Sgt. Fuerte as NCO of the Year - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Lina Fuerte, a legal services specialist with the Defense Services Organization, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, poses for a photo with her Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) award citation on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. Fuerte was recognized as the Marine Corps Installations Command’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2023 and was awarded a NAM for her efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zeta Johnson)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tylerruben Salas, small arms repair technician for Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, conducts rifle, pre-fire inspections before shooting on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, Sept. 25, 2023. The Marine Corps’ Program Manager for Training Systems will conduct target calibration from Sept. 25 to Oct. 27 and testing from Dec. 4-15. Two of four ranges at the Live Fire Training Range Complex will be equipped with new technology that provide more efficient and effective combat marksmanship training to support combat readiness. The live-fire location of miss and hit or LOMAH technology, replaces the human element of observing and marking targets. The calibration and testing are to ensure that the LOMAH system is working properly. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tylerruben Salas, small arms repair technician for Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, conducts rifle, pre-fire inspections before shooting on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, Sept. 25, 2023. The Marine Corps’ Program Manager for Training Systems will conduct target calibration from Sept. 25 to Oct. 27 and testing from Dec. 4-15. Two of four ranges at the Live Fire Training Range Complex will be equipped with new technology that provide more efficient and effective combat marksmanship training to support combat readiness. The live-fire location of miss and hit or LOMAH technology, replaces the human element of observing and marking targets. The calibration and testing are to ensure that the LOMAH system is working properly. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Reynolds, an ammunition officer assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force and a combat artist with the Marine Corps Combat Art Program, finishes a drawing from his barracks room in Bardufoss, Norway. The Marine depicted in the illustration trained to prepare for the cold weather ahead of NATO exercise Nordic Response, Feb. 5, 2024. Combat artists capture hidden moments in military life and immortalize them through coal, ink, graphite and wax, preserving the emotion and details of the moments for generations of Marines. NR 24 is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Reynolds, an ammunition officer assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force and a combat artist with the Marine Corps Combat Art Program, finishes a drawing from his barracks room in Bardufoss, Norway. The Marine depicted in the illustration trained to prepare for the cold weather ahead of NATO exercise Nordic Response, Feb. 5, 2024. Combat artists capture hidden moments in military life and immortalize them through coal, ink, graphite and wax, preserving the emotion and details of the moments for generations of Marines. NR 24 is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Bryan V. Labiosa, a drill instructor with Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, is awarded as the Drill Instructor of the Year by Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, during the Fiscal Year 2023 Commandant’s Combined Awards Ceremony at The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Virginia, Feb. 8, 2024. The ceremony recognized and awarded eight Marines with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for their exceptional performance in their respective special duty assignments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Miller) - U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Bryan V. Labiosa, a drill instructor with Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, is awarded as the Drill Instructor of the Year by Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, during the Fiscal Year 2023 Commandant’s Combined Awards Ceremony at The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Virginia, Feb. 8, 2024. The ceremony recognized and awarded eight Marines with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for their exceptional performance in their respective special duty assignments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Miller)

Members of the Chaney family carry U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Henry Chaney to his final resting place at John Wesley United Methodist Church Cemetery in Clarksburg, Maryland, Feb. 8, 2024. Chaney was drafted in the Marine Corps in 1943, becoming one of the legendary Montford Point Marines, the first Black Americans to earn the title. Chaney served in World War II and fought at the harrowing Battle of Iwo Jima. In 2012, Chaney and other Montford Point Marines, were presented the Congressional Gold Medal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Dornfeld) - Members of the Chaney family carry U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Henry Chaney to his final resting place at John Wesley United Methodist Church Cemetery in Clarksburg, Maryland, Feb. 8, 2024. Chaney was drafted in the Marine Corps in 1943, becoming one of the legendary Montford Point Marines, the first Black Americans to earn the title. Chaney served in World War II and fought at the harrowing Battle of Iwo Jima. In 2012, Chaney and other Montford Point Marines, were presented the Congressional Gold Medal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Dornfeld)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Bellon (left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, pins a Legion of Merit medal on Col. Daniel Sullivan during his retirement ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Feb. 1, 2024. During the ceremony, Sullivan was honored for his time in the Marine Corps and congratulated for his 30 years of service. The Marine Corps Reserve has more than 90,000 Marines with a vast range of skills and expertise gained from both military and civilian careers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sarah Pysher) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Bellon (left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, pins a Legion of Merit medal on Col. Daniel Sullivan during his retirement ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Feb. 1, 2024. During the ceremony, Sullivan was honored for his time in the Marine Corps and congratulated for his 30 years of service. The Marine Corps Reserve has more than 90,000 Marines with a vast range of skills and expertise gained from both military and civilian careers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sarah Pysher)

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, cross a gap with a viper bridge during viper bridge training near Ostersund, Sweden, April 17, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Christian M. Garcia) - U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, cross a gap with a viper bridge during viper bridge training near Ostersund, Sweden, April 17, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Christian M. Garcia)

A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a simulated raid during military operations in urban terrain as part of Realistic Urban Training on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 18, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable. - A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a simulated raid during military operations in urban terrain as part of Realistic Urban Training on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 18, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

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)

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier meets with Marines, Sailors, and civilians from Marine Forces Special Operations Command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. During his visit, Maier had the opportunity to learn about MARSOC’s current and future operations as well as the programs they use to keep Marine Raiders in the fight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Henry Rodriguez) - Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier meets with Marines, Sailors, and civilians from Marine Forces Special Operations Command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. During his visit, Maier had the opportunity to learn about MARSOC’s current and future operations as well as the programs they use to keep Marine Raiders in the fight. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Henry Rodriguez)

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 4 connect a power cable to an AN/MRQ-13 communications system during the Nyutabaru Aviation Training Relocation at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. The ATR program allows U.S. aviation units in the Indo-Pacific, such as MACS-4 and Marine Aircraft Group 12, to train away from their home station to reduce local noise impacts while increasing operational readiness and interoperability. During this year’s ATR program at Nyutabaru Air Base, MAG-12 forces trained alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron to build upon each other’s tactics and reinforce their combined operational readiness through safe and realistic training. - U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 4 connect a power cable to an AN/MRQ-13 communications system during the Nyutabaru Aviation Training Relocation at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. The ATR program allows U.S. aviation units in the Indo-Pacific, such as MACS-4 and Marine Aircraft Group 12, to train away from their home station to reduce local noise impacts while increasing operational readiness and interoperability. During this year’s ATR program at Nyutabaru Air Base, MAG-12 forces trained alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron to build upon each other’s tactics and reinforce their combined operational readiness through safe and realistic training.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Johnson Truong, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, coordinates fire missions from the Multifunction Air Operations Center in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2023. The MAOC provides expeditionary aviation command and control and air surveillance to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer adversary combat force and enhance existing live-fire and maneuver capabilities of the MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

U.S. Marines selected to serve on the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., January 22, 2024. Silent Drill Selection is a course designed to assess the capabilities of prospective Silent Drill Platoon Marines. - U.S. Marines selected to serve on the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., January 22, 2024. Silent Drill Selection is a course designed to assess the capabilities of prospective Silent Drill Platoon Marines.