red Dragons” supported the Australian Defence Force as the aviation combat element for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with Marine Rotational Force Darwin, Australia. These are the first Trans-Pacific flights the MV-22 Ospreys have conducted from Hawaii to Australia. This movement demonstrates that the unfueled range of our MV-22s combined with our refueling capabilities allow us to reach across the entire Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Marine Corps can get it's aircraft and personnel to a crisis on the other side of the world in a matter of days.
31st MEU completes deployment, returns to Okinawa - 170722-N-OY799-618 CORAL SEA (July 22, 2017) U.S. and Australian naval ships, including ships from the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and Australian amphibious, combatant, support and advance force ships, sail in formation during Talisman Saber 2017. Talisman Saber 2017 is a realistic and challenging exercise that improves both U.S. and Australia’s ability to work together in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)
U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted cleanup operations in the streets of Key West, Fla., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU assisted the residents of Key West by clearing debris from the streets in support of Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. - U.S. Marines with the Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), shovel debris caused by Hurricane Irma in Key West, Fl., Sept. 13, 2017. Marines and Sailors from the 26th MEU assisted the residents of Key West by clearing debris from the streets in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jered T. Stone)
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adam Wellington, right, aircraft maintenance officer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, answers questions for Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Mamoru Yamaura, F-35A Lightning II program office chief with Third Air Wing, during an educational tour and class centered on the F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Adam Wellington, right, aircraft maintenance officer for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, answers questions for Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Mamoru Yamaura, F-35A Lightning II program office chief with Third Air Wing, during an educational tour and class centered on the F-35B Lightning II at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. Several classes were conducted for JASDF personnel regarding maintenance, serviceability, operability and more. Afterwards, they briefly toured VMFA-121’s facility, taking a peek into a few shop departments and visiting the hangar to see, touch and study the aircraft up close. This is the first time VMFA-121 has conducted an exchange like this.
Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. - Sgt. Ethan Mawhinney, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, successfully defended his championship title at the Marine Corps third annual HITT Tactical Athlete Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 28th through 31st, 2017. The competition brings together the top male and female Marines from each Marine Corps installation in a demanding competition of military function fitness and to promote the advanced dynamics found in the High Intensity Tactical Training program.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeni Ridgell, an aircraft recovery Marine with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, watches a gauge on an M-31 Marine Corps Expeditionary Aircraft arresting gear during an annual certification at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2017. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeni Ridgell, an aircraft recovery Marine with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, watches a gauge on an M-31 Marine Corps Expeditionary Aircraft arresting gear during an annual certification at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 8, 2017. The M-31 arresting gear is a deployable arrestment gear that can handle rapid-cycle arrestments of aircraft with tail hooks. The annual certification was to ensure proper function of the arresting gear.
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Martinez, a field artillery cannoneer with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pulls security during a convoy halt during Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 in the Arta region of Djibouti, Africa, on September 6th 2017. Alligator Dagger is a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations.
Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field. - Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command train with freeze-dried plasma during a Raven exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center, Miss., May 1, 2017. CSOs go through a condensed version of FDP training to familiarize themselves with the product for use in the field.
The 31st MEU partners with the Navy's Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, providing a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, clear an abandoned house during Military Operations in Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) training at Andersen South Air Force Base, Guam, August 30, 2017. Marines with BLT 3/5 train regularly in different environments to maintain their readiness as the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU partners with the Navy's Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, providing a cohesive blue-green team capable of accomplishing a variety of missions across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
he Marines are with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - A Marine clears an area after conducting an ambush on an opposing force during defensive operations training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 31, 2017. The exercise is used by the battalion to improve proficiency with combat tactics and in preparation for future operations. The Marine is with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell)
Marine saves Vietnam veteran after motorcycle accident - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dustin Gill, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Springfield, Mass., saved the life of George Wingert, an 80-year-old Florida resident and Vietnam War veteran, following a motorcycle accident in Bowman, South Carolina, July 31, 2017. Gill made a tourniquet on Wingert’s leg using a tire iron and a belt. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Connor Hancock)
Northern Viper 17 comes to an end - A crew chief fires a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun from the back of a CH-53E Super Stallion above Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. The crew chief is assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, currently forward deployed under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, based out of Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)
VMGR-152 conducts division tactical navigation - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, conducts division tactical navigation training with VMGR-152 as part of unit-level training Evergreen at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 18, 2017. Division tactical navigation training allows the squadrons’ aircraft to perform gear drops in close proximity to a single location, which enhances operational efficiency. Evergreen will serve as VMGR-152’s 2017 Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation through tri-lateral training with the U.S. Army 160th Special operations Aviation Regiment and U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group to gain valuable insight on the most recent Operation Inherent Resolve assault-support tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Abrego)
Japan Air Self-Defense Force conducts Patriot Advanced Capability-3 training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni - Local Japanese media interview U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Vuolo, left, the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni operations officer, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Lt. Col. Kotaro Hyodo, commander of the 2nd Air Defense Missile Group, during Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) deployment training at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 29, 2017. PAC-3 protects ground forces and critical assets at all echelons from advanced aircraft to cruise missiles and tactical-ballistic missiles. This training displays the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and demonstrates the JASDF’s ability to rapidly deploy multiple defense assets to U.S. military installations across Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Henson)
A day in the life of the Marine Corps' Mounted Color Guard - Sergeants Fernando Blancas, Jedidiah Birnie, Terry Barker, Jacob Cummins, Corporals Nicholas Davis, Alicia Frost and Javier Castellon all post with Staff Sgt. Nicholas Beberniss for a Mounted Color Guard portrait with Elephant Mountain in the background, at the stables aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Aug. 10. The Marine Corps is proudly celebrating the MCG's 50th year of service throughout 2017.
India Company’s field life during CERTEX - Cpl. Jesse A. Beaver, a team leader with India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, shoots an azimuth with a lensatic compass during an amphibious raid as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Certification Exercise at Freshwater Beach, Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, August 16, 2018. Marines with BLT 3/5, the Ground Combat Element of the 31st MEU, cleared and secured the area for humanitarian assistance-disaster relief training. BLT 3/5 is exploring state-of-the-art concepts and technologies as the dedicated force for Sea Dragon 2025, a Marine Corps initiative to prepare for future battles. The 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron 11 are conducting CERTEX, the final evaluation in a series of training exercises which ensures readiness for crisis response throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue/Released)
Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones) - Sgt. Dave Simpson fires an M327 mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 21, 2017. Live-fire training events prepare Marines to face situations they may encounter while in theater combat environment. Simpson is a section chief with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Damarko Bones)
Pfc. Tyler J. Nye (left) and Cpl. Tyler D. Reed (right), both landing support specialist, prepare to attach a container to a CH-53E Super Stallion during external lift training at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. Nye, a Lincoln, Nebraska native and Reed, a Waukesha, Wisconsin native, are assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistic Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez) - Pfc. Tyler J. Nye (left) and Cpl. Tyler D. Reed (right), both landing support specialist, prepare to attach a container to a CH-53E Super Stallion during external lift training at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 21, 2017, in support of exercise Northern Viper 17. This combined-joint exercise is held to enhance regional cooperation between participating nations to collectively deter security threats. Nye, a Lincoln, Nebraska native and Reed, a Waukesha, Wisconsin native, are assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistic Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)
Marines fire an M2 .50 caliber machine gun, mounted to an amphibious assault vehicle, at simulated enemy targets during Large scale Exercise-17 at Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 15-18, 2017. LSE-17 is a multinational exercise, led by 2nd Marine Division, with elements from the United Kingdom, France, Canada and II Marine Expeditionary Force, focused on integrating all capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and coalition forces. - Marines fire an M2 .50 caliber machine gun, mounted to an amphibious assault vehicle, at simulated enemy targets during Large scale Exercise-17 at Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 15-18, 2017. LSE-17 is a multinational exercise, led by 2nd Marine Division, with elements from the United Kingdom, France, Canada and II Marine Expeditionary Force, focused on integrating all capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and coalition forces.
170816-M-NX410-037.JPG - U.S. Marines with 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and soldiers with the 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion, discuss troop movements over a terrain model after conducting a patrol during the Georgia Deployment Program-Resolute Support Mission Mission Rehearsal Exercise aboard the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Aug. 16, 2017. The MRE is the culminating event of the GDP-RSM in which 6th ANGLICO Marines are working alongside the 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion to demonstrate that the battalion is ready for deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kimberly Aguirre/Released)
A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conducts formation flights - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conducts formation flights while in transit to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Aug. 13, 2017. VMGR-152 is participating in unit-level training Evergreen. The training consists of division formation flights with stateside-based VMGR squadrons and tri-lateral training with the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group to gain valuable insight on the most recent Operation Inherent Resolve assault support tactics.
Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft... - Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan jump out of the aircraft and make their descent towards the drop zone at IDIS-Corps facility in Parker, Ariz., from July 12 to August 1, 2017 The Marines conducted high altitude high opening (HAHO) sustainment training, while implementing the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS).
Capt. Justin Griffis is a current operations and training officer with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, whom assisted in the rescue of a 7-year old Japanese boy who almost drowned at Maeda Flats, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2017. - Capt. Justin Griffis is a current operations and training officer with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, whom assisted in the rescue of a 7-year old Japanese boy who almost drowned at Maeda Flats, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2017.
Story - Pfc. James P. Gross, a radio and satellite communications operator, places barbed wire on the ground at Misawa Air Base, Japan, August 10, 2017, signifying the start of exercise Northern Viper 2017. This exercise tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together and provides the opportunity to conduct realistic training in an unfamiliar environment. Gross, a Milwaukee native, is with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)
Marines with the engineer platoon for Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, construct a foundation for a Southwest Asia hut at the Combat Center during Integrated Training Exercise 5-17, July 29, 2017. MWSS-272 is supporting the Aviation Combat Element of the ITX. The ACE conducts offensive, defensive, and all other air operations to support the MAGTF mission . - Marines with the engineer platoon for Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, construct a foundation for a Southwest Asia hut at the Combat Center during Integrated Training Exercise 5-17, July 29, 2017. MWSS-272 is supporting the Aviation Combat Element of the ITX. The ACE conducts offensive, defensive, and all other air operations to support the MAGTF mission .
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