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U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit from a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to Charlie Company, BLT 1/7, 31st MEU, during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded ACV that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca) - U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit from a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to Charlie Company, BLT 1/7, 31st MEU, during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded ACV that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35s with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to take off during a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) exercise that U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 (MWSS-174), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, are participating in during Force Design Integration Exercise (FDIE) at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Sept. 27, 2023. A FARP is used to extend the capabilities of rotary or fixed-wing aircraft to allow rearming and refueling without having to fall back to a forward operating base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Logan Beeney) - U.S. Marine Corps F-35s with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to take off during a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) exercise that U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 (MWSS-174), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, are participating in during Force Design Integration Exercise (FDIE) at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Sept. 27, 2023. A FARP is used to extend the capabilities of rotary or fixed-wing aircraft to allow rearming and refueling without having to fall back to a forward operating base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Logan Beeney)

Philippine Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade and U.S. Marines from across the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, share laughs positioning for a photo following the opening ceremony for Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, July 6, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. - Philippine Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade and U.S. Marines from across the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, share laughs positioning for a photo following the opening ceremony for Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, July 6, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, a surveillance sensor operator with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up software for a SIMRAD Halo-24 radar during Exercise Balikatan 23 in Antique, Philippines, April 14, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, a surveillance sensor operator with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up software for a SIMRAD Halo-24 radar during Exercise Balikatan 23 in Antique, Philippines, April 14, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

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.

SUMBERWARU, INDONESIA (Dec. 15, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Natividad, an automotive maintenance technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with an Indonesian Korps Marinir before an Engineering Civic Assistance Project during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training/ Marine Exercise, Dec. 15, 2022. CARAT/MAREX Indonesia is a bilateral exercise between Indonesia and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. In its 28th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ and marine corps abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. - SUMBERWARU, INDONESIA (Dec. 15, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Natividad, an automotive maintenance technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with an Indonesian Korps Marinir before an Engineering Civic Assistance Project during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training/ Marine Exercise, Dec. 15, 2022. CARAT/MAREX Indonesia is a bilateral exercise between Indonesia and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. In its 28th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ and marine corps abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy personnel with U.S. Navy Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor Course receive a capability brief on a Micro Tactical Ground Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot from a Marine with Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division on September 7-8, 2022, on Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. II MEF units gave AMW-WTI students capability briefs in order to familiarize them with the landward environment, planning considerations, and exposure to all the elements of the Fleet Marine Force. - U.S. Navy personnel with U.S. Navy Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor Course receive a capability brief on a Micro Tactical Ground Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot from a Marine with Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division on September 7-8, 2022, on Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. II MEF units gave AMW-WTI students capability briefs in order to familiarize them with the landward environment, planning considerations, and exposure to all the elements of the Fleet Marine Force.

Royal Thai Armed Forces SM1 Uthon Namsuwan, a Thailand Mine Action Center Explosive Ordnance Disposal student with Humanitarian Mine Action Unit 3, performs a render safe technique on an 81mm high explosive mortar during an HMA EOD Level 3 course at Ta Mor Roi Training area in Surin Province, Thailand, Jul. 29, 2022. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 3 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMAC’s mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Mine Action Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance. - Royal Thai Armed Forces SM1 Uthon Namsuwan, a Thailand Mine Action Center Explosive Ordnance Disposal student with Humanitarian Mine Action Unit 3, performs a render safe technique on an 81mm high explosive mortar during an HMA EOD Level 3 course at Ta Mor Roi Training area in Surin Province, Thailand, Jul. 29, 2022. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 3 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMAC’s mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Mine Action Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, members of the Australian Defence Force, and Indonesian forces fly in an MV-22 Osprey during Exercise Crocodile Response 22 in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia, May 17, 2022. Exercise Crocodile Response trains MRF-D, the ADF and Indonesian forces to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, members of the Australian Defence Force, and Indonesian forces fly in an MV-22 Osprey during Exercise Crocodile Response 22 in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia, May 17, 2022. Exercise Crocodile Response trains MRF-D, the ADF and Indonesian forces to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Noble, company commander, Communications Company, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, gives remarks during an activation ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 24, 2022. The Communications Company will serve as a critical enabler to the future 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, capable of integrating with the Joint Force, and will provide command and control capabilities to Marines distributed across wide areas of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melanye Martinez) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Noble, company commander, Communications Company, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, gives remarks during an activation ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 24, 2022. The Communications Company will serve as a critical enabler to the future 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, capable of integrating with the Joint Force, and will provide command and control capabilities to Marines distributed across wide areas of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melanye Martinez)

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.

Cpl. Clayton A. Phillips, a network administrator with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, tests the connectivity of Networking On-the-Move Airborne during flight operations from the amphibious assault ship, USS America. NOTM, a critical Force Design 2030 capability, is a mobile, satellite communication system that allows Marines to connect to networks and communicate while mobile or stationary on the battlefield. - Cpl. Clayton A. Phillips, a network administrator with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, tests the connectivity of Networking On-the-Move Airborne during flight operations from the amphibious assault ship, USS America. NOTM, a critical Force Design 2030 capability, is a mobile, satellite communication system that allows Marines to connect to networks and communicate while mobile or stationary on the battlefield.

Peruvian marines operate amphibious armored vehicles, from ship-to-shore during an amphibious landing as part of UNITAS LXII in Salinas, Peru, Oct. 2, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from twenty countries and includes 29 ships, four submarines, and twenty aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces. - Peruvian marines operate amphibious armored vehicles, from ship-to-shore during an amphibious landing as part of UNITAS LXII in Salinas, Peru, Oct. 2, 2021. UNITAS is the world's longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Peru, it brings together multinational forces from twenty countries and includes 29 ships, four submarines, and twenty aircraft conducting operations off the coast of Lima and in the jungles of Iquitos. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations and focuses on strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability and capability between participating naval and marine forces.

Brazilian Navy frigate Independencia executes a manuever on the port side of the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams during manuevering drills, Aug. 22, 2021. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. - Brazilian Navy frigate Independencia executes a manuever on the port side of the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams during manuevering drills, Aug. 22, 2021. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan Fico, a fire support Marine with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, assists in establishing an observation post during an exercise near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2021. The training allowed 15th Brigade forces to study tactical communication, maneuver and fires increasing interoperability between the two countries. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan Fico, a fire support Marine with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, assists in establishing an observation post during an exercise near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2021. The training allowed 15th Brigade forces to study tactical communication, maneuver and fires increasing interoperability between the two countries.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, participates in a dynamic display with 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment, 6th Light Armoured Brigade, on Military Camp of Canjuers, France, June 1, 2021. Donovan’s visit to France included engagements with key leaders to strengthen relationships with the French Armed Forces in order to refine interoperability for future cooperation. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, participates in a dynamic display with 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment, 6th Light Armoured Brigade, on Military Camp of Canjuers, France, June 1, 2021. Donovan’s visit to France included engagements with key leaders to strengthen relationships with the French Armed Forces in order to refine interoperability for future cooperation.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th MEU are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th MEU are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire a FIM-92 stinger missile from a Mark VI patrol boat during a live fire exercise in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 27, 2021. - Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire a FIM-92 stinger missile from a Mark VI patrol boat during a live fire exercise in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 27, 2021.

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Reserve Marines with 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, listen to classes on crowd control given by Slovenian and Serbian service members during exercise Platinum Wolf 2016 at Peacekeeping Training Operations Center South Base in Bujanovac, Serbia, May 12, 2016. Platinum Wolf brings together service members from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the United States to train in peacekeeping operations and non-lethal weapons capabilities. - Reserve Marines with 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, listen to classes on crowd control given by Slovenian and Serbian service members during exercise Platinum Wolf 2016 at Peacekeeping Training Operations Center South Base in Bujanovac, Serbia, May 12, 2016. Platinum Wolf brings together service members from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the United States to train in peacekeeping operations and non-lethal weapons capabilities.

A Norwegian recovery vehicle hooks up to a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle prior to the start of a live-fire range in Rena, Norway, as part of their pre-exercise training Feb. 17, 2016. The Marines and Norwegian Army are working together as part of Exercise Cold Response, a joint NATO and allied country exercise comprised of 12 countries and approximately 16,000 troops. The U.S. European Command appreciates the opportunity for taking part in such a large multinational exercise at the invitation of our Norwegian Allies; and we are especially thankful for the chance to put our skills to the test in unique cold weather conditions. - A Norwegian recovery vehicle hooks up to a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicle prior to the start of a live-fire range in Rena, Norway, as part of their pre-exercise training Feb. 17, 2016. The Marines and Norwegian Army are working together as part of Exercise Cold Response, a joint NATO and allied country exercise comprised of 12 countries and approximately 16,000 troops. The U.S. European Command appreciates the opportunity for taking part in such a large multinational exercise at the invitation of our Norwegian Allies; and we are especially thankful for the chance to put our skills to the test in unique cold weather conditions.

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An Assault Amphibious Vehicle rolls off the USNS Sergeant William R. Button, a prepositioning ship that transported more than 130 pieces of vehicles and cargo to Rota, Spain, for Marines to support Exercise Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21. The exercise is NATO’s largest since 2002 and will include more than 30 nations participating. - An Assault Amphibious Vehicle rolls off the USNS Sergeant William R. Button, a prepositioning ship that transported more than 130 pieces of vehicles and cargo to Rota, Spain, for Marines to support Exercise Trident Juncture 15, Oct. 21. The exercise is NATO’s largest since 2002 and will include more than 30 nations participating.

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military.

Marines with Co. C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and members of the Canadian Army Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment, conduct patrols at Evangola State Park, New York, during exercise Lake Effect, Sept. 12, 2015. The Canadians divided up among the Marine platoons to strengthen the interoperability amongst the services and learn new training techniques and tactics. - Marines with Co. C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and members of the Canadian Army Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment, conduct patrols at Evangola State Park, New York, during exercise Lake Effect, Sept. 12, 2015. The Canadians divided up among the Marine platoons to strengthen the interoperability amongst the services and learn new training techniques and tactics.

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 international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region. - An international Corps of Marines from Sweden, Finland, and the U.K. conduct amphibious assaults on a beachhead in Ravlunda, Sweden, for local media outlets during BALTOPS 2015, June 13. The amphibious forces are part of 17 NATO Allies and partner nations that are integrated in air, land, and sea operations to improve their combined-force capability to work together and to respond to threats in the Baltic region.

Approximately 65 Kosovo Security Force members and nine U.S. Marines discussed command-and-control, the combat operations center and company-level tactical planning at Camp Adem Jashari in Pristina, Kosovo, April 14-24, 2015. The workshops ended with applying the information gained into a practical application Command Post Exercise scenario. - Approximately 65 Kosovo Security Force members and nine U.S. Marines discussed command-and-control, the combat operations center and company-level tactical planning at Camp Adem Jashari in Pristina, Kosovo, April 14-24, 2015. The workshops ended with applying the information gained into a practical application Command Post Exercise scenario.

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)

U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. 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. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. 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. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, 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. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines lead a foot patrol Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, 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. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Yatsuka Ikeda, left, helps U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Timothy Babcock set up the American flag Dec. 1 before the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. and Japan to increase interoperability of our armed forces and maintain a strong partnership to protect Japan from external aggression. Ikeda is with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Babcock, from Port Austin, Michigan, is company first sergeant with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. 1st Class Yatsuka Ikeda, left, helps U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Timothy Babcock set up the American flag Dec. 1 before the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. and Japan to increase interoperability of our armed forces and maintain a strong partnership to protect Japan from external aggression. Ikeda is with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Babcock, from Port Austin, Michigan, is company first sergeant with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald works with a fellow Marine to don his ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training is part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jonas G. Dewald works with a fellow Marine to don his ghillie suit Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The concealment training is part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Dewald, from Wilson, North Carolina, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

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.

The Blue Angels fly over Marina Green, San Francisco, during the San Francisco Fleet Week 2014 Air Show, Oct. 11. In partnership with the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps is a force perfectly designed and suited for both crisis response and maritime security. No forces are more suitable to addressing emerging humanitarian assistance and disaster relief needs than naval amphibious forces. - The Blue Angels fly over Marina Green, San Francisco, during the San Francisco Fleet Week 2014 Air Show, Oct. 11. In partnership with the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps is a force perfectly designed and suited for both crisis response and maritime security. No forces are more suitable to addressing emerging humanitarian assistance and disaster relief needs than naval amphibious forces.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Howard Kreamer, right, talks with Philippine Marine Sgt. Maj. Jamie Ardiente in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Sept. 29 after the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities, including disaster relief and contingency operations. Kreamer is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 3rd MEB, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Ardiente is the 3rd Marine Brigade Sergeant Major, Armed Forces of the Philippines. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Howard Kreamer, right, talks with Philippine Marine Sgt. Maj. Jamie Ardiente in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Sept. 29 after the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities, including disaster relief and contingency operations. Kreamer is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 3rd MEB, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Ardiente is the 3rd Marine Brigade Sergeant Major, Armed Forces of the Philippines.