Sergeant Aaron Longberry, a 25-year-old crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Columbus, Ohio, sits on the ramp of an MV-22 Osprey while circling the training area during Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Aug. 30. The 31st MEU is moving a battalion-sized force more than 300 miles inland to conduct a live-fire training exercise. The exercise reinforces why the 31st MEU is the force of choice for the Asia-Pacific region. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Army. The 31st MEU, supported by the USS Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The size and composition of the 31st MEU makes it well suited for amphibious operations, which includes raids, assaults, evacuations and humanitarian assistance operations.