Stories

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Nathaniel Kaine, left, the officer in charge of the Theater Security Cooperation team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, receives an AKM assault rifle from aTanzanian park ranger at the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 2, 2015. Kaine was one of more than 15 Marines and Sailors to help teach weapons safety and marksmanship techniques to the park rangers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucas J. Hopkins/Released) - U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Nathaniel Kaine, left, the officer in charge of the Theater Security Cooperation team with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, receives an AKM assault rifle from aTanzanian park ranger at the Selous Game Reserve in Matambwe, Tanzania, March 2, 2015. Kaine was one of more than 15 Marines and Sailors to help teach weapons safety and marksmanship techniques to the park rangers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucas J. Hopkins/Released)

A U.S. Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa waits to embark on a joint night raid during training with Army Special Forces in Baumholder, Germany, March 11, 2015. The two groups launched a coordinated assault under the cover of darkness, engaging simulated opposition forces in multiple buildings at the base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Peterson/Released) - A U.S. Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa waits to embark on a joint night raid during training with Army Special Forces in Baumholder, Germany, March 11, 2015. The two groups launched a coordinated assault under the cover of darkness, engaging simulated opposition forces in multiple buildings at the base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Peterson/Released)

Senior noncommissioned officers from the Serbian Armed Forces attending a NCO Workshop worked with four U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force to share information about the noncommissioned officer rank at the Serbian Armed Forces Training Center Pancevo, March 3 through 6, 2015. These military-to-military engagements between the U.S. and Serbian militaries allow for a greater understanding in Serbia’s effort toward NATO interoperability in the area of leader development. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Sarah E. Burns) - Senior noncommissioned officers from the Serbian Armed Forces attending a NCO Workshop worked with four U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force to share information about the noncommissioned officer rank at the Serbian Armed Forces Training Center Pancevo, March 3 through 6, 2015. These military-to-military engagements between the U.S. and Serbian militaries allow for a greater understanding in Serbia’s effort toward NATO interoperability in the area of leader development. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Sarah E. Burns)

A U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technician, right, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa secures a bomb suit to Cabo Primero Antonio Diosdade, , a noncommissioned officer with Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response unit, during a joint training event at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines demonstrated the different capabilities of their equipment for Spanish forces, who then provided a guided tour of the UME disaster training site to set the stage for future training opportunities. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released) - A U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technician, right, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa secures a bomb suit to Cabo Primero Antonio Diosdade, , a noncommissioned officer with Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response unit, during a joint training event at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines demonstrated the different capabilities of their equipment for Spanish forces, who then provided a guided tour of the UME disaster training site to set the stage for future training opportunities. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released)

The combined color guards of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment present the colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, Feb. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment will spend the next seven months training with partner nations to strengthen regional security and forge enduring, cross-national relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. S. T. Stewart) - The combined color guards of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment present the colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, Feb. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment will spend the next seven months training with partner nations to strengthen regional security and forge enduring, cross-national relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. S. T. Stewart)

Romanian and U.S. Marines during a Naval Infantry workshop, where they shared their tactics and procedures with the only Romanian Marine battalion about tactics and troop leading procedures and how the U.S. Marines utilize there noncommissioned officers. The Romanians will take what they learned and adapt it in to their own procedures. - Romanian and U.S. Marines during a Naval Infantry workshop, where they shared their tactics and procedures with the only Romanian Marine battalion about tactics and troop leading procedures and how the U.S. Marines utilize there noncommissioned officers. The Romanians will take what they learned and adapt it in to their own procedures.

An MV-22 Osprey from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Africa taxies along a runway at Morón Air Base, Spain, Jan. 29, 2015. The unit sent two Ospreys to deliver a platoon of Marines into an unscripted rescue mission, which they completed less than thirty minutes after landing at their objective. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Peterson/Released) - An MV-22 Osprey from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Africa taxies along a runway at Morón Air Base, Spain, Jan. 29, 2015. The unit sent two Ospreys to deliver a platoon of Marines into an unscripted rescue mission, which they completed less than thirty minutes after landing at their objective. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Peterson/Released)

Lance Cpl. Ognjen Samolovac, a sniper with the Serbian Army, helps translate a review of the squad’s performance at the conclusion of a scenario in military operations on urbanized terrain. Serbians conducted MOUT training with Marines at Novo Selo training area in Bulgaria, Jan. 17, 2015, as part of Exercise Platinum Lion. - Lance Cpl. Ognjen Samolovac, a sniper with the Serbian Army, helps translate a review of the squad’s performance at the conclusion of a scenario in military operations on urbanized terrain. Serbians conducted MOUT training with Marines at Novo Selo training area in Bulgaria, Jan. 17, 2015, as part of Exercise Platinum Lion.

Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Romanian soldiers paired together during Platinum Lion 15 Jan 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. BSRF Marines trained with Serbian, Bulgarian and Romanian soldiers during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Young/released) - Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Romanian soldiers paired together during Platinum Lion 15 Jan 15 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. BSRF Marines trained with Serbian, Bulgarian and Romanian soldiers during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Young/released)

African role players rehearse combat drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2014. More than 80 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment taught military tactics and built camaraderie with role players in preparation for an upcoming deployment with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - African role players rehearse combat drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2014. More than 80 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment taught military tactics and built camaraderie with role players in preparation for an upcoming deployment with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Marines and Sailors view statues depicting the close-quarters nature of the fighting at Gallipoli during a professional military education event at Canakkale, Turkey, Dec. 19-21, 2014. Turkish soldiers were ordered to dig their trenches eight meters from the Allied forces so as to avoid bombardment. - Marines and Sailors view statues depicting the close-quarters nature of the fighting at Gallipoli during a professional military education event at Canakkale, Turkey, Dec. 19-21, 2014. Turkish soldiers were ordered to dig their trenches eight meters from the Allied forces so as to avoid bombardment.

The Normandy America Cemetery and Memorial located in Normandy, France, Dec. 27, 2014. Marines and Sailors from SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa visited Normandy to learn more about the history behind D-Day, including the invasion timeline, tactics, routes used by the soldiers. The cemetery is the final resting place for over nine thousand Americans who sacrificed their lives during the D-Day invasion and the following military operations of World War II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins/Released). - The Normandy America Cemetery and Memorial located in Normandy, France, Dec. 27, 2014. Marines and Sailors from SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa visited Normandy to learn more about the history behind D-Day, including the invasion timeline, tactics, routes used by the soldiers. The cemetery is the final resting place for over nine thousand Americans who sacrificed their lives during the D-Day invasion and the following military operations of World War II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins/Released).

U.S. Marines, with SPMAGTF Crisis Response – Africa, take cover being a wall during an urban assault with the Spanish mountaineers with 1st Mountain Troops Command, as part of mountain warfare training in Candanchu, Spain, Dec. 16, 2014. The exercise, which was conducted with the Spanish, allowed the Marines to gain greater knowledge of mountain warfare tactics, techniques and procedures while enhancing interoperability with the Spanish and strengthening the U.S. partnership with Spain. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-mobile crisis response force that conducts missions to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins/Released) - U.S. Marines, with SPMAGTF Crisis Response – Africa, take cover being a wall during an urban assault with the Spanish mountaineers with 1st Mountain Troops Command, as part of mountain warfare training in Candanchu, Spain, Dec. 16, 2014. The exercise, which was conducted with the Spanish, allowed the Marines to gain greater knowledge of mountain warfare tactics, techniques and procedures while enhancing interoperability with the Spanish and strengthening the U.S. partnership with Spain. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-mobile crisis response force that conducts missions to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins/Released)

A breaching charge blows a door apart during an explosive ordnance disposal demonstration between Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa and soldiers with the Ugandan People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa were in Uganda from Oct. - Dec., training alongside the UPDF, focusing on infantry tactics, countering IEDs, and logistics. (Courtesy Photo) - A breaching charge blows a door apart during an explosive ordnance disposal demonstration between Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa and soldiers with the Ugandan People’s Defense Force in Camp Singo, Uganda, Dec. 2, 2014. Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa were in Uganda from Oct. - Dec., training alongside the UPDF, focusing on infantry tactics, countering IEDs, and logistics. (Courtesy Photo)

Petty Officer 2nd Class Angel Leonard discusses two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motor basics during a training engagement with service members from the Nigerian Navy in Nigeria, Dec 2, 2014. Leonard, a Coast Guardsmen with SPMAGTF-CR-AF is working alongside service members of the Nigerian Navy for a training engagement that began in December. This training engagement will cover basic maintenance, electrical and mechanical skills, and general troubleshooting for small boat engines; the service members will share knowledge of these topics to build operational capacity between the two forces. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Angel Leonard discusses two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motor basics during a training engagement with service members from the Nigerian Navy in Nigeria, Dec 2, 2014. Leonard, a Coast Guardsmen with SPMAGTF-CR-AF is working alongside service members of the Nigerian Navy for a training engagement that began in December. This training engagement will cover basic maintenance, electrical and mechanical skills, and general troubleshooting for small boat engines; the service members will share knowledge of these topics to build operational capacity between the two forces.

A sailor with the Beninese Navy escorts a role player before conducting a vehicle search during a theater security cooperation engagement with U.S. Marines in Contonou, Benin, Nov. 27, 2014 Training in both regions focused on weapons safety and handling, rules of engagement, escalation of force, personnel and vehicle searches, vehicle entry points as well as entry control points—ending with a final exercise that tested the collective tactical knowledge learned over the course of the training engagement. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa conducted the TSC engagement to help develop and enhance armed sentry skills as the Beninese Navy is preparing to deploy on a peace-keeping mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they will be standing sentry duties. - A sailor with the Beninese Navy escorts a role player before conducting a vehicle search during a theater security cooperation engagement with U.S. Marines in Contonou, Benin, Nov. 27, 2014 Training in both regions focused on weapons safety and handling, rules of engagement, escalation of force, personnel and vehicle searches, vehicle entry points as well as entry control points—ending with a final exercise that tested the collective tactical knowledge learned over the course of the training engagement. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa conducted the TSC engagement to help develop and enhance armed sentry skills as the Beninese Navy is preparing to deploy on a peace-keeping mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they will be standing sentry duties.

U.S. Marines and Moldovan soldiers integrated to conduct an Anti-Armor Workshop in Balti, Moldova, Dec. 8-12. The Marines and Moldovan soldiers built a mutual understanding of firing procedures and characteristics on advanced anti-armor weapons systems, including: Moldova’s Rocket Propelled Grenade system and 70mm Recoiless Rifle (SPG), and America’s FGM-148 Javelin man-portable anti-tank missile, AT-4 Anti-Tank Weapon, and the Shoulder-launched Multipupose Assault Weapon. - U.S. Marines and Moldovan soldiers integrated to conduct an Anti-Armor Workshop in Balti, Moldova, Dec. 8-12. The Marines and Moldovan soldiers built a mutual understanding of firing procedures and characteristics on advanced anti-armor weapons systems, including: Moldova’s Rocket Propelled Grenade system and 70mm Recoiless Rifle (SPG), and America’s FGM-148 Javelin man-portable anti-tank missile, AT-4 Anti-Tank Weapon, and the Shoulder-launched Multipupose Assault Weapon.

Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa pose for a photo with Sicilian locals at Parco Forestale Di Calaforno (Park Forestry of Calaforno), an ancient burial site in Ragusa, Sicily, Dec. 12, 2014 After a request from the lead archeologist to the Naval Air Station Sigonella Community Relations office, 20 Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF-CR-AF helped excavate cave openings to burial chambers potentially dating back thousands of years, potentially to 2200 BC. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) - Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa pose for a photo with Sicilian locals at Parco Forestale Di Calaforno (Park Forestry of Calaforno), an ancient burial site in Ragusa, Sicily, Dec. 12, 2014 After a request from the lead archeologist to the Naval Air Station Sigonella Community Relations office, 20 Marines and Sailors with SPMAGTF-CR-AF helped excavate cave openings to burial chambers potentially dating back thousands of years, potentially to 2200 BC. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)

U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response – Africa and French gendarmes with Mobile Gendarmeries Armored Group work together to control a mock riot caused by role-players, while training in crowd and riot control techniques at the National Gendarmerie Training Center in St. Astier, France, Dec. 2, 2014. The exercise allowed the Marines to gain greater knowledge of non-lethal tactics, techniques and procedures while enhancing interoperability with the French Gendarmerie and strengthening the U.S. partnership with France. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Jeraco Jenkins/Released) - U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response – Africa and French gendarmes with Mobile Gendarmeries Armored Group work together to control a mock riot caused by role-players, while training in crowd and riot control techniques at the National Gendarmerie Training Center in St. Astier, France, Dec. 2, 2014. The exercise allowed the Marines to gain greater knowledge of non-lethal tactics, techniques and procedures while enhancing interoperability with the French Gendarmerie and strengthening the U.S. partnership with France. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Jeraco Jenkins/Released)

U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response - Africa load bags of concrete, that will be used by local and international health organizations to build Ebola Treatment Units, into an MV-22B Osprey during Operation United Assistance in Monrovia, Liberia, Nov. 21, 2014. United Assistance is a Department of Defense operation to provide command and control, logistics, training, and engineering support to U.S. Agency for International Development- led efforts to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West African nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andre Dakis/ SPMAGTF-CR-AF Combat Camera/Released) - U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response - Africa load bags of concrete, that will be used by local and international health organizations to build Ebola Treatment Units, into an MV-22B Osprey during Operation United Assistance in Monrovia, Liberia, Nov. 21, 2014. United Assistance is a Department of Defense operation to provide command and control, logistics, training, and engineering support to U.S. Agency for International Development- led efforts to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West African nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andre Dakis/ SPMAGTF-CR-AF Combat Camera/Released)

Marines attempt to break through a wall of Bulgarian and Serbian soldiers during the riot control course of Platinum Wolf 15 at South Base, Serbia Nov. 19. Platinum Wolf is a peacekeeping operations training exercise focused on non-lethal systems and basic infantry skills. Units train together as coalitions, developing and improving proficiency of peacekeeping procedures like crowd and riot control. Forces from Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and the U.S. will be participating in the two week training. - Marines attempt to break through a wall of Bulgarian and Serbian soldiers during the riot control course of Platinum Wolf 15 at South Base, Serbia Nov. 19. Platinum Wolf is a peacekeeping operations training exercise focused on non-lethal systems and basic infantry skills. Units train together as coalitions, developing and improving proficiency of peacekeeping procedures like crowd and riot control. Forces from Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and the U.S. will be participating in the two week training.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Angel Leonard shows service members with the Nigerian Navy various outboard motor parts during a training engagement in Nigeria, Dec. 2, 2014. Leonard, a Coast Guardsmen with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa is working alongside service members of the Nigerian Navy for a training engagement that began in December. This training engagement will cover basic maintenance, electrical and mechanical skills, and general troubleshooting for small boat engines; the service members will share knowledge of these topics to build operational capacity between the two forces. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Angel Leonard shows service members with the Nigerian Navy various outboard motor parts during a training engagement in Nigeria, Dec. 2, 2014. Leonard, a Coast Guardsmen with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa is working alongside service members of the Nigerian Navy for a training engagement that began in December. This training engagement will cover basic maintenance, electrical and mechanical skills, and general troubleshooting for small boat engines; the service members will share knowledge of these topics to build operational capacity between the two forces.

Sergeant Kevin Vicario gives a class to service members with the Ghanaian Armed Forces on motor transportation maintenance during a theater security cooperation engagement in Ghana, Dec. 1, 2014. Vicario, a Tampa, Fla., native is part of a Mobile Training Team with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa and is working alongside the Ghanaian Armed Forces to help enhance motor transportation maintenance and basic daily operations to include safety, records management, parts procurement, and parts accountability. (Courtesy photo) - Sergeant Kevin Vicario gives a class to service members with the Ghanaian Armed Forces on motor transportation maintenance during a theater security cooperation engagement in Ghana, Dec. 1, 2014. Vicario, a Tampa, Fla., native is part of a Mobile Training Team with SPMAGTF Crisis Response-Africa and is working alongside the Ghanaian Armed Forces to help enhance motor transportation maintenance and basic daily operations to include safety, records management, parts procurement, and parts accountability. (Courtesy photo)

Burundian Army intelligence officers practice the fundamentals of map-reading, terrain building, and using basic intelligence concepts during a three-week Basic Intelligence Course in Bujumbura, Burundi, November 3rd -21st. The U.S. Africa Command sponsored, Marine Forces Africa-led engagement is designed to enhance the host nation’s contribution to the African Union Mission to Somalia, which the Burundi Army has supported since 2007. - Burundian Army intelligence officers practice the fundamentals of map-reading, terrain building, and using basic intelligence concepts during a three-week Basic Intelligence Course in Bujumbura, Burundi, November 3rd -21st. The U.S. Africa Command sponsored, Marine Forces Africa-led engagement is designed to enhance the host nation’s contribution to the African Union Mission to Somalia, which the Burundi Army has supported since 2007.