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Sergeant Tyler W. Envall, an H-1 avionics technician with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, conducts 90-degree gear box wiring of a UH-1Y Huey aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 27, 2014. Marines conduct flight maintenance around the clock to maintain mission readiness for all MEU aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols) - Sergeant Tyler W. Envall, an H-1 avionics technician with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, conducts 90-degree gear box wiring of a UH-1Y Huey aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Oct. 27, 2014. Marines conduct flight maintenance around the clock to maintain mission readiness for all MEU aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols)

Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 connect a fuel hose from a KC-130J Super Hercules to a UH-60 Black Hawk during air-delivered ground refueling training at Wright Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 22, 2014. ADGR allows aircraft unable to refuel in-flight to land, refuel and resume mission support. The Super Hercules belongs to the Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and the Black Hawk belong to the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). - Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 connect a fuel hose from a KC-130J Super Hercules to a UH-60 Black Hawk during air-delivered ground refueling training at Wright Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 22, 2014. ADGR allows aircraft unable to refuel in-flight to land, refuel and resume mission support. The Super Hercules belongs to the Marines of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 and the Black Hawk belong to the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 watch as a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 carries simulated cargo during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 23. The training allows Marines to be mission ready and prepared to respond at a moment’s notice. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 watch as a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 carries simulated cargo during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 23. The training allows Marines to be mission ready and prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.

Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan. - Marines and sailors with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the day prior and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan.

Seven EA-6B Prowlers fly in a vee formation over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 16, 2014. The flight was the first in Marine Corps aviation history to have seven Prowlers from the same squadron fly together in formation. The Marines of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 conducted the fly-bys in celebration of recently being named the recipient of the 2014 Association of Old Crows Marine Corps outstanding unit award. - Seven EA-6B Prowlers fly in a vee formation over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 16, 2014. The flight was the first in Marine Corps aviation history to have seven Prowlers from the same squadron fly together in formation. The Marines of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 conducted the fly-bys in celebration of recently being named the recipient of the 2014 Association of Old Crows Marine Corps outstanding unit award.

Marines with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, communicate with pilots of an F/A-18 Hornet before take-off during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-13, Oct. 13, 2014, on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. KMEP 14-13 is a multinational exercise that focuses on the integration of aviation and ground assets within the construct of a traditional Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise. Supporting units include, but are not limited to, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171. - Marines with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, communicate with pilots of an F/A-18 Hornet before take-off during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-13, Oct. 13, 2014, on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. KMEP 14-13 is a multinational exercise that focuses on the integration of aviation and ground assets within the construct of a traditional Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise. Supporting units include, but are not limited to, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.

A CH-53E Super Stallion idles before take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 8, 2014. - A CH-53E Super Stallion idles before take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Oct. 8, 2014.

A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released) - A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released)

A F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 taxies under a canopy aboard Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 9. This is the squadron’s first F-35 Lightning II. - A F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron 22 taxies under a canopy aboard Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 9. This is the squadron’s first F-35 Lightning II.

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off from Andersen Air Force Base Oct. 1 during Forager Fury III. The overarching training exercise,which emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability while training within the Marianas Island range complex. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - An F/A-18 Hornet takes off from Andersen Air Force Base Oct. 1 during Forager Fury III. The overarching training exercise,which emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability while training within the Marianas Island range complex. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

Critical skills operators with Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command exit the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during bilateral static-line jump training over a drop zone near Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2014. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 supported the MARSOC Marines who were conducting long-range raid training. - Critical skills operators with Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command exit the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules during bilateral static-line jump training over a drop zone near Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 29, 2014. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 supported the MARSOC Marines who were conducting long-range raid training.

Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets are parked during Forager Fury III on Andersen Air Force Base Sept. 30. The aircraft are from multiple squadrons and were used in close air support, forward air controller training, air interdiction, air-to-air missions, defensive counter-air and offensive counter-air training events. The overarching training exercise involving 1,300 personnel emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground support on a unit level to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability within the Marianas Island range complex. - Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets are parked during Forager Fury III on Andersen Air Force Base Sept. 30. The aircraft are from multiple squadrons and were used in close air support, forward air controller training, air interdiction, air-to-air missions, defensive counter-air and offensive counter-air training events. The overarching training exercise involving 1,300 personnel emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground support on a unit level to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability within the Marianas Island range complex.

Marine Infantry Officer Course students await a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter fast rope drill on the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Auxiliary Landing Field 2, Wednesday, August 18, 2014. The fast rope training instilled in these Marines the skills necessary to complete IOC’s final exercise, Talon Reach IV. - Marine Infantry Officer Course students await a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter fast rope drill on the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Auxiliary Landing Field 2, Wednesday, August 18, 2014. The fast rope training instilled in these Marines the skills necessary to complete IOC’s final exercise, Talon Reach IV.

Sgt. Rico L. Rose clears the back-blast area during a simulated PL-87 Stinger missile shoot during a 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion’s section leader course and team leader course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 11, 2014. Rose is a gunner with the battalion and a native of Appomattox, Va. - Sgt. Rico L. Rose clears the back-blast area during a simulated PL-87 Stinger missile shoot during a 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion’s section leader course and team leader course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 11, 2014. Rose is a gunner with the battalion and a native of Appomattox, Va.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadrons 171 and 172, both currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, use a jackhammer to drive a stake into the ground as part of the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system installation in preparation for Valiant Shield 2014. Arresting gear is used to stop aircraft quickly in case they land on a short runway or experience an emergency. Valiant Shield is a biennial exercise which focuses on training that enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadrons 171 and 172, both currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, use a jackhammer to drive a stake into the ground as part of the M31 Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear system installation in preparation for Valiant Shield 2014. Arresting gear is used to stop aircraft quickly in case they land on a short runway or experience an emergency. Valiant Shield is a biennial exercise which focuses on training that enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces.

Lance Cpl. Alexander Stensland, left, signals good to go to Lt. Col. Roger T. McDuffie who is piloting an AV-8B Harrier on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. Stensland is an aircraft powerline mechanic and McDuffie is the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 223. Stensland is a native of Hastings, Minn. - Lance Cpl. Alexander Stensland, left, signals good to go to Lt. Col. Roger T. McDuffie who is piloting an AV-8B Harrier on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 10, 2014. Stensland is an aircraft powerline mechanic and McDuffie is the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron 223. Stensland is a native of Hastings, Minn.

John Morgenstern poses in front of a CH-46 helicopter aboard Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia before the last helicopters left the air facility forever, July 16, 2014. Morgenstern has been the technical representative at Marine Helicopter Squadron One for 47 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler/released) - John Morgenstern poses in front of a CH-46 helicopter aboard Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia before the last helicopters left the air facility forever, July 16, 2014. Morgenstern has been the technical representative at Marine Helicopter Squadron One for 47 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler/released)

Capt. Mike Jordan, left, and Capt. Craig Fitzhugh operate the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit system in a modified KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 2, 2014. The Harvest HAWK comes equipped with both Hellfire and Griffin missiles to provide close-air support for Marines on the ground. Jordan and Fitzhugh are both KC-130J pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. - Capt. Mike Jordan, left, and Capt. Craig Fitzhugh operate the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit system in a modified KC-130J Super Hercules at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 2, 2014. The Harvest HAWK comes equipped with both Hellfire and Griffin missiles to provide close-air support for Marines on the ground. Jordan and Fitzhugh are both KC-130J pilots with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 conducted Fleet Carrier Landing Practice training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sept. 2. The valuable training prepares pilots for situations and landings they will face while deployed aboard an aircraft carrier. - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 conducted Fleet Carrier Landing Practice training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sept. 2. The valuable training prepares pilots for situations and landings they will face while deployed aboard an aircraft carrier.

A Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descends a rope from an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System qualification at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 22, 2014. Marines spent two days fast-roping from a tower and an MV-22B Osprey in preparation for their scheduled deployment at the end of the year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols) - A Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descends a rope from an MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System qualification at Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 22, 2014. Marines spent two days fast-roping from a tower and an MV-22B Osprey in preparation for their scheduled deployment at the end of the year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin Nichols)

Col. Scott Benedict straps into an AV-8B Harrier at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 26, 2014. Benedict flew with Capt. Chris Tchinski, a Harrier instructor pilot with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, to better understand the capabilities of the different aircraft within the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Benedict is the commanding officer of the 24th MEU. - Col. Scott Benedict straps into an AV-8B Harrier at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 26, 2014. Benedict flew with Capt. Chris Tchinski, a Harrier instructor pilot with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, to better understand the capabilities of the different aircraft within the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Benedict is the commanding officer of the 24th MEU.

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A CH-46E Sea Knight taxis through the streams of two fire engines on Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico July 16, 2014. It is customary among squadrons to douse an aircraft before it’s final flight with the squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Terry Brady/Released) - A CH-46E Sea Knight taxis through the streams of two fire engines on Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico July 16, 2014. It is customary among squadrons to douse an aircraft before it’s final flight with the squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Terry Brady/Released)

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