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Guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), and Kuwait Navy patrol boats KNS Istiqlal (P5702) and KNS Al-Garoh (P3725), operate in formation during Eager Defender 21 in the Arabian Gulf, June 8. Eager Defender 21 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dean M. Cates) - Guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), patrol coastal ship USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326), and Kuwait Navy patrol boats KNS Istiqlal (P5702) and KNS Al-Garoh (P3725), operate in formation during Eager Defender 21 in the Arabian Gulf, June 8. Eager Defender 21 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dean M. Cates)

An Indonesian marine with 7th Infantry Battalion, 4th Marine Brigade, simulates a call for fire during Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 23 at 7th Infantry Battalion Base, Lampung, Indonesia, Nov. 23, 2022. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Indonesian National Military between the Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia and U.S. Marine Corps focused on promoting military interoperability, maritime domain awareness, strengthening relationships, and expanding capabilities among participating forces. Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia is an operational model developed by Marine Corps Forces Pacific that postures scalable I Marine Expeditionary Forces west of the International Date Line, conducts a series of planned subject matter expert exchanges and enablers, and advances security objectives shared with our Allies and Partners. - An Indonesian marine with 7th Infantry Battalion, 4th Marine Brigade, simulates a call for fire during Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 23 at 7th Infantry Battalion Base, Lampung, Indonesia, Nov. 23, 2022. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Indonesian National Military between the Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia and U.S. Marine Corps focused on promoting military interoperability, maritime domain awareness, strengthening relationships, and expanding capabilities among participating forces. Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia is an operational model developed by Marine Corps Forces Pacific that postures scalable I Marine Expeditionary Forces west of the International Date Line, conducts a series of planned subject matter expert exchanges and enablers, and advances security objectives shared with our Allies and Partners.

A Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle operator with the Program Executive Officer Land Systems’ Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault New Equipment Training Team reviews the Assault Amphibian Community Website while inspecting a vehicle at Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 14, 2023. - A Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle operator with the Program Executive Officer Land Systems’ Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault New Equipment Training Team reviews the Assault Amphibian Community Website while inspecting a vehicle at Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 14, 2023. To provide an easily accessible, centralized knowledge hub for the Corps’ amphibious vehicle community, PEO Land Systems’ PM AAA and Marine Corps Systems Command’s Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity recently partnered to launch the game-changing new site. (Marine Corps photo by Mark Hoots.)

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Randall W. Peck, right, the prospective commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, visit 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st MARDIV, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 9, 2023. The Marines and Sailors of ESG 3 and 1st MARDIV work together on a regular basis, and leaders from both commands met to further develop the Navy-Marine Corps relationship between the two units for future operations. - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Randall W. Peck, right, the prospective commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, visit 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st MARDIV, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 9, 2023. The Marines and Sailors of ESG 3 and 1st MARDIV work together on a regular basis, and leaders from both commands met to further develop the Navy-Marine Corps relationship between the two units for future operations.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Austin Grimes, a chaplain with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads a chapel service aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Jan. 22. The 13th MEU is embarked on the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of the Makin Island and amphibious transport dock ships USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Austin Grimes, a chaplain with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads a chapel service aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Jan. 22. The 13th MEU is embarked on the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of the Makin Island and amphibious transport dock ships USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion is marshaled into the USS Arlington carrying tactical vehicles during Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission rehearsals at Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia, July 21, 2021. Marines and Sailors with the II Marine Expeditionary Force Maritime DSCA Task Force, commanded by Combat Logistics Battalion 22, and Sailors aboard the USS Arlington conducted a destructive weather mission rehearsal loading exercise to prepare and rehearse for a future DSCA mission during the 2021 hurricane season. - A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion is marshaled into the USS Arlington carrying tactical vehicles during Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission rehearsals at Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia, July 21, 2021. Marines and Sailors with the II Marine Expeditionary Force Maritime DSCA Task Force, commanded by Combat Logistics Battalion 22, and Sailors aboard the USS Arlington conducted a destructive weather mission rehearsal loading exercise to prepare and rehearse for a future DSCA mission during the 2021 hurricane season.

U.S Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, run aboard a Navy improved navy lighterage system during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, Virginia, June 17, 2019. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario. - U.S Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, run aboard a Navy improved navy lighterage system during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, Virginia, June 17, 2019. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, ground guide vehicles down a trident pier during the off load of the USNS Watkins (T-AKR-315) during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, V.A., June 18, 2019. U.S. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with the U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins) - U.S. Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, ground guide vehicles down a trident pier during the off load of the USNS Watkins (T-AKR-315) during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, V.A., June 18, 2019. U.S. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with the U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins)

The amphibious tip of the spear - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Carstensen, (center), instructor with amphibious assault vehicle instructor, Amphibian Crewman Course (AAC), Assault Amphibian School (AAS) Battalion, Training Command, observes Pfc. Watson Bryant, (left), and Pfc. Tristan Campbell, (right), students with AAS Bn., Training Command as they maneuver an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) P7/A1 during ground guidance drills at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 28, 2019. The drills were conducted to evaluate the students on ground guidance procedures and techniques when guiding an AAV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan Bustos)

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jordan Becker, left, a cyber network specialist with Joint Task Force Matthew, offloads a generator from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with the help of the Brazilian service members at Jeremie, Haiti, Oct. 15, 2016. After eight days of supply drop operations JTF Matthew has delivered over 478,000 pounds of supplies utilizing various military aircraft. JTF Matthew, a U.S. Southern Command-directed team comprised of Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen, is providing critical airlift capabilities during the initial stages of the U.S. Agency for International Development's disaster relief operations in Haiti while the international response builds. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Jordan Becker, left, a cyber network specialist with Joint Task Force Matthew, offloads a generator from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with the help of the Brazilian service members at Jeremie, Haiti, Oct. 15, 2016. After eight days of supply drop operations JTF Matthew has delivered over 478,000 pounds of supplies utilizing various military aircraft. JTF Matthew, a U.S. Southern Command-directed team comprised of Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen, is providing critical airlift capabilities during the initial stages of the U.S. Agency for International Development's disaster relief operations in Haiti while the international response builds.

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U.S. Marines with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, depart the USS Rushmore to conduct an amphibious assault on Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, California, during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. DB17 is a scenario-driven amphibious exercise conducted between Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, testing their ability to conduct amphibious operations in response to global crises and to project power ashore as part of a Navy-Marine Corps team. - U.S. Marines with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, depart the USS Rushmore to conduct an amphibious assault on Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, California, during Exercise Dawn Blitz, Oct. 27, 2017. DB17 is a scenario-driven amphibious exercise conducted between Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, testing their ability to conduct amphibious operations in response to global crises and to project power ashore as part of a Navy-Marine Corps team.

A Marine prepares for a 600 meter conditioning swim during Water Survival-Advanced training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 4, 2017. WSA is a week-long course that tests Marines on rescues, strokes and distance swimming. The Marine is a student in the course, which is run by 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion. - A Marine prepares for a 600 meter conditioning swim during Water Survival-Advanced training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 4, 2017. WSA is a week-long course that tests Marines on rescues, strokes and distance swimming. The Marine is a student in the course, which is run by 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion.

An amphibious assault vehicle crewman with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, loads simulation rounds into a mounted MK-19 40mm grenade launcher during a live-fire gunnery range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2016. Marines with the battalion spent the day refining their marksmanship skill as individuals and their ability to work as a crew. - An amphibious assault vehicle crewman with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, loads simulation rounds into a mounted MK-19 40mm grenade launcher during a live-fire gunnery range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2016. Marines with the battalion spent the day refining their marksmanship skill as individuals and their ability to work as a crew.

Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Fleet, Vice Admiral Panu Punyavirocha, left, speaks with Commandant of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Vice Admiral Ratanah Vongsarojn, during the USPACOM Amphibious Leaders Symposium on U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 13, 2016. PALS brings together senior leaders of allied and partner nations from the Indo-Asia Pacific region to discuss key aspects of maritime/amphibious operations, capability development, crisis response, and interoperability. Twenty-two allied and partnered nations, including the U.S. are participating. - Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Fleet, Vice Admiral Panu Punyavirocha, left, speaks with Commandant of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Vice Admiral Ratanah Vongsarojn, during the USPACOM Amphibious Leaders Symposium on U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 13, 2016. PALS brings together senior leaders of allied and partner nations from the Indo-Asia Pacific region to discuss key aspects of maritime/amphibious operations, capability development, crisis response, and interoperability. Twenty-two allied and partnered nations, including the U.S. are participating.

Marines with Charlie Company, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion halt before a river crossing during water operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 22, 2016. The company, based in Galveston, Texas, conducted operations in land and sea to prepare for their upcoming unit deployment program to Okinawa. - Marines with Charlie Company, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion halt before a river crossing during water operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 22, 2016. The company, based in Galveston, Texas, conducted operations in land and sea to prepare for their upcoming unit deployment program to Okinawa.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 prepare to enter the helo dunker during water survival training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Apr. 28, 2016. The Marines used a simulated helicopter body while training for different underwater escape scenarios as qualification to be attached to a Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 prepare to enter the helo dunker during water survival training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Apr. 28, 2016. The Marines used a simulated helicopter body while training for different underwater escape scenarios as qualification to be attached to a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

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U.S. Marine noncommissioned officers of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa visited the historic Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, Dec. 11-13, a pivotal site featuring the remnants of the amphibious Allied landings during World War II, also known as D-Day. The Marine NCOs are the backbone of service component operations for U.S. European Command that supports numerous NATO-led operations and exercises in Europe that enables the Alliance to continue their proven, enduring partnerships. - U.S. Marine noncommissioned officers of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa visited the historic Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, Dec. 11-13, a pivotal site featuring the remnants of the amphibious Allied landings during World War II, also known as D-Day. The Marine NCOs are the backbone of service component operations for U.S. European Command that supports numerous NATO-led operations and exercises in Europe that enables the Alliance to continue their proven, enduring partnerships.

Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Marines with Amphibious Assault Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, practice amphibious embarking and debarking drills during routine training in the Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 28. The sustainment drills allowed the unit to practice launch and recovery procedures from aboard the USS Oak Hill. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed to the 6th fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. - Marines with Amphibious Assault Platoon, Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, practice amphibious embarking and debarking drills during routine training in the Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 28. The sustainment drills allowed the unit to practice launch and recovery procedures from aboard the USS Oak Hill. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed to the 6th fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

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.

Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Landing Craft Air Cushion vessels maneuver past Japanese ship Hyuga during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 3, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside coalition forces. - Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Landing Craft Air Cushion vessels maneuver past Japanese ship Hyuga during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 3, 2015. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade's ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside coalition forces.

A Marine with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and a Japanese soldier shake hands prior to the start of a live-fire shoot together during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at San Clemente Island, California, Sept. 1, 2015. ANGLICO Marines and Japanese soldiers conducted a combined arms shoot with naval gunfire, attack rotary aircraft and 120mm mortars. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. - A Marine with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier shake hands prior to the start of a live-fire shoot together during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 at San Clemente Island, California, Sept. 1, 2015. ANGLICO Marines and the JGSDF conducted a combined arms shoot with naval gunfire, attack rotary aircraft and 120mm mortars. Dawn Blitz is a multinational training exercise designed to enhance Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ability to conduct sea-basing operations, amphibious landings, and command and control capabilities alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.

Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training. - Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, drive assault amphibious vehicles to shore from the USS Whidbey Island during amphibious training operations in the waters off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 16, 2015. The exercise allowed Marines to fulfill their required ship operations and gave sailors aboard the Whidbey Island the opportunity to work with Marines during their own amphibious training.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Erik Maehler, left, demonstrates loading a M9 Beretta pistol to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sunshine Padilla aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Maehler is a member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force and Padilla is a hospital corpsman with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th MEU. The Marines practice marksmanship fundamentals dry to ensure safety and accuracy when shooting. The 15th MEU is embarked on the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

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.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to dive and perform underwater knot-tying in a Special Operation Command screener during a pre-dive course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 25 – June 5, 2015. The students had to tie five knots underwater; having only five separate breathing opportunities with only 30 seconds on the surface of the water between tying each knot. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to dive and perform underwater knot-tying in a Special Operation Command screener during a pre-dive course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 25 – June 5, 2015. The students had to tie five knots underwater; having only five separate breathing opportunities with only 30 seconds on the surface of the water between tying each knot.

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct amphibious raids and military operations on urban terrain during Exercise Iron Fist 15 aboard Camp Pendleton on Feb. 3, 2015. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released) - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct amphibious raids and military operations on urban terrain during Exercise Iron Fist 15 aboard Camp Pendleton on Feb. 3, 2015. Exercise Iron Fist 15 is an annual bilateral training exercise between U.S. and Japanese military forces that builds their combined ability to conduct amphibious and land-based contingency operations. IF15, currently in its tenth iteration, is scheduled from Jan. 26 to Feb. 27, 2015, in southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released)

A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities. - A Marine with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion scans for enemy troops after a simulated attack during a week-long field exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 24, 2015. Maintaining amphibious units is vital to the naval expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps, and maintaining the readiness and standards of every Marine ensures high performance and fast deployment capabilities.

U.S. Marine Pfc. Jacob Piazza, right, fires a .50-caliber machine gun at targets during realistic urban training aboard Camp Roberts, Calif., Dec. 14, 2014. Piazza is a rifleman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training prepares the 15th MEU’s Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Jacob Piazza, right, fires a .50-caliber machine gun at targets during realistic urban training aboard Camp Roberts, Calif., Dec. 14, 2014. Piazza is a rifleman with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training prepares the 15th MEU’s Marines for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions.

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 with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conduct a raid during realistic urban training aboard Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., Dec. 5, 2014. RUT prepares the Marines of the 15th MEU for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released) - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conduct a raid during realistic urban training aboard Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., Dec. 5, 2014. RUT prepares the Marines of the 15th MEU for their upcoming deployment, enhancing their combat skills in environments similar to those they may find in future missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)

Sgt. Gerry Pratama, from Anahuac, Texas, climbs up the latter after performing the helocasting practical application Nov. 4 during the scout swimmers course at White Beach Naval Facility. Marines rehearsed the procedures they will be doing on the aircraft on pier beforehand hand to ensure readiness. Pratama is a student of the course with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Sgt. Gerry Pratama, from Anahuac, Texas, climbs up the latter after performing the helocasting practical application Nov. 4 during the scout swimmers course at White Beach Naval Facility. Marines rehearsed the procedures they will be doing on the aircraft on pier beforehand hand to ensure readiness. Pratama is a student of the course with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.