News

Maj. Jason P. Quinter, future plans officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Expeditionary Brigade—Afghanistan, reunites with his children after returning home from a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014. The Marines and Sailors of MEB-A recently completed a transfer of authority with Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand province, marking the end of nine years of Marine operations in the area. - Maj. Jason P. Quinter, future plans officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Expeditionary Brigade—Afghanistan, reunites with his children after returning home from a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014. The Marines and Sailors of MEB-A recently completed a transfer of authority with Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand province, marking the end of nine years of Marine operations in the area.

Marines practice manuevering through a course during the 4th Annual Quantico Combat Shooting Match Oct. 29, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The competition was hosted by the Combat Shooting Team, Weapons Training Battalion as part of a developing program to encourage commands throughout the Marine Corps to support marksmanship competitions. - Marines practice manuevering through a course during the 4th Annual Quantico Combat Shooting Match Oct. 29, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The competition was hosted by the Combat Shooting Team, Weapons Training Battalion as part of a developing program to encourage commands throughout the Marine Corps to support marksmanship competitions.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Role players protest outside of a simulated embassy while a Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division stands guard at a Military Operations on Urban Terrain town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2014. The Marines provided security for the embassy as part of an embassy reinforcement operation in conjunction with Exercise Bold Alligator 2014. Bold Alligator is a scenario-driven, simulation-supported, amphibious assault exercise and is the largest exercise held on the East Coast. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted through Nov. 10. The battalion is participating in the exercise to prepare for the unit’s upcoming deployment as the ground combat element for the Black Sea Rotational Force. - Role players protest outside of a simulated embassy while a Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division stands guard at a Military Operations on Urban Terrain town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 30, 2014. The Marines provided security for the embassy as part of an embassy reinforcement operation in conjunction with Exercise Bold Alligator 2014. Bold Alligator is a scenario-driven, simulation-supported, amphibious assault exercise and is the largest exercise held on the East Coast. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted through Nov. 10. The battalion is participating in the exercise to prepare for the unit’s upcoming deployment as the ground combat element for the Black Sea Rotational Force.

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, boost a Marine over a wall during a vertical-assault raid course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2014. The course teaches vertical assault techniques and the importance of working together as a cohesive unit during a raid. - U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, boost a Marine over a wall during a vertical-assault raid course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2014. The course teaches vertical assault techniques and the importance of working together as a cohesive unit during a raid.

Marines from Scout Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, participated in a training and readiness exercise to true their rifles aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 22-24, 2014. The three-day training event helped prepare Marines for upcoming combined arms exercises and potential combat operations abroad. - Marines from Scout Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, participated in a training and readiness exercise to true their rifles aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 22-24, 2014. The three-day training event helped prepare Marines for upcoming combined arms exercises and potential combat operations abroad.

Marines attack their objective Nov. 2 during exercise Blue Chromite 15 in the Central Training Area. Blue Chromite demonstrates the Navy and Marine Corps’ expeditionary capabilities from the sea. Marines rode in assault amphibious vehicles in a ship-to-shore assault from the USS Germantown to Oura Wan Beach. After securing their first objective Marines advanced inland to the CTA. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marines Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Abbey Perria/Released) - Marines attack their objective Nov. 2 during exercise Blue Chromite 15 in the Central Training Area. Blue Chromite demonstrates the Navy and Marine Corps’ expeditionary capabilities from the sea. Marines rode in assault amphibious vehicles in a ship-to-shore assault from the USS Germantown to Oura Wan Beach. After securing their first objective Marines advanced inland to the CTA. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marines Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Abbey Perria/Released)

Marines, veterans and their families gathered at the Yemassee train station for the 2nd Annual Yemassee Train Depot Reunion Oct. 16. Yemassee was the first stop for eager recruits seeking to earn the title United States Marine before reaching Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island from 1915 to 1965. Many Marines that fought in wars and conflicts spanning WWI through Vietnam began their transformation at the train station. - Marines, veterans and their families gathered at the Yemassee train station for the 2nd Annual Yemassee Train Depot Reunion Oct. 16. Yemassee was the first stop for eager recruits seeking to earn the title United States Marine before reaching Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island from 1915 to 1965. Many Marines that fought in wars and conflicts spanning WWI through Vietnam began their transformation at the train station.

Artillery Marines with Gun 3, Battery A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, prepare to send a round down range during a fire mission at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 29, 2014. Marines of Battery A conducted a live-fire artillery shoot, Oct. 28-30, 2014. 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. - Artillery Marines with Gun 3, Battery A, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, prepare to send a round down range during a fire mission at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 29, 2014. Marines of Battery A conducted a live-fire artillery shoot, Oct. 28-30, 2014. 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.

Marines with 3rd Marine Air Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, used the remains of a CH-46E Sea Knight to represent a crashed UH-1Y Huey during a mishap drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27, 2014. The drill provided first responders the opportunity to practice every step of responding to a disabled aircraft including coordinating military and civilian agencies and rescuing the crew of the aircraft. - Marines with 3rd Marine Air Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, used the remains of a CH-46E Sea Knight to represent a crashed UH-1Y Huey during a mishap drill at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27, 2014. The drill provided first responders the opportunity to practice every step of responding to a disabled aircraft including coordinating military and civilian agencies and rescuing the crew of the aircraft.

A Marine with 1st Marine Division Schools, pre-scout sniper course snaps in before engaging his target. Division schools recently began the second week of training for Marines attending the pre-scout sniper course aboard Camp Pendleton California, Oct. 27 2014. - A Marine with 1st Marine Division Schools, pre-scout sniper course snaps in before engaging his target. Division schools recently began the second week of training for Marines attending the pre-scout sniper course aboard Camp Pendleton California, Oct. 27 2014.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Miller clears a malfunction while blindfolded during a security element course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 23, 2014. Miller is a radio operator with Force Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Marines in this course are preparing for the 15th MEU’s deployment in the spring. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Miller clears a malfunction while blindfolded during a security element course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 23, 2014. Miller is a radio operator with Force Reconnaissance Detachment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Marines in this course are preparing for the 15th MEU’s deployment in the spring.

Energy Initiative Graphic - Energy Initiative Graphic

The Provost Marshall Office Special Reaction Team conducts the avalanche drill at Range 300, Oct. 23. The avalanche drill is a technique to tactically withdraw in the event the team is overrun by an enemy. - The Provost Marshall Office Special Reaction Team conducts the avalanche drill at Range 300, Oct. 23. The avalanche drill is a technique to tactically withdraw in the event the team is overrun by an enemy.

Marines load simulated casualties onto a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 helicopter Oct. 28 here during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2014. The exercise, which included personnel assigned to the Japan Self-Defense Force, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler Japan, Urasoe City, Camp Kinser emergency services, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and other civilian agencies, simulated a collaborative emergency response to a tsunami and tested cooperative emergency response procedures. The Marines are with camp services, Camp Kinser, MCIPAC-Marine Corp Base, Camp Butler Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released) - Marines load simulated casualties onto a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47 helicopter Oct. 28 here during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2014. The exercise, which included personnel assigned to the Japan Self-Defense Force, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler Japan, Urasoe City, Camp Kinser emergency services, Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and other civilian agencies, simulated a collaborative emergency response to a tsunami and tested cooperative emergency response procedures. The Marines are with camp services, Camp Kinser, MCIPAC-Marine Corp Base, Camp Butler Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released)

First Lt. Thomas Heemer, the logistics officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses with his Marine Corps Marathon bib on “Broadway,” a passageway aboard the USS New York, Oct. 26, 2014. Due to pre-deployment training with the 24th MEU, Heemer ran the MCM on a treadmill aboard the New York, finishing under the four-hour mark. The 24th MEU is conducting its final pre-deployment training exercise before a deployment at the end of the year. - First Lt. Thomas Heemer, the logistics officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses with his Marine Corps Marathon bib on “Broadway,” a passageway aboard the USS New York, Oct. 26, 2014. Due to pre-deployment training with the 24th MEU, Heemer ran the MCM on a treadmill aboard the New York, finishing under the four-hour mark. The 24th MEU is conducting its final pre-deployment training exercise before a deployment at the end of the year.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice clearing rooms during a training exercise at MOC-3 range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2014. The Marines conducted the Military Operations on Urban Terrain training with live rounds and live grenades to expand their level of readiness. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice clearing rooms during a training exercise at MOC-3 range aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2014. The Marines conducted the Military Operations on Urban Terrain training with live rounds and live grenades to expand their level of readiness.

Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan. - Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan.

A Sailor with Beach Master Unit 1 guides heavy machinery off a Landing Craft, Air Cushions while performing a ship-to-shore drill during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct 23, 2014. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. - A Sailor with Beach Master Unit 1 guides heavy machinery off a Landing Craft, Air Cushions while performing a ship-to-shore drill during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct 23, 2014. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28.

Lance Cpl. Anthony Andes, right, a water support technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, explains the gages of the Tactical Water Purification System at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015, Oct. 23. PH 15 increases the ability of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to plan, communicate and conduct complex sea and shore based operations in response to natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Lance Cpl. Anthony Andes, right, a water support technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, explains the gages of the Tactical Water Purification System at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015, Oct. 23. PH 15 increases the ability of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to plan, communicate and conduct complex sea and shore based operations in response to natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Combat Engineer Platoon, erect a multipurpose building during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21. The SWA hut would serve as shelter, billeting or medical facility in a humanitarian aid or disaster relief mission. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rick Hurtado / Released) - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Combat Engineer Platoon, erect a multipurpose building during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21. The SWA hut would serve as shelter, billeting or medical facility in a humanitarian aid or disaster relief mission. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rick Hurtado / Released)

This photo illustration depicts Lance Cpl. Benjamin Ferry and his Grandfather, Richard T. Ferry, side-by-side while each was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Coincidentally, both Benjamin and Richard were assigned the same unit with more than 60 years’ difference in service time. Richard served with 3/5 during the Korean War, fighting in Inchon and at the Chosin Reservoir before being evacuated with two wounds suffered in combat. Benjamin is an automatic rifleman and is currently deployed aboard the USS Peleliu with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit - This photo illustration depicts Lance Cpl. Benjamin Ferry and his Grandfather, Richard T. Ferry, side-by-side while each was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Coincidentally, both Benjamin and Richard were assigned the same unit with more than 60 years’ difference in service time. Richard served with 3/5 during the Korean War, fighting in Inchon and at the Chosin Reservoir before being evacuated with two wounds suffered in combat. Benjamin is an automatic rifleman and is currently deployed aboard the USS Peleliu with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to breach a door during a helicopter-raid exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2014. BLT 3/1 is scheduled to deploy as the 15th MEU’s ground combat element next spring. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to breach a door during a helicopter-raid exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2014. BLT 3/1 is scheduled to deploy as the 15th MEU’s ground combat element next spring. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 “Gunfighters,” prepares to land during a familiarization flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16. Pilots and crews practiced basic flight operations like landings and take offs several times in succession to hone their skills. - A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 “Gunfighters,” prepares to land during a familiarization flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16. Pilots and crews practiced basic flight operations like landings and take offs several times in succession to hone their skills.

Ella Jackson, a 93-year-old widow, receives a Congressional Gold Medal replica in lieu of her late husband, Master Sgt. George Jackson, in Port Royal, S.C., Oct. 2. George Jackson enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and retired after 27 years of service in 1969. Brigadier General Terry Williams, the first African-American commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, presented Jackson with the medal at a ceremony. In 2012, congress awarded the Montford Point Marines with the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States' highest civilian award bestowed by congress. - Ella Jackson, a 93-year-old widow, receives a Congressional Gold Medal replica in lieu of her late husband, Master Sgt. George Jackson, in Port Royal, S.C., Oct. 2. George Jackson enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and retired after 27 years of service in 1969. Brigadier General Terry Williams, the first African-American commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, presented Jackson with the medal at a ceremony. In 2012, congress awarded the Montford Point Marines with the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States' highest civilian award bestowed by congress.

Gunnery Sgt. Robert V. Mendoza, company gunnery sergeant, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is the most recent recipient of the Gunnery Sgt. Carlos N. Hathcock II Award for his performance while serving as marksmanship training unit instructor and assault amphibian vehicle gunnery training coordinator for Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, from Feb. 25, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2014. From October 2014 to July 2015, the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force will conduct individual and collective skills training in designated 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 Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released) - Gunnery Sgt. Robert V. Mendoza, company gunnery sergeant, Company B, Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, is the most recent recipient of the Gunnery Sgt. Carlos N. Hathcock II Award for his performance while serving as marksmanship training unit instructor and assault amphibian vehicle gunnery training coordinator for Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, from Feb. 25, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2014. From October 2014 to July 2015, the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force will conduct individual and collective skills training in designated 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 Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

U.S. Navy Lt. Yonatan Warren explains the history of the Bataan Death March at the memorial wall during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15, Oct. 8, 2014. More then 100 Marines visited the memorial over two days to learn more about the events of World War II that occurred in the Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces focused on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. Warren is the chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Navy Lt. Yonatan Warren explains the history of the Bataan Death March at the memorial wall during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15, Oct. 8, 2014. More then 100 Marines visited the memorial over two days to learn more about the events of World War II that occurred in the Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces focused on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. Warren is the chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released) - A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released)

Marines and sailors visited patients of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., Oct. 7. They spent time with wounded servicemembers and imparted them with words of support and enthusiasm. The visit was held during San Francisco Fleet Week 2014, which focuses on interoperability training between civil and military agencies to improve cooperation and coordination, as well as increase readiness through a range of humanitarian assistance operations. - Marines and sailors visited patients of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., Oct. 7. They spent time with wounded servicemembers and imparted them with words of support and enthusiasm. The visit was held during San Francisco Fleet Week 2014, which focuses on interoperability training between civil and military agencies to improve cooperation and coordination, as well as increase readiness through a range of humanitarian assistance operations.

A photograph of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Harold Gonsalves during World War II. Although there is no way to completely know how events unfolded on that hill in Okinawa in April 1945, we have used historical information about Gonsalves’ life to recreate his story of heroism and valor. - A photograph of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Harold Gonsalves during World War II. Although there is no way to completely know how events unfolded on that hill in Okinawa in April 1945, we have used historical information about Gonsalves’ life to recreate his story of heroism and valor.

A tank with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division cruises through the muddy field of Landing Zone Flacon aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a breaching exercise Oct. 1, 2014. The tanks moved past an obstacle in order to assault a simulated enemy on the other side of that obstacle. The purpose of the three-day field exercise was for the Marines to work on tank fundamentals in the offense and defense. - A tank with Alpha Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division cruises through the muddy field of Landing Zone Flacon aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., during a breaching exercise Oct. 1, 2014. The tanks moved past an obstacle in order to assault a simulated enemy on the other side of that obstacle. The purpose of the three-day field exercise was for the Marines to work on tank fundamentals in the offense and defense.

A Marine with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, drives an M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicle during a vehicle recovery training operation aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 29, 2014. Approximately 20 Marines conducted a training operation to recover an immobilized Hercules using a pulley and winch system. Marines and sailors with the battalion conducted a field exercise Sept. 18 - Oct. 1, 2014, to reinforce their capability to accomplish battalion-level, mission essential tasks. - A Marine with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, drives an M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicle during a vehicle recovery training operation aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 29, 2014. Approximately 20 Marines conducted a training operation to recover an immobilized Hercules using a pulley and winch system. Marines and sailors with the battalion conducted a field exercise Sept. 18 - Oct. 1, 2014, to reinforce their capability to accomplish battalion-level, mission essential tasks.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Andy Muller aims in during a dry-fire drill at a close-quarters tactics course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 25, 2014. Muller is a receiver-transmitter operator with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. These Marines are enhancing their skills before compositing with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in October. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Andy Muller aims in during a dry-fire drill at a close-quarters tactics course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 25, 2014. Muller is a receiver-transmitter operator with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. These Marines are enhancing their skills before compositing with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in October.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyrone Kimbrough, a corpsman with Alpha Company, 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, checks a simulated casualty for injuries during a medical exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 24, 2014. During the exercise, the corpsmen practiced stabilizing casualties for evacuation under stressful conditions to imitate situations they may experience in combat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Olivia C. McDonald/Released) - Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyrone Kimbrough, a corpsman with Alpha Company, 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, checks a simulated casualty for injuries during a medical exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 24, 2014. During the exercise, the corpsmen practiced stabilizing casualties for evacuation under stressful conditions to imitate situations they may experience in combat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Olivia C. McDonald/Released)

Lance Corporal Colin Stegal, an ammo technician with Ammo Company, 1st Supply Battalion, fires a M1014 shotgun aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 15, 2014. The range required Marines to demonstrate proficiency with the M1014 shotgun. The live-fire ranges were part of an annual training package to keep the Marines confident and proficient with each weapon system. - Lance Corporal Colin Stegal, an ammo technician with Ammo Company, 1st Supply Battalion, fires a M1014 shotgun aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 15, 2014. The range required Marines to demonstrate proficiency with the M1014 shotgun. The live-fire ranges were part of an annual training package to keep the Marines confident and proficient with each weapon system.

Entry-level Marines with Company A, Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West completed their culminating event at Range 408 here, Sept. 25. The range includes and implements the different infantry occupational specialties at the company level. Medium/light machine guns and mortars suppress the enemy first, providing the supporting fire for a squad size element of riflemen and assaultmen to assault the enemies’ position. - Entry-level Marines with Company A, Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West completed their culminating event at Range 408 here, Sept. 25. The range includes and implements the different infantry occupational specialties at the company level. Medium/light machine guns and mortars suppress the enemy first, providing the supporting fire for a squad size element of riflemen and assaultmen to assault the enemies’ position.

A rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, hikes to his company objective during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 23, 2014. The MCCRE is designed to be a final evaluation to ensure the Marines are prepared to be deployed. The battalion is slated to deploy as the ground combat element of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. - A rifleman with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, hikes to his company objective during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 23, 2014. The MCCRE is designed to be a final evaluation to ensure the Marines are prepared to be deployed. The battalion is slated to deploy as the ground combat element of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year.

Private Sarah Trull, a fiscal clerk with Marine Air Group 39, puts together an Arctic shelter Aug. 29, 2014, aboard Camp Pendleton, California. The system is an ultra-lightweight, rapidly deployable shelter that offers military forces the necessary infrastructure to operate in austere cold-weather locations. The system is being used for training exercises in Bridgeport, California, and is slated to be integrated into exercises early next year. - Private Sarah Trull, a fiscal clerk with Marine Air Group 39, puts together an Arctic shelter Aug. 29, 2014, aboard Camp Pendleton, California. The system is an ultra-lightweight, rapidly deployable shelter that offers military forces the necessary infrastructure to operate in austere cold-weather locations. The system is being used for training exercises in Bridgeport, California, and is slated to be integrated into exercises early next year.

British soldiers of the 5, 6, and 7 Military Intelligence Battalions, 1 Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Brigade, board buses to return to the barracks at the conclusion of Exercise Phoenix Odyssey on Sept. 17, 2014. The week-long field exercise, conducted alongside Marines of 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, provided scenario driven tests of their ability to integrate intelligence practices. The two forces have been training in a Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility on Camp Lejeune since the field portion began Sept 11, 2014. - British soldiers of the 5, 6, and 7 Military Intelligence Battalions, 1 Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Brigade, board buses to return to the barracks at the conclusion of Exercise Phoenix Odyssey on Sept. 17, 2014. The week-long field exercise, conducted alongside Marines of 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, provided scenario driven tests of their ability to integrate intelligence practices. The two forces have been training in a Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility on Camp Lejeune since the field portion began Sept 11, 2014.

Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a Gator Square after disembarking the USS Whidbey Island off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. A Gator Square is completed when the assault amphibious vehicles form a square out at sea and maneuver back onto the ship. - Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a Gator Square after disembarking the USS Whidbey Island off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. A Gator Square is completed when the assault amphibious vehicles form a square out at sea and maneuver back onto the ship.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei) - Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei)

Two Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fire an AT4-Rocket Launcher at a target during a live-fire training exercise on Range P28 aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Sept. 5. The range was built specifically for the unit as a training aid to increase overall unit readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jorden M. Wells / Released) - Two Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fire an AT4-Rocket Launcher at a target during a live-fire training exercise on Range P28 aboard Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Sept. 5. The range was built specifically for the unit as a training aid to increase overall unit readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jorden M. Wells / Released)

Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, left, commander, Regional Command and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan, awards Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Van Horn, a corpsman with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device during an award ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2014. Van Horn received the award for heroic achievement while being a first responder to Marine casualties after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. - Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, left, commander, Regional Command and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan, awards Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Van Horn, a corpsman with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device during an award ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2014. Van Horn received the award for heroic achievement while being a first responder to Marine casualties after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, patrol with Afghan National Army counterparts during a security operation in Helmand province, Sept. 9, 2014. During the 72-hour operation, Marines and ANA soldiers conducted dismounted patrols on foot to search nearby compounds for weapons and lethal aid. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released) - Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, patrol with Afghan National Army counterparts during a security operation in Helmand province, Sept. 9, 2014. During the 72-hour operation, Marines and ANA soldiers conducted dismounted patrols on foot to search nearby compounds for weapons and lethal aid. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

Commissioners with the California Energy Commission toured Camp Pendleton, Sept. 17, to gain an overview of the bases mission and various support functions. While on the tour the commissioners observed some of the Marine Corps initiatives and successes in the employment of Alternative Energy Vehicles and Fuel usage, several of the ongoing and developing renewable energy projects and some of the tactical expeditionary energy equipment here. - Commissioners with the California Energy Commission toured Camp Pendleton, Sept. 17, to gain an overview of the bases mission and various support functions. While on the tour the commissioners observed some of the Marine Corps initiatives and successes in the employment of Alternative Energy Vehicles and Fuel usage, several of the ongoing and developing renewable energy projects and some of the tactical expeditionary energy equipment here.

Lance Cpl. Carlos Morris, admin specialist, Headquarters Battalion, helps camper, Chase Neiberger learn how to shoot an archery bow at Camp Ronald McDonald in Mountain Center, Calif. on Sept. 13, 2014. Desert Arc has provided disabled adults with care and life skills for approximately 55 years. - Lance Cpl. Carlos Morris, admin specialist, Headquarters Battalion, helps camper, Chase Neiberger learn how to shoot an archery bow at Camp Ronald McDonald in Mountain Center, Calif. on Sept. 13, 2014. Desert Arc has provided disabled adults with care and life skills for approximately 55 years.

Major Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, 1st Marine Logistics Group Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Leonardo Pinto Morales, commander of the 7th Division of the Colombian Army, Maj. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, 1st Marine Division commanding general, Col. Phil Frietze, G-3 operations officer, 1st MLG, and other leaders within the Colombian Armed Forces pose for a picture as part of the Colombian Observance Exchange Program Sept. 2, 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif. More than thirty officers of the Colombian School of Advanced Warfighting visited 1st MLG to allow members of both the U.S. Marine Corps and Colombian Armed Forces to build an understanding of services, share best practices and strengthen camaraderie and interoperability. - Major Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, 1st Marine Logistics Group Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Leonardo Pinto Morales, commander of the 7th Division of the Colombian Army, Maj. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, 1st Marine Division commanding general, Col. Phil Frietze, G-3 operations officer, 1st MLG, and other leaders within the Colombian Armed Forces pose for a picture as part of the Colombian Observance Exchange Program Sept. 2, 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif. More than thirty officers of the Colombian School of Advanced Warfighting visited 1st MLG to allow members of both the U.S. Marine Corps and Colombian Armed Forces to build an understanding of services, share best practices and strengthen camaraderie and interoperability.