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A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, transporting Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, maneuvers through the water as part of Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 28, 2024. QUART is a joint training exercise designed to develop and sustain essential amphibious skills for effective operations in maritime environments while reinforcing the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. As part of QUART, Marines with 3rd AA Bn. were certified to conduct ship-to-shore operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan) - A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, transporting Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, maneuvers through the water as part of Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 28, 2024. QUART is a joint training exercise designed to develop and sustain essential amphibious skills for effective operations in maritime environments while reinforcing the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. As part of QUART, Marines with 3rd AA Bn. were certified to conduct ship-to-shore operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Seth Wilson, rifleman with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provides cover fire after exiting a Brazilian Amphibious Armored Vehicle for a frontal assault, Aug. 5, 2023, in Formosa, Brazil, during the Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais’ annual Infantry Training Exercise Formosa. Exercise Formosa offers an ideal platform for the armed forces of multiple nations to enhance their interoperability, conduct joint military operations, and exchange invaluable insights on tactics and strategies. With the backdrop of an ever-changing global security landscape, the participation of the United States Marine Corps and militaries from multiple nations shows commitment to regional security and partnership. Wilson is from L'Ance, Michigan. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Seth Wilson, rifleman with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provides cover fire after exiting a Brazilian Amphibious Armored Vehicle for a frontal assault, Aug. 5, 2023, in Formosa, Brazil, during the Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais’ annual Infantry Training Exercise Formosa. Exercise Formosa offers an ideal platform for the armed forces of multiple nations to enhance their interoperability, conduct joint military operations, and exchange invaluable insights on tactics and strategies. With the backdrop of an ever-changing global security landscape, the participation of the United States Marine Corps and militaries from multiple nations shows commitment to regional security and partnership. Wilson is from L'Ance, Michigan.

Francisco Ocegueda, the American Battle Monuments Commission Deputy Director of Cemetery Operations for the Pacific Region gives remarks during the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, August 7, 2023. The Battle of Guadalcanal, also known as Operation Watchtower, was a seven-month campaign that marked the first Allied land offensive in the Pacific theater in World War II. - Francisco Ocegueda, the American Battle Monuments Commission Deputy Director of Cemetery Operations for the Pacific Region gives remarks during the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, August 7, 2023. The Battle of Guadalcanal, also known as Operation Watchtower, was a seven-month campaign that marked the first Allied land offensive in the Pacific theater in World War II.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, unload gear to begin Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Puerto Princesa International Airport, Palawan, Philippines, July 12, 2023. MASA 23 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense. - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, unload gear to begin Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Puerto Princesa International Airport, Palawan, Philippines, July 12, 2023. MASA 23 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

U.S. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division breach concertina wire with a mock Expedite Bangalore Torpedo during Intrepid Maven 23.4, July 3, 2023. Intrepid Maven is a bilateral exercise between U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces designed to improve interoperability, strengthen partner-nation relationships in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, and improve both individual and bilateral unit readiness. - U.S. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division breach concertina wire with a mock Expedite Bangalore Torpedo during Intrepid Maven 23.4, July 3, 2023. Intrepid Maven is a bilateral exercise between U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces designed to improve interoperability, strengthen partner-nation relationships in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, and improve both individual and bilateral unit readiness.

U.S. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, salute Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general for 1st MARDIV, after being awarded for winning the 2023 Bushmaster Challenge during the division’s morning colors ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 2, 2023. The division holds the ceremony every quarter to recognize Marines and Sailors for outstanding performance. - U.S. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, salute Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general for 1st MARDIV, after being awarded for winning the 2023 Bushmaster Challenge during the division’s morning colors ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 2, 2023. The division holds the ceremony every quarter to recognize Marines and Sailors for outstanding performance.

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. Marines with 1st Marine Division locate their target points during exercise Garnet Rattler on Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho, April 18, 2023. Garnet Rattler is a joint exercise between Marines and airmen to train Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment. - U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division locate their target points during exercise Garnet Rattler on Saylor Creek Range in Grasmere, Idaho, April 18, 2023. Garnet Rattler is a joint exercise between Marines and airmen to train Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the 2nd Intai Amfibi Battalion, Indonesian Korps Marinir, paddle back to shore on a combat rubber raiding craft during a reconnaissance exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 15, 2023. The Marines of 1st Recon Bn. host the bilateral training exercise annually to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between Indonesian service members and 1st MARDIV Marines and promote cultural exchange and understanding. - U.S. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and members of the 2nd Intai Amfibi Battalion, Indonesian Korps Marinir, paddle back to shore on a combat rubber raiding craft during a reconnaissance exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 15, 2023. The Marines of 1st Recon Bn. host the bilateral training exercise annually to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between Indonesian service members and 1st MARDIV Marines and promote cultural exchange and understanding.

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.

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division fire the M3E1 multipurpose anti-armor anti-personnel weapon system on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 9, 2023. The MAAWS, also known as the Carl Gustaf, is a man portable, reusable, breech-loading, 84 mm recoilless weapon system capable of destroying armored targets. - U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division fire the M3E1 multipurpose anti-armor anti-personnel weapon system on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 9, 2023. The MAAWS, also known as the Carl Gustaf, is a man portable, reusable, breech-loading, 84 mm recoilless weapon system capable of destroying armored targets.

The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews) - The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, approaches amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli for landing during exercise Steel Knight 23, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 5, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. - A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, approaches amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli for landing during exercise Steel Knight 23, over the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 5, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

U.S. Marines with the 1st Marine Division Band pose for an annual group photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 16, 2022. - U.S. Marines with the 1st Marine Division Band pose for an annual group photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 16, 2022.

A U.S. Marine poses for a photo in the 22 Area of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 25. - A U.S. Marine poses for a photo in the 22 Area of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 25.

U.S. Marines receive instruction during the Cyber Electronic Warfare Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17. - U.S. Marines receive instruction during the Cyber Electronic Warfare Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 17.

Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.” - Lance Cpl. Skyler Schopf, team leader, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, fires a M136 AT4 anti-tank weapon during a live-fire training exercise as part of Tactical Small-Unit Leadership Course at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 18, 2016. The purpose of the course was to focus on the training of small-unit leadership within “Darkside.”

Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down. - Cpl. Richard Nedlic (Right), Light Armored Vehicle crewman and Cpl. Nicholas Guiles, rifleman, both with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and students in the Urban Leaders Course, fire their weapons from the supine position during a combat marksmanship program range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 31, 2016. This firing drill is meant to train Marines to safely and accurately return fire if they fall backward while moving or are knocked down.

A Marine with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, loads an electronic M2 .50-caliber machine gun in a Combat Convoy Simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 2, 2016. The CCS at first glance looks like an expensive, high-tech video game, but its primary use is preparing Marines for real-world combat missions with simulations of realistic scenarios. - A Marine with 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, loads an electronic M2 .50-caliber machine gun in a Combat Convoy Simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 2, 2016. The CCS at first glance looks like an expensive, high-tech video game, but its primary use is preparing Marines for real-world combat missions with simulations of realistic scenarios.

Marines and Sailors practice clearing rooms and detaining non-combatants as a part of the Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 12, 2016. While the course emphasizes combat marksmanship fundamentals, Marines must be able to identify and properly handle non-combatants in urban military operations. The Marines participating in the training course are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Corps Regiment. The Raid Leaders Course is run by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines and Sailors practice clearing rooms and detaining non-combatants as a part of the Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 12, 2016. While the course emphasizes combat marksmanship fundamentals, Marines must be able to identify and properly handle non-combatants in urban military operations. The Marines participating in the training course are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Corps Regiment. The Raid Leaders Course is run by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Marine conceals himself under the obstruction of deployed smoke during the company supported, live-fire assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marine is with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. - A Marine conceals himself under the obstruction of deployed smoke during the company supported, live-fire assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 6, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marine is with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaisance Battalion board a HUMVEE during Steel Knight 16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. Steel Knight is an annual field training exercise that enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities by acting as the headquarters element for a forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaisance Battalion board a HUMVEE during Steel Knight 16 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 11, 2015. Steel Knight is an annual field training exercise that enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities by acting as the headquarters element for a forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary Force.

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)

Soldiers with 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade post security during a patrol in a simulated combat town as part of exercise Valiant Mark aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Dec. 6, 2014. Valiant Mark enhances U.S. and Singapore forces combined combat readiness through live-fire and urban terrain training as well as amphibious operations familiarization. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danielle Rodrigues) - Soldiers with 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade post security during a patrol in a simulated combat town as part of exercise Valiant Mark aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Dec. 6, 2014. Valiant Mark enhances U.S. and Singapore forces combined combat readiness through live-fire and urban terrain training as well as amphibious operations familiarization. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Danielle Rodrigues)