News

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.

Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop. - Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a parachute drop out of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 8. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 assisted the battalion with the parachute drop.

Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum. - Lance Cpl. Ali J. Mohammed poses for a photo with a Humvee aboard Al Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, July 4, 2015. Mohammed is originally from Baghdad and is now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply Marine. He is currently deployed as an Arabic interpreter for Task Force Al Taqaddum.

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.

Capt. Joseph Tremaine, a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, conducts preflight checks aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 2. The aircrew prepares the aircraft for night fast-rope training on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. - Capt. Joseph Tremaine, a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, conducts preflight checks aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 2. The aircrew prepares the aircraft for night fast-rope training on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

ATU.S. Marine Corps AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles disembark from the USS Ashland (LSD 48) during splash and recovery training June 10, 2015. The AAV's are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines with BLT 2/5 and the rest of the 31st MEU are currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - ATU.S. Marine Corps AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles disembark from the USS Ashland (LSD 48) during splash and recovery training June 10, 2015. The AAV's are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines with BLT 2/5 and the rest of the 31st MEU are currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

Maj. Gen. Greg Charles Bilton, the deputy commanding general of operations for U.S. Army Pacific, delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, July 1, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. This year marks the 13th iteration of Khaan Quest. - Maj. Gen. Greg Charles Bilton, the deputy commanding general of operations for U.S. Army Pacific, delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, July 1, 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. This year marks the 13th iteration of Khaan Quest.

Pilots in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, use Full Mission Simulators as part of their training with F-35s. The F-35 simulators can also be found at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, where Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 trains. The F-35 Full Mission Simulator accurately replicates all sensors and weapons to provide a realistic mission rehearsal and training environment. - Pilots in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, use Full Mission Simulators as part of their training with F-35s. The F-35 simulators can also be found at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, where Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 trains. The F-35 Full Mission Simulator accurately replicates all sensors and weapons to provide a realistic mission rehearsal and training environment.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment fire a 60mm mortar during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 25, 2015. The unit conducted the training to better prepare the Marines for the use of the direct lay method of fire. The direct lay method requires the Marines to make all their adjustments themselves and not rely on a Fire Direction Center. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment fire a 60mm mortar during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 25, 2015. The unit conducted the training to better prepare the Marines for the use of the direct lay method of fire. The direct lay method requires the Marines to make all their adjustments themselves and not rely on a Fire Direction Center.

Sgt. Maj. Robert Vanoostrom and Anthony Rios poses for a photo during the cycling awards ceremony hosted in front of Lejeune Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 21, 2015. Rios is a member of the 2015 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games All-Marine Team. The 2015 DoD Warrior Games, held at MCB Quantico June 19-28, is an adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill, and injured Service members and veterans from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command, and the British Armed Forces. - Sgt. Maj. Robert Vanoostrom and Anthony Rios poses for a photo during the cycling awards ceremony hosted in front of Lejeune Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 21, 2015. Rios is a member of the 2015 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games All-Marine Team. The 2015 DoD Warrior Games, held at MCB Quantico June 19-28, is an adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill, and injured Service members and veterans from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command, and the British Armed Forces.

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast rope from a SH-60 Seahawk with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 while conducting visit, board, search and seizure training during an Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (ARG/MEU-Ex) aboard the USNS Robert E. Peary June 19, 2015. Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU and PHIBRON 4 are conducting an ARG/MEU-Ex in preparation for their deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year. - U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast rope from a SH-60 Seahawk with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 while conducting visit, board, search and seizure training during an Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (ARG/MEU-Ex) aboard the USNS Robert E. Peary June 19, 2015. Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU and PHIBRON 4 are conducting an ARG/MEU-Ex in preparation for their deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year.

A U.S. Marine participates in a combat marksmanship program range on the flight deck of the USS Ashland June 12, 2015. The Marines honed their skills by executing different shooting drills. The Marines are with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary. The 31st MEU is currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region - A U.S. Marine participates in a combat marksmanship program range on the flight deck of the USS Ashland June 12, 2015. The Marines honed their skills by executing different shooting drills. The Marines are with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary. The 31st MEU is currently deployed on the regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region

U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse urban operation tactics aboard USS Rushmore at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2015. BLT 3/1 constantly trains for the unknown in order to respond to the needs of the MEU while deployed. These drills keep the Marines in a constant state of combat readiness while at sea. - U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse urban operation tactics aboard USS Rushmore at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2015. BLT 3/1 constantly trains for the unknown in order to respond to the needs of the MEU while deployed. These drills keep the Marines in a constant state of combat readiness while at sea.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment patrol a beach off the shores of Sweden during BALTOPS 2015, June 9. In its 43rd iteration, BALTOPS is a multinational exercise designed to enhance the operational familiarity of NATO allied and partner nations and demonstrate their collective capability to defend the Baltic region. - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment patrol a beach off the shores of Sweden during BALTOPS 2015, June 9. In its 43rd iteration, BALTOPS is a multinational exercise designed to enhance the operational familiarity of NATO allied and partner nations and demonstrate their collective capability to defend the Baltic region.

U.S. Marines and a Navy corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide first aid to a simulated patient during a mass casualty training exercise at Combat Town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 3, 2015. Marines and sailors with CLB 26 performed casualty assessment, applied first aid and transported the simulated casualties to a landing zone. The training was conducted to prepare for the 26th MEU's deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year. - U.S. Marines and a Navy corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide first aid to a simulated patient during a mass casualty training exercise at Combat Town aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 3, 2015. Marines and sailors with CLB 26 performed casualty assessment, applied first aid and transported the simulated casualties to a landing zone. The training was conducted to prepare for the 26th MEU's deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year.

Marines and Sailors with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, escort a simulated casualty to an MV-22 Osprey during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training exercise, May 29, 2015, in Southwest Asia. With U.S. and coalition forces conducting airstrikes in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the TRAP forces of the SPMAGTF provide an on-call force dedicated to the safe return of the U.S. and coalition service members. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Garrett D. White, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs) - Marines and Sailors with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, escort a simulated casualty to an MV-22 Osprey during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training exercise, May 29, 2015, in Southwest Asia. With U.S. and coalition forces conducting airstrikes in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the TRAP forces of the SPMAGTF provide an on-call force dedicated to the safe return of the U.S. and coalition service members. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Garrett D. White, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

Marines and civilians attend a meeting hosted at ManTech Spaces in Stafford Va. June 2, 2015 to discuss Intelligence problems the Marine Corps faces. This is the second time this meeting was hosted. - Marines and civilians attend a meeting hosted at ManTech Spaces in Stafford Va. June 2, 2015 to discuss Intelligence problems the Marine Corps faces. This is the second time this meeting was hosted.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

An F-35B Lightning II takes off on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, as part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. Data and lessons learned during the operational test will lay the groundwork for future F-35B deployments aboard amphibious ships. - An F-35B Lightning II takes off on the flight deck of USS Wasp (LHD-1) during routine daylight operations, as part of Operational Testing 1, May 22. Data and lessons learned during the operational test will lay the groundwork for future F-35B deployments aboard amphibious ships.

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa move toward an objective during a training exercise on Quartier Colonel de Chabrieres, France, May 29, 2015. Marines stationed at Moròn Air Base, Spain, conducted a seize and capture training exercise with service members from the French Foreign Legion’s 6th Light Armored Brigade to further improve interoperability between the two NATO forces as they concurrently deploy their service members to Africa. - U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa move toward an objective during a training exercise on Quartier Colonel de Chabrieres, France, May 29, 2015. Marines stationed at Moròn Air Base, Spain, conducted a seize and capture training exercise with service members from the French Foreign Legion’s 6th Light Armored Brigade to further improve interoperability between the two NATO forces as they concurrently deploy their service members to Africa.

Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting battle the blaze as part of monthly training to ensure they are always prepared in the event of an emergency on the flight line. The ARFF Marines are a part of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. - Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting battle the blaze as part of monthly training to ensure they are always prepared in the event of an emergency on the flight line. The ARFF Marines are a part of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Brig. Gen Michael Groen, the director of Marine Corps Intelligence, tests the capabilities and functions of the new Tellus program to judge its effectiveness, May 29, 2015. Tellus can be used to instantly report new information to patrols and convoys without the use of radio. - Brig. Gen Michael Groen, the director of Marine Corps Intelligence, tests the capabilities and functions of the new Tellus program to judge its effectiveness, May 29, 2015. Tellus can be used to instantly report new information to patrols and convoys without the use of radio.

An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter taxies to be refueled on the flight deck of USS Wasp during night operations, a part of Operational Testing 1, May, 22. The F-35B is the future of Marine Corps aviation and will be replacing three legacy platforms; the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The F-35B is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. - An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter taxies to be refueled on the flight deck of USS Wasp during night operations, a part of Operational Testing 1, May, 22. The F-35B is the future of Marine Corps aviation and will be replacing three legacy platforms; the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler. The F-35B is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

A U.S. Marine from Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires downrange during the last live-fire event of Eager Lion 15 around Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19, 2015. Exercise Eager Lion 15 is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations, and enhance regional security and stability. Eager Lion takes place annually in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with more than 10,000 military participants from 18 countries and NATO. - A U.S. Marine from Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, fires downrange during the last live-fire event of Eager Lion 15 around Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19, 2015. Exercise Eager Lion 15 is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations, and enhance regional security and stability. Eager Lion takes place annually in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with more than 10,000 military participants from 18 countries and NATO.

Amphibious Assault Vehicles, launched from the USS Rushmore, demonstrated amphibious landings as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s joint sea-basing exercise, Culebra Koa 15, May 19, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows. Observed by local-based military and representatives from 22 countries within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the landing was made in conjunction with the inaugural U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific-hosted U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium. - Amphibious Assault Vehicles, launched from the USS Rushmore, demonstrated amphibious landings as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s joint sea-basing exercise, Culebra Koa 15, May 19, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows. Observed by local-based military and representatives from 22 countries within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the landing was made in conjunction with the inaugural U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific-hosted U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium.

A Spanish Navy Harrier flies over the water after departing Naval Station Rota, Spain, for an aerial-refueling exercise with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa May 15, 2015. The Harrier flew behind a U.S. Marine KC-130J, which extended two refueling lines to allow the pilots to test their ability to complete inflight-refueling procedures. - A Spanish Navy Harrier flies over the water after departing Naval Station Rota, Spain, for an aerial-refueling exercise with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa May 15, 2015. The Harrier flew behind a U.S. Marine KC-130J, which extended two refueling lines to allow the pilots to test their ability to complete inflight-refueling procedures.

Italian Marines exit an Amphibious Assault Vehicle from Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during bilateral platoon attack drills as part of Exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 11, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Italian Marines exit an Amphibious Assault Vehicle from Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during bilateral platoon attack drills as part of Exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 11, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Corpus, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Detachment 1, Marine Rotational Force- Darwin, inspects his gear before departing with a convoy to Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, May 20, 2015. Marines with MRF-D wrap up final details in order to set out for Exercise Predator Walk. Predator Walk plays a role in MRF-D that exercises a competent expeditionary fighting force with Australian allies. Corpus is a native of Reno, Nevada. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Corpus, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Detachment 1, Marine Rotational Force- Darwin, inspects his gear before departing with a convoy to Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, May 20, 2015. Marines with MRF-D wrap up final details in order to set out for Exercise Predator Walk. Predator Walk plays a role in MRF-D that exercises a competent expeditionary fighting force with Australian allies. Corpus is a native of Reno, Nevada.

U.S. Service members from Joint Task Force 505 prepare to load relief supplies from Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Organization onto a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, May 16. JTF 505 along with other multinational forces and humanitarian relief organizations are currently in Nepal providing aid after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country, April 25 and a 7.3 earthquake on May 12. At Nepal’s request the U.S. government ordered JTF 505 to provide unique capabilities to assist Nepal. - U.S. Service members from Joint Task Force 505 prepare to load relief supplies from Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Organization onto a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, May 16. JTF 505 along with other multinational forces and humanitarian relief organizations are currently in Nepal providing aid after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country, April 25 and a 7.3 earthquake on May 12. At Nepal’s request the U.S. government ordered JTF 505 to provide unique capabilities to assist Nepal.

Artillerymen with Combined Arms Company Artillery Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment load an M777A2 Howitzer during a week-long training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 11-15. The newly formed unit made up of Marines from Bravo and Charlie Batteries, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment tested their teamwork and versatility during the exercise, which is part of their preparation for an upcoming deployment in support of the Black Sea Rotational Force based in Romania. - Artillerymen with Combined Arms Company Artillery Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment load an M777A2 Howitzer during a week-long training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 11-15. The newly formed unit made up of Marines from Bravo and Charlie Batteries, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment tested their teamwork and versatility during the exercise, which is part of their preparation for an upcoming deployment in support of the Black Sea Rotational Force based in Romania.

A Marine with 2nd Ground Sensor Platoon, 2nd Intelligence Battalion sights in on targets during a live fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 14, 2015. Marines with the platoon conducted fire-team competitions, fire-team rushes, and squad rushes at range K-509 to touch up on proficiency in infantry tactics. - A Marine with 2nd Ground Sensor Platoon, 2nd Intelligence Battalion sights in on targets during a live fire range aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 14, 2015. Marines with the platoon conducted fire-team competitions, fire-team rushes, and squad rushes at range K-509 to touch up on proficiency in infantry tactics.

Corporal Justin Gill fires his M-16 rifle during training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 13, 2015. The training exercice focused on Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28's ability to build and maintain a communications network while in a field environment. Gill is a cyber-network operator with MWCS-28. - Corporal Justin Gill fires his M-16 rifle during training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 13, 2015. The training exercice focused on Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28's ability to build and maintain a communications network while in a field environment. Gill is a cyber-network operator with MWCS-28.

United States Marines from Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment partnered with members of the Jordanian Armed Forces to complete a close-quarters marksmanship range May 6, 2015, during exercise Eager Lion 15. Eager Lion is an annual, multinational training exercise designed to build interoperability, promote partnerships and exchange military expertise with 16 partner nations and NATO. Eager Lion 15 takes place in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from May 5-19. - United States Marines from Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment partnered with members of the Jordanian Armed Forces to complete a close-quarters marksmanship range May 6, 2015, during exercise Eager Lion 15. Eager Lion is an annual, multinational training exercise designed to build interoperability, promote partnerships and exchange military expertise with 16 partner nations and NATO. Eager Lion 15 takes place in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from May 5-19.

Landing support specialists with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Headquarters Regiment, prepare to secure a simulated cargo load to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during an external lift exercise on Landing Zone Albatross aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 7, 2015. The exercise was performed in collaboration with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and was intended to maintain readiness for future operations that will require them to efficiently transport equipment and supplies to units. - Landing support specialists with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Headquarters Regiment, prepare to secure a simulated cargo load to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during an external lift exercise on Landing Zone Albatross aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 7, 2015. The exercise was performed in collaboration with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and was intended to maintain readiness for future operations that will require them to efficiently transport equipment and supplies to units.

Sergeant Peter Gentry III, left, an anti-tank missileman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Mineman 2nd Class Christopher Dunham, assigned to the mine countermeasures ship USS Sentry, identify terrain features of an island they will be passing during the ship’s transit through the Strait of Bab al Mandeb, April 28, 2015. The 24th MEU provided additional small caliber action team capabilities to the USS Sentry during the transit. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of operations. ( - Sergeant Peter Gentry III, left, an anti-tank missileman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Mineman 2nd Class Christopher Dunham, assigned to the mine countermeasures ship USS Sentry, identify terrain features of an island they will be passing during the ship’s transit through the Strait of Bab al Mandeb, April 28, 2015. The 24th MEU provided additional small caliber action team capabilities to the USS Sentry during the transit. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of operations. (

Lance Cpl. Xavier Castro, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, fires his M203 rifle-mounted grenade launcher during a M203 qualification aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2015. The M203 grenade launcher fires various types of 40 mm ammunition, ranging from high explosive to ground marking rounds. - Lance Cpl. Xavier Castro, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, fires his M203 rifle-mounted grenade launcher during a M203 qualification aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2015. The M203 grenade launcher fires various types of 40 mm ammunition, ranging from high explosive to ground marking rounds.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, train with the M203 40mm grenade launcher during live-fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 23, 2015. They also trained with the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon, an 83mm portable weapon system that can fire high explosive, dual purpose rockets and high explosive anti-armor rockets. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, train with the M203 40mm grenade launcher during live-fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 23, 2015. They also trained with the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon, an 83mm portable weapon system that can fire high explosive, dual purpose rockets and high explosive anti-armor rockets.

News Rollup Default Thumbnail - News Rollup Default Thumbnail

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Approximately 65 Kosovo Security Force members and nine U.S. Marines discussed command-and-control, the combat operations center and company-level tactical planning at Camp Adem Jashari in Pristina, Kosovo, April 14-24, 2015. The workshops ended with applying the information gained into a practical application Command Post Exercise scenario. - Approximately 65 Kosovo Security Force members and nine U.S. Marines discussed command-and-control, the combat operations center and company-level tactical planning at Camp Adem Jashari in Pristina, Kosovo, April 14-24, 2015. The workshops ended with applying the information gained into a practical application Command Post Exercise scenario.

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.

Plane captain Lance Cpl. Joseph Crescenzo, of Ocala, Fla., signals stand clear to maintainers while directing an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Key West, Florida March 24. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released) - Plane captain Lance Cpl. Joseph Crescenzo, of Ocala, Fla., signals stand clear to maintainers while directing an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 at Key West, Florida March 24. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released)

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.

Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released) - Corporal Ryan Harney, a team leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, and St. Charles, Mo. native, fires at an oppositional force member in the offense during Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT, training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. The training included Marines going out in squad-sized elements to attack an objective being held by Marines in the defensive position after the squad leaders built terrain models and informed their Marines on avenues of approach and objectives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James/Released)

Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines at targets during a battalion field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2015. Approximately 220 Marines with the unit qualified with the weapons during day and night combat marksmanship training. - Marines with 2nd Intelligence Battalion fire M16A4 service rifles and M4 carbines at targets during a battalion field exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2015. Approximately 220 Marines with the unit qualified with the weapons during day and night combat marksmanship training.

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)

Aircraft Rescue Firefighters with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron work together to evacuate a casualty during the mass casualty exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 3, 2015. MCAS Iwakuni conducted the exercise in preparation for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2015 Air Show. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash and oil spill in a crowded area. - Aircraft Rescue Firefighters with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron work together to evacuate a casualty during the mass casualty exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 3, 2015. MCAS Iwakuni conducted the exercise in preparation for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force/MCAS Iwakuni Friendship Day 2015 Air Show. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash and oil spill in a crowded area.