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Marines

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A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conducts fast-rope training aboard the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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.

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conducts fast-rope training aboard the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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

A Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts fast-rope training aboard the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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.

A Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts fast-rope training aboard the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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 (Nov. 29, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Elijah Mercerjones, a Wynne, Ark., native with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs network maintenance aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 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. 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 (Nov. 29, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Elijah Mercerjones, a Wynne, Ark., native with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs network maintenance aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 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. 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 (Nov. 29, 2012) - Cpl. Rodrigo Restrepoosorio, an Orlando, Fla., native with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, slices sandwich buns aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 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. 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 (Nov. 29, 2012) - Cpl. Rodrigo Restrepoosorio, an Orlando, Fla., native with Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, slices sandwich buns aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 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. 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 (Nov. 29, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Kristopher Walter, an Orlando, Fla., native with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs network maintenance aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 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. 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 (Nov. 29, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Kristopher Walter, an Orlando, Fla., native with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs network maintenance aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 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. 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

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training aboard the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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 Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training aboard the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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

A Sailor with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group watches an MV-22 Osprey prepare to land on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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.

A Sailor with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group watches an MV-22 Osprey prepare to land on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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 and sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group load gear into an MV-22 Osprey on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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 and sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group load gear into an MV-22 Osprey on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 29, 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct routine maintenance on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct routine maintenance on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Sgt. Hunter Pierce, a Westchester, N.Y., native with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts routine maintenance on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Sgt. Hunter Pierce, a Westchester, N.Y., native with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts routine maintenance on an M1A1 Abrams tank aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct routine maintenance on an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) along with a 120 mm Towed Rifled Mortar system, commonly called the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct routine maintenance on an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) along with a 120 mm Towed Rifled Mortar system, commonly called the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Alvaro Marino, a Garden City, Kan., native with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts routine maintenance on an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Alvaro Marino, a Garden City, Kan., native with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts routine maintenance on an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Cpl. Kyle Hurtado, a West Plains, Mo., native and communications chief with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts routine maintenance on an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 (Nov. 26, 2012) - Cpl. Kyle Hurtado, a West Plains, Mo., native and communications chief with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts routine maintenance on an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 26, 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. 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 NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, collect their targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, collect their targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at stationary targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at stationary targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Cpl. Andrew Crawford, a native of Clermont, Fla., and small arms technician with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M-4 Carbine during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Cpl. Andrew Crawford, a native of Clermont, Fla., and small arms technician with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M-4 Carbine during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, reload their weapons during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, reload their weapons during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by 121126-M-KU932-135USS NEW YORK

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at stationary targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at stationary targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at stationary targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 26, 2012) – Marines with India Battery, the artillery unit attached to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at stationary targets during combat marksmanship training on the flight deck of the USS New York , Nov. 26, 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 27, 2012) - A Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, disconnects his harness from an MV-22B Osprey after finishing routine maintenance procedures aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 27, 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. 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 (Nov. 27, 2012) - A Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, disconnects his harness from an MV-22B Osprey after finishing routine maintenance procedures aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 27, 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. 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