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Marines

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Cpl. Raphael Padilla, an Arlington, Va., native and food service specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, opens his eyes after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Cpl. Raphael Padilla, an Arlington, Va., native and food service specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, opens his eyes after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sprays a fellow CLB 24 Marine with oleoresin capsicum spray, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sprays a fellow CLB 24 Marine with oleoresin capsicum spray, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Cpl. Raymond Hammil, a Bronx, N.Y., native and ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, strikes a pad while fighting off the sting of oleoresin capsicum during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Cpl. Raymond Hammil, a Bronx, N.Y., native and ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, strikes a pad while fighting off the sting of oleoresin capsicum during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Cpl. Raymond Hammil, a Bronx, N.Y., native and ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, yells commands at a detained role player after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Cpl. Raymond Hammil, a Bronx, N.Y., native and ammo technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, yells commands at a detained role player after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Sgt. Matt Michaelre, a St. Louis, Mo., native and combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, strikes a pad after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Sgt. Matt Michaelre, a St. Louis, Mo., native and combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, strikes a pad after being sprayed with oleoresin capsicum, or OC spray, during a level one OC spray certification in Kuwait, July 17, 2012. The Marines are in Kuwait conducting a variety of sustainment training exercises that started in early June and will continue throughout the summer months. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

The USS Iwo Jima is docked in Bahrain during a port stop to conduct resupply, ship maintenance and allow the Marines and sailors aboard to participate in liberty ashore, July 12, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

The USS Iwo Jima is docked in Bahrain during a port stop to conduct resupply, ship maintenance and allow the Marines and sailors aboard to participate in liberty ashore, July 12, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf

Lance Cpl. D'Angelo Stewart, a Savannah, Ga., native and administrative specialist with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, departs USS Iwo Jima with other Marines and Sailors to commence their liberty in Manama, Bahrain, July 12, 2012. The USS Iwo Jima recently conducted a port stop in Bahrain to resupply, conduct ship maintenance and allow service members some liberty ashore. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. D'Angelo Stewart, a Savannah, Ga., native and administrative specialist with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, departs USS Iwo Jima with other Marines and Sailors to commence their liberty in Manama, Bahrain, July 12, 2012. The USS Iwo Jima recently conducted a port stop in Bahrain to resupply, conduct ship maintenance and allow service members some liberty ashore. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf

Lance Cpl. James Cruse, a Lamar, Ala., native and embark specialist with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, hands back identification cards after he scans them during the check out process for Marines to commence their liberty, July 12, 2012. The electronic scanning system allows the Marines to maintain accountability of personnel as they leave from, and return to, the ship while in port. The USS Iwo Jima recently conducted a port stop in Bahrain to resupply, conduct ship maintenance and allow service members some liberty ashore. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. James Cruse, a Lamar, Ala., native and embark specialist with the Command Element, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, hands back identification cards after he scans them during the check out process for Marines to commence their liberty, July 12, 2012. The electronic scanning system allows the Marines to maintain accountability of personnel as they leave from, and return to, the ship while in port. The USS Iwo Jima recently conducted a port stop in Bahrain to resupply, conduct ship maintenance and allow service members some liberty ashore. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, check out to commence their liberty ashore in Bahrain, July 12, 2012. The USS Iwo Jima is portside in Bahrain conducting a resupply, ship maintenance and liberty. The electronic scanning system allows the Marines to maintain accountability of personnel as they leave from, and return to, the ship while in port. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, check out to commence their liberty ashore in Bahrain, July 12, 2012. The USS Iwo Jima is portside in Bahrain conducting a resupply, ship maintenance and liberty. The electronic scanning system allows the Marines to maintain accountability of personnel as they leave from, and return to, the ship while in port. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf

Lance Cpl. Jason Connelly, a Bournemouth, Dorset County, England, native and rifleman with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photograph, July 15, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. Jason Connelly, a Bournemouth, Dorset County, England, native and rifleman with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photograph, July 15, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Lance Cpl. Jason Connelly, a Bournemouth, Dorset County, England, native and rifleman with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photograph, July 15, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. Jason Connelly, a Bournemouth, Dorset County, England, native and rifleman with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photograph, July 15, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in various games in the hangar of USS Iwo Jima in celebration of the 4th of July while deployed at sea. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in various games in the hangar of USS Iwo Jima in celebration of the 4th of July while deployed at sea. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf

Lance Cpl. Courtney Patterson, an avionics supply specialist from Chicago with Marine Avionics Logistics Squadron 14, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, took part in a pie eating contest in celebration of the 4th of July, aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Lance Cpl. Courtney Patterson, an avionics supply specialist from Chicago with Marine Avionics Logistics Squadron 14, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, took part in a pie eating contest in celebration of the 4th of July, aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf

Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares barbecue chicken for Marines and Sailors on board the USS Iwo Jima during the 4th of July celebration meal while the unit is underway in the Arabian Sea. The 24th MEU along with Sailors assigned to the ship participated in a number of activities throughout the day to take some time off and celebrate Independence Day. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares barbecue chicken for Marines and Sailors on board the USS Iwo Jima during the 4th of July celebration meal while the unit is underway in the Arabian Sea. The 24th MEU along with Sailors assigned to the ship participated in a number of activities throughout the day to take some time off and celebrate Independence Day. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pull a rope during a tug-of-war event as part of a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge aboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pull a rope during a tug-of-war event as part of a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge aboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Cpl. Phil Pelletier, a squad leader with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts an ammunition can as part of a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge aboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Cpl. Phil Pelletier, a squad leader with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lifts an ammunition can as part of a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge aboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Sgt. Lucas Bauer, the intelligence chief for Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flips a tire during a relay as part of a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge aboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Sgt. Lucas Bauer, the intelligence chief for Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flips a tire during a relay as part of a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge aboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim

Capt. Alexander George, Alpha Company executive officer, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flips a tire over in the opening relay race during a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge at Camp Buehring, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Capt. Alexander George, Alpha Company executive officer, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flips a tire over in the opening relay race during a BLT Independence Day Warrior Challenge at Camp Buehring, July 4, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher

Maj. Thomas Elders, left, takes a picture with his sister, Cmdr. Teresa Elders, on the USS Sampson during a visit together as their ships passed each other in the Red Sea, May 24, 2012. Maj. Elders is the assistant operations officer for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit currently deployed on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, and was able to fly over to visit his sister with other Marines and sailors touring the USS Sampson where Cmdr. Elders is serving as the executive officer. The Swedesboro, N.J., natives are on regularly scheduled deployments with their respective ships to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Maj. Thomas Elders, left, takes a picture with his sister, Cmdr. Teresa Elders, on the USS Sampson during a visit together as their ships passed each other in the Red Sea, May 24, 2012. Maj. Elders is the assistant operations officer for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit currently deployed on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, and was able to fly over to visit his sister with other Marines and sailors touring the USS Sampson where Cmdr. Elders is serving as the executive officer. The Swedesboro, N.J., natives are on regularly scheduled deployments with their respective ships to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Photo by courtesy photo

MSgt. Anthony Goodwater, left, a Charleston, S.C., native and combat engineer with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photo with 1st Lt. Martin Orech, of the Ugandan Army, during a training mission in Uganda, June 15, 2012. Goodwater previously trained Orech at the Marine Corps' Combat Engineer Officer Course in 2010 and was reunited with Orech unexpectedly when he was sent to Uganda to assist in training Ugandan soldiers.

MSgt. Anthony Goodwater, left, a Charleston, S.C., native and combat engineer with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photo with 1st Lt. Martin Orech, of the Ugandan Army, during a training mission in Uganda, June 15, 2012. Goodwater previously trained Orech at the Marine Corps' Combat Engineer Officer Course in 2010 and was reunited with Orech unexpectedly when he was sent to Uganda to assist in training Ugandan soldiers.

Photo by 24th MEU Public Affairs