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Marines

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Sgt. Casey McMarthy, a Montgomery, Ala., native and a data network specialist with the Joint Task Force Enabler, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embraces his wife and one-year-old son inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. The JTFE were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Sgt. Casey McMarthy, a Montgomery, Ala., native and a data network specialist with the Joint Task Force Enabler, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embraces his wife and one-year-old son inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. The JTFE were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Sgt. Casey McMarthy, a Montgomery, Ala., native and a data network specialist with the Joint Task Force Enabler, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photograph with his wife and one-year-old son inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. The JTFE were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Sgt. Casey McMarthy, a Montgomery, Ala., native and a data network specialist with the Joint Task Force Enabler, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photograph with his wife and one-year-old son inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. The JTFE were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload tactical vehicles at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point N.C., Nov. 13, 2012, as they return from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. They were deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload tactical vehicles at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point N.C., Nov. 13, 2012, as they return from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. They were deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit spray Humvees during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit spray Humvees during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spray the driver compartment panel of their light armored vehicle during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spray the driver compartment panel of their light armored vehicle during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spray their light armored vehicles during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, spray their light armored vehicles during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land assault amphibious vehicles on the beach at Naval Station Rota, Spain, in preparation for wash down procedures, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land assault amphibious vehicles on the beach at Naval Station Rota, Spain, in preparation for wash down procedures, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land assault amphibious vehicles on the beach at Naval Station Rota, Spain, in preparation for wash down procedures, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land assault amphibious vehicles on the beach at Naval Station Rota, Spain, in preparation for wash down procedures, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

A Marine with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload military vehicles from a Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft in preparation for wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload military vehicles from a Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft in preparation for wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload military vehicles from a Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft in preparation for wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload military vehicles from a Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft in preparation for wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload military vehicles from a Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft in preparation for wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload military vehicles from a Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft in preparation for wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

A Marine with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sprays the undercarriage of a light armored vehicle during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

A Marine with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sprays the undercarriage of a light armored vehicle during wash down procedures aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

A Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft lands on the beach at Naval Station Rota, Spain, to offload military vehicles and equipment from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in preparation for wash down procedures, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

A Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft lands on the beach at Naval Station Rota, Spain, to offload military vehicles and equipment from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in preparation for wash down procedures, Nov. 11, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down to clean dirt and debris from their vehicles and equipment in preparation for their scheduled return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group bow their heads during the opening prayer of the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 10, 2012. This was the first of perhaps many more Marine Corps birthday celebrations aboard the New York, built with seven-and-a-half tons of steel from the World Trade Center, as she sails on her maiden deployment. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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. The 24th MEU is scheduled to return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim/Released)

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group bow their heads during the opening prayer of the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 10, 2012. This was the first of perhaps many more Marine Corps birthday celebrations aboard the New York, built with seven-and-a-half tons of steel from the World Trade Center, as she sails on her maiden deployment. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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. The 24th MEU is scheduled to return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Lt. Col. David B. Sosa, commander of troops aboard the USS New York and commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks to the Marines and Sailors during a cake-cutting ceremony on the shipâ€™s flight deck to celebrate the Marine Corpsâ€™ 237th birthday, Nov. 10, 2012. This was the first of perhaps many more Marine Corps birthday celebrations aboard the New York, built with seven-and-a-half tons of steel from the World Trade Center, as she sails on her maiden deployment. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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. The 24th MEU is scheduled to return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Lt. Col. David B. Sosa, commander of troops aboard the USS New York and commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks to the Marines and Sailors during a cake-cutting ceremony on the shipâ€™s flight deck to celebrate the Marine Corpsâ€™ 237th birthday, Nov. 10, 2012. This was the first of perhaps many more Marine Corps birthday celebrations aboard the New York, built with seven-and-a-half tons of steel from the World Trade Center, as she sails on her maiden deployment. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central 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. The 24th MEU is scheduled to return to their home bases in North Carolina later this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson