Military Sea Operations

Dynamic scenes of military boats and vehicles navigating coastal waters, featuring personnel engaged in amphibious operations and maritime security missions.

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

120315-N-PB383-503ARABIAN SEA (March 15, 2012) A rigid-hull inflatable boat operated by Sailors from the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) for a simulated visit, board, search and seizure mission by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) Maritime Raid Force. New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

110502-N-ZS026-080GULF OF ADEN (May 2, 2011) Amphibious assault vehicles from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, and is also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

060322-N-4772B-054. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

120523-N- AL752-162GULF OF THAILAND (May 23, 2012) Marines assigned to the 4th Marine Regiment drive their amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) toward Hat Yao Beach for a bilateral U.S. and Royal Thai Navy beach landing. The 4th Marines are embarked aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), rear, and are participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2012. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness.

110712-N-CD297-114NORFOLK (July 12, 2011) Sailors assigned to Riverine Group (RIVGRU) 2 participate in pre-deployment exercises in a riverine command boat powered by an alternative fuel blend of 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO F-76 fuels. The alternative fuel mix supports the secretary of the Navy's efforts to reduce total energy consumption on naval ships. RIVGRU-2 is stationed at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

111101-N-YG354-189PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2011) An amphibious assault vehicle assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is underway for routine operations off the coast of Southern California in preparation for the ship's first operational deployment later this year.

990424-M-6504R-006. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ Base: Mcb Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST MARINE DIVISION

DN-ST-89-02830. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

060128-N-4374S-010. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

060727-N-9851B-001. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 19, 2012) Members of the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) set out in a rigid-hull inflatable boat to conduct a VBSS drill during Exercise Joint Warrior 2012. Joint Warrior serves as a certifying event for ships deploying with coalition forces in future operations.

Naval Amphibious Base. A left side view of a Marine M-1A1 main battle tank as it moves through the surf toward the beach. The tank is equipped with two air intake towers on the left side of the hull near the back of the turret and an exhaust tower on the. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-09988. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-87-08246. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

Atlantic Ocean, April 10, 2012 - A landing craft utility from Assault Craft Unit 2 approaches the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp.

120821-N-NN926-056 GULF OF ADEN (Aug. 21, 2012) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) returns to the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21). New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Nigerian Navy small boat crew participates in an anti-piracy exercise with Coastguardsmen assigned to USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 21, 2022. Mohawk is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

220711-N-FK450-6005-MX BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) Mexican Naval Infantry Marines return to shore with a combat rubber raiding craft during amphibious operations training with the Republic of Korea Navy Sailors, Australian Army and U.S. Marine Corps as part of 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 world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Mexican Naval Infantry photo by Cpl. Carolina Yatzen Gutiérrez Gutiérrez)

U.S. Reconnaissance Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA), I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Indonesian marines with 7th Infantry Battalion, 4th Marine Brigade, conduct a beach landing during Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 23, on PiaBung Training Area, Lampung, Indonesia, Nov. 23, 2022. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Indonesian National Military between the Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia and U.S. Marine Corps focused on promoting military interoperability, maritime domain awareness, strengthening relationships, and expanding capabilities among participating forces. MRF-SEA is an operational model developed by Marine Corps Forces Pacific that postures scalable I Marine Expeditionary Forces west of the International Date Line, conducts a series of planned subject matter expert exchanges and enablers, and advances security objectives shared with our Allies and Partners.

A drydock shelter (DDS) capable platform crew prepares a collapsable rigid rubber craft (CRRC) for a SSN/Helo air/sea rendezvous on the fantail of the nuclear-powered submarine USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN-642) off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. A CRRC crew was used to transfer the helo launched SEAL's to and from the SSN. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Special Operations Command and international service members operate a vessel during a Special Operations Forces capabilities demonstration in Tampa, Florida May 18, 2022. SOF Week is the premier gathering for the SOF community and industry, bringing together more than 11,000 attendees, including representatives from more than 100 countries to collaborate on new initiatives and capabilities needed for SOF professionals to compete and win in the future.

220411-N-PC065-1162 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 11, 2022) - A landing craft, air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, deployed with the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), maneuvers near the coast of Iceland in support of exercise Northern Viking 2022, April 11, 2022. Arlington with embarked 22nd MEU is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6nd Fleet area of operation. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and allied nations and enables execution of multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland the Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.

220706-N-KD380-1046 SAN DIEGO - (July 06, 2022) U.S. and international divers, assigned to Combined Task Force 177, conduct a light salvage interoperability exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. 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.

221005-N-DK042-1305 PORT OF KUSHIRO, Japan (Oct. 5, 2022) An Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) craft from USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), operated by Sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1, as part of the Navy Support Element in support of Operation Resolute Dragon 22, sails with a full U.S. Marine Corps vehicle load in Kushiro Port, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. USS Benfold (DDG 65), USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) are participating in joint bilateral integration with III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in support of Resolute Dragon 22. Exercises like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

051021-A-8255A-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

CORONADO, Calif. (June 12, 2013) A landing amphibious resupply cargo vehicle moves into position to drive aboard an improved Navy lighterage system ship during an Exercise Dawn Blitz live maritime prepositioning force training event. Dawn Blitz is a multilateral amphibious exercise designed to strengthen international partnerships by improving the ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Amphibious Assault Vehicle Departs Well Deck of USS Iwo Jima

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

970626-M-0824M-014. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3d AABn, 1ST Mar Div

220609-N-VP310-1096 KIVIK, Sweden (June 09, 2022) Service members assigned to Royal Norwegian Navy explosive ordnance disposal com-mando, 1st Platoon search for an underwater mine during exercise BALTOPS 22, June 09, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, execute an amphibious raid after conducting open water free fall operations off the coast of Okinawa, Japan April 25, 2022. This specialized training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence for deliberate water parachute operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

WHITE BEACH, Okinawa (Feb. 24, 2014) Landing craft air cushion vehicles assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 pass each other while transferring equipment and personnel assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, and with the embarked 31st MEU, is conducting joint force operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Naval Amphibious Base. A starboard bow view of a PB Mark III patrol boat underway during an amphibious demonstration for the 14th Annual Inter-American Naval Conference. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines assigned to Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company K, Battalion Landing Team 3/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice AAV recovery during sustainment training in Djibouti, Aug. 5, 2013. The 26th MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group serving as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious operations across the full range of military operations.

Training at Cape Hatteras

220929-N-FD648-1045 ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 29, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) pilot a rigid-hulled inflatable boat during small boat operations, Sep. 29, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

220902-N-YC581-1088PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 2, 2022) - A landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 departs the welldeck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Sept. 2. LCACs bolster the interoperability of the U.S. Navy and Marines using Navy craft to transport Marine land vehicles and troops from ship to shore creating a more lethal force in support of naval expeditionary warfare. Makin Island, flagship of amphibious squadron (CPR) SEVEN, along with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently underway conducting integrated training in the U.S. 3rd fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

An underway port side view of landing craft air cushion vehicle LCAC-46 during practice beach landings at Naval Station Rota during practice beach landings at Naval Station Rota during a one week turn over by units from Marine Expeditionary Unit 24 (MEU-24) on board the amphibious assault ship USS INCHON (LPH-12) to the Amphibious Ready Force on board the USS GUAM (LPH-9). Base: Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

060119-N-7027P-107. Base: USS Comstock (LSD 45) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 27, 2012) An airborne mine countermeasures device is recovered by Sailors aboard the mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer (MCM 9). Pioneer is assigned to Commander, Task Force 52, supporting mine countermeasure operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet of area of responsibility. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 9, 2022) Sailors, assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), return with repair parts from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) aboard a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

DN-SC-87-09992. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Philippine Marines navigate the Philippine Sea in combat rubber raiding craft during KAMANDAG 6, Oct. 3, 2022. The two forces participated in a bilateral amphibious assault focused on increasing interoperability and shared understanding of tactics. 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. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, disembark a rigid inflatable boat during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 26, 2022. A MCCRE is designed to evaluate and certify a unit's comprehensive warfighting ability as the most ready and lethal unit within the division.

960626-M-9368G-010. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ Base: Mcb Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3D AABN, 1ST MAR DIV

The Exploration Ground Systems recovery team, along with the U.S. Navy, practice recovering a test version of the Orion capsule and bringing it inside the well deck of the USS John P. Murtha during Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) on Oct. 31, 2018, in the Pacific Ocean. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware that will be used to recover the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration missions. Orion will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.

DN-ST-88-09994. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. military personnel man a patrol craft in support of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2019) Marines and sailors observe as Marines assigned to Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB), Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, maneuver an amphibious combat vehicle onto the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) as part of the vehicles developmental testing off the shore of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 28, 2020. The Marines of AVTB are currently testing the Marine Corps newest amphibious vehicle, which will replace the current amphibious assault vehicle. The testing consisted of entering and departing a naval vessel to assess and verify how well the ACV can integrate with naval shipping. This was the first time Marines have operated the new vehicle while boarding and departing a ship.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 13, 2020) Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 3 and the expeditionary mine countermeasure company of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 retrieve a Mark 18 Mod 2 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) during a transit through the Northern Mariana Islands. EODMU-5 and CRS-3 operate together onboard a Mark VI patrol boat to transport, launch and retrieve the UUV for underwater survey collections in support of Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific-Task Force (CTF) 75. CTF-75 is the primary expeditionary task force responsible for the planning and execution of coastal riverine operations, explosive ordnance disposal, diving engineering and construction, and underwater construction in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations.

Atlantic Ocean, February 1, 2012 - A landing craft air cushion prepares to land on the beach during amphibious operations with the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge during Bold Alligator 2012.

120401-N-PI204-448 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 2, 2012) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) stand by in a rigid-hull inflatable boat while additional team members conduct a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise during flag officer sea training (FOST). The ship is engaged in FOST, which assesses the ship's operational readiness for multiple battle situations.

Members of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) watch from a rigid-hull inflatable boat as one of the squadron's MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters hovers near the amphibious transport dock USS DULUTH (LPD-6). The Sea Dragon is towing a Mark 105 hydrofoil minesweeping sled. Elements of HM-15 are using the DULUTH as a base of operations during the joint U.S.-Canadian fleet exercise MARCOT '93. Subject Operation/Series: MARCOT '93 Country: Strait Of Juan De Fuca

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 5, 2013) Sailors from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) approach the training support vessel USNS Prevail (TSV 1) during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team training exercise. Carter Hall is participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the East Coast of the U.S. in preparation for a scheduled deployment this spring.

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

A combat rubber raiding craft is towed alongside the safe boat after the completion of a search and rescue exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 13, 2022. The training was conducted to enhance alternate insertion and extraction method capabilities, ensuring RQS personnel are ready to rapidly respond at a moment's notice.

DM-ST-89-07604. Base: Chesapeake Bay Country: United States Of America (USA)

GULF OF THAILAND (Oct. 25, 2012) Members of the visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile frigate USS Vandergrift (FFG 48) prepare to board the Royal Cambodian Navy patrol craft PC 1142 during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia 2012. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

Marines aboard a Personnel Tracked Landing Vehicle (LVTP-7) await the signal to move toward the beach during Operation Unitas XXV. A Newport Class tank landing ship is visible in the background. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV Base: Valparaiso Country: Chile (CHL)

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

220415-N-VS068-1079PACIFIC OCEAN (April 15, 2022) - An Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) with the 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, enters the well deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during waterborne training in the Pacific Ocean, April 15. The two-day waterborne training evolution focused on safety and transport capabilities for both the Navy and Marine Corps and is part of a larger training plan to refine tactics and doctrine for amphibious operations. Makin Island is currently underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

120109-N-GF386-064 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 9, 2012) Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1654, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 2, departs the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is conducting crew certifications in preparation for future amphibious operations.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (April 5th, 2023) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Billy Pesante, a sailor assigned to the security department of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, fires training ammo from an M4 carbine at a simulated terrorist Harbor Patrol boat during an antiterrorism training exercise April 5, 2023. As the "Gateway to the Mediterranean, NAVSTA Rota provides U.S, NATO and allied forces a strategic hub for operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NAVSTA Rota is a force multiplier, capable of promptly deploying and supporting combat-ready forces through land, air and sea, enabling warfighters and their families, sustaining the fleet and fostering the U.S. and Spanish partnership.

Louisiana National Guard's 2225th Multi Role Bride Company 1st Sgt. Kevin Giroir and Spc. Christopher Cuzzort cruise the north shore of Grand Isle, La. in a MK-2 Bridge Erection Boat during presence patrol missions Sunday, September 7, 2008. The company was put on mission after reports of theft on the island late Saturday. National Guard

030205-M-7031A-049. Base: Marine Corps Base, Ternate State: Cavite Province Country: Philippines (PHL) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines

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

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 23, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), transit on a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during a personnel transfer. Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

The air cushion landing craft LCAC-6 comes ashore with a load of vehicles during the combined Thai/U.S. Exercise Cobra Gold '90. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '90 State: Rayong Province Country: Thailand (THA)

AAVP-7A1 amphibious assault personnel vehicles return to the stern ramp of the tank landing ship USS BARNSTABLE COUNTY (LST-1197). The BARNSTABLE COUNTY is on its 1991 West African Training Cruise. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 1, 2019) Sailors attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conduct rescue swimmer training in the Pacific Ocean, March 1, 2019. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region.

060330-N-7130B-161. Base: USS Lake Champlain (CG 57)

970626-N-9354D-001. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ 97. Base: San Clemente Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Marines, 1ST Battalion

BATU BEACH, Malaysia (June 21, 2013) Marines assigned to the1st Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, conduct an amphibious raid during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Malaysia 2013. More than 1,200 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Malaysia 2013. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 27, 2020) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) operate assault amphibious vehicles during a rehearsal exercise with the Royal Thai military in support of Cobra Gold 2020, Feb. 27, 2020. America Expeditionary Strike Group-31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is participating in Cobra Gold 20, the largest theater security cooperation exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region.

A port quarter view of the swedish signature-suppression air cushion vehicle Smyge underway during Phase 1 of BALTOPS 94. Exercise Baltic Operation '94 is a U.S. sponsored exercise. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS 94 Country: Baltic Sea

060707-F-0681L-149. Base: Missouri River State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with the maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, advance toward a drop zone during a reconnaissance and surveillance exercise at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. The exercise sustained the MRFs proficiency in rapidly inserting and scouting for a landing force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

Lookouts aboard the submarine USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN-716) watch for traffic on the shipping lanes as the boat heads for its home port at San Diego, California during GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98 Country: Unknown

Members of the French Navy prepare to collect a bundle aboard a rescue boat in support of a bilateral airdrop on the south Pacific Ocean Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 11, 2022. The airdrop supports Marara 22 and highlights the U.S. commitment to our Indo-Pacific allies and partners, and reinforces incentives for multilateral cooperation.

220711-N-KD380-2070 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 11, 2022) - Multinational training participants return to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) in rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) after conducting training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. 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.

DM-ST-86-08262. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221115-N-XB010-1010 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 15, 2022) - Members of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) in an assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs) return to the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) well deck from the Philippine Sea during Keen Sword 23. Keen Sword is a joint, bilateral, biennial field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability and strengthen the ironclad Japan-U.S. alliance.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 23, 2013) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jonathan E. Flores fires a M240B machine gun during a live-fire exercise aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). Winston S. Churchill is on deployment supporting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of responsibility.

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (Jan. 28, 2019) Marines and Sailors assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 31 disembark a landing craft during a simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission at Kin Red beach in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 28, 2019. CLB-31 provides security, logistics transportation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support as the logistics combat element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU partnering with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

220808-F-LN908-0894IINDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2022) A U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) stands on a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) prior to being lowered into the water aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Aug. 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.

120531-N-AQ172-297CONSTANTA, Romania (May 31, 2012) Azerbaijani navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Coskun Safiyeu, left, dives from a small boat during Eurasian Partnership Dive 2012. Eurasian Partnership Dive 2012 is a multinational training event co-hosted by the Romanian and U.S. Navies, which includes participants from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Ukraine and U.S.

A Soldier from 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division (ROK-US Combined Division) ties the floating bridge bay to the boat while assembling bridge bays to cross a river, Republic of Korea, May 18, 2022; the 11th Engineer Battalion and 4th Squadron, 70th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade, 1st Armored Division worked together to construct an Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) to allow the crossing by M1A2 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradly Infantry fighting Vehicles. Soldiers from across the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Ready First, 1st Armored Division (the current 2nd Infantry Division (ROK-US Combined Division) rotational brigade) as well as other units from 2ID participated in the Warrior Ready Strike training exercise to increase their proficiency, learn about operating in the Republic of Korea, and re-affirm the commitment to the ROK-US Alliance.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Gardy Lebon, an infantry officer with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, starts a combat rubber raiding craft engine during a boat launch rehearsal aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 20, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

110627-N-OS574-084ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 27, 2011) A landing craft utility (LCU) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 prepares to off-load passengers and equipment onto the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group participating in the Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 off the coast of Spain.

111110-N-RI884-033PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2011) A rigid-hulled inflatable boat approaches the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) during the opening phases of the integrated maritime exercise Koa Kai. O'Kane is participating in Koa Kai with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) to prepare independent deployers in multiple warfare areas and provide training in a multi-ship environment.

U.S. Navy Boatswain's Mate Seaman Isaiah Perry, assigned to the amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), prepares to throw an even-line onto Landing Craft, Utility 1627 to secure the craft during a stern gate marriage at the Port of Los Angeles, May 31, 2022. The purpose of Fleet Week is to showcase the capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps team and give back to the community with events, static displays, and personal interactions between service members and the public.

Special Operation Forces helocast from a Joint Task Force-Bravo CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, June 20, 2022, as part of Fuerzas Comando 2022 at Tiger Island, Honduras. Fuerzas Comando 2022 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise, executed by U.S. Special Operations Command South, which has been conducted primarily in Central and South America and the Caribbean since 2004. Teams from more than 20 countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States, are taking part in the competition, which promotes military-to-military relationships,increases training knowledge and improves regional security. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Amber Carter)

220418-N-LX838-1462 NEW ORLEANS (Apr. 18, 2022) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) handle a line as the ship moores pierside in New Orleans as part of the Navy Week New Orleans festivities. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct boating drills during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 18, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (April 5th, 2023) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Luis Castillo, a sailor assigned to the security department of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, fires training ammo from an M4 carbine at a simulated terrorist Harbor Patrol boat during an antiterrorism training exercise April 5, 2023. As the "Gateway to the Mediterranean, NAVSTA Rota provides U.S, NATO and allied forces a strategic hub for operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NAVSTA Rota is a force multiplier, capable of promptly deploying and supporting combat-ready forces through land, air and sea, enabling warfighters and their families, sustaining the fleet and fostering the U.S. and Spanish partnership.

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