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Marines

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Lt. Col. David Sosa, the commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses upcoming post-deployment concerns with 24th MEU leadership aboard the USS New York, Dec. 8, 2012. The 24th MEU is returning home in time for the holidays after spending most of 2012 deployed in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility as an expeditionary crisis response force, maintaining presence aboard the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group within the U.S. Central, European and Africa Commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua W. Larson)

Lt. Col. David Sosa, the commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses upcoming post-deployment concerns with 24th MEU leadership aboard the USS New York, Dec. 8, 2012. The 24th MEU is returning home in time for the holidays after spending most of 2012 deployed in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility as an expeditionary crisis response force, maintaining presence aboard the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group within the U.S. Central, European and Africa Commands. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua W. Larson)

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua W. Larson

A Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, washes a CH-53E Super Stallion during daily maintenance aboard the USS New York, Dec. 8, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is coming home from a nine-month deployment with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in which they served as an expeditionary crisis response force in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (Official USMC Photo by: Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim/Released)

A Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, washes a CH-53E Super Stallion during daily maintenance aboard the USS New York, Dec. 8, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is coming home from a nine-month deployment with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in which they served as an expeditionary crisis response force in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (Official USMC Photo by: Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - Col. Francis Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses the maintenance of an MV-22B Osprey with Cpl. Robert Parks, a Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - Col. Francis Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses the maintenance of an MV-22B Osprey with Cpl. Robert Parks, a Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - Col. Francis Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses the maintenance of an MV-22B Osprey with Cpl. Robert Parks, a Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - Col. Francis Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses the maintenance of an MV-22B Osprey with Cpl. Robert Parks, a Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - 1st Lt. Michael Bohac, a platoon commander with Bravo Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes pictures while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - 1st Lt. Michael Bohac, a platoon commander with Bravo Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes pictures while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - Staff Sgt. Canon Richard, front, and Navy Lt. Randy Gibson, both with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enjoy the view of the coastline while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 6, 2012) - Staff Sgt. Canon Richard, front, and Navy Lt. Randy Gibson, both with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enjoy the view of the coastline while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 6, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Sgt. Joseph Pearce, a Richmond, Va., native and tank gunner with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for maintenance checks on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Sgt. Joseph Pearce, a Richmond, Va., native and tank gunner with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for maintenance checks on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Mario Sanchez, an Edinburg, Texas, native and tank gunner with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for maintenance checks on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Mario Sanchez, an Edinburg, Texas, native and tank gunner with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for maintenance checks on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare a maintenance check list on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare a maintenance check list on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare a maintenance check list on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Tank Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare a maintenance check list on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for maintenance checks on a Light Armored Vehicle 25 aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for maintenance checks on a Light Armored Vehicle 25 aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for maintenance checks on a Light Armored Vehicle 25 aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for maintenance checks on a Light Armored Vehicle 25 aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

Cpl. Michael Cavahaugh, communications chief with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Vinemont, Ala., native, performs shoulder presses for combat conditioning during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Cpl. Michael Cavahaugh, communications chief with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Vinemont, Ala., native, performs shoulder presses for combat conditioning during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Cpl. Christopher Bennett, left, a native of Monroe, Conn., and Marine Air-Ground Task Force planner with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practices sword manual during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Cpl. Christopher Bennett, left, a native of Monroe, Conn., and Marine Air-Ground Task Force planner with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practices sword manual during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit practice sword manual during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit practice sword manual during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit practice sword manual during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit practice sword manual during Corporals Course Class 014-13 aboard the USS New York, Dec. 4, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct pre-operational inspections of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct pre-operational inspections of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Cpl. Leon Clarke, a Kingston, Jamaica, native and general support equipment electrician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a pre-operational inspection of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Cpl. Leon Clarke, a Kingston, Jamaica, native and general support equipment electrician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a pre-operational inspection of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Cpl. Paul Maillet, a Churubusco, Ind., native and general support equipment mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a pre-operational inspection of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Cpl. Paul Maillet, a Churubusco, Ind., native and general support equipment mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a pre-operational inspection of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct pre-operational inspections of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 4, 2012) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct pre-operational inspections of a 31B tow tractor aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec.4, 2012. Pre-operational inspections prepare equipment for use prior to being used on the flight deck. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf