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Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Royal Marines with 45 Commando and U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa discuss tactics and techniques for patrols during Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21, 2015. Trident Juncture is one of many exercises ensuring that NATO is ready to deal with any emerging crisis from any direction, and that the Alliance is able to work effectively with partner nations. - Royal Marines with 45 Commando and U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa discuss tactics and techniques for patrols during Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21, 2015. Trident Juncture is one of many exercises ensuring that NATO is ready to deal with any emerging crisis from any direction, and that the Alliance is able to work effectively with partner nations.

F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

Sgt. Yonique R. Cousins, Platoon 4026, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, encourages a recruit to move faster during martial arts training June 16, 2015, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is designed to increase the warfighting capabilities of individual Marines and units, enhance Marines’ self-confidence and esprit de corps and foster the warrior ethos in all Marines. - Sgt. Yonique R. Cousins, Platoon 4026, Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, encourages a recruit to move faster during martial arts training June 16, 2015, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is designed to increase the warfighting capabilities of individual Marines and units, enhance Marines’ self-confidence and esprit de corps and foster the warrior ethos in all Marines.

Sgt. Brendan Campbell, on-the-job trainee, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, places trinitrotoluene around an M107 155mm High Explosive projectile while excavating at Rainbow Canyon Training Area, Oct. 8, 2015. EOD used TNT, C-4 plastic explosives, and an M107 projectile in an attempt to level the ground for the installation of two 2,500 gallon wildlife guzzlers. - Sgt. Brendan Campbell, on-the-job trainee, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, places trinitrotoluene around an M107 155mm High Explosive projectile while excavating at Rainbow Canyon Training Area, Oct. 8, 2015. EOD used TNT, C-4 plastic explosives, and an M107 projectile in an attempt to level the ground for the installation of two 2,500 gallon wildlife guzzlers.

A tablet controls the Augmented Immersive Team Training demonstration for Marine leadership and key civilian leaders at the Medal of Honor Golf Course, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 14, 2015. The system provides a virtual battlefield complete with aircraft and artillery to engage ground vehicles and personnel with no needs for concerns such as safety, resources or availability of ranges for realistic training. - A tablet controls the Augmented Immersive Team Training demonstration for Marine leadership and key civilian leaders at the Medal of Honor Golf Course, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 14, 2015. The system provides a virtual battlefield complete with aircraft and artillery to engage ground vehicles and personnel with no needs for concerns such as safety, resources or availability of ranges for realistic training.

An F/A-18D Hornet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 prepares for take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Oct. 13. VMFAT-101 is a training squadron for Marine Corps and Navy students who are learning to pilot F-18s. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11. - An F/A-18D Hornet from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 prepares for take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., Oct. 13. VMFAT-101 is a training squadron for Marine Corps and Navy students who are learning to pilot F-18s. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11.

Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog. - Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog.

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

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An F/A-18C Hornet lands aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 24. VMFAT-101 brought 15 jets from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, to train at MCAS Beaufort. The Hornet is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11. - An F/A-18C Hornet lands aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 24. VMFAT-101 brought 15 jets from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, to train at MCAS Beaufort. The Hornet is with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11.

A Marine with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment sights in on a target in a preparatory exercise for Large Scale Exercise 15 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 11, 2015. LSE-15 is a combined U.S. Marine Corps, Canadian Band British Exercise conducted at the brigade level, designed to enable live, virtual and constructive training for participating forces. - A Marine with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment sights in on a target in a preparatory exercise for Large Scale Exercise 15 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 11, 2015. LSE-15 is a combined U.S. Marine Corps, Canadian Band British Exercise conducted at the brigade level, designed to enable live, virtual and constructive training for participating forces.

Marines with Truck Company, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, standby for explosive ordnance disposal to arrive while keeping vigilant for possible enemy combatants during a motorized operations course aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 30. The Marines performed the exercise to better themselves in the event of a real-life scenario. - Marines with Truck Company, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, standby for explosive ordnance disposal to arrive while keeping vigilant for possible enemy combatants during a motorized operations course aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 30. The Marines performed the exercise to better themselves in the event of a real-life scenario.

Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke. - Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training. - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos execute a “line of stern” patrolling formation during small-boat operations training in St. Louis, Senegal, July 3, 2015. Approximately 20 Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen with the unit spent the week teaching more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins small-boat operations and maintenance skills. - U.S. Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos execute a “line of stern” patrolling formation during small-boat operations training in St. Louis, Senegal, July 3, 2015. Approximately 20 Marines, sailors and coast guardsmen with the unit spent the week teaching more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins small-boat operations and maintenance skills.

Marine Cpl. Trevor Thompson, right, an infantryman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, observes as a member of the Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos moves towards a simulated casualty during a basic skills competition in St. Louis, Senegal, July 2, 2015. More than 15 U.S. Marines and Sailors with the unit held a weapons and combat medical skills competition for more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins in an effort to build and sustain infantry fundamentals. - Marine Cpl. Trevor Thompson, right, an infantryman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, observes as a member of the Seneglaese Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos moves towards a simulated casualty during a basic skills competition in St. Louis, Senegal, July 2, 2015. More than 15 U.S. Marines and Sailors with the unit held a weapons and combat medical skills competition for more than 30 members of the Fusilier Marins in an effort to build and sustain infantry fundamentals.

Ken Asato, a corporal with the Uruma City Police Department, exits his vehicle as an “intruder” on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 11, 2015 during bilateral training between service members and the UCPD. The training ensured the camp guard, and the Provost Marshal’s Office are proficient in communicating with the UCPD to mitigate security threats involving service members and Okinawa residents. During the training event, Asato posed as an Okinawa resident entering the base without authorization. Camp guard Marines patrolling the perimeter of the base apprehended the intruder and rehearsed turnover procedures with PMO Marines. - Ken Asato, a corporal with the Uruma City Police Department, exits his vehicle as an “intruder” on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 11, 2015 during bilateral training between service members and the UCPD. The training ensured the camp guard, and the Provost Marshal’s Office are proficient in communicating with the UCPD to mitigate security threats involving service members and Okinawa residents. During the training event, Asato posed as an Okinawa resident entering the base without authorization. Camp guard Marines patrolling the perimeter of the base apprehended the intruder and rehearsed turnover procedures with PMO Marines.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician undergoes the decontamination process after leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases. - An explosive ordnance disposal technician undergoes the decontamination process after leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases.

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Two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists ensure gas masks are properly fitted prior to leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. The CBRN defense specialists assisted in familiarizing explosive ordnance disposal technicians with decontamination procedures following the leak, seal, package process used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to perform general decontamination of the affected area and prepare the leaking ordnance for safe containment and transport before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in their safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Two chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists ensure gas masks are properly fitted prior to leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. The CBRN defense specialists assisted in familiarizing explosive ordnance disposal technicians with decontamination procedures following the leak, seal, package process used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to perform general decontamination of the affected area and prepare the leaking ordnance for safe containment and transport before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in their safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines with 2nd Platoon, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force are instructed on the course of fire before participating in a live-fire exercise during a close-quarters combat tactics course at range K-501A aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 14, 2015. Marines built upon training in techniques and tactics in preparation for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit slated to deploy in 2016. - Marines with 2nd Platoon, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force are instructed on the course of fire before participating in a live-fire exercise during a close-quarters combat tactics course at range K-501A aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 14, 2015. Marines built upon training in techniques and tactics in preparation for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit slated to deploy in 2016.

Light armored vehicle crewmen with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion man a crew-served M240 Bravo medium machine gun during a live-fire platoon attack exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. The unit utilized machine guns, which stood in for the battalion’s light armored vehicles for the exercise, but the weapon systems still provided an opportunity for Marines to maintain their combat skills. - Light armored vehicle crewmen with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion man a crew-served M240 Bravo medium machine gun during a live-fire platoon attack exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 15, 2015. The unit utilized machine guns, which stood in for the battalion’s light armored vehicles for the exercise, but the weapon systems still provided an opportunity for Marines to maintain their combat skills.

Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region. - Virginia Blazer, center, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, poses for a photo with Marines and Sailors assigned to a Security Cooperation Team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, and more than 40 Tanzanian park rangers following a graduation ceremony on the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 27, 2015. The park rangers graduated from counter illicit-trafficking training, which was the first-ever engagement between U.S. Service members and Tanzanian park rangers. The Marines and Sailors taught the park rangers infantry skills in an attempt to help counter illicit-trafficking in the region.

Marine scout snipers with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct high angle shooting on Range 10 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 8, 2015. The training was different from their typical flat level or slight elevation ranges. The high angle is considered anything 30 degrees or greater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Dietz) - Marine scout snipers with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, conduct high angle shooting on Range 10 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 8, 2015. The training was different from their typical flat level or slight elevation ranges. The high angle is considered anything 30 degrees or greater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Dietz)

A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion shoots the M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun at targets placed at unknown distances at range SR-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 7, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines from the battalion conducted a two-day, machine-gun range in which they shot the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M240 Bravo medium machine gun, and the .50-caliber heavy machine gun from both the mounted and un-mounted positions at targets placed at unknown distances. - A Marine with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion shoots the M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun at targets placed at unknown distances at range SR-7 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 7, 2015. Approximately 30 Marines from the battalion conducted a two-day, machine-gun range in which they shot the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, M240 Bravo medium machine gun, and the .50-caliber heavy machine gun from both the mounted and un-mounted positions at targets placed at unknown distances.

Private First Class Tre Newell, an infantryman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, rappels off the rappel tower aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 2, 2015. Each rappel station had a trained helicopter rope suspension techniques master, who instructed the Marines how to properly maneuver down the wall. Marines were positioned at the bottom to brake the Marines rappelling if necessary. - Private First Class Tre Newell, an infantryman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, rappels off the rappel tower aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 2, 2015. Each rappel station had a trained helicopter rope suspension techniques master, who instructed the Marines how to properly maneuver down the wall. Marines were positioned at the bottom to brake the Marines rappelling if necessary.

Private First Class Mitchell Coyle, a mortarman with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the Table 1 Machine Gun Qualification aboard Camp Lejeune, April 6, 2015. The platoon executed a combined machine gun and sniper rifle range, with the Marines getting valuable experience on both weapon systems. Machine gunners play an integral role in the scout sniper platoons, and it is imperative each Marine in the platoon has a working understanding of how they operate. - Private First Class Mitchell Coyle, a mortarman with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during the Table 1 Machine Gun Qualification aboard Camp Lejeune, April 6, 2015. The platoon executed a combined machine gun and sniper rifle range, with the Marines getting valuable experience on both weapon systems. Machine gunners play an integral role in the scout sniper platoons, and it is imperative each Marine in the platoon has a working understanding of how they operate.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, await extraction in a field during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a predeployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, await extraction in a field during a live-fire raid at Range 226 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 1, 2015. The company conducted the live-fire exercise as part of a predeployment workup in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Private First Class Nathan Culver, an engineer equipment mechanic with Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, removes the safety pins from an M67 fragmentation grenade in preparation to throw it aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The training ensured junior Marines still remembered how to handle a live grenade, and also served as a refresher for more seasoned Marines who haven’t used these skills in quite some time. - Private First Class Nathan Culver, an engineer equipment mechanic with Engineer Support Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, removes the safety pins from an M67 fragmentation grenade in preparation to throw it aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The training ensured junior Marines still remembered how to handle a live grenade, and also served as a refresher for more seasoned Marines who haven’t used these skills in quite some time.

Marines with Battery and Golf Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, capture a role-playing enemy within the confines of their shields during a riot control exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 24, 2015. The Marines moved swiftly to pull the enemy back through their formation, then closed back up in a defensive position as one straight line of shields. - Marines with Battery and Golf Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, capture a role-playing enemy within the confines of their shields during a riot control exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 24, 2015. The Marines moved swiftly to pull the enemy back through their formation, then closed back up in a defensive position as one straight line of shields.

Pfc. Corey Kush, a rifleman with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, receives a haircut in the barracks aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 24, 2015. Marines with the platoon volunteered for their heads to be shaved in support of the platoon sergeant's daughter, Katie Whatley, who is fighting cancer. - Pfc. Corey Kush, a rifleman with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, receives a haircut in the barracks aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 24, 2015. Marines with the platoon volunteered for their heads to be shaved in support of the platoon sergeant's daughter, Katie Whatley, who is fighting cancer.

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A fire team with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Detachment 6 moves outside after clearing a building during a close-quarters tactics training event at Expeditionary Operations Training Group compound at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 6, 2015. Marines with 2nd FRD 6 clear and extract unknown targets in a building with narrow hallways and small rooms using tactics and safety standards they learned while at the reconnaissance and surveillance course conducted by EOTG. - A fire team with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Detachment 6 moves outside after clearing a building during a close-quarters tactics training event at Expeditionary Operations Training Group compound at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 6, 2015. Marines with 2nd FRD 6 clear and extract unknown targets in a building with narrow hallways and small rooms using tactics and safety standards they learned while at the reconnaissance and surveillance course conducted by EOTG.

Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles. - Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group practice using the M26 Joint Service Transportable Decontamination System during a CBRN decontamination course aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 4, 2015. Students of the week-long course learned about detection of and protection against CBRN agents and the processes of decontaminating troops, equipment and vehicles.

Two crew chiefs refuel their Bell UH-1Y Venom during Marine Wing Support Squadron 272’s forward arming and refueling point in Engelhard, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. The squadron’s FARP exercise is designed to get the Marines to refuel landed helicopters as quickly as possible, so the aircrafts can quickly take off after filling up. - Two crew chiefs refuel their Bell UH-1Y Venom during Marine Wing Support Squadron 272’s forward arming and refueling point in Engelhard, N.C., Feb. 12, 2015. The squadron’s FARP exercise is designed to get the Marines to refuel landed helicopters as quickly as possible, so the aircrafts can quickly take off after filling up.

Lance Cpl. Michael Miller and Lance Cpl. Kyle Osborne, Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Camp Pendleton, Calif., oversee unloading of equipment with solders from 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas, as part of their Railway Operations training at the Yermo Annex on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 11. The 80-hour RailOps training is now being offered through Marine Corps Training Information Management System and includes class instruction and hands-on learning - Lance Cpl. Michael Miller and Lance Cpl. Kyle Osborne, Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Camp Pendleton, Calif., oversee unloading of equipment with solders from 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas, as part of their Railway Operations training at the Yermo Annex on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Feb. 11. The 80-hour RailOps training is now being offered through Marine Corps Training Information Management System and includes class instruction and hands-on learning

Marine captures role-playing protester during Special Marine Air Ground Task Force embassy reinforcement exercise, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.,Feb.10. Marines participating in the exercise came from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, both in Southern California. - Marine captures role-playing protester during Special Marine Air Ground Task Force embassy reinforcement exercise, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.,Feb.10. Marines participating in the exercise came from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, both in Southern California.

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Chieu, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, brushes snow and ice off of a CH-53 Super Stallion during a deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Dawson, West Virginia, Jan. 30, 2015. Inclement weather caused the Marines to take extra steps in preparing the helicopters for flight. - Lance Cpl. Nicholas Chieu, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, brushes snow and ice off of a CH-53 Super Stallion during a deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Dawson, West Virginia, Jan. 30, 2015. Inclement weather caused the Marines to take extra steps in preparing the helicopters for flight.

Surviving Montford Point Marines attend a ceremony for Sgt. Hiram L. Knowles to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Feb. 7, 2015. Knowles was one of over 400 Montford Point Marines to be awarded since 2012. - Surviving Montford Point Marines attend a ceremony for Sgt. Hiram L. Knowles to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Feb. 7, 2015. Knowles was one of over 400 Montford Point Marines to be awarded since 2012.

Marines and Sailors with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice their decontamination skills on a volunteer during a training evolution at the Guardian Center in Perry, Ga. on February 4, 2015. The training aims to provide the Marines and Sailors with realistic crisis response scenarios. (Photo by: Sgt. Fareeza Ali/USMC) - Marines and Sailors with the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force practice their decontamination skills on a volunteer during a training evolution at the Guardian Center in Perry, Ga. on February 4, 2015. The training aims to provide the Marines and Sailors with realistic crisis response scenarios. (Photo by: Sgt. Fareeza Ali/USMC)

A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities. - A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities.

Lance Cpl. Tyler Brinkman, an entry control point guard and radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, Communications Company, 2nd Marine Division, relays information through a radio as a 7-ton truck carrying Marines travels though the command post exercise ECP at Landing Zone Bluebird on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2015. ECP guard’s duty is to control movement going in and out of the compound and maintain awareness at all times to keep the compound safe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released) - Lance Cpl. Tyler Brinkman, an entry control point guard and radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, Communications Company, 2nd Marine Division, relays information through a radio as a 7-ton truck carrying Marines travels though the command post exercise ECP at Landing Zone Bluebird on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2015. ECP guard’s duty is to control movement going in and out of the compound and maintain awareness at all times to keep the compound safe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released)

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An AV-8B Harrier lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway conducting Afloat Training Group basic phase training. - An AV-8B Harrier lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway conducting Afloat Training Group basic phase training.

An Air Force KC-10 Extender releases its drogue, or hose, in order to refuel a MV-22B Osprey above the Marine Corps Air Station New River area, Jan. 15, 2015. Marine pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 flew behind the KC-10 and practiced aerial refuels with the aircraft. - An Air Force KC-10 Extender releases its drogue, or hose, in order to refuel a MV-22B Osprey above the Marine Corps Air Station New River area, Jan. 15, 2015. Marine pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 flew behind the KC-10 and practiced aerial refuels with the aircraft.

Friends and family members of U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit wait for the return of their Marines from deployment at the 26th MEU command post, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 13, 2015. The Marines were deployed in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa. - Friends and family members of U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit wait for the return of their Marines from deployment at the 26th MEU command post, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 13, 2015. The Marines were deployed in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa.

Lance Cpl. Ronald Summerlin prepares to reset equipment following the landing of an FA-18D Hornet Jan. 9 during arrested landing safety training on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Arrested landings are the use of equipment, such as a safety barrier or an arresting wire, to rapidly slow down aircraft and ensure the landing path is straight and clear. During the training, Marines demonstrated proficiency in the use of arresting equipment while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment on the airstrip. Summerlin is a Virginia Beach, Virginia, native and an expeditionary airfield systems technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. - Lance Cpl. Ronald Summerlin prepares to reset equipment following the landing of an FA-18D Hornet Jan. 9 during arrested landing safety training on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Arrested landings are the use of equipment, such as a safety barrier or an arresting wire, to rapidly slow down aircraft and ensure the landing path is straight and clear. During the training, Marines demonstrated proficiency in the use of arresting equipment while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment on the airstrip. Summerlin is a Virginia Beach, Virginia, native and an expeditionary airfield systems technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan.

Pfc. William Baker, a prospect for the Special Reaction Team, holds a shield during close-quarters battle training Jan. 8 at Camp Hansen. Baker is a San Antonio, Texas, native. The special reaction team is with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams. - Pfc. William Baker, a prospect for the Special Reaction Team, holds a shield during close-quarters battle training Jan. 8 at Camp Hansen. Baker is a San Antonio, Texas, native. The special reaction team is with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams.