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A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, fires behind cover at simulated targets during immediate action drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015. The drills were part of a 2-week training schedule used to build on basic infantry skills for an upcoming deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tony Simmons/RELEASED) - A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, fires behind cover at simulated targets during immediate action drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015. The drills were part of a 2-week training schedule used to build on basic infantry skills for an upcoming deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tony Simmons/RELEASED)

Marines retire the American flag for the last time in the city of Phoenix at Civic Space Park Sept. 13, 2015. More than 800 Marines participated in Marine Week Phoenix to give the citizens of the Valley of the Sun the opportunity to meet the individual Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps. - Marines retire the American flag for the last time in the city of Phoenix at Civic Space Park Sept. 13, 2015. More than 800 Marines participated in Marine Week Phoenix to give the citizens of the Valley of the Sun the opportunity to meet the individual Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps.

A wreath is laid beside the silhouette of a combat videographer following the unveiling of the Marine Week Phoenix mural in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 12, 2015. The silhouette memorializes Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, a Scottsdale native, who perished in a helicopter crash while the Corps was providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Nepal. - A wreath is laid beside the silhouette of a combat videographer following the unveiling of the Marine Week Phoenix mural in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 12, 2015. The silhouette memorializes Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, a Scottsdale native, who perished in a helicopter crash while the Corps was providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Nepal.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, speaks during the Marine Corps Leadership Seminar at Arizona State University at Tempe, Arizona, Sept. 11, 2015. The seminar was an event supporting Marine Week Phoenix, which aims to connect the Corps with the people of Arizona. - Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, speaks during the Marine Corps Leadership Seminar at Arizona State University at Tempe, Arizona, Sept. 11, 2015. The seminar was an event supporting Marine Week Phoenix, which aims to connect the Corps with the people of Arizona.

A UH-1Y Huey lands at Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Sept. 10, 2015, as part of Marine Week Phoenix. Marine Week Phoenix allows the Marine Corps to showcase its capabilities to the people of Phoenix who may not know about the Marine Corps. - A UH-1Y Huey lands at Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Sept. 10, 2015, as part of Marine Week Phoenix. Marine Week Phoenix allows the Marine Corps to showcase its capabilities to the people of Phoenix who may not know about the Marine Corps.

Marines listen to a veteran share his story during their visit to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, Phoenix, Sept. 10, 2015. Marine Week Phoenix is a chance to reconnect with Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations. - Marines listen to a veteran share his story during their visit to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, Phoenix, Sept. 10, 2015. Marine Week Phoenix is a chance to reconnect with Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations.

The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon preforms a series of rifle maneuvers at Civic Space Park, Phoenix, Sept. 9, 2015, as part of the opening ceremony for Marine Week Phoenix. Marine Week Phoenix allows the local community to see the Marine Corps in a way that they would not normally be able to experience. - The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon preforms a series of rifle maneuvers at Civic Space Park, Phoenix, Sept. 9, 2015, as part of the opening ceremony for Marine Week Phoenix. Marine Week Phoenix allows the local community to see the Marine Corps in a way that they would not normally be able to experience.

A Marine Corps color guard prepares to raise the colors at Civic Space Park on Sept. 9, 2015 as part of Marine Week Phoenix. This event allows the Marine Corps to showcase its traditions, history, and values. - A Marine Corps color guard prepares to raise the colors at Civic Space Park on Sept. 9, 2015 as part of Marine Week Phoenix. This event allows the Marine Corps to showcase its traditions, history, and values.

The All-Marine soccer team visits McKale Memorial Center at the University of Arizona during the tour of their sports facilities in Tucson, Arizona, Sept. 9, 2015. The event was the first the All-Marine soccer team supported as part of Marine Week Phoenix. - The All-Marine soccer team visits McKale Memorial Center at the University of Arizona during the tour of their sports facilities in Tucson, Arizona, Sept. 9, 2015. The event was the first the All-Marine soccer team supported as part of Marine Week Phoenix.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Riley Remoket, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fills a water bull at a water distribution site during typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 19, 2015. The Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU and CLB 31, 31st MEU, assisted the locals of Saipan by producing and distributing potable water. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU were conducting training near the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.

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

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

U.S. Marine 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.

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Harding shows a Republic of Korea Marine his M27 infantry automatic rifle during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 in the vicinity of Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2015. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in KMEP 15. The overall objective of KMEPs are to enhance amphibious operations between ROK and U.S. forces that contributes to security and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region. The ROK Marines are with 33rd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division, and the U.S. Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Harding shows a Republic of Korea Marine his M27 infantry automatic rifle during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 in the vicinity of Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2015. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in KMEP 15. The overall objective of KMEPs are to enhance amphibious operations between ROK and U.S. forces that contributes to security and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region. The ROK Marines are with 33rd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division, and the U.S. Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU.

A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepares to land on the flight deck of the Republic of Korea ship Dokdo (LPH 6111), at sea, March 26, 2015. This was the first time an Osprey has landed on a ROK amphibious assault ship. The aircraft is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines of the 31st MEU are embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and are currently participating in Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 during the MEU’s annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepares to land on the flight deck of the Republic of Korea ship Dokdo (LPH 6111), at sea, March 26, 2015. This was the first time an Osprey has landed on a ROK amphibious assault ship. The aircraft is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines of the 31st MEU are embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and are currently participating in Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 during the MEU’s annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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

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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies away from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), at sea, March 19, 2015. The Osprey is transporting Marines to execute a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU, and are currently on the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies away from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), at sea, March 19, 2015. The Osprey is transporting Marines to execute a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU, and are currently on the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

Maj. Paul Holst, an instructor pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, flies into Beaufort skies to conduct an F-35B Lightning II night flight for the first time in Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and VMFAT- 501 history, March 2. Pilots conducted the night flights throughout the week to determine how to teach new pilots. - Maj. Paul Holst, an instructor pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, flies into Beaufort skies to conduct an F-35B Lightning II night flight for the first time in Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and VMFAT- 501 history, March 2. Pilots conducted the night flights throughout the week to determine how to teach new pilots.

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

A member of the Malaysian Armed Forces watches as an MV-22B Osprey loaded with U.S. Marines approaches a landing zone Feb. 27 during a theater security cooperation event. The Marines are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently conducting the annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A member of the Malaysian Armed Forces watches as an MV-22B Osprey loaded with U.S. Marines approaches a landing zone Feb. 27 during a theater security cooperation event. The Marines are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently conducting the annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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

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

Landing support specialists attach a load of tires to a UH-1Y Huey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a helicopter support team exercise Feb. 6 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. The Marines used a MK-105 cable, also known as the Q-tip, to hook the load onto the bottom of the Huey. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, and are currently deployed in support of the annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - Landing support specialists attach a load of tires to a UH-1Y Huey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a helicopter support team exercise Feb. 6 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. The Marines used a MK-105 cable, also known as the Q-tip, to hook the load onto the bottom of the Huey. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, and are currently deployed in support of the annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines shoot their M16 rifles during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. Each Marine fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently underway as part of the regularly scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released) - U.S. Marines shoot their M16 rifles during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. Each Marine fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently underway as part of the regularly scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released). - A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released).

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

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

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

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

The final nine Marines representing the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s involvement in Afghanistan walk down the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Dec. 6, 2014. The Marines belong to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and served more than seven months in Afghanistan. - The final nine Marines representing the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s involvement in Afghanistan walk down the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Dec. 6, 2014. The Marines belong to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and served more than seven months in Afghanistan.

Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Critical skills operators with Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command exit the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during bilateral static-line jump training over a drop zone near Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2014. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 supported the MARSOC Marines who were conducting long-range raid training. - Critical skills operators with Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command exit the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during bilateral static-line jump training over a drop zone near Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2014. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 supported the MARSOC Marines who were conducting long-range raid training.

Marines with Marine Corps Institute in Washington, D.C., traveled to Manassas, Va., in early August for a battle study on the Civil War’s Battle of Bull Run. - Marines with Marine Corps Institute in Washington, D.C., traveled to Manassas, Va., in early August for a battle study on the Civil War’s Battle of Bull Run.