Marine Corps Ceremonies and Training

U.S. Marines participate in various ceremonial events and training exercises, showcasing camaraderie, discipline, and military tradition.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, commanding general of 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), gives a speech to the Marines of 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d MARDIV, during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 14, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), wraps the guidon during an activation ceremony, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2022. The ceremony officially redesignated Materiel Readiness Company-North to Regional Maintenance Operations Company, improving 3rd SGXs ability to provide efficient and effective maintenance, in line with Marine Corps Force Design 2030. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines congratulate Sgt. Maj. Joy M. Kitashima upon receiving the Legion of Merit in front of building one, the Marine Corps Installations Pacific headquarters building, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2022. Kitashima was awarded the Legion of Merit award for her performance and accomplishments while serving as the sergeant major of MCIPAC.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, salutes a Marine on post at Fort Pickett, Virginia, on Jan. 27, 2022. Gen. Berger visited Fort Pickett to tour the facilities, meet with service members supporting the Task Force, and discuss future plans for Operation Allies Welcome. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Intriago)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Robert Strautins, an Infantry unit leader with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a safety brief before a helicopter raid training exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2022. The training exercise consisted of Marines taking control of a known location to establish a Forward Arming and Refueling Point. 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 assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 49 parade march 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.

U.S. Marines with Bridge Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, salute the colors during the deactivation ceremony for Bridge Co. at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 29, 2022. Bridge Companys deactivation is in accordance with Force Design 2030 as the Marine Corps modernizes to maintain its position as the nations force in readiness. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Rodel Nono, operations officer, 3rd Marine Brigade, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Corey Lockhart, detachment officer in charge of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, address Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines, sailors and airmen during initial staff introductions following the opening ceremony for KAMANDAG 6 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2022. 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 of shared experiences.

Recruits with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion execute drill movements during Final Drill practice at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 7, 2022. Final Drill tests drill instructors on their ability to give drill commands and tests recruits on their ability to execute the movements properly.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, commanding general of 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), gives a speech to the Marines of 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d MARDIV, during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 14, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3 stand in formation during a change of command at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2023. Marines and Sailors with CLR-3 celebrated Col. Christopher M. Haars successful years commanding the unit and welcome the incoming commander, Col. Jason B. Berg.

U.S. Marine Capt. Peter Severson, the commanding officer of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, speaks to his Marines prior to a boat raid exercise during an Expeditionary Operations Training Group amphibious raid course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 22, 2022. During the course, the Marines gained proficiency in small boat operations and tactics to increase their capability to operate in a littoral environment.

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, salute past and present commanding officers during the pass in review of a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Brandon Graham relinquished command of 1st Marine Regiment to Col. Brendan Sullivan.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ryan J. Franzen, the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, passes the non commissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Johnson, the incoming sergeant major of VMFAT-101, during the relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 6, 2022. The ceremony recognized Sgt. Maj. Gonzalezs service, leadership and dedication to the unit while also welcoming Sgt. Maj. Johnson as the squadron sergeant major.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Dustin R. Benson (right), the incoming sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (1/1), 1st Marine Division, receives the noncommissioned officer sword from Lt. Col. Frank P. Mease (center), commanding officer of 1/1, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 10, 2022. During the ceremony Benson replaced Sgt. Maj. Nicholas C. Elliott as the 1/1 sergeant major.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Anthony Quezada, left, and Recruit Jaysus M. Elliott with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, perform a "show clear and transfer" during grass week at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 12, 2022. Recruits shot at a variety of distances on several targets as part of their marksmanship assessment during recruit training.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, signals a corpsman during a casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 12, 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.

220504-N-AS200-5346 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (May 4, 2022) - Lt. Vyvienne Flores, deputy operations officer, assigned to Naval Satellite Operations Center, left, reenlists Boatswains mate 2nd Class Juan Reyes-Munoz, assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Port Operations May 4, 2022. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

221017-N-PC620-0084REYNOSA, Mexico (Oct. 17, 2022) Mexican army Subteniente (Lieutenant) Eduardo Bobadilla, assigned to the 19th Motorized Cavalry, demonstrates how to use a self-lowering device to U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 526th Engineer Construction Company, based out of Fort Stewart, Ga., during exercise Fuerzas Amigas 2022 on Campo Militar Reynosa, Mexico, Oct. 17, 2022. Exercise FA22 is a binational disaster-response exercise between the U.S. and Mexican militaries Oct. 17-21, along the U.S.-Mexican border. The purpose of this annual exercise is to improve readiness and strengthen the two nations cooperative relationship. U.S. Army North, through Joint Task Force Civil Support will serve as the command-and-control element directing U.S. troops conducting a natural disaster response exercise alongside Mexican military forces.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Robert Heinecke, an infantry Marine with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, briefs Marines prior to a raid scenario as part of a bilateral jungle training event in Manaus, Brazil, Sept. 27, 2022. Throughout the training event, U.S. Marines applied tactics and knowledge given to them by the Brazilian Marines, who regularly operate in the Amazon jungle. The U.S. integrates with partners by building trust, strengthening interoperability through training and equipment, and reinforcing a shared vision of prosperity and hemispheric security.

220729-N-AS200-6103 POINT MUGU, Calif. (July 29, 2022) - Sailors assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) stand at attention to awards July 29, 2022. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay M. Bargeron addresses Marines of 3d Marine Division following a battle colors rededication ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on Sept. 13, 2022. The ceremony commemorates the Divisions 80th Anniversary and its legacy of valor, honor, and fidelity. The 3d Marine Division was activated at Camp Elliot, San Diego, Sept. 16, 1942 and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan. The current Marines of 3d Marine Division continue to build on this legacy today as a critical part of the stand-in force within the first island chain of the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice close order drill at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 18, 2022. The objective of close order drill is to teach recruits by exercise to obey orders immediately and correctly.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mathew Lusher, left, and Lance Cpl. Cresencio Chavezbarcenas, right, both engineer equipment operators with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts a room clearing drill at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 18, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

040723-M-3843C-080. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, shoot during a pistol qualification range in Ngatpang, Republic of Palau, July 13, 2022. U.S. Marine subject matter experts, along with local law enforcement, sharpened marksmanship skills using the newly renovated Joint Range Complex. Exercises such as Task Force Koa Moana demonstrate U.S. commitment through routine operations that foster peace and security and develop relations with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. James M. Peugh, left, the command chaplain with Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, middle, commanding general, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune, stand at the position of attention while Sgt. Maj. Robert Tellez, sergeant major, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune reads the promotion warrant on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 1, 2022. The chaplain develops personnel and families of the Camp Lejeune community for spiritual and personal readiness through ministries or pastoral care.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. James M. Peugh, left, the command chaplain with Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, middle, commanding general, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune, stand at the position of attention while Sgt. Maj. Robert Tellez, sergeant major, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune reads the promotion warrant on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 1, 2022. The chaplain develops personnel and families of the Camp Lejeune community for spiritual and personal readiness through ministries or pastoral care.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Barlow, an armorer with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, instructs recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion during an M16A4 service rifle issue at MCRD San Diego, Oct. 31, 2022. Recruits were issued rifles and briefed on their responsibilities regarding rifle security, safety and handling.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Philippine Marines conduct a safety brief before a combined-arms, live-fire exercise rehearsal during KAMANDAG 6 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 12, 2022. 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 of shared experiences.

221214-N-VI040-1018 ATSUGI, Japan (Dec. 14, 2022) The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Air Station Atsugi Chiefs Mess presents Kadomatsu to the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Chiefs Mess during a cultural exchange ceremony held at NAF Atsugi headquarters Dec. 14, 2022. The NAF Atsugi Chiefs Mess and JMSDF Chiefs Mess exchanged a wreath and Kadomatsu in celebration of U.S. and Japanese holiday season traditions. The Kadomatsu is decoration made up of cut pine and bamboo that adorns the entrance of Japanese buildings during the New Year's season.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, receive uniform items at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 7, 2022. Recruits received uniform items at the beginning of training, giving them the opportunity to tailor and modify them during their 13 weeks at boot camp.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division conduct ceremonial drill during a realignment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 24, 2022. CLB-3 realigned under 3d MLR as part of Force Design 2030. While the 3d MLR is not envisioned to be fully operational for several years, the realignment is a significant step towards that end.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, march to chow on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 13, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Ryan Hageali)

040331-M-1158H-021. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, receive instructions during M16A4 service rifle issue at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Sept. 26, 2022. Recruits were issued rifles and briefed on their responsibilities regarding rifle security, safety and handling.

U.S. service members with the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force load an unmanned underwater vehicle onto a combat rubber raiding craft during a joint explosive ordnance disposal exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Sept. 24, 2022. EOD technicians around the joint force conducted a week long joint-service level exercise where service members cohesively integrated, trained, and competed with one another while utilizing experimental technology. The training demonstrated progress in the U.S. Marine Corps Force Design 2030 efforts.

030718-M-9124R-090. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Major General Wayne E. Rollings, Commanding General, Third Marine Expeditonary Force, talks with officers and staff of Bravo Company, 1ST Battalion, 6th Marines, during his visit to the housing area in Tiyan, Guam, during Operation PACIFIC HAVEN. PACIFIC HAVEN provided Kurdish evacuees political asylum from Iraq. While on Guam, the Kurds are provided shelter, food, clothing, medical care and assimilation classes for life in the United States. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC HAVEN Base: Tiyan State: Guam (GU) Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Martin, commanding officer of III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, addresses Marines after a three-mile conditioning hike on Sept. 15, 2022 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. This hike is the first in a series of hikes aimed to condition the Marines of III MIG. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Karl Arborgast, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, and Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Wyble, sergeant major, MCAS Beaufort, wait to greet Brig. Gen. Andrew Niebel, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations - East, at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, April 18, 2022. Niebel visited MCAS Beaufort as a part of a command tour where he met with air station leadership, toured base facilities and interacted with Marines.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gregg P. Olson, Director of the Marine Corps, speaks to Sailors and Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) at Naval Base Stump Neck Annex, Md., Nov. 30, 2022. During the tour, Lt. Gen. Olson viewed multiple demonstrations of the response forces capabilities in case of a crisis.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, checks another Marine's information during well deck operations aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the East China Sea, July 30, 2022. 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.

221029-N-VQ841-1204 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 29, 2022) Guatemalan service members and people from the community watch the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band, attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), perform at Queen's Park in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 29, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Sailors assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 carry an AIM-9M Sidewinder missile to an F/A-18E Super Hornet at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 10, 2022. The VFA-83 participated in the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Groups Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training.

031004-M-3843B-003. Base: Crtc State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Timothy Helm, left, police officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, renders a salute to U.S. Marine Corps Col. Karl Arbogast, commanding officer, MCAS Beaufort during an award ceremony, MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. Helm was awarded a Certificate of Commendation in recognition of his selection for the 2021 Security/Emergency Services Civilian Marine of the Year Award.

Partner force judges salute Honduran and U.S. delegations during the closing ceremony of the Fuerzas Comando 2022 competition in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on June 23, 2022. Honduras hosted the competition with over 110 security forces personnel from 17 countries promoting military-to-military relationships, increasing training knowledge, and improving regional security.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Kevin Hopkins, left, alpha company first sergeant, presents a plaque to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Richard Jr., right, offgoing sergeant major, during the 3d radio Battalion Relief and Appointment ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 2, 2022. Richard was relieved as the Sergeant Major of 3rd Radio Bn. by Sgt. Maj. Adan Moreno.

The Marine Forces Reserve color guard participates in the Navys 247th birthday ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Oct. 13, 2022. MARFORRES has over 1,000 U.S. Navy sailors serving at more than 150 Home Training Centers across the nation supporting the mission to keep our honor clean as a reserve force, ready to fight and win our nations battles.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Hart, commanding officer of Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, debriefs small boat training with Mexican Naval Infantry during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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 1971.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sebastian Pierre, an artillery officer with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines participates in a subject matter expert exchange with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during Marine Aviation Support Activity 22.1 in Luzon, Philippines, June 7, 2022. MASA 22 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

Senior Airman Chadrick Holliday and Airman First Class Aron Burt, 332d Base Honor Guard, exit after presenting the colors during a ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, May 27, 2022. The Honor Guard provides military ceremonial support and dignified transfer support when called upon.

TALLINN, Estonia (May 16, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert Hallett (left), assistant division commander for 2d Marine Division and deputy commander for Task Force 61/2, speaks to Commodore Jüri Saska, Commander of the Estonian Navy, during a demonstration of various 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.

Cadets of the Philippine Army observe a U.S. Army Humvee during a tour of Camp Agnew, Casigueran, Philippines in preparation for Balikatan 23 on April 3, 2023. 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 shared experiences.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, enters a guard tower at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, Aug. 30, 2022. "Cooperative Security Location-Manda Bay is an important operational base for U.S. Africa Command forces in the region. The missions here are possible thanks to the exceptional relationship we have with our Kenyan partners and their commitment to regional security and stability," Langley said.

220715-N-XG173-1145 BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 15, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps and Mexican Naval Infantry Marines prepare to conduct small boat training with a combat rubber raiding craft during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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 1971.

The Rhode Island National Guard hosted members of the Young Marines for an orientation and open house on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, on Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich. These Young Marines traversed the obstacle course, set up a rope bridge, got an orientation flight in a Blackhawk, were turned upside down in the rollover trainer, and more. The Young Marines is a national non-profit youth education and service program for boys and girls that promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members.

220909-N-OX321-1029 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, commanding officer, Naval Air Station Sigonella, provides the opening remarks during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held on NAS Sigonella, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks and honors those who lost their lives that day and the heroic efforts of emergency personnel. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

SASEBO, Japan (June 10, 2022) Captain Greg Baker, Commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11, arrives at the Amphibious Squadron 11 change-of-command ceremony aboard the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). Amphibious Squadron 11 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Manuel Mejia, a Senior Drill Instructor with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, marches his platoon during a liberty call ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug, 25, 2022. These new Marines marched out in front of their families before getting released for on-base liberty. (U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grace J. Kindred)

031008-M-3843B-001. Base: Combat Readiness Training Center State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, bow their heads for the invocation during a change of command ceremony for the inspector-instructors for 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, in the 41 Area of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2022. The battalion consists of seven reserve companies across the U.S., with the headquarters located on Camp Pendleton.

021212-M-0175R-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2002 Base: USS Tortuga (LSD 46) Scene Major Command Shown: CTF 52.2

Sgt. Hunter D. Sackewitz, a Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI) with Weapons and Field Training Battalion, teaches technicalities of various shooting positions during grass week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., July 14, 2022. A PMI is a subject matter expert on the fundamentals of marksmanship and will be assigned to a platoon for the entire duration of their marksmanship training.

220917-N-GF955-1248RIGA, Latvia (Sept. 17, 2022) U.S. Navy Cmdr. Aaron Arky, right, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Scott MacDonald, air boss of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79, Detachment 2, highlight the capabilities of the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter to Latvian military commanders and Defense Attachés from allied and partner nations during a tour of the ship in Riga, Latvia, Sept. 17, 2022. Paul Ignatius is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron (right), commanding general of 3d Marine Division, meets with Philippine Marine Corps leaders during KAMANDAG 6 at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2022. 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 of shared experiences.

U.S. Army Sgt. Elijah Garrison, a combat advisor from A Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, Florida National Guard provides instructions to a Soldier from the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force preparing to go through tactical maneuvers at a range in Hattieville, Belize May 12, 2022 as part of the TRADEWINDS22 exercise. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures; enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones; and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. William Serocki, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266, poses for a photo with commanders of the participating nations before a flight during French-Caribbean exercise Caraibes 22 at Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, June 16, 2022. Caraibes 22 is a French-led, large-scale, joint-training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to simulated-natural disasters. VMM-266 is a subordinate unit to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan Gnecco, the Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCIEAST-MCB) Camp Lejeune Sergeant Major, speaks to Marines present at the award ceremony for Sgt. Lina Fuerte, a legal services specialist with the Defense Services Organization, Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune, 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 Lance Cpl. Jose A. Sanchez, a range coach with Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, coaches a recruit with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, during table 1 practice at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California May 9, 2022. Recruits shot at a variety of distances on several targets as part of their marksmanship assessment.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeremy Beaven, left, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Maj. Jeffry Hart, director of MCBH Environmental Compliance and Protection Division, brief Tim Nelson, chief of staff, and U.S. Space Force Maj. Ryan Wathen, defense fellow for Rep. Ed Case, Hawaii First Congressional District, at Puuloa Range Training Facility, HI, Feb. 20, 2024. The visit provided Nelson and Wathen with an overview of PRTF as well as an update on the efforts to address community concerns over the last year. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct close order drill on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 30, 2023. Drill formations instill confidence, teamwork and discipline within recruits.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Gregory A. Grayson, the commanding officer of 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, gives a speech during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 16, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Roberto Lopez, sergeant major of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, speaks with U.S. Marines during an all hands formation after arriving in support of RED FLAG-Alaska at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 30, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, enabling the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

US Navy, French Navy, Belize Defence Force, and Mexican Marines perform explosive ordinance training May 16, 2022 in Belize for Tradewinds 2022. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures (SOPs); enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones (EEZ); and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, left, and Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon, middle, report to Lt. Col. Curtis Williamson, the commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, the outgoing sergeant major, relinquished his role of battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon.

220818-N-VI040-1097 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Aug. 18, 2022) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Gage Zimmerman, from Oceanside Calif., explains the registration process for the Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) Tracking System (NTS) during a NEO training exercise held onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi for Citadel Pacific 2022. Citadel Pacific is an annual exercise designed to evaluate command and control capabilities, and to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of antiterrorism and emergency response programs throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

SANTA RITA, Guam (Sept. 1, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson visited the Royal Australian Navys Hobart-class air-warfare destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) during their ported visit to Guam.

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of South Korea (March. 29, 2023) -U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Eric Olson, executive officer for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to various reporters during Ssang Young 23, March. 29. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROKs combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

220729-N-AS200-6101 POINT MUGU, Calif. (July 29, 2022) - Sailors assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) stand at attention to awards July 29, 2022. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 2, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 12- week transformation including training for drill, marksminship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

220630-A-YK067-1059 MANAMA, Bahrain (June 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, greets Royal Bahrain Naval Force Commodore Adnan Hussain Safar and Commodore Ahmed Isa Al-Junaid prior to a ship tour aboard the littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) pierside at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 30. Sioux City 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. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Mitchell Hartman, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician with 1st EOD Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, observes a member of the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) EOD team create an improvised explosion device for the disposal of a found unexploded ordnance during the ride along portion of the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Training Program in Maubara, Timor-Leste, Nov. 7, 2022. The rotation of the HMA Program to Timor-Leste advances the U.S. and PNTL relationship, furthering opportunities for cultural exchange, and enhancing our mutual skills in support of humanitarian assistance and professional skills development.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, receive a brief before the Atlas Games at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 22, 2022. The Atlas Games is a battalion field meet that incorporates the full spectrum of leadership skills and teamwork to enhance individual readiness and unit cohesion.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Xinyi Xie, a supply clerk with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sgt. Kyle W. Chisholm, an airframe maintainer, Sgt. Quante V. Ellison, a solder cable repair technician, and Sgt. John V. Vargas, a reconfigurable transportable consolidated automated support system technician, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, prepare for their promotion aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), Aug. 4, 2022, in the Philippine Sea. The promotion ceremony took place on the flight deck of LHA-7. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of 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.

220905-N-XB010-1004 SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 5, 2022) - Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit respond to a simulated casualty during a static casualty exercise on the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) flight deck in the Sea of Japan. 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. Marine Corps Col. Christopher Steele, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, speaks with Marines during a tour of Kangaroo Flats Training Area in Darwin, NT, Australia, May 6, 2022. The tour was held to allow the MRF-D 22 command to meet with Marines and gain a better understanding of the training environment and conditions.

As part of a multi-national training exercise, U.S. Navy Corpsmen of the reserve and medics of partner nations gave classes regarding field-expedient methods to save lives using common items and trash found on the battlefield. The U.S. Marines and Corpsmen are assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task force 24, participating in Partnership of the Americas and Southern Exchange -- designed to expose military forces of ten nations to amphibious operations and the fundamentals to enhance peacekeeping.

220908-F-LN908-0177ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 8, 2022) Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Daniel Gonzalez, from San Jose, Calif., listens to instruction during security reaction force training aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Sept. 8, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Soldiers from the Headquarter and Headquarters and Charlie Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Hawaii Reserve and French soldiers work together to maintain an orderly crowd control on Huahine, French Polynesia, May 15, 2022, during Marara 22. Exercise Marara 22 reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and partners in Oceania and raises our collective readiness to address crises and contingencies in the region.

LA VENTA, Honduras - Guatemalan Special Operations team receives scores after the Terminator shooting event of the Fuerzas Comando competition in La Venta, Honduras, June 14, 2022. Fuerzas Comando is a Special Operation skills competition and a senior leader seminar supported by SOCSOUTH. The competition enhances SOF regional cooperation and exchanges best practices to combat transnational crime and counter illicit activities.

220706-M-WC972-3149 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 6, 2022) U.S. Marine Cpl. Kodee Busekros, from Loves Park, Ill., assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, laughs with a Marine assigned to the Mexican Naval Infantry after completing small boat flipping techniques during small boat training with the U.S. Marine Corps, Sri Lankan Navy Marines, the Indonesian Marine Corps, the Mexican Naval Infantry and the Australian Army on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 6, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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 se

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Moreno, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, directs a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 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. Moreno, a native of Los Fresnos, Texas, graduated from Los Fresnos High School in 2014 and enlisted out of Recruiting Station Hardinger.

Soldiers from the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Soldiers from the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, present arms at the opening ceremony of Orient Shield 22 held at Camp Fukuoka, 27 August 2022. Orient Shield 22 is the largest U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral field training exercise being executed in various locations throughout Japan to enhance interoperability and test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Task Force Pioneer accepts a certificate of German marksmanship proficiency during a German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship awards ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 14, 2022. The German Armed Forces Badge of Marksmanship is awarded to soldiers proficient in marksmanship and is an official military award authorized for wear by enlisted service members.

CAMP TITIN, Jordan -U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division alongside, Jordanian and Saudi Royal Marines participate in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training during exercise Eager Lion 22 at Camp Titin, Jordan, September 12, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

Tech. Sgt. Charles Cotton, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels support supervisor, center left, and Staff Sgt. Christopher Broome, 374th LRS Fuels Mobility Support Equipment supervisor, center right, listen to a safety briefing aboard a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2022. Airmen from the 374th LRS and 36th AS performed Agile Combat Employment concepts while on a refueling mission to Iwo Jima.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michael Wolff, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), receives the Distinguished Flying Cross from Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, 3rd MAW commanding general, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 25, 2022. The Distinguished Flying Cross is the highest award for flying and was presented for heroic actions during an in-flight mishap from 2020.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Marie Jr., left, offgoing sergeant major, Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Sgt. Maj. Kevin Hopkins, middle, oncoming sergeant major, MWSS-174, and Lt. Col. Gideon Grissett, right, commanding officer, MWSS-174, render a salute during the pass-in-review portion of a relief and appointment ceremony, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 29, 2022. Sgt. Maj. Michael Marie Jr., offgoing sergeant major, MWSS-174, was relieved by Sgt. Maj. Kevin Hopkins, oncoming sergeant major, MWSS-174.

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