9 mm ammunition sits inside an ammunition canister during a live fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. - 9 mm ammunition sits inside an ammunition canister during a live fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. S-4 logisticians with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ensure the proper caliber and quantity of ammunition is available for Marines to effectively train. 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner D. Lambert)

U.S. Marines with Bravo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose for a photo in Djibouti during Theater Amphibious Combat Rehearsal, September 13, 2018. - U.S. Marines with Bravo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose for a photo in Djibouti during Theater Amphibious Combat Rehearsal, September 13, 2018.

Tinian residents sit inside a military vehicle after a ceremony marking the end of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s mission as part of the U.S. Defense Support of Civil Authorities relief efforts on Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Nov. 14, 2018. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU and Combat Logistics Battalion 31 assisted the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and local and civil authorities on Tinian to deliver aid to Tinians affected by Super Typhoon Yutu, which struck here Oct. 25 as the second strongest storm to ever hit U.S. soil. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU and CLB-31 arrived on Tinian Oct. 29-31 to lead relief efforts on Tinian in response to Yutu as part of Task Force-West. TF-W is leading the Department of Defense’s efforts to assist CNMI’s local and civil authorities provide critical assistance for citizens devastated by Yutu. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. - Tinian residents sit inside a military vehicle after a ceremony marking the end of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s mission as part of the U.S. Defense Support of Civil Authorities relief efforts on Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Nov. 14, 2018. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU and Combat Logistics Battalion 31 assisted the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and local and civil authorities on Tinian to deliver aid to Tinians affected by Super Typhoon Yutu, which struck here Oct. 25 as the second strongest storm to ever hit U.S. soil. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU and CLB-31 arrived on Tinian Oct. 29-31 to lead relief efforts on Tinian in response to Yutu as part of Task Force-West. TF-W is leading the Department of Defense’s efforts to assist CNMI’s local and civil authorities provide critical assistance for citizens devastated by Yutu. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

A landing craft air cushion lands on Alvund Beach, Norway during an amphibious landing in support of Trident Juncture 18, Oct. 30, 2018. Trident Juncture provides a unique and challenging environment for Marines and Sailors to rehearse their amphibious capabilities which will result in a more ready and proficient fighting force. The LCACs originated from USS New York and showcased the ability of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to rapidly project combat power ashore. - A landing craft air cushion lands on Alvund Beach, Norway during an amphibious landing in support of Trident Juncture 18, Oct. 30, 2018. Trident Juncture provides a unique and challenging environment for Marines and Sailors to rehearse their amphibious capabilities which will result in a more ready and proficient fighting force. The LCACs originated from USS New York and showcased the ability of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to rapidly project combat power ashore.

The dock landing ship USS Ashland sits idle off the coast during the U.S. Defense Support of Civil Authorities relief effort in response to Super Typhoon Yutu, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Nov. 3, 2018. Businesses, government buildings, homes and schools were heavily damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu, which made a direct hit with devastating effect on Tinian Oct. 25 packing 170 MPH winds – it is the second strongest storm to ever hit U.S. soil and the strongest storm of 2018. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and CLB-31 have been leading a multi-service contingent since Oct. 29 as part of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency-directed DSCA mission here. The Ashland arrived today to deliver a larger contingent of Marines and Seabees to further assist the people of Tinian. The Marines arrived at the request of CNMI officials and FEMA to assist relief efforts in the wake of Yutu, the largest typhoon to ever hit a U.S. territory. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. - The dock landing ship USS Ashland sits idle off the coast during the U.S. Defense Support of Civil Authorities relief effort in response to Super Typhoon Yutu, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Nov. 3, 2018. Businesses, government buildings, homes and schools were heavily damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu, which made a direct hit with devastating effect on Tinian Oct. 25 packing 170 MPH winds – it is the second strongest storm to ever hit U.S. soil and the strongest storm of 2018. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and CLB-31 have been leading a multi-service contingent since Oct. 29 as part of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency-directed DSCA mission here. The Ashland arrived today to deliver a larger contingent of Marines and Seabees to further assist the people of Tinian. The Marines arrived at the request of CNMI officials and FEMA to assist relief efforts in the wake of Yutu, the largest typhoon to ever hit a U.S. territory. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

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

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, prepare to attach an external load to a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 during helicopter support team operations aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., July 19. HST operations are conducted to deliver supplies to service members who need the supplies quickly or are in difficult areas to reach via land. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 1st Marine Logistics Group, prepare to attach an external load to a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 during helicopter support team operations aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., July 19. HST operations are conducted to deliver supplies to service members who need the supplies quickly or are in difficult areas to reach via land.

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, provides overwatch during an integrated squad exercise with Mexican marines assigned to the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade as they navigate the infantry immersion trainer during Rim of the Pacific exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 9, 2018. The IIT provided the Marines with “hands on” practical application of tactical skills and decision making in an immersive, scenario-based training environment. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. - A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, provides overwatch during an integrated squad exercise with Mexican marines assigned to the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade as they navigate the infantry immersion trainer during Rim of the Pacific exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 9, 2018. The IIT provided the Marines with “hands on” practical application of tactical skills and decision making in an immersive, scenario-based training environment. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

Noncommissioned officers with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit toss medicine balls during a Force Fitness Instructor led High Intensity Tactical Training session at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2018. The 31st MEU is adopting an NCO-led FFI program to improve overall physical fitness while reducing injury and building unit morale. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations. - Noncommissioned officers with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit toss medicine balls during a Force Fitness Instructor led High Intensity Tactical Training session at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2018. The 31st MEU is adopting an NCO-led FFI program to improve overall physical fitness while reducing injury and building unit morale. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, load onto busses headed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 18, 2018. BLT 2/5 will be taking up the role as the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. - Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, load onto busses headed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 18, 2018. BLT 2/5 will be taking up the role as the Ground Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Salas, a network administrator with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, installs a Hawkeye III Satellite in Iraq, Dec., 4, 2017. The communications team was deployed in support of the 15th MEU’s aviation combat element conducting missions in support of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Salas, a network administrator with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, installs a Hawkeye III Satellite in Iraq, Dec., 4, 2017. The communications team was deployed in support of the 15th MEU’s aviation combat element conducting missions in support of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), boards the USS Wasp (LHD-1), to bring Marines back from a tactical recovery of aircraft and personal mission May 19, 2016. The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). - An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), boards the USS Wasp (LHD-1), to bring Marines back from a tactical recovery of aircraft and personal mission May 19, 2016. The 22nd MEU and Amphibious Squadron Six (PHIBRON-6) are underway for composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).

Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Japan Ground Self Defense Force personnel carry supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in Hakusui Sports Park, Kyushu island, Japan, April 22, 2016. The supplies are in support of the relief effort after a series of earthquakes struck the island of Kyushu. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and remains the Marine Corps' force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.