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Lance Cpl. Marc Arrigo prepares to fire the M-240 Bravo as Lance Cpl. Mason McLaughlin acts as his spotter during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Arrigo and McLaughlin are gunners with 2nd LAAD. - Lance Cpl. Marc Arrigo prepares to fire the M-240 Bravo as Lance Cpl. Mason McLaughlin acts as his spotter during a live-fire training exercise conducted by 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The exercise allowed Marines to re-familiarize themselves and qualify with the M-240 Bravo machine gun, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun during the unknown distance live-fire exercise. Arrigo and McLaughlin are gunners with 2nd LAAD.

Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016,. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016,. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 drive stakes into the ground around the perimeter of a vertical take-off and landing pad during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, March 17, 2016. The MCCRE, which went from March 14-18, tested MWSS-272’s ability to build an AM-2 aluminum matting V/TOL pad ready to accept incoming aircraft. MWSS-272 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 drive stakes into the ground around the perimeter of a vertical take-off and landing pad during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, March 17, 2016. The MCCRE, which went from March 14-18, tested MWSS-272’s ability to build an AM-2 aluminum matting V/TOL pad ready to accept incoming aircraft. MWSS-272 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Four EA-6B Prowlers belonging to each Prowler squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point conducted a "Final Four" division flight aboard the air station March 1, 2016. The "Final Four" flight is the last time the Prowler squadrons will be flying together before the official retirement of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 at the end of Fiscal Year 16 and the eventual transition to "MAGTF EW". MAGTF EW is a more distributed strategy where every platform contributes to the EW mission, enabling relevant tactical information to move throughout the electromagnetic spectrum and across the battlefield faster than ever before. - Four EA-6B Prowlers belonging to each Prowler squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point conducted a "Final Four" division flight aboard the air station March 1, 2016. The "Final Four" flight is the last time the Prowler squadrons will be flying together before the official retirement of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 at the end of Fiscal Year 16 and the eventual transition to "MAGTF EW". MAGTF EW is a more distributed strategy where every platform contributes to the EW mission, enabling relevant tactical information to move throughout the electromagnetic spectrum and across the battlefield faster than ever before.

Corporal Jeremy Case tests simulated biohazards during a mock training drill at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 19, 2016. Marines with with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14 and Marine Aircraft Group 28 took part in a three-day long training exercise where Marines honed their skills with their equipment and knowledge of protocol. Marines conducted live radiological training at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic as part of additional training to prepare them for any potential situation that may arise in the future and concluded the exercise with a debrief at MCAS Cherry Point. Case is a chemical, biological, radiological nuclear defense specialist with MWHS-2. - Corporal Jeremy Case tests simulated biohazards during a mock training drill at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 19, 2016. Marines with with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14 and Marine Aircraft Group 28 took part in a three-day long training exercise where Marines honed their skills with their equipment and knowledge of protocol. Marines conducted live radiological training at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic as part of additional training to prepare them for any potential situation that may arise in the future and concluded the exercise with a debrief at MCAS Cherry Point. Case is a chemical, biological, radiological nuclear defense specialist with MWHS-2.

Sergeant Maj. Rogelio Deleon swims in a combat pool at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 17, 2016. More than 85 noncommissioned officers with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 participated in the physical training exercise “Chaos,” which tested their warfighting abilities: strength, communication and dependability. During the training the Marines were put into fire teams where they had to navigate the obstacle course, trek through the combat pool and hike one-mile with a simulated casualty and assault load. The purpose of the event was to build on unit cohesion, esprit de corps and mental and physical resiliency. Deleon is the sergeant major of MWCS-28. - Sergeant Maj. Rogelio Deleon swims in a combat pool at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 17, 2016. More than 85 noncommissioned officers with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 participated in the physical training exercise “Chaos,” which tested their warfighting abilities: strength, communication and dependability. During the training the Marines were put into fire teams where they had to navigate the obstacle course, trek through the combat pool and hike one-mile with a simulated casualty and assault load. The purpose of the event was to build on unit cohesion, esprit de corps and mental and physical resiliency. Deleon is the sergeant major of MWCS-28.

Cpl. Robert Schmitt sews an Arctic camouflage net during cold weather training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, California, Jan. 21, 2016. The cold weather training done in the Sierra Mountains is a warm-up to Exercise Cold Response 1-16 in Norway. Nearly 80 Marines with 2nd LAAD Bn. participated in the two-weeklong exercise that taught basic mobility in snow, defensive and offensive tactics as well as basic cold weather and high altitude conditions training. - Cpl. Robert Schmitt sews an Arctic camouflage net during cold weather training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, California, Jan. 21, 2016. The cold weather training done in the Sierra Mountains is a warm-up to Exercise Cold Response 1-16 in Norway. Nearly 80 Marines with 2nd LAAD Bn. participated in the two-weeklong exercise that taught basic mobility in snow, defensive and offensive tactics as well as basic cold weather and high altitude conditions training.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274’s Engineer Company, Heavy Equipment Platoon set their pace count before beginning a land navigation course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 13, 2016. During the 19-point course, 20 Marines headed to the field to re-experience the basic land navigation process. The course was a refresher for most of the Marines, who have not used land navigation since Marine Combat Training. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274’s Engineer Company, Heavy Equipment Platoon set their pace count before beginning a land navigation course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 13, 2016. During the 19-point course, 20 Marines headed to the field to re-experience the basic land navigation process. The course was a refresher for most of the Marines, who have not used land navigation since Marine Combat Training.

Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271. - Lance Cpl. Quentin J. Stallings, left, and Lance Cpl. Kyle H. Clemens, right, configure the settings on a water pump and filter at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Dec. 9, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271’s Engineer Company participated in a cantonment and capabilities field exercise to practice and improve their knowledge of their jobs while in a deployed environment. The week-long exercise featured events such as airfield damage repair, water purification, medium and heavy lifting missions, with the construction of an expedient road for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft pad. Stallings and Clemens are both water support technicians with MWSS-271.

Master Sgt. Donald Johnson prepares M67 fragmentation grenades during a grenade and MK-19 Grenade Launcher range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. More than 70 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion took turns handling the MK19 and handheld grenades during the familiarization range. The range offered Marines the opportunity to build confidence and proficiency skills on some of the crew-served weapons they operate while providing security in a deployed environment. Johnson is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Detachment staff noncommissioned officer in charge with the battalion. - Master Sgt. Donald Johnson prepares M67 fragmentation grenades during a grenade and MK-19 Grenade Launcher range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 28, 2015. More than 70 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion took turns handling the MK19 and handheld grenades during the familiarization range. The range offered Marines the opportunity to build confidence and proficiency skills on some of the crew-served weapons they operate while providing security in a deployed environment. Johnson is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Detachment staff noncommissioned officer in charge with the battalion.

Lance Cpl. Tyler, Shiels, right, conducts a search of Cpl. Kyle Lamprich during a security forces training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2015. More than 30 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion participated in the week-long training, covering a full spectrum of scenarios they may encounter while deployed. Shiels and Lamprich are both low altitude air defense gunners with the squadron. - Lance Cpl. Tyler, Shiels, right, conducts a search of Cpl. Kyle Lamprich during a security forces training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2015. More than 30 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion participated in the week-long training, covering a full spectrum of scenarios they may encounter while deployed. Shiels and Lamprich are both low altitude air defense gunners with the squadron.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 make impact on targets utilizing the GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun in an MV-22B Osprey in the skies above Piney Island bombing range, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2015. The crew flew over training area Bombing Target 11 to assault targets resembling a convoy, barge and landing craft.

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“More than seven decades have passed since 10 July 1941 when [2nd Marine Aircraft Wing] was activated in San Diego, [California]. Wars in the Pacific, in the Middle East and operations around the world have added to your battle colors, but have not dulled your spirit … As we continue to confront those who would do us harm, take pride in knowing you continue to add to the storied history of our Corps, and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation.” - “More than seven decades have passed since 10 July 1941 when [2nd Marine Aircraft Wing] was activated in San Diego, [California]. Wars in the Pacific, in the Middle East and operations around the world have added to your battle colors, but have not dulled your spirit … As we continue to confront those who would do us harm, take pride in knowing you continue to add to the storied history of our Corps, and pause to remember those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation.”

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A critical skills operator with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command searches the horizon for the objective zone from the ramp of a KC-130J Super Hercules during parachute training above Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 6, 2015. CSOs were supported by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Aerial deliveries are one of the mission essential skills VMGR-252 provides in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - A critical skills operator with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command searches the horizon for the objective zone from the ramp of a KC-130J Super Hercules during parachute training above Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 6, 2015. CSOs were supported by Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Aerial deliveries are one of the mission essential skills VMGR-252 provides in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Two 123rd STS personnel off load 50 cc mini bikes to stage on a runway at an Eglin Air Force Base drop zone, prior to a static line jump and jump clearing team mission from a KC-130J Super Hercules belonging to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, during Emerald Warrior 2015, April 28, 2015. The mini bikes are used to patrol down the air strip before the plane lands to ensure there is no debris or hostile forces near the landing zone. Emerald Warrior is a joint exercise led by Air Force Special Operations Command that provides pre-deployment training for U.S. and partner nation special operations forces and interagency elements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released) - Two 123rd STS personnel off load 50 cc mini bikes to stage on a runway at an Eglin Air Force Base drop zone, prior to a static line jump and jump clearing team mission from a KC-130J Super Hercules belonging to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, during Emerald Warrior 2015, April 28, 2015. The mini bikes are used to patrol down the air strip before the plane lands to ensure there is no debris or hostile forces near the landing zone. Emerald Warrior is a joint exercise led by Air Force Special Operations Command that provides pre-deployment training for U.S. and partner nation special operations forces and interagency elements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell/released)

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

Sgt. Nathaniel Lubinus walks away from a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 12, 2015. Lubinus earned the Marine Enlisted Aircrew of the Year Award for superior performance as an enlisted aircrew member for 2014. The award was established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Danny L. Radish who served with honor, distinction and heroism in Marine Aviation for over 20 years. Lubinus, a native of Ames, Iowa, is a helicopter crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366. - Sgt. Nathaniel Lubinus walks away from a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 12, 2015. Lubinus earned the Marine Enlisted Aircrew of the Year Award for superior performance as an enlisted aircrew member for 2014. The award was established in honor of Master Gunnery Sgt. Danny L. Radish who served with honor, distinction and heroism in Marine Aviation for over 20 years. Lubinus, a native of Ames, Iowa, is a helicopter crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Skora signals Lance Cpl. Aaron Stidham to stop lifting a crate at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2015. More than 100 Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, participated in exercise Lagoon Breach, an integrated exercise conducted to test Marines ability to operate in an austere environment and practice their field expediency. Skora is an engineer equipment electrical systems technician and Stidham is an engineer equipment operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Cherry Point. - Lance Cpl. Daniel Skora signals Lance Cpl. Aaron Stidham to stop lifting a crate at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2015. More than 100 Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, participated in exercise Lagoon Breach, an integrated exercise conducted to test Marines ability to operate in an austere environment and practice their field expediency. Skora is an engineer equipment electrical systems technician and Stidham is an engineer equipment operator, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 at Cherry Point.

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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.

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.

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.

Lance Cpl. Alexander Stensland, left, signals good to go to Lt. Col. Roger T. McDuffie who is piloting an AV-8B Harrier on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. Stensland is an aircraft powerline mechanic and McDuffie is the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 223. Stensland is a native of Hastings, Minn. - Lance Cpl. Alexander Stensland, left, signals good to go to Lt. Col. Roger T. McDuffie who is piloting an AV-8B Harrier on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. Stensland is an aircraft powerline mechanic and McDuffie is the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 223. Stensland is a native of Hastings, Minn.