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USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Marines with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, line up to practice M9 pistol techniques during a combat marksmanship class aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Marines with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, line up to practice M9 pistol techniques during a combat marksmanship class aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Dustan Myers(left), a Gainsville, Ga., native and radio operator, and Gunnery Sgt. Domicas Perdue(right), a Tyler, Texas, native and combat marksmanship instructor, both with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice the basics of M9 pistol marksmanship aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Dustan Myers(left), a Gainsville, Ga., native and radio operator, and Gunnery Sgt. Domicas Perdue(right), a Tyler, Texas, native and combat marksmanship instructor, both with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice the basics of M9 pistol marksmanship aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Dustan Myers(left), a Gainsville, Ga., native and radio operator, and Gunnery Sgt. Domicas Perdue(right), a Tyler, Texas, native and combat marksmanship instructor, both with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice the basics of M9 pistol marksmanship aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Dustan Myers(left), a Gainsville, Ga., native and radio operator, and Gunnery Sgt. Domicas Perdue(right), a Tyler, Texas, native and combat marksmanship instructor, both with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice the basics of M9 pistol marksmanship aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Staff Sgt. Aaron Davis(right), a Benton, Ark., native and Cpl. Michael Sanchez(left), a Lynn, Mass., native, both with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice the basic stance of shooting an M16A4 service rifle during a combat marksmanship class aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Staff Sgt. Aaron Davis(right), a Benton, Ark., native and Cpl. Michael Sanchez(left), a Lynn, Mass., native, both with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice the basic stance of shooting an M16A4 service rifle during a combat marksmanship class aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

U.S. 6th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY - An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies behind an MV-22B Osprey during routine flight operations in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility, Nov. 25, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. The harrier detachment is from Marine Attack Squadron 542 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Juri Theodore)

U.S. 6th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY - An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies behind an MV-22B Osprey during routine flight operations in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility, Nov. 25, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. The harrier detachment is from Marine Attack Squadron 542 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Juri Theodore)

Photo by Sgt. Juri Theodore

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Marines with 2nd Platoon, Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receive a class from crew members responsible for operating a Landing Craft Utility transport boat inside the well deck of USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The Navy and Marines use the LCU to transport troops and equipment from amphibious shipping to shore. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Marines with 2nd Platoon, Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receive a class from crew members responsible for operating a Landing Craft Utility transport boat inside the well deck of USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The Navy and Marines use the LCU to transport troops and equipment from amphibious shipping to shore. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Pehrson

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Jesse Manno, right, a Branchville, N.J., native with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, recites the Oath of Enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony on USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Jesse Manno, right, a Branchville, N.J., native with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, recites the Oath of Enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony on USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Pehrson

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Gunnery Sgt. Domicas Perdue, a Tyler, Texas, native and combat marksmanship instructor with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses the basics of combat marksmanship with Marines aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Gunnery Sgt. Domicas Perdue, a Tyler, Texas, native and combat marksmanship instructor with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, discusses the basics of combat marksmanship with Marines aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Marines with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receive a combat marksmanship class aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 30, 2012) - Marines with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receive a combat marksmanship class aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 30, 2012. Combat marksmanship training is a continuous part of life for Marines, no matter what their military occupational specialty is, and regardless of whether they're stateside or deployed on a ship. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Julian Valdez, squad leader for 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents a class to the Marines of 2nd Platoon on the Pacific Island Hopping Campaign of WWII on the mess deck of USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 23, 2012. Classes like these and other training events are a continuous for Marines while underway aboard the amphibious assault ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Julian Valdez, squad leader for 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents a class to the Marines of 2nd Platoon on the Pacific Island Hopping Campaign of WWII on the mess deck of USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 23, 2012. Classes like these and other training events are a continuous for Marines while underway aboard the amphibious assault ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Pehrson

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Jesse Manno, right, a Branchville, N.J., native with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands at attention in front of his platoon commander, 1st. Lt. William Norris, of Naples, Fla.,during his reenlistment ceremony on USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Jesse Manno, right, a Branchville, N.J., native with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands at attention in front of his platoon commander, 1st. Lt. William Norris, of Naples, Fla.,during his reenlistment ceremony on USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Pehrson

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Marines with Combat Logisitcs Battalion 24 aboard USS Gunston Hall hold a class to discuss sexual assault prevention Nov. 28, 2012. Sexual prevention classes are mandatory training requirements for all Marines whether stateside or deployed.The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Marines with Combat Logisitcs Battalion 24 aboard USS Gunston Hall hold a class to discuss sexual assault prevention Nov. 28, 2012. Sexual prevention classes are mandatory training requirements for all Marines whether stateside or deployed.The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Pehrson

U.S. 6th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY - An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies behind an MV-22B Osprey during routine flight operations in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility, Nov. 25, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. The harrier detachment is from Marine Attack Squadron 542 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Juri Theodore)

U.S. 6th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY - An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies behind an MV-22B Osprey during routine flight operations in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility, Nov. 25, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. The harrier detachment is from Marine Attack Squadron 542 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Juri Theodore)

Photo by Sgt. Juri Theodore

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Joseph King, with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, works the steering as Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, also with BLT 1/2, gives a class on the functions and use of the Internally Transportable Vehicle to Marines with BLT 1/2 and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 on the flight deck of USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 27, 2012. The ITV can fit into the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter and is used by Marines for transportation and movement of the 120 mm mortar system. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Joseph King, with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, works the steering as Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Perry, also with BLT 1/2, gives a class on the functions and use of the Internally Transportable Vehicle to Marines with BLT 1/2 and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 on the flight deck of USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 27, 2012. The ITV can fit into the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter and is used by Marines for transportation and movement of the 120 mm mortar system. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Pehrson

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 29, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Elvis Fernandez, a Lisboa, Portugal, native with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares food aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Nov. 29, 2012) - Lance Cpl. Elvis Fernandez, a Lisboa, Portugal, native with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares food aboard USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 29, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Jesse Manno, a Branchvill, N.J., native with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to his platoon commander during his reenlistment ceremony on USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

USS GUNSTON HALL, Mediterranean Sea - Cpl. Jesse Manno, a Branchvill, N.J., native with Charlie Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks to his platoon commander during his reenlistment ceremony on USS Gunston Hall, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions, from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (Photo courtesy of Cpl. Jesse Pehrson)

Photo by Cpl. Jesse Pehrson

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion onto the flight deck of the USS New York, Nov. 30, 2012. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility serving as an expeditionary crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat to evacuations and humanitarian assistance.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim