Stories

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)

Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1 begin a three-mile motivational run aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, January 10, 2014. Established in 2010, the task force is charged with supporting United States Africa Command and Marine Corps Forces Africa’s theater security cooperation requirements to strengthen the defense capabilities of African states and regional organizations, deter and defeat transitional threats and strengthen the ability to conduct good governance and development. - Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1 begin a three-mile motivational run aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, January 10, 2014. Established in 2010, the task force is charged with supporting United States Africa Command and Marine Corps Forces Africa’s theater security cooperation requirements to strengthen the defense capabilities of African states and regional organizations, deter and defeat transitional threats and strengthen the ability to conduct good governance and development.

Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response help U.S. citizens into a Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules airplane in Juba, South Sudan, during an evacuation of personnel from the U.S. Embassy, Jan. 3, 2014. A squad-size element of U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response successfully evacuated more than 20 personnel from the U.S. Embassy in coordination with the East Africa Response Force, and under the command and control of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. The Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response are specifically trained for scenarios in which they provide support to a U.S. Embassy in the form of fixed-site security, Embassy reinforcement, support to non-combatant evacuation, and other missions as directed. - Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response help U.S. citizens into a Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules airplane in Juba, South Sudan, during an evacuation of personnel from the U.S. Embassy, Jan. 3, 2014. A squad-size element of U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response successfully evacuated more than 20 personnel from the U.S. Embassy in coordination with the East Africa Response Force, and under the command and control of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. The Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response are specifically trained for scenarios in which they provide support to a U.S. Embassy in the form of fixed-site security, Embassy reinforcement, support to non-combatant evacuation, and other missions as directed.

An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., lands on Kelley Field during a capabilities demonstration at Kelly Barracks, March 28. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, in coordination with U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, the community of U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, received “hands-on” experience with the MV-22B Osprey during a capabilities exercise on Patch Barracks, Kelly Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield, that helped to familiarize the combatant commands with the possibilities and new abilities the aircraft could provide throughout their respective area of reach. The three MV-22 Osprey crews flew 1400 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean, without having to land to refuel, before arriving two days earlier. The MV-22 Osprey possess twice the speed, can fly twice as high, carry three times the payload, and travels five times the distance of other legacy, medium-lift helicopters. - An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., lands on Kelley Field during a capabilities demonstration at Kelly Barracks, March 28. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, in coordination with U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, the community of U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, received “hands-on” experience with the MV-22B Osprey during a capabilities exercise on Patch Barracks, Kelly Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield, that helped to familiarize the combatant commands with the possibilities and new abilities the aircraft could provide throughout their respective area of reach. The three MV-22 Osprey crews flew 1400 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean, without having to land to refuel, before arriving two days earlier. The MV-22 Osprey possess twice the speed, can fly twice as high, carry three times the payload, and travels five times the distance of other legacy, medium-lift helicopters.

Lieutenant General John M. Paxton, Jr., commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe talks to Marines, soldiers and a sailor at a training area during a recent visit to Tbilisi, Georgia, the U.S. Embassy and meetings with Georgian political leaders and Georgian Armed Forces leaders. The Marine Corps works in partnership with the Georgian Armed Forces to ensure regional stability and to strengthen military interoperability. The Georgian Deployment Program, started in 2009, is a Marine Forces Europe initiative to help the Georgian Armed Forces, train, deploy and support the International Security Assitance Force (ISAF) and NATO missions in Overseas Contingency Operations. - Lieutenant General John M. Paxton, Jr., commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe talks to Marines, soldiers and a sailor at a training area during a recent visit to Tbilisi, Georgia, the U.S. Embassy and meetings with Georgian political leaders and Georgian Armed Forces leaders. The Marine Corps works in partnership with the Georgian Armed Forces to ensure regional stability and to strengthen military interoperability. The Georgian Deployment Program, started in 2009, is a Marine Forces Europe initiative to help the Georgian Armed Forces, train, deploy and support the International Security Assitance Force (ISAF) and NATO missions in Overseas Contingency Operations.

Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik (center) passes the colors of U.S. Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM) to Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton, Jr. (right) during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads in Norfolk, July 20. - Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik (center) passes the colors of U.S. Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM) to Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton, Jr. (right) during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads in Norfolk, July 20.

Lance Cpl. Matthew E. Robertson, a powerline technician, Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, inspects the engine of a KC-130 Hercules aircraft after a flight on Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations. ::r::::n:: (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)::r::::n:: - Lance Cpl. Matthew E. Robertson, a powerline technician, Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, inspects the engine of a KC-130 Hercules aircraft after a flight on Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations. ::r::::n:: (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)::r::::n::

Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 takes part in dismounted patrol training with Romanian soldiers in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces.::r::::n::(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)::r::::n:: - Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 takes part in dismounted patrol training with Romanian soldiers in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces.::r::::n::(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)::r::::n::

Bulgarian soldiers practice riot shield techniques taught to them by Marines from the Military Police Detachment, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, April 16. The training was part of a three-day non-lethal weapons display which included kinetic as well as static displays of weapons, equipment and tactics. ::r::::n:: - Bulgarian soldiers practice riot shield techniques taught to them by Marines from the Military Police Detachment, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, April 16. The training was part of a three-day non-lethal weapons display which included kinetic as well as static displays of weapons, equipment and tactics. ::r::::n::

Lance Cpl. Charles Morone and Sgt. Spenser McAvoy, Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, search the bushes for possible insurgents on a training mission here July 22 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training. - Lance Cpl. Charles Morone and Sgt. Spenser McAvoy, Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, search the bushes for possible insurgents on a training mission here July 22 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Sgt. Spencer McAvoy, a squad leader with Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, clears a room with Georgian soldiers here July 19 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.::r::::n:: - Sgt. Spencer McAvoy, a squad leader with Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, clears a room with Georgian soldiers here July 19 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.::r::::n::

During a naturalization ceremony here, Pamela G. Hutchings, field program director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vienna, Austria, leads Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anastatia M. Dobbs, as she pledges the Oath of Allegiance and officially becomes a U.S. citizen while deployed to Romania. A Navy corpsman for Black Sea Rotational Force 11 with almost 10 years of service, Dobbs’ naturalization ceremony marks the first time a U.S. servicemember has sworn-in to become an American citizen in Romania. The USCIS made a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu Land Forces base to conduct the ceremony, and has naturalized a total of more than 53,400 members of the U.S. armed forces since September 2001, with over 7,400 being on foreign soil. ::r::::n:: - During a naturalization ceremony here, Pamela G. Hutchings, field program director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vienna, Austria, leads Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anastatia M. Dobbs, as she pledges the Oath of Allegiance and officially becomes a U.S. citizen while deployed to Romania. A Navy corpsman for Black Sea Rotational Force 11 with almost 10 years of service, Dobbs’ naturalization ceremony marks the first time a U.S. servicemember has sworn-in to become an American citizen in Romania. The USCIS made a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu Land Forces base to conduct the ceremony, and has naturalized a total of more than 53,400 members of the U.S. armed forces since September 2001, with over 7,400 being on foreign soil. ::r::::n::

The commanding officer of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Lt. Col. Nelson S. Cardella, goes down with a big splash after Lance Cpl. Robert K. Devaney, motor transport operator and Neptune, N.J., native, hits his target on his first throw. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force joined along U.S. Army soldiers, Navy sailors and Air Force airmen to celebrate the Fourth of July with food and festivities such as a dunk tank, sports competitions, pie and watermelon-eating contests and a tug-o-war. - The commanding officer of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Lt. Col. Nelson S. Cardella, goes down with a big splash after Lance Cpl. Robert K. Devaney, motor transport operator and Neptune, N.J., native, hits his target on his first throw. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force joined along U.S. Army soldiers, Navy sailors and Air Force airmen to celebrate the Fourth of July with food and festivities such as a dunk tank, sports competitions, pie and watermelon-eating contests and a tug-o-war.

During a period-of-instruction for convoy operations, Cpl. Nicholas Porter, rifleman and Amarillo, Texas, native, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, advises a Serbian soldier on the responsibilities of a “gunner” while doing Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness training. BSRF-11 will be working with the Serbian and Bulgarian troops in Novo Selo training area in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations to advise and build the military capacities of these nations.::r::::n:: - During a period-of-instruction for convoy operations, Cpl. Nicholas Porter, rifleman and Amarillo, Texas, native, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, advises a Serbian soldier on the responsibilities of a “gunner” while doing Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness training. BSRF-11 will be working with the Serbian and Bulgarian troops in Novo Selo training area in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations to advise and build the military capacities of these nations.::r::::n::

At a combat marksmanship range with U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, a Bulgarian machine gunner from the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, engages targets at distance of up to 200 meters to showcase the Bulgarian Dragunov’s capabilities in suppressive fire. The Ground Combat Element of BSRF-11 conducted counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with Bulgarians and Serbians to work with foreign soldiers and build the military capacities of partner nations. - At a combat marksmanship range with U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, a Bulgarian machine gunner from the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, engages targets at distance of up to 200 meters to showcase the Bulgarian Dragunov’s capabilities in suppressive fire. The Ground Combat Element of BSRF-11 conducted counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with Bulgarians and Serbians to work with foreign soldiers and build the military capacities of partner nations.

Two F-16s from the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform a "Calypso pass," which involves Thunderbird 5, lead solo flown by Maj. Aaron Jelinek and Maj. J.R. Williams flying Thunderbird 6, as the opposing solo, for a large crowd at the “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show held here, June 8, that was attended by local vendors as well as U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11, to display Romanian and U.S. military air power. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area. - Two F-16s from the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform a "Calypso pass," which involves Thunderbird 5, lead solo flown by Maj. Aaron Jelinek and Maj. J.R. Williams flying Thunderbird 6, as the opposing solo, for a large crowd at the “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show held here, June 8, that was attended by local vendors as well as U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11, to display Romanian and U.S. military air power. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Republic of Georgia Army 2nd Lt. Besik Kapanadze {CENTER}, 3rd Platoon leader, "B" Company, 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, discusses the situational training exercise (STX) with an observer/controller with the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion was conducting cordon searches during their STX training. The STX is the first part of the mission rehearsal exercise, a final evaluation of the 32nd Battalion as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there. - Republic of Georgia Army 2nd Lt. Besik Kapanadze {CENTER}, 3rd Platoon leader, "B" Company, 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, discusses the situational training exercise (STX) with an observer/controller with the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion was conducting cordon searches during their STX training. The STX is the first part of the mission rehearsal exercise, a final evaluation of the 32nd Battalion as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles embarked aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) depart the well deck during the start of a simulated amphibious assault. The combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010. - U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles embarked aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) depart the well deck during the start of a simulated amphibious assault. The combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010.

Latvian President Valdis Zatlers (left) walks with Maj. Gen. (sel.) Tracy L. Garrett, commanding general of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, prior to a distinguished visitor event at several sites around the exercise Baltic Operations 2010 training areas. Since the start the exercise on June 6th, the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2 have been working with members of the Armed Forces of Latvia to conduct maritime preposition force offload operations here. - Latvian President Valdis Zatlers (left) walks with Maj. Gen. (sel.) Tracy L. Garrett, commanding general of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, prior to a distinguished visitor event at several sites around the exercise Baltic Operations 2010 training areas. Since the start the exercise on June 6th, the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2 have been working with members of the Armed Forces of Latvia to conduct maritime preposition force offload operations here.

Landing support Marines from Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, head to the beach to set up signal flags to mark the landing area here. The maritime preposition force (MPF) offload conducted here today begins the first phase of the MPF portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security. - Landing support Marines from Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, head to the beach to set up signal flags to mark the landing area here. The maritime preposition force (MPF) offload conducted here today begins the first phase of the MPF portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

U.S. Marines and French soldiers gather on the parade field of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918. - U.S. Marines and French soldiers gather on the parade field of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918.