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A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies above U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters, April 28, 2023, in the Arabian Gulf during joint training. - A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies above U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters, April 28, 2023, in the Arabian Gulf during joint training.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Carey Cash, the chaplain of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines during a period of instruction at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 5, 2023. During the discussion, Cash spoke to staff noncommissioned officers and officers from across I Marine Expeditionary Force about character development and spiritual fitness. - U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Carey Cash, the chaplain of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines during a period of instruction at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 5, 2023. During the discussion, Cash spoke to staff noncommissioned officers and officers from across I Marine Expeditionary Force about character development and spiritual fitness.

Ship's Sponsors Shana McCool and Kate Oja christened Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), the U.S. Navy's 13th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division. LPD 29 is named for McCool and Oja's grandfather, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient. (Courtesy photo) - Ship's Sponsors Shana McCool and Kate Oja christened Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), the U.S. Navy's 13th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division. LPD 29 is named for McCool and Oja's grandfather, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Eric Hansen, a boatswain’s mate with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s harbor operation department, pulls in an oil boom at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 25, 2022. Boom reels are preventative equipment used to catch oil that may leak from vessels into the water. MCAS Iwakuni’s deep-water harbor plays an essential part in helping supply units on the air station with necessary equipment and helping support different vessels traveling through the Indo-Pacific region.

Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 7, 2022. Tripoli completed flight deck operations with 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required. - Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 7, 2022. Tripoli completed flight deck operations with 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required.

Sgt. Matthew Dungan, center right, a native of Lebanon, Missouri, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, monitors members of MWSS 271 and Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 testing fuel during a fixed wing refueling operation as part of exercise Northern Viking 22 on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, April 4, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom gap. - Sgt. Matthew Dungan, center right, a native of Lebanon, Missouri, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, monitors members of MWSS 271 and Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 testing fuel during a fixed wing refueling operation as part of exercise Northern Viking 22 on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, April 4, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom gap.

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.

An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet. - An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

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.

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Australian Army Engineer Tyson Buckley and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Deitrick McMahon, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, build a barbed wire fence during exercise Crocodile Response at Point Fawcett, NT, Australia, May 25, 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 Engineer Tyson Buckley and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Deitrick McMahon, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, build a barbed wire fence during exercise Crocodile Response at Point Fawcett, NT, Australia, May 25, 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.

Mr. Paul Williamson, the Command Advisor at the U.S. Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment, poses for a photo in front of memorabilia he’s collected throughout his 51-year-long career at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., April 4, 2020. Williamson served in the U.S. Navy for 31 years before joining the then newly established Wounded Warrior Regiment in 2007. - Mr. Paul Williamson, the Command Advisor at the U.S. Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment, poses for a photo in front of memorabilia he’s collected throughout his 51-year-long career at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., April 4, 2020. Williamson served in the U.S. Navy for 31 years before joining the then newly established Wounded Warrior Regiment in 2007.

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.

Contestants participating in the Okinawa Spartan Race motivate each other before beginning the race on Chura Sun Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 27. - Contestants participating in the Okinawa Spartan Race motivate each other before beginning the race on Chura Sun Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 27.

U.S. Marines conduct a call for fire while participating in Tactical Air Control Party training as a part of a Close Air Support Exercise at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 26. - U.S. Marines conduct a call for fire while participating in Tactical Air Control Party training as a part of a Close Air Support Exercise at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 26.

A U.S. Marine Corps F35B Lightning II prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during flight operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Feb. 13. - A U.S. Marine Corps F35B Lightning II prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during flight operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Feb. 13.

U.S. Marines and Sailors stand together with members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Australian Navy, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Air Force, embarked together aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 21. - U.S. Marines and Sailors stand together with members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Australian Navy, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Air Force, embarked together aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 21.

U.S. Marines repair threshold lights on the airfield during on-the-job training with Seabees, on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 3. - U.S. Marines repair threshold lights on the airfield during on-the-job training with Seabees, on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 3.

A U.S. Marine provides security with an M2 Browning .50 Caliber machine gun during Exercise Reindeer II in Setermoen, Norway, Nov. 25. - A U.S. Marine provides security with an M2 Browning .50 Caliber machine gun during Exercise Reindeer II in Setermoen, Norway, Nov. 25.

A U.S. Marine talks with a child during an English activity at the National Chuo Youth Friendship Center’s fourth annual English camp Nov. 21 to Nov. 22. - A U.S. Marine talks with a child during an English activity at the National Chuo Youth Friendship Center’s fourth annual English camp Nov. 21 to Nov. 22.

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Col. Vincent Dawson salutes the unit colors during the SPMAGTF-SC closing ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 13. - Col. Vincent Dawson salutes the unit colors during the SPMAGTF-SC closing ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 13.

Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson and Brig. Gen. Phillip Frietze, sign the Joint Maritime Component Commander Maritime Campaign Support Plan in a ceremony aboard USS Wichita (LCS 13), Nov. 4. - Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson and Brig. Gen. Phillip Frietze, sign the Joint Maritime Component Commander Maritime Campaign Support Plan in a ceremony aboard USS Wichita (LCS 13), Nov. 4.

A U.S. Marine fires a M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live fire exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Oct. 3. - A U.S. Marine fires a M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a live fire exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Oct. 3.

A U.S. Navy Sailor and Marine operate a M240B medium machine gun during a crew served weapons shoot Sep. 21. - A U.S. Navy Sailor and Marine operate a M240B medium machine gun during a crew served weapons shoot Sep. 21.

A U.S. Marine observes a 3D printer as it prints an equipment part used aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Aug. 24. - A U.S. Marine observes a 3D printer as it prints an equipment part used aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), Aug. 24.

U.S. Marines conduct a simulated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fire mission while demonstrating expeditionary advanced basing capabilities Oct. 7 to 8. - U.S. Marines conduct a simulated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fire mission while demonstrating expeditionary advanced basing capabilities Oct. 7 to 8.

Midshipmen pose for a photo with David Luber, Executive Director, United States Cyber Command, at DreamPort in Columbia, Md., August 14. - Midshipmen pose for a photo with David Luber, Executive Director, United States Cyber Command, at DreamPort in Columbia, Md., August 14.

A landing craft, utility assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay, lowers its ramp to unload a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, as part of a simulated amphibious raid, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14, 2019. This simulated amphibious raid marks the first time that HIMARS have been inserted by landing craft, utility, demonstrating the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s ability to conduct combined-arms maneuver from amphibious shipping. - A landing craft, utility assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay, lowers its ramp to unload a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, as part of a simulated amphibious raid, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 14, 2019. This simulated amphibious raid marks the first time that HIMARS have been inserted by landing craft, utility, demonstrating the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s ability to conduct combined-arms maneuver from amphibious shipping.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mark Hanford and Sgt. Nicholas Elston, U.S. Navy Lt. Maundo Lee and Brian Bonzo, and Philippine Marine Corps Capt. Rodilson Malic, pose for a photo with Philippine local, Bryan S. Rodriguez, who they assisted after a motorcycle crash in Ternate, Cavite, Philippines, Oct. 2, 2018. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mark Hanford and Sgt. Nicholas Elston, U.S. Navy Lt. Maundo Lee and Brian Bonzo, and Philippine Marine Corps Capt. Rodilson Malic, pose for a photo with Philippine local, Bryan S. Rodriguez, who they assisted after a motorcycle crash in Ternate, Cavite, Philippines, Oct. 2, 2018.

180402-M-WP334-0064 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (April 2, 2018) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bailey Quinn, left, and Cpl. Ryan Rowe, both MV-22B Osprey crew chiefs assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board an MV-22B Osprey during Alligator Dagger in Arta Range, Djibouti, April 2, 2018. Led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Alligator Dagger integrates U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets to practice and rehearse a range of critical capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore to promote stability and security in the region. - 180402-M-WP334-0064 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (April 2, 2018) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bailey Quinn, left, and Cpl. Ryan Rowe, both MV-22B Osprey crew chiefs assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board an MV-22B Osprey during Alligator Dagger in Arta Range, Djibouti, April 2, 2018. Led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Alligator Dagger integrates U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets to practice and rehearse a range of critical capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore to promote stability and security in the region.

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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.

A Portuguese Marine holds security at Pinheiro Da Cruz, Praia Da Raposa beach, Portugal, while participating in a combined amphibious assault exercise, Oct. 20, 2015, during Trident Juncture 15. Trident Juncture is a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO and partner nations. - A Portuguese Marine holds security at Pinheiro Da Cruz, Praia Da Raposa beach, Portugal, while participating in a combined amphibious assault exercise, Oct. 20, 2015, during Trident Juncture 15. Trident Juncture is a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO and partner nations.

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.

1st Lt. Carson Fletcher, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, speaks with an Australian Army Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during an amphibious assault for Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young/Released) - 1st Lt. Carson Fletcher, assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, speaks with an Australian Army Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during an amphibious assault for Talisman Sabre 2015 at Fog Bay, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian defense forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicle from Assault Craft Unit 5 lands on Red Beach as part of a loading exercise along side Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2015. This loading exercise reinforces the Marine Corps role as an amphibious force in readiness by maintaining capabilities through realistic training. - U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicle from Assault Craft Unit 5 lands on Red Beach as part of a loading exercise along side Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Headquarters Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2015. This loading exercise reinforces the Marine Corps role as an amphibious force in readiness by maintaining capabilities through realistic training.

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 assigned to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment show Moroccan Royal Armed Forces artillerymen their howitzer’s capabilities during Exercise African Lion 15, 2015, near Tan Tan, Morocco. - Marines assigned to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment show Moroccan Royal Armed Forces artillerymen their howitzer’s capabilities during Exercise African Lion 15, 2015, near Tan Tan, Morocco.

U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility. - U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are lined up for inspection May 9, 2015, at the port of Agadir, Morocco, following a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in preparation for Exercise African Lion 15. An MPF is a strategic capability that provides commanders with a forward presence and rapid crisis response by offloading combat equipment and supplies from U.S. Military Sealift Command ships to support various units, and will be used to sustain the Marines and service members operating throughout the mission rehearsal. For the offload, Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were joined with Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, as well as sailors with NMCB 11. Exercise African Lion 15 is a combined joint task force exercise conducted in accordance with UN-mandated peace operations with humanitarian assistance themes and emphasizes the strong military bond between U.S. and Moroccan Armed Forces. It creates a foundation for slated inter-military cooperation in the future and improves interoperability between nations, building relationships with this key strategic region within the AFRICOM area of responsibility.