Stories

Staff Sergeant Jay Baldino instructs soldiers with the Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) on infantry tactics in Bujumbura, Burundi, Nov. 6, 2014. Baldino is an infantry unit leader with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response- Africa, training alongside the BNDF, teaching basic infantry tactics, engineering, logistical support, countering-improvised explosive devices, lifesaving techniques, and convoy operations to prepare them for an upcoming deployment in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). According to their website, AMISOM is tasked with “carrying out support for dialogue and reconciliation by assisting with free movement, safe passage and protection of all those involved in a national reconciliation congress involving all stakeholders, including political leaders, clan leaders, religious leaders and representatives of civil society.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) - Staff Sergeant Jay Baldino instructs soldiers with the Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) on infantry tactics in Bujumbura, Burundi, Nov. 6, 2014. Baldino is an infantry unit leader with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response- Africa, training alongside the BNDF, teaching basic infantry tactics, engineering, logistical support, countering-improvised explosive devices, lifesaving techniques, and convoy operations to prepare them for an upcoming deployment in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). According to their website, AMISOM is tasked with “carrying out support for dialogue and reconciliation by assisting with free movement, safe passage and protection of all those involved in a national reconciliation congress involving all stakeholders, including political leaders, clan leaders, religious leaders and representatives of civil society.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician readies a charge during a Counter-IED course in Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 4, 2014. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa detonated multiple explosive devices to show how powerful and dangerous IEDs of different sizes can be. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) - An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician readies a charge during a Counter-IED course in Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 4, 2014. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa detonated multiple explosive devices to show how powerful and dangerous IEDs of different sizes can be. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)

Machinery Technician Third Class Janneh Felix (right center) assists service members with the La Marine Nationale Mauritanienne (Mauritanian Navy) in reinstalling the lower unit of an outboard motor. Felix is a Coast Guardsmen with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa who was deployed to Mauritania to conduct an outboard motor maintenance course with service members from the La Marine Nationale Mauritanienne, Nov. 13, 2014. (Courtesy Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Vadala, U.S. Coast Guard) - Machinery Technician Third Class Janneh Felix (right center) assists service members with the La Marine Nationale Mauritanienne (Mauritanian Navy) in reinstalling the lower unit of an outboard motor. Felix is a Coast Guardsmen with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa who was deployed to Mauritania to conduct an outboard motor maintenance course with service members from the La Marine Nationale Mauritanienne, Nov. 13, 2014. (Courtesy Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Vadala, U.S. Coast Guard)

U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response - Africa and Spanish soldiers with Transport Helicopter Battalion 5, prepare to sling a truck to the bottom of the Spanish Army CH-47 Chinook, at Colmenar de Viejo, Spain, Nov. 19, 2014. The long distance transportation of vehicles by air can be used when conducting a disaster relief mission where vehicles are needed but key road and bridges are destroyed. The training conducted by the Marines and soldiers enhanced mission readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Jeraco Jenkins/Released). - U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF Crisis Response - Africa and Spanish soldiers with Transport Helicopter Battalion 5, prepare to sling a truck to the bottom of the Spanish Army CH-47 Chinook, at Colmenar de Viejo, Spain, Nov. 19, 2014. The long distance transportation of vehicles by air can be used when conducting a disaster relief mission where vehicles are needed but key road and bridges are destroyed. The training conducted by the Marines and soldiers enhanced mission readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Jeraco Jenkins/Released).

1st Lt. Julian D’orsaneo (right) begins his class on in-depth communications planning. Communications Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force held a two-day military-to-military training exercise Nov. 12-13 in Constanta, Romania with members of the Romanian Armed Forces to discuss communication tactics, techniques, and procedures. - 1st Lt. Julian D’orsaneo (right) begins his class on in-depth communications planning. Communications Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force held a two-day military-to-military training exercise Nov. 12-13 in Constanta, Romania with members of the Romanian Armed Forces to discuss communication tactics, techniques, and procedures.

A Romanian soldier fires an AT4 at a target with Marine from Black Sea Rotational Force 14 during Platinum Lynx 15. Marines and Sailors worked hand-in-hand with Romanian Land Forces during exercise Platinum Lynx 15 in Focsani, Romania. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Young/released) - A Romanian soldier fires an AT4 at a target with Marine from Black Sea Rotational Force 14 during Platinum Lynx 15. Marines and Sailors worked hand-in-hand with Romanian Land Forces during exercise Platinum Lynx 15 in Focsani, Romania. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Young/released)

A Bulgarian soldier repels an enemy attack during Exercise Strike Back, Oct. 15 at the Koren Field Training Ground, Bulgaria. Strike Back is a multilateral combat exercise designed to prepare Bulgarian forces to control, command and operate with joint-nation forces. The training consisted of defensive tactics and offensive objectives and maneuvers. - A Bulgarian soldier repels an enemy attack during Exercise Strike Back, Oct. 15 at the Koren Field Training Ground, Bulgaria. Strike Back is a multilateral combat exercise designed to prepare Bulgarian forces to control, command and operate with joint-nation forces. The training consisted of defensive tactics and offensive objectives and maneuvers.

Members of the Cameroonian Naval Commando Company (COPALCO) conduct a physical fitness session, Sept. 28, 2014. Marines with Security Cooperation Team 5B, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, worked with the COPALCO on marksmanship, boat operations, patrolling and noncommissioned officer leadership. (Courtesy Photo) - Members of the Cameroonian Naval Commando Company (COPALCO) conduct a physical fitness session, Sept. 28, 2014. Marines with Security Cooperation Team 5B, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, worked with the COPALCO on marksmanship, boat operations, patrolling and noncommissioned officer leadership. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S. Marines and sailors from Black Sea Rotational Force 14 participated in Platinum Lynx 14.6 in the Carpathian Mountains from Sep. 29 to Oct. 3 in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. Knowledge and understanding of skills and tactics in mountain regions was shared between the Marines and Romanian Land Forces to help sustain readiness in any location. Service members trained with the 61st Mountain Troops Brigade from the Romanian Land Forces in rappelling, rock climbing, a live-fire range and survival skills. The exercise concluded with a 15-kilometer troop movement in high-elevation terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Young/released) - U.S. Marines and sailors from Black Sea Rotational Force 14 participated in Platinum Lynx 14.6 in the Carpathian Mountains from Sep. 29 to Oct. 3 in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. Knowledge and understanding of skills and tactics in mountain regions was shared between the Marines and Romanian Land Forces to help sustain readiness in any location. Service members trained with the 61st Mountain Troops Brigade from the Romanian Land Forces in rappelling, rock climbing, a live-fire range and survival skills. The exercise concluded with a 15-kilometer troop movement in high-elevation terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Young/released)

A student shows his friends an American flag that he made during a community relations event at a local elementary school, the Istituto Comprensivo Cesare Battisti of Catania, in the San Cristoforo neighborhood, Sept. 25, 2014. Service members with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 read to the students, donated books, told them about themselves and got to know the individual children. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) - A student shows his friends an American flag that he made during a community relations event at a local elementary school, the Istituto Comprensivo Cesare Battisti of Catania, in the San Cristoforo neighborhood, Sept. 25, 2014. Service members with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 read to the students, donated books, told them about themselves and got to know the individual children. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)

U.S. Marines, military intelligence professionals and intelligence officers from six partner nations around Africa volunteered their spare time to improve the local Senegalese community through the Senegalese Wounded Warrior Regiment and the SOS Village D’Enfants orphanage during their eight-week military intelligence engagement sponsored by U.S. Africa Command. - U.S. Marines, military intelligence professionals and intelligence officers from six partner nations around Africa volunteered their spare time to improve the local Senegalese community through the Senegalese Wounded Warrior Regiment and the SOS Village D’Enfants orphanage during their eight-week military intelligence engagement sponsored by U.S. Africa Command.

Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, visited Naval Air Station Sigonella to meet the service members of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14, Sept. 13, 2014. During his visit Beydler commended them on the work they are doing and stressed the importance of maintaining readiness and being capable of springing into action at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) - Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, visited Naval Air Station Sigonella to meet the service members of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14, Sept. 13, 2014. During his visit Beydler commended them on the work they are doing and stressed the importance of maintaining readiness and being capable of springing into action at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)

Major Luke A. Sauber, a Memphis, Tenn., native and officer-in-charge of Security Cooperation Team 4, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa, poses for a photo with children in Burundi, Aug. 25, 2014, while advising the Burundi National Defense Force. Marines are advising African partner nations to address regional security challenges. (Courtesy Photo) - Major Luke A. Sauber, a Memphis, Tenn., native and officer-in-charge of Security Cooperation Team 4, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa, poses for a photo with children in Burundi, Aug. 25, 2014, while advising the Burundi National Defense Force. Marines are advising African partner nations to address regional security challenges. (Courtesy Photo)

Gunnery Sergeant Christopher D. Robbins (left) a Knoxville, Tenn., native and engineer equipment mechanic with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14, and Maj. Luke A. Sauber, a Memphis, Tenn., native and officer-incharge of Security Cooperation Team 4 with SP-MAGTF Africa 14 pose for a photo with members from the Burundi National Defense Force, in Burundi, Aug. 27, 2014. SCT-4 conducted a tactical-advising course with the Burundi National Defense Force August through September. Topics covered included maintenance management planning, counter improvised explosive device, general engineering, troop-leading steps, orders development, combat-lifesaving and trauma care, and convoy planning. SP-MAGTF Africa strengthens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command’s ability to assist partner nations in addressing their security challenges. Marines and Sailors with SP-MAGTF Africa conduct theater security cooperation, military-to-military engagements and are trained to provide contingency support to crisis response. (Courtesy Photo) - Gunnery Sergeant Christopher D. Robbins (left) a Knoxville, Tenn., native and engineer equipment mechanic with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14, and Maj. Luke A. Sauber, a Memphis, Tenn., native and officer-incharge of Security Cooperation Team 4 with SP-MAGTF Africa 14 pose for a photo with members from the Burundi National Defense Force, in Burundi, Aug. 27, 2014. SCT-4 conducted a tactical-advising course with the Burundi National Defense Force August through September. Topics covered included maintenance management planning, counter improvised explosive device, general engineering, troop-leading steps, orders development, combat-lifesaving and trauma care, and convoy planning. SP-MAGTF Africa strengthens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command’s ability to assist partner nations in addressing their security challenges. Marines and Sailors with SP-MAGTF Africa conduct theater security cooperation, military-to-military engagements and are trained to provide contingency support to crisis response. (Courtesy Photo)

Lt. Col. William C. Stophel, the commanding officer of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 poses for a photo with Marco Sinatra, the mayor of Vizzini, in Cunziria, Vizzini, Sept. 7, 2014. At the award ceremony, Mayor Sinatra said “In the world of conflict that we see today, culture is the cradle of civilization…It’s a way to have everybody joining together and [bond] together. This has been a common element, which has brought both Americans and Italians together towards peace, and preserving the historic heritage, which is what we are doing today.” - Lt. Col. William C. Stophel, the commanding officer of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 poses for a photo with Marco Sinatra, the mayor of Vizzini, in Cunziria, Vizzini, Sept. 7, 2014. At the award ceremony, Mayor Sinatra said “In the world of conflict that we see today, culture is the cradle of civilization…It’s a way to have everybody joining together and [bond] together. This has been a common element, which has brought both Americans and Italians together towards peace, and preserving the historic heritage, which is what we are doing today.”

Lance Corporal Antonio C. Galloway (center), an aircraft communications, navigation, electrical and weapon systems technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron [VMM 264], poses for a photo with General James F. Amos (right center), 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps and Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (center left) and other service members with VMM 264 aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, Sept. 3, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) - Lance Corporal Antonio C. Galloway (center), an aircraft communications, navigation, electrical and weapon systems technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron [VMM 264], poses for a photo with General James F. Amos (right center), 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps and Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (center left) and other service members with VMM 264 aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, Sept. 3, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)

Marines from Golf Co., 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines make an anti-riot formation to defend against an attacker on Black Sea Rotational Force 14 Sept. 9 during a non-lethal weapons course on Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania. Non-lethal skills and tactics can be taught to partner nations in Eastern Europe to build partner capacity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexandria Blanche, 2d MAR DIV, Combat Camera/Released) - Marines from Golf Co., 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines make an anti-riot formation to defend against an attacker on Black Sea Rotational Force 14 Sept. 9 during a non-lethal weapons course on Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania. Non-lethal skills and tactics can be taught to partner nations in Eastern Europe to build partner capacity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexandria Blanche, 2d MAR DIV, Combat Camera/Released)

Marines, Sailors and U.S. Coastguardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 stand together during a visit from Lt. Gen. Robert Neller, the Commander of U.S. Marine Forces Europe aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Aug. 9, 2014. Marines with SP-MAGTF Afroca 14 have teamed with the U.S. Coast Guard for upcoming Theater Security Cooperation engagements in Africa. - Marines, Sailors and U.S. Coastguardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 stand together during a visit from Lt. Gen. Robert Neller, the Commander of U.S. Marine Forces Europe aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Aug. 9, 2014. Marines with SP-MAGTF Afroca 14 have teamed with the U.S. Coast Guard for upcoming Theater Security Cooperation engagements in Africa.