Marines from 1st Battalion / 9th Marine Regiment, Alpha Company, 2nd platoon, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, execute patrolling exercises during the mechanized raid course aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. This training evolution will prepares the Marines for the hazards that they may face while patrolling in other countries while deployed with the 24th MEU. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson) - Marines from 1st Battalion / 9th Marine Regiment, Alpha Company, 2nd platoon, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, execute patrolling exercises during the mechanized raid course aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. This training evolution will prepares the Marines for the hazards that they may face while patrolling in other countries while deployed with the 24th MEU. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson)

Pfc. Tony J. Desselle, rifleman, 2nd platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads his Marines to a collection area as a MV-22 Osprey, from Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron -162, 24th MEU, takes flight after transporting Marines to a raid training facility at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 19, during the Heliborne Company Raid Course. Charlie Company trained with Special Operations Training Group to become the 24th MEU’s helo raid force for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex C. Guerra) - Pfc. Tony J. Desselle, rifleman, 2nd platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads his Marines to a collection area as a MV-22 Osprey, from Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron -162, 24th MEU, takes flight after transporting Marines to a raid training facility at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 19, during the Heliborne Company Raid Course. Charlie Company trained with Special Operations Training Group to become the 24th MEU’s helo raid force for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex C. Guerra)

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/9 sprint across an open area to the next building in need of securing. In this scenario Marines trained to sieze an enemy checkpoint during the motorized raid of Cooke Camp aboard U.S. Army Base Fort A.P. Hill, Va. Aug 12. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. David J. Beall) - Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/9 sprint across an open area to the next building in need of securing. In this scenario Marines trained to sieze an enemy checkpoint during the motorized raid of Cooke Camp aboard U.S. Army Base Fort A.P. Hill, Va. Aug 12. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. David J. Beall)

An MV-22 "Osprey" lands during the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Activation Ceremony at W.P.T. Hill Field Camp Lejeune, NC on July 22, 2009. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will now begin training for their upcoming deployment. (US Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson) - An MV-22 "Osprey" lands during the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Activation Ceremony at W.P.T. Hill Field Camp Lejeune, NC on July 22, 2009. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will now begin training for their upcoming deployment. (US Marine Corps photo by Sgt Andrew J. Carlson)

Maj. Cliff Carpenter, S-4 officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shares a laugh with his daughter during the 24th MEU homecoming. - Maj. Cliff Carpenter, S-4 officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shares a laugh with his daughter during the 24th MEU homecoming.

Sgt. Eric Petersen, squad leader, 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, NATO-ISAF familiarizes Maj. James J.M. Driscoll, commanding officer, B Company, 2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, British Army through some of the Garmsir City Disctrict's fields in Hemland Province, Afghanistan during a relief-in-place. Marines returned military authority to British forces to maintain stability within Helmand Province. (Official Marine Corps photograph by Cpl Alex C. Guerra) - Sgt. Eric Petersen, squad leader, 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, NATO-ISAF familiarizes Maj. James J.M. Driscoll, commanding officer, B Company, 2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, British Army through some of the Garmsir City Disctrict's fields in Hemland Province, Afghanistan during a relief-in-place. Marines returned military authority to British forces to maintain stability within Helmand Province. (Official Marine Corps photograph by Cpl Alex C. Guerra)