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Marines

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Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Lance Cpl. Elvis Fernandez, a Lisboa, Portugal, native with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares food for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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)

Lance Cpl. Elvis Fernandez, a Lisboa, Portugal, native with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares food for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group prepare for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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)

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group prepare for the Thanksgiving dinner aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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

Senior Chief Petty Officer Devon Knight, a culinary specialist with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, adds frosting to a Thanksgiving Day cake for Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima ARG aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima ARG served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Senior Chief Petty Officer Devon Knight, a culinary specialist with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, adds frosting to a Thanksgiving Day cake for Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima ARG aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima ARG served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

A Sailor with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group prepares frosting and decorative items for a Thanksgiving Day cake for the Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima ARG aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima ARG served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

A Sailor with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group prepares frosting and decorative items for a Thanksgiving Day cake for the Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima ARG aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima ARG served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Lance Cpls. LaTrace Thompson, left, a food service specialist, and Ethan Sherer, a radio operator, both with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare turkeys on Thanksgiving Day for the Marines and Sailors aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Lance Cpls. LaTrace Thompson, left, a food service specialist, and Ethan Sherer, a radio operator, both with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare turkeys on Thanksgiving Day for the Marines and Sailors aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Serving pans of roasted turkey lie waiting for a Thanksgiving Day meal for Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima ARG served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Serving pans of roasted turkey lie waiting for a Thanksgiving Day meal for Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima ARG served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group participate in a 5K Thanksgiving fun run aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, Nov. 22, 2012. The fun run is part of the Thanksgiving celebration coordinated by the ships Moral, Recreation and Welfare program for the Marines and Sailors. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima ARG and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 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 Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl

Maj. Gregory Goober, middle, commanding officer of India Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, serves a Thanksgiving meal to a Marine with the 24th MEU aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Maj. Gregory Goober, middle, commanding officer of India Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, serves a Thanksgiving meal to a Marine with the 24th MEU aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Lt. Col. David Sosa, left, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, serves a Thanksgiving meal to a Marine with the 24th MEU aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lt. Col. David Sosa, left, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, serves a Thanksgiving meal to a Marine with the 24th MEU aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Staff Sgt. Walter Duncan, left, CH-53E Super Stallion detachment control chief, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives a Thanksgiving meal from 1st Sgt. Gregory Mitchell, first sergeant of India Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Walter Duncan, left, CH-53E Super Stallion detachment control chief, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives a Thanksgiving meal from 1st Sgt. Gregory Mitchell, first sergeant of India Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

A Thanksgiving Day cake is on display for Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit before enjoying a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Thanksgiving Day cake is on display for Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit before enjoying a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit enjoy a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit enjoy a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit enjoy a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit enjoy a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit say grace before enjoying a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III)

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit say grace before enjoying a Thanksgiving feast aboard the USS New York, Nov. 22, 2012. All three ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group served Thanksgiving dinner to their crew. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is currently deployed as an expeditionary crisis response force in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III

Sgt. Jonathan Selby, a Richmond, Va., native and technical controller with the Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embraces his 2-month-old son for the first time alongside his wife inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The JTFE was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea and were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Sgt. Jonathan Selby, a Richmond, Va., native and technical controller with the Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embraces his 2-month-old son for the first time alongside his wife inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The JTFE was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea and were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Sgt. Jonathan Selby, a Richmond, Va., native and technical controller with the Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embraces his 2-month-old son for the first time alongside his wife inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The JTFE was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea and were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Sgt. Jonathan Selby, a Richmond, Va., native and technical controller with the Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embraces his 2-month-old son for the first time alongside his wife inside the 24th MEUs headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Nov. 13, 2012, after returning from an eight-month deployment. The JTFE was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea and were deployed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload tactical vehicles at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point N.C., Nov. 13, 2012, as they return from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. They were deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit offload tactical vehicles at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point N.C., Nov. 13, 2012, as they return from an eight-month deployment. The Marines are part of the 24th MEU's Joint Task Force Enabler, or JTFE, section, which was responsible for the coordination of communications assets throughout the entire 24th MEU, both on land and at sea. They were deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein