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Marines

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An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The KC-130J Hercules detachment is originally from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The KC-130J Hercules detachment is originally from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies into position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies into position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies into position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies into position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22 Osprey, front, and AV-8B Harriers, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22 Osprey, front, and AV-8B Harriers, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22 Osprey and an AV-8 Harrier, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22 Osprey and an AV-8 Harrier, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey pilot observes another Osprey move into position to refuel with a KC-130J Hercules plane during aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. All aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and were conducting the aerial refueling to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey pilot observes another Osprey move into position to refuel with a KC-130J Hercules plane during aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. All aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and were conducting the aerial refueling to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey, right, and a KC-130J Hercules, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey, right, and a KC-130J Hercules, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The KC-130J Hercules detachment is originally from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The KC-130J Hercules detachment is originally from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey pilot observes another Osprey move into position to refuel with a KC-130J Hercules plane during aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and were conducting the aerial refueling to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey pilot observes another Osprey move into position to refuel with a KC-130J Hercules plane during aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and were conducting the aerial refueling to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies with MV-22B Ospreys while conducting aerial refueling training operations with KC-130J Hercules planes, Sept 23, 2012. The 24th MEU conducted the training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies with MV-22B Ospreys while conducting aerial refueling training operations with KC-130J Hercules planes, Sept 23, 2012. The 24th MEU conducted the training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey, right, and an AV-8B Harrier, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in position after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey, right, and an AV-8B Harrier, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in position after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey and AV-8B Harriers, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey and AV-8B Harriers, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies in position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies in position while conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

AV-8 Harriers with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

AV-8 Harriers with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

AV-8B Harriers with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

AV-8B Harriers with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

AV-8B Harriers with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

AV-8B Harriers with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly in formation after conducting aerial refueling training operations, Sept 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Cpl. Blaise Conway, a KC-130J load master, and Arlington, Tenn., native with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, looks out the back of a KC-130J Hercules as an MV-22B Osprey is refueled during a training mission Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers with the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Cpl. Blaise Conway, a KC-130J load master, and Arlington, Tenn., native with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, looks out the back of a KC-130J Hercules as an MV-22B Osprey is refueled during a training mission Sep. 23, 2012. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers with the 24th MEU conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules planes to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An MV-22B Osprey connects to the refueling hose of a KC-130J Hercules, during aerial refueling training Sept. 23, 2012. Both aircraft are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the aviation combat element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and conducted aerial refueling training to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force for U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim