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Marines

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Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappel down a training tower during assault climber training in Djibouti, Aug. 29, 2012. The training is a part of a Training Force, or T-Force, package focused on primitive infantry skills. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, rappel down a training tower during assault climber training in Djibouti, Aug. 29, 2012. The training is a part of a Training Force, or T-Force, package focused on primitive infantry skills. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Lance Cpl. Joshua Allen, right, a native of West Gardiner, Maine, and rifleman with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to rappel down a training tower during assault climber training in Djibouti, Aug. 29, 2012. The training is a part of a Training Force, or T-Force, package focused on primitive infantry skills. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. Joshua Allen, right, a native of West Gardiner, Maine, and rifleman with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to rappel down a training tower during assault climber training in Djibouti, Aug. 29, 2012. The training is a part of a Training Force, or T-Force, package focused on primitive infantry skills. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Landing craft air-cushion hovercrafts from Assault Craft Unit 4, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, offload Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from the USS Iwo Jima to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint training exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Landing craft air-cushion hovercrafts from Assault Craft Unit 4, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, offload Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from the USS Iwo Jima to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint training exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attached to the USS Iwo Jima combat cargo section, offload cargo from a landing craft air-cushion hovercraft in the well deck of the ship, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attached to the USS Iwo Jima combat cargo section, offload cargo from a landing craft air-cushion hovercraft in the well deck of the ship, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attached to the USS Iwo Jima combat cargo section, offload cargo from a landing craft air-cushion hovercraft in the well deck of the ship, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attached to the USS Iwo Jima combat cargo section, offload cargo from a landing craft air-cushion hovercraft in the well deck of the ship, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attached to the USS Iwo Jima combat cargo section, and Sailors with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group offload cargo from a landing craft air-cushion hovercraft in the well deck of the ship, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attached to the USS Iwo Jima combat cargo section, and Sailors with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group offload cargo from a landing craft air-cushion hovercraft in the well deck of the ship, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drives toward a parking location after landing aboard Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 23, 2012. The KC-130J is an attachment from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is deployed to support aerial refueling and transport requirements for the 24th MEU. The 24th MEU is currently 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drives toward a parking location after landing aboard Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 23, 2012. The KC-130J is an attachment from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is deployed to support aerial refueling and transport requirements for the 24th MEU. The 24th MEU is currently 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. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Landing craft air-cushion hovercrafts from Assault Craft Unit 4, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, carry equipment and Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from the USS Iwo Jima to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint training exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Landing craft air-cushion hovercrafts from Assault Craft Unit 4, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, carry equipment and Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from the USS Iwo Jima to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 24, 2012. A contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint training exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns on AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1N Hueys aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopters' components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns on AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1N Hueys aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopters' components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maintenance ground turns with an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Aug 27, 2012, to ensure the helicopter's components are working properly prior to conducting flight operations. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by courtesy photo

A Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, inspects the chamber of his M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon as a smoke grenade signals "objective secure" during a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, inspects the chamber of his M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon as a smoke grenade signals "objective secure" during a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, detain a simulated enemy combatant during a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, detain a simulated enemy combatant during a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, hand over a simulated enemy combatant to French Marines during a bilateral training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, hand over a simulated enemy combatant to French Marines during a bilateral training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct an orders briefs with their French counterparts in preparation for a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central and Africa Commands in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct an orders briefs with their French counterparts in preparation for a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central and Africa Commands in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct an orders briefs with their French counterparts in preparation for a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct an orders briefs with their French counterparts in preparation for a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct an orders briefs with their French counterparts in preparation for a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central and Africa Commands in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct an orders briefs with their French counterparts in preparation for a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central and Africa Commands in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, move toward their objective during a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, move toward their objective during a bilateral training raid with French Marines in Djibouti, Aug. 27, 2012. A small contingent of the 24th MEU is currently ashore in Djibouti conducting various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises. 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim