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Lance Cpl. Jonathan Gilbert looks through the scope of his M240 medium machine gun while providing security for his platoon Jan. 7, 2016, on Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigated the jungles of Okinawa in search of a simulated enemy platoon. Gilbert, a machine gunner with Alpha Co., BLT 1/5, 31st MEU, is a native of Frederick, Maryland. - Lance Cpl. Jonathan Gilbert looks through the scope of his M240 medium machine gun while providing security for his platoon Jan. 7, 2016, on Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigated the jungles of Okinawa in search of a simulated enemy platoon. Gilbert, a machine gunner with Alpha Co., BLT 1/5, 31st MEU, is a native of Frederick, Maryland.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 conduct external lifts in conjunction with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 302 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 6, 2016. The Marines with CLB 2 are responsible for directing the aircraft from the ground and attaching the load with the help from the crew chief, thus giving them the capability to move heavy loads in a combat environment. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 conduct external lifts in conjunction with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 302 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 6, 2016. The Marines with CLB 2 are responsible for directing the aircraft from the ground and attaching the load with the help from the crew chief, thus giving them the capability to move heavy loads in a combat environment.

Cpl. Jordan Canchola, an artillery gunner with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee to shield himself from the rotor wash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015. The battery was training to distribute food and water as part of a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation when the crowd, played by other Marines, became unruly. A quick reaction force was called to help restore order and continue to distribute supplies. The HADR training was conducted as part of the 31st MEU’s Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. Cpl. Canchola is from Hollister, California. - Cpl. Jordan Canchola, an artillery gunner with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee to shield himself from the rotor wash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015. The battery was training to distribute food and water as part of a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation when the crowd, played by other Marines, became unruly. A quick reaction force was called to help restore order and continue to distribute supplies. The HADR training was conducted as part of the 31st MEU’s Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. Cpl. Canchola is from Hollister, California.

Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions. - Marines and Sailors with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, pose for a photo atop of the USS Mississippi, a Virginia Class Block 5 submarine aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 2015. Company A toured the ship as part of a one-day Special Operations Forces capabilities training event, where they learned about lock-out submarine insertions.

Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271. - Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271.

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Dec. 5, 2015. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations.

Marines and sailors train to float above water at the Aviation Water Survival Training Center at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. Aviation Water Survival Training is hosted every week, twice a week, and is mandatory for all pilots every four years. - Marines and sailors train to float above water at the Aviation Water Survival Training Center at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015. Aviation Water Survival Training is hosted every week, twice a week, and is mandatory for all pilots every four years.

Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C.Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial. - Veterans render a salute after laying wreaths during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Veterans attended a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial.

Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Soetaert, the chief instructor trainer for the Marine Corps Instructor Course of Water Survival with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific and a Kansas City, Mo., native, instructs Cpl. Makiy Tamcke, a rifleman with 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and a Polson, Mont., native as he steps off the 15 foot diving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2015. MCICWS is a course for noncommissioned officers and higher to become water survival instructors, whose purpose is to make sure Marines are safe during swim qualification. - Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Soetaert, the chief instructor trainer for the Marine Corps Instructor Course of Water Survival with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific and a Kansas City, Mo., native, instructs Cpl. Makiy Tamcke, a rifleman with 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and a Polson, Mont., native as he steps off the 15 foot diving at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2015. MCICWS is a course for noncommissioned officers and higher to become water survival instructors, whose purpose is to make sure Marines are safe during swim qualification.

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.

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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with U.S. Marines embarked from Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, lands at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to insert the Marines into a training area during a mission readiness exercise Nov. 23, 2015. The training exercise consisted of a scenario where a forward operating base in the area of responsibility required SPMAGTF-CR-CC reinforcement as part of its crisis response mission spanning 20 nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with U.S. Marines embarked from Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, lands at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to insert the Marines into a training area during a mission readiness exercise Nov. 23, 2015. The training exercise consisted of a scenario where a forward operating base in the area of responsibility required SPMAGTF-CR-CC reinforcement as part of its crisis response mission spanning 20 nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

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A Marine Raiders with Marine Special Operations Company Charlie, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, breach a conex box with a saw during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training, as part of a Company Collective Exercise, Oct. 15, 2015, in San Diego, California. - A Marine Raiders with Marine Special Operations Company Charlie, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, breach a conex box with a saw during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training, as part of a Company Collective Exercise, Oct. 15, 2015, in San Diego, California.

Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon check in with the safety boat while taking part in a Zodiac operator’s course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. This course was a brief instruction on maintaining, handling and basic maneuverability and safety with the Zodiac. (U.S. Marine Corps Video illustration by Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald/Released) - Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon check in with the safety boat while taking part in a Zodiac operator’s course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 19, 2015. This course was a brief instruction on maintaining, handling and basic maneuverability and safety with the Zodiac. (U.S. Marine Corps Video illustration by Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald/Released)

U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Beto Chavarria sucks the blood from the head of a python in a jungle survival course during Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise 2015 in Tanduo, Malaysia on Nov. 11. Chavarria is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the course, Marines learned how to trap, clean, and cook wild life. The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen military cooperation in the planning and execution of amphibious operations between Malaysian armed forces and U.S. Marines. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water. - Glenn LaMarque, an underwater trainer instructor, briefs Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion on the safety regulations and precautions prior to conducting modular amphibious egress training at the Water Survival Training Facility at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015. The Marines participated in the training, which is designed to be a lifesaving course that provides service members with skills and the confidence to successfully and safely exit a helicopter that is submersed in a body of water.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 “Warhorse” mount a .50-caliber machine gun onto a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16. Marines with HMH-465 will conduct aerial gun shoots, fire bucket training and terrain flights over the course of five days in El Centro, California. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 “Warhorse” mount a .50-caliber machine gun onto a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16. Marines with HMH-465 will conduct aerial gun shoots, fire bucket training and terrain flights over the course of five days in El Centro, California.

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. Renatto Aguilar, administrative clerk for KOA MOANA 15-3, takes a break after hiking in the jungle during a training exercise in Namosi Province, Fiji, Oct. 13. Marines also helped build up the local communities during the evolution. - Cpl. Renatto Aguilar, administrative clerk for KOA MOANA 15-3, takes a break after hiking in the jungle during a training exercise in Namosi Province, Fiji, Oct. 13. Marines also helped build up the local communities during the evolution.

Marines and civilians use a boom to contain a simulated oil spill at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The boom is towed behind the boats and acts as a large net, trapping the oil to be collected by a skimmer boat. The Marines and civilians are with the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort fuels sections and the Natural Resources Environmental Affairs Office. - Marines and civilians use a boom to contain a simulated oil spill at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Nov. 4, 2015. The boom is towed behind the boats and acts as a large net, trapping the oil to be collected by a skimmer boat. The Marines and civilians are with the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort fuels sections and the Natural Resources Environmental Affairs Office.

A Marine deploys a sea dye marker during a search and rescue exercise off the coast of Charleston, Nov. 3. Sea dye markers contain a fluorescent green dye that spreads over the surface of the water to signal rescue pilots. The Marine is a pilot is with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - A Marine deploys a sea dye marker during a search and rescue exercise off the coast of Charleston, Nov. 3. Sea dye markers contain a fluorescent green dye that spreads over the surface of the water to signal rescue pilots. The Marine is a pilot is with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Lance Cpl. Breeann Rogers is sprayed with oleoresin capsicum aboard the USS Essex on the Indian Ocean, Oct. 31, 2015 during a non-lethal weapons course. Rogers is a motor transportation operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and is a member of the combat cargo platoon. U.S. Marines and Sailors were sprayed across the face with OC spray and went through a series of exercises as their final event of the course. - Lance Cpl. Breeann Rogers is sprayed with oleoresin capsicum aboard the USS Essex on the Indian Ocean, Oct. 31, 2015 during a non-lethal weapons course. Rogers is a motor transportation operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and is a member of the combat cargo platoon. U.S. Marines and Sailors were sprayed across the face with OC spray and went through a series of exercises as their final event of the course.

Orlando, Fla., native Cpl. Suzette Clemans, a military working dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Denny, her Belgian Malinois patrol explosive detection dog, prepare to search for explosives on the beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21, 2015. Exposing dog teams to working with different equipment and scenarios enhances their skills across a range of secuirty threats in support of Marine Air Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Orlando, Fla., native Cpl. Suzette Clemans, a military working dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Denny, her Belgian Malinois patrol explosive detection dog, prepare to search for explosives on the beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21, 2015. Exposing dog teams to working with different equipment and scenarios enhances their skills across a range of secuirty threats in support of Marine Air Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. James Stamper (left) and Lance Cpl. James Stamper (right), landing support specialists, with the Landing Support Detachment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), hold slings connecting the M105 trailer to a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) at Pinheiro Da Cruz, Praia Da Raposa Beach, Portugal, Oct. 22, 2015, during Trident Juncture 15. Trident Juncture is a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO and partner nations. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. James Stamper (left) and Lance Cpl. James Stamper (right), landing support specialists, with the Landing Support Detachment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), hold slings connecting the M105 trailer to a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) at Pinheiro Da Cruz, Praia Da Raposa Beach, Portugal, Oct. 22, 2015, during Trident Juncture 15. Trident Juncture is a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO and partner nations.

A Portuguese Marine holds security at Pinheiro Da Cruz, Praia Da Raposa beach, Portugal, while participating in a combined amphibious assault exercise, Oct. 20, 2015, during Trident Juncture 15. Trident Juncture is a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO and partner nations. - A Portuguese Marine holds security at Pinheiro Da Cruz, Praia Da Raposa beach, Portugal, while participating in a combined amphibious assault exercise, Oct. 20, 2015, during Trident Juncture 15. Trident Juncture is a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO and partner nations.

Col. James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, addresses attendees during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Borehole Thermal Energy Storage system - a state-of-the-art ground source heat pump system – for Marine Corps Logistics Command's headquarters building 3700, here, Oct. 19. - Col. James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, addresses attendees during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Borehole Thermal Energy Storage system - a state-of-the-art ground source heat pump system – for Marine Corps Logistics Command's headquarters building 3700, here, Oct. 19.

Marine Raiders with 1st Marine Raider Battalion dangle from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Special Patrol Insertion and Extraction rigging training operations, Feb. 6, 2015, near Hurlburt Field, Fla. The SPIE rigging training was part of a two-week HAVEACE exercise, and part of the participating Marine Special Operations Team’s unit training program. - Marine Raiders with 1st Marine Raider Battalion dangle from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Special Patrol Insertion and Extraction rigging training operations, Feb. 6, 2015, near Hurlburt Field, Fla. The SPIE rigging training was part of a two-week HAVEACE exercise, and part of the participating Marine Special Operations Team’s unit training program.

Marines assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, scan the area during a patrol as part of Talon Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 14, 2015. The training took place at Baker’s Peak, a rugged desert training area located on the approximately 1,700,000 acre Barry M. Goldwater Range and was part of a larger event called Talon Exercise, which focused on offensive and defensive operations in desert and urban environments. - Marines assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, scan the area during a patrol as part of Talon Exercise 1-16 at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 14, 2015. The training took place at Baker’s Peak, a rugged desert training area located on the approximately 1,700,000 acre Barry M. Goldwater Range and was part of a larger event called Talon Exercise, which focused on offensive and defensive operations in desert and urban environments.

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.

U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines launch an inflatable boat off the coast of Baengnyeongdo, Republic of Korea, during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-13, Sept. 7, 2015. Marines trained as integrated units carrying, paddling and learning to work as a team. KMEP is a regularly scheduled training event which highlights the invaluable opportunities for ROK and U.S. Marines to train and learn from each other. The U.S. Marines are assigned to 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force, through the Unit Deployment Program. The ROK Marines are with 11th Company, 63rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st Regiment, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps. - U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines launch an inflatable boat off the coast of Baengnyeongdo, Republic of Korea, during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-13, Sept. 7, 2015. Marines trained as integrated units carrying, paddling and learning to work as a team. KMEP is a regularly scheduled training event which highlights the invaluable opportunities for ROK and U.S. Marines to train and learn from each other. The U.S. Marines are assigned to 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force, through the Unit Deployment Program. The ROK Marines are with 11th Company, 63rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st Regiment, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps.

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion conducted a Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 1, 2015. The training focused on engaging targets with the Amphibious Assault Vehicle P7, a fully-tracked amphibious vehicle used to transport troops from water to land during amphibious operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released) - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion conducted a Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 1, 2015. The training focused on engaging targets with the Amphibious Assault Vehicle P7, a fully-tracked amphibious vehicle used to transport troops from water to land during amphibious operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released)

Philippine Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Bimbo R. Busico explains how to make a snare out of the surrounding environment during jungle survival training at Ternate, Philippines, Sept. 29, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. The Marines learned basic jungle survival skills, such as building a fire, finding sources of fresh water and catching food. - Philippine Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Bimbo R. Busico explains how to make a snare out of the surrounding environment during jungle survival training at Ternate, Philippines, Sept. 29, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. The Marines learned basic jungle survival skills, such as building a fire, finding sources of fresh water and catching food.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course.

A Marine with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepares to submerge underwater while wearing a supplemental emergency breathing device at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2015. The company participated in the submerged vehicle egress training to gain confidence in their abilities to safely exit a sinking amphibious assault vehicle in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A Marine with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepares to submerge underwater while wearing a supplemental emergency breathing device at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2015. The company participated in the submerged vehicle egress training to gain confidence in their abilities to safely exit a sinking amphibious assault vehicle in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A firefighter with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, battles a structure fire as part of a mutual aid response to the Butte Fire in Northern California. More than 3,300 fire crews from all over the state assisted in containing the huge blaze. - A firefighter with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, battles a structure fire as part of a mutual aid response to the Butte Fire in Northern California. More than 3,300 fire crews from all over the state assisted in containing the huge blaze.

Pedro helicopter “02” lifts off to join Marine Transport Squadron 1’s other two HH-46 helicopters on their final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 25, 2015. The three search and rescue aircraft have been the last flying “phrogs” in the Department of Defense since Aug. 1. Today’s final flight marks the end of an era in combat aviation. These aircraft will be turned over to the U.S. Navy by Oct. 1. They leave behind a legacy of Cherry Point’s support to the local community in eastern North Carolina, which began in 1957. - Pedro helicopter “02” lifts off to join Marine Transport Squadron 1’s other two HH-46 helicopters on their final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 25, 2015. The three search and rescue aircraft have been the last flying “phrogs” in the Department of Defense since Aug. 1. Today’s final flight marks the end of an era in combat aviation. These aircraft will be turned over to the U.S. Navy by Oct. 1. They leave behind a legacy of Cherry Point’s support to the local community in eastern North Carolina, which began in 1957.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment rush to a wire trap to set up a Bangalore charge to destroy the trap during a demolitions exercise with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion at Engineer Training Area 7 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22, 2015. Marines with 2/2 increased their proficiency and knowledge with various charges and techniques with the help of 2nd CEB. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment rush to a wire trap to set up a Bangalore charge to destroy the trap during a demolitions exercise with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion at Engineer Training Area 7 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22, 2015. Marines with 2/2 increased their proficiency and knowledge with various charges and techniques with the help of 2nd CEB.

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.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft.

Lance Cpl. Trent Meade, a rifleman with Security Cooperation Team-4, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, instructs a Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando on supporting his buddy during an immediate action practical application exercise led by Marines in Toubacouta, Senegal, Sept. 1, 2015. Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen with SCT-4 are in Senegal training with the COFUMACO on infantry tactics and small-boat operations to continue building a strong relationship between the partner nations and improve the interoperability of the Senegalese military. - Lance Cpl. Trent Meade, a rifleman with Security Cooperation Team-4, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, instructs a Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando on supporting his buddy during an immediate action practical application exercise led by Marines in Toubacouta, Senegal, Sept. 1, 2015. Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen with SCT-4 are in Senegal training with the COFUMACO on infantry tactics and small-boat operations to continue building a strong relationship between the partner nations and improve the interoperability of the Senegalese military.

An MV-22B Osprey practiced landing on the Spanish amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L-61) during deck landing qualifications, Sept. 9 near the coast of Spain. The DLQs are part of the Allied Maritime Basing Initiative, which seeks to provide the U.S. and allies with a year-round maritime-based crisis response force in the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of Guinea by leveraging the significant amphibious capabilities already residing in Europe. - An MV-22B Osprey practiced landing on the Spanish amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L-61) during deck landing qualifications, Sept. 9 near the coast of Spain. The DLQs are part of the Allied Maritime Basing Initiative, which seeks to provide the U.S. and allies with a year-round maritime-based crisis response force in the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of Guinea by leveraging the significant amphibious capabilities already residing in Europe.

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A Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando demonstrates his swimming technique during a swim assessment by personnel with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, during a swim assessment in Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2015. The assessment was conducted to ensure the COFUMACO are capable and confident in the water before they conduct small-boat operations training together in the following weeks. - A Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando demonstrates his swimming technique during a swim assessment by personnel with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, during a swim assessment in Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 28, 2015. The assessment was conducted to ensure the COFUMACO are capable and confident in the water before they conduct small-boat operations training together in the following weeks.

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Gunnery Sgt. Zachary Burgart (left), project officer for amphibious reconnaissance equipment, and Master Sgt. Brad Colbert (right), project officer for small craft, MK25 closed-circuit underwater breathing apparatus in Spotsylvania, Virginia July 21, 2015. The system is a closed-circuit underwater breathing apparatus that allows its users to remain concealed in covert operations. - Gunnery Sgt. Zachary Burgart (left), project officer for amphibious reconnaissance equipment, and Master Sgt. Brad Colbert (right), project officer for small craft, MK25 closed-circuit underwater breathing apparatus in Spotsylvania, Virginia July 21, 2015. The system is a closed-circuit underwater breathing apparatus that allows its users to remain concealed in covert operations.

CWO4 Jerod Murphy, assistant ordnance officer for 1st Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Shannon Sweeney, operations chief, ordnance officer and Inspector-Instructor for Combat Logistics Battalion 451, look at a make-shift memorial at what appears to be a former fountain in Biloxi, Miss., Aug. 12, 2015. Murphy and Sweeney were part of a team of Marines and sailors who rescued more than 200 people during and after Hurricane Katrina, August 2005. - CWO4 Jerod Murphy, assistant ordnance officer for 1st Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Shannon Sweeney, operations chief, ordnance officer and Inspector-Instructor for Combat Logistics Battalion 451, look at a make-shift memorial at what appears to be a former fountain in Biloxi, Miss., Aug. 12, 2015. Murphy and Sweeney were part of a team of Marines and sailors who rescued more than 200 people during and after Hurricane Katrina, August 2005.

Sgt. Jason Hunter, the training noncommissioned officer in charge of Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Murrieta, Calif., native, keeps his head low as he low crawls along Fort Hase Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Sergeants Course, Aug. 19, 2015. Hunter, along with the other sergeants in the course, were low crawling in a tricky scenario where they were outnumbered four to one, and needed to repair a broken down vehicle. Sergeants Course is a vital part of professional military education for any Marine and helps to maintain the standards amongst the NCOs of the Marine Corps. The course supports MCB Hawaii’s mission, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation. - Sgt. Jason Hunter, the training noncommissioned officer in charge of Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment and a Murrieta, Calif., native, keeps his head low as he low crawls along Fort Hase Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Sergeants Course, Aug. 19, 2015. Hunter, along with the other sergeants in the course, were low crawling in a tricky scenario where they were outnumbered four to one, and needed to repair a broken down vehicle. Sergeants Course is a vital part of professional military education for any Marine and helps to maintain the standards amongst the NCOs of the Marine Corps. The course supports MCB Hawaii’s mission, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct the 1,000 meter open water fin training for a pre-dive course conducted aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 18, 2015. During the course the Marines are critiqued on both their capabilities in a pool setting and in open water. After completion of the course, Marines who pass the final evaluation will go on to the Marine Combatant Diver Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct the 1,000 meter open water fin training for a pre-dive course conducted aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 18, 2015. During the course the Marines are critiqued on both their capabilities in a pool setting and in open water. After completion of the course, Marines who pass the final evaluation will go on to the Marine Combatant Diver Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla.