Marine Corps Awards and Ceremonies

Images capture U.S. Marines engaged in various award and promotion ceremonies, showcasing camaraderie and recognition within military ranks. The scenes are warm and celebratory.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV) commanding general, awards a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Sgt. Jose D. Torres, a squad leader with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, during the squad competition awards ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 17, 2022. The competition tested infantry squads in a variety of combat related skills and determined the most effective squad in the division.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Steven M. Sutey, the commanding officer of 2d Marine Regiment, awards Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, during an Annual Rifle Squad Competition award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 23, 2022. The Marines were awarded for finishing first in the Annual Rifle Squad Competition while deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, center, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Command, and Capt. Cristian Rivera, right, an air defense control officer with Marine Air Control Squadron 4, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, discuss air defense operations on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. Shortly after his arrival to Okinawa, Maxwell toured MCAS Futenma to learn about air operations and capabilities in the Pacific region. During the tour, staff and personnel briefed Maxwell on air traffic control, air defense systems, and future barracks construction.

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. John Rainwater, a new Marine with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, receives his Eagle Globe and Anchor during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 8, 2022. After completing the 54- hour culminating event, recruits were given their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, earning them the title United States Marine.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Trystan T. Taft, a combat videographer with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, is promoted to corporal during a promotion and awards ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Oct. 3, 2022. Taft was appointed a Non-Commissioned Officer alongside three other Marines in front of a battalion formation in order to recognize hard work and dedication to the Marine Corps, as well as celebrate his promotion from lance corporal to corporal.

U.S. Marines congratulate Cpl. Marco Hernandez, a Ridgecrest, California, native and cannon section chief, all with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, after a re-enlistment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 7, 2022. Hernandez was identified as a Follow Me" Marine in efforts to share the stories of 2d MARDIV Marines who have decided to re-enlist.

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Jayden Hemingway, chemical biological radiological nuclear (CBRN) specialist, and Elijah R. Rathbun, CBRN Specialist, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), speaks to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gregg P. Olson, Director of the Marine Corps, at Naval Base Stump Neck Annex, Md., Nov. 30, 2022. During the tour, Lt. Gen. Olson spoke to CBIRF Marines and Sailors, while receiving multiple demonstrations of the response forces capabilities in case of a crisis.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nate Bullock, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, recites the oath of enlistment during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps, mentioned Bullocks name during an informational video about the commandants retention program, which was a contributing factor in Bullock deciding to reenlist. Bullock is awaiting orders to be a recruiter in his home state of Arizona as part of his reenlistment. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. James Harkness, the acting sergeant major of Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 8, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, gives a speech to CLB-8 Marines before the birthday celebration on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 20, 2022. CLB-8 celebrated 18 years as a unit with unit morale building activities and a lineage reading.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Arturo Mares, center, a staff secretary chief with I Marine Expeditionary Force, from Anahuac, Texas, recites the oath of enlistment during a meritorious promotion ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 3, 2023. Meritorious promotions are awarded to Marines who demonstrate outstanding performance and capability of assuming positions of more responsibility. Mares has been meritoriously promoted to the ranks of lance corporal, corporal, sergeant and now staff sergeant.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV) commanding general, awards a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Sgt. Jose D. Torres, a squad leader with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, during the squad competition awards ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 17, 2022. The competition tested infantry squads in a variety of combat related skills and determined the most effective squad in the division.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Frank O. Robinson, the sergeant major of 6th Marine Corps District, reads Cpl. Isabelle M. Anaya's certificate of reenlistment during her reenlistment ceremony held at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to re-establish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Anaya is a native of Dumas, Texas, and she enlisted out of Recruiting Substation Metro South on May 2, 2018.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Mardia A. Timoney, the musical technical assistant of 6th Marine Corps District, recites the Oath of Enlistment during her promotion ceremony held at 6MCD Headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Aug. 1, 2022. This ceremony serves to publicly recognize those who have proven themselves worthy of the next enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew Niebel, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East, greets Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, at the mess hall on MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, April 18, 2022. Niebel met with Marines to talk about their daily operations and discuss the future of the Marine Corps.

(220610-N-OI810-0239) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 10, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Saul Ramos, Executive Officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, speaks to Seabees after morning formation during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 10, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 30, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason C. Copeland, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and Maj. Gen. Jay M. Bergeron, right, commanding general, 3rd Marine Division, observes an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 30. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, the commanding officer for 6th Marine Corps District, right, congratulates Cpl. Immanuel I. Benton, an operations clerk at 6MCD, as the first Marine to earn the PSR 6 Rhino of the Quarter Award at 6MCD Headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, June 1, 2022. The Rhino of the Quarter award is a command-voted award presented to the Marine who has gone above and beyond the mission requirement.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Frank Donovan, 2d Marine Division commanding general, addresses Marines during a Navy and Marine Corps Medal presentation ceremony for Lance Cpl. Ryan Liston at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. Lance Cpl. Liston was awarded for heroic actions during a training accident in Oman while deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2019.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Andrew Kelley, the regimental commander of 10th Marine Regiment, shakes hands with Maj. Christopher Tyson, the battery commander of Fire Support Battery, 10th Marines, during the battery activation ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. This activation will give fire support Marines the opportunity to gain additional capabilities that will increase their ability to produce lethal and non-lethal effects across the battlefield.

U.S. Marines with command element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, take part in a sergeant led unit formation at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on March 29, 2023. The formation was held to account for all Marines in the command element and pass important information. 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, commander of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), left, speaks about 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, at her award ceremony on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. Sgt. Fuerte was recognized as MCICOMs Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2023 and was awarded a NAM for her efforts. (U.S Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Bierman, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to Marines and Sailors during Keen Sword 23 at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. III MEF leaders expressed their appreciation to the members working at Keen Swords expeditionary medical facility. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Kelvin Gallman, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing assistant wing commander, is frocked to the rank of brigadier general on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 8, 2024. Frocking is a tradition where Marines are advanced to the next pay grade, assuming the title and the responsibilities prior to their official date of promotion.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Frank Estrella, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fills out a roster during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) drill on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. The ACM exercise was conducted to prepare III MEF personnel to react quickly to a crisis, counter potential threats, and assist allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region in maintaining regional stability. Estrella, a native of Moreno Valley, California, graduated from Canyon Springs High School in 2016 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station Moreno Valley.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, center, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and Sgt. Maj. Wesley O. Turner II, right, sergeant major of 2nd MLG, present awards to Marines and Sailors of 2nd MLG on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. During the ceremony Marines and Sailors with 2nd MLG were awarded and recognized for their efforts and discipline during the calendar year of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. Marine Corps

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) disinter the remains of an unknown service member during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 16, 2022. The ceremony was part of the agencys efforts to disinter and identify the remains of unknown service members lost during the Korean War. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Douglas K. Clark, commanding general of 4th Marine Division, awards Sgt. Joseph Howard, a Yonkers, New York native and an infantry mortarman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, with a Navy and Marine Corps Medal at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, Dec. 9, 2022. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combatant decoration awarded. On Dec 30, 2017, at the time a lance corporal, Howard witnessed a car collision between four vehicles. Victims were trapped in a vehicle that had flipped eight times over a distance of 300 feet. Howard extracted the two unconscious victims from the car that continued to leak fuel. As he moved the second victim to safety, the vehicle was engulfed in flames and exploded. He then reassessed their injuries and provided life-saving first aid until first responders arrived. By his bold initiative and unwavering dedication to duty, Lance Cpl. Howard reflected great credit upon hims

U.S. Navy Master Chief Loren D. Rucker, left, oncoming command master chief of I Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Navy Master Chief Charles F. Ziervogel, outgoing Command Master Chief of I MEF, observe the formation during a change of charge ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2024. Ziervogel, relinquished his duties as the I MEF Command Master Chief to Rucker.

TALLINN, Estonia (May 16, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert Hallett, deputy commander for Task Force 61/2 and assistant division commander for 2d Marine Division, speaks with Commodore Jüri Saska, Commander of the Estonian Navy, during a demonstration of gear and equipment as part of Exercise Hedgehog 22 in Tallinn, Estonia, May 16, 2022. Task Force 61/2 is participating in the Estonian-led exercise Siil (Hedgehog) 22 to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness and interoperability with Estonia and to ensure security and stability with NATO Allies and Partners in the Baltic region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, left, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, greets U.S. Marine Corps Col. Koichi Takagi, right, the commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) Information Group, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 1, 2023. Cavanaugh and respective leadership visited II MEF to tour subordinate commands, discuss capabilities, innovations and meet with Marines.

040618-M-3856G-023. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corp officers are congratulated by friends and family during their swearing-in ceremony at the Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. on August 13, 2022. These officers are part of the Platoon Leaders Course Law Program and will become Judge Advocates it is a rare occasion of 4 women pursuing this career in the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Nicholas C. Nuzzo, the Fleet Week Maryland Marine Corps Detachment commander of troops, discusses the importance of the Marine Corps role in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore while aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), underway in the Chesapeake Bay, Sept. 6, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Colin G. Baird, a geospatial analyst with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas A. Kulisz, the commanding officer of 1st Intelligence Battalion, during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2022. Baird received recognition for his selfless act to save a civilian from a hiking accident while off duty.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Learlin J. Lejeune III, operations officer, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, speaks the oath of office after his promotion ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Lejeune was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Trent Henry, a native of El Paso, Texas and a combat photographer with Task Force Koa Moana 23, is promoted to his current rank during a promotion ceremony atop Bloody Nose Ridge in Peleliu, Palau, Sept. 1, 2023. Task Force Koa Moana 23, composed of U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force, deployed to the Indo-Pacific to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island partners through bilateral and multilateral security cooperation and community engagements.

U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, presents U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Jesus Linares, Petty Officer Second Class Uriel Agoirre, and Petty Officer First Class Fabian Floriano with the Blue Jacket, Sailor of the Quarter and Senior Sailor of the Quarter awards respectively during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sep. 16, 2022. During the ceremony, Watson awarded Marines and sailors from across the division for their exceptional performance.

U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, center, presents Sgt. Jose Torres, center right, and Cpl. Luke J. Dutoit, right, with awards for Noncommissioned Officer and Marine of the Quarter during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sep. 16, 2022. During the ceremony, Watson awarded Marines and sailors from across the division for their exceptional performance.

Recruits with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, aim at a practice target during grass week aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., October 18, 2022. Recruits will spend numerous hours over the week mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship before moving on to live fire drills

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14 salute in formation during a change of command ceremony for MAG-14 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Col. Marlin D. Williams to Col. James T. Bardo. MAG-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jean Pierre St Surin, an inventory management specialist with 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, is meritoriously promoted to sergeant by Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 27, 2024. St Surin was meritoriously promoted after displaying outstanding military performance, appearance, demeanor, and a high level of leadership that significantly impacts mission accomplishment. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Cruz, the commanding officer of Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, discusses the wings multifunction aviation operations center with Marine and Navy leaders during a tour as part of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise involving the major subordinate commands of I Marine Expeditionary Force and the U.S. Navy's ESG 3. Steel Knight ensures 1st Marine Division is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) escort a distinerred casket housing the remains of an unknown service member during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 16, 2022. The ceremony was part of the agencys efforts to disinter and identify the remains of unknown service members lost during the Korean War. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General, left, and Col. Timothy S. Brady, center, commanding officer of 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR), 3d Marine Division, attend 3d MLRs presentation during Distinguished Visitor Day as part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August 1, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Beachner, a light armored vehicle mechanic with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal aboard amphibious landing docking ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), April 13, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group with embarked 22nd MEU are on a scheduled deployment under command and control of Task Force 6 1/2 while operating in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

041214-M-4697Y-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Egers State: Kunar Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dylan Greene, an officer selection assistant for Recruiting Substation Arlington, stands at attention during an award ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 18, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jamie Self, Staff Sgt. Dalmon Moseley, and Greene each earned a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for saving the life of a man wounded in a shooting in Arlington, Texas, Feb. 5, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, left, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, and U.S. Navy Master Chief Charles F. Ziervogel, outgoing command master chief of I MEF, shake hands during a change of charge ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2024. Ziervogel, relinquished his duties as the I MEF Command Master Chief to U.S. Navy Master Chief Loren D. Rucker.

Planners conduct various site surveys during the Tradewinds 24 main planning conference in Barbados, Jan. 30, 2024. These site surveys are intended to understand the landscape, environment, and terrain in preparation for TW24. Tradewinds is an annual, combined, joint exercise aimed to enhance regional security cooperation and interoperability among participants from over 23 partner nations, primarily from the Caribbean Basin, U.S., Canada, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

U.S. Marines with Charlie and November Companies, 1st and 4th Recruit Training Battalions, receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., October 29, 2022. Recruits receiving their EGAs marks their transformation to becoming a U.S. Marine.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nikolas Proctor, a CBRN responder with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is pinned to his current rank during a ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 30, 2023. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cristian Rivera, an air defense control officer with Marine Air Control Squadron 4, speaks to Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) receive a welcome aboard brief given by the Commanding Officer, Sergeant Major, and leaders from across the 26th MEU staff at the base theater on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 2022. Leaders from the 26th MEU welcomed new joins with an orientation brief about the unit, upcoming training exercises and expectations to prepare Marines for the upcoming deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jason B. Hammock, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Installations Command, and Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Brown, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Quantico, talk to the inspectors during an inspection at Officer Candidates School barracks, Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 9, 2024. MCICOM has directed a wall to wall environmental, health, and safety inspection of all Marine Corps barracks to ensure a safe, secure, clean, and consistent living standard for all military living quarters branch wide and set the conditions for implementing the provisions of Barracks 2030. The inspection is slated to be completed by all installations no later than March 15, 2024. Marine Corps

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 27, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General, gives remarks during a 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment briefing at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 27. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jon Osborn, squadron sergeant major, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, stands with a Meritorious Service Medal prior to its presentation to Master Sgt. Maribel Valdez during her retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 24, 2022. Valdez, formally the administrative chief, MALS-13, retired after 20 years of service.

221130-N-EJ241-1012Builder 2nd Class Dylan Nikoley, assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East, Public Works Department, Detachment Diego Garcia, receives his collar devices during a frocking ceremony at Diego Garcia Nov. 30, 2022. U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, oversees aircraft onload operations in preparation for an Alert-Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Drill, and speaks with Marines participating in Winter Workhorse 23 at Kadena Airbase, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 3, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Lazzeroni, incoming sergeant major, stands at attention during the Marine Helicopter Squadron One Relief and Appointment and Retirement Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 13, 2022. A relief and appointment ceremony signifies a formal transfer of responsibility from the unit's senior enlisted advisor to another.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Gregory Johnson, left, a combat engineer officer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, and Cpl. Justin Sego, center, an engineer assistant with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, are inspected for live ammunition by Cpl. Sterling Camper, right, a block noncommissioned officer with Weapons Training Battalion East, during the Intramural Marksmanship Competition at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. The Marine Corps Intramural Marksmanship Competition inspires unit cohesion and mission readiness by allowing Marines to compete and improve lethality with both rifle and pistol weapons.

A U.S. service member with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) honors the fallen by rendering a salute during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, August 11, 2022. The disinterred remains were transferred to the DPAA laboratory for identification. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our Nation.

U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit give a presentation as a part of Corporals Course aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 16, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders as they enter the career into the non-commissioned officer ranks. 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. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, the commanding general of 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), prepares to relieve and appoint the role of division sergeant major in a ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18, 2022. After 2 years serving the division, Sgt. Maj. Krause moves on to be the sergeant major for Defense Information Systems Agency.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Damon Davoren, outgoing sergeant major of Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, right, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Michael Taylor, the commanding officer of CLB-2, during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Myrick assumed the post of battalion sergeant major from Sgt. Maj. Davoren. Davoren honorably served as the battalion sergeant major of CLB-2 for two years and retired after 25 years of active-duty service.

U.S. Marines with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division conduct route reconnaissance during the Light Tactical Family Crew Maneuver Course 23-2 on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 5, 2023.The five-day course focused on training and educating crew members on effective LTF employment.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Calvert L. Worth Jr., the commanding general of 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), presents Sgt. Kayla Hanner, a Lapeer, Michigan, native and administrative specialist with Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, a promotion warrant during a promotion ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. Hanner was identified as a Follow Me Marine in efforts to share the stories of 2d MARDIV Marines who are leading the way.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Edward Banta, deputy commander, installations & logistics, Pentagon, gives an interview at the kids run with Corporal Dylan Coombs and Corporal Caden Phillips, combat videographers, Marine Corps Base Quantico, during the Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run at Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 29, 2022. The one mile fun run offered children ages 5-12 the opportunity to run with Marines; finishing at Camp Miles where families were able to enjoy activities, entertainment, and games.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, left, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, speaks during the December 2023 Impact Iwakuni award presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 18, 2024. The Impact Iwakuni award is presented monthly to recipients that make a significant positive impact on the community, and Akiko Takemoto won the award for leading and coordinating volunteer efforts and donations for a local animal shelter.

U.S. Marine Corps. Gen. Leonard Anderson, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing commander, speaks to an audience as part of a change of command ceremony on July 16, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one officer to another. The mission of MAG 49 is to organize, train, and equip combat ready squadrons to augment and reinforce the active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations, and to provide personnel and assault support capabilities to relieve operational tempo for active duty forces.

221023-N-CM110-1142 OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 23, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) debark amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 23, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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. Marine Corps Capt. Mylen Morales, a student at the Expeditionary Warfare School at Marine Corps University, Marine Corps Base Quantico, V.A.., instructs students with Reading High School J.R.O.T.C. during their visit to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 23, 2024. Morales is a native of Reading, P.A. and graduated from Reading High School in 2011.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, commander of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), awards a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) to 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, on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. Sgt. Fuerte was recognized as MCICOMs Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2023 and was awarded a NAM for her efforts. (U.S Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Nicholas Davis speaks during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2022. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson relinquished his command of the 2d MEB to Davis.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard D. Joyce, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29, left, passes a noncommissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Russell D. Boley, the new sergeant major of MAG-29, during a relief-and-appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, April 22, 2022. The ceremony represented the passing of office from Sgt. Maj. Chad M. Coston to Boley. MAG-29 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Oryan Lopes, assistant operations officer, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division briefs during a rehearsal of concept for exercise Bougainville II at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2022. Bougainville II is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby, speaks with recruiters assigned to the Navy Recruiting and Orientation Unit during a visit to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Jan. 31, 2024. Kilby visited Pensacola to engage with Sailors and meet with leadership to discuss recruiting and manning challenges and initiatives, pay and personnel, and supporting our Sailors. Naval Education and Training Command's mission is to recruit, train and deliver those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat ready warfighters.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz speaks to a Marine on duty during a tour of the enlisted barracks during a visit to Marine Forces Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 21, 2024. Ruiz toured MARSOC to learn more about its mission and capabilities and took time to meet with enlisted Marines to discuss his plans for improving quality of life across the Corps. Marine Corps

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 21, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, embraces Lt. Col. Osman Sesay, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 21. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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.

Recruits with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, execute drill movements aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Oct. 18, 2022. Close order drill helps to instill self-discipline in recruits as they become U.S. Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps. Col. Shawn Basco, outgoing commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group 31, speaks during the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 Relief and Appointment ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Artie Martinez at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 9, 2022. The ceremony recognized Martinez's service, leadership and dedication as he relinquished his duties to the unit.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Joseph Larkin, a Stafford, Virginia native and the executive officer of Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, converses with 1st Lt. Brian Lara, a Houston, Texas native and a platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a defense of the amphibious task force 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 Staff Sgt. Dustin Jeardoe, a canvassing recruiter with Recruiting Substation Lancaster, Recruiting Station Harrisburg, is promoted at the Columbia River Park, Columbia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 5, 2022. The rank of staff sergeant is the first Staff Noncommissioned Officer rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, responsible for the proficiency, training and administration of Marines in their charge.

Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. Nestor Herico, speaks with Capt. Ronald Lienhardt, a company commander with 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, prior to observing a bilateral beach defense training during exercise Balikatan 22, at Appari Beach, Cagayan, Philippines, March 31, 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 long-standing 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.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a battle colors rededication ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. The ceremony commemorated the Regiments 80th anniversary and its legacy of valor, honor, and fidelity. CLR-3 was activated on Camp Elliot, California, Sept. 16, 1942, and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Bridget N. Young, the commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, shakes hands with Republic of Korea Marines during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, May 15, 2022. ROK Marines toured the air station to learn about aviation operations by visiting various squadrons to see the weapons systems, aircraft, flight operation plans, and administration systems the Marine Corps utilizes. ROK and U.S. Marines have built a close relationship in order to maintain readiness and proficiency in accordance with ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Cameron D. Calhoun, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, graduates as the honor graduate for Platoon 2068, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Sept. 28, 2022. Calhoun earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming other recruits in his platoon during a series of training events designed to test their basic Marine Corps skills.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (April 05, 2022) - A Sailor assigned to Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) is awarded the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) pin after completing the FMF conditioning hike aboard Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, April 5. The hike is one of many requirements Sailors must finish in order to successfully pass the FMF program and be awarded an FMF pin. TF 51/5 responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet, and MARCENT theater objectives.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Steven L. Letofsky, a Fire Support Chief with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., September 1, 2022. Gunnery Sergeants represent a seasoned corps of Staff Noncommissioned Officers who provide advanced knowledge from their respective fieldssetting a standard for the Marines under their charge to follow. Staff Noncommissioned Officers embody the sense of pride and esprit de corps that is the United States Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Davis Harris)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeffery L. Starr, the outgoing commanding officer of 2d Intelligence Battalion, II MEF Information Group, speaks to Marines and families during the unit's change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 28, 2022. During the ceremony, Starr relinquished command of 2d Intel Bn. to Lt. Col. Ruth E. Kehoe, the oncoming commanding officer of 2d Intel Bn.

220729-N-ZW825-0122 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 29, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) Cycle 3 midshipman candidates load 9mm magazines prior to the start of a small arms live fire training event at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 29. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlis

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and Marine Forces Reserve, re-enlists U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew D. Newman, from Engineer Support Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, during exercise UNITAS LXIII in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 16, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan Gnecco, the Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCIEAST-MCB) Camp Lejeune Sergeant Major, hands an award for outsanding achievement to Sgt. Lina Fuerte, a legal services specialist with the Defense Services Organization, Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune, before her award ceremony on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. Fuerte was recognized as the Marine Corps Installations Commands Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2023 and was awarded a NAM for her efforts. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Bradley Williams, expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) from Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, commanding officer, H&HS, at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, July 28, 2022. Cpl. Williams received a NAM for relaying information to responding crews, enduring rapid response time to the mishap site.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) Service members from Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, South Korea, Sri Lanka and the U.S., stand in formation during Distinguished Visitor Day as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 at Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mikhail Nikiforov, left, forward air controller with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Dylan Rine, right, battalion air officer, during a Fire Support Coordination exercise on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 14, 2022. The training allowed the Fires and Effects Coordination Cell and Fire Support Teams to effectively coordinate the combined fires from 81mm mortars, 155mm artillery, and rotary wing close air support.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Moore, an aviation ordnance magazine division chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), prepares to recite the oath for enlistment during a reenlistment ceremony at the Sound of Freedom Golf Course on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Oct. 25, 2022. Moore signed for an additional four years, marking this his second reenlistment towards his goal of serving 20 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric J. Adams, left, outgoing Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools (MCCSSS), and Col. Marshalee E. Clarke, incoming Commanding Officer, MCCSSS, salute the Color Guard during a change of command ceremony at Camp Johnson, N.C., June 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition in which one commander relinquishes authority to another.

Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, outgoing Marine Forces Special Operations Command Commander, makes remarks during a change of command ceremony, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the transition of command and responsibility of MARSOC from Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn to Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Trollinger.

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion execute drill movements during Final Drill practice at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 12, 2022. Final Drill tests drill instructors on their ability to give drill commands and tests recruits on their ability to execute the movements properly.

031030-M-5590R-003. US Marine Corps (USMC) Colonel (COL) Michael K. Hicks (left), Chief of Staff, Marine Corps Combat Development Center (MCCDC), Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia (VA), presents awards to NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) of the Quarter, USMC Sergeant (SGT) Tommy R. Eggleston (middle) and (USMC) Marine of the Quarter, USMC Lance Corporal (LCPL) Michael P. Gudgeon.

U.S. Marines Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Nicholson presents a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Cpl. Jacob Cogswell during an award ceremony at the base theater on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. The ceremony was held to award Sgt. Aidan Blansfield and Cpl. Jacob Cogswell with Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals for life saving acts while on pre-deployment leave. Both Marines awarded rescued a civilian from drowning. Nicholson, a native of South Carolina, is the battalion commander and Cogswell, a native of New York, is a machine gunner, both with of 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment. 2/2 is currently forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

of 4