An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

Photos

Filter

Corporals Kyle Slusher and Cody Sorrell, water purification specialists with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operate a pump that pushes ocean water into a Tactical Water Purification System, to be purified into a clean water source for Marines in Morocco training with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces April 10, 2012. The TWPS allowed the Marines to produce clean water for forces ashore during their training exercise so that they did not have to be resupplied with bottled water or by other means during the exercise. African Lion 12 is the first exercise of a regularly scheduled 8-month deployment for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March.

Corporals Kyle Slusher and Cody Sorrell, water purification specialists with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operate a pump that pushes ocean water into a Tactical Water Purification System, to be purified into a clean water source for Marines in Morocco training with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces April 10, 2012. The TWPS allowed the Marines to produce clean water for forces ashore during their training exercise so that they did not have to be resupplied with bottled water or by other means during the exercise. African Lion 12 is the first exercise of a regularly scheduled 8-month deployment for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit partnered with members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces April 10, 2012, on the shores of Morocco to explain the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle during Exercise African Lion 12. The 24th MEU is participating in the exercise to continue to build on relationships between the U.S. and Moroccan forces and learn about each other's militaries. This exercise is the first deployment event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit partnered with members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces April 10, 2012, on the shores of Morocco to explain the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle during Exercise African Lion 12. The 24th MEU is participating in the exercise to continue to build on relationships between the U.S. and Moroccan forces and learn about each other's militaries. This exercise is the first deployment event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces unload after riding in an assault amphibious vehicle April 10, 2012, with Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during the bi-lateral training exercise called African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces unload after riding in an assault amphibious vehicle April 10, 2012, with Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during the bi-lateral training exercise called African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Cpl. Kyle Slusher, a water purification specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operates a pump that pushes Moroccan ocean water into a Tactical Water Purification System, to be purified into a clean water source for Marines with the 24th MEU training with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, April 10, 2012. The TWPS allowed the Marines to produce clean water for forces ashore during their training exercise so that they did not have to be resupplied with bottled water or by other means during the exercise. African Lion 12 is the first exercise of a regularly scheduled 8-month deployment for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March. Slusher is a native of Marion, Ohio.

Cpl. Kyle Slusher, a water purification specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operates a pump that pushes Moroccan ocean water into a Tactical Water Purification System, to be purified into a clean water source for Marines with the 24th MEU training with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, April 10, 2012. The TWPS allowed the Marines to produce clean water for forces ashore during their training exercise so that they did not have to be resupplied with bottled water or by other means during the exercise. African Lion 12 is the first exercise of a regularly scheduled 8-month deployment for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March. Slusher is a native of Marion, Ohio.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

A Lightweight Water Purification System converts ocean water into a potable water source for Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit who are in Morocco training with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces during Exercise African Lion 12. The LWPS allowed the Marines to produce clean water for forces ashore during their training exercise so that they did not have to be resupplied with bottled water or by other means. African Lion 12 is the first exercise of a regularly scheduled 8-month deployment for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March.

A Lightweight Water Purification System converts ocean water into a potable water source for Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit who are in Morocco training with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces during Exercise African Lion 12. The LWPS allowed the Marines to produce clean water for forces ashore during their training exercise so that they did not have to be resupplied with bottled water or by other means. African Lion 12 is the first exercise of a regularly scheduled 8-month deployment for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

A member of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces prepares to ride in an assault amphibious vehicle with Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during the bi-lateral training exercise African Lion 12 on the shores of Morocco, April 12, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

A member of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces prepares to ride in an assault amphibious vehicle with Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during the bi-lateral training exercise African Lion 12 on the shores of Morocco, April 12, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit open the hatch on top of an assault amphibious vehicle to extract Marines and Sailors after the vehicle stalled April 10, 2012, during the bilateral training exercise African Lion 12 in Morocco. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit open the hatch on top of an assault amphibious vehicle to extract Marines and Sailors after the vehicle stalled April 10, 2012, during the bilateral training exercise African Lion 12 in Morocco. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct bi-lateral training with Royal Moroccan Armed Forces during exercise African Lion 12 on the shores of Morocco April 10, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct bi-lateral training with Royal Moroccan Armed Forces during exercise African Lion 12 on the shores of Morocco April 10, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the assault amphibious vehicle that the Marines drove to the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines and Sailors with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, meet and take pictures with members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in an Assault Amphibious Vehicles on the shores of Morocco April 10, 2012, during exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Marines and Sailors with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, meet and take pictures with members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in an Assault Amphibious Vehicles on the shores of Morocco April 10, 2012, during exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

An assault amphibious vehicle moves across the beach in Morocco carrying Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces April 10, 2012, during Exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

An assault amphibious vehicle moves across the beach in Morocco carrying Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces April 10, 2012, during Exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Capt. Robert May, commanding officer of Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks with a member of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces on the shores of Morocco during Exercise African Lion 12, April 10, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Capt. Robert May, commanding officer of Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks with a member of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces on the shores of Morocco during Exercise African Lion 12, April 10, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Staff Sgt. S. D. Issac who is with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, adjusts his gear alongside Royal Moroccan Armed Forces before giving them a ride in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during Exercise African Lion 12, April 10, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, both of which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Staff Sgt. S. D. Issac who is with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, adjusts his gear alongside Royal Moroccan Armed Forces before giving them a ride in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle during Exercise African Lion 12, April 10, 2012. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV, which the Marines drove onto the beach that morning from the USS New York off the coast of Morocco. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, both of which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit unload onto the beach in Morocco, April 10, 2012, to begin participating in the bi-lateral training exercise called African Lion 12. The Marines are participating in this annually-scheduled, combined U.S.-Moroccan exercise designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation's tactics, techniques and procedures. This is the first exercise the 24th MEU and their counterparts of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group have participated in since deploying in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit unload onto the beach in Morocco, April 10, 2012, to begin participating in the bi-lateral training exercise called African Lion 12. The Marines are participating in this annually-scheduled, combined U.S.-Moroccan exercise designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation's tactics, techniques and procedures. This is the first exercise the 24th MEU and their counterparts of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group have participated in since deploying in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An amphibious assault vehicle from the AAV platoon of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit lands on the beach of Morocco, April 10, 2012, after "swimming" from the USS New York to participate in Exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV and conduct training together to continue to build on the relationships between each service. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

An amphibious assault vehicle from the AAV platoon of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit lands on the beach of Morocco, April 10, 2012, after "swimming" from the USS New York to participate in Exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV and conduct training together to continue to build on the relationships between each service. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An amphibious assault vehicle from the AAV platoon of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit lands on the beach of Morocco, April 10, 2012, after "swimming" from the USS New York to participate in Exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV and conduct training together to continue to build on the relationships between each service. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

An amphibious assault vehicle from the AAV platoon of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit lands on the beach of Morocco, April 10, 2012, after "swimming" from the USS New York to participate in Exercise African Lion 12. The training allowed the Marines to introduce the Moroccan troops to the unique capabilities of the AAV and conduct training together to continue to build on the relationships between each service. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Staff Sgt. Rod McDaniel, center back, the landing support chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit talks to his Marines about their roles and responsibilities during ship to shore movements, April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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.

Staff Sgt. Rod McDaniel, center back, the landing support chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit talks to his Marines about their roles and responsibilities during ship to shore movements, April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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

An LCAC (landing craft air cushioned) egresses from the beach as Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, establish their command operations center April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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.

An LCAC (landing craft air cushioned) egresses from the beach as Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, establish their command operations center April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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

Seven-ton transport trucks from Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, disembark onto the shores of Morocco, April 10, 2012, to participate in the bi-lateral training exercise named African Lion 2012. The 24th MEU is participating in the exercise to continue to build on relationships between the U.S. and Moroccan forces and learn about each other's militaries. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Seven-ton transport trucks from Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, disembark onto the shores of Morocco, April 10, 2012, to participate in the bi-lateral training exercise named African Lion 2012. The 24th MEU is participating in the exercise to continue to build on relationships between the U.S. and Moroccan forces and learn about each other's militaries. This exercise is the first event for the 24th MEU and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which deployed in March on a regularly scheduled deployment to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up their command operations center on the beach to establish a base of operations, April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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 Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up their command operations center on the beach to establish a base of operations, April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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 with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up their command operations center on the beach to establish a base of operations, April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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 Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up their command operations center on the beach to establish a base of operations, April 9, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy's Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve 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