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Soldiers with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, create field expedient antennas at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 19, 2022. 1ARDR soldiers were taught when a field expedient antenna could be used as well as how to build one. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan. - Soldiers with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, create field expedient antennas at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 19, 2022. 1ARDR soldiers were taught when a field expedient antenna could be used as well as how to build one. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan.

Ships of the America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups, and Carrier Strike Group 3, sail in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during exercise Noble Fusion. Left to right: USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Ashland (LSD 48), JS Kongō (DDG 173), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), USS America (LHA 6), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Essex (LHD 2), landing crafts, air cushion from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. - Ships of the America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups, and Carrier Strike Group 3, sail in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during exercise Noble Fusion. Left to right: USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Ashland (LSD 48), JS Kongō (DDG 173), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), USS America (LHA 6), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Essex (LHD 2), landing crafts, air cushion from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Shelby Mann, from Udall, Kan., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals a CH-47J Chinook helicopter from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to take off from the ship’s flight deck during Exercise Noble Fusion, Feb. 6, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. - Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Shelby Mann, from Udall, Kan., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals a CH-47J Chinook helicopter from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to take off from the ship’s flight deck during Exercise Noble Fusion, Feb. 6, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness.

U.S. Marines and Sailors stand together with members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Australian Navy, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Air Force, embarked together aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 21. - U.S. Marines and Sailors stand together with members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Australian Navy, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Air Force, embarked together aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 21.

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A U.S. Navy Sailor and Marine operate a M240B medium machine gun during a crew served weapons shoot Sep. 21. - A U.S. Navy Sailor and Marine operate a M240B medium machine gun during a crew served weapons shoot Sep. 21.

A U.S. Marine observes a 3D printer as it prints an equipment part used aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Aug. 24. - A U.S. Marine observes a 3D printer as it prints an equipment part used aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Aug. 24.

U.S. Marines cut through metal during a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure mission drills aboard dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), Sept. 5. - U.S. Marines cut through metal during a simulated Visit, Board, Search and Seizure mission drills aboard dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), Sept. 5.

A U.S. Marine looks at a standard operating procedure book during a class aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Aug. 21. - A U.S. Marine looks at a standard operating procedure book during a class aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Aug. 21.

Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 (CAAT), Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clean the beach at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, July 25, 2020. At the conclusion of their training, CAAT-1 picked up trash that had washed up on the beach in order to leave the environment better than they found it. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger) - Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 (CAAT), Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clean the beach at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, July 25, 2020. At the conclusion of their training, CAAT-1 picked up trash that had washed up on the beach in order to leave the environment better than they found it. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)

A Navy corpsman with Combat Logistic Battalion (CLB) 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), inserts an intravenous therapy into a simulated combat casualty during a nightingale exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. - A Navy corpsman inserts an intravenous therapy into a simulated combat casualty during a nightingale exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 29.

A U.S. Marine prepares to load 40mm practice M781 rounds into an Mk-19 at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, June 29. - A U.S. Marine prepares to load 40mm practice M781 rounds into an Mk-19 at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, June 29.

A U.S. Marine practices marksmanship fundamentals from the kneeling position with an M16A4 service rifle on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7. - A U.S. Marine practices marksmanship fundamentals from the kneeling position with an M16A4 service rifle on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7.

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America during flight operations, April 18. - A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America during flight operations, April 18.

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).

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Thompson receives an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin. - Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Thompson receives an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin.

A U.S. Marine stands following his baptism during an Easter service aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), April 12. - A U.S. Marine stands following his baptism during an Easter service aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), April 12.

U.S. Marines embarked with the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines embarked with the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marines salute during a relief and appointment ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS America, March 11. - Marines salute during a relief and appointment ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS America, March 11.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Service Members disembark from an MV-22B Osprey with U.S. Marines while conducting Vertical Assault training during exercise Forest Light Western Army at Camp Takayubaru, Kumamoto, Japan, Jan. 28. - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Service Members disembark from an MV-22B Osprey with U.S. Marines while conducting Vertical Assault training during exercise Forest Light Western Army at Camp Takayubaru, Kumamoto, Japan, Jan. 28.

Marines close with an enemy machine gun position during a simulated raid at the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 11. - Marines close with an enemy machine gun position during a simulated raid at the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 11.

Retired Sgt. Maj. John Canley, Medal of Honor Recipient, speaks to Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 11. - Retired Sgt. Maj. John Canley, Medal of Honor Recipient, speaks to Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 11.

Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during a long-range raid in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14, 2019. The 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron 11, aboard Wasp Amphibious Ready Group ships, conducted a series of sequential operations which simulated naval expeditionary combined-arms maneuver from amphibious assets to shore, utilizing Marine Air-Ground Task Force capabilities integrated across all warfighting domains. - Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during a long-range raid in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14, 2019. The 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron 11, aboard Wasp Amphibious Ready Group ships, conducted a series of sequential operations which simulated naval expeditionary combined-arms maneuver from amphibious assets to shore, utilizing Marine Air-Ground Task Force capabilities integrated across all warfighting domains.

Ordnance Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load an AIM- 9X Sidewinder missile onto an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft prior to a defensive combat air patrol rehearsal aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, Pacific Ocean, August 7, 2019. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. - Ordnance Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load an AIM- 9X Sidewinder missile onto an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft prior to a defensive combat air patrol rehearsal aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, Pacific Ocean, August 7, 2019. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations.

A pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, waits to take off during an aerial gunnery and ordnance hot-reload exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, Solomon Sea, August 4, 2019. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. - A pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, waits to take off during an aerial gunnery and ordnance hot-reload exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, Solomon Sea, August 4, 2019. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, ride ashore in a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft during a boat raid exercise in the Coral Sea, July 3, 2019. The Marines launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, while operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. - Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, ride ashore in a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft during a boat raid exercise in the Coral Sea, July 3, 2019. The Marines launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, while operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations.

Sgt. Arielle Lahtinen, noncommissioned officer in charge with the 31st MEU's Law Enforcement detachment, tases a Marine with a Conducted Energy Weapon, or TASER, during a non-lethal weapons course aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), underway in the Coral Sea, June 30, 2019. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks) - Sgt. Arielle Lahtinen, noncommissioned officer in charge with the 31st MEU's Law Enforcement detachment, tases a Marine with a Conducted Energy Weapon, or TASER, during a non-lethal weapons course aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), underway in the Coral Sea, June 30, 2019. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks)

Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, riding Assault Amphibious Vehicles, head toward the shore during a mechanized assault as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s MEU Exercise, near Ginoza Village, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2018. Marines and Sailors with Echo Company performed the final training event of MEUEX, an assault launched from Camp Schwab and targeting Combat Town, part of Okinawa’s Central Training Area. Marines with Echo Company, the mechanized assault element with BLT 2/5, partner with AAV crews to perform raids and assaults launched from the sea. MEUEX is the first in a series of three pre-deployment training events that prepare the 31st MEU to deploy at a moment’s notice. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations. - Marines with Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, riding Assault Amphibious Vehicles, head toward the shore during a mechanized assault as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s MEU Exercise, near Ginoza Village, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2018. Marines and Sailors with Echo Company performed the final training event of MEUEX, an assault launched from Camp Schwab and targeting Combat Town, part of Okinawa’s Central Training Area. Marines with Echo Company, the mechanized assault element with BLT 2/5, partner with AAV crews to perform raids and assaults launched from the sea. MEUEX is the first in a series of three pre-deployment training events that prepare the 31st MEU to deploy at a moment’s notice. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations.

160916-M-PJ332-519.JPG - A MV-22B Osprey belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced) prepares to land on Farallon de Medinilla Range, Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 16, 2016. Valiant Shield is a biennial U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps exercise held in Guam, focusing on real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish)

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Marin, a heavy equipment mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, radios-in a simulated casualty during Exercise Eagle Wrath 2016 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji,Japan, July 28, 2016. During the culminating event, Marines established a mock air base including a landing zone and refueling point, constructed defensive and machine-gun positions, and conducted convoys and patrols over the course of four days. MWSS-171 conducts this exercise once a year in order to train all the Marines within the squadron, enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Marin, a heavy equipment mechanic with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, radios-in a simulated casualty during Exercise Eagle Wrath 2016 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji,Japan, July 28, 2016. During the culminating event, Marines established a mock air base including a landing zone and refueling point, constructed defensive and machine-gun positions, and conducted convoys and patrols over the course of four days. MWSS-171 conducts this exercise once a year in order to train all the Marines within the squadron, enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability.

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit clear a water treatment facility at Koror, Palau, July 21, 2016. The Marines are conducting training in Palau to ensure familiarity with Palau's complex urban environment. The training events were planned out with local authorities to provide an opportunity for realistic training with minimal inconvenience to the community and environment. - U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit clear a water treatment facility at Koror, Palau, July 21, 2016. The Marines are conducting training in Palau to ensure familiarity with Palau's complex urban environment. The training events were planned out with local authorities to provide an opportunity for realistic training with minimal inconvenience to the community and environment.

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Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 20, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 20, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 18, 2016 to work with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force to distribute relief supplies after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. - MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 18, 2016 to work with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force to distribute relief supplies after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu.

MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 17, 2016. The aircraft arrived in preparation to support the Government of Japan’s relief efforts in response to the earthquakes that struck the island of Kyushu earlier this week. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 17, 2016. The aircraft arrived in preparation to support the Government of Japan’s relief efforts in response to the earthquakes that struck the island of Kyushu earlier this week. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps’ force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ground guides a Tractor, Rubber-tired Articulated, Multi-purpose vehicle to load equipment onto a Landing Craft Air Cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7 during Exercise Ssang Yong 16, Dogu Beach, Pohang, South Korea, March 17, 2016. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial combined amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army forces in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed aboard the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group as part of their spring deployment of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ground guides a Tractor, Rubber-tired Articulated, Multi-purpose vehicle to load equipment onto a Landing Craft Air Cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7 during Exercise Ssang Yong 16, Dogu Beach, Pohang, South Korea, March 17, 2016. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial combined amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army forces in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed aboard the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group as part of their spring deployment of the Asia-Pacific region.

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dave Hermansen and Lance Cpl. Jabril Giannotti, mortarmen, and Sgt. Jack Williams, a squad leader, all assigned to Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a 81mm training mortar with the M252A2 mortar system during Ssang Yong 16 at Suseongri, South Korea, March 15, 2016. Ssang Yong familiarizes American armed forces with the Korean Peninsula and contributes to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Hermansen is a native of Westbrook, Connecticut. Giannotti is a native of Highland Park, New Jersey. Williams is a native of Pilot Point, Texas. - From left, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dave Hermansen and Lance Cpl. Jabril Giannotti, mortarmen, and Sgt. Jack Williams, a squad leader, all assigned to Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a 81mm training mortar with the M252A2 mortar system during Ssang Yong 16 at Suseongri, South Korea, March 15, 2016. Ssang Yong familiarizes American armed forces with the Korean Peninsula and contributes to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Hermansen is a native of Westbrook, Connecticut. Giannotti is a native of Highland Park, New Jersey. Williams is a native of Pilot Point, Texas.

U.S. Marines Gunnery Sgt. Jordan Torcello and Staff Sgt. Zachary Rubemeyer, explosive ordnance disposal technicians with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lay undetonated ordnance for a controlled detonation during Exercise Ssang Yong 16 on Suseongri live-fire range, Pohang, South Korea, March 13, 2016. Ssang Yong is a biennial combined amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army Forces in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations. - U.S. Marines Gunnery Sgt. Jordan Torcello and Staff Sgt. Zachary Rubemeyer, explosive ordnance disposal technicians with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lay undetonated ordnance for a controlled detonation during Exercise Ssang Yong 16 on Suseongri live-fire range, Pohang, South Korea, March 13, 2016. Ssang Yong is a biennial combined amphibious exercise conducted by U.S. forces with the Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army Forces in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations.

U.S. Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marines Corps, New Zealand Army and Australian Army conduct amphibious assault training at Doksukri Beach, South Korea, March 12, 2016, during Exercise Ssang Yong 16. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial military exercise focused on strengthening the amphibious landing capabilities of the U.S. and its allies. - U.S. Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marines Corps, New Zealand Army and Australian Army conduct amphibious assault training at Doksukri Beach, South Korea, March 12, 2016, during Exercise Ssang Yong 16. Ssang Yong 16 is a biennial military exercise focused on strengthening the amphibious landing capabilities of the U.S. and its allies.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, head back to sea Feb. 17 , 2016, in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft after conducting a successful boat raid the night before. The Marines conducted the boat raid as part of the 31st MEU's amphibious integration training with the Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed to the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, head back to sea Feb. 17 , 2016, in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft after conducting a successful boat raid the night before. The Marines conducted the boat raid as part of the 31st MEU's amphibious integration training with the Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed to the Asia-Pacific region.

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Cpl. Joshua Payne, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 and a Spring, Texas, native, guides the pilots of an MV-22B Osprey to an unprepared field during casualty-evacuation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 20. Casualty-evacuation training prepares the Marines to land in a combat zone, pick up injured Marines and transport them to a safe area. - Cpl. Joshua Payne, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 and a Spring, Texas, native, guides the pilots of an MV-22B Osprey to an unprepared field during casualty-evacuation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 20. Casualty-evacuation training prepares the Marines to land in a combat zone, pick up injured Marines and transport them to a safe area.

Marines get set to perform buddy rushes during squad attack training on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2016. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted squad attack training in preparation for the MEU’s upcoming spring deployment. - Marines get set to perform buddy rushes during squad attack training on Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2016. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted squad attack training in preparation for the MEU’s upcoming spring deployment.

Lance Cpl. Loren Cluff sets up satellite communications for Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conduct a raid Dec. 10, 2015, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The raid was part of Interoperability Exercise 16-1, an exercise used to build a working bond between the MRF and the rest of the MEU quickly and effectively. Cluff, from Snowflake, Arizona, is a field radio operator with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Lance Cpl. Loren Cluff sets up satellite communications for Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conduct a raid Dec. 10, 2015, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The raid was part of Interoperability Exercise 16-1, an exercise used to build a working bond between the MRF and the rest of the MEU quickly and effectively. Cluff, from Snowflake, Arizona, is a field radio operator with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Cpl. Jordan Canchola, an artillery gunner with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee to shield himself from the rotor wash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015. The battery was training to distribute food and water as part of a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation when the crowd, played by other Marines, became unruly. A quick reaction force was called to help restore order and continue to distribute supplies. The HADR training was conducted as part of the 31st MEU’s Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. Cpl. Canchola is from Hollister, California. - Cpl. Jordan Canchola, an artillery gunner with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes a knee to shield himself from the rotor wash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2015. The battery was training to distribute food and water as part of a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation when the crowd, played by other Marines, became unruly. A quick reaction force was called to help restore order and continue to distribute supplies. The HADR training was conducted as part of the 31st MEU’s Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. Cpl. Canchola is from Hollister, California.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Sabey, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M32 grenade launcher during live-fire training with Philippine Marines at Crow Valley, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Philippine Marines with 31st Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the U.S. Marines with BLT 2/5, 31st MEU, are training side by side as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015, an annual bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Sabey, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M32 grenade launcher during live-fire training with Philippine Marines at Crow Valley, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Philippine Marines with 31st Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the U.S. Marines with BLT 2/5, 31st MEU, are training side by side as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015, an annual bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces.

Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines execute squad attacks at Crow Valley, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2015. Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are training side by side for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015, an annual bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces. - Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines execute squad attacks at Crow Valley, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2015. Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are training side by side for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015, an annual bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces.

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