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The U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant's Own," performs during a Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California March 9, 2016. The battle color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard. - The U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant's Own," performs during a Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California March 9, 2016. The battle color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard.

Mamie Wilson-Collins and Willie Collins pose together at an unknown location and date. Willie's story of his 21-year-enlistment will live on due to the recently published 52 page biography titled: Top, A Proud Marine: The story of Master Sgt. Willie L. Collins. - Mamie Wilson-Collins and Willie Collins pose together at an unknown location and date. Willie's story of his 21-year-enlistment will live on due to the recently published 52 page biography titled: Top, A Proud Marine: The story of Master Sgt. Willie L. Collins.

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Japanese observers tour and examine a MV-22 Osprey during a noncombatant evacuation demonstration as part of exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, February 17, 2016. U.S. Marines put an Osprey on static display during the demonstration while partner nations exercised their own evacuation capabilities. The Osprey provides a longer flight range and a bigger capacity for supplies compared to traditional helicopters, but allows service members to access smaller areas compared to traditional fixed-wing aircraft. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, is a multi-national exercise designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust combined task force from partner nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Japanese observers tour and examine a MV-22 Osprey during a noncombatant evacuation demonstration as part of exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, February 17, 2016. U.S. Marines put an Osprey on static display during the demonstration while partner nations exercised their own evacuation capabilities. The Osprey provides a longer flight range and a bigger capacity for supplies compared to traditional helicopters, but allows service members to access smaller areas compared to traditional fixed-wing aircraft. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, is a multi-national exercise designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust combined task force from partner nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lance Cpl. Jarod L. Smith, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, fires a mounted M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun from the back of the MV-22B Osprey during a live fire training session off the coast of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 10, 2016. Marines with VMM-365 flew to a landing zone, which allowed pilots to practice CALs in their Osprey’s and then flew several miles off the coast to practice their proficiency with the .50-caliber machine gun. - Lance Cpl. Jarod L. Smith, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, fires a mounted M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun from the back of the MV-22B Osprey during a live fire training session off the coast of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 10, 2016. Marines with VMM-365 flew to a landing zone, which allowed pilots to practice CALs in their Osprey’s and then flew several miles off the coast to practice their proficiency with the .50-caliber machine gun.

Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, prepare to unload two M1A1 Abrams tanks following their transport across New River by using a seven-bay raft system during a water-crossing operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 4, 2016. The unit boasts a wide range of raft systems and bridging that it is able to do to allow tactical vehicles to cross large bodies of water. - Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, prepare to unload two M1A1 Abrams tanks following their transport across New River by using a seven-bay raft system during a water-crossing operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 4, 2016. The unit boasts a wide range of raft systems and bridging that it is able to do to allow tactical vehicles to cross large bodies of water.

A soldier with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Western Army Infantry Regiment looks out from the driver’s seat of an amphibious assault vehicle onto a simulated battlefield during training during Exercise Iron Fist 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral amphibious training exercise designed to improve U.S. Marine Corps and JGSDF’s ability to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious operations. The exercise provides valuable training to warriors from different cultures, and the opportunity to build camaraderie between the U.S. and Japanese militaries. - A soldier with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Western Army Infantry Regiment looks out from the driver’s seat of an amphibious assault vehicle onto a simulated battlefield during training during Exercise Iron Fist 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral amphibious training exercise designed to improve U.S. Marine Corps and JGSDF’s ability to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious operations. The exercise provides valuable training to warriors from different cultures, and the opportunity to build camaraderie between the U.S. and Japanese militaries.

First Lt. Nolan Vihlen (left), 1st Lt. Dave Samson (middle), and 1st Lt. David Peck (right), Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, conduct vehicle checks on a CH-53E Super Stallion before their departure from Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jan. 7, 2016. Thorough and consistent pilot training is the best way to ensure aviation safety; HMHT-302 teaches its student pilots proper procedures for safety checks to ensure the highest level of safety and preparedness prior to any flight. - First Lt. Nolan Vihlen (left), 1st Lt. Dave Samson (middle), and 1st Lt. David Peck (right), Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, conduct vehicle checks on a CH-53E Super Stallion before their departure from Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jan. 7, 2016. Thorough and consistent pilot training is the best way to ensure aviation safety; HMHT-302 teaches its student pilots proper procedures for safety checks to ensure the highest level of safety and preparedness prior to any flight.

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Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va. - Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va.

Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle. - Captain Ericka Johnson, a Legal Service Support Section defense attorney, conducts egress training at the Quantico Reserve Support Unit High Mobility-Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) Nov. 20 to practice rollover training. The repetitive training exercise duplicates the effort required to exit an inverted vehicle.

Japanese motorcycle clubs and motorcycle riders from the air station gathered at the Marine Thrift Store for the third-annual Toy Drive and Motorcycle Rally at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 22, 2015. Station residents and local Japanese donated toys for Japanese orphans and enjoyed decorated bikes and the roar of engines as the motorcyclists went on a Thunder Ride around base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) - Japanese motorcycle clubs and motorcycle riders from the air station gathered at the Marine Thrift Store for the third-annual Toy Drive and Motorcycle Rally at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 22, 2015. Station residents and local Japanese donated toys for Japanese orphans and enjoyed decorated bikes and the roar of engines as the motorcyclists went on a Thunder Ride around base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)

The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller steps out of a UH-1 Huey to talk with Marines Nov. 23 at the Camp Hansen Theater, Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Neller, and the Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green visited service members with III Marine Expeditionary Force, the “tip of the spear,” in the Asia-Pacific region by traveling around and speaking with forward deployed Marines across the installations that comprise Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. The Marine Corps must be maintained as a crisis response force and a force in readiness, to include the ability for Marines to remain forward deployed and ready to fight and win. - The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller steps out of a UH-1 Huey to talk with Marines Nov. 23 at the Camp Hansen Theater, Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Neller, and the Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green visited service members with III Marine Expeditionary Force, the “tip of the spear,” in the Asia-Pacific region by traveling around and speaking with forward deployed Marines across the installations that comprise Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan. The Marine Corps must be maintained as a crisis response force and a force in readiness, to include the ability for Marines to remain forward deployed and ready to fight and win.

Vietnam veteran Jim Alderman expresses thanks during his graduation from an inpatient post-traumatic stress disorder program for war veterans in the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare Center Oct. 30, 2015. DoD photo by EJ Hersom - Vietnam veteran Jim Alderman expresses thanks during his graduation from an inpatient post-traumatic stress disorder program for war veterans in the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare Center Oct. 30, 2015. DoD photo by EJ Hersom

A Norwegian cadet pulls himself under barbed wire while completing the Combat Course at Officer Candidate School.While most candidates arrive at OCS via a combination of air and personal vehicle travel, the Norwegian cadets sailed a 101-year-old, three-masted steel bark known as the “Statsraad Lehmkuhl” from Norway to Baltimore. - A Norwegian cadet pulls himself under barbed wire while completing the Combat Course at Officer Candidate School.While most candidates arrive at OCS via a combination of air and personal vehicle travel, the Norwegian cadets sailed a 101-year-old, three-masted steel bark known as the “Statsraad Lehmkuhl” from Norway to Baltimore.

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

Cpl. Mark McNulty provides security while his fire team searches a Marine from the opposing side in Central Training Area’s Combat Town in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2015. A fire team of Marines entered and cleared a building with special effect small-arms marking system rounds with an opposing force hiding a hostage. The scenario was conducted on the final day of a three day training event aimed at improving skills clearing buildings. McNulty is from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is a military policeman with Military Police Detachment, Combat Logistic Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Cpl. Mark McNulty provides security while his fire team searches a Marine from the opposing side in Central Training Area’s Combat Town in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2015. A fire team of Marines entered and cleared a building with special effect small-arms marking system rounds with an opposing force hiding a hostage. The scenario was conducted on the final day of a three day training event aimed at improving skills clearing buildings. McNulty is from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is a military policeman with Military Police Detachment, Combat Logistic Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

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

Cynthia Gregory, a runner in the marathon, finishes the 40th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 25 at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gregory finished the 26.2 miles in seven hours, seven minutes and 21 seconds and ranked 427th in her division. - Cynthia Gregory, a runner in the marathon, finishes the 40th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 25 at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gregory finished the 26.2 miles in seven hours, seven minutes and 21 seconds and ranked 427th in her division.

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Col. Joseph M. Murray, commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico, presents Jeff Galloway with a plaque during a Marine Corps Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Reagan National Airport in Crystal City, Va., Oct. 23, 2015. Galloway was inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame for his contributions to the marathon over the years. Galloway, a retired Navy lieutenant and founder of the Run-Walk-Run program, has been involved with the marathon for 20 years and has completed 12. He travels the nation hosting running clinics and encouraging runners to be safer and easier on their bodies. - Col. Joseph M. Murray, commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico, presents Jeff Galloway with a plaque during a Marine Corps Hall of Fame dinner and ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Reagan National Airport in Crystal City, Va., Oct. 23, 2015. Galloway was inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame for his contributions to the marathon over the years. Galloway, a retired Navy lieutenant and founder of the Run-Walk-Run program, has been involved with the marathon for 20 years and has completed 12. He travels the nation hosting running clinics and encouraging runners to be safer and easier on their bodies.

Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Sgt. Brendan Campbell, on-the-job trainee, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, places trinitrotoluene around an M107 155mm High Explosive projectile while excavating at Rainbow Canyon Training Area, Oct. 8, 2015. EOD used TNT, C-4 plastic explosives, and an M107 projectile in an attempt to level the ground for the installation of two 2,500 gallon wildlife guzzlers. - Sgt. Brendan Campbell, on-the-job trainee, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, places trinitrotoluene around an M107 155mm High Explosive projectile while excavating at Rainbow Canyon Training Area, Oct. 8, 2015. EOD used TNT, C-4 plastic explosives, and an M107 projectile in an attempt to level the ground for the installation of two 2,500 gallon wildlife guzzlers.

Since 2005, a nominee from each of the services has received the Spirit of Hope award for reflecting the selfless spirit and dedication of Bob Hope. The award was presented to the Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association as the Marine Corps 2015 winner at the Pentagon Oct. 16th, 2015. - Since 2005, a nominee from each of the services has received the Spirit of Hope award for reflecting the selfless spirit and dedication of Bob Hope. The award was presented to the Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association as the Marine Corps 2015 winner at the Pentagon Oct. 16th, 2015.

Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia. - Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aeriel manuevers at the 2015 MCAS Miramar Air Show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Oct. 2. Sixteen pilots volunteer to fly in the formation of F/A-18 Hornets to show audiences around the world the capabilities of the armed forces’ aircraft. - U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aeriel manuevers at the 2015 MCAS Miramar Air Show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Oct. 2. Sixteen pilots volunteer to fly in the formation of F/A-18 Hornets to show audiences around the world the capabilities of the armed forces’ aircraft.

Marines with 2nd Marine Division meet with civilians during the repatriation of 1st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Jr. in Knoxville, Tenn, Sept. 27, 2015. Bonnyman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. His remains were brought home after being discovered in Tarawa 72 years later. - Marines with 2nd Marine Division meet with civilians during the repatriation of 1st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Jr. in Knoxville, Tenn, Sept. 27, 2015. Bonnyman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. His remains were brought home after being discovered in Tarawa 72 years later.

Gen. Robert B. Neller speaks to Marines for the first time as commandant at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Oct. 1, 2015. Neller focused on people, readiness, training, Naval integration and modernization during his speech. - Gen. Robert B. Neller speaks to Marines for the first time as commandant at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Oct. 1, 2015. Neller focused on people, readiness, training, Naval integration and modernization during his speech.

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Benin National Surveillance Police students capture their intended target during an early morning raid exercise, Sept. 25, 2015, at Benin's Military Officer Academy in Toffo, Benin. More than 150 National Surveillance Police students graduated from a monthlong U.S. Marine Corps training evolution that included weapons handling, combat marksmanship, patrolling, close-quarters combat, tactical site exploitation, tactical questioning and the operations order process. - Benin National Surveillance Police students capture their intended target during an early morning raid exercise, Sept. 25, 2015, at Benin's Military Officer Academy in Toffo, Benin. More than 150 National Surveillance Police students graduated from a monthlong U.S. Marine Corps training evolution that included weapons handling, combat marksmanship, patrolling, close-quarters combat, tactical site exploitation, tactical questioning and the operations order process.

A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying. - A Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23, 2015. The battalion conducted the training, which simulates vehicle rollovers and how to react, in order to hone their skills prior to deploying.

Engineers from Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group and 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division as well as members of British 54 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers stand atop a medium girder bridge they built at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Marines from 7th ESB and 1st CEB are conducting various engineer training events alongside their British counterparts in coming weeks as part of annual large-scale exercise Black Alligator. - Engineers from Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group and 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division as well as members of British 54 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers stand atop a medium girder bridge they built at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23, 2015. Marines from 7th ESB and 1st CEB are conducting various engineer training events alongside their British counterparts in coming weeks as part of annual large-scale exercise Black Alligator.

U.S. Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, conduct patrol-based operations and engage in platoon-level attacks with troops from His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga, the New Zealand Defence Force, the French Army of New Caledonia and the Tongan Royal Guards during their culminating event for Exercise Tafakula 15 Sept. 9-11 on Tongatapu Island, Tonga. Each military force split into integrated platoons for the event that comprised of 72 hours of patrolling, land navigation and attacking mock enemy positions. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Darwin affords unprecedented combined training opportunities such as Exercise Tafakula and improves interoperability between the involved forces. - U.S. Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, conduct patrol-based operations and engage in platoon-level attacks with troops from His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga, the New Zealand Defence Force, the French Army of New Caledonia and the Tongan Royal Guards during their culminating event for Exercise Tafakula 15 Sept. 9-11 on Tongatapu Island, Tonga. Each military force split into integrated platoons for the event that comprised of 72 hours of patrolling, land navigation and attacking mock enemy positions. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Darwin affords unprecedented combined training opportunities such as Exercise Tafakula and improves interoperability between the involved forces.

Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. - Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

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Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission. - Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission.

Benjamin "Ben" Palermo holds a photo of himself when he was serving on active duty in the Marine Corps in his home in San Antonio, Texas, June 4, 2015. Palermo served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment during Operation Starlite during August 1965 in Vietnam. - Benjamin "Ben" Palermo holds a photo of himself when he was serving on active duty in the Marine Corps in his home in San Antonio, Texas, June 4, 2015. Palermo served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment during Operation Starlite during August 1965 in Vietnam.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Arnet Moore, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, welds a piece of metal for a project in Southwest Asia, July 19, 2015. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Arnet Moore, a welder with the Logistics Combat Element, Special Purpose Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, welds a piece of metal for a project in Southwest Asia, July 19, 2015.

Alison Malachowski holds a photograph of her son, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James Malachowski, in front of his grave in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, July 22, 2015. Staff Sgt. Malachowski was with the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marines when he stepped on an improvised explosive device during his fourth combat deployment on March 20, 2011, while his unit was raising the Afghanistan national flag over a small compound near Patrol Base Dakota in Marjah Province. "He died a terrible, painful death," said Alison. "But he did not scream or cry and I know why - it was so he wouldn't frighten his guys. I know I sound like just another grieving mother - but he was one of those Marines; if a platoon wasn't doing well they'd assign him to straighten things out. His last words were, 'Is everyone OK?' He was all about taking care of his men." (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar) - Alison Malachowski holds a photograph of her son, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James Malachowski, in front of his grave in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, July 22, 2015. Staff Sgt. Malachowski was with the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marines when he stepped on an improvised explosive device during his fourth combat deployment on March 20, 2011, while his unit was raising the Afghanistan national flag over a small compound near Patrol Base Dakota in Marjah Province. "He died a terrible, painful death," said Alison. "But he did not scream or cry and I know why - it was so he wouldn't frighten his guys. I know I sound like just another grieving mother - but he was one of those Marines; if a platoon wasn't doing well they'd assign him to straighten things out. His last words were, 'Is everyone OK?' He was all about taking care of his men." (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar)

An M1A1 Abrams tank with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, crosses a medium girder bridge constructed by Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 24, 2015. The bridge is designed to hold up to the weight of a tank, approximately 72 tons, and is an essential component in providing the Marine Expeditionary Forces with increased mobility. - An M1A1 Abrams tank with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, crosses a medium girder bridge constructed by Marines with Bridge Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 24, 2015. The bridge is designed to hold up to the weight of a tank, approximately 72 tons, and is an essential component in providing the Marine Expeditionary Forces with increased mobility.

Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, presents a folded flag to the widow of Sgt. Carson Holmquist, a motor transport maintenance chief with Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, during his funeral July 25, 2015 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Holmquist, along with three other Marines and a sailor, was killed in an attack at the Naval Operation Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennesee July 16, 2015. Marines, family, friends and the community of Grantsburg gathered to honor the memory and sacrifice of Holmquist and his fallen brothers-in-arms. - Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, presents a folded flag to the widow of Sgt. Carson Holmquist, a motor transport maintenance chief with Battery M, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, during his funeral July 25, 2015 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Holmquist, along with three other Marines and a sailor, was killed in an attack at the Naval Operation Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennesee July 16, 2015. Marines, family, friends and the community of Grantsburg gathered to honor the memory and sacrifice of Holmquist and his fallen brothers-in-arms.

Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke. - Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Ammunition Detachment, and 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, inspect a 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle prior to loading it with ammunition during an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2015. Ammunition distribution is performed at the field ammunition supply point, which is set-up and operated by CLB-1, Ammunition Detachment. CLB-1 is currently training to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Ammunition Detachment, and 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, inspect a 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle prior to loading it with ammunition during an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2015. Ammunition distribution is performed at the field ammunition supply point, which is set-up and operated by CLB-1, Ammunition Detachment. CLB-1 is currently training to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1.

U.S. Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a ceremonially decorated MV-22 Osprey, in Southwest Asia, July 17, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel. - U.S. Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a ceremonially decorated MV-22 Osprey, in Southwest Asia, July 17, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training. - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training.

Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available. - Marines assigned to Company A, 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, perform parachute jumps into the ocean at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 14, 2015. The Marines and Sailors conducted low-level static-line parachute operations with intentional water landings to make insertions, where other means such as boats or high-altitude parachute jumps may not be available.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis speaks to Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., May 27, 2015. The visit of Gen. Mattis was held to motivate the Marines for their upcoming exercise. - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis speaks to Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif., May 27, 2015. The visit of Gen. Mattis was held to motivate the Marines for their upcoming exercise.

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