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Marines

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A Marine Corps birthday cake is proudly displayed on the flight deck of the USS New York during a ceremony in honor of 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)

A Marine Corps birthday cake is proudly displayed on the flight deck of the USS New York during a ceremony in honor of 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit case the Marine Corps colors after a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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)

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit case the Marine Corps colors after a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit case the Marine Corps colors after a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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)

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit case the Marine Corps colors after a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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

Senior officer and enlisted leadership with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group gather around the birthday cake after a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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)

Senior officer and enlisted leadership with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group gather around the birthday cake after a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Captains Jon C. Krietz, right, and Christopher Brunett, USS New York commanding officer and executive officer respectively, bow their heads alongside Master Chief Petty Officer Ralph Perez, left, USS New York command master chief, during the opening prayer of the 237th Marine Corpsâ€™ 237th birthday Ceremony held 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Captains Jon C. Krietz, right, and Christopher Brunett, USS New York commanding officer and executive officer respectively, bow their heads alongside Master Chief Petty Officer Ralph Perez, left, USS New York command master chief, during the opening prayer of the 237th Marine Corpsâ€™ 237th birthday Ceremony held 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

A Marine Corps birthday cake is proudly displayed on the flight deck of the USS New York during a ceremony in honor of 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)

A Marine Corps birthday cake is proudly displayed on the flight deck of the USS New York during a ceremony in honor of 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit take part in a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the Marine Corpsâ€™ 237t birthday aboard 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit take part in a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the Marine Corpsâ€™ 237t birthday aboard 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Woodard, a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, reads the birthday message on the flight deck of the USS New York during a cake-cutting ceremony 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)

Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Woodard, a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, reads the birthday message on the flight deck of the USS New York during a cake-cutting ceremony 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

A Marine Corps color guard with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit lowers the Marine Corps flag for the National Anthem on the flight deck of the USS New York during a cake-cutting ceremony 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)

A Marine Corps color guard with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit lowers the Marine Corps flag for the National Anthem on the flight deck of the USS New York during a cake-cutting ceremony 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 Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit salute the American flag during the National Anthem as part of a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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)

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit salute the American flag during the National Anthem as part of a cake-cutting ceremony on the flight deck of the USS New York 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

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, passes the traditional birthday cake to Lt. Col. Ronald Perry, the oldest Marine present, during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, passes the traditional birthday cake to Lt. Col. Ronald Perry, the oldest Marine present, during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

USS IWO JIMA,NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Lt. Col. Ronald Perry, the oldest Marine present during the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's birthday ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps' 237th birthday, passes the traditional birthday cake to the youngest Marine present, Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Tobash, aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

USS IWO JIMA,NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Lt. Col. Ronald Perry, the oldest Marine present during the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's birthday ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps' 237th birthday, passes the traditional birthday cake to the youngest Marine present, Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Tobash, aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit salute the colors during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit salute the colors during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Sgt. Maj. of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Octaviano Gallegos , (left), and Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, salute the colors during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Sgt. Maj. of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Octaviano Gallegos , (left), and Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, salute the colors during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cuts the traditional birthday cake to be presented to the oldest and youngest Marines during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cuts the traditional birthday cake to be presented to the oldest and youngest Marines during the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand in formation during the commencement of the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, NAVAL STATION ROTA (Nov. 11, 2012) - Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand in formation during the commencement of the 237th Marine Corps birthday ceremony aboard USS Iwo Jima Nov. 11, 2012. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

USS NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2012) — A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the inside of an assault amphibious vehicle during wash down procedures aboard the USS New York, Nov. 4, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down inside the ship’s well deck 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

USS NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2012) — A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the inside of an assault amphibious vehicle during wash down procedures aboard the USS New York, Nov. 4, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down inside the ship’s well deck 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III

USS NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2012) — A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard the USS New York, Nov. 4, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down inside the ship’s well deck 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

USS NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2012) — A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the undercarriage of a Humvee during wash down procedures aboard the USS New York, Nov. 4, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down inside the ship’s well deck 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III

USS NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2012) — A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the inside of an assault amphibious vehicle during wash down procedures aboard the USS New York, Nov. 4, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down inside the ship’s well deck 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

USS NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2012) — A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit sprays the inside of an assault amphibious vehicle during wash down procedures aboard the USS New York, Nov. 4, 2012. Marines conducted the wash down inside the ship’s well deck 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher III