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Lance Cpl. Alexander Sieck, a Greenville, Calif. and data network specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, remains vigilant on a patrol during the certification portion of the Basic Combat Skills Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. BCSC serves as a refamiliarization course for non-infantry Marines, teaching the fundamental skills needed to operate in a deployed environment. - Lance Cpl. Alexander Sieck, a Greenville, Calif. and data network specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, remains vigilant on a patrol during the certification portion of the Basic Combat Skills Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. BCSC serves as a refamiliarization course for non-infantry Marines, teaching the fundamental skills needed to operate in a deployed environment.

Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force move forward from the 15-yard line on a range during a close-quarters combat engagement qualification during Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 26, 2015. If any of the Marines missed more than 18 rounds, they have one more chance to qualify. - Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force move forward from the 15-yard line on a range during a close-quarters combat engagement qualification during Urban Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 26, 2015. If any of the Marines missed more than 18 rounds, they have one more chance to qualify.

Cpl. Renatto Aguilar, administrative clerk for KOA MOANA 15-3, takes a break after hiking in the jungle during a training exercise in Namosi Province, Fiji, Oct. 13. Marines also helped build up the local communities during the evolution. - Cpl. Renatto Aguilar, administrative clerk for KOA MOANA 15-3, takes a break after hiking in the jungle during a training exercise in Namosi Province, Fiji, Oct. 13. Marines also helped build up the local communities during the evolution.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force--Crisis Response--Central Command, rush with their weapons system as they conduct live-fire training on the new M252A2 81mm mortar system at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 24, 2015. The training allowed the Marines, who are charged with providing security of Al Asad, an opportunity to hone their tactics, techniques and procedures in employment of the system, further reinforcing their ability to provide protection to their coalition and Iraqi Security Force partners as part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s building partner capacity mission. - U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force--Crisis Response--Central Command, rush with their weapons system as they conduct live-fire training on the new M252A2 81mm mortar system at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Oct. 24, 2015. The training allowed the Marines, who are charged with providing security of Al Asad, an opportunity to hone their tactics, techniques and procedures in employment of the system, further reinforcing their ability to provide protection to their coalition and Iraqi Security Force partners as part of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s building partner capacity mission.

Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia. - Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia.

Brig. Gen. David W. Coffman, the deputy commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks at the senior leadership seminar as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 7. The seminars brought together leaders from local, regional, and federal agencies, as well as political and diplomatic leaders to broaden working relationships and encourage cooperative emergency planning in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. SFFW 15’ is a weeklong event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - Brig. Gen. David W. Coffman, the deputy commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks at the senior leadership seminar as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 7. The seminars brought together leaders from local, regional, and federal agencies, as well as political and diplomatic leaders to broaden working relationships and encourage cooperative emergency planning in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. SFFW 15’ is a weeklong event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, speaks to Marines of the I Marine Expeditionary Force about the future of their Corps during his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2015. Gen. Neller spoke about future equipment that will be used by the Marine Corps, discussed the importance of being a strong leader and answered any question the Marines had. - The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, speaks to Marines of the I Marine Expeditionary Force about the future of their Corps during his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 5, 2015. Gen. Neller spoke about future equipment that will be used by the Marine Corps, discussed the importance of being a strong leader and answered any question the Marines had.

Marines with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab observe as an Internally Transported Vehicle (ITV) is loaded on to a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter in preparation for an experimental field exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., Aug. 31, 2015. The exercise allows the warfighting lab to assess the capabilities of the ITVs and determine new recommendations for the design of ITVs to come. - Marines with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab observe as an Internally Transported Vehicle (ITV) is loaded on to a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter in preparation for an experimental field exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., Aug. 31, 2015. The exercise allows the warfighting lab to assess the capabilities of the ITVs and determine new recommendations for the design of ITVs to come.

Lance Cpl. Cody Conlon, a fireteam leader with 2nd Marine Regiment, watches Marines with his unit set up defenses from his fighting position during a battalion deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 16, 2015. The defensive training took place during a nine-day deployment for training exercise designed to prepare for a variety of combat scenarios, including defensive, offensive, and urban operations. - Lance Cpl. Cody Conlon, a fireteam leader with 2nd Marine Regiment, watches Marines with his unit set up defenses from his fighting position during a battalion deployment for training exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 16, 2015. The defensive training took place during a nine-day deployment for training exercise designed to prepare for a variety of combat scenarios, including defensive, offensive, and urban operations.

A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles. - A Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division lands at his designated drop zone following a High Altitude – High Opening insertion event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17, 2015. The goal of the training was to sharpen a skill set that is of great advantage to expeditionary forces, allowing the jumpers to infiltrate locations where access would be too difficult for vehicles.

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)

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.

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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.

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 Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducted a raid demonstration in a simulated town and practiced the proper procedures of apprehending detainees during an amphibious raid demonstration in conjunction with a visit from the secretary of defense, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. The Marines were transported to shore in amphibious assault vehicles with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, after exiting the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) while 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion provided additional security. - Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducted a raid demonstration in a simulated town and practiced the proper procedures of apprehending detainees during an amphibious raid demonstration in conjunction with a visit from the secretary of defense, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015. The Marines were transported to shore in amphibious assault vehicles with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, after exiting the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) while 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion provided additional security.

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.

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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 with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, participate in a conditioning hike during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2015 June 14 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 was a combined training opportunity for the Marines with their Australian allies that helped to improve interoperability between the two forces. The U.S. Marine Corps and the Australian Defence Forces are committed to continuing their tradition of more than 100 years of global partnership and security cooperation between Australia and the United States of America. - U.S. Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, participate in a conditioning hike during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2015 June 14 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 was a combined training opportunity for the Marines with their Australian allies that helped to improve interoperability between the two forces. The U.S. Marine Corps and the Australian Defence Forces are committed to continuing their tradition of more than 100 years of global partnership and security cooperation between Australia and the United States of America.

Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, commence Exercise Southern Jackaroo with soldiers with Company A, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, Australian Defence Force, May 3 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 is a bilateral training exercise between soldiers from Company A, 3RAR, and the Marines with MRF-D. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Australia affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies and improves interoperability between the two forces. - Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, commence Exercise Southern Jackaroo with soldiers with Company A, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army, Australian Defence Force, May 3 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia. SJ15 is a bilateral training exercise between soldiers from Company A, 3RAR, and the Marines with MRF-D. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines in Australia affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies and improves interoperability between the two forces.

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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.

Cpl. Joseph Howell, a tactical switching operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, kneels down and takes account of his surroundings on a patrol during the Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 22, 2015. Howell was part of the acting guard force during the exercise with I MEF. The exercise enabled Marines to improve interoperability between the active and Reserve component, while preparing them with a realistic training environment at the force level. - Cpl. Joseph Howell, a tactical switching operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, kneels down and takes account of his surroundings on a patrol during the Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 22, 2015. Howell was part of the acting guard force during the exercise with I MEF. The exercise enabled Marines to improve interoperability between the active and Reserve component, while preparing them with a realistic training environment at the force level.

Marines and Sailors with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, triage and evacuate role-playing victims of a simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during an embassy reinforcement scenario on Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Feb. 12, 2015. This training was a part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Central Command – 15.2 certification exercise, conducted across several locations in the Western United States. The purpose of the CERTEX was to test and certify SPMAGTF CR-CC 15.2 across a broad spectrum of mission essential tasks. - Marines and Sailors with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, triage and evacuate role-playing victims of a simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during an embassy reinforcement scenario on Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Feb. 12, 2015. This training was a part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Central Command – 15.2 certification exercise, conducted across several locations in the Western United States. The purpose of the CERTEX was to test and certify SPMAGTF CR-CC 15.2 across a broad spectrum of mission essential tasks.

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)

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.

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)

Corporal James Lafrance, a Reconnaissance Marine with Force Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, shoots targets with a shotgun during a physical training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 7, 2014. The eight-mile hike had multiple events along the route to test the Marines’ proficiency with various weapon systems. - Corporal James Lafrance, a Reconnaissance Marine with Force Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, shoots targets with a shotgun during a physical training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 7, 2014. The eight-mile hike had multiple events along the route to test the Marines’ proficiency with various weapon systems.

Maj. Jason P. Quinter, future plans officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Expeditionary Brigade—Afghanistan, reunites with his children after returning home from a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014. The Marines and Sailors of MEB-A recently completed a transfer of authority with Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand province, marking the end of nine years of Marine operations in the area. - Maj. Jason P. Quinter, future plans officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Expeditionary Brigade—Afghanistan, reunites with his children after returning home from a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 6, 2014. The Marines and Sailors of MEB-A recently completed a transfer of authority with Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand province, marking the end of nine years of Marine operations in the area.

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)

Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, patrol with Afghan National Army counterparts during a security operation in Helmand province, Sept. 9, 2014. During the 72-hour operation, Marines and ANA soldiers conducted dismounted patrols on foot to search nearby compounds for weapons and lethal aid. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released) - Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, patrol with Afghan National Army counterparts during a security operation in Helmand province, Sept. 9, 2014. During the 72-hour operation, Marines and ANA soldiers conducted dismounted patrols on foot to search nearby compounds for weapons and lethal aid. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

Marines, sailors and coalition partners with Regional Command (Southwest) bow their heads during a moment of silence at the 9/11 memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. “That moment of silence gave us an opportunity to reflect and reminds us of why we are here today in Afghanistan in Helmand province,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan. - Marines, sailors and coalition partners with Regional Command (Southwest) bow their heads during a moment of silence at the 9/11 memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. “That moment of silence gave us an opportunity to reflect and reminds us of why we are here today in Afghanistan in Helmand province,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan.