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Marines

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USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 27, 2012) - Sgt. Robert Chavez, a Los Angeles, native with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drills a new bolt hole on an AV-8B Harrier fuel tank 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) - Sgt. Robert Chavez, a Los Angeles, native with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drills a new bolt hole on an AV-8B Harrier fuel tank 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

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 27, 2012) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, inspect the wiring on an AV-8B Harrier 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) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, inspect the wiring on an AV-8B Harrier 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

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 27, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Timothy Moore, a Morgantown, West Va., native with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, inspects the wiring of an AV-8B Harrier 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) - Lance Cpl. Timothy Moore, a Morgantown, West Va., native with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, inspects the wiring of an AV-8B Harrier 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

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 27, 2012) - Cpl. Matthew Bellwood, an Oxford, Maine, native with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts maintenance on a turbine engine of an MV-22B Osprey 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) - Cpl. Matthew Bellwood, an Oxford, Maine, native with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts maintenance on a turbine engine of an MV-22B Osprey 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

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 25, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Joshua Allen, an Augusta, Maine, native with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, loads his M249 squad automatic weapon during a live-fire training exercise to confirm his windage and elevation settings, also known as battle site zero, aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 25, 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. 25, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Joshua Allen, an Augusta, Maine, native with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, loads his M249 squad automatic weapon during a live-fire training exercise to confirm his windage and elevation settings, also known as battle site zero, aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 25, 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. 25, 2012) - Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at targets during a live-fire training exercise to confirm their windage and elevation settings, also known as battle site zero, aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 25, 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. 25, 2012) - Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire at targets during a live-fire training exercise to confirm their windage and elevation settings, also known as battle site zero, aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 25, 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

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's combat cargo section removes cargo net from the flight deck after a shipment of food and supplies was delivered by an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and various supplies to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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)

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's combat cargo section removes cargo net from the flight deck after a shipment of food and supplies was delivered by an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and various supplies to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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

Lance Cpl. Kyle Hurtado (left), a Hillsboro, N.C., native and Lance Cpl. Nicholas Jenkins (right), an Appomattox, Va. native, both with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, work together while carrying food to storage areas aboard USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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)

Lance Cpl. Kyle Hurtado (left), a Hillsboro, N.C., native and Lance Cpl. Nicholas Jenkins (right), an Appomattox, Va. native, both with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, work together while carrying food to storage areas aboard USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Jenkins, left, an Appamattox, Va., native with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, works with a sailor to store boxes of food during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, aboard the USS Iwo Jima Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies to sustain the ship while underway. 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)

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Jenkins, left, an Appamattox, Va., native with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, works with a sailor to store boxes of food during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, aboard the USS Iwo Jima Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies to sustain the ship while underway. 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 the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, store boxes of food during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies to sustain the ship while underway. 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)

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, store boxes of food during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies to sustain the ship while underway. 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

USNS John Lenthall holds a position near USS New York (back left) and USS Iwo Jima while an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter transports food and supplies to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the resupply USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits and vegetables, dry goods, and supplies to sustain the ship and crew while at sea. 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)

USNS John Lenthall holds a position near USS New York (back left) and USS Iwo Jima while an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter transports food and supplies to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the resupply USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits and vegetables, dry goods, and supplies to sustain the ship and crew while at sea. 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

An MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter transports food and supplies to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from the USNS John Lenthall. 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)

An MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter transports food and supplies to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from the USNS John Lenthall. 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

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's combat cargo section unpacks food and supplies during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from USNS John Lenthall. 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)

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's combat cargo section unpacks food and supplies during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from USNS John Lenthall. 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 and Sailors unpack food and supplies that were delivered by helicopter to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from the USNS John Lenthall to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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)

Marines and Sailors unpack food and supplies that were delivered by helicopter to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from the USNS John Lenthall to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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 and Sailors unpack food and supplies that were delivered by an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from the USNS John Lenthall to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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)

Marines and Sailors unpack food and supplies that were delivered by an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter to USS Iwo Jima during a replenishment at sea detail, or RAS, Nov. 24, 2012. During the RAS the USS Iwo Jima took on fuel, fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies from the USNS John Lenthall to sustain the ship and crew while underway. 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

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Cpl. Arturo Chavez, a San Jose, Calif., native with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares food for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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)

Cpl. Arturo Chavez, a San Jose, Calif., native with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares food for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 (Nov. 22, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Elvis Fernandez, a Lisboa, Portugal, native with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares food for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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 (Nov. 22, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Elvis Fernandez, a Lisboa, Portugal, native with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares food for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG 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