News

U.S. Marine Pfc. Jacob Piazza, right, fires a .50-caliber machine gun at targets during realistic urban training aboard Camp Roberts, Calif., Dec. 14, 2014. Piazza is a rifleman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training prepares the 15th MEU’s Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Jacob Piazza, right, fires a .50-caliber machine gun at targets during realistic urban training aboard Camp Roberts, Calif., Dec. 14, 2014. Piazza is a rifleman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training prepares the 15th MEU’s Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions.

Soldiers with 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade and Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment devise a reaction strategy in case of simulated Improvised Explosive Device attacks during exercise Valiant Mark aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 6, 2014. Valiant Mark enhances U.S. and Singaporean forces’ combined combat readiness through live-fire and urban terrain training as well as amphibious operations familiarization. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danielle Rodrigues) - Soldiers with 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade and Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment devise a reaction strategy in case of simulated Improvised Explosive Device attacks during exercise Valiant Mark aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 6, 2014. Valiant Mark enhances U.S. and Singaporean forces’ combined combat readiness through live-fire and urban terrain training as well as amphibious operations familiarization. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danielle Rodrigues)

U.S Marine Sgt. Eric Maehler holds security while conducting a raid during realistic urban training at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Dec. 8, 2014. Maehler is a team leader with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force. RUT prepares the Marines of the 15th MEU for their upcoming deployment by enhancing their combat skills in environments they may encounter in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released) - U.S Marine Sgt. Eric Maehler holds security while conducting a raid during realistic urban training at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Dec. 8, 2014. Maehler is a team leader with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force. RUT prepares the Marines of the 15th MEU for their upcoming deployment by enhancing their combat skills in environments they may encounter in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conduct a raid during realistic urban training aboard Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., Dec. 5, 2014. RUT prepares the Marines of the 15th MEU for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released) - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conduct a raid during realistic urban training aboard Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., Dec. 5, 2014. RUT prepares the Marines of the 15th MEU for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands during Realistic Urban Training aboard Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., Dec. 4, 2014. RUT prepares the 15th MEU Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elize McKelvey/Released) - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands during Realistic Urban Training aboard Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., Dec. 4, 2014. RUT prepares the 15th MEU Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elize McKelvey/Released)

Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

Recruit Esra D. Mullner, Platoon 3269, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stands at the position of attention at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Nov. 21. Mullner is a Boise, Idaho native and was recruited out of Recruiting Substation Boise, Idaho. - Recruit Esra D. Mullner, Platoon 3269, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stands at the position of attention at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Nov. 21. Mullner is a Boise, Idaho native and was recruited out of Recruiting Substation Boise, Idaho.

Lance Cpl. Ronald Hinson from Heath Springs, South Carolina, competes in the push up challenge portion of the Shanghai Commanders’ Cup Nov. 14 at Camp Schwab. The meet tested the Marines in nine categories, ranging from fun events like softball and sumo wrestling to pull-up and push-up competitions. Every event was performed in a team setting further reinforcing camaraderie and cohesion. Hinson is a cyber-network operator with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Lance Cpl. Ronald Hinson from Heath Springs, South Carolina, competes in the push up challenge portion of the Shanghai Commanders’ Cup Nov. 14 at Camp Schwab. The meet tested the Marines in nine categories, ranging from fun events like softball and sumo wrestling to pull-up and push-up competitions. Every event was performed in a team setting further reinforcing camaraderie and cohesion. Hinson is a cyber-network operator with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Marines with Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conduct a convoy to a staging area in preparation for the Tank Mechanized Assault Course during Integrated Training Exercise 1-15 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 2, 2014. Company A Marines worked with infantry, mortars and air support during their assault. - Marines with Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conduct a convoy to a staging area in preparation for the Tank Mechanized Assault Course during Integrated Training Exercise 1-15 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 2, 2014. Company A Marines worked with infantry, mortars and air support during their assault.

Lance Cpl. Anthony Andes, right, a water support technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, explains the gages of the Tactical Water Purification System at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015, Oct. 23. PH 15 increases the ability of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to plan, communicate and conduct complex sea and shore based operations in response to natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel) - Lance Cpl. Anthony Andes, right, a water support technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, explains the gages of the Tactical Water Purification System at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015, Oct. 23. PH 15 increases the ability of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to plan, communicate and conduct complex sea and shore based operations in response to natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel)

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Combat Engineer Platoon, erect a multipurpose building during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21. The SWA hut would serve as shelter, billeting or medical facility in a humanitarian aid or disaster relief mission. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rick Hurtado / Released) - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Combat Engineer Platoon, erect a multipurpose building during exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 21. The SWA hut would serve as shelter, billeting or medical facility in a humanitarian aid or disaster relief mission. PH 15 is a scenario driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's and Expeditionary Strike Group 3's interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relations by conducting an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support from Oct. 20-28. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rick Hurtado / Released)

A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 “Gunfighters,” prepares to land during a familiarization flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16. Pilots and crews practiced basic flight operations like landings and take offs several times in succession to hone their skills. - A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 “Gunfighters,” prepares to land during a familiarization flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16. Pilots and crews practiced basic flight operations like landings and take offs several times in succession to hone their skills.

Marines and sailors visited patients of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., Oct. 7. They spent time with wounded servicemembers and imparted them with words of support and enthusiasm. The visit was held during San Francisco Fleet Week 2014, which focuses on interoperability training between civil and military agencies to improve cooperation and coordination, as well as increase readiness through a range of humanitarian assistance operations. - Marines and sailors visited patients of the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., Oct. 7. They spent time with wounded servicemembers and imparted them with words of support and enthusiasm. The visit was held during San Francisco Fleet Week 2014, which focuses on interoperability training between civil and military agencies to improve cooperation and coordination, as well as increase readiness through a range of humanitarian assistance operations.

U.S. Marines and Sailors man the rails aboard the USS America in route to San Francisco Fleet Week on Oct. 6, 2014. San Francisco Fleet Week hosted Marines and Sailors that showcased the capabilities of natural disaster relief that the military offers in case of emergencies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Leah Agler/ Released) - U.S. Marines and Sailors man the rails aboard the USS America in route to San Francisco Fleet Week on Oct. 6, 2014. San Francisco Fleet Week hosted Marines and Sailors that showcased the capabilities of natural disaster relief that the military offers in case of emergencies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Leah Agler/ Released)

U.S. Marine Sgt. Andy Muller aims in during a dry-fire drill at a close-quarters tactics course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 25, 2014. Muller is a receiver-transmitter operator with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. These Marines are enhancing their skills before compositing with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in October. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Andy Muller aims in during a dry-fire drill at a close-quarters tactics course aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 25, 2014. Muller is a receiver-transmitter operator with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. These Marines are enhancing their skills before compositing with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in October.

Recruits of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stand at parade rest as they await the senior drill Instructor’s inspection at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 5. During the inspection it was crucial for the recruits to remain calm, keep their eyes forward while at attention and answer the questions they were asked. It was a sign of confidence and bearing - two traits drill instructors were seeking. - Recruits of India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, stand at parade rest as they await the senior drill Instructor’s inspection at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 5. During the inspection it was crucial for the recruits to remain calm, keep their eyes forward while at attention and answer the questions they were asked. It was a sign of confidence and bearing - two traits drill instructors were seeking.

U.S. Marine Pvt. Tyler Knotts, 19, from Kingwood, W.V., grips a ledge as he navigates his way up a cliff during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Sept. 1, 2014. Rice is an infantry rifleman with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marine Pvt. Tyler Knotts, 19, from Kingwood, W.V., grips a ledge as he navigates his way up a cliff during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Sept. 1, 2014. Rice is an infantry rifleman with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

Marines load into the MV-22B Osprey to prepare to fast rope during the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques course Aug. 20 at the Central Training Area. The students finalized their practical applications portion by performing rappels out of the aircraft. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. - Marines load into the MV-22B Osprey to prepare to fast rope during the Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques course Aug. 20 at the Central Training Area. The students finalized their practical applications portion by performing rappels out of the aircraft. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.

Recruit Axe T. Buffington, Platton 1003, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, balances himself on a chain bridge during the 12 Stalls event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27. The 12 Stalls event is a part of the Crucible, which is a 54-hour test of endurance where recruits must conquer more than 30 different obstacles while they experience food and sleep deprivation. During the Crucible, recruits utilize small unit leadership skills they’ve acquired throughout training. Buffington is a native of Princeton, Minn., and was recruited out of Recruiting Substation St. Cloud, Minn. - Recruit Axe T. Buffington, Platton 1003, Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, balances himself on a chain bridge during the 12 Stalls event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27. The 12 Stalls event is a part of the Crucible, which is a 54-hour test of endurance where recruits must conquer more than 30 different obstacles while they experience food and sleep deprivation. During the Crucible, recruits utilize small unit leadership skills they’ve acquired throughout training. Buffington is a native of Princeton, Minn., and was recruited out of Recruiting Substation St. Cloud, Minn.