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Cpl. Tristofer Ducharme, operator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, dons the joint service, lightweight, integrated suit technology during an individual equipment confidence course at building 1980 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 27, 2015. The JSLIST is designed to protect the wearer from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination. - Cpl. Tristofer Ducharme, operator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, dons the joint service, lightweight, integrated suit technology during an individual equipment confidence course at building 1980 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 27, 2015. The JSLIST is designed to protect the wearer from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination.

A squad with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, consolidate and debrief after a round of military operations in urban terrain training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Debreifing the Marines lets them know what they did right, and what they could improve on. - A squad with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, consolidate and debrief after a round of military operations in urban terrain training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Debreifing the Marines lets them know what they did right, and what they could improve on.

A Marine with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and a Japanese soldier shake hands prior to the start of a live-fire shoot together during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at San Clemente Island, California, Sept. 1, 2015. ANGLICO Marines and Japanese soldiers conducted a combined arms shoot with naval gunfire, attack rotary aircraft and 120mm mortars. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. - A Marine with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier shake hands prior to the start of a live-fire shoot together during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at San Clemente Island, California, Sept. 1, 2015. ANGLICO Marines and the JGSDF conducted a combined arms shoot with naval gunfire, attack rotary aircraft and 120mm mortars. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.

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.

Sgt. Dashien R. Pettigrew runs through the OC Spray Performance Evaluation Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, during the Non-Lethal Weapons Instructor Course, Aug. 27, 2015. This inter-service course is only offered once a year on Okinawa. Pettigrew, from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, is an ammunition technician with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, and will have the collateral duty of non-lethal weapons instructor upon completion of the course. - Sgt. Dashien R. Pettigrew runs through the OC Spray Performance Evaluation Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, during the Non-Lethal Weapons Instructor Course, Aug. 27, 2015. This inter-service course is only offered once a year on Okinawa. Pettigrew, from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, is an ammunition technician with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, and will have the collateral duty of non-lethal weapons instructor upon completion of the course.

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A Indigenous Larrakia Nation representative Eric Fejo (center) advises Australian Army and United States Marine Corps personnel on heritage concerns for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015, at Fog Bay Northern Territory. - A Indigenous Larrakia Nation representative Eric Fejo (center) advises Australian Army and United States Marine Corps personnel on heritage concerns for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015, at Fog Bay Northern Territory.

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The barrel of an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank from Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, aims down toward its target during an offensive and defensive maneuver exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Platoons from the company practiced searching and clearing operational areas to reinforce their basic skills. The tank has a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun on the front capable of firing several types of explosive rounds. - The barrel of an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank from Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, aims down toward its target during an offensive and defensive maneuver exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2015. Platoons from the company practiced searching and clearing operational areas to reinforce their basic skills. The tank has a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun on the front capable of firing several types of explosive rounds.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, advance on a simulated village during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2015. They assaulted a simulated town, set up a defensive position and waited to repel simulated attacks in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response. - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, advance on a simulated village during a field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2015. They assaulted a simulated town, set up a defensive position and waited to repel simulated attacks in preparation for their upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mr. Ashton Carter congratulates a young reconnaissance Marine on a job well done following a combined arms raid aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. Carter met with senior military leaders and service members and witnessed ship-to-shore operations, a capability synonymous with Navy and Marine Corps teams in order to assess the need to better support military capabilities. - The U.S. Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mr. Ashton Carter congratulates a young reconnaissance Marine on a job well done following a combined arms raid aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. Carter met with senior military leaders and service members and witnessed ship-to-shore operations, a capability synonymous with Navy and Marine Corps teams in order to assess the need to better support military capabilities.

Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepare for a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18. Marines conducted casualty evacuation drills as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit predeployment training. - Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepare for a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18. Marines conducted casualty evacuation drills as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit predeployment training.

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.

Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine Corps general, died Aug. 25, 2015. Petersen served during the Korean War in 1953 and Vietnam in 1968. During his career, he flew more than 350 combat missions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft. - Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine Corps general, died Aug. 25, 2015. Petersen served during the Korean War in 1953 and Vietnam in 1968. During his career, he flew more than 350 combat missions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft.

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.

Marines prepare F/A-18C Hornets to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to during Exercise Sentry Savannah 2015, Aug. 21. Several squadrons from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, including Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 flew training exercises for Sentry Savannah. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - Marines prepare F/A-18C Hornets to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort to during Exercise Sentry Savannah 2015, Aug. 21. Several squadrons from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, including Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 flew training exercises for Sentry Savannah. The Marines are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Marines from Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Divison, I Marine Expeditionary Force, are suspended from a UH-1Y Huey helicopter during an exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 18, 2015. Utilizing both fast-roping and Special Patrol Insertion and Extraction rigging methods, the purpose of the training exercise was to integrate operational coordination between the I MEF Ground Combat Element and Air Combat Element. - Marines from Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Divison, I Marine Expeditionary Force, are suspended from a UH-1Y Huey helicopter during an exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 18, 2015. Utilizing both fast-roping and Special Patrol Insertion and Extraction rigging methods, the purpose of the training exercise was to integrate operational coordination between the I MEF Ground Combat Element and Air Combat Element.

Cpl. Mason Stone, left, a KC-130J crewmaster, Staff Sgt. David Hoyt, middle, a KC-130J loadmaster, and Cpl. Greg Gambrell, right, a KC-130J crewmaster, set up the refueling site for air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 21, 2015. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 uses this training to make sure their Marines are able to proficiently use all of the KC-130J’s assets. - Cpl. Mason Stone, left, a KC-130J crewmaster, Staff Sgt. David Hoyt, middle, a KC-130J loadmaster, and Cpl. Greg Gambrell, right, a KC-130J crewmaster, set up the refueling site for air delivery ground refueling training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 21, 2015. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 uses this training to make sure their Marines are able to proficiently use all of the KC-130J’s assets.

Cpl. Steele Hartmann, left, and Lance Cpl. Daniel Lark, stand their post, sighting down the entry control point during an airbase ground defense field operation at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, Aug. 19, 2015. Nearly 300 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 were involved in the field operation by providing security for ground operations during portrayed enemy attacks. Hartmann is a combat engineer and Lark is an aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist, both with MWSS-271. - Cpl. Steele Hartmann, left, and Lance Cpl. Daniel Lark, stand their post, sighting down the entry control point during an airbase ground defense field operation at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, Aug. 19, 2015. Nearly 300 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 were involved in the field operation by providing security for ground operations during portrayed enemy attacks. Hartmann is a combat engineer and Lark is an aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist, both with MWSS-271.

Gregory "Greg" Lake, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in front of a painting in his home in Calistoga, California, June 22, 2015. Lake made the painting based on a night he endured combat in Vietnam and swam across a river under fire to save the lives of his Marines. - Gregory "Greg" Lake, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in front of a painting in his home in Calistoga, California, June 22, 2015. Lake made the painting based on a night he endured combat in Vietnam and swam across a river under fire to save the lives of his Marines.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.

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Arthur "Art" Petty, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in his Marine museum he created from a farm house on his property in Woodbury, Tennessee, June 19, 2015. Petty enlisted into the Marine Corps March 13, 1941 and retired at the rank of sergeant major. - Arthur "Art" Petty, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in his Marine museum he created from a farm house on his property in Woodbury, Tennessee, June 19, 2015. Petty enlisted into the Marine Corps March 13, 1941 and retired at the rank of sergeant major.

Homer "Mike" Jenkins, a Marine Vietnam veteran, holds a shadow box highlighting his service in the Marines at his home near Hughes Springs, Texas, June 5, 2015. Jenkins did two tours in Vietnam, the first as an advisor to Vietnamese troops; his second tour, he was a company commander leading Marines in combat. - Homer "Mike" Jenkins, a Marine Vietnam veteran, holds a shadow box highlighting his service in the Marines at his home near Hughes Springs, Texas, June 5, 2015. Jenkins did two tours in Vietnam, the first as an advisor to Vietnamese troops; his second tour, he was a company commander leading Marines in combat.

A graphic illustration of the new F-35B Lightning II hangar slated to be completed October 2016 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Aug. 20. The construction project includes aircraft parking near the hangars and an aircraft access apron. A three-level parking garage is being constructed adjacent to the brand new facility. - A graphic illustration of the new F-35B Lightning II hangar slated to be completed October 2016 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Aug. 20. The construction project includes aircraft parking near the hangars and an aircraft access apron. A three-level parking garage is being constructed adjacent to the brand new facility.

Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicle along all-terrain vehicle trails during an all-terrain vehicle course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 18, 2015. Marines drove the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicles through sand, mud, uneven terrain, and hills to gain experience with handling the vehicle. - Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicle along all-terrain vehicle trails during an all-terrain vehicle course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 18, 2015. Marines drove the Polaris Rzr tactical vehicles through sand, mud, uneven terrain, and hills to gain experience with handling the vehicle.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, sights in during a maneuver exercise in support of Large Scale Exercise 15 in the vicinity of the Blacktop Training Area aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 15, 2015. The ground maneuver element, consisting of fire support teams transported by Amphibious Assault Vehicles, was tasked with assaulting two objectives. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, sights in during a maneuver exercise in support of Large Scale Exercise 15 in the vicinity of the Blacktop Training Area aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 15, 2015. The ground maneuver element, consisting of fire support teams transported by Amphibious Assault Vehicles, was tasked with assaulting two objectives.

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

A Japanese security guard executes a knee strike during nonlethal weapons and level one oleoresin capsicum spray training aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14. According to Delekto, the security augmentation force instructor and staff noncommissioned officer with mobile training team, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, nonlethal weapons training includes all weapons and techniques that are not inherently deadly, such as batons, defensive tactics, pepper-based spray, and mechanical-advantage control holds. - A Japanese security guard executes a knee strike during nonlethal weapons and level one oleoresin capsicum spray training aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14. According to Delekto, the security augmentation force instructor and staff noncommissioned officer with mobile training team, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, nonlethal weapons training includes all weapons and techniques that are not inherently deadly, such as batons, defensive tactics, pepper-based spray, and mechanical-advantage control holds.

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Marines with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion wait for the final check of their amphibious assault vehicles and then go ahead to conduct their training exercise on Onslow Beach aboard Camp Lejeune N.C. Aug. 17, 2015. Doing a double check of the AAVs is paramount for safety in making sure everything is in working order. - Marines with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion wait for the final check of their assault amphibious vehicles and then go ahead to conduct their training exercise on Onslow Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune N.C. Aug. 17, 2015. Doing a double check of the AAVs is paramount for safety in making sure everything is in working order.

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Ishikawa police officers Chikae Higa, left, Satoshi Goto, center, and Hisakazu Higa detain a simulated aggressive trespasser, Takao Agarijo, during a bilateral scenario-based training exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. The training increased teamwork between Ishikawa Police Station and the Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler Provost Marshal's Office, Precinct North, Camp Hansen. - Ishikawa police officers Chikae Higa, left, Satoshi Goto, center, and Hisakazu Higa detain a simulated aggressive trespasser, Takao Agarijo, during a bilateral scenario-based training exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 5, 2015. The training increased teamwork between Ishikawa Police Station and the Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler Provost Marshal's Office, Precinct North, Camp Hansen.

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Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, practice handling a simulated enraged enemy during the culminating event of 1st Marine Division Schools’ Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 12, 2015. The course is a 15-day period of instruction that includes classwork, combat marksmanship and physical training in a simulated urban combat environment. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, practice handling a simulated enraged enemy during the culminating event of 1st Marine Division Schools’ Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 12, 2015. The course is a 15-day period of instruction that includes classwork, combat marksmanship and physical training in a simulated urban combat environment.

Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam. - Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam.

Battle crosses are mounted on stage at the Mckenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Aug. 15, 2015. The battle crosses are symbolic replacements for crosses for service members who have fallen in the line of duty. Four Marines and one sailor died during a shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee, July 16, 2015. - Battle crosses are mounted on stage at the McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Aug. 15, 2015. The battle crosses are symbolic replacements for crosses for service members who have fallen in the line of duty. Four Marines and one sailor died during a shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee, July 16, 2015.

Lance Cpl. Gentry Osborne, an anti-tank missile man with Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, operates a simulated M41A4 Saber missile system during a simulated anti-armor exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 8, 2015. The simulated Saber challenged Marines with its inclusion of friendly and enemy targets, testing their judgement before firing. - Lance Cpl. Gentry Osborne, an anti-tank missile man with Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, operates a simulated M41A4 Saber missile system during a simulated anti-armor exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 8, 2015. The simulated Saber challenged Marines with its inclusion of friendly and enemy targets, testing their judgement before firing.

Rear Adm. Cynthia Thebaud, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two takes the shooter stance while she launches an F-35B Lightning II off the flight deck of USS Wasp, on the Atlantic Ocean, May 26, 2015. Wasp, with VMFA-121 and VMFAT-501 embarked, is underway conducting the first phase of operational testing for the F-35B aircraft, which will evaluate the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment. - Rear Adm. Cynthia Thebaud, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two takes the shooter stance while she launches an F-35B Lightning II off the flight deck of USS Wasp, on the Atlantic Ocean, May 26, 2015. Wasp, with VMFA-121 and VMFAT-501 embarked, is underway conducting the first phase of operational testing for the F-35B aircraft, which will evaluate the full spectrum of F-35B measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment.

Corporal Chris Stewart, the senior crew chief aboard an MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), communicates with pilots during a para-operations training with an 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. Reconnaissance Marines, rigged with parachutes, jumped from an altitude of 13,000 feet with the assistance of Marines with VMM-365 (Rein) to practice the airborne insertion. - Corporal Chris Stewart, the senior crew chief aboard an MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), communicates with pilots during a para-operations training with an 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. Reconnaissance Marines, rigged with parachutes, jumped from an altitude of 13,000 feet with the assistance of Marines with VMM-365 (Rein) to practice the airborne insertion.

A UH-1Y Huey takes off alongside an AH-1W Super Cobra during a training exercise testing a digital interoperability system at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 24, 2015. Digital interoperability is the technology capable of increasing prowess on the battlefield. The exercise included Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, testing a LINK 16 conversion system for one of the first times within an explicitly rotary-wing exercise. - A UH-1Y Huey takes off alongside an AH-1W Super Cobra during a training exercise testing a digital interoperability system at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 24, 2015. Digital interoperability is the technology capable of increasing prowess on the battlefield. The exercise included Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, testing a LINK 16 conversion system for one of the first times within an explicitly rotary-wing exercise.

Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received. - Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received.

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Brazilian Major Rafael Pires Ferreira, an artillery officer with Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais, observes the tactical capabilities of 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment’s M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 9, 2015. The two Brazilian officers visited to share and discuss information on military operations, unit structure and different weapons systems. - Brazilian Major Rafael Pires Ferreira, an artillery officer with Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais, observes the tactical capabilities of 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment’s M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 9, 2015. The two Brazilian officers visited to share and discuss information on military operations, unit structure and different weapons systems.

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3.

Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD) fire stinger missiles during a live shoot in Fort Irwin, California, Aug. 10. Marines also fired the 50 Caliber sniper rifle and the M240B machine gun during the five-day annual training. - Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD) fire stinger missiles during a live shoot in Fort Irwin, California, Aug. 10. Marines also fired the 50 Caliber sniper rifle and the M240B machine gun during the five-day annual training.

A Marine onboard a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 directs movement during an external lift exercise with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2015. Two student pilots onboard the helicopter performed external lifts for the first time, an operation essential to deployed operations, and part of their pilot certification. - A Marine onboard a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 directs movement during an external lift exercise with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2015. Two student pilots onboard the helicopter performed external lifts for the first time, an operation essential to deployed operations, and part of their pilot certification.