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U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Adam T. Taitano, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion logistics officer along with U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared R. Wilbanks, 1st CEB combat engineer, fix a door lock during Operation Clean Sweep at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024. Operation Clean Sweep is a joint initiative between Marine Corps Installations West and I Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to improve living conditions for Marines and Sailors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jeslianne A. Torres). - U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Adam T. Taitano, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion logistics officer along with U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared R. Wilbanks, 1st CEB combat engineer, fix a door lock during Operation Clean Sweep at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024. Operation Clean Sweep is a joint initiative between Marine Corps Installations West and I Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to improve living conditions for Marines and Sailors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jeslianne A. Torres).

From Left; U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, Royal Australian Air Force Wing Cmdr. Lauren Guest, the senior Australian Defence Force officer of RAAF Base Darwin, Royal Australian Navy Capt. Mitchell Livingstone, the commanding officer of Headquarters Northern Command, and Australian Army Brigadier Douglas Pashley, the commander of 1st Brigade, stand at attention during the 82nd Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative service at the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin, NT, Australia, May 4, 2024. MRF-D 24.3 Marines paid their respects alongside their Australian Allies during the ceremony. The ceremony commemorated U.S. and Australian service members who lost their lives in the Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place from May 4-8, 1942, during WWII. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Manuel Rivera) - From Left; U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, Royal Australian Air Force Wing Cmdr. Lauren Guest, the senior Australian Defence Force officer of RAAF Base Darwin, Royal Australian Navy Capt. Mitchell Livingstone, the commanding officer of Headquarters Northern Command, and Australian Army Brigadier Douglas Pashley, the commander of 1st Brigade, stand at attention during the 82nd Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative service at the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin, NT, Australia, May 4, 2024. MRF-D 24.3 Marines paid their respects alongside their Australian Allies during the ceremony. The ceremony commemorated U.S. and Australian service members who lost their lives in the Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place from May 4-8, 1942, during WWII. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Manuel Rivera)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dominic Albanese, a drone operator with Meteorological and Oceanographic Platoon, 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, utilizes a Base Station during Cobra Horizon 24.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 25, 2024. Cobra Horizon is a semiannual training exercise that focuses on refining expeditionary meteorology and oceanographic employment, rapid response planning processes, and integrating a multi-service METOC environment to support future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicole Stuart) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dominic Albanese, a drone operator with Meteorological and Oceanographic Platoon, 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, utilizes a Base Station during Cobra Horizon 24.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 25, 2024. Cobra Horizon is a semiannual training exercise that focuses on refining expeditionary meteorology and oceanographic employment, rapid response planning processes, and integrating a multi-service METOC environment to support future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicole Stuart)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Space Force Guardians with Space Systems Command, and Mobile User Objective System Program Office personnel attend a MUOS presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16, 2023. Members of Space Systems Command and the MUOS Program Office engaged with 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force Marines to understand end-user considerations and see MUOS used at the tactical level. MUOS elevates Marine Corps warfighting capabilities by enhancing long-range, rapid communication and expanding the operational reach of the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Space Force Guardians with Space Systems Command, and Mobile User Objective System Program Office personnel attend a MUOS presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 16, 2023. Members of Space Systems Command and the MUOS Program Office engaged with 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force Marines to understand end-user considerations and see MUOS used at the tactical level. MUOS elevates Marine Corps warfighting capabilities by enhancing long-range, rapid communication and expanding the operational reach of the U.S. Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Juan Perez, a heavy equipment operator with Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau, removes brush as part of a runway clearing project on Peleliu, Republic of Palau, August 3, 2023. During this rotational deployment, Navy Seabees and Marine Corps engineers undertake infrastructure projects which benefit local populations in the Indo-Pacific and enhance the United States’ ability to render support and aid in response to disasters or other crises. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Juan Perez, a heavy equipment operator with Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau, removes brush as part of a runway clearing project on Peleliu, Republic of Palau, August 3, 2023. During this rotational deployment, Navy Seabees and Marine Corps engineers undertake infrastructure projects which benefit local populations in the Indo-Pacific and enhance the United States’ ability to render support and aid in response to disasters or other crises.

U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Alexiander Sigrah, a Kosrae native and an automotive maintenance technician with Task Force Koa Moana 23, is promoted to the rank of Private First Class in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, July 4, 2023. “I am excited to be able to go back home and fix a lot of stuff that I’ve always wanted to be involved in helping with,” said Sigrah. Task Force Koa Moana deployed to the Indo-Pacific to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island partners through bilateral and multilateral security cooperation and community engagements. - U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Alexiander Sigrah, a Kosrae native and an automotive maintenance technician with Task Force Koa Moana 23, is promoted to the rank of Private First Class in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, July 4, 2023. “I am excited to be able to go back home and fix a lot of stuff that I’ve always wanted to be involved in helping with,” said Sigrah. Task Force Koa Moana deployed to the Indo-Pacific to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island partners through bilateral and multilateral security cooperation and community engagements.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Brayan Cordovagonzalez, a heavy equipment operator with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, flattens gravel using a compactor during the construction of the Joint Range Complex in Ngchesar, Republic of Palau, July 5, 2022. The Joint Range Complex will provide the U.S. military and Palauan law enforcement agencies a place to sharpen their skills and improve marksmanship capabilities, strengthening readiness and interoperability in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s strategic and operational objectives. - U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Brayan Cordovagonzalez, a heavy equipment operator with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, flattens gravel using a compactor during the construction of the Joint Range Complex in Ngchesar, Republic of Palau, July 5, 2022. The Joint Range Complex will provide the U.S. military and Palauan law enforcement agencies a place to sharpen their skills and improve marksmanship capabilities, strengthening readiness and interoperability in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s strategic and operational objectives.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ian Bergman, a cyberspace warfare operator with I Marine Expeditionary Force’s Defensive Cyber Operations Internal Defensive Measures team, poses for a photo at 9th Communication Battalion on Camp Pendleton, California June 29, 2022. I MEF’s DCO-IDM team won the Deputy Commandant for Information, Marine Corps “Capture the Flag” Cyber Games 2022. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ian Bergman, a cyberspace warfare operator with I Marine Expeditionary Force’s Defensive Cyber Operations Internal Defensive Measures team, poses for a photo at 9th Communication Battalion on Camp Pendleton, California June 29, 2022. I MEF’s DCO-IDM team won the Deputy Commandant for Information, Marine Corps “Capture the Flag” Cyber Games 2022.

A U.S. Marine Corps High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, launches a M28A1, reduced range practice rocket, in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022 on Angaur, Palau, June 8, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. - A U.S. Marine Corps High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, launches a M28A1, reduced range practice rocket, in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022 on Angaur, Palau, June 8, 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Taylor Bussick, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller student with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, awaits an approaching U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during Exercise Garnet Rattler April 28, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Taylor Bussick, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller student with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, awaits an approaching U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk at Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho during Exercise Garnet Rattler April 28, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training event between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen to train and qualify JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Christian Thiessen a student at the Naval Postgraduate School and Dr. Britta Hale, a professor from NPS visit I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group to conduct research on shortfalls of the fleet at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 17, 2021. NPS provides its students with defense-focused studies in order to meet the needs and requirements of the units they support. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Christian Thiessen a student at the Naval Postgraduate School and Dr. Britta Hale, a professor from NPS visit I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group to conduct research on shortfalls of the fleet at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 17, 2021. NPS provides its students with defense-focused studies in order to meet the needs and requirements of the units they support.

U.S. Marine Corps combat engineers with Task Force Koa Moana 21, I Marine Expeditionary Force, move wood beams to be cut at Ngeremlengui Elementary School in Ngeremlengui, Republic of Palau, Oct. 2, 2021. Task Force Koa Moana 21 provides a unique opportunity to enhance relationships with the Republic of Palau. - U.S. Marine Corps combat engineers with Task Force Koa Moana 21, I Marine Expeditionary Force, move wood beams to be cut at Ngeremlengui Elementary School in Ngeremlengui, Republic of Palau, Oct. 2, 2021. Task Force Koa Moana 21 provides a unique opportunity to enhance relationships with the Republic of Palau.

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U.S. Marines with Task Force Koa Moana 21, I Marine Expeditionary Force, work hand-in-hand with the local people of Palau to clean Lake Ngardok, the largest natural freshwater lake in all of the islands of Micronesia, during a monthly event where the locals come together to remove the large amounts of growing Cheuais plants in lake Ngardok, Melekeok, Republic of Palau, August 7, 2021. TFKM 21 builds upon the shared interests of the U.S. and Republic of Palau and is committed to improve the abilities of the two countries working together ahead of real-world crises. * Required - U.S. Marines with Task Force Koa Moana 21, I Marine Expeditionary Force, work hand-in-hand with the local people of Palau to clean Lake Ngardok, the largest natural freshwater lake in all of the islands of Micronesia, during a monthly event where the locals come together to remove the large amounts of growing Cheuais plants in lake Ngardok, Melekeok, Republic of Palau, August 7, 2021. TFKM 21 builds upon the shared interests of the U.S. and Republic of Palau and is committed to improve the abilities of the two countries working together ahead of real-world crises.

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U.S. Marines receive instruction during the Cyber Electronic Warfare Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17. - U.S. Marines receive instruction during the Cyber Electronic Warfare Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17.

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A U.S. Navy MH-60 Seahawk pilot returns to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during ongoing search and rescue operations following an AAV-P7/A1 assault amphibious vehicle mishap off the coast of Southern California, July 30, 2020. Assisting in the search and rescue operations are the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn, multiple U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopters and small boats from USS Makin Island, the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset, the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Sector San Diego. - A U.S. Navy MH-60 Seahawk pilot returns to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during ongoing search and rescue operations following an AAV-P7/A1 assault amphibious vehicle mishap off the coast of Southern California, July 30, 2020. Assisting in the search and rescue operations are the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn, multiple U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopters and small boats from USS Makin Island, the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset, the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Sector San Diego.

U.S. Marines and Sailors wave from a distance to their friends and family as they depart San Diego, Calif. aboard USNS City of Bismarck (EPF-9) July 2. - U.S. Marines and Sailors wave from a distance to their friends and family as they depart San Diego, Calif. aboard USNS City of Bismarck (EPF-9) July 2.

Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat. - Sgt. Maj. Brad Kasal, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with noncommissioned officers assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 14, 2017. During the talk, Kasal spoke about the need for all Marines and sailors to exercise the same devotion to one another every day that they would show while in combat.

Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.” - Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.”

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

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

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

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

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jesse Kimble, an instructor with Training Cell, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, demonstrates a sniper’s standing firing position to snipers of the Special Operations Battalion, Brazilian Marine Corps, during a subject matter expert exchange at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 16, 2016. Snipers from both countries gathered to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding techniques and procedures used by snipers from their respective militaries. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Jesse Kimble, an instructor with Training Cell, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, demonstrates a sniper’s standing firing position to snipers of the Special Operations Battalion, Brazilian Marine Corps, during a subject matter expert exchange at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 16, 2016. Snipers from both countries gathered to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding techniques and procedures used by snipers from their respective militaries.

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

Staff Sgt. Samuel J. Galan Jr. and Lance Cpl. Gerald J. Demontmollin III refuel a UH-1Y Venom Feb. 24, 2016, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Demontmollin and his squadron performed simulated assault and close air support training to maintain unit readiness. “We can shut the aircraft down and turn the engines off [and then fuel the aircraft]. That’s called cold refueling. What we did today was hot refueling. We can leave the aircraft running while we fuel, getting us ready to get back in the fight,” said 1st Lt. David W. Few, a UH-1Y Venom copilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing. Galan, a native of Houston, Texas, is a crew chief with HMLA-169. Demontmollin, from Grass Valley is a crew chief with HMLA-169. - Staff Sgt. Samuel J. Galan Jr. and Lance Cpl. Gerald J. Demontmollin III refuel a UH-1Y Venom Feb. 24, 2016, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Demontmollin and his squadron performed simulated assault and close air support training to maintain unit readiness. “We can shut the aircraft down and turn the engines off [and then fuel the aircraft]. That’s called cold refueling. What we did today was hot refueling. We can leave the aircraft running while we fuel, getting us ready to get back in the fight,” said 1st Lt. David W. Few, a UH-1Y Venom copilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing. Galan, a native of Houston, Texas, is a crew chief with HMLA-169. Demontmollin, from Grass Valley is a crew chief with HMLA-169.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Clay Tipton, commanding officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with Col. Yoskiyuki Goto, commanding officer, Western Army Infantry Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, after recognizing select Marines and JGSDF soldiers for their outstanding performance during Exercise Iron Fist 2016, at the exercise’s closing ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 1, 2016. Exercise Iron Fist is an annual exercise conducted between the USMC and JGSDF, designed to improve their ability to conduct amphibious operations. The ceremony brought together both militaries in celebration and formally concluded the 11th iteration of Exercise Iron Fist. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Clay Tipton, commanding officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with Col. Yoskiyuki Goto, commanding officer, Western Army Infantry Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, after recognizing select Marines and JGSDF soldiers for their outstanding performance during Exercise Iron Fist 2016, at the exercise’s closing ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 1, 2016. Exercise Iron Fist is an annual exercise conducted between the USMC and JGSDF, designed to improve their ability to conduct amphibious operations. The ceremony brought together both militaries in celebration and formally concluded the 11th iteration of Exercise Iron Fist.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, conduct non-lethal weapons training at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 2, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-CC Marines hone their skills in the event of non-lethal combatant operations. - U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, conduct non-lethal weapons training at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 2, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-CC Marines hone their skills in the event of non-lethal combatant operations.

U.S. Marines call in for Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians after discovering a possible IED during counter-IED training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. The Marines were testing out the pilot course of Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device branch, Counter-IED Training Class. The Marines participating in the training are with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. - U.S. Marines call in for Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians after discovering a possible IED during counter-IED training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. The Marines were testing out the pilot course of Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device branch, Counter-IED Training Class. The Marines participating in the training are with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

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

Captain Scott Williams, company commander of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, dives out of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to conduct underwater search operations training off the coast of California, Jan. 28, 2016. The Marines and Sailors of Co. A will use their dive ability to give the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit a valuable underwater search tool when it deploys later this year. - Captain Scott Williams, company commander of Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, dives out of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to conduct underwater search operations training off the coast of California, Jan. 28, 2016. The Marines and Sailors of Co. A will use their dive ability to give the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit a valuable underwater search tool when it deploys later this year.

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

Pfc. Merrick Martius, a Light Armored Vehicle crewman, provides maintenance for an infrared light on an LAV-25 during a live-fire gunnery qualification test at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms,California, Jan. 22, 2016. The qualification test consisted of gunnery training, communication between the vehicle commander and the driver, and cooperation between the crewmembers of the LAV and the command tower. This allows Marines to fire accurately when aiming on targets down range. Martius is an LAV crewman with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Pfc. Merrick Martius, a Light Armored Vehicle crewman, provides maintenance for an infrared light on an LAV-25 during a live-fire gunnery qualification test at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms,California, Jan. 22, 2016. The qualification test consisted of gunnery training, communication between the vehicle commander and the driver, and cooperation between the crewmembers of the LAV and the command tower. This allows Marines to fire accurately when aiming on targets down range. Martius is an LAV crewman with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines look over the hill tops at their targets as the sun sets at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 13, 2016. The Marines are a mix of Joint Tactical Attack Controllers and Joint Fire Observers who are responsible for directing fires of artillery and aircraft. The Marines are with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines look over the hill tops at their targets as the sun sets at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 13, 2016. The Marines are a mix of Joint Tactical Attack Controllers and Joint Fire Observers who are responsible for directing fires of artillery and aircraft. The Marines are with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Marine squad leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides security during a company-level assault, as part of combined arms live-fire, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin exercise, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 18, 2016. Infantry squad leaders holding the rank of corporal or sergeant can apply now for the recently updated Squad Leader Development Program, and earn the new military occupational specialty of 0365 - Infantry Squad Leader if selected from the pool of applicants. - A Marine squad leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides security during a company-level assault, as part of combined arms live-fire, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin exercise, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 18, 2016. Infantry squad leaders holding the rank of corporal or sergeant can apply now for the recently updated Squad Leader Development Program, and earn the new military occupational specialty of 0365 - Infantry Squad Leader if selected from the pool of applicants.

Marines and Sailors practice clearing rooms and detaining non-combatants as a part of the Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 12, 2016. While the course emphasizes combat marksmanship fundamentals, Marines must be able to identify and properly handle non-combatants in urban military operations. The Marines participating in the training course are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Corps Regiment. The Raid Leaders Course is run by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines and Sailors practice clearing rooms and detaining non-combatants as a part of the Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 12, 2016. While the course emphasizes combat marksmanship fundamentals, Marines must be able to identify and properly handle non-combatants in urban military operations. The Marines participating in the training course are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Corps Regiment. The Raid Leaders Course is run by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy and Army medical personnel prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter during a mass casualty exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 23, 2015. Canadian forces, U.S. Air Force and Army medical personnel, along with U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, participated in the joint exercise to hone the coalition’s medical response capabilities. SPMAGTF-CR-CC is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with a mission spanning 20 nations. - U.S. Navy and Army medical personnel prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter during a mass casualty exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 23, 2015. Canadian forces, U.S. Air Force and Army medical personnel, along with U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, participated in the joint exercise to hone the coalition’s medical response capabilities. SPMAGTF-CR-CC is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with a mission spanning 20 nations.

Marines with the 1st Expeditionary Operations Training wait to reach the proper altitude before a free fall jump at 10,000 feet above Drop Zone Basilone, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec.21. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 supported the 1st EOTG in their parachute-operations training. This training is intended to improve the Marines’ skill for future uses of this knowledge, such as a deployment situation. Units like the 1st EOTG deploy often and this training allows the Marines to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. - Marines with the 1st Expeditionary Operations Training wait to reach the proper altitude before a free fall jump at 10,000 feet above Drop Zone Basilone, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec.21. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 supported the 1st EOTG in their parachute-operations training. This training is intended to improve the Marines’ skill for future uses of this knowledge, such as a deployment situation. Units like the 1st EOTG deploy often and this training allows the Marines to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

Lynn Kinney (left), Megan McClung (center) and Amy Forsythe(right) served together during their deployment to Camp Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. They were assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Public Affairs Office. This photo was taken at Camp Fallujah in April 2006. McClung was killed by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2006. Kinney, now a staff sergeant, serves as the public affairs chief for I MEF at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Forsythe transferred out of the Marine Corps and now serves as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. - Lynn Kinney (left), Megan McClung (center) and Amy Forsythe(right) served together during their deployment to Camp Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. They were assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Public Affairs Office. This photo was taken at Camp Fallujah in April 2006. McClung was killed by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2006. Kinney, now a staff sergeant, serves as the public affairs chief for I MEF at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Forsythe transferred out of the Marine Corps and now serves as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

A Marine conceals himself under the obstruction of deployed smoke during the company supported, live-fire assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marine is with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - A Marine conceals himself under the obstruction of deployed smoke during the company supported, live-fire assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marine is with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Cpl. Dustin Deloris relays orders over the radio during the mechanized assault portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 8, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. Deloris is a team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - Cpl. Dustin Deloris relays orders over the radio during the mechanized assault portion of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 8, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. Deloris is a team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Lance Cpl. Taylor A. Vollmer observes aircraft as his team prepares to take off for a Joint Terminal Attack Control training scenerio Dec. 15 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A JTAC is when combat aircraft engage in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. Vollmer, a Bakersfield, California, native, is a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. - Lance Cpl. Taylor A. Vollmer observes aircraft as his team prepares to take off for a Joint Terminal Attack Control training scenerio Dec. 15 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. A JTAC is when combat aircraft engage in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. Vollmer, a Bakersfield, California, native, is a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, survey a named area of interest during reconnaissance and surveillance training, Nov. 19-21, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. The Marines conducted insertion, infiltration, execution, exfiltration, and extraction in terrain unfamiliar to what is usually found at their home base in California. The Hawaiian terrain ranged from beach shores, to dense jungle and open valleys during pouring rains - Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, survey a named area of interest during reconnaissance and surveillance training, Nov. 19-21, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii. The Marines conducted insertion, infiltration, execution, exfiltration, and extraction in terrain unfamiliar to what is usually found at their home base in California. The Hawaiian terrain ranged from beach shores, to dense jungle and open valleys during pouring rains

A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual. - A Marine with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I MEF practices his community engagement with a role-player during mobile immersion training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20, 2015. Mobile immersion training is a scenario-based training exercise in which the Marines engage in locating, apprehending and transporting a high-value individual.

Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family. - Lance Cpl. Taylor Drake, a combat engineer with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, prepares for breaching and room clearing drills aT Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 8, 2015. Drake, a Phoenix native, joined the Marine Corps to carry on the legacy of his family.

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.