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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Rigby, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, looks out the back of an MV-22B Osprey during the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, Aug. 16, 2024. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Rigby, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, looks out the back of an MV-22B Osprey during the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, Aug. 16, 2024. MRF-D’s participation in the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast demonstrates the United States Marine Corps’ commitment to international partnerships and highlights the close military ties between the United States and Australia, fostering interoperability and cooperation between their armed forces. Rigby is a native of Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Earik Barton)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, refuels in flight during a Transpacific flight over Queensland, Australia, Sept. 13, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, refuels in flight during a Transpacific flight over Queensland, Australia, Sept. 13, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

U.S. Marines load lumber and cement into the back of a CH-53 in preparation to send it to Camp Paumalu Girl Scout camp where a joint-service effort is being made to renovate and improve the camp here May 18. - U.S. Marines load lumber and cement into the back of a CH-53 in preparation to send it to Camp Paumalu Girl Scout camp where a joint-service effort is being made to renovate and improve the camp here May 18.

U.S. Marines board an MV-22 Osprey during a crisis response exercise in Kuwait, Jan. 13. - U.S. Marines board an MV-22 Osprey during a crisis response exercise in Kuwait, Jan. 13.

U.S. Navy Sailors stand in front of a MV-22B Osprey in Kuwait, Aug. 5. - U.S. Navy Sailors stand in front of a MV-22B Osprey in Kuwait, Aug. 5.

U.S. Marines fire an M2 .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 26. - U.S. Marines fire an M2 .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 26.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade board an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, during a flyaway drill on the flight line of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 18, 2020. The MEB continues to conduct essential, realistic training while adhering to strict COVID-19 safety protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and are prepared to deploy in support of our allies and partners throughout the region. 3d MEB is structured to rapidly respond to crisis around the globe immediately, effectively, and efficiently, whether they are humanitarian or combat-related. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall) - U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade board an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, during a flyaway drill on the flight line of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 18, 2020. The MEB continues to conduct essential, realistic training while adhering to strict COVID-19 safety protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and are prepared to deploy in support of our allies and partners throughout the region. 3d MEB is structured to rapidly respond to crisis around the globe immediately, effectively, and efficiently, whether they are humanitarian or combat-related. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall)

MV-22 Ospreys and KC-130J Hercules are parked during Marine Rotational Force - Darwin trans-Pacific flight, Cassidy International Airport, Kiribati, Sep. 19, 2019. The flight was conducted to improve upon the Osprey trans-Pacific concept that has been developed and refined over the past three MRF-D iterations. - MV-22 Ospreys and KC-130J Hercules are parked during Marine Rotational Force - Darwin trans-Pacific flight, Cassidy International Airport, Kiribati, Sep. 19, 2019. The flight was conducted to improve upon the Osprey trans-Pacific concept that has been developed and refined over the past three MRF-D iterations.

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 CH-53E Sea Stallion prepares for take-off aboard USS Iwo Jima while conducting an air assault in Icelandic terrain Oct. 17, 2018. Iceland’s unique terrain and climate allows for Marines to be better prepared and rapidly deploy in support of NATO Allies and partners. - A CH-53E Sea Stallion prepares for take-off aboard USS Iwo Jima while conducting an air assault in Icelandic terrain Oct. 17, 2018. Iceland’s unique terrain and climate allows for Marines to be better prepared and rapidly deploy in support of NATO Allies and partners.

Sgt. Andrew Sturgress, a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks past Mr. Norio Tomonaga, the Mayor of Sasebo, and the Assemblymen of Defense for Sasebo City during take-off preparation from Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 18, 2016. The aircraft flew from the island of Okinawa, conducted simulated humanitarian aid with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at multiple locations and was refueled by JMSDF personnel before returning to Okinawa. - Sgt. Andrew Sturgress, a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks past Mr. Norio Tomonaga, the Mayor of Sasebo, and the Assemblymen of Defense for Sasebo City during take-off preparation from Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 18, 2016. The aircraft flew from the island of Okinawa, conducted simulated humanitarian aid with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at multiple locations and was refueled by JMSDF personnel before returning to Okinawa.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft. - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 “Purple Foxes” lands during section and division confined area landings at Holtville Airfield, Calif., May 20. The training was conducted to familiarize both pilots and crew chiefs with landing in a small area around other aircraft.

Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 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 (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 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 Maritime Self-Defense Force officers watch as a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), refuels aboard the JS Hyuga (DDH 181), at sea, April 22, 2016. The Osprey received supplies from the Hyuga 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 Maritime Self-Defense Force officers watch as a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), refuels aboard the JS Hyuga (DDH 181), at sea, April 22, 2016. The Osprey received supplies from the Hyuga 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.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. - Japanese media interview Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following yesterday’s devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 17, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts.

Lance Cpl. Tevin Brown, an automatic rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, charges toward an objective during a platoon attack training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 12, 2016. The training event afforded the Marines an opportunity to develop and improve their strategies under stressful combat situations. - Lance Cpl. Tevin Brown, an automatic rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, charges toward an objective during a platoon attack training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 12, 2016. The training event afforded the Marines an opportunity to develop and improve their strategies under stressful combat situations.

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An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation. - An MV-22B Osprey, operated by a crew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, carries cargo during a night time external lifts operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 14, 2015. Marines with 2nd TSB supported the exercise to facilitate the required flight hours for student pilots, and practice their own skills as a helicopter support team securing transportation of resources for Marines that would need it in a real-world operation.

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.

Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia. - Marine Corps Capt. Paul Keller, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, assesses the firmness of the expeditionary safety equipment that he flawlessly landed an MV-22 Osprey on after the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, Oct. 9, 2015 in Southwest Asia.

An MV-22B Osprey practiced landing on the Spanish amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L-61) during deck landing qualifications, Sept. 9 near the coast of Spain. The DLQs are part of the Allied Maritime Basing Initiative, which seeks to provide the U.S. and allies with a year-round maritime-based crisis response force in the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of Guinea by leveraging the significant amphibious capabilities already residing in Europe. - An MV-22B Osprey practiced landing on the Spanish amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L-61) during deck landing qualifications, Sept. 9 near the coast of Spain. The DLQs are part of the Allied Maritime Basing Initiative, which seeks to provide the U.S. and allies with a year-round maritime-based crisis response force in the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of Guinea by leveraging the significant amphibious capabilities already residing in Europe.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 prepares to land onto the Karel Doorman, a Dutch warship, during an interoperability test near Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 12, 2015. The unit worked jointly with the Royal Netherlands Navy to perform the first MV-22 Osprey carrier landing aboard a Dutch warship and strengthened the existing partnership between the two countries. - An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 prepares to land onto the Karel Doorman, a Dutch warship, during an interoperability test near Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 12, 2015. The unit worked jointly with the Royal Netherlands Navy to perform the first MV-22 Osprey carrier landing aboard a Dutch warship and strengthened the existing partnership between the two countries.

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.

An MV-22B Osprey takes off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, as Operation Sahayogi Haat draws to a close May 21. The Osprey is bringing U.S. Marines back to Okinawa, Japan. The U.S. military came together as Joint Task Force 505 in response to a 7.8 magnitude earthquake April 25. - An MV-22B Osprey takes off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, as Operation Sahayogi Haat draws to a close May 21. The Osprey is bringing U.S. Marines back to Okinawa, Japan. The U.S. military came together as Joint Task Force 505 in response to a 7.8 magnitude earthquake April 25.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Victor CastilloGarcia, left, a field radio operator from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, provides security for an MV-22B Osprey at a landing zone in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, May 4, 2015. The Marines landed at the site to conduct range operations with the Spanish Marines, who used the Osprey as part of their battalion’s training exercise. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Victor CastilloGarcia, left, a field radio operator from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, provides security for an MV-22B Osprey at a landing zone in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, May 4, 2015. The Marines landed at the site to conduct range operations with the Spanish Marines, who used the Osprey as part of their battalion’s training exercise.

Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command. - Lt. Col. Jason Holden, right, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, and a Woodbridge, Virginia native, shakes the hand of Cpl. Andrew Sturgess, his crew chief and a Sidney, Indiana, native, after a successful training flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 10. This training operation marks the last time the commanding officer of VMM-163 will participate in a squadron-sized event before relinquishing command.

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.

U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa board an MV-22 Osprey during an alert force drill on Moron Air Base, Spain, March 13, 2015. The alert force tested its capabilities by simulating the procedures of reacting to a real-time crisis response mission by flying to Sigonella, Italy on a moment's notice. - U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa board an MV-22 Osprey during an alert force drill on Moron Air Base, Spain, March 13, 2015. The alert force tested its capabilities by simulating the procedures of reacting to a real-time crisis response mission by flying to Sigonella, Italy on a moment's notice.

A Marine uses his newly learned helicopter rope suspension techniques while fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey during a Fast Rope Operator Course training exercise at Stone Bay aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5, 2015. Helicopters cannot always land in a landing zone and the squad must fast rope into an LZ in order to conduct operations in the area. The Fast-Rope Operators Course is a one week course that teaches Marines these needed techniques. - A Marine uses his newly learned helicopter rope suspension techniques while fast roping out of an MV-22B Osprey during a Fast Rope Operator Course training exercise at Stone Bay aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 5, 2015. Helicopters cannot always land in a landing zone and the squad must fast rope into an LZ in order to conduct operations in the area. The Fast-Rope Operators Course is a one week course that teaches Marines these needed techniques.

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).

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

Three MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 landed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 6, 2014, to refuel and begin planning for support of Exercise Forest Light in Kumamoto Prefecture. Forest Light is a routine, semiannual training exercise that enhances the readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and is in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. - Three MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 landed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 6, 2014, to refuel and begin planning for support of Exercise Forest Light in Kumamoto Prefecture. Forest Light is a routine, semiannual training exercise that enhances the readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and is in accordance with the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Cpl. Caleb Owens, from Melbourne, Iowa, prepares to fast-rope out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with his military working dog, Dixie, Oct. 27 at Camp Hansen. After familiarizing themselves with fast-roping techniques by executing them with no gear, the Marines worked their way up to wearing full gear and then with their military working dogs as well. Owens is a military policeman, and a working dog handler. He and Dixie are with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

A Japanese volunteer from the Oshima Fire Department and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert C. Austin quickly offload humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies from an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Nov. 8 during Tomodachi relief exercise 15.2 near Izu Oshima Island, Tokyo Metropolis Prefecture, Japan. TREX 15.2 is an annual, bilateral training exercise that simulates humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Japan while strengthening U.S. and Japanese alliance. During the offload, approximately 600 pounds of food, water, blankets, and medical supplies were transported from the Osprey to a waiting truck in less than eight minutes. Austin, from Grand Ledge, Michigan, is an Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A Japanese volunteer from the Oshima Fire Department and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert C. Austin quickly offload humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies from an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Nov. 8 during Tomodachi relief exercise 15.2 near Izu Oshima Island, Tokyo Metropolis Prefecture, Japan. TREX 15.2 is an annual, bilateral training exercise that simulates humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Japan while strengthening U.S. and Japanese alliance. During the offload, approximately 600 pounds of food, water, blankets, and medical supplies were transported from the Osprey to a waiting truck in less than eight minutes. Austin, from Grand Ledge, Michigan, is an Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.