Stories

Sgt. Ryan Underwood, a rifleman with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, gives instruction during the platoon attack range with the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando in Thies, Senegal, July 22, 2016. Marines and the COFUMACO conducted a three-week training exercise that included advanced combat firing techniques, a machine gun range and a live-fire platoon attack range. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Eric Abrams /released) - Sgt. Ryan Underwood, a rifleman with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, gives instruction during the platoon attack range with the Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando in Thies, Senegal, July 22, 2016. Marines and the COFUMACO conducted a three-week training exercise that included advanced combat firing techniques, a machine gun range and a live-fire platoon attack range. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Eric Abrams /released)

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.

Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Donaldson, advanced course faculty advisor at the Camp Lejeune staff non-commissioned officer academy and Bangor, New York native, was selected as the Marine instructor to help develop the curriculum and instruction at the Republic of Georgia Senior NCO academy in Tbilisi. Donaldson focused on the Georgian capstone military course for non-commissioned officers which lasts a total of 16 weeks. - Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Donaldson, advanced course faculty advisor at the Camp Lejeune staff non-commissioned officer academy and Bangor, New York native, was selected as the Marine instructor to help develop the curriculum and instruction at the Republic of Georgia Senior NCO academy in Tbilisi. Donaldson focused on the Georgian capstone military course for non-commissioned officers which lasts a total of 16 weeks.

Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden. - Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden.

Giving full, 360-degree situational awareness to his pilots, Swedish Sgt. David Fredrikson, a UH-60 Black Hawk mission specialist with Swedish Air Force 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing, relays the location of the lead aircraft after a final capabilities exercise during a Forward Air Controller (Airborne) military engagement between U.S. Marines and the Swedish Air Force. Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden. - Giving full, 360-degree situational awareness to his pilots, Swedish Sgt. David Fredrikson, a UH-60 Black Hawk mission specialist with Swedish Air Force 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing, relays the location of the lead aircraft after a final capabilities exercise during a Forward Air Controller (Airborne) military engagement between U.S. Marines and the Swedish Air Force. Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden.

U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 observe where rounds impacted targets during a battle sight zero exercise while training with the Israel Defense Force Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of the BZO course of fire is to ensure the respective Marines' rifle is properly sighted for future live fire exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released) - U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 observe where rounds impacted targets during a battle sight zero exercise while training with the Israel Defense Force Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of the BZO course of fire is to ensure the respective Marines' rifle is properly sighted for future live fire exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released)

U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 react to a target while training with the Israel Defense Force’s Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of Noble Shirley 13 is to improve interoperability, understanding and cooperation between the IDF and U.S. Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released) - U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 react to a target while training with the Israel Defense Force’s Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of Noble Shirley 13 is to improve interoperability, understanding and cooperation between the IDF and U.S. Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Julian D’Orsaneo (left), communications officer for Black Sea Rotational Force 13, discusses tactical employment of communications assets with his counterpart from Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities Concept battalion during a bilateral staff planning session in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 21, 2013. BSRF-13 focuses on stability, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping operations, in order to build partner-nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase overall effectiveness of participating military forces. - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Julian D’Orsaneo (left), communications officer for Black Sea Rotational Force 13, discusses tactical employment of communications assets with his counterpart from Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities Concept battalion during a bilateral staff planning session in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 21, 2013. BSRF-13 focuses on stability, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping operations, in order to build partner-nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase overall effectiveness of participating military forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Olson, a radio operator with Black Sea Rotational Force 13, helps a soldier with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities Concept battalion program a handheld radio during a communications platoon information exchange part of Exercise Platinum Lion 13 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 20, 2013. BSRF-13 focuses on stability, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping operations, in order to build partner-nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase overall effectiveness of participating military forces. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Olson, a radio operator with Black Sea Rotational Force 13, helps a soldier with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities Concept battalion program a handheld radio during a communications platoon information exchange part of Exercise Platinum Lion 13 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 20, 2013. BSRF-13 focuses on stability, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping operations, in order to build partner-nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase overall effectiveness of participating military forces.

Lance Cpl. Andy Davis, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and Richmond Hill, Ga., native, reads the non-commissioned officer creed during a Corporals Course graduation, June 23, 2013 in Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania. Marines with BSRF-13 who attended Corporals Course learned the basics of being a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. Corporals Course is a formal school that is a requirement for all corporals that want to be eligible for the rank of sergeant. - Lance Cpl. Andy Davis, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and Richmond Hill, Ga., native, reads the non-commissioned officer creed during a Corporals Course graduation, June 23, 2013 in Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania. Marines with BSRF-13 who attended Corporals Course learned the basics of being a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. Corporals Course is a formal school that is a requirement for all corporals that want to be eligible for the rank of sergeant.

Lt. Col. Steven M. Wolf, left, commander of Black Sea Rotational Force 13, and Bulgarian Army Colonel Iavor Mateev, right, officer-in-charge of Bulgarian forces participating in BSRF-13, speak with Bulgarian, Serbian, Romanian and American company commanders at Novo Selo, Bulgaria, following an opening ceremony July, 1, 2013. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of Platinum Lion 13, BSRF-13’s five week exercise in Bulgaria. The exercise allows the U.S. and Balkan military forces to practice stability, counterinsurgency, and peacekeeping operations in order to build partner nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase the overall effectiveness of the participating partnered nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Hector Alejandro) - Lt. Col. Steven M. Wolf, left, commander of Black Sea Rotational Force 13, and Bulgarian Army Colonel Iavor Mateev, right, officer-in-charge of Bulgarian forces participating in BSRF-13, speak with Bulgarian, Serbian, Romanian and American company commanders at Novo Selo, Bulgaria, following an opening ceremony July, 1, 2013. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of Platinum Lion 13, BSRF-13’s five week exercise in Bulgaria. The exercise allows the U.S. and Balkan military forces to practice stability, counterinsurgency, and peacekeeping operations in order to build partner nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase the overall effectiveness of the participating partnered nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Hector Alejandro)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Adam Aikens (left) a platoon commander with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force 13 receives instruction from Staff Sgt. Ricardo Narvaez (right), during mechanized advantage control hold drills aboard Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania, June 13, 2013. BSRF-13 is slated to conduct military engagements operations with approximately 21 different nations during its six-month deployment while serving as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea, Baltic, and Balkans region. - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Adam Aikens (left) a platoon commander with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force 13 receives instruction from Staff Sgt. Ricardo Narvaez (right), during mechanized advantage control hold drills aboard Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania, June 13, 2013. BSRF-13 is slated to conduct military engagements operations with approximately 21 different nations during its six-month deployment while serving as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea, Baltic, and Balkans region.

The Memorial Day ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as seen from the woods of Belleau, the historic battlegrounds of The Battle of Belleau Wood, May 26. To celebrate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French counterparts gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to commemorate their fallen heroes, May 26. The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood and featured the laying of wreathes, a firing of volleys, the playing of TAPS, raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band. The mayor of the village of Bellau along with other military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France were present. Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines. - The Memorial Day ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as seen from the woods of Belleau, the historic battlegrounds of The Battle of Belleau Wood, May 26. To celebrate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French counterparts gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to commemorate their fallen heroes, May 26. The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood and featured the laying of wreathes, a firing of volleys, the playing of TAPS, raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band. The mayor of the village of Bellau along with other military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France were present. Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines.

Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 simulate a crisis contingency scenario aboard Mihail Kogaliceanu Military Base, Romania May 3, 2013. BSRF-13 serves as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea region during its six-month deployment. - Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 simulate a crisis contingency scenario aboard Mihail Kogaliceanu Military Base, Romania May 3, 2013. BSRF-13 serves as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea region during its six-month deployment.

U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 conduct live fire during exercie Summer Shield 10 aboard Camp Adazi, Latvia, April 24, 2013. Exercise Summer Shield 10 focuses on integration of fires and maneuver in a joint environment to build partner nation capacity while enhancing our interoperability between the United States, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt David Rakes, Sr./released) - U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 conduct live fire during exercie Summer Shield 10 aboard Camp Adazi, Latvia, April 24, 2013. Exercise Summer Shield 10 focuses on integration of fires and maneuver in a joint environment to build partner nation capacity while enhancing our interoperability between the United States, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt David Rakes, Sr./released)

Corporal Erick R. Salinas repeats the oath as he executes his naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. Salinas is an infantryman assigned the Georgia Training Team, currently working at Vaziani Training Area training with Georgian soldiers. Ambassador Richard Norland presided over the naturalization ceremony. - Corporal Erick R. Salinas repeats the oath as he executes his naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. Salinas is an infantryman assigned the Georgia Training Team, currently working at Vaziani Training Area training with Georgian soldiers. Ambassador Richard Norland presided over the naturalization ceremony.

Marines assigned to the Georgia Training Team and the Republic of Georgia National team, pose for a picture after the benefit baseball game to honor the Georgian soldiers who were injured in Afghanistan while supporting the International Security Assistance Force. - Marines assigned to the Georgia Training Team and the Republic of Georgia National team, pose for a picture after the benefit baseball game to honor the Georgian soldiers who were injured in Afghanistan while supporting the International Security Assistance Force.

Marines and Sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 hold an opening ceremony for the start of exercise Summer Shield 10 aboard Camp Adazi, April 15, 2013. Exercise Summer Shield 10 focuses on integration of fires and maneuver in a joint environment to build partner nation capacity while enhancing our interoperability between the United States and Latvia.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Dye/released) - Marines and Sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 hold an opening ceremony for the start of exercise Summer Shield 10 aboard Camp Adazi, April 15, 2013. Exercise Summer Shield 10 focuses on integration of fires and maneuver in a joint environment to build partner nation capacity while enhancing our interoperability between the United States and Latvia.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Dye/released)

U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and the Republic of Georgia Army's 233rd Infantry Battalion participate in the closing ceremony for exercise Agile Spirit aboard Vaziani Airbase, March 30, 2013. - U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and the Republic of Georgia Army's 233rd Infantry Battalion participate in the closing ceremony for exercise Agile Spirit aboard Vaziani Airbase, March 30, 2013.

Lt. Col. Steve Wolf (center), Col. Ioan-Duru Apafaian (left) stand with Mihal Kogalniceanu mayor, Mrs. Belu Ancuta (right) during the opening ceremony at Mihal Kogalniceanu, Romania. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 hold an opening ceremony to welcome BSRF-13 to M.K., Romania, April 10, 2013. BSRF-13 will be based out of M.K. and from there they will travel to 21 diffrent countries to promote regional security and engage our partner military forces. - Lt. Col. Steve Wolf (center), Col. Ioan-Duru Apafaian (left) stand with Mihal Kogalniceanu mayor, Mrs. Belu Ancuta (right) during the opening ceremony at Mihal Kogalniceanu, Romania. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 hold an opening ceremony to welcome BSRF-13 to M.K., Romania, April 10, 2013. BSRF-13 will be based out of M.K. and from there they will travel to 21 diffrent countries to promote regional security and engage our partner military forces.

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.

Admiral James G. Stavridis, the supreme allied commander for Europe and commander of U.S. European Command shakes hands with Lt. Col. Rick Coates, future/current operations officer for Marine Forces, Europe during his tour of the Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa headquarters building. Stavridis walked the halls of the headquarters, stopping to talk to Marines and civilians. This was his last stop before returning to NATO headquarters in Belgium. - Admiral James G. Stavridis, the supreme allied commander for Europe and commander of U.S. European Command shakes hands with Lt. Col. Rick Coates, future/current operations officer for Marine Forces, Europe during his tour of the Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa headquarters building. Stavridis walked the halls of the headquarters, stopping to talk to Marines and civilians. This was his last stop before returning to NATO headquarters in Belgium.