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Guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), and Kuwait Navy patrol boats KNS Istiqlal (P5702) and KNS Al-Garoh (P3725), operate in formation during Eager Defender 21 in the Arabian Gulf, June 8. Eager Defender 21 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dean M. Cates) - Guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), and Kuwait Navy patrol boats KNS Istiqlal (P5702) and KNS Al-Garoh (P3725), operate in formation during Eager Defender 21 in the Arabian Gulf, June 8. Eager Defender 21 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dean M. Cates)

Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during Ssang Young 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. - Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during Ssang Young 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews) - The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, secure a landing zone during Counter Assault Exercise on Okinawa, Japan, May 11, 2022. During this force-on-force exercise, an infantry company with 3/2 rapidly deployed into the double-canopy jungles of the Northern Training Area to defend against an assault from another infantry company with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines. This exercise was designed to increase 3rd Marine Division’s ability to seize and defend key maritime terrain, such as islands or coastal areas, and conduct Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations in the western Pacific. 3/2 is deployed under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, secure a landing zone during Counter Assault Exercise on Okinawa, Japan, May 11, 2022. During this force-on-force exercise, an infantry company with 3/2 rapidly deployed into the double-canopy jungles of the Northern Training Area to defend against an assault from another infantry company with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines. This exercise was designed to increase 3rd Marine Division’s ability to seize and defend key maritime terrain, such as islands or coastal areas, and conduct Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations in the western Pacific. 3/2 is deployed under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

A Colombian Marine alongside U.S. Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance company, 4th Marine division, drives a Belizean interdiction vessel during exercise Tradewinds 2022, at Cocoyal outpost, Mexico, May 11, 2022. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations. - A Colombian Marine alongside U.S. Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance company, 4th Marine division, drives a Belizean interdiction vessel during exercise Tradewinds 2022, at Cocoyal outpost, Mexico, May 11, 2022. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Special Reaction Team, and the air station’s Provost Marshal’s Office conduct a barricaded suspect exercise at the Iwakuni Naval Family Branch Clinic at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, April 8, 2022. SRT and PMO work side-by-side to conduct emergency drills in order to maintain their proficiencies and prepare for potential real-world contingencies on the installation. - U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Special Reaction Team, and the air station’s Provost Marshal’s Office conduct a barricaded suspect exercise at the Iwakuni Naval Family Branch Clinic at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, April 8, 2022. SRT and PMO work side-by-side to conduct emergency drills in order to maintain their proficiencies and prepare for potential real-world contingencies on the installation.

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U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Seth McAnally, an infantry platoon commander, with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, conducts a patrol during Jungle Warfare Exercise 22 in the Northern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 16th, 2022. JWX 22 is large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. 2/7 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program. - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Seth McAnally, an infantry platoon commander, with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, conducts a patrol during Jungle Warfare Exercise 22 in the Northern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 16th, 2022. JWX 22 is large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. 2/7 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marines with Blackfoot Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance, and Airmen with 4th Airlift Squadron, 62nd Airlift Wing, load light armored vehicles in an U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, stationed out of Kadena Air Base, to transport service members from Okinawa to Wake Island as part of exercise Iron Sky 22.2 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2021. IIron Sky is a joint integration and operational mobility exercise that allowed Marines to participate in an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operation in the Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Blackfoot Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance, and Airmen with 4th Airlift Squadron, 62nd Airlift Wing, load light armored vehicles in an U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, stationed out of Kadena Air Base, to transport service members from Okinawa to Wake Island as part of exercise Iron Sky 22.2 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2021. IIron Sky is a joint integration and operational mobility exercise that allowed Marines to participate in an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operation in the Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Capt. Shane Kim, Logistics Officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division conducts a Beach Landing Site survey alongside Maj. Laurence Medina, Operations Officer for the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense Regiment as part of Exercise KAMANDAG 5-21 in Claveria, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2021. BLS surveys provide vital information in support of amphibious operations, enabling rapid, bilateral response to crisis when required. - U.S. Marine Capt. Shane Kim, Logistics Officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division conducts a Beach Landing Site survey alongside Maj. Laurence Medina, Operations Officer for the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense Regiment as part of Exercise KAMANDAG 5-21 in Claveria, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2021. BLS surveys provide vital information in support of amphibious operations, enabling rapid, bilateral response to crisis when required.

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, provides security with his M240B medium machine gun during Crisis Response Exercise II in Kuwait, June 19, 2021. CRX II is a long range assault in which Marines simulate taking over and occupying a forward operations base in a hostile environment. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. - A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, provides security with his M240B medium machine gun during Crisis Response Exercise II in Kuwait, June 19, 2021. CRX II is a long range assault in which Marines simulate taking over and occupying a forward operations base in a hostile environment. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jake Castro, (left), and Sgt. Anthony Negrete, (right), Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni EOD, conduct a improvised explosive device exercise aboard MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 19, 2021. This particular exercise was designed to allow EOD to utilize a robot in their arsenal, which allows them to engage explosives at a greater distance with no harm to Marines. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jake Castro, (left), and Sgt. Anthony Negrete, (right), Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni EOD, conduct a improvised explosive device exercise aboard MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 19, 2021. This particular exercise was designed to allow EOD to utilize a robot in their arsenal, which allows them to engage explosives at a greater distance with no harm to Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 fly during a mission rehearsal exercise over Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2021. The MRX served as a culminating event for HMLA-267 as they near the end of their time in Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program. - U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 fly during a mission rehearsal exercise over Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2021. The MRX served as a culminating event for HMLA-267 as they near the end of their time in Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marines conduct fast roping during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army in mainland Japan, Dec. 10. - U.S. Marines conduct fast roping during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army in mainland Japan, Dec. 10.

A Marine fires an M240B medium machine gun during a full mission profile defense of the amphibious task force exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). - A Marine fires an M240B medium machine gun during a full mission profile defense of the amphibious task force exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).

U.S. Navy Corpsmen conduct a simulated casualty evacuation while participating in the final exercise during exercise Cobra Gold 2020 at Ban Chan Khrem, Chanthaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, March 5. - U.S. Navy Corpsmen conduct a simulated casualty evacuation while participating in the final exercise during exercise Cobra Gold 2020 at Ban Chan Khrem, Chanthaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, March 5.

A Royal Thai Marine showcases a scorpion to U.S. Marines during jungle survival training at Camp Lotawin, Kingdom of Thailand, March 4. - A Royal Thai Marine showcases a scorpion to U.S. Marines during jungle survival training at Camp Lotawin, Kingdom of Thailand, March 4.

Cobra Gold: Partner Nations Practice Noncombatant Evacuation Operations - Chemical, biochemical, radiological and nuclear defense specialists with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Royal Thai Navy Sailors scan a simulated noncombatant evacuee during a noncombatant evacuation operation as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2020 at Utapao, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 29, 2020. Exercise Cobra Gold 20 is the largest theater security cooperation exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, set up a direct air support center during Cobra Gold 20 at Camp Phra Maha Jetsadaratchao, Chon Buri, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 26. - U.S. Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, set up a direct air support center during Cobra Gold 20 at Camp Phra Maha Jetsadaratchao, Chon Buri, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 26.

Equipment from the Tromsdal, Frigaard, and Bjugn caves waits to be loaded onto a Britannia Seaways shipping vessel at Orkanger Port, Norway, Feb. 17. - Equipment from the Tromsdal, Frigaard, and Bjugn caves waits to be loaded onto a Britannia Seaways shipping vessel at Orkanger Port, Norway, Feb. 17.

Service members from across the nation receive a brief at Ponce, Puerto Rico, April 26, 2019, during Innovative Readiness Training Puerto Rico. Marine Forces Reserve Sailors are working jointly with several National Guard and Reserve units from across the nation to provide medical care in Puerto Rico during a two-week medical exercise. - Service members from across the nation receive a brief at Ponce, Puerto Rico, April 26, 2019, during Innovative Readiness Training Puerto Rico. Marine Forces Reserve Sailors are working jointly with several National Guard and Reserve units from across the nation to provide medical care in Puerto Rico during a two-week medical exercise.

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From left, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander, Southern Luzon Command, and Philippine Exercise Co-Director; Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense; Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines; Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., AFP Chief of Staff; and U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher A. McPhillips, commanding general, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade stand shoulder-to-shoulder at Tejeros Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, April 1, 2019. The ceremony represented the official commencement of Balikatan 2019 and the continued partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Balikatan 19, in its 35th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations held from April 1 to April 12. - From left, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander, Southern Luzon Command, and Philippine Exercise Co-Director; Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense; Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines; Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., AFP Chief of Staff; and U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher A. McPhillips, commanding general, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade stand shoulder-to-shoulder at Tejeros Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, April 1, 2019. The ceremony represented the official commencement of Balikatan 2019 and the continued partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Balikatan 19, in its 35th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations held from April 1 to April 12.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, escort MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 over Hawaii, Feb. 26, 2019. U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and VMM-268 along with A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft conducted training including a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft personnel scenario and a combat search and rescue scenario. - U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, escort MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 over Hawaii, Feb. 26, 2019. U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and VMM-268 along with A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft conducted training including a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft personnel scenario and a combat search and rescue scenario.

A landing craft air cushion lands on Alvund Beach, Norway during an amphibious landing in support of Trident Juncture 18, Oct. 30, 2018. Trident Juncture provides a unique and challenging environment for Marines and Sailors to rehearse their amphibious capabilities which will result in a more ready and proficient fighting force. The LCACs originated from USS New York and showcased the ability of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to rapidly project combat power ashore. - A landing craft air cushion lands on Alvund Beach, Norway during an amphibious landing in support of Trident Juncture 18, Oct. 30, 2018. Trident Juncture provides a unique and challenging environment for Marines and Sailors to rehearse their amphibious capabilities which will result in a more ready and proficient fighting force. The LCACs originated from USS New York and showcased the ability of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to rapidly project combat power ashore.

Light Armored Vehicles with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance, cross a medium girder bridge as part of Exercise Trident Juncture 18 near Voll, Norway, Oct. 30, 2018. The bridge construction enables ground units to complete a gap crossing during the exercise, which is one of the general engineering tasks 2nd Marine Logistics Group provides to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Trident Juncture 18 enhances the U.S. and NATO Allies’ and partners’ abilities to work together collectively to conduct military operations under challenging conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott R. Jenkins) - Light Armored Vehicles with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance, cross a medium girder bridge as part of Exercise Trident Juncture 18 near Voll, Norway, Oct. 30, 2018. The bridge construction enables ground units to complete a gap crossing during the exercise, which is one of the general engineering tasks 2nd Marine Logistics Group provides to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Trident Juncture 18 enhances the U.S. and NATO Allies’ and partners’ abilities to work together collectively to conduct military operations under challenging conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott R. Jenkins)

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Lance Cpl. Luis Da Luz, a hazardous material entry team technician with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, passes HAZMAT samples to Lance Cpl. Alex Herrero, a HAZMAT entry team technician with ARFF, during an exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. The exercise simulated a bioterrorism attack and required several MCAS Miramar units to coordinate an effective response. - Lance Cpl. Luis Da Luz, a hazardous material entry team technician with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, passes HAZMAT samples to Lance Cpl. Alex Herrero, a HAZMAT entry team technician with ARFF, during an exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 17. The exercise simulated a bioterrorism attack and required several MCAS Miramar units to coordinate an effective response.

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Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17. - Lance Cpl. Miguel Salazar, an unmanned aerial vehicle technician with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, returns an RQ-7 Shadow to the VMU-4 hanger at Camp Wilson, Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 22, 2017. VMU-4 provided aerial reconnaissance in support of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, MARFORRES final battalion exercise of ITX 4-17.

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Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations. - Lance Cpl. Milton Torres, a Marine with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, prepares a hose for a decontamination drill at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga., March 20, 2017, during Exercise Scarlet Response 2017. The exercise, which goes from March 20 – 25, is the largest annual event for CBIRF, and it tests the unit’s capabilities to react and respond to threats and disasters such as nuclear detonations.

A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas. - A range safety officer spreads CS gas during a live fire range August 18, 2016, to simulate a chemical attack at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia. The range was the final training evolution of Exercise Koolendong 16, a trilateral exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and French Armed Forces New Caledonia. Marines held a defensive position while engaging targets and working through the CS gas.

Marines with Engineer Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, add soffit sheathing to the roof of a building used by the U.S. Forest Service, helping to mitigate the waste produce by birds flying in and out of the roofing area during Exercise Forest Rattler in Bend, Ore., July 20, 2016. The exercise allowed Marines to work with the U.S. Forest service to complete various projects while honing their skills and giving back to the community. - Marines with Engineer Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, add soffit sheathing to the roof of a building used by the U.S. Forest Service, helping to mitigate the waste produce by birds flying in and out of the roofing area during Exercise Forest Rattler in Bend, Ore., July 20, 2016. The exercise allowed Marines to work with the U.S. Forest service to complete various projects while honing their skills and giving back to the community.

Maintainers from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform after-flight inspections and repairs to the squadron’s F/A-18D aircraft in preparation for exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 4, 2016. Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 provides VMFA-314 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, based out of Marine Corps Station Iwakuni, Japan, the opportunity to train with joint and international units, increasing their combat skills by participating simulated combat situations in a realistic threat environment. - Maintainers from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 perform after-flight inspections and repairs to the squadron’s F/A-18D aircraft in preparation for exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 4, 2016. Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 16-2 provides VMFA-314 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, based out of Marine Corps Station Iwakuni, Japan, the opportunity to train with joint and international units, increasing their combat skills by participating simulated combat situations in a realistic threat environment.

Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion advance to clear a room during a military operation in urban terrain tactics exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 16, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion advance to clear a room during a military operation in urban terrain tactics exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 16, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 participate in a hike during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 12, 2016. The week-long exercise focused on reinforcing skills that Marines learned throughout their military occupational specialty schooling and during Marine Combat Training in order to maintain situational readiness. Motor transportation operators, bulk fuels specialists, and field radio operators trained in various areas including direct refueling, recovery and general engineering operations and established a tactical motor pool. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 participate in a hike during exercise Thunder Horse 16.2 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan, May 12, 2016. The week-long exercise focused on reinforcing skills that Marines learned throughout their military occupational specialty schooling and during Marine Combat Training in order to maintain situational readiness. Motor transportation operators, bulk fuels specialists, and field radio operators trained in various areas including direct refueling, recovery and general engineering operations and established a tactical motor pool.

Lance Cpl. Curtis L. Brown, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, assaults targets down range during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2016. The company reinforced infantry fundamentals at all levels, beginning with fire team tactics before advancing to squad-level exercises. - Lance Cpl. Curtis L. Brown, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, assaults targets down range during a field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 28, 2016. The company reinforced infantry fundamentals at all levels, beginning with fire team tactics before advancing to squad-level exercises.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, launch a round during a live-fire mortar exercise with 81 mm mortar systems in preparation for the unit’s upcoming deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 21,2016. The Marines worked with the mortar systems until the late evening, sending more than 350 rounds downrange, and accomplished their goal of having more than 90 percent of their rounds impact on their designated targets. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, launch a round during a live-fire mortar exercise with 81 mm mortar systems in preparation for the unit’s upcoming deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 21,2016. The Marines worked with the mortar systems until the late evening, sending more than 350 rounds downrange, and accomplished their goal of having more than 90 percent of their rounds impact on their designated targets.

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.

F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31. - F/A-18C Hornets return to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort , South Carolina, Oct. 26, 2015. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 returned from Weapons and Tactics Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The Hornets are with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies over the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warships, near Tokyo Bay, during the 28th iteration of the JMSDF Fleet Review, Oct. 18, 2015. Approximately 28 aircraft from the JMSDF, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps flew above the warship. The fleet review allowed the JMSDF to assess its readiness and demonstrated the Japanese and the U.S. commitment to enduring prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies over the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warships, near Tokyo Bay, during the 28th iteration of the JMSDF Fleet Review, Oct. 18, 2015. Approximately 28 aircraft from the JMSDF, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps flew above the warship. The fleet review allowed the JMSDF to assess its readiness and demonstrated the Japanese and the U.S. commitment to enduring prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Cpl. Wesley McCulloch, left, and Cpl. Jake Morales troubleshoot a Hawkeye III Lite satellite at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Communication Marines are a vital link to the command and provided 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade with communications throughout Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX 2015 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. Morales from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a data network specialist with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. McCulloch, from Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a field radio operator with 7th Comm Bn., III MHG, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released) - Cpl. Wesley McCulloch, left, and Cpl. Jake Morales troubleshoot a Hawkeye III Lite satellite at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Communication Marines are a vital link to the command and provided 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade with communications throughout Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX 2015 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. Morales from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a data network specialist with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. McCulloch, from Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a field radio operator with 7th Comm Bn., III MHG, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)

Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States. - Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment provide security on the beach following an amphibious landing as part of Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational, amphibious training exercise designed to hone the amphibious landing skills of I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and allies of the United States.

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

Marines with Company C, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve drive an assault amphibious vehicle from land into the water during a basic operations exercise at the Galveston Marine Corps Reserve, Home Training Center, Aug. 8, 2015. The exercise served as a refresher for the Marines on how to perform basic AAV operations. During the exercise, the Marines drove the AAVs from land to water and performed basic water operations such as left and right turns, forward and reverse, circles and tactic formations. - Marines with Company C, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve drive an assault amphibious vehicle from land into the water during a basic operations exercise at the Galveston Marine Corps Reserve, Home Training Center, Aug. 8, 2015. The exercise served as a refresher for the Marines on how to perform basic AAV operations. During the exercise, the Marines drove the AAVs from land to water and performed basic water operations such as left and right turns, forward and reverse, circles and tactic formations.

Sgt. William G. Byington performs a parachute landing fall June 19 as part of the basic airborne refresher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, before conducting a rehearsal for Talisman Sabre 15. Prior to a live jump, all service members are required to practice parachute landing falls. U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Australian soldiers trained June 9 through July 5 in preparation for a mass airborne attack during Talisman Sabre 15. Talisman Sabre is an exercise designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. The service members are a part of the Pacific Command’s Combined Task Force 660 for Talisman Sabre. - Sgt. William G. Byington performs a parachute landing fall June 19 as part of the basic airborne refresher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, before conducting a rehearsal for Talisman Sabre 15. Prior to a live jump, all service members are required to practice parachute landing falls. U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Australian soldiers trained June 9 through July 5 in preparation for a mass airborne attack during Talisman Sabre 15. Talisman Sabre is an exercise designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. The service members are a part of the Pacific Command’s Combined Task Force 660 for Talisman Sabre.

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