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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Favio Cuero, a Middletown, New York, native and an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Division, conducts reconnaissance during a scout course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 19, 2023. The purpose of the scout course is to enhance lethality and increase long range weapon proficiency. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Favio Cuero, a Middletown, New York, native and an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Division, conducts reconnaissance during a scout course on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 19, 2023. The purpose of the scout course is to enhance lethality and increase long range weapon proficiency.

U.S. Marines pose for a photo with the 2023 Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition East pistol match trophy at the Base Theater on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 17, 2023. The winners of this year’s pistol match were Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company Team 1. - U.S. Marines pose for a photo with the 2023 Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition East pistol match trophy at the Base Theater on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 17, 2023. The winners of this year’s pistol match were Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company Team 1.

Marine Maj. Gen. Ryan P. Heritage, Commander of Marine Forces Cyber, speaks at the uncasing of the flag of the Marine Corps Information Command, in a ceremony held at Ft. George G. Meade on 13 January, 2023. The MCIC is comprised of a Headquarters, the Marine Cryptologic Office, and two Major Subordinate Commands; the Marine Corps Information Operations Center and Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion. - Marine Maj. Gen. Ryan P. Heritage, Commander of Marine Forces Cyber, speaks at the uncasing of the flag of the Marine Corps Information Command, in a ceremony held at Ft. George G. Meade on 13 January, 2023. The MCIC is comprised of a Headquarters, the Marine Cryptologic Office, and two Major Subordinate Commands; the Marine Corps Information Operations Center and Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr and Sgt. Maj. Rodney E. Nevinger, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer and sergeant major, unveil the 3d MLR unit colors during the redesignation ceremony of 3d Marines to 3d MLR aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 3, 2022. The 3d MLR will serve as a key enabler for joint, allied, and partnered forces, will integrate with naval forces, and will enable multi-domain maneuver and fires within contested spaces. The transition of 3d Marines to 3d MLR is in accordance with Force Design 2030 and one of the first major steps to facilitating a shift as the Marine Corps divests in legacy capabilities and builds a force that is optimized for operations envisioned within the Commandant’s Planning Guidance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr and Sgt. Maj. Rodney E. Nevinger, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer and sergeant major, unveil the 3d MLR unit colors during the redesignation ceremony of 3d Marines to 3d MLR aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 3, 2022. The 3d MLR will serve as a key enabler for joint, allied, and partnered forces, will integrate with naval forces, and will enable multi-domain maneuver and fires within contested spaces. The transition of 3d Marines to 3d MLR is in accordance with Force Design 2030 and one of the first major steps to facilitating a shift as the Marine Corps divests in legacy capabilities and builds a force that is optimized for operations envisioned within the Commandant’s Planning Guidance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

U.S. Marines and Naval personnel with Special Reaction Team, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for a photo during multiple weapons sustainment training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. The members of SRT are attached to the Provost Marshal’s Office and are specifically trained and equipped to react in scenarios like an active shooter, hostage situations, and barricaded subjects. - U.S. Marines and Naval personnel with Special Reaction Team, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for a photo during multiple weapons sustainment training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. The members of SRT are attached to the Provost Marshal’s Office and are specifically trained and equipped to react in scenarios like an active shooter, hostage situations, and barricaded subjects.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Sarah Murphy, a MAGTF planner assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group, participates in the Basic Analytic Wargaming Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 22, 2022. The BAWC is a 5-day course that provides students a hands-on experience with designing, developing, executing, and analyzing wargames. Wargames are a form of strategy game and essential to applying Marine Corps concepts of the 21st century, replicating or creating military scenarios that assists military personnel to train the mind in the art of strategic thinking. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Sarah Murphy, a MAGTF planner assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group, participates in the Basic Analytic Wargaming Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 22, 2022. The BAWC is a 5-day course that provides students a hands-on experience with designing, developing, executing, and analyzing wargames. Wargames are a form of strategy game and essential to applying Marine Corps concepts of the 21st century, replicating or creating military scenarios that assists military personnel to train the mind in the art of strategic thinking.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brian Gutierrez, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy. - Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brian Gutierrez, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, conducts a contact patrol with other Corpsmen and Marines on July 22, 2022, during training on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 is holding annual training at Fort McCoy.

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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.

An F-35B Lightning II from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 gets refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron in support of Exercise Noble Fusion over the Pacific Ocean Feb. 4, 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, joint forces 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 in the Indo-Pacific throughout the year to maintain readiness. - An F-35B Lightning II from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 gets refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron in support of Exercise Noble Fusion over the Pacific Ocean Feb. 4, 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, joint forces 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 in the Indo-Pacific throughout the year to maintain readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, and Japan Self-Defense Force LTG Ryoji Takemoto, the Western Army Commanding General, collaboratively lead a virtual bilateral operations confirmation brief during exercise Keen Edge 22, Feb. 2, 2022. Keen Edge 22 was a bilateral command post exercise conducted Jan. 27 through Feb. 3, 2022. The exercise is an annual event that improves interagency coordination, combat readiness and interoperability of all participants. This U.S.-Japan exercise series alternates between field training exercises (i.e., Keen Sword) and command post exercises (i.e., Keen Edge). - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, and Japan Self-Defense Force LTG Ryoji Takemoto, the Western Army Commanding General, collaboratively lead a virtual bilateral operations confirmation brief during exercise Keen Edge 22, Feb. 2, 2022. Keen Edge 22 was a bilateral command post exercise conducted Jan. 27 through Feb. 3, 2022. The exercise is an annual event that improves interagency coordination, combat readiness and interoperability of all participants. This U.S.-Japan exercise series alternates between field training exercises (i.e., Keen Sword) and command post exercises (i.e., Keen Edge).

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F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, arrive aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as they prepare to deploy alongside the Navy as an integrated part of Carrier Strike Group 3. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, led by Carrier Strike Group 3, deployed from San Diego, Jan. 3, in support of global maritime security operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations-from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. - F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, arrive aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as they prepare to deploy alongside the Navy as an integrated part of Carrier Strike Group 3. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, led by Carrier Strike Group 3, deployed from San Diego, Jan. 3, in support of global maritime security operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations-from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

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

Staff Sgt. Seth Barnes, an explosive ordnance disposal technician from Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization Platoon, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, releases the Remotely Operated Vehicle into the water during a demonstration in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 6, 2021. The ROV asset aids the Marine Corps in naval force integration by giving Marines the capabilities to work alongside Navy EOD. - Staff Sgt. Seth Barnes, an explosive ordnance disposal technician from Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization Platoon, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, releases the Remotely Operated Vehicle into the water during a demonstration in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 6, 2021. The ROV asset aids the Marine Corps in naval force integration by giving Marines the capabilities to work alongside Navy EOD.

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.

U.S. Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines conduct a fire mission during Exercise Noble Jaguar 2021 within the Central Training Area on Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 30, 2021. The Marine Corps and Navy leveraged integrated command and control and joint sensors to expand battlefield awareness, share targeting data, and conduct long-range precision strikes in support of sea control and sea denial in contested maritime environments. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as a part of an integrated operation with 7th Fleet to maintain readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to preserve regional security. - U.S. Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines conduct a fire mission during Exercise Noble Jaguar 2021 within the Central Training Area on Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 30, 2021. The Marine Corps and Navy leveraged integrated command and control and joint sensors to expand battlefield awareness, share targeting data, and conduct long-range precision strikes in support of sea control and sea denial in contested maritime environments. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as a part of an integrated operation with 7th Fleet to maintain readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to preserve regional security.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Hermann, a native of San Antonio, Texas, a joint tactical air controller with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, participates in a night mission during Exercise Caribbean Coastal Warrior on Savaneta Kamp, Aruba, June 27, 2021. The exercise allows 2nd Recon to expand its knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions while increasing global interoperability with 32nd Raiding Squadron, Netherlands Marine Corps. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Hermann, a native of San Antonio, Texas, a joint tactical air controller with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, participates in a night mission during Exercise Caribbean Coastal Warrior on Savaneta Kamp, Aruba, June 27, 2021. The exercise allows 2nd Recon to expand its knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions while increasing global interoperability with 32nd Raiding Squadron, Netherlands Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Martin, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during exercise Hagåtña Fury 21 on Ukibaru, Japan, Feb. 17, 2021. The exercise demonstrated that Marines are capable of seizing, defending, and providing expeditionary sustainment for key maritime terrain in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as a part of the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Martin, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during exercise Hagåtña Fury 21 on Ukibaru, Japan, Feb. 17, 2021. The exercise demonstrated that Marines are capable of seizing, defending, and providing expeditionary sustainment for key maritime terrain in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as a part of the unit deployment program.

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A U.S. Marine combat instructor with Alpha Company, Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry - West, fires an M72 light anti-tank weapon during fire and maneuver drills as part of the seventh week of the Infantry Marine Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 11, 2021. IMC is a 14-week pilot course designed to create better trained and more lethal entry-level infantry Marines prepared for near-peer conflicts. The course uses a redesigned learning model for students intended to develop their capabilities for independent and adaptive thought and action. The program of instruction for IMC has been in development for a year and follows guidance from the 2019 Commandant's Planning Guidance and Force Design 2030. - A U.S. Marine combat instructor with Alpha Company, Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry - West, fires an M72 light anti-tank weapon during fire and maneuver drills as part of the seventh week of the Infantry Marine Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 11, 2021. IMC is a 14-week pilot course designed to create better trained and more lethal entry-level infantry Marines prepared for near-peer conflicts. The course uses a redesigned learning model for students intended to develop their capabilities for independent and adaptive thought and action. The program of instruction for IMC has been in development for a year and follows guidance from the 2019 Commandant's Planning Guidance and Force Design 2030.

U.S. Marines and sailors observe as Marines assigned to Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, maneuver an amphibious combat vehicle onto the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) as part of the vehicle’s developmental testing off the shore of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 28, 2020. The Marines of AVTB are currently testing the Marine Corps’ newest amphibious vehicle, which will replace the current amphibious assault vehicle. The testing consisted of entering and departing a naval vessel to assess and verify how well the ACV can integrate with naval shipping. This was the first time Marines have operated the new vehicle while boarding and departing a ship. - U.S. Marines and sailors observe as Marines assigned to Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, maneuver an amphibious combat vehicle onto the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) as part of the vehicle’s developmental testing off the shore of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 28, 2020. The Marines of AVTB are currently testing the Marine Corps’ newest amphibious vehicle, which will replace the current amphibious assault vehicle. The testing consisted of entering and departing a naval vessel to assess and verify how well the ACV can integrate with naval shipping. This was the first time Marines have operated the new vehicle while boarding and departing a ship.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Elias Munoz, a launcher chief with Bravo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System for a simulated long-range strike mission at San Clemente Island, Calif., May 20, 2021. The Battery went ashore in support of an expeditionary advanced basing exercise, targeting simulated enemy on the island, and enemy vessels nearby. The Marines and Sailors of the 11th MEU and Essex Amphibious Ready Group are conducting routine training off the coast of southern California. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Elias Munoz, a launcher chief with Bravo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System for a simulated long-range strike mission at San Clemente Island, Calif., May 20, 2021. The Battery went ashore in support of an expeditionary advanced basing exercise, targeting simulated enemy on the island, and enemy vessels nearby. The Marines and Sailors of the 11th MEU and Essex Amphibious Ready Group are conducting routine training off the coast of southern California.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, unload a joint light tactical vehicle from a U.S. Army logistics support vessel attached to 8th Special Troops Battalion, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, during the Spartan Fury 21.1 training exercise, March 3, 2021, Major's Bay, Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii. Exercise Spartan Fury demonstrates 1/12's ability to conduct distributed operations inside an adversary's sensors and weapons engagement zone, attain and defend key maritime terrain, and conduct sea denial in support of fleet operations. - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, unload a joint light tactical vehicle from a U.S. Army logistics support vessel attached to 8th Special Troops Battalion, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, during the Spartan Fury 21.1 training exercise, March 3, 2021, Major's Bay, Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii. Exercise Spartan Fury demonstrates 1/12's ability to conduct distributed operations inside an adversary's sensors and weapons engagement zone, attain and defend key maritime terrain, and conduct sea denial in support of fleet operations.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provide security during exercise Hagåtña Fury 21 on Ukibaru, Japan, Feb. 18, 2021. The exercise demonstrated that Marines are capable of seizing, defending, and providing expeditionary sustainment for key maritime terrain in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as a part of the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provide security during exercise Hagåtña Fury 21 on Ukibaru, Japan, Feb. 18, 2021. The exercise demonstrated that Marines are capable of seizing, defending, and providing expeditionary sustainment for key maritime terrain in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as a part of the unit deployment program.

General Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, passes the Marine Corps Battle Color to Gen. David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps during a passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 11, 2019. General Neller relieved his duties as commandant of the Marine Corps to Gen. Berger. - General Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, passes the Marine Corps Battle Color to Gen. David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps during a passage of command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 11, 2019. General Neller relieved his duties as commandant of the Marine Corps to Gen. Berger.

Australian Army soldiers carry their gear off a landing zone during exercise Crocodile Response at Point Fawcett, NT, Australia, May 24, 2021. Exercise Crocodile Response tested the ability of MRF-D and the Australian Defence Force to provide disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords a combined training opportunity with Australia and improves cooperation and integration between the two country’s forces. - Australian Army soldiers carry their gear off a landing zone during exercise Crocodile Response at Point Fawcett, NT, Australia, May 24, 2021. Exercise Crocodile Response tested the ability of MRF-D and the Australian Defence Force to provide disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords a combined training opportunity with Australia and improves cooperation and integration between the two country’s forces.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) after executing an amphibious raid rehearsal in the Philippine Sea, June 17, 2021. Marines with the 31st MEU conduct amphibious raid rehearsals in order to test maritime readiness, refine standard operating procedures, and sustain proficiency in small boat handling fundamentals. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 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 Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) after executing an amphibious raid rehearsal in the Philippine Sea, June 17, 2021. Marines with the 31st MEU conduct amphibious raid rehearsals in order to test maritime readiness, refine standard operating procedures, and sustain proficiency in small boat handling fundamentals. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 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.

Sgt. Sebastien Auguste, an instructor for the Advanced Infantry Course at the School of Infantry-East, tests the M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System to engage targets during a live-fire training on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 6, 2021. In May, Marine Corps Systems Command began fielding the MAAWS, a recoilless rocket system designed to destroy armored vehicles, structures and fortifications. - Sgt. Sebastien Auguste, an instructor for the Advanced Infantry Course at the School of Infantry-East, tests the M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System to engage targets during a live-fire training on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 6, 2021. In May, Marine Corps Systems Command began fielding the MAAWS, a recoilless rocket system designed to destroy armored vehicles, structures and fortifications.

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

A Marine Raider prepares to complete a raid during a RAVEN unit readiness exercise in Nashville, Tenn., Apr. 30, 2021. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a Marine Forces Special Operations Command deployment. - A Marine Raider prepares to complete a raid during a RAVEN unit readiness exercise in Nashville, Tenn., Apr. 30, 2021. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a Marine Forces Special Operations Command deployment.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Division provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 3-21 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 7, 2021. MWX is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment. - A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Division provides suppressive fire during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 3-21 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 7, 2021. MWX is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Calvin Gravette III, a bulk fuel specialist with Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, instructs Marines on the Expeditionary Mobile Fuel Additization on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2021. Gravette is a graduate from the EMFAC New Equipment Training, and is the lead EMFAC training instructor for III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Calvin Gravette III, a bulk fuel specialist with Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, instructs Marines on the Expeditionary Mobile Fuel Additization on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2021. Gravette is a graduate from the EMFAC New Equipment Training, and is the lead EMFAC training instructor for III Marine Expeditionary Force. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 2 monitor simulated aircraft communications during exercise MISTEX-20 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 28, 2020. During the exercise, Marines practiced setting up communication between squadrons in Marine Air Control Group 28 while also exercising aircraft control skills necessary for successful combat flights in an expeditionary setting. - U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 2 monitor simulated aircraft communications during exercise MISTEX-20 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 28, 2020. During the exercise, Marines practiced setting up communication between squadrons in Marine Air Control Group 28 while also exercising aircraft control skills necessary for successful combat flights in an expeditionary setting.

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

The Marine Corps’ first MQ-9A at an undisclosed location in the Central Command area of responsibility. The MQ-9A completed 10,000 flight hours in support of Marine Corps Forces, Central Command operations on March 31, 2021. - The Marine Corps’ first MQ-9A at an undisclosed location in the Central Command area of responsibility. The MQ-9A completed 10,000 flight hours in support of Marine Corps Forces, Central Command operations on March 31, 2021.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a U.S. Air Forces Central Agile Combat Employment event, March 1, 2021. AFCENT’s ACE capstone event enhances theater airpower competencies, validating operational capabilities and command and control while simultaneously strengthening regional partnerships. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a U.S. Air Forces Central Agile Combat Employment event, March 1, 2021. AFCENT’s ACE capstone event enhances theater airpower competencies, validating operational capabilities and command and control while simultaneously strengthening regional partnerships. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

U.S. Marines with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, advance during a force on force exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 4, 2021. The Marines from both platoons in Echo Battery competed against each other to enhance their capabilities as provisional infantry. 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. - U.S. Marines with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, advance during a force on force exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 4, 2021. The Marines from both platoons in Echo Battery competed against each other to enhance their capabilities as provisional infantry. 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.

A U.S. Navy sailor demonstrates the Squad Common Optic attached to the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 10. - A U.S. Navy sailor demonstrates the Squad Common Optic attached to the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 10.

A Hospital Corpsman documents a patient's vitals during Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Nov. 14. - A Hospital Corpsman documents a patient's vitals during Valkyrie emergency fresh whole blood transfusion training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Nov. 14.

A U.S. Marine gives a brief prior to beginning the Amphibious Combat Endurance Test on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Jan. 15. - A U.S. Marine gives a brief prior to beginning the Amphibious Combat Endurance Test on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Jan. 15.

A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21. - A U.S. Marine stands in front of the new F-35 flight simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Jan. 21.

A U.S. Navy corpsman administers a U.S. Marine with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15. - A U.S. Navy corpsman administers a U.S. Marine with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 15.

U.S. Marines unload gear from the Spearhead-class USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va, Dec. 28. - U.S. Marines unload gear from the Spearhead-class USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va, Dec. 28.

Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity established the Marine Corps’ first-ever Adversarial Cyber Assessment "Blue Team", Nov. 10. - Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity established the Marine Corps’ first-ever Adversarial Cyber Assessment "Blue Team", Nov. 10.

A Navy seaman wearing personal protective equipment stands on the driver's side of a vehicle and talks to a service member who is sitting in his vehicle. - Navy Seaman Christian Monieno, assigned to the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, N.C., prepares to conduct a COVID-19 screening on Marine Corps Cpl. Menelik Collins, a combat photographer assigned to the Communication Strategy and Operations Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, at the new Combined Respiratory Aid Station, Jan. 8, 2021.

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

A U.S. Marine providing security on a company attack range in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 21. - A U.S. Marine providing security on a company attack range in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 21.

U.S. Marines and troops from the 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are briefed on upcoming integrated defensive tactics training during exercise Forest Light 21 in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 10. - U.S. Marines and troops from the 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are briefed on upcoming integrated defensive tactics training during exercise Forest Light 21 in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 10.

U.S. Marines set up their mortar to take communist positions under fire near Chosin Reservoir. - U.S. Marines set up their mortar to take communist positions under fire near Chosin Reservoir.