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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Skip Curtis served from January 1965 to July 1996 as a pilot. Curtis deployed to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Throughout his time in Vietnam, Curtis, a Temple, Pennsylvania, native, said what kept him going was letters from his wife, which at the time took 10 days to receive. During his last flight in Vietnam he earned his second Purple Heart after he and his crew we shot down. - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Skip Curtis served from January 1965 to July 1996 as a pilot. Curtis deployed to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Throughout his time in Vietnam, Curtis, a Temple, Pennsylvania, native, said what kept him going was letters from his wife, which at the time took 10 days to receive. During his last flight in Vietnam he earned his second Purple Heart after he and his crew we shot down.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Alexandra Nowak, an administrative specialist with Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, listens to Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, the commanding general for MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, speak after he awarded her the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 6, 2019. Nowak received the award for her actions to save a family after a car crash on Interstate Highway 15. Nowak is a native of Forney, Texas. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Alexandra Nowak, an administrative specialist with Alpha Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, listens to Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, the commanding general for MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, speak after he awarded her the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 6, 2019. Nowak received the award for her actions to save a family after a car crash on Interstate Highway 15. Nowak is a native of Forney, Texas.

A Joint Light Tactical Vehicle displays its ability to handle multiple terrain types by physically adjusting its suspension during a demonstration at the School of Infantry West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 27, 2019. Marines are able to adjust multiple drive settings of the JLTV by selecting options on an internal LCD. These settings affect how the vehicle drives in sandy, muddy, snowy or highway road conditions. The JLTV consists of multiple platforms capable of completing a variety of missions while providing increased protection and mobility for personnel across the Marine Corps. - A Joint Light Tactical Vehicle displays its ability to handle multiple terrain types by physically adjusting its suspension during a demonstration at the School of Infantry West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 27, 2019. Marines are able to adjust multiple drive settings of the JLTV by selecting options on an internal LCD. These settings affect how the vehicle drives in sandy, muddy, snowy or highway road conditions. The JLTV consists of multiple platforms capable of completing a variety of missions while providing increased protection and mobility for personnel across the Marine Corps.

Firefighters with Oceanside Fire Department and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department initiate prescribed burns at Ranges 108 and 109 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 12, 2019. The CPFD encounters several wildfires each year. Prescribed burns are one of the many methods used to mitigate the unwanted spread of wildfires on the installation. - Firefighters with Oceanside Fire Department and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department initiate prescribed burns at Ranges 108 and 109 on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 12, 2019. The CPFD encounters several wildfires each year. Prescribed burns are one of the many methods used to mitigate the unwanted spread of wildfires on the installation.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton hosts the annual Environmental Law Training Symposium - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joseph D. Williams, chief of staff, Marine Corps Installations-West (MCI-W), discusses the command’s Environmental Security Program with the California Energy Compliance Agency during an Environmental Law Training Symposium at the Pacific Views Event Center, MCB Camp Pendleton, California, March 19, 2019. Since 1994, the Western Area Counsel Office has hosted an Environmental Law Training Symposium to provide updates in environmental and land use law, regulations, and policies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emmanuel Necoechea)

U.S. Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and contractors with Facilities Maintenance Department, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, receive “thank you” letters from students at Santa Margarita Elementary School on MCB Camp Pendleton, California, March 18, 2019. The students of the elementary school wrote personal “thank you” letters to the Marines and contractors for building a bridge over and repairing a sinkhole in Carnes Road that resulted in the evacuation and temporary closing of the school on Feb. 4. The sinkhole was caused by erosion resulting from persistent heavy rain storms that swept through Southern California. - U.S. Marines with Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and contractors with Facilities Maintenance Department, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, receive “thank you” letters from students at Santa Margarita Elementary School on MCB Camp Pendleton, California, March 18, 2019. The students of the elementary school wrote personal “thank you” letters to the Marines and contractors for building a bridge over and repairing a sinkhole in Carnes Road that resulted in the evacuation and temporary closing of the school on Feb. 4. The sinkhole was caused by erosion resulting from persistent heavy rain storms that swept through Southern California.

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Robert Twineham, operations manager with Industrial Waste Utilization, labels hazardous waste drums at the Marine Wing Support Squadron-372 60 day hazardous material storage site at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 23, 2019. Twineham was preparing the hazardous waste for transport form the site to a waste management facility where it would be recycled. - Robert Twineham, operations manager with Industrial Waste Utilization, labels hazardous waste drums at the Marine Wing Support Squadron-372 60 day hazardous material storage site at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 23, 2019. Twineham was preparing the hazardous waste for transport form the site to a waste management facility where it would be recycled.

MCTSSA Marine rushes to aid car crash victim - Brig. Gen. A.J. (left) Pasagian, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command, presents Capt. Michael Bates (right), a Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity Marine, with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at MCTSSA headquarters Sept. 12, for life-saving actions he took while off-duty this summer near Knoxville, Tennessee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)

MCTSSA personnel welcomes Vietnam veterans, share legacy - Staff Sgt. Jedidiah Seiler, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity radar staff noncommissioned-officer-in-charge, discusses air search radar capabilities during a Vietnam veterans’ tour of MCTSSA this summer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sky M. Laron)

Recovering service members, veterans, volunteers and their loved ones prepare for a group photo during the 12th Annual Operation Amped Surf Camp at San Onofre Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18, 2018. Operation Amped is a nonprofit organization that supports wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans throughout their recovery. - Recovering service members, veterans, volunteers and their loved ones prepare for a group photo during the 12th Annual Operation Amped Surf Camp at San Onofre Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18, 2018. Operation Amped is a nonprofit organization that supports wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans throughout their recovery.

3rd MAW supports firefighting operations at Camp Pendleton - Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and HMLA-169, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct water bucket drops over a brush fire in support of firefighting operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 6. The “Pendleton Complex,” consisting of three separate fires, burned nearly 2,000 acres. In all, six aircraft from 3rd MAW conducted nearly 250 water drops over two separate fires in 30 hours. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Captain, boxing team co-captain, 1st Marine Division. The Marines are scheduled to compete in boxing contests against the Royal Marines May 3, 2018 at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, England, and May 8, 2018 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, England. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Captain, boxing team co-captain, 1st Marine Division. The Marines are scheduled to compete in boxing contests against the Royal Marines May 3, 2018 at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, England, and May 8, 2018 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, England.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959. He served as an infantry Marine and officer until he retired in 1991 at the age of 50. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolton rose through the ranks from private to an infantry weapons officer, also known as a Marine Gunner. A Marine Corps Gunner is a technical expert of all Marine Corps weapons systems, and their employment. - U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959. He served as an infantry Marine and officer until he retired in 1991 at the age of 50. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolton rose through the ranks from private to an infantry weapons officer, also known as a Marine Gunner. A Marine Corps Gunner is a technical expert of all Marine Corps weapons systems, and their employment.

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A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 watches as an MV-22B Osprey follows behind their aircraft during exercise Seahorse Wind on Dec. 6. Exercise Seahorse Wind was a long-range raid exercise conducted by over 600 Marines with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the 1st Marine Division. - A crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 watches as an MV-22B Osprey follows behind their aircraft during exercise Seahorse Wind on Dec. 6. Exercise Seahorse Wind was a long-range raid exercise conducted by over 600 Marines with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the 1st Marine Division.

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Marines from across I Marine Expeditionary Force post security during fast rope inserts on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. May 9, 2016. This training was a part of a helicopter rope suspension techniques training package facilitated by 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I MEF. Marines and Royal British Commandos practiced these techniques on a rappel tower prior to fast roping out of helicopters hovering nearly 40 feet off the ground. - Marines from across I Marine Expeditionary Force post security during fast rope inserts on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. May 9, 2016. This training was a part of a helicopter rope suspension techniques training package facilitated by 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I MEF. Marines and Royal British Commandos practiced these techniques on a rappel tower prior to fast roping out of helicopters hovering nearly 40 feet off the ground.

An aircraft hovers over water at the Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 hosted by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at Las Pulgas Lake, May 5, 2016. The Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 combines elements of aviation and ground units from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Navy Region Southwest, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Diego's Sheriff's Department. - An aircraft hovers over water at the Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 hosted by Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at Las Pulgas Lake, May 5, 2016. The Wildland Firefighting Exercise 2016 combines elements of aviation and ground units from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Navy Region Southwest, The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Diego's Sheriff's Department.

Sgt. Chris Piette secures a transom of a Bailey bridge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 13, 2016. Piette is a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, I Marine Logistics Group, and is a De Pere, Wisconsin native. The bridge provides mobility during times of flooding and severe rain. - Sgt. Chris Piette secures a transom of a Bailey bridge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 13, 2016. Piette is a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, I Marine Logistics Group, and is a De Pere, Wisconsin native. The bridge provides mobility during times of flooding and severe rain.

A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations. - A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations.

Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down. - Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down.

Chief Petty Officer Jaclyn Place poses for a photo with her neighbors and their family during Place’s award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 11, 2016. Place is a lead chief petty officer with the Headquarters Regimental Aid Station, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and was awarded an impact Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her selfless and decisive actions that saved the lives of her neighbors. - Chief Petty Officer Jaclyn Place poses for a photo with her neighbors and their family during Place’s award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 11, 2016. Place is a lead chief petty officer with the Headquarters Regimental Aid Station, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and was awarded an impact Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her selfless and decisive actions that saved the lives of her neighbors.

Marines coordinate fires for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during an M142 HIMARS live fire exercise at Camp Pendleton March 16, 2016. During the exercise, Marines coordinated fires based on hypothetical combat situations they might encounter while deployed. The HIMARS rounds are aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and can travel to altitudes up to 75 kilometers and can precisely engage targets up to 40 miles away. The Marines are with Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines coordinate fires for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during an M142 HIMARS live fire exercise at Camp Pendleton March 16, 2016. During the exercise, Marines coordinated fires based on hypothetical combat situations they might encounter while deployed. The HIMARS rounds are aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and can travel to altitudes up to 75 kilometers and can precisely engage targets up to 40 miles away. The Marines are with Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Soldiers with Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, await their debarkation of a landing craft air cushion onto San Clemente Island, California, Feb. 21, 2016, as part of the supported arms coordination center exercise portion of Exercise Iron Fist 2016. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral amphibious training exercise designed to improve USMC and JGSDF’s ability to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious operations at the platoon, company and battalion levels. - Soldiers with Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, await their debarkation of a landing craft air cushion onto San Clemente Island, California, Feb. 21, 2016, as part of the supported arms coordination center exercise portion of Exercise Iron Fist 2016. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral amphibious training exercise designed to improve USMC and JGSDF’s ability to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious operations at the platoon, company and battalion levels.

Marines of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conducts target recognition and engagement through a simulated door way during the close quarter marksmanship portion of Close Quarter Battle training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 8, 2016. The training focused on room clearing procedures along with close quarter marksmanship in a series of challenging drills. - Marines of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conducts target recognition and engagement through a simulated door way during the close quarter marksmanship portion of Close Quarter Battle training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 8, 2016. The training focused on room clearing procedures along with close quarter marksmanship in a series of challenging drills.

Greg Hudson, Mobile Aircraft Fire Training Device program manager and an Orlando, Florida, native, talks to the Marines about the functions of the Mobile Aircraft Fire Training Device aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 22. The MAFTD is a computer-operated device and the different functions are controlled via a panel. The MAFTD is used by Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines to conduct live-fire training. - Greg Hudson, Mobile Aircraft Fire Training Device program manager and an Orlando, Florida, native, talks to the Marines about the functions of the Mobile Aircraft Fire Training Device aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 22. The MAFTD is a computer-operated device and the different functions are controlled via a panel. The MAFTD is used by Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines to conduct live-fire training.

Marines engage riot targets during nonlethal weapons training Feb. 11, 2016, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The Marines, with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, used this training as preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit this summer. - Marines engage riot targets during nonlethal weapons training Feb. 11, 2016, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The Marines, with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, used this training as preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit this summer.

Lance Cpl. Samuel T. Mahaffey, a motor vehicle operator with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, fires a practice M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a convoy operations training simulation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 9, 2016. Throughout the simulation, vehicle gunners practiced using the M2 .50-caliber machine gun and Mk-19 automatic grenade launcher. - Lance Cpl. Samuel T. Mahaffey, a motor vehicle operator with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, fires a practice M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a convoy operations training simulation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 9, 2016. Throughout the simulation, vehicle gunners practiced using the M2 .50-caliber machine gun and Mk-19 automatic grenade launcher.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Skaggs teaches Marines how to properly lift and carry casualties during a simulated causality evacuation scenario at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 27 2016. This training was part of the newly formed combat operation medical emergency transport training. COMETT exposes the aircrew to medical emergencies and procedures they may encounter in combat and non-combat environments. Skaggs, a Pensacola native, is an aeromedical safety corpsman with Marine Aircraft Group 29. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Skaggs teaches Marines how to properly lift and carry casualties during a simulated causality evacuation scenario at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 27 2016. This training was part of the newly formed combat operation medical emergency transport training. COMETT exposes the aircrew to medical emergencies and procedures they may encounter in combat and non-combat environments. Skaggs, a Pensacola native, is an aeromedical safety corpsman with Marine Aircraft Group 29.

First Sgt. Shonor Burton runs through a non-lethal weapons course while blinded by the effects of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, Jan. 26, 2016. Burton is the company first sergeant for Company B, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. - First Sgt. Shonor Burton runs through a non-lethal weapons course while blinded by the effects of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, Jan. 26, 2016. Burton is the company first sergeant for Company B, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

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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.

Mexican Navy sailors stand in formation on the deck of Mexican ship ARM Usumacinta during a media visit held in conjunction with Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 6. Mexican Naval Forces are participating as observers in Exercise Dawn Blitz for the first time in 2015, with the hope of developing a stronger and more effective amphibious presence. - Mexican Navy sailors stand in formation on the deck of Mexican ship ARM Usumacinta during a media visit held in conjunction with Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 6. Mexican Naval Forces are participating as observers in Exercise Dawn Blitz for the first time in 2015, with the hope of developing a stronger and more effective amphibious presence.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use a compass to determine their left and right lateral limits on the beaches of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-based operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use a compass to determine their left and right lateral limits on the beaches of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015, Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-based operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.

Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States. - Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States.

Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Landing Craft Air Cushion vessels maneuver past Japanese ship Hyuga during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 3, 2015. 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 coalition forces. - Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Landing Craft Air Cushion vessels maneuver past Japanese ship Hyuga during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 3, 2015. 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 coalition forces.

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.

Jim Russell sits in the middle of the The Janice Griffiths Gallery at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California with his rotund service pug, Mr. Beau, resting on his lap July 24, 2015. The dim lights and cool interior of the gallery offer both some relief from the heat of the day as Russell recounts his tale of his life journey from military discipline to artistic expression. - Jim Russell sits in the middle of the The Janice Griffiths Gallery at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California with his rotund service pug, Mr. Beau, resting on his lap July 24, 2015. The dim lights and cool interior of the gallery offer both some relief from the heat of the day as Russell recounts his tale of his life journey from military discipline to artistic expression.

U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicle from Assault Craft Unit 5 lands on Red Beach as part of a loading exercise along side Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2015. This loading exercise reinforces the Marine Corps role as an amphibious force in readiness by maintaining capabilities through realistic training. - U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicle from Assault Craft Unit 5 lands on Red Beach as part of a loading exercise along side Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2015. This loading exercise reinforces the Marine Corps role as an amphibious force in readiness by maintaining capabilities through realistic training.

A Marine with 1st Marine Division, 7th Marine Regiment participates in stalking training aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California May 27, 2015. The training was the last event during Division School’s 6-week-long Pre-Scout Sniper Course. - A Marine with 1st Marine Division, 7th Marine Regiment participates in stalking training aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California May 27, 2015. The training was the last event during Division School’s 6-week-long Pre-Scout Sniper Course.

Lance Corporal Brandon Renteria fires simulation rounds from a M32A1 multi-shot grenade launcher during a live-fire training event alongside Australian soldiers with 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, Australian Defence Force, May 15 at Kangaroo Flats Training Area, Victoria, Northern Territory, Australia. The Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and Australian soldiers brushed up on squad attack tactics, basic point man skills and explosives to refine basic infantry skills. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies and improves interoperability between the two forces. Renteria is a rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, MRF-D. - Lance Corporal Brandon Renteria fires simulation rounds from a M32A1 multi-shot grenade launcher during a live-fire training event alongside Australian soldiers with 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, Australian Defence Force, May 15 at Kangaroo Flats Training Area, Victoria, Northern Territory, Australia. The Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and Australian soldiers brushed up on squad attack tactics, basic point man skills and explosives to refine basic infantry skills. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies and improves interoperability between the two forces. Renteria is a rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, MRF-D.

Reconnaissance Training Company Marines received an aerial view of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California during Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction training at San Mateo Landing Zone, April 17. The Marines, students of the Basic Reconnaissance Course, took turns being hoisted into the air by helicopter during the SPIE portion of their Helicopter Rope Suspension Training. During the course of HRST the students learn SPIE rigging, rappelling and fast rope techniques. - Reconnaissance Training Company Marines received an aerial view of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California during Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction training at San Mateo Landing Zone, April 17. The Marines, students of the Basic Reconnaissance Course, took turns being hoisted into the air by helicopter during the SPIE portion of their Helicopter Rope Suspension Training. During the course of HRST the students learn SPIE rigging, rappelling and fast rope techniques.

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Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015. - Lance Cpl. David Wadleigh, military working dog handler, Military Working Dog Platoon, 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, posts security during the patrol with his dog, Hugo. Marines with MWD Platoon, 1st LEB and Assault Breacher Vehicle Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Combat Engineers Battalion, participated in Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 10, 2015.

The QRF security element posts up four-corner security around an objective site during a Quick Reaction Force drill, as part of Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 2015 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 22, 2015. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion employed a QRF to combat imminent “enemy threats” during MEFEX-15. - The QRF security element posts up four-corner security around an objective site during a Quick Reaction Force drill, as part of Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 2015 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 22, 2015. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion employed a QRF to combat imminent “enemy threats” during MEFEX-15.

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct amphibious raids and military operations on urban terrain during Exercise Iron Fist 15 aboard Camp Pendleton on Feb. 3, 2015. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released) - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct amphibious raids and military operations on urban terrain during Exercise Iron Fist 15 aboard Camp Pendleton on Feb. 3, 2015. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released)

U.S. Marine Pfc. Cody Dunlap throws a simulated grenade during squad tactics and maneuver training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 26, 2015. Dunlap is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. As the ground combat element for the 15th MEU, BLT 3/1 is preparing for their upcoming deployment by enhancing their combat skills and learning to work as a cohesive unit. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Cody Dunlap throws a simulated grenade during squad tactics and maneuver training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 26, 2015. Dunlap is an automatic rifleman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. As the ground combat element for the 15th MEU, BLT 3/1 is preparing for their upcoming deployment by enhancing their combat skills and learning to work as a cohesive unit.

Arabic-speaking role-players simulate a riot outside the gates of a combat simulation town aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7, 2015. The role-players dressed for the part and spoke the language to create a cultural and language barrier for Marines of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during a training exercise. - Arabic-speaking role-players simulate a riot outside the gates of a combat simulation town aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7, 2015. The role-players dressed for the part and spoke the language to create a cultural and language barrier for Marines of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during a training exercise.