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U.S. Marine 7-ton trucks with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to distribute water and supplies from the USS Ashland to local civilians as part of typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 11, 2015. The 31st MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group are assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency with distributing emergency relief supplies to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marine 7-ton trucks with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to distribute water and supplies from the USS Ashland to local civilians as part of typhoon relief efforts in Saipan, Aug. 11, 2015. The 31st MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group are assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency with distributing emergency relief supplies to Saipan after the island was struck by Typhoon Soudelor Aug. 2-3.

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3. - U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Ashland offload relief supplies from the ship for typhoon recovery efforts in Saipan, Aug. 8, 2015. The MEU and the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in delivering the supplies to the victims of Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan. The island, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was struck by the typhoon Aug. 2-3.

U.S. Marines and Australian service members move into defensive positions for the night after conducting an amphibious assault at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. The Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Australians with Combat Team Bravo, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, assaulted the beach and moved inland to secure additional objectives as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in the exercise while deployed on its regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines and Australian service members move into defensive positions for the night after conducting an amphibious assault at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. The Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Australians with Combat Team Bravo, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, assaulted the beach and moved inland to secure additional objectives as part of Talisman Sabre 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise designed to improve the interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. The 31st MEU is taking part in the exercise while deployed on its regularly scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

One of the pilots of an MV-22 Osprey straps Secretary of Defense Ash Carter into his seat before surveying the Straits of Malacca off the coast of Singapore, May 29, 2015. - One of the pilots of an MV-22 Osprey straps Secretary of Defense Ash Carter into his seat before surveying the Straits of Malacca off the coast of Singapore, May 29, 2015.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force scout swimmers emerge out of the water and sight in on their rifles during the Japanese Observer Exchange Program April 28, 2015 at Kin Blue. JOEP is a III Marine Expeditionary Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and JGSDF coordinated program designed to increase regional security, maintain unit readiness and enhance overall cooperation. This is the fourth iteration of JOEP for the 31st MEU after the initial partnership in September 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released) - Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force scout swimmers emerge out of the water and sight in on their rifles during the Japanese Observer Exchange Program April 28, 2015 at Kin Blue. JOEP is a III Marine Expeditionary Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and JGSDF coordinated program designed to increase regional security, maintain unit readiness and enhance overall cooperation. This is the fourth iteration of JOEP for the 31st MEU after the initial partnership in September 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean M. Stephenson poses for a photo in front of his AV-8B Harrier on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) March 17, 2015. Stephenson started out his career as an enlisted band member and then persued his dream of becoming a pilot. Stehenson is a Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 231, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Harding shows a Republic of Korea Marine his M27 infantry automatic rifle during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 in the vicinity of Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2015. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in KMEP 15. The overall objective of KMEPs are to enhance amphibious operations between ROK and U.S. forces that contributes to security and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region. The ROK Marines are with 33rd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division, and the U.S. Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas Harding shows a Republic of Korea Marine his M27 infantry automatic rifle during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 in the vicinity of Pohang, South Korea, March 29, 2015. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in KMEP 15. The overall objective of KMEPs are to enhance amphibious operations between ROK and U.S. forces that contributes to security and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region. The ROK Marines are with 33rd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division, and the U.S. Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU.

A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine fast-ropes out of an MV-22B Osprey during an exercise on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard, at sea, Feb. 18, 2015. Each Marine had a chance to go down the rope multiple times. After fast-roping, the Marines practiced rappelling from the Osprey. The Marines are with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Osprey is from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262. The Marines are currently participating in the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepares to land on the flight deck of the Republic of Korea ship Dokdo (LPH 6111), at sea, March 26, 2015. This was the first time an Osprey has landed on a ROK amphibious assault ship. The aircraft is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines of the 31st MEU are embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and are currently participating in Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 during the MEU’s annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepares to land on the flight deck of the Republic of Korea ship Dokdo (LPH 6111), at sea, March 26, 2015. This was the first time an Osprey has landed on a ROK amphibious assault ship. The aircraft is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines of the 31st MEU are embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and are currently participating in Korean Marine Exchange Program 15 during the MEU’s annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies away from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), at sea, March 19, 2015. The Osprey is transporting Marines to execute a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU, and are currently on the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies away from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), at sea, March 19, 2015. The Osprey is transporting Marines to execute a vertical assault exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines are with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU, and are currently on the MEU’s annually-scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

A member of the Malaysian Armed Forces watches as an MV-22B Osprey loaded with U.S. Marines approaches a landing zone Feb. 27 during a theater security cooperation event. The Marines are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently conducting the annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - A member of the Malaysian Armed Forces watches as an MV-22B Osprey loaded with U.S. Marines approaches a landing zone Feb. 27 during a theater security cooperation event. The Marines are with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently conducting the annual Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines shoot their M16 rifles during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. Each Marine fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently underway as part of the regularly scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released) - U.S. Marines shoot their M16 rifles during a live-fire exercise Feb. 4 on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard. Each Marine fired 30 rounds during multiple drills. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and are currently underway as part of the regularly scheduled Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released). - A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released).

Marines evacuate a simulated casualty Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three situational training events that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF’s ability to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility. - Marines evacuate a simulated casualty Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three situational training events that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF’s ability to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility.

This photo illustration depicts Lance Cpl. Benjamin Ferry and his Grandfather, Richard T. Ferry, side-by-side while each was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Coincidentally, both Benjamin and Richard were assigned the same unit with more than 60 years’ difference in service time. Richard served with 3/5 during the Korean War, fighting in Inchon and at the Chosin Reservoir before being evacuated with two wounds suffered in combat. Benjamin is an automatic rifleman and is currently deployed aboard the USS Peleliu with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit - This photo illustration depicts Lance Cpl. Benjamin Ferry and his Grandfather, Richard T. Ferry, side-by-side while each was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Coincidentally, both Benjamin and Richard were assigned the same unit with more than 60 years’ difference in service time. Richard served with 3/5 during the Korean War, fighting in Inchon and at the Chosin Reservoir before being evacuated with two wounds suffered in combat. Benjamin is an automatic rifleman and is currently deployed aboard the USS Peleliu with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

U.S. Navy Lt. Yonatan Warren explains the history of the Bataan Death March at the memorial wall during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15, Oct. 8, 2014. More then 100 Marines visited the memorial over two days to learn more about the events of World War II that occurred in the Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces focused on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. Warren is the chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Navy Lt. Yonatan Warren explains the history of the Bataan Death March at the memorial wall during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15, Oct. 8, 2014. More then 100 Marines visited the memorial over two days to learn more about the events of World War II that occurred in the Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces focused on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. Warren is the chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.