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Marines

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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 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, 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 throughout the 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, 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

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, prepares to assault an 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 throughout the U.S. Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, prepares to assault an 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 throughout the 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, 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 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 and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, suppresses an objective with "blanks" in support of 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 Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, suppresses an objective with "blanks" in support of 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

USS IWO JIMA (June 9, 2012) - 1st Lt. Thomas Smith, a Lexington, S.C., Native with the Command Element, 24th MEU, pose for a family photo prior to talking with his wife and children, through a video teleconference aboard the USS Iwo Jima, June 9, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

USS IWO JIMA (June 9, 2012) - 1st Lt. Thomas Smith, a Lexington, S.C., Native with the Command Element, 24th MEU, pose for a family photo prior to talking with his wife and children, through a video teleconference aboard the USS Iwo Jima, June 9, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

USS IWO JIMA (June 9, 2012) - 1st Lt. Thomas Smith, a Lexington, S.C., Native with the Command Element, 24th MEU, talks to his wife and children, through a video teleconference aboard the USS Iwo Jima, June 9, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

USS IWO JIMA (June 9, 2012) - 1st Lt. Thomas Smith, a Lexington, S.C., Native with the Command Element, 24th MEU, talks to his wife and children, through a video teleconference aboard the USS Iwo Jima, June 9, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Official Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide security after assaulting a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provide security after assaulting a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

The USS New York loiters off the coast of Djibouti in preparation for a 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit amphibious training raid on a beach in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

The USS New York loiters off the coast of Djibouti in preparation for a 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit amphibious training raid on a beach in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Assault Amphibious Vehicles carry Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to their objective during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Alpha Company came ashore from the USS New York, which loitered off the coast of Djibouti in support of 24th MEU amphibious operations. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Assault Amphibious Vehicles carry Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to their objective during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Alpha Company came ashore from the USS New York, which loitered off the coast of Djibouti in support of 24th MEU amphibious operations. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Assault Amphibious Vehicles carry Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to their objective during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Alpha Company came ashore from the USS New York, which loitered off the coast of Djibouti in support of 24th MEU amphibious operations. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Assault Amphibious Vehicles carry Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to their objective during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Alpha Company came ashore from the USS New York, which loitered off the coast of Djibouti in support of 24th MEU amphibious operations. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault a beachhead during an amphibious training raid in Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2012. Elements of the 24th MEU are operating in and around Djibouti, taking part in and coordinating various unilateral exercises and bilateral events with foreign militaries. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in support of U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, connect belts of 7.62 mm ammunition in preparation for a live-fire event showcasing the MV-22 Osprey's Defensive Weapon System in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 29, 2012. VMM-261 (Rein) is in Kuwait as part of a 24th MEU sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, connect belts of 7.62 mm ammunition in preparation for a live-fire event showcasing the MV-22 Osprey's Defensive Weapon System in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 29, 2012. VMM-261 (Rein) is in Kuwait as part of a 24th MEU sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Sgt. Ryan Alt, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Houston, Texas native, mounts a Defensive Weapon System through the aft cargo hole of an MV-22 Osprey in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 29, 2012. VMM-261 (Rein) is in Kuwait as part of a 24th MEU sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Sgt. Ryan Alt, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Houston, Texas native, mounts a Defensive Weapon System through the aft cargo hole of an MV-22 Osprey in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 29, 2012. VMM-261 (Rein) is in Kuwait as part of a 24th MEU sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts off at Udairi Range in Kuwait, July 29, 2012, as part of a live-fire event showcasing the Osprey's Defensive Weapon System. VMM-261 (Rein) is in Kuwait as part of a 24th MEU sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts off at Udairi Range in Kuwait, July 29, 2012, as part of a live-fire event showcasing the Osprey's Defensive Weapon System. VMM-261 (Rein) is in Kuwait as part of a 24th MEU sustainment training package. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Former Marine and now U.S. Army chaplain, Capt. David Harvey, poses for a photograph in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 3, 2012, standing in front of a board full of military patches representing dozens of units that have passed through the camp during his tour. Harvey volunteered to provide chaplain services to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conducted sustainment training in Kuwait. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Former Marine and now U.S. Army chaplain, Capt. David Harvey, poses for a photograph in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 3, 2012, standing in front of a board full of military patches representing dozens of units that have passed through the camp during his tour. Harvey volunteered to provide chaplain services to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conducted sustainment training in Kuwait. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Former Marine and now U.S. Army chaplain, Capt. David Harvey, proudly displays an 11-year anniversary photograph in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 3, 2012, of he and his wife with Harvey showcasing his Marine Dress Blues. Harvey volunteered to provide chaplain services to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conducted sustainment training in Kuwait. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Former Marine and now U.S. Army chaplain, Capt. David Harvey, proudly displays an 11-year anniversary photograph in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 3, 2012, of he and his wife with Harvey showcasing his Marine Dress Blues. Harvey volunteered to provide chaplain services to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while they conducted sustainment training in Kuwait. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson