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Marines

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An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. The Ospreys and KC-130J belong to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. The Ospreys and KC-130J belong to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies into position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers from the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies into position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers from the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24h Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies over Djibouti City after conducting aerial refueling training Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers from 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24h Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies over Djibouti City after conducting aerial refueling training Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers from 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24h Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies over Djibouti City after conducting aerial refueling training Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24h Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies over Djibouti City after conducting aerial refueling training Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks with LtCol. Brian Smith, commanding officer, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, on the flight deck of USS Iwo Jima prior to 24th MEU's aircraft conducting aerial refueling training operations Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks with LtCol. Brian Smith, commanding officer, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, on the flight deck of USS Iwo Jima prior to 24th MEU's aircraft conducting aerial refueling training operations Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, wait to take off from the flight deck of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) prior to conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, wait to take off from the flight deck of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) prior to conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

Cpl. Blaise Conway, a KC-130J load master, and Arlington, Tenn., native with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, looks out the back of a KC-130J Hercules during an aerial refueling training operation Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers with the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Cpl. Blaise Conway, a KC-130J load master, and Arlington, Tenn., native with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, looks out the back of a KC-130J Hercules during an aerial refueling training operation Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers with the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

An MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Cpl. Blaise Conway, a KC-130J load master, and Arlington, Tenn., native with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, looks out the back of a KC-130J Hercules as an MV-22B Osprey is refueled during a training mission Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers from the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Cpl. Blaise Conway, a KC-130J load master, and Arlington, Tenn., native with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, looks out the back of a KC-130J Hercules as an MV-22B Osprey is refueled during a training mission Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers from the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descend a 1600 ft. mountain while on a foot patrol during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descend a 1600 ft. mountain while on a foot patrol during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pause after descending a mountain during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pause after descending a mountain during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pause after descending a mountain during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pause after descending a mountain during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descend a 1600 ft. mountain while on a foot patrol during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, descend a 1600 ft. mountain while on a foot patrol during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sep. 4, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off after providing assault support during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sept. 5, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off after providing assault support during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sept. 5, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off after providing assault support during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sept. 5, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off after providing assault support during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sept. 5, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for take-off after providing assault support during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sept. 5, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for take-off after providing assault support during a force-on-force training exercise in Djibouti, Sept. 5, 2012. The exercise is part of a 24th MEU Training Force, or "T-Force" package focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Maj. Ross Parrish, the operations officer with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to Marines with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, prior to unknown distance marksmanship training as part of a three-week training package in Djibouti, Sep. 15, 2012. The training was focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Maj. Ross Parrish, the operations officer with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to Marines with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, prior to unknown distance marksmanship training as part of a three-week training package in Djibouti, Sep. 15, 2012. The training was focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A target seen through a scout sniper observation telescope as Marines with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct high-angle marksmanship training as part of a three-week training package in Djibouti, Sep. 15, 2012. The training was focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A target seen through a scout sniper observation telescope as Marines with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct high-angle marksmanship training as part of a three-week training package in Djibouti, Sep. 15, 2012. The training was focused on the application of infantry skills in rugged mountain terrain. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim