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Marines evacuate a simulated casualty Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three situational training events that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF’s ability to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility. - Marines evacuate a simulated casualty Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three situational training events that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF’s ability to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility.

Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee, center, salutes Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown and Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd during a post and relief ceremony Jan. 8 at hangar 525 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. . Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee passes on his reponsibilities as the squadron sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd. Marines are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee, center, salutes Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown and Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd during a post and relief ceremony Jan. 8 at hangar 525 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. . Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee passes on his reponsibilities as the squadron sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd. Marines are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Machado, left, Master Sgt. Raul Argumedo, center, and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Bateman jump in tandem from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft Nov. 20, 2014 over Ie Shima Training Facility, off the northwest coast of Okinawa, Japan. The Marines jumped from an altitude of 10,000 feet during the high speed training. Machado, from New York, New York, is an air delivery specialist with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Argumedo, from Los Angeles, California, is an air delivery specialist with the battalion. Bateman, from Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a reconnaissance man with the battalion. - Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Machado, left, Master Sgt. Raul Argumedo, center, and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Bateman jump in tandem from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft Nov. 20, 2014 over Ie Shima Training Facility, off the northwest coast of Okinawa, Japan. The Marines jumped from an altitude of 10,000 feet during the high speed training. Machado, from New York, New York, is an air delivery specialist with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Argumedo, from Los Angeles, California, is an air delivery specialist with the battalion. Bateman, from Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a reconnaissance man with the battalion.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Alex C. Cabero Jr., center, explains an upcoming event Dec. 9 to a group of Marines at Camp Kinser during a Truck Rodeo. The rodeo increased camaraderie and refreshed basic motor transportation skills for Marines stationed across Okinawa. Cabero, from Vista, California, is the unit movement control chief with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Master Gunnery Sgt. Alex C. Cabero Jr., center, explains an upcoming event Dec. 9 to a group of Marines at Camp Kinser during a Truck Rodeo. The rodeo increased camaraderie and refreshed basic motor transportation skills for Marines stationed across Okinawa. Cabero, from Vista, California, is the unit movement control chief with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Urasoe Police Department Officers search a suspect before taking him into custody Dec. 24 during an anti-terrorism force protection exercise at Camp Kinser. The police officers, with the Urasoe Police Department, and the Marines and Japanese security guards with Camp Kinser Provost Marshal’s Office coordinated during a mock scenario in which they worked together to apprehend suspicious persons and vehicles attempting to access Camp Kinser. - Urasoe Police Department Officers search a suspect before taking him into custody Dec. 24 during an anti-terrorism force protection exercise at Camp Kinser. The police officers, with the Urasoe Police Department, and the Marines and Japanese security guards with Camp Kinser Provost Marshal’s Office coordinated during a mock scenario in which they worked together to apprehend suspicious persons and vehicles attempting to access Camp Kinser.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Marines exit a Modular Amphibious Egress Trainer during Underwater Egress Training Dec. 9 at the Hansen Aquatics Center. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and they are conducting pre-deployment preparations for the regularly-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines exit a Modular Amphibious Egress Trainer during Underwater Egress Training Dec. 9 at the Hansen Aquatics Center. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and they are conducting pre-deployment preparations for the regularly-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with the Special Weapons Protection Unit remove clothing from a casualty during an exercise Dec. 1 at Camp Naha, Okinawa. The casualty went through an immediate evacuation from the area prior to being treated. Participating U.S. Marine chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists then wrapped the casualty in a blanket and went through the full decontamination process. The JGSDF personnel are with the Nuclear Biological Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade. - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with the Special Weapons Protection Unit remove clothing from a casualty during an exercise Dec. 1 at Camp Naha, Okinawa. The casualty went through an immediate evacuation from the area prior to being treated. Participating U.S. Marine chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists then wrapped the casualty in a blanket and went through the full decontamination process. The JGSDF personnel are with the Nuclear Biological Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade.

Staff Sgt. Rafael Garcialopez, center, passes Marine Corps Martial Arts Program fundamentals and knowledge to his squad Nov. 21, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, during the culminating event for Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor course class 1-15. MCMAP focuses on real-life hand-to-hand combat survival techniques that also include leadership tie-ins that help build confidence and leadership in the Marines. The course was run by Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. Garcialopez is martial arts instructor-trainer and chief instructor for the course. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released) - Staff Sgt. Rafael Garcialopez, center, passes Marine Corps Martial Arts Program fundamentals and knowledge to his squad Nov. 21, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, during the culminating event for Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor course class 1-15. MCMAP focuses on real-life hand-to-hand combat survival techniques that also include leadership tie-ins that help build confidence and leadership in the Marines. The course was run by Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. Garcialopez is martial arts instructor-trainer and chief instructor for the course. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)

Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

Sgt. Gerry Pratama, from Anahuac, Texas, climbs up the latter after performing the helocasting practical application Nov. 4 during the scout swimmers course at White Beach Naval Facility. Marines rehearsed the procedures they will be doing on the aircraft on pier beforehand hand to ensure readiness. Pratama is a student of the course with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Sgt. Gerry Pratama, from Anahuac, Texas, climbs up the latter after performing the helocasting practical application Nov. 4 during the scout swimmers course at White Beach Naval Facility. Marines rehearsed the procedures they will be doing on the aircraft on pier beforehand hand to ensure readiness. Pratama is a student of the course with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Yatsuka Ikeda, left, helps U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Timothy Babcock set up the American flag Dec. 1 before the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. and Japan to increase interoperability of our armed forces and maintain a strong partnership to protect Japan from external aggression. Ikeda is with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Babcock, from Port Austin, Michigan, is company first sergeant with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Yatsuka Ikeda, left, helps U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Timothy Babcock set up the American flag Dec. 1 before the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. and Japan to increase interoperability of our armed forces and maintain a strong partnership to protect Japan from external aggression. Ikeda is with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Babcock, from Port Austin, Michigan, is company first sergeant with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald works with a fellow Marine to don his ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training is part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald works with a fellow Marine to don his ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training is part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

Lance Cpl. Ronald Hinson from Heath Springs, South Carolina, competes in the push up challenge portion of the Shanghai Commanders’ Cup Nov. 14 at Camp Schwab. The meet tested the Marines in nine categories, ranging from fun events like softball and sumo wrestling to pull-up and push-up competitions. Every event was performed in a team setting further reinforcing camaraderie and cohesion. Hinson is a cyber-network operator with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Lance Cpl. Ronald Hinson from Heath Springs, South Carolina, competes in the push up challenge portion of the Shanghai Commanders’ Cup Nov. 14 at Camp Schwab. The meet tested the Marines in nine categories, ranging from fun events like softball and sumo wrestling to pull-up and push-up competitions. Every event was performed in a team setting further reinforcing camaraderie and cohesion. Hinson is a cyber-network operator with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Military policemen approach a barricaded suspect during an active shooter reaction drill Nov. 20 at Camp Courtney’s Commissary. The military policemen had the opportunity to use the exchange and the commissary to train in a setting where they could potentially to operate. The Marines are with the Special Reaction Team, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isaac Ibarra/Released) - Military policemen approach a barricaded suspect during an active shooter reaction drill Nov. 20 at Camp Courtney’s Commissary. The military policemen had the opportunity to use the exchange and the commissary to train in a setting where they could potentially to operate. The Marines are with the Special Reaction Team, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isaac Ibarra/Released)

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Marines compete in a dizzy izzy relay race Nov. 14 on Camp Hansen’s Parade Field during a 3rd Intelligence Battalion field meet. The event brought Marines together for some friendly competition, increasing unit cohesion and camaraderie. The Marines are with 3rd Intel. Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Marines compete in a dizzy izzy relay race Nov. 14 on Camp Hansen’s Parade Field during a 3rd Intelligence Battalion field meet. The event brought Marines together for some friendly competition, increasing unit cohesion and camaraderie. The Marines are with 3rd Intel. Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Capt. Karlo Landrau, a Cleveland native, looks out over the Australian Outback as he flies a Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 KC-130J “Hercules” from Darwin to Brisbane Nov 10. Marines and aircraft from VMGR-152, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 and VMM-262 flew approximately 4,700 miles from Okinawa, Japan to Brisbane to provide aerial support for President Barack Obama while he attended the G20 Summit. With an area of operations spanning 105 million square miles, the Hercules and MV-22 “Osprey” team are vital to commanders needing to get Marines and equipment to far flung locations quickly. Landrau is a pilot with VMGR-152. - Capt. Karlo Landrau, a Cleveland native, looks out over the Australian Outback as he flies a Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 KC-130J “Hercules” from Darwin to Brisbane Nov 10. Marines and aircraft from VMGR-152, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 and VMM-262 flew approximately 4,700 miles from Okinawa, Japan to Brisbane to provide aerial support for President Barack Obama while he attended the G20 Summit. With an area of operations spanning 105 million square miles, the Hercules and MV-22 “Osprey” team are vital to commanders needing to get Marines and equipment to far flung locations quickly. Landrau is a pilot with VMGR-152.

Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

A CH-53E Super Stallion prepares to land Nov. 5 during a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise as part of exercise Blue Chromite 15 at LZ Dodo in the Central Training Area. The landing zone was near combat town, the last known location of the downed aircraft crew members. Upon arriving in combat town, the Marines had to engage opposing forces and track the crew members’ location. The CH-53E is with HMH-XXX, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A CH-53E Super Stallion prepares to land Nov. 5 during a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise as part of exercise Blue Chromite 15 at LZ Dodo in the Central Training Area. The landing zone was near combat town, the last known location of the downed aircraft crew members. Upon arriving in combat town, the Marines had to engage opposing forces and track the crew members’ location. The CH-53E is with HMH-XXX, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

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.

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 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)

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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.

Cpl. Robert Modar, a cannoneer with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, pulls the lanyard on an M327 Expeditionary Fire Support System Oct. 7, 2014 during a training and readiness evaluation. The Marines from 1st Bn., 12th Marines, were getting evaluated on timeliness of getting the 120 mm rounds fired off as preparation for an upcoming deployment. - Cpl. Robert Modar, a cannoneer with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, pulls the lanyard on an M327 Expeditionary Fire Support System Oct. 7, 2014 during a training and readiness evaluation. The Marines from 1st Bn., 12th Marines, were getting evaluated on timeliness of getting the 120 mm rounds fired off as preparation for an upcoming deployment.

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.

Staff Sgt. Milton Donatus, center left, and Lance Cpl. Dale A. Lane, center right, supervise Palau national law enforcement officers during live-fire training with the M9A1 9 mm service pistol Sept. 16 in Irai, Palau. The training gave the Palauan police officers a chance to learn Marine Corps marksmanship fundamentals and familiarized them with the weapon. The training is part of exercise T-AKE 14-2, a maritime pre-positioned force, multi-country theater security cooperation event that deploys from Okinawa aboard the USNS Sacagawea to conduct training exercises. Donatus is from Ngaraard, Palau, and is the training chief with Combat Logistics Detachment 379, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Lane is from Newton Falls, Ohio, and is a military policeman with the detachment. - Staff Sgt. Milton Donatus, center left, and Lance Cpl. Dale A. Lane, center right, supervise Palau national law enforcement officers during live-fire training with the M9A1 9 mm service pistol Sept. 16 in Irai, Palau. The training gave the Palauan police officers a chance to learn Marine Corps marksmanship fundamentals and familiarized them with the weapon. The training is part of exercise T-AKE 14-2, a maritime pre-positioned force, multi-country theater security cooperation event that deploys from Okinawa aboard the USNS Sacagawea to conduct training exercises. Donatus is from Ngaraard, Palau, and is the training chief with Combat Logistics Detachment 379, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Lane is from Newton Falls, Ohio, and is a military policeman with the detachment.

Marines with Combat Logistics Detachment 379 march in the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu ceremony Sept. 15 at Peleliu Elementary School in the Republic of Palau. The event brought together members of the Palau community, World War II veterans who served in the Battle of Peleliu, elected officials of Palau and representatives the U.S. military to remember the landing that took place 70 years earlier. The Marines with CLD-379 came to the Republic of Palau aboard the USNS Sacagawea as part of T-AKE 14-2, a maritime pre-positioned force, multi-country theater security cooperation event that deploys from Okinawa to conduct training exercises and TSC events. The Marines are from CLD-379, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines with Combat Logistics Detachment 379 march in the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu ceremony Sept. 15 at Peleliu Elementary School in the Republic of Palau. The event brought together members of the Palau community, World War II veterans who served in the Battle of Peleliu, elected officials of Palau and representatives the U.S. military to remember the landing that took place 70 years earlier. The Marines with CLD-379 came to the Republic of Palau aboard the USNS Sacagawea as part of T-AKE 14-2, a maritime pre-positioned force, multi-country theater security cooperation event that deploys from Okinawa to conduct training exercises and TSC events. The Marines are from CLD-379, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

As the final days in his Marine Corps career end, Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. Reflects on his past experiences and how he has molded his career to guide and inspire younger Marines. - As the final days in his Marine Corps career end, Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr. Reflects on his past experiences and how he has molded his career to guide and inspire younger Marines.

Two Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific land on Echo Field, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, during the first day of Forager Fury III on Sept. 24, 2014. Echo Field is a 7,000 by 500 foot runway cleared by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment operators. An estimated 1300 personnel are participating in FF III, which is a Marine Corps led exercise involving a full spectrum of fixed wing and rotary aircraft operations between Guam and Tinian. FF III began Sept. 24, and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 6. - Two Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific land on Echo Field, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, during the first day of Forager Fury III on Sept. 24, 2014. Echo Field is a 7,000 by 500 foot runway cleared by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment operators. An estimated 1300 personnel are participating in FF III, which is a Marine Corps led exercise involving a full spectrum of fixed wing and rotary aircraft operations between Guam and Tinian. FF III began Sept. 24, and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 6.

Marines load a diver propulsion device into a combat rubber raiding craft Sept. 20 at U.S. Naval Base Guam during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014. The device aids the Marines conducting night infiltration. Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities, which provide a full range of options to defend U.S. interests and those of its allies and partners. The Marines are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines load a diver propulsion device into a combat rubber raiding craft Sept. 20 at U.S. Naval Base Guam during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014. The device aids the Marines conducting night infiltration. Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities, which provide a full range of options to defend U.S. interests and those of its allies and partners. The Marines are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, left, shakes hands with Col. Christopher B. Snyder,Sept. 6 during a day of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training on and around Miyako Island. The drills marked the first time members of the Okinawa Prefectural Government hosted a series of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills with full-fledged participation by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marines. Nakaima is the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture and Snyder is the deputy commander with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. - Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, left, shakes hands with Col. Christopher B. Snyder,Sept. 6 during a day of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training on and around Miyako Island. The drills marked the first time members of the Okinawa Prefectural Government hosted a series of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drills with full-fledged participation by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marines. Nakaima is the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture and Snyder is the deputy commander with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Marines stand guard at a warehouse during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug. 22 at Camp Kinser. The Marines are training for real combat situations in the Asia-Pacific region by checking for security badges, security access levels and searching all bags entering the grounds. The Marines are with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines stand guard at a warehouse during exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian Aug. 22 at Camp Kinser. The Marines are training for real combat situations in the Asia-Pacific region by checking for security badges, security access levels and searching all bags entering the grounds. The Marines are with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines load into the MV-22B Osprey to prepare to fast rope during the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques course Aug. 20 at the Central Training Area. The students finalized their practical applications portion by performing rappels out of the aircraft. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. - Marines load into the MV-22B Osprey to prepare to fast rope during the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques course Aug. 20 at the Central Training Area. The students finalized their practical applications portion by performing rappels out of the aircraft. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.

Lance Cpl. Cody Goers, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion Aug. 22 at the Central Training Area. Once the aircraft crews give a predetermined signal, Marines can make their way to the helicopter. Goers is a team leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Lance Cpl. Cody Goers, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion Aug. 22 at the Central Training Area. Once the aircraft crews give a predetermined signal, Marines can make their way to the helicopter. Goers is a team leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

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