Marine Interaction and Ceremonies

Images depict U.S. Marines during promotions, honor ceremonies, and leadership interactions, showcasing military camaraderie and formal events in various settings.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brian Riordan, the outgoing commanding officer with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, receives the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony in the 41 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 16, 2022. The battalion consists of seven reserve companies across the U.S., with the headquarters located on Camp Pendleton.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), interacts with noncommissioned officers (NCOs) with Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, during a tour at Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, June 8, 2022. NCOs had the opportunity to provide feedback about their experience of MRF-D 22, thus far, to I MEF leadership.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Seth E. Anderson, the commanding officer of the Marine Corps Intelligence Schools, Training Command, hands off the units orders to Maj. Vic Garcia, officer-in-charge, Marine Corps Security Cooperation Training Detachment (MCSCTD), during an activation ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, May 9, 2022. The ceremony formally activated MCSCTD following the deactivation of Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group on September 2, 2021. MCSCTD was established as part of the Force Design 2030 initiative to streamline the Marine Advisor Course and create an efficient pipeline for advisors trained to incorporate security cooperation into interoperability planning between the U.S. Marine Corps and its strategic partners.

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. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort awards U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor Flores, religious program specialist, H&HS, MCAS Beaufort, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. Flores was awarded the medal for the exceptional performance of his duties.

220330-N-KG461-1025Kings Bay, Ga. (March 30, 2022) Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, commanding general of Marine Forces Command, talks with Marines in the courtyard of Marine Corps Security Force Battalion barracks. Langley visited Kings Bay to meet with Marines and Sailors assigned to the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion.

220512-N-VQ947-1039 SAN DIEGO (May 12, 2022) Col. Samuel Meyer, left, commanding officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to Capt. Matthew Thomas, right, commanding officer aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), during a visit to observe an Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) loadout configuration in Portland’s main vehicle stowage area, May 12, 2022. Portland is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock homeported in San Diego.

221006-N-UB993-1047CAMP PENDLETON, Cali. (Oct. 6, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speaks to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Eduardo Ledesma after an all-hands call at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oct. 6, 2022. Honea conducted his second fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Leron E. Lane, right, the outgoing commanding officer of Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion, School of Infantry East (SOI-East), salutes Col. David C. Emmel, left, the commanding officer of SOI-East, during the H&S Battalion change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. H&S Battalion provides essential services to SOI-East by training units and personnel in order to facilitate the development of entry-level students.

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 Lt. Col. Brian Riordan, the outgoing commanding officer with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, receives the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony in the 41 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 16, 2022. The battalion consists of seven reserve companies across the U.S., with the headquarters located on Camp Pendleton.

U.S. Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Andy Darnell Jr. with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit talks with Philippine Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade as part of bi-lateral training focused on combat operation center procedures during KAMANDAG 6 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines Oct. 8, 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. Marine Corps Capt. Spencer Buettner, an infantry officer with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, receives training on the M230 grenade launcher during the Division Leader Assessment Program 4-22 on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. The assessment program provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, left, commander, Marine Corps Installations Command, awards Cpl. Samantha Sanchez, right, a combat photographer with Communications Strategy and Operations, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Anderson Chow Hall, MCBH, Aug. 23, 2022. Sanchez was awarded the medal in recognition of her efforts as a social media manager during the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show. Maxwell visited and toured the installation to observe the daily operations of the base personnel and its facilities.

040401-M-1158H-045. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Liston, a Broward County, Florida native and infantryman with 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal 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. Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) graduate the Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, April 26, 2022. The seminar is essential for a junior Marine to develop leadership skills.

Sgt. Maj. Jason Hammock, Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), left, shakes hands with 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, during 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 Corporal Bradley Feldkamp, a motor transport operator attending Marine Security Guard School at Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, shakes hands with Marines after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for heroic acts performed while off-duty after an awards ceremony on Quantico, Virginia, April 6, 2023. Feldkamp and two other Marines received the award after intervening during an altercation between civilians involving a knife. The Marines successfully deescalated the situation, recovered the weapon and restrained the perpetrators until the police arrived on scene.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sept. 1, 2022) Adm. Charles "Chas" Richard (right), commander of U.S. Strategic Command, prepares to pin the submarine warfare device, commonly referred as dolphins, on Sailors aboard the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Gold Crew at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, during his visit to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The base is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William J. Bowers, the commanding general for Marine Corps Recruiting Command, recognizes Maj. Will T. Patrone, the prior service recruiting officer in charge for 6th Marine Corps District, during the commanding general's visit to 6MCD Headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Aug. 16, 2022. Bowers visited 6MCD where he had served as the district's commanding officer from June 21, 2012, to July 1, 2015, now as the commanding general for MCRC.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel R. Huber, right, passes the Marine Corps colors to Col. Brendan C. Burks during a change of command ceremony forMarine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2022. The passing of colors is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the passing of responsibilities and authority of command from one leader to another.

221210-N-DF558-1286 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 10, 2022) Capt. Patrick Baker, left, executive officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), congratulates Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jett Morgan, right, from Lafayette, La., during a frocking ceremony in the hangar bay aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Fridrik Fridriksson, former director of Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, recites the oath of office administered by Maj. Gen. Austin Renforth, commanding general of Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), during Fridrikssons promotion ceremony at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California, June 3, 2022. Fridriksson will assume command of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and concurrently serve as the Deputy Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brandon Ostoich, an expeditionary airfield technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, discusses the results of a site survey with Col. Robert Bodish, the camp commander of Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, during Mission Rehearsal Littoral Exercise 2022 at CATC, Camp Fuji, Japan, May 11, 2022. The purpose of the MRLEX is to conduct an airfield survey of an existing Aircraft Landing Zone for infrastructure improvement, runway repair and preparation of potential forward arming and refueling points, in cooperation with our Japanese allies while advancing III Marine Expeditionary Forces and Marine Corps Installations Pacifics strategic goals.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric Dougherty, center right, the assistant chief of staff of operations for 1st Marine Division, speaks with key leaders while building a combined command post in preparation for Freedom Shield 24 in Pohang, South Korea, Feb. 25, 2024. FS 24 is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance the combined defense posture, and further strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. Dougherty is a native of Illinois. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael C. McCarthy, former commanding officer of Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 28, is awarded the Legion of Merit by Maj. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a change of command ceremony for MACG-28 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 23, 2022. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility and authority from McCarthy to Col. Brian D. Mclean. MACG-28 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistic Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, corporals course, are briefed on the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 5, 2024. Corporals course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders using realistic problem-based situations that a Marine corporal will encounter. Marine Corps

220929-F-CF010-1003Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott Stalker, U.S. Space Command senior enlisted leader, greets U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Matthew Trollinger, Marine Forces Special Operations Command commander, during a visit to USSPACECOM headquarters, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Sept. 29, 2022. During Trollingers visit, USSPACECOM leadership outlined threats to the space domain, provided an update on current operations, and discussed opportunities to combine influence, space and cyber operations for non-kinetic effects. USSPACECOMs integration of space across all warfighting functions and domains underpins the joint force and enhances integrated deterrence. (USSPACECOM photo by Trevor Ihrke)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. David Donnell, right, shakes Lt. Col. Robin Fonsecas hand during the Center for Naval Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Cherry Point change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. David Donnell, to the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Robin Fonseca.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Andrew Kelley, the regimental commander of 10th Marine Regiment, addresses the Marines and guests during the Fire Support 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. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Danner, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), addresses the room during a change of command ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jun. 2, 2022. Col. Michael Nakonieczny relinquishes authority as commanding officer of the 31st MEU to Danner. 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, attends the Enlisted Professional Military Education review summit, addressing leaders of the Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Military Education Program, on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune North Carolina, July 26, 2022. The summit is held to discuss future improvements to Enlisted Professionally Military Education.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Nov. 1, 2022) Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer, conducts a promotion ceremony for Lt.j.g. Michael Smith, NSGL security officer. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

240225-N-VO895-1116MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Feb. 25, 2024) Lt. Col. Jeremy Hawkins, middle, operations officer assigned to 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), speaks with British Royal Marine Commandos assigned to Alpha Company, 40 Commando Battle Group, aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 25. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will be transferred to NATO command in the Eastern Mediterranean in order to conduct a series of short notice vigilance activities with elements of Allied Maritime Commands Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 and the Turkish Navy. Navy

Swedish Marine Corps Intelligence Officer, 2. Swedish Marine Battalion, exchanges introductions with U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Charles McKenna, Intelligence Officer, 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, September 2, 2022 prior to exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22. AE22 is an annual, bilateral integrated field-training exercise, conducted to promote interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and enhance strategic and tactical cooperation between U.S. and Swedish Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner (left), the commanding general of 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV), awards Sgt. Eddie Mims, (right), a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during the 2022 Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD) close-out ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 21, 2022. At the end of each ADFD season, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offices around the world host appreciation ceremonies recognizing commands with the highest donation.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jacob M. Reiff, right, outgoing sergeant major of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), salutes Maj. Gen. Scott F. Benedict, commanding general of 2nd MAW, during his relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 11, 2022. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Reiff to Sgt. Maj. Joy M. Kitashima. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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 Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, speaks during the annual Exercise Carolina Breeze on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, June 15, 2022. MCAS New River holds the annual destructive weather exercise to test the air stations emergency response capabilities and simulate the event of a weather emergency in order to promote flexibility and readiness.

040609-M-3843C-046. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Petty Officer Charles Ziervogel, command master chief of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, speaks at a linchpin Professional Military Education (PME) class on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 21, 2022. The purpose of the PME is to discuss the present and future of the Sustainment Group (Experimental) and its staff non-commissioned officers. 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. Navy Command Master Chief Petty Officer Charles Ziervogel, command master chief of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, speaks at a linchpin Professional Military Education (PME) class on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 21, 2022. The purpose of the PME is to discuss the present and future of the Sustainment Group (Experimental) and its staff non-commissioned officers. 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. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Morris, executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Hazenberg, provost sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarter Squadron (H&HS), present the Senior Sailor of the Quarter Award to Petty Officer 1st Class Ron Bagunas, a hospital corpsman with H&HS, during the quarterly award recognition ceremony at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, May 11, 2022. The ceremony recognized Marines and Sailors for their exceptional work ethic and achievements during 2nd quarter of fiscal year 22.

221003-N-YG104-0005 PEARL HARBOR (October 03, 2022) Chief Petty Officer selectees join U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Smitty Tocorzic for an all hands call. He spoke to them about the importance of warfighting readiness, resilience, and their role toward that end.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brian Psolka, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, right, and Lt. Col. Jason Laird, the incoming commanding officer of VMM-265, left, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, May 26, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from Lt. Col. Brian Psolka to Lt. Col. Jason Laird.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Christopher Smith, commanding officer of Recruiting Station Albuquerque, briefs students at El Dorado High School before running a Combat Fitness Test (CFT), in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 1, 2022. The CFT consists of an 880 meter sprint, ammo can presses and a maneuver under fire obstacle course.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 5, 2015) Sgt. Major of the Marine Corps Micheal P. Barrett takes a question from Chief Hospital Corpsman Gerald Lee during an all-hands call aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America is the first ship of its class and the fourth to bear the name. The ship replaces the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ship as the next generation big-deck” amphibious assault ship and is optimized for aviation and capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adolfo Garcia Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCIEAST-MCB) Camp Lejeune, right, addresses the Marines 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 Col. Gregory Jones, the chief of staff for 2d Marine Division, awards Lt. Col. Scott Cuomo, the outgoing battalion commander of 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR), 2d Marine Division, at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Cuomo relinquished command of 2d LAR to Lt. Col. Charles Miller.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Angel Escoto, a motor transportation operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a Road Warrior Awards ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2022. Escoto earned this award for 4,000 miles of mishap and violation-free driving. As part of the 1st MLG Safety Program, the Road Warrior Awards recognize individuals and units who set the example in operational safety and mishap prevention.

221003-N-YG104-0014 PEARL HARBOR (October 03, 2022) U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Smitty Tocorzic shakes hands with Chief Petty Officer selectees after an all hands call. He spoke to them about the importance of warfighting readiness, resilience, and their role toward that end.

U.S. Navy hospital corpsman 3rd class Gavin Knowles, a platoon corpsmen, draws blood from U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Weeter an Infantry Marine, both with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a blood transfusion exercise aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 14, 2022. The blood transfusion exercise was designed to hone lifesaving skills and techniques. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of Amphibious Assault Ship USS 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.

United States Marine Corps Master Sgt. Jonathan E. Nentl, left, an assault amphibious vehicle crewmember with the Assault Amphibian School, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Settle Jr., middle, an infantry unit leader with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, and Gunnery Sgt. Carlos E. Ruiz, right, an infantry unit leader with Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry-East, converse with role players engaged in an advisor skills immersive training scenario during the Marine Advisor Course (MAC) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Virginia, 13 May, 2022. Marine Corps Security Cooperation Training Detachment instructs the MAC to ensure students can effectively advise, support, assess and serve as a liaison officer overseas. Through formal instruction and immersive scenario training, students learn to implement foreign security force (FSF) objectives to build and maintain relationships with FSF counterparts while deployed.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, left, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, talks to Lorenzo Gonzalez, the fuel management officer for Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, during a Marine Corps Installations Command award ceremony at the Legacy Room on MCAS Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 12, 2022. Gonzalez has consistently performed his duties in an exemplary manner which earned him a second Civilian of the Year Award.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William Bowers, the commanding general for Marine Corps Recruiting Command, recognizes Sgt. Freddy Guzman, a legal chief at 8th Marine Corps District (8MCD), Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, Sept 8, 2022. 8MCD hosted distinguished guests during a planned Fiscal Year '22 Site Visit.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nate Bullock, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, stands at attention while Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps, reads his certificate of reenlistment during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. Ruiz 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 Col. Richard H. Pitchford, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Security Force Regiment (MCSFR), gives opening remarks during the first annual MCSFR Day field meet at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia, Aug. 19, 2022. The Marines with MCSFR competed head-to-head in High-Intensity Interval Training challenges, tug-of-war, pugil sticks and various other categories to test their teamwork capabilities and determination. MCSFR Day was established to strengthen cohesion and camaraderie amongst the Marines to increase unit readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Frank Robinson, the 6th Marine Corps District Sergeant Major, presents the reenlistment warrant to Gunnery Sgt. Warren Webber, the 6MCD Comptroller Chief, at 6MCD Headquarters at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Oct. 6, 2022. The Marine Corps retains the most qualified and top performing Marines, after 17 years, Webber has still maintained the highest standards. Webber has completed his final reenlistment before retirement in three years.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Fridrik Fridriksson, deputy commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Shingo Nashinoki, commanding general, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, view a map at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. Nashinoki visited Fridriksson to further coordinate on future bilateral exercises.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Emily Paulette, saxophone instrumentalist with the Quantico Marine Corps Band, and native of Attleboro, Massachusetts, receives her reenlistment warrant from Chief Warrant Officer 3 Katherine T. Genovese, director of Quantico Marine Corps Band, on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 19, 2022. Paulette was selected for reenlistment through the Commandants Retention Program, which allows selected Marines who embody the whole Marine concept to bypass the twenty-step reenlistment process.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Arthur Arebalo, right, the incoming sergeant major of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), receives the staff non-commissioned officer sword from Maj. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh, commanding general of 1st MAW, during a ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, July 1, 2022. The ceremony was held to appoint Sgt. Maj. Arthur Arebalo as the new sergeant major of 1st MAW.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, awards the Legion of Merit to U.S. Navy Capt. Nadji M. Hariri, the outgoing commanding officer of 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Sherry A. Caraveo assumed command of 2nd Dental Battalion from Capt. Nadji M. Hariri.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William Jurney speaks to Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson and Marines of II Marine Expeditionary Force and 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18, 2022. Jurney, the II MEF Commanding General, presented Henderson, the 2d MEB Commanding General, with a commemorative plaque.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Daniel Jernigan gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 relinquished command to Lt. Col. Daniel Jernigan at the change of command ceremony. MWSS-171, a critical component of Marine Aircraft Group 12, is a premier squadron capable of supporting all essential aviation ground support requirements to U.S. and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Sept. 23, 2022) Command Master Chief Weba Roberts, command master chief, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, right, greets Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command, during an official visit onboard NAF Atsugi. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

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 Lance Cpl. George Bussey, a food service specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, serves food to provide food service support for Exercise Iron Squire on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 19, 2022. The CLR-17 field mess Marines supporting Exercise Iron Squire were being evaluated as part of I Marine Expeditionary Forces Major General William Pendleton Thompson Memorial Awards for Food Service Excellence. If selected as the winners from I MEF, the CLR-17 field mess Marines will compete in a final evaluation against II MEF and III MEF nominees for the winner of Best Field Mess in the Marine Corps.

220801-M-TN173-2154 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason C. Copeland, the Battalion Commander, from Roswell, N.M., assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, exchanges gifts with a Tongan, His Majesty's Armed Forces, service member during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 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. Navy Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, deputy director of operations for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), right, addresses pallbearers during a disinterment ceremony August 11, 2022, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. The disinterred remains were transferred to the DPAA laboratory for identification. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Micheal P. Barret motivates Lance Cpl. Ethan Cadore during the unveiling of the Navy's tribute to African American leadership Mural. Cadore was one of six sentries standing guard for the ceremony. The mural honors African Americans who led the way in both the Navy and the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr, commanding officer, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, awards Lt. Col. Adam R. Sacchetti, offgoing commanding officer of 3d Littoral Combat Team, a meritorious service medal during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 23, 2022. The ceremony is a tradition symbolizing the transfer of authority, responsibility and accountability of the Marines and Sailors.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William Bowers, the commanding general for Marine Corps Recruiting Command, recognizes Sgt. James Russell, a personnel chief at 8th Marine Corps District (8MCD), Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, Sept 8, 2022. 8MCD hosted distinguished guests during a planned Fiscal Year '22 Site Visit.

U.S. Navy chief hospital corpsman Thomas Van Ingen, the medical chief with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Lt. Cmdr. John Haggerty, a medical surgeon with 31st MEU, promotes hospital corpsman 3rd class Joelle Eusebiodupont, with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, through the Navy Meritorious Advancement Program to Petty Officer 2nd class while aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 13, 2022. The Meritorious Advancement Program recognizes sailors whose performance reflects a rank higher than their current station, and ensures they are allowed to reach their full potential. 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. Isaac Tibayan, left, the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program manager with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Gunnery Sgt. Pierce Draper, center-left, the HMA Thailand team leader with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, shake hands with Royal Thai Army Col. Jarurk Kaewphalurk, right, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Engineer School, during the opening ceremony of the HMA Thailand EOD level 1-2 course at Fort Bhanurangsi, Ratchaburi, Thailand, Jan. 8, 2024. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 1-2 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMACs mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defenses Humanitarian Mine Action Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael Nakonieczny (left), and Col. Matthew Danner (right), commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), pose for a photo after a change of command ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jun. 2, 2022. Nakonieczny relinquishes authority as commanding officer of the 31st MEU to Danner. 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.

LCpl. James Beatty, a Motor Transport Operator with Truck Co. 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, shows off a medium tactical vehicle replacement (MTVR) to tourists and residents during Navy Fleet Week New Orleans (NWNOLA), on April 20, 2022. NWNOLA marks the 4th Fleet Week in New Orleans since Fleet Weeks began in 2012 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. Originally scheduled for 2021, the event was canceled due to COVID but the Navy and Marine Corps are happy to be able to bring the Navy back this year.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Benjamin Decosta, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal response element leader assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, is awarded the Navy Commendation Medal at MCAS Iwakuni, July 27, 2022. Decosta was awarded the medal for providing invaluable direction to his team in the conduct of non-combatant evacuation operations and for providing explosive emergency response on numerous occasions.

A New U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, greets a loved one during a family day ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 15, 2022. After 13 weeks of training, the new Marines reunited with their friends and family for a day of on-base liberty.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Kyle G. Phillips, commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, speaks during the WTBN change of command ceremony on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 1, 2022. WTBN Camp Lejeune serves to provide facilities and support for marksmanship training, re-qualification, and competition shooting for the Marines of Marine Forces, Atlantic and Marines that visit from throughout the world.

Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, fist bumps a Colombian Marine Corps recruit during an award ceremony at the Base de Entrenamiento de Marina in Coveñas, Colombia, Jan 11, 2023. For the first time in Colombian history, 60 women completed the Juramento de Bandera de Infantes de Marina after they completed three months of recruit training and joined the ranks in the Colombian Naval Infantry. U.S. Marines attended the ceremony to show solidarity and support partner nations significant contributions to the principles of Women, Peace, and Security and to demonstrate unwavering support for the women Naval Infantry graduates.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lonnie Cobb, Marine Aircraft Group 49 commander, passes a flag to Marine Corps. Col. Russel Rybka during 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. Marine corporals attend a course 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 Cpl. Dylan Hoover, ammo technician assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, earns the rank of corporal aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), October 1, 2022. USS Arlington, assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, and 22nd MEU are on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

2201205-N-YG104-0009 ASAN, Guam (December 05, 2022) Capt. Shaun Lieb participates in a roundtable discussion with Adm. Sam Paparo and commanding officers at Joint Region Marianas headquarters. Paparo visited Sailors from EODMU 5 and Joint Region Marianas during a site visit to Guam. The U.S. Pacific Fleet is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

040802-M-9812M-015. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Erica Aguilar, left, the equal opportunity advisor of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 5, 2022. Aguilar identified a Marine as a heat casualty during physical training and transported the Marine to the nearest emergency room. Due to Aguilar's quick judgment, the medical staff were able to administer life-saving procedures after the Marine stopped breathing. Aguilar was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her instincts, decisiveness, and judgment.

Recruits from Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice drill indoors during Hurricane Ian on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 29, 2022. Recruits and drill instructors will use today to study curriculum, practice close order drill, or have staff guided discussions. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Randall D. Whiteman)

U.S. Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), plot coordinates on a map at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, September 31, 2022. As a practical exercise for Corporals Course the corporals prepare their maps before heading to their land navigation site.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, left, and Lt. Col. Shawn Miller discuss new features for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 1, 2024. The JLTV is set to replace all High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) in service over the next several years. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) graduate the Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, April 26, 2022. The seminar is essential for a junior Marine to develop leadership skills.

Distinguished visitors observe U.S. service members participating in Appalachian Care Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) 2022 navigate an obstacle course while carry a simulated casualty on a litter during Tactical Combat Casualty Care training at Wise, Va., Aug. 19, 2022. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for our American communities.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Arun Shankar, outgoing commanding officer for Communication Training Battalion (CTB), Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, receives the colors from 1st Sgt. Marc Pegram, the CTB first sergeant, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, June 17, 2022. During the ceremony, Shankar relinquished command of CTB to Lt. Col. Scott Gurley.

Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan M. Eby, an infantry unit leader with II Marine Expeditionary Force, reads an award citation during an award ceremony at Camp Barret, Quantico, VA, July 25, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Jonathan P. Painter, a machine gunner with Weapons Platoon, Combat Instructor Battalion, received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V device for valor shown while participating in the withdrawal of personnel from Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August of 2021.

A U.S. Navy Chaplain, Cmdr. Michael O'Bannon gives an invocation during the II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Robert Fairley relinquished command of II MSB to Lt. Col. Brian Carthon.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, receive their graduation certificate for Corporals Course during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 20, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders using realistic problem-based situations that a Marine Corporal will encounter.

Colonel Fitzgerald attends Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany Net Zero Ceremony on May 24, 2022. MCLB Albany can now call itself a Net Zero base and is the first installation in the Department of Defense to meet this energy-efficiency milestone. Net Zero is defined as the production of as much electricity from renewable green energy sources as it consumes from its utility provider.U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Jennifer Parks

Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, listen to the Senior Drill Instructor Speech being delivered by their senior drill instructor in their squad bay on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 31, 2023. Pick up is the day a platoon meets its drill instructors for the first time.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Calvert L. Worth Jr., the commanding general of 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), congratulates Sgt. Kayla Hanner, a Lapeer, Michigan, native and administrative specialist with Headquarters Battalion, 2d MARDIV, 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.

220414-N-TH560-0097 SASEBO, Japan (April 14, 2022) Sailors taking part in the Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks (PACT) program work one-on-one with enlisted community managers, rating specialists and detailers from Navy Personnel Command during a Fleet Engagement Team event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo. The Fleet Engagement Team met with PACT Sailors forward-deployed to the 7th Fleet to provide career counseling, designate ratings and negotiate orders on site.

U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit practice drill movements during a Corporals Course aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 2, 2024. Corporals Course is a professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and uses realistic problem-based situations that enhances a Marines decision-making capabilities. Somerset and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are currently underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. Marine Corps

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