Amphibious Operations Training

Images of U.S. Marines conducting various amphibious training exercises on rubber boats at sea, showcasing teamwork and tactical readiness in diverse maritime environments.

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, February 1, 2012 - Crew Members assigned to Riverine Command Boat from Riverine Squadron 2 conduct security escort operations for ships transiting out to sea through the Intracoastal Waterway in North Carolina, during Exercise Bold Alligator 2012.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in Littoral Exercise 1 (LEX) aboard the USS Wichita (LCS 13), Jan. 25, 2022. During LEX 1, Marines and Sailors aboard the Wichita and on various bases throughout the East Coast will be conducting new types of training to prepare for future scenarios in littoral environments. They will be experimenting with new tactics and training with multi-domain reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance teams in accordance with Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elijah J. Abernathy)

A U.S. Coast Guard Marine Security Response Team participates in an encounter exercise (ENCOUNTEREX) simulation as a part of Operation Nanook, Northern Atlantic Ocean Aug. 6, 2022. An MSRT unit embedded with USCGC Bear (WMEC 901) for Operation Nanook to showcase specialized Coast Guard law enforcement capabilities to partner nations.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to take part in an amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 6 at Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. This combined interoperability event also involved members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences.

050627-N-1397H-022. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver combat rubber raiding crafts from out of the amphibious docking ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during a boat raid exercise, off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. The exercise builds upon the Navys and Marine Corps ability to work together for the successful launch and recovery of CRRCs for rapid ship-to-shore operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to paddle off the stern gate during a boat launch aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 19, 2022. Boat company launches from the well deck to provide the landing force a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, carry a combat rubber raiding craft during a boat launch rehearsal aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 20, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

A U.S. Navy SEAL with Special Warfare Group conducts maritime security operations together during exercise Balikatan 22 off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, April 7, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for 'shoulder-to-shoulder' is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S. Philippine security cooperation.

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, February 1, 2012 - Crew Members assigned to Riverine Command Boat from Riverine Squadron 2 conduct security escort operations for ships transiting out to sea through the Intracoastal Waterway in North Carolina, during Exercise Bold Alligator 2012.

221007-N-XB010-1005 Philippine Sea (Oct. 7, 2022) -Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) carry combat ready rubber crafts (CRRCs) to the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stern gate in preparation for disembarkation. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle out in a combat rubber raiding craft during a boat launch aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 19, 2022. Boat company launches from the well deck to provide the landing force a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Eckelberg, a gunners mate aboard the USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753), trains crew members on the M240 machine gun during a gunnery exercise while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 11, 2022. Hamilton is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

040815-N-5471P-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM/ IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Arabian Sea

Members of Naval Special Warfare Group Two board the US Navy nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) while conducting ship-to-ship boarding procedures using Zodiac RIB boats deployed from the coastal patrol boat USS CHINOOK (PC 9) (not shown), during Combined Joint Task Force Exercise (CJTFEX) '96. Enterprise is participating in CJTFEX '96, as part of a multinational force of over 50,000 Soldiers, Sailors, AIRMAN and Marines from Canada, Britain and the United States. Subject Operation/Series: CJTFEX '96 Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 6, 2012) Members of the visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) climb down the side of Gettysburg to board a rigid-hull inflatable boat during a Joint Warrior training exercise. Joint Warrior takes place off the coast of Scotland and is designed and led by the joint tactical exercise planning staff in the United Kingdom. It is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participants for a role in a joint maritime environment during deployments. Americas Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires a .50 caliber machine gun during a defense of the amphibious task force exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF senarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

October 9, 2004, Norway © Koninklijke Marine / Jens Grijpstra Bergtraining Korps Marines 1st Marnsbat FTX The final exercise Note: The description This photo is the original description by the photographer. At a later stage this description will be revised if necessary.

ARABIAN GULF (May 24, 2020) A reconnaissance Marine assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), launches an RQ-20 Puma aboard a combat rubber raiding craft, May 24, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU, supported by air power from the Aviation Combat Element of the ARG/MEU, including AV-8B Harriers and attack helicopters, are conducting routine sustainment training in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in order to enhance the Navy-Marine Corps teams ability to employ low-signature, operationally relevant and strategically mobile crisis response forces to project power over key maritime terrain.

A member of the Marine detachment aboard the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) fires an M-2 .50-caliber machine gun over the side during weapons training. The WISCONSIN is deployed in the gulf to support Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

U.S. Sailors, assigned to Beachmaster Unit 1, conduct training with a Landing Craft Unit during an experimentation of joint interoperability and capabilities at Project Convergence - Capstone 4 in Camp Pendleton, Calif., on Feb. 29, 2024. PC-C4 is a Joint and Multinational, two-phase experiment designed to transform the Army and ensure readiness. Army

PACIFIC OCEAN (September 1, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ryan Kidd, a UH-1Y crew chief and weapons and tactics instructor with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires a Gun Aircraft Unit-17A at an unmanned High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target during an integrated, live-fire exercise, Sept. 1. The ability to operate seamlessly and simultaneously on the sea, ashore, and in the air represents the unique value of the amphibious capability provided by the Navy-Marine Corps team. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is underway conducting integrated training operations with the 13th MEU in the U.S. 3rd Fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

J3103-SPT-94-000301. Subject Operation/Series: SEA SIGNAL Country: Haiti (HTI)

Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division participating in the Division Leaders Academy training event paddle a raft down the Grayrocks Reservoir on July 19, 2022, at Guernsey, Wyoming. The officers were divided into 4 teams, needing to paddle three miles down the reservoir to finish the race.

021207-M-3022S-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Manda Bay State: Coast Country: Kenya (KEN) Scene Major Command Shown: CTF 52.2

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 22, 2013) Members of a visit, board, search and seizure team from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) participate in a vessel board search and seizure drill. Truxtun is conducting its final pre-deployment evaluation with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Feb. 8, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) conduct a sweep of the weather decks during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise. Mobile Bay is deployed with the John C. Stennis Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

221127-N-UL352-1312 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 27, 2022) Seaman Danhi Davis, assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), fires an M240B machine gun during a live-fire weapons qualification shoot in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 27. Delbert D. Black is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

220330-N-NT795-315 SEAL BEACH, Calf. (March 30, 2022) Electronics Technician 2nd Class Joseline Gomez-Lopez, a tactical craft engineer assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11, mans a .50 caliber machine gun aboard a 34-foot Sea Ark patrol boat during an underway off coast of Long Beach, Calif., as part of the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) Boat University Advanced Course. MESF is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

060412-N-9562H-008. Base: USS Anzio (CG 68)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle out in a combat rubber raiding craft during a boat launch aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 19, 2022. Boat company launches from the well deck to provide the landing force a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, take part in amphibious operations during KAMANDAG 6 at Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Zambales, Philippines, Oct. 7, 2022. This combined interoperability event also involved members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and United Arab Emirates soldiers conduct man overboard training as part of a bilateral training mission at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 13, 2022. The training focused on developing the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities of the UAE service members.

120201-M-DK975-034ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 1, 2012) U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicles from 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion, Regimental Landing Team 2, conduct amphibious operations near the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12

OPFOR (Opposing Force) members of the 51st Ground Combat Readiness Evaluation Squadron (GCRES), Osan Air Base attack defensive forces on the beach at Kunsan Air Base. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '94 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in an AAV-7 Amphibious Assault Vehicle dock aboard USS Rushmore (LSD 47) off the coast of San Diego Jan. 23, 2015. The 15th MEU was embarked aboard the three ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group - the USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and USS Rushmore - from Jan. 22-25, to familiarize themselves with the ships as they continue to prepare for their upcoming deployment this spring.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) Mexican Naval Infantry Marines from 2nd Infantry Battalion, Naval Infantry Corps, operate a combat rubber raiding craft at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 11. The battalion landing team with U.S. Marine Corps 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, attached to 7th Marines, hosted a basic swim confidence-lane and amphibious training event with joint ally forces from Australia, Korea, and Mexico. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series th

970629-N-9354D-002. Subject Operation/Series: KERNAL BLITZ '97 Base: Uss Juneau (LPD 10) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC) Scene Major Command Shown: Force Reconnaissance Marines

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to land combat rubber raiding craft during a boat raid exercise at Kin Blue training area in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. Marines with BLT 1/1 conducted a raid exercise on Kin Blue training area to strengthen and refine company tactics and procedures when conducting ship to shore raids. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

200121-N-JO908-1272 ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 21, 2020) Electronics Technician 2nd Class Zac Colasanto assigned to a Mark VI Patrol Boat attached to Commander, Task Force 56 (CTF 56), left, observes Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Sydney Gass, assigned to Naval Security Force Harbor Patrol Unit Bahrain during an M-240B machine gun qualification exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 21, 2020. This event highlights one of many core competencies that the Coastal Riverine Force provides in support of U.S. 5th Fleet operations. CTF 56 is responsible for the planning and execution of expeditionary missions including coastal riverine operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

CEIBA, Puerto Rico (Sept. 25, 2017) U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), exit a U.S. Navy landing craft, utility to assist in support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Maria in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The 26th MEU is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, and local authorities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with the combined goal of protecting the lives and safety of those in affected areas.

Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) launch Combat Rigid Raider Crafts (CRRC) from the stern gate while rehearsing for an upcoming raid. Training objectives included proper launch and recovery during hours of daylight, dusk and darkness. The unique aspect about today's training was that Fox Marines allowed two 'guests' in each boat. Marines from various elements of the MEU signed up to get their first 'ride' in a CRRC and enjoyed their first taste of the open ocean 'Fox style.'. Base: USS Juneau (LPD 10)

220822-A-KS490-1030 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Aug. 22, 2022) U.S. Coast Guardsman Fireman Jolie Henderson looks out at sea aboard fast response cutter USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146) in the Strait of Hormuz, Aug. 22. John Scheuerman is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East Region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up a .50 caliber machine gun during a defense of the amphibious task force exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF senarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Teumer, an infantry squad leader with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M240B machine gun during a defense of the amphibious task force live-fire aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF scenarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

220412-N-PC065-1122 ATLANTIC OCEAN - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Shaw, attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, climbs down a ladder from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) onto a rigid-hull inflatable boat to execute a visit, board, search and seizure training evolution in support of exercise Northern Viking 2022, April 12, 2022. Arlington is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland the Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.

U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 1 (MSRON 1) ties off a Sea Ark patrol boat at the Port of Djibouti after completing Exercise Bull Shark on June 21, 2022. Exercise Bull Shark was a joint training between partner forces to strengthen personnel recovery capabilities in support of the Warfighter Recovery Network Initiative throughout Africa.

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division coordinate with U.S. Sailors with U.S. Second Fleet unloading off Landing Craft Utility 1650 for Amphibious Exercise 2023 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, Jan. 30, 2023. AMPHEX is a joint exercise that demonstrates littoral interoperability and increased proficiency in operational maneuvers, including: familiarization with U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, LCU, amphibious beach landings, air-assault drills and combined live-fire training.

PAGO BAY, Guam (Nov. 18, 2020) ) Sailors deployed with the expeditionary mine countermeasures (ExMCM) capability of Task Force 75 and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen assigned to Special Boat Team 12 recover a Mark 18 Mod 2 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) onto a combatant craft medium in Pago Bay, Guam. The maritime unmanned systems team in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility launched and recovered UUVs to execute sonar hydrographic survey evolutions in order to detect and identify underwater hazards.

020630-M-9902V-020. Country: Malaysia (MYS) Scene Major Command Shown: 3 MEF

(Right) U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Francom, a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman with Special Training Branch, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force observes Swedish Marines from 4th Marine Regiment, Swedish Amphibious Corps treat a simulated casualty during exercise TYR 22 at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) in Souda bay, Greece, July 21, 2022. TYR 22 is a Maritime Interdiction Operations exercise held at NMIOTC, bringing together Swedish Marines, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen to improve US and NATO Partner operational capacity, capability, and interoperability.

DM-SC-85-09309. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

Marines from the 4th Light Armor Reconnaissance (LAR) Headquarters and Support Co. disembark a Landing Craft Utility (LCU) at Red Beach during DEEP STRIKE 97. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP STRIKE '97 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of U.S. Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Europe (NSWTU-E) prepare to conduct an over the beach (OTB) exercise alongside Croatian Zapovjedništvo Specialjalnih Snaga (ZSS) in Split, Croatia, April 14, 2022. For the Croatian ZSS, Joint Combined Exchange Training, or JCET with partner nations is not uncommon. The ZSS were founded in 2000 as the Special Operations Battalion and since then, its operators have participated in multiple operations, including stints in Afghanistan as part of NATOs International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Somaliland coast guard on board one of their three anti-piracy speedboats at the Berbera port.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, execute boat movements during a boat integration exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), in the East China Sea, Aug. 2, 2022.The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Members of the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group, U.S. Navy SEALs with Special Warfare Group, and Australian Operators with 2nd Commando Regiment conduct maritime security operations together during exercise Balikatan 22 off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, April 7, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for 'shoulder-to-shoulder' is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S. Philippine security cooperation.

ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 24, 2012) Two visit, board, search and seizure teams assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) prepare to conduct a maritime flag verification on a nearby vessel. Farragut is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. America's Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and Australian Army Soldiers launch a combat rubber raiding craft for helo-cast training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 18. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

STOCKHOLM (June 8, 2022) - Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Dominic Banta (left), from Temecula, Calif., and Information Systems Technician Seaman Hugo Ruiz, from El Paso, Texas, man the .50 caliber machine gun as part of the small craft actions team aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) during exercise BALTOPS22. BALTOPS22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

220713-N-KD380-1030 PACIFIC OCEAN- (July 13,2022) - Multinational training participants prepare to launch a REMUS 100 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) as a part of an AUV and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) search and calibration training event conducted during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Unmanned and remotely operated systems extend the capability of interconnected manned platform censors to enhance capacity across the multinational force. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 197

220613-N-EI510-0075 BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2022) Information System Technician 3rd Class Sean Kapus fires an M2 .50 caliber machine gun during weapons training aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Baltic Sea, June 13, 2022, during exercise BALTOPS22. BALTOPS22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an M240B machine gun at a notional target during a defense of the amphibious task force live-fire aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF scenarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

US Marine Corps SGT Steven Pipes of Co. A, 1ST Light Armored Reconnaissance, Camp Pendleton, California, in his armored reconnaissance vehicle, is poised to oppose any unfriendly forces with the 7.62 FN MAG machine gun during exercise RIMPAC '98. Off on the horizon can be seen the Whidbey Island class USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49). Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC '98 Base: Barking Sands, Kauai State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

During Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7), U.S. Navy divers approach a test version of the Orion capsule to practice securing it for recovery into the well deck of an amphibious assault ship on Oct. 31, 2018 in the Pacific Ocean. The Exploration Ground Systems recovery team and the U.S. Navy work together to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

Members of Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 5 take up defensive positions on the beach after coming shore in an inflatable boat during a press demonstration. The SEALSs are armed with M-4 carbines and a 7.62mm M-60 machine gun, background. Base: Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. reconnaissance Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Maritime Raid Force and reconnaissance Marines with the Indonesia Marine Corps launch a combat rubber raiding craft as part of Super Garuda Shield 22 in Batam, Indonesia, July 30, 2022. Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military and Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a defense of the amphibious task force live-fire aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF scenarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines practice marksmanship skills on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2), while off the coast of Pohang, Korea, during the FOAL EAGLE 2000 exercise. US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), spent two months participating in various training operations on and off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Sasebo, Japan, Pohang, Korea, and Hong Kong, China. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE 2000 Base: USS Essex (LHD 2) State: Pohang Country: Republic Of Korea (ROK)

A member of a Joint Task Force 4 drug interdiction team fires an M60 machine gun mounted on a ship on patrol. Country: Unknown

Artemis II Orion Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10) - Day 2. Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Expeditionary Support Unit 1 prepare to enter the Pacific Ocean from the well deck of USS John P Murtha as part of NASAs Underway Recovery Test 10 (URT-10). The divers are trained in open water and small boat procedures and will be the team to help Artemis astronauts exit the Orion spacecraft and make it safely to the recovery ship after splashdown.

U.S. Army Soldiers, representing the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, competing in the air insertion event during the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 16, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

040304-M-7403H-022. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2004 Base: Clark Field State: Luzon Country: Philippines

221011-N-TC847-1031 IONIAN SEA (Oct. 11, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) conduct visit, board, search, and seizure training aboard the ship, Oct. 11, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

220531-N-TI693-2019MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 31, 2022) - A U.S. Coast Guardsman assigned to the Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, center front, briefs Algerian sailors before conducting a visit, board, search, and seizure drill aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) as part of exercise Phoenix Express 22, May 31, 2022. Phoenix Express 22, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is a maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

060906-N-9851B-002. Base: USS Hopper (DDG 70)

110325-N-BZ392-066ARABIAN SEA (March 25, 2011) Sailors assigned to the visit, board, search and seizure team (VBSS) aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) prepare for an operation on the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel Falcon Trader II which sent out a distress call reporting it had been boarded by pirates. Leyte Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to conduct maritime security operations.

22020811-N-EL850-1020 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 11, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) shoots an M240B machine gun during a live-fire exercise, Aug. 11, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, sit in combat rubber raiding craft during helocast training as part of Steel Knight 23 off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California Dec. 2, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

221207-N-IV962-1061PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 7, 2022) - A landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 approaches the well deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Dec. 7, 2022. Makin Island is designed to field an integrated amphibious force that can support operational commanders around the globe with both strike and amphibious capabilities. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to paddle out during a boat launch sustainment exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 4, 2022. Launching from the well deck provides the MEU a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) A Royal Australian Army soldier with 2nd Battalion, Amphibious Regiment, operates a combat rubber raiding craft during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. The battalion landing team with U.S. Marine Corps 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, attached to 7th Marines, hosted a basic swim confidence-lane and amphibious training event with joint ally forces from Australia, Korea, and Mexico. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Members of the 6th Marine Regiment watch from aboard the amphibious transport dock USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8) as a Saudi Arabian patrol craft passes off the DUBUQUE's port quarter. The Marines will disembark in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, to join Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Gulf Of Bahrain

PFC Dannel Bell replaces the firing pin in his M-16 rifle after deplaning a Trans World jetliner that just landed at the Republic of Korea, Kimhae Air Base, in Pusan, on Oct. 14, 1998. PFC Bell, Company A, 1ST 23rd Armor Battalion, landed in Korea in support of Foal Eagle '98. Foal Eagle is a deployment exercise that takes place once a year in Korea. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '98KOREA CD Base: Pusan Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Artemis I Orion Recovery Mission. NASA's Landing and Recovery Team practices bringing a mock Orion capsule into the well deck of the USS Portland (LPD 27) ahead of the Artemis I Orion splashdown slated for Dec. 11.

Members of a U.S. Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) team take to the water in a Seafox special warfare patrol craft during a public demonstration. Base: Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-10290. Country: Persian Gulf

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service and Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and members of the Marine Infantry Regiment in French Polynesia, French Armed Forces, paddle combat rubber raiding crafts during the Aito Course in Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sept. 5, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. The nine Marines and Sailor from HQSVCBN participated in the bilateral training with the French Armed Forces in order to strengthen relationships with the region. The courses name comes from the Tahitian word aito. which means warrior.

020425-F-3798Y-003. Country: United States Of America (USA)

Straight on medium shot of US Marines from the 5th Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan, as they jump off the Mark V Zodiac raft to start out their long swim back to the pier during cold water training exercises at Iwakuni, Japan. Subject Operation/Series: 5TH FORCE RECON COLD WATER TRAINING Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

Marines make a beach assault from a utility landing craft during Exercise Team Spirit '82. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '82 Country: South Korea

DN-ST-88-09990. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 15, 2022) Mexican Naval Infantry launch combat rubber raiding craft during a simulated amphibious exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 15. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

DM-ST-89-07630. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Royal Thai Recon Marines coordinate a beach assault in combat rubber raiding crafts during an amphibious assault rehearsal at Exercise Cobra Gold in Sattahip, Chonburi province, Thailand, Feb. 29, 2024. Cobra Gold, now in its 43rd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the long-standing friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Marine Corps

030211-M-5847C-002. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCB CVIC

OKINAWA, Japan (June 1, 2021) U.S. Navy Electronics technician 2nd Class Paul Saldana, left, and Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Adam Long, both with Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, conduct ramp marshal duties to guide a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) into port on Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, June 1, 2021. Marines from 3d MLG and Sailors from NBU-7 integrated to load and transport personnel and equipment in support of exercise PoseidonÕs Watchtower. NBU-7 is an operational, forward deployed unit that directly contributes to the core capabilities of U.S. Maritime Sea Power by facilitating the movement of troops, equipment, vehicles and supplies from amphibious shipping across the beach. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFÕs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Saldana is a native of Miramar, Florida, and Long is a native of Sanford, N

GULF OF ADEN (April 12, 2017) Quartermaster 2nd Class Patrick W. Holmes, assigned to the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), climbs up a hook ladder while boarding the ship while participating in a drill during exercise Alligator Dagger 17. Carter Hall, part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, make landing in F470 Zodiac Combat Rubber Raid Craft on Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 30, 2013. The boat company secured the beach, allowing follow-on forces to conduct an amphibious assault. The battalion is attached to the 13th MEU on a deployment to the Pacific.

U.S. Navy divers attach the collar around a test version of the Orion capsule On Nov. 1, 2018, as part of Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) in the open water of the Pacific Ocean. There are two large, orange mockup uprighting bags in this view, but when Orion actually splashes down there will be five. URT-7 is one in a series of tests that the Exploration Ground Systems Recovery Team, along with the U.S. Navy, are conducting to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Victoria Synoground, left, and U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Armando Quezada, both assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), approach a Finnish Navy U700 Assault Craft containing a simulated casualty during a medical evaluation training in Syndalen, Finland, Aug. 12, 2022. The training was held to increase proficiency and strengthen mission readiness between U.S. Navy Corpsmen and Finnish Navy medics. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

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