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A Marine launches a Raven small unmanned aircraft system into the air at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2017. Marines conducted aerial training exercises at Tactical Landing Zone Dove to demonstrate the capabilities and build familiarization with the SUAS. The Marines are intelligence specialists with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - A Marine launches a Raven small unmanned aircraft system into the air at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2017. Marines conducted aerial training exercises at Tactical Landing Zone Dove to demonstrate the capabilities and build familiarization with the SUAS. The Marines are intelligence specialists with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Dutch Marines prepare to breach a building while training with U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23, 2017. During the integrated training exercise, Dutch and U.S. Marines worked with canine units, coordinated air assets and exchanged tactics between services in order to strengthen cohesion and interoperability between the partner two allied nations. - Dutch Marines prepare to breach a building while training with U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23, 2017. During the integrated training exercise, Dutch and U.S. Marines worked with canine units, coordinated air assets and exchanged tactics between services in order to strengthen cohesion and interoperability between the partner two allied nations.

Iwo Jima veteran Francis Jackson participates in the 72nd Reunion of Honor commemorative service on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. Jackson was one of eight veterans in attendance alongside American and Japanese distinguished guests, both military and civilian. This event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima. - Iwo Jima veteran Francis Jackson participates in the 72nd Reunion of Honor commemorative service on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. Jackson was one of eight veterans in attendance alongside American and Japanese distinguished guests, both military and civilian. This event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima.

Landing signal officers communicate with a pilot preparing to land on a simulated aircraft carrier aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 22, 2017. The LSOs analyze the glide slope path and the movement of the carrier to decide whether the aircraft can land. The LSOs are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - Landing signal officers communicate with a pilot preparing to land on a simulated aircraft carrier aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, March 22, 2017. The LSOs analyze the glide slope path and the movement of the carrier to decide whether the aircraft can land. The LSOs are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations. - Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations.

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Staff Sgt. Randall Lester (left) points toward aircraft as Maj. Lauchlin Byrd (center) and Maj. Thomas Short (right) scan the skies during close air support operations at a range near Fort Drum, N.Y., March 16, 2017. Marines assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, worked in conjunction with Marines assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, to complete the training. - Staff Sgt. Randall Lester (left) points toward aircraft as Maj. Lauchlin Byrd (center) and Maj. Thomas Short (right) scan the skies during close air support operations at a range near Fort Drum, N.Y., March 16, 2017. Marines assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, worked in conjunction with Marines assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, to complete the training.

Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water. - Staff Sgt. Kiriden Benny, the cyber network systems chief with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command, practices breathing compressed air during Underwater Egress Training at the Water Survival Training Facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 8, 2017. The purpose of the training is to teach Marines lifesaving skills in the event of an aircraft mishap in the water.

Karen Delich, a health specialist from Colorado Springs addresses students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One staff during a tactical risk management period of instruction at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15, 2017. WTI is a seven week event hosted by MAWTS-1. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing Aviation Weapons and Tactics. - Karen Delich, a health specialist from Colorado Springs addresses students attending Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One staff during a tactical risk management period of instruction at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15, 2017. WTI is a seven week event hosted by MAWTS-1. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing Aviation Weapons and Tactics.

Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100. - Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100.

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting. - Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting.

Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat. - Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat.

Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario. - Marine Air Control Group 38 conducted Exercise Lightning Sword, a Marine Air Command and Control System integrated training exercise, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, MCAS Camp Pendleton, California and MCAS Yuma, Arizona, March 6 to 17. Lightning Sword provided MACG-38 an opportunity to exercise a fully capable MACCS in a constructed marine expeditionary force level scenario.

Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts. - Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts.

Gunnery Sgt. Lawrence Smith, a faculty advisor at the Marine Corps Base Quantico Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, leads a guided discussion during a Career Course classroom session at MCB Quantico, Virginia, Mar. 8, 2017. Enlisted Marines come to Quantico in order to be qualified and teach as a faculty advisor, a role that helps facilitate hundreds of Marines a year in their resident professional military education. - Gunnery Sgt. Lawrence Smith, a faculty advisor at the Marine Corps Base Quantico Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, leads a guided discussion during a Career Course classroom session at MCB Quantico, Virginia, Mar. 8, 2017. Enlisted Marines come to Quantico in order to be qualified and teach as a faculty advisor, a role that helps facilitate hundreds of Marines a year in their resident professional military education.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit man the rails as amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepares to go underway for deployment March 1, 2017. The 24th MEU will operate in Europe and the Middle East in the coming months providing crisis response and contingency support for combatant commanders, including maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance, and advance force operations. - Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit man the rails as amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepares to go underway for deployment March 1, 2017. The 24th MEU will operate in Europe and the Middle East in the coming months providing crisis response and contingency support for combatant commanders, including maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance, and advance force operations.

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Marines with Weapons Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, hold M821A2 High Explosive mortar rounds in preparation to fire at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 8, 2017. The Marines fired off red phosphorous and high explosive rounds during a training exercise where they were able to coordinate with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic during their qualification training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. - Marines with Weapons Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, hold M821A2 High Explosive mortar rounds in preparation to fire at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 8, 2017. The Marines fired off red phosphorous and high explosive rounds during a training exercise where they were able to coordinate with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic during their qualification training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

Sgt. Justin Adams, an instructor with 1st Marine Division Schools ‘Pre-Scout Sniper Course’ observes a soldier with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during a known distance range conducted at during Exercise Iron Fist 2017, aboard Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 7, 2017. The range consisted of known distances of targets from 100 to 550 meters. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedure to improve their combined operational capabilities. - Sgt. Justin Adams, an instructor with 1st Marine Division Schools ‘Pre-Scout Sniper Course’ observes a soldier with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during a known distance range conducted at during Exercise Iron Fist 2017, aboard Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 7, 2017. The range consisted of known distances of targets from 100 to 550 meters. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedure to improve their combined operational capabilities.

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A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. - A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappels down a cliff at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 24, 2017. JWTC exposes Marines to training situations and environments unique to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region which sustain operational readiness and enhance forward deployed capabilities. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia- Pacific region.

The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting in February 2017. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor and size, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth. - The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting in February 2017. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor and size, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Louis Simon, executive officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, acts as the commander of troops during the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2017, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities. - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Louis Simon, executive officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, acts as the commander of troops during the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2017, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities.

Aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, climb the stairs to the inside of a Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device aboard Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. The training offered a realistic experience of what an aircraft fire looks and feels like. This gave the Marines a unique opportunity to evaluate themselves on how they would handle and control a real-life emergency. - Aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, climb the stairs to the inside of a Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device aboard Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. The training offered a realistic experience of what an aircraft fire looks and feels like. This gave the Marines a unique opportunity to evaluate themselves on how they would handle and control a real-life emergency.

Sgt. Zachary L. Piepenhagen (left), shakes hands with Maj. Gen. David Coffman, deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2017. Piepenhagen was awarded the medal for saving the life of a distressed Sailor who climbed over the guard rail in an attempt to commit suicide while serving with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Sgt. Zachary L. Piepenhagen (left), shakes hands with Maj. Gen. David Coffman, deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force, after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2017. Piepenhagen was awarded the medal for saving the life of a distressed Sailor who climbed over the guard rail in an attempt to commit suicide while serving with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

A Marine with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division climbs a rope on the obstacle course during an event known as advanced course preparation training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 23, 2017. The event was a seven-mile course that served as an initial performance assessment and tested the Marines on basic knowledge and skills. It is a way for the Marines to know which skills to refine before they begin a military occupational specialty specific advanced course. - A Marine with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division climbs a rope on the obstacle course during an event known as advanced course preparation training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 23, 2017. The event was a seven-mile course that served as an initial performance assessment and tested the Marines on basic knowledge and skills. It is a way for the Marines to know which skills to refine before they begin a military occupational specialty specific advanced course.

Marines, with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, attach water filters to hydration systems for evaluation during an Experimental Forward Operating Base aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 4, 2012. Marines and sailors participating provided input on individual energy and water purification equipment. The Expeditionary Energy Office, Headquarters, Marine Corps, coordinated the XFOB for input from the servicemembers and suggestions for improvement. - Marines, with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, attach water filters to hydration systems for evaluation during an Experimental Forward Operating Base aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 4, 2012. Marines and sailors participating provided input on individual energy and water purification equipment. The Expeditionary Energy Office, Headquarters, Marine Corps, coordinated the XFOB for input from the servicemembers and suggestions for improvement.

Lance Cpl. John K. Cash Jr. rushes in a squad assault as part of a live-fire range during a squadathon at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 12, 2017. The range was an opportunity for the Marines to practice the fundamentals of their job, while the squad leaders were evaluated on their ability to control their squads. Cash is a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. - Lance Cpl. John K. Cash Jr. rushes in a squad assault as part of a live-fire range during a squadathon at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 12, 2017. The range was an opportunity for the Marines to practice the fundamentals of their job, while the squad leaders were evaluated on their ability to control their squads. Cash is a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.

Marines measure standoff distance while conducting a low-order demolition range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 17th, 2017. The range was conducted to enable the Marines to be more capable of detonating unexploded ordnance without releasing shrapnel. The Marines are explosive ordnance technicians with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company S. - Marines measure standoff distance while conducting a low-order demolition range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 17th, 2017. The range was conducted to enable the Marines to be more capable of detonating unexploded ordnance without releasing shrapnel. The Marines are explosive ordnance technicians with 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company S.

Four U.S. Marines and two Sailors instinctively responded alongside local residents when a vehicle with five passengers fell from the fifth story of a parking garage in Yokosuka, Dec. 31, 2016. Once the Marines arrived on scene, the group collectively flipped the car in order to remove the passengers prior to Japanese Emergency Medical Services arriving. The Marines are assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and forward deployed to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. The Sailors are assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Pictured left to right: Petty Officer 1st Class Garrett Osborne, Lance Cpl. James Flores, Lance Cpl. Manaure Arellano, Pfc. Jacob Boerner, Lance Cpl. Raheem Gilliam and Petty Officer 2nd Class Derhon Finch. - Four U.S. Marines and two Sailors instinctively responded alongside local residents when a vehicle with five passengers fell from the fifth story of a parking garage in Yokosuka, Dec. 31, 2016. Once the Marines arrived on scene, the group collectively flipped the car in order to remove the passengers prior to Japanese Emergency Medical Services arriving. The Marines are assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and forward deployed to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. The Sailors are assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Pictured left to right: Petty Officer 1st Class Garrett Osborne, Lance Cpl. James Flores, Lance Cpl. Manaure Arellano, Pfc. Jacob Boerner, Lance Cpl. Raheem Gilliam and Petty Officer 2nd Class Derhon Finch.

Master Sgt. Clifford Farmer, shown here during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan, has four combat tours under his belt and years of experience as an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Today, he battles post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and urges leaders across the Marine Corps to show understanding and compassion for Marines who may be suffering. - Master Sgt. Clifford Farmer, shown here during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan, has four combat tours under his belt and years of experience as an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Today, he battles post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and urges leaders across the Marine Corps to show understanding and compassion for Marines who may be suffering.

Marines craft together a detonation cord linear charge for an urban assault breaching range during a deployment for training exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 8, 2016. The training gave the Marines an opportunity to practice making and applying donut charges, oval charges and uli knot slider charges. The Marines are with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. - Marines craft together a detonation cord linear charge for an urban assault breaching range during a deployment for training exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 8, 2016. The training gave the Marines an opportunity to practice making and applying donut charges, oval charges and uli knot slider charges. The Marines are with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment.

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U.S. Marines completed Exercise Platinum Lion 17.1, conducting multiple training operations alongside eight partner nations from the Black Sea and Caucasus regions in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, 12 Dec. to 21 Dec., 2016, to improve interoperability and tactical strength amongst NATO partners. - U.S. Marines completed Exercise Platinum Lion 17.1, conducting multiple training operations alongside eight partner nations from the Black Sea and Caucasus regions in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, 12 Dec. to 21 Dec., 2016, to improve interoperability and tactical strength amongst NATO partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Nazworth, a power line technician with Marine Attack Squadron 542, conducts a routine pre-flight inspection on an AV-8B Harrier during the Aviation Training Relocation Program at Chitose Air Base, Dec. 14, 2016. JASDF and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft fly daily as part of the ATR. The ATR is an effort to increase operational readiness between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Air Self Defense Force, improve interoperability and reduce noise concerns of aviation training on local communities by disseminating training locations throughout Japan. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Nazworth, a power line technician with Marine Attack Squadron 542, conducts a routine pre-flight inspection on an AV-8B Harrier during the Aviation Training Relocation Program at Chitose Air Base, Dec. 14, 2016. JASDF and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft fly daily as part of the ATR. The ATR is an effort to increase operational readiness between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Air Self Defense Force, improve interoperability and reduce noise concerns of aviation training on local communities by disseminating training locations throughout Japan.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. George Price, an Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team instructor with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Detachment Bravo, directs a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 during a landing as part of aircraft landing zone training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 21, 2016. The training allows the Marines to gain experience, practice constructing an expeditionary airfield, and complete training and readiness requirements. The MMT Marines conduct this training every three to six months to refine the Marines’ skills, keeping them ready for expeditionary operations while in a garrison environment.

Japanese Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada makes opening remarks during the Northern Training Area Land Return Ceremony Dec. 22 in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan. Representatives from the United States government, U.S. Forces Japan and the Government of Japan gathered for the ceremony that represented the return of thousands of acres of land previously utilized as part of the Northern Training Area. The return included approximately 9,852 acres of land and marks the largest land return from U.S. Forces Japan since 1972. The return is one of the many U.S. Forces Japan efforts to consolidate U.S. presence on Okinawa and ensure minimal environmental impact on Okinawa’s natural resources. - Japanese Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada makes opening remarks during the Northern Training Area Land Return Ceremony Dec. 22 in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan. Representatives from the United States government, U.S. Forces Japan and the Government of Japan gathered for the ceremony that represented the return of thousands of acres of land previously utilized as part of the Northern Training Area. The return included approximately 9,852 acres of land and marks the largest land return from U.S. Forces Japan since 1972. The return is one of the many U.S. Forces Japan efforts to consolidate U.S. presence on Okinawa and ensure minimal environmental impact on Okinawa’s natural resources.

Col. Jeffrey J. Kenney, center, poses for a photo with his wife Lori Kenney, left, and mother Carmela Kenney, right, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 8, 2016. Kenney has served in the Marine Corps for 41 years and is scheduled to retire Dec. 21, 2016. Kenney is currently the officer-in-charge of Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. - Col. Jeffrey J. Kenney, center, poses for a photo with his wife Lori Kenney, left, and mother Carmela Kenney, right, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 8, 2016. Kenney has served in the Marine Corps for 41 years and is scheduled to retire Dec. 21, 2016. Kenney is currently the officer-in-charge of Expeditionary Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group.

Master Sgt. Conor Mahoney, a team member of the Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise Accelerator Program, showcases new technology developed during the program at Stafford, Virginia, Dec. 9. Helios, the technology developed during the program, is designed to keep request for intelligence (RFI) customers informed throughout the production process. The demonstration is the culmination of 12 weeks of design and development for Helios. - Master Sgt. Conor Mahoney, a team member of the Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise Accelerator Program, showcases new technology developed during the program at Stafford, Virginia, Dec. 9. Helios, the technology developed during the program, is designed to keep request for intelligence (RFI) customers informed throughout the production process. The demonstration is the culmination of 12 weeks of design and development for Helios.

Marines with Battery K, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire an M777A2 Howitzer in the Quackenbush Training Area aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 3, 2016, during the regiment’s “Top Gun” competition. - Marines with Battery K, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire an M777A2 Howitzer in the Quackenbush Training Area aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 3, 2016, during the regiment’s “Top Gun” competition.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 head to Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to conduct a deployment for training (DFT) exercise, Dec. 1. The squadron is scheduled to complete several missions during this exercise, which include long range raids, aerial refueling, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel in preparation for their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 head to Creech Air Force Base, Nev., to conduct a deployment for training (DFT) exercise, Dec. 1. The squadron is scheduled to complete several missions during this exercise, which include long range raids, aerial refueling, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel in preparation for their deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit next year.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, salutes as a wreath is laid for fallen Marines at Barber's Point Golf Course in Kapolei, Hawaii, Dec. 6, 2016. The commemoration was to honor the four Marines killed in the attack at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Dec. 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events to honor the courage and sacrifices of Pacific Theater veterans. - U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, salutes as a wreath is laid for fallen Marines at Barber's Point Golf Course in Kapolei, Hawaii, Dec. 6, 2016. The commemoration was to honor the four Marines killed in the attack at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Dec. 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events to honor the courage and sacrifices of Pacific Theater veterans.

Caleb Hughes, the large-caliber ammunition engineer at MCSC’s Ammunition Program Management Office, looks through a sight used to align the M777 howitzer to a target during a field artillery demonstration at Marine Corps Training Command aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico last month. During the demonstration MCSC employees gained first-hand experience of field artillery Marines in action to inform their work behind the scenes at MCSC. - Caleb Hughes, the large-caliber ammunition engineer at MCSC’s Ammunition Program Management Office, looks through a sight used to align the M777 howitzer to a target during a field artillery demonstration at Marine Corps Training Command aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico last month. During the demonstration MCSC employees gained first-hand experience of field artillery Marines in action to inform their work behind the scenes at MCSC.

A Marine completes a puzzle to test his dexterity during a field exercise at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic Nov. 30, 2016. Twenty-two Marines with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted a week-long annual training exercise that refreshed the defense specialists on the roots of their basic military occupational specialty training. The exercise included an assortment of stations and classes that tested the Marines physically and mentally. - A Marine completes a puzzle to test his dexterity during a field exercise at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic Nov. 30, 2016. Twenty-two Marines with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted a week-long annual training exercise that refreshed the defense specialists on the roots of their basic military occupational specialty training. The exercise included an assortment of stations and classes that tested the Marines physically and mentally.

Maritime Raid Force Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrate how to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure of a vessel for Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron Sailors during a Theater Security Cooperation training event at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 24, 2016. This bilateral training allows the two militaries to share tactics and procedures that help build and maintain military readiness, and increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - Maritime Raid Force Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrate how to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure of a vessel for Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron Sailors during a Theater Security Cooperation training event at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 24, 2016. This bilateral training allows the two militaries to share tactics and procedures that help build and maintain military readiness, and increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Jon Ayers discusses the cockpit armament controls in a V-22 Osprey with Lance Cpl. Jared Wooten while assessing the aircraft’s onboard systems and tactical aircraft protection system at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 17, 2016. Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) underwent the assessment to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Ayers is a ALE -47 program Navy Logistician with the fleet support team. Wooten serves as a V-22 Osprey avionics technician with the unit. - Jon Ayers discusses the cockpit armament controls in a V-22 Osprey with Lance Cpl. Jared Wooten while assessing the aircraft’s onboard systems and tactical aircraft protection system at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Nov. 17, 2016. Marine Medium Tilitrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) underwent the assessment to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Ayers is a ALE -47 program Navy Logistician with the fleet support team. Wooten serves as a V-22 Osprey avionics technician with the unit.

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 is prepared to be transported on a C-17 Globemaster III aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 10, 2016. HMLA-267 deployed to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, in November. - An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 is prepared to be transported on a C-17 Globemaster III aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 10, 2016. HMLA-267 deployed to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, in November.