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A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, provides security with his M240B medium machine gun during Crisis Response Exercise II in Kuwait, June 19, 2021. CRX II is a long range assault in which Marines simulate taking over and occupying a forward operations base in a hostile environment. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. - A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, provides security with his M240B medium machine gun during Crisis Response Exercise II in Kuwait, June 19, 2021. CRX II is a long range assault in which Marines simulate taking over and occupying a forward operations base in a hostile environment. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region.

An Australian Army soldier sights in on a target with a Blaser Tactical 2 Sniper Rifle during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Mount Bundey Training Area, June 18, 2021. U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy sailors, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers conducted a live fire range exercising their combined long-range precision marksmanship capabilities on multiple weapons systems. Defense ties between the United States, allies and partner nations are critical to regional security, cooperation and integration of our combined capabilities. - An Australian Army soldier sights in on a target with a Blaser Tactical 2 Sniper Rifle during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Mount Bundey Training Area, June 18, 2021. U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy sailors, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers conducted a live fire range exercising their combined long-range precision marksmanship capabilities on multiple weapons systems. Defense ties between the United States, allies and partner nations are critical to regional security, cooperation and integration of our combined capabilities.

A Marine Raider prepares to complete a raid during a RAVEN unit readiness exercise in Nashville, Tenn., Apr. 30, 2021. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a Marine Forces Special Operations Command deployment. - A Marine Raider prepares to complete a raid during a RAVEN unit readiness exercise in Nashville, Tenn., Apr. 30, 2021. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a Marine Forces Special Operations Command deployment.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Walters, a hospital corpsman with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts a rifle swim during the water survival advanced course on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 17, 2021. WSA is the highest swim qualification Marines and sailors can obtain before moving onto the next echelon of becoming a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival. The week-long course kicks off with a water survival pre screening event, and the remainder of the course consists of numerous endurance swims, life-saving techniques and applications, physical and mental conditioning, and countless swimming drills to ensure students have the confidence to not only maintain themselves but others’ lives while in the water. Walters is a native of Upland, California. - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Walters, a hospital corpsman with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts a rifle swim during the water survival advanced course on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 17, 2021. WSA is the highest swim qualification Marines and sailors can obtain before moving onto the next echelon of becoming a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival. The week-long course kicks off with a water survival pre screening event, and the remainder of the course consists of numerous endurance swims, life-saving techniques and applications, physical and mental conditioning, and countless swimming drills to ensure students have the confidence to not only maintain themselves but others’ lives while in the water. Walters is a native of Upland, California.

Anil Phull, Military and Veterans staffer for Senator Krysten Sinema's office, and Capt Lance Hill, 6th Engineer Support Battaliong Inspector-Instructor take time to enjoy a Meal Ready-to-eat with the Marines at Pima County Roadwork in Tucson, AZ., May 27th, 2021. Pima County Roadwork is an Innovative Readiness Training program project that is rebuilding a 2.3 mile stretch of road that acts as a daily road, airfield and bus route. The IRT program pairs the needs of US communities with the training requirements of the military making it mutually beneficial. - Anil Phull, Military and Veterans staffer for Senator Krysten Sinema's office, and Capt Lance Hill, 6th Engineer Support Battaliong Inspector-Instructor take time to enjoy a Meal Ready-to-eat with the Marines at Pima County Roadwork in Tucson, AZ., May 27th, 2021. Pima County Roadwork is an Innovative Readiness Training program project that is rebuilding a 2.3 mile stretch of road that acts as a daily road, airfield and bus route. The IRT program pairs the needs of US communities with the training requirements of the military making it mutually beneficial.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jake Castro, (left), and Sgt. Anthony Negrete, (right), Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni EOD, conduct a improvised explosive device exercise aboard MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 19, 2021. This particular exercise was designed to allow EOD to utilize a robot in their arsenal, which allows them to engage explosives at a greater distance with no harm to Marines. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jake Castro, (left), and Sgt. Anthony Negrete, (right), Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni EOD, conduct a improvised explosive device exercise aboard MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 19, 2021. This particular exercise was designed to allow EOD to utilize a robot in their arsenal, which allows them to engage explosives at a greater distance with no harm to Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, participates in a dynamic display with 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment, 6th Light Armoured Brigade, on Military Camp of Canjuers, France, June 1, 2021. Donovan’s visit to France included engagements with key leaders to strengthen relationships with the French Armed Forces in order to refine interoperability for future cooperation. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, participates in a dynamic display with 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment, 6th Light Armoured Brigade, on Military Camp of Canjuers, France, June 1, 2021. Donovan’s visit to France included engagements with key leaders to strengthen relationships with the French Armed Forces in order to refine interoperability for future cooperation.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kyle Cook, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, prepares for an ambush during Jungle Warfare Exercise in the Northern Training Area on Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2021. This unscripted force-on-force exercise tested and strengthened the Marines’ ability to operate within distributed jungle and littoral environments, while adapting to a thinking peer-level adversary. 3/3 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, as a part of the Unit Deployment Program. Cook is a native of Arlington, Texas. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kyle Cook, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, prepares for an ambush during Jungle Warfare Exercise in the Northern Training Area on Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2021. This unscripted force-on-force exercise tested and strengthened the Marines’ ability to operate within distributed jungle and littoral environments, while adapting to a thinking peer-level adversary. 3/3 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, as a part of the Unit Deployment Program. Cook is a native of Arlington, Texas.

U.S. Navy ET2 Paul Saldana, left, electronics technician, and CM2 Adam Long, construction mechanic, both with Naval Beach Unit 7, conduct ramp marshall duties to guide a Landing Craft Air Cushion into port on Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, June 1, 2021. Marines from 3d MLG and Sailors from NBU-7 integrated to load and transport personnel and equipment in support of exercise Poseidon’s Watchtower. NBU-7 is an operational, forward deployed unit that directly contributes to the core capabilities of U.S. Maritime Sea Power by facilitating the movement of troops, equipment, vehicles and supplies from amphibious shipping across the beach. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Saldana is a native of Miramar, Florida, and Long is a native of Sanford, North Carolina. - U.S. Navy ET2 Paul Saldana, left, electronics technician, and CM2 Adam Long, construction mechanic, both with Naval Beach Unit 7, conduct ramp marshall duties to guide a Landing Craft Air Cushion into port on Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, June 1, 2021. Marines from 3d MLG and Sailors from NBU-7 integrated to load and transport personnel and equipment in support of exercise Poseidon’s Watchtower. NBU-7 is an operational, forward deployed unit that directly contributes to the core capabilities of U.S. Maritime Sea Power by facilitating the movement of troops, equipment, vehicles and supplies from amphibious shipping across the beach. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Saldana is a native of Miramar, Florida, and Long is a native of Sanford, North Carolina.

U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, suppress targets on a company battle course on range G-36, Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23, 2021. Echo Company was the first company to execute the battle course as a night live-fire event. The event is the culmination of their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, certifying the unit as an apex battalion. - U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, suppress targets on a company battle course on range G-36, Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23, 2021. Echo Company was the first company to execute the battle course as a night live-fire event. The event is the culmination of their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, certifying the unit as an apex battalion.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Division provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 3-21 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 7, 2021. MWX is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment. - A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Division provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 3-21 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 7, 2021. MWX is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment.

U.S. Marines load lumber and cement into the back of a CH-53 in preparation to send it to Camp Paumalu Girl Scout camp where a joint-service effort is being made to renovate and improve the camp here May 18. - U.S. Marines load lumber and cement into the back of a CH-53 in preparation to send it to Camp Paumalu Girl Scout camp where a joint-service effort is being made to renovate and improve the camp here May 18.

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Robert Davies (left), project officer for Fabrication Equipment, from Marine Corps Systems Command, and Brian Long, Lead Developmental Tester for the Logistics Combat Engineer Systems portfolio, inspect the 3D printed all-purpose wrench during the testing and demonstration of the portable expeditionary fabrication lab, otherwise known as XFAB, on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 5-9, 2021. The goal of the testing event was to integrate the Marine Corps Enterprise Network to determine what adjustments are needed before moving closer to the tentative delivery date to the Fleet Marine Forces in June 2022. - Robert Davies (left), project officer for Fabrication Equipment, from Marine Corps Systems Command, and Brian Long, Lead Developmental Tester for the Logistics Combat Engineer Systems portfolio, inspect the 3D printed all-purpose wrench during the testing and demonstration of the portable expeditionary fabrication lab, otherwise known as XFAB, on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 5-9, 2021. The goal of the testing event was to integrate the Marine Corps Enterprise Network to determine what adjustments are needed before moving closer to the tentative delivery date to the Fleet Marine Forces in June 2022.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Calvin Gravette III, a bulk fuel specialist with Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, instructs Marines on the Expeditionary Mobile Fuel Additization on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2021. Gravette is a graduate from the EMFAC New Equipment Training, and is the lead EMFAC training instructor for III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Calvin Gravette III, a bulk fuel specialist with Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, instructs Marines on the Expeditionary Mobile Fuel Additization on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2021. Gravette is a graduate from the EMFAC New Equipment Training, and is the lead EMFAC training instructor for III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force UH-60J helicopter with Ashiya Air Rescue Squadron recovers U.S. Marine Corps pilots as part of a bilateral search and rescue exercise at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yufuin, Japan, April 27, 2021. The exercise allows U.S. and Japanese forces to quickly and effectively conduct search and rescue operations while strengthening the partnership between Marines and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. - A Japan Air Self-Defense Force UH-60J helicopter with Ashiya Air Rescue Squadron recovers U.S. Marine Corps pilots as part of a bilateral search and rescue exercise at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yufuin, Japan, April 27, 2021. The exercise allows U.S. and Japanese forces to quickly and effectively conduct search and rescue operations while strengthening the partnership between Marines and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel.

A U.S. Marine with Aircraft, Rescue and Firefighting Marine, uses a Holmatro brand hydraulic separator during a training event on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 23, 2021. The training introduced new Marine Corps standardized weapons to Cherry Point and a Holmatro representative demonstrated efficient rescue techniques. - A U.S. Marine with Aircraft, Rescue and Firefighting Marine, uses a Holmatro brand hydraulic separator during a training event on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 23, 2021. The training introduced new Marine Corps standardized weapons to Cherry Point and a Holmatro representative demonstrated efficient rescue techniques.

A Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Carrier Strike Group 21, launches an F-35B Lightning II aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea, May 6, 2021. VMFA-211 was conducting night carrier qualifications to safely reintegrate back into the CSG. VMFA-211 will form part of the largest 5th-generation carrier air group in the world. This deployment highlights the global reach of the U.S. and UK armed forces and their interoperability, and enhances the deterrence and defense capabilities of the NATO Alliance. - A Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Carrier Strike Group 21, launches an F-35B Lightning II aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea, May 6, 2021. VMFA-211 was conducting night carrier qualifications to safely reintegrate back into the CSG. VMFA-211 will form part of the largest 5th-generation carrier air group in the world. This deployment highlights the global reach of the U.S. and UK armed forces and their interoperability, and enhances the deterrence and defense capabilities of the NATO Alliance.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kaleb, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 Clark sits on the CH-53E Super Stallion’s ramp as the aircraft leaves the USNS D. T. Williams, April 5, 2021. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is participating in Dynamic Cape 21.1, an operational logistics exercise simulating a Marine expeditionary force’s ability to exercise command and control in a contested environment as well as exercising naval integration in a joint environment. 2nd CEB is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Division, the ground combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kaleb, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 Clark sits on the CH-53E Super Stallion’s ramp as the aircraft leaves the USNS D. T. Williams, April 5, 2021. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is participating in Dynamic Cape 21.1, an operational logistics exercise simulating a Marine expeditionary force’s ability to exercise command and control in a contested environment as well as exercising naval integration in a joint environment. 2nd CEB is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Division, the ground combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 2 monitor simulated aircraft communications during exercise MISTEX-20 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 28, 2020. During the exercise, Marines practiced setting up communication between squadrons in Marine Air Control Group 28 while also exercising aircraft control skills necessary for successful combat flights in an expeditionary setting. - U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 2 monitor simulated aircraft communications during exercise MISTEX-20 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 28, 2020. During the exercise, Marines practiced setting up communication between squadrons in Marine Air Control Group 28 while also exercising aircraft control skills necessary for successful combat flights in an expeditionary setting.

U.S. Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion and Navy Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 load a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle onto an improved ribbon bridge during exercise Pacific Pioneer, Naha Port, April 21, 2021. Pacific Pioneer serves as 9th ESB’s Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation as well as an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to sustain expeditionary advanced bases with survivable force protection, practice naval integration, and position long range precision fires and tactical logistics nodes across littoral regions in support of naval operations. - U.S. Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion and Navy Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 load a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle onto an improved ribbon bridge during exercise Pacific Pioneer, Naha Port, April 21, 2021. Pacific Pioneer serves as 9th ESB’s Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation as well as an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to sustain expeditionary advanced bases with survivable force protection, practice naval integration, and position long range precision fires and tactical logistics nodes across littoral regions in support of naval operations.

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 fly during a mission rehearsal exercise over Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2021. The MRX served as a culminating event for HMLA-267 as they near the end of their time in Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program. - U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 fly during a mission rehearsal exercise over Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2021. The MRX served as a culminating event for HMLA-267 as they near the end of their time in Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

A pair of gloves are placed outside the boxing ring during a training session for U.S. Marine Corps boxers with the II Marine Expeditionary Force Martial Arts Center of Excellence boxing program on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2021. The boxing program prepares II MEF Marines to compete in professional level matches through rigorous physical exercise and mental training. As a pilot program, it has already showcased four of its boxers in 2021 at the U.S.A. National Boxing Championship as well as more upcoming matches. - A pair of gloves are placed outside the boxing ring during a training session for U.S. Marine Corps boxers with the II Marine Expeditionary Force Martial Arts Center of Excellence boxing program on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 20, 2021. The boxing program prepares II MEF Marines to compete in professional level matches through rigorous physical exercise and mental training. As a pilot program, it has already showcased four of its boxers in 2021 at the U.S.A. National Boxing Championship as well as more upcoming matches.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 prepare to refuel a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 267 during a forward arming and refueling point training event as part of a Marine Corps combat readiness evaluation held by MWSS-172 at the Ie Shima training facility, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2021. The MCCRE creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as a deployed unit at any time. - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 prepare to refuel a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 267 during a forward arming and refueling point training event as part of a Marine Corps combat readiness evaluation held by MWSS-172 at the Ie Shima training facility, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2021. The MCCRE creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as a deployed unit at any time.

(From left) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Diffley, Pfc. Elijah Stewart and Lance Cpl. Nicklas Martin, expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialists with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for an environmental photo on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 7, 2021. EFR specialist Marines with H&HS provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services in support of airfield operations and respond to any fire-related emergencies and situations with a maximum response time of five minutes. Stewart is a native of Independence, Missouri, Diffley is a native of Dallas, Texas and Corkern is a native of Seattle, Washington. - (From left) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Diffley, Pfc. Elijah Stewart and Lance Cpl. Nicklas Martin, expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialists with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for an environmental photo on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 7, 2021. EFR specialist Marines with H&HS provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services in support of airfield operations and respond to any fire-related emergencies and situations with a maximum response time of five minutes. Stewart is a native of Independence, Missouri, Diffley is a native of Dallas, Texas and Corkern is a native of Seattle, Washington.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, conduct a combat patrol during a company live-fire attack as part of Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike in Blåtind, Norway, March 30, 2021. Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike improved MRF-E’s ability to confront the challenges of anti-access, area denial capabilities posed by a notional peer adversary in a contested littoral environment. MRF-E demonstrated the ability to support joint fleet operations by providing over watch to a Norwegian submarine and destroying a notional adversary integrated air defense system. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, conduct a combat patrol during a company live-fire attack as part of Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike in Blåtind, Norway, March 30, 2021. Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike improved MRF-E’s ability to confront the challenges of anti-access, area denial capabilities posed by a notional peer adversary in a contested littoral environment. MRF-E demonstrated the ability to support joint fleet operations by providing over watch to a Norwegian submarine and destroying a notional adversary integrated air defense system. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a U.S. Air Forces Central Agile Combat Employment event, March 1, 2021. AFCENT’s ACE capstone event enhances theater airpower competencies, validating operational capabilities and command and control while simultaneously strengthening regional partnerships. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a U.S. Air Forces Central Agile Combat Employment event, March 1, 2021. AFCENT’s ACE capstone event enhances theater airpower competencies, validating operational capabilities and command and control while simultaneously strengthening regional partnerships. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

U.S. Marines with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, advance during a force on force exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 4, 2021. The Marines from both platoons in Echo Battery competed against each other to enhance their capabilities as provisional infantry. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, advance during a force on force exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 4, 2021. The Marines from both platoons in Echo Battery competed against each other to enhance their capabilities as provisional infantry. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines conduct a call for fire while participating in Tactical Air Control Party training as a part of a Close Air Support Exercise at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 26. - U.S. Marines conduct a call for fire while participating in Tactical Air Control Party training as a part of a Close Air Support Exercise at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 26.

U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors conduct external lifts for a vertical replenishment of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Naval Base Guam, Feb. 25. - U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors conduct external lifts for a vertical replenishment of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Naval Base Guam, Feb. 25.

A Marine checks and adjusts a thermal optic at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Feb. 17. - A Marine checks and adjusts a thermal optic at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Feb. 17.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni during MEFEX 21. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni during MEFEX 21.

A U.S. Marine grooms MWD Shiva, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3. - A U.S. Marine grooms MWD Shiva, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3.

A U.S. Marine Corps F35B Lightning II prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during flight operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Feb. 13. - A U.S. Marine Corps F35B Lightning II prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during flight operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Feb. 13.

U.S. Marines and Sailors stand together with members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Australian Navy, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Air Force, embarked together aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 21. - U.S. Marines and Sailors stand together with members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Australian Navy, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Air Force, embarked together aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 21.

U.S. Marines conducted an expeditionary refueling exercise with a U.S. Navy Poseidon P-8 with Patrol Squadron 5 during MEFEX 21, in Airai Republic of Palau, February 7. - U.S. Marines conducted an expeditionary refueling exercise with a U.S. Navy Poseidon P-8 with Patrol Squadron 5 during MEFEX 21, in Airai Republic of Palau, February 7.

U.S. Marines rehearse distributed operations in mainland Japan, Jan. 31. - U.S. Marines rehearse distributed operations in mainland Japan, Jan. 31.

A U.S. Marine reviews and provides feedback on a new Marine Corps website aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 15. - A U.S. Marine reviews and provides feedback on a new Marine Corps website aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 15.

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A Hospital Corpsman documents a patient's vitals during Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Nov. 14. - A Hospital Corpsman documents a patient's vitals during Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Nov. 14.

A U.S. Marine gives a brief prior to beginning the Amphibious Combat Endurance Test on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Jan. 15. - A U.S. Marine gives a brief prior to beginning the Amphibious Combat Endurance Test on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Jan. 15.

A U.S. Marine takes the final practical application exam during Tactical Combat Casualty Care training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 20. - A U.S. Marine takes the final practical application exam during Tactical Combat Casualty Care training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 20.

U.S. Marines board an MV-22 Osprey during a crisis response exercise in Kuwait, Jan. 13. - U.S. Marines board an MV-22 Osprey during a crisis response exercise in Kuwait, Jan. 13.

A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21. - A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21.

A U.S. Marine relays information to onlookers while observing fixed wing close air support training at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan. 14. - A U.S. Marine relays information to onlookers while observing fixed wing close air support training at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Jan. 14.

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U.S Marines static line jump from a KC-130J Hercules over Drop Zone Basilone on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10. - U.S Marines static line jump from a KC-130J Hercules over Drop Zone Basilone on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10.

U.S. Marines conduct fast roping during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army in mainland Japan, Dec. 10. - U.S. Marines conduct fast roping during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army in mainland Japan, Dec. 10.

A member of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force looks out the back of a CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army at Camp Soumagahara, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 9. - A member of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force looks out the back of a CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army at Camp Soumagahara, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 9.