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Marines

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Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perform routine corrosion treatment on AH-1W Cobras and a UH-1N Huey here as the ship departs La Spezia, Italy, April 26, 2012, after a port visit. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, perform routine corrosion treatment on AH-1W Cobras and a UH-1N Huey here as the ship departs La Spezia, Italy, April 26, 2012, after a port visit. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Capt. Andy Loiselle, commanding officer of the USS Gunston Hall, gives a speech during a reception for Albanian distinguished visitors April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects.The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Capt. Andy Loiselle, commanding officer of the USS Gunston Hall, gives a speech during a reception for Albanian distinguished visitors April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects.The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, left, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, gives a plaque to Capt. Andy Loiselle, commanding officer of the USS Gunston Hall, as a sign of appreciation during a reception for Albanian distinguished visitors April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects.The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein)

Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, left, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, gives a plaque to Capt. Andy Loiselle, commanding officer of the USS Gunston Hall, as a sign of appreciation during a reception for Albanian distinguished visitors April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects.The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein)

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Lt. Col. Daniel Bradley, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks with a member of the Albanian Armed Forces during a reception for Albanian distinguished visitors April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Lt. Col. Daniel Bradley, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks with a member of the Albanian Armed Forces during a reception for Albanian distinguished visitors April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Gunnery Sgt. Jose Martins, the platoon commander for Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains the use of various weapon systems to members of the Albanian military and government April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Gunnery Sgt. Jose Martins, the platoon commander for Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains the use of various weapon systems to members of the Albanian military and government April 25, 2012, aboard the USS Gunston Hall. The Albanian visitors were hosted aboard the ship during a port stop in Albania where Marines and Sailors also participated in various tours of the country and assisted in community relations projects. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group dig a drainage ditch at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group dig a drainage ditch at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group renovate a playground at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group renovate a playground at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group renovate a playground at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group renovate a playground at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group dig a drainage ditch at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group dig a drainage ditch at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group dig a drainage ditch at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group dig a drainage ditch at the Bethany Orphanage here, April 24, 2012, as part of a community relations project. Sixty Marines and Sailors from the USS Gunston Hall sacrificed time off during a port visit to help the orphanage. The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

USS NEW YORK -- Capt. James W. McBride , UH-1N Huey pilot, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains Huey capabilities to members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III)

USS NEW YORK -- Capt. James W. McBride , UH-1N Huey pilot, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains Huey capabilities to members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III)

Photo by SSgt. Robert L. Fisher III

USS NEW YORK -- Lt. Col. Aaron Adams, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit executive officer, greets members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III)

USS NEW YORK -- Lt. Col. Aaron Adams, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit executive officer, greets members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III)

Photo by SSgt. Robert L. Fisher III

USS NEW YORK -- Maj. Dale R. Behm, right, detachment officer-in-charge of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains how Marine helicopter assets are used to aid Marine reconnaissance teams with members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim/Released)

USS NEW YORK -- Maj. Dale R. Behm, right, detachment officer-in-charge of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains how Marine helicopter assets are used to aid Marine reconnaissance teams with members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

USS NEW YORK -- Maj. Dale R. Behm, right, detachment officer-in-charge of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains how Marine helicopter assets are used to aid Marine reconnaissance teams with members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim/Released)

USS NEW YORK -- Maj. Dale R. Behm, right, detachment officer-in-charge of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, explains how Marine helicopter assets are used to aid Marine reconnaissance teams with members of the Gruppo Operativo Incursori, the Italian equivalent of U.S. Navy SEALs, here, during a port visit in La Spezia, Italy, April 23, 2012. The 24th MEU along with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

Cpl. Wendell Winston, a diesel mechanic with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs ammo can lifts during the combat fitness test portion of CLB 24’s meritorious promotion board here, April 23, 2012, as the ship sails through the Adriatic Sea. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Cpl. Wendell Winston, a diesel mechanic with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs ammo can lifts during the combat fitness test portion of CLB 24’s meritorious promotion board here, April 23, 2012, as the ship sails through the Adriatic Sea. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Cpl. Aric Mauldin, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs sit-ups during the physical fitness portion of CLB 24’s meritorious promotion board here, April 23, 2012, as the ship sails through the Adriatic Sea. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Cpl. Aric Mauldin, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, performs sit-ups during the physical fitness portion of CLB 24’s meritorious promotion board here, April 23, 2012, as the ship sails through the Adriatic Sea. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

USS NEW YORK- Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group load their plates with hot dogs, chicken and steaks during a steel beach picnic on the flight deck here, April 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima ARG as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK- Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group load their plates with hot dogs, chicken and steaks during a steel beach picnic on the flight deck here, April 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima ARG as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

USS NEW YORK- Marines with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit dressed in sumo wrestling outfits duel for bragging rights during a steel beach picnic on the flight deck here, April 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK- Marines with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit dressed in sumo wrestling outfits duel for bragging rights during a steel beach picnic on the flight deck here, April 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

USS NEW YORK- Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit toss bean bags during a steel beach on the flight deck here, April 22, 2012,. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK- Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit toss bean bags during a steel beach on the flight deck here, April 22, 2012,. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim

USS NEW YORK - Cpl. Phil Pelletier, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands behind an M-2 50 cal. heavy machine gun providing security for the ship as she passes through the Straits of Gibraltar, April 20, 2012. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

USS NEW YORK - Cpl. Phil Pelletier, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands behind an M-2 50 cal. heavy machine gun providing security for the ship as she passes through the Straits of Gibraltar, April 20, 2012. The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael J. Petersheim