Stories

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.

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.

Sergeant William Kruger an embark specialist assigned to Blount Island Command watches the ramp lower on the USNS Sgt Mate Kocak during an off-load/cross-leveling operation to retrograde equipment into the caves, belonging to the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway. During this operation more than 150 vehicles and 200 shipping containers were transferred on or off the Kocak and staged for transportation to the caves or loaded back onto the ship. The MCPP-N facility is comprised of eight locations totaling more than 900,000 square feet of storage space. Inside the caves is 471,445 sq. ft. of climate controlled storage space, regulated to between 45 to 55 percent humidity and a regulated temperature of between 45 to 50 degrees. This precise regulation allow for tents, vehicle tires and parts and other climate sensitive equipment to be stored safely, and maintain a high level of accessibility to be readily deployable for any contingency that may arise. - Sergeant William Kruger an embark specialist assigned to Blount Island Command watches the ramp lower on the USNS Sgt Mate Kocak during an off-load/cross-leveling operation to retrograde equipment into the caves, belonging to the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway. During this operation more than 150 vehicles and 200 shipping containers were transferred on or off the Kocak and staged for transportation to the caves or loaded back onto the ship. The MCPP-N facility is comprised of eight locations totaling more than 900,000 square feet of storage space. Inside the caves is 471,445 sq. ft. of climate controlled storage space, regulated to between 45 to 55 percent humidity and a regulated temperature of between 45 to 50 degrees. This precise regulation allow for tents, vehicle tires and parts and other climate sensitive equipment to be stored safely, and maintain a high level of accessibility to be readily deployable for any contingency that may arise.

As the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performs in Aisne-Marne Memorial Cemetery, American Marines, to include the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and citizens as well as French soldiers and locals, including the mayor of the town of Belleau, Ms. Monique Benier, look on as they celebrate Memorial Day on the sacred ground of Belleau Wood. The ceremony marked the 94th anniversary of the battle and embodied the legacy Belleau Wood has given to the Marine Corps and the brotherhood that unites an American-French friendship that has lasted from before the fields of World War I to the current operations in Afghanistan and was attended by Marines from commands all over Europe and the United States, to include: members of the 5th Marine Regiment, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, and Marine Forces Europe. - As the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performs in Aisne-Marne Memorial Cemetery, American Marines, to include the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and citizens as well as French soldiers and locals, including the mayor of the town of Belleau, Ms. Monique Benier, look on as they celebrate Memorial Day on the sacred ground of Belleau Wood. The ceremony marked the 94th anniversary of the battle and embodied the legacy Belleau Wood has given to the Marine Corps and the brotherhood that unites an American-French friendship that has lasted from before the fields of World War I to the current operations in Afghanistan and was attended by Marines from commands all over Europe and the United States, to include: members of the 5th Marine Regiment, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, and Marine Forces Europe.

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::

The Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 12, pictured here, rescued a Romanian family of four including an infant from a car crash that left the road during inclement weather. The servicemembers were returning from a marathon in Transylvania when they came upon the accident that left the family trapped down a steep embankment. ::r::::n::Group picture:::r::::n::Back row; (Petty Officer Third Class Girien Salazar), (Captain James Flood), (Sgt. Maj. Gary Jacobs), (Master Sgt. Todd Gunter), (Lieutenant Paul Evans), (Lieutenant Derek Owens), (First Sgt. Brian Porter).::r::::n::Front row; (Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Morgan), (Commander Jonathan Kuehne), (Chief Petty Officer Kathy Canady), (Staff Sgt. Darla Richardson), (Staff Sgt. Enid Browne), (Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Weaver), (Gunnery Sgt. Juan Delacruz).::r::::n:: - The Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 12, pictured here, rescued a Romanian family of four including an infant from a car crash that left the road during inclement weather. The servicemembers were returning from a marathon in Transylvania when they came upon the accident that left the family trapped down a steep embankment. ::r::::n::Group picture:::r::::n::Back row; (Petty Officer Third Class Girien Salazar), (Captain James Flood), (Sgt. Maj. Gary Jacobs), (Master Sgt. Todd Gunter), (Lieutenant Paul Evans), (Lieutenant Derek Owens), (First Sgt. Brian Porter).::r::::n::Front row; (Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Morgan), (Commander Jonathan Kuehne), (Chief Petty Officer Kathy Canady), (Staff Sgt. Darla Richardson), (Staff Sgt. Enid Browne), (Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Weaver), (Gunnery Sgt. Juan Delacruz).::r::::n::

Using a modified take-down technique derived from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Marine spouses Karen J. Riles and Jennifer J. Rosen, along with Master Sgt. James A. Hall, intelligence chief with Marine Forces Europe and certified rape-prevention instructor, and Kathy Nelson, Family Readiness Officer of Marine Forces Africa and MARFOREUR, practice their ability to deal with an oncoming attacker during a Rape Prevention and Self Defense class. The class, provided by the MARFOREUR Family Readiness Office, taught techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program that have been modified specifically for females, such as moves effective for height-and-weight differences, but also emphasized the importance of situational awareness, risk prevention and developing an offensive and protective mentality. ::r::::n:: - Using a modified take-down technique derived from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Marine spouses Karen J. Riles and Jennifer J. Rosen, along with Master Sgt. James A. Hall, intelligence chief with Marine Forces Europe and certified rape-prevention instructor, and Kathy Nelson, Family Readiness Officer of Marine Forces Africa and MARFOREUR, practice their ability to deal with an oncoming attacker during a Rape Prevention and Self Defense class. The class, provided by the MARFOREUR Family Readiness Office, taught techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program that have been modified specifically for females, such as moves effective for height-and-weight differences, but also emphasized the importance of situational awareness, risk prevention and developing an offensive and protective mentality. ::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:: - 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::

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.

Georgian soldiers assigned to the 33rd Light Infantry Battalion orient their maps and check their gear prior to stepping off on a training patrol at the Joint Multinational Training Center, here. The soldiers are participating in the Georgia Deployment Program- Mission Readiness Exercise, where a majority of the Marines serving as observer/controllers were from 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, mentoring the 33rd LIB before they head to Afghanistan this spring. - Georgian soldiers assigned to the 33rd Light Infantry Battalion orient their maps and check their gear prior to stepping off on a training patrol at the Joint Multinational Training Center, here. The soldiers are participating in the Georgia Deployment Program- Mission Readiness Exercise, where a majority of the Marines serving as observer/controllers were from 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, mentoring the 33rd LIB before they head to Afghanistan this spring.

Volunteers from the Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center USO, Marines from the Marine Corps Liaison Detachment Landstuhl and hospital staff pose for a group photo during the Landstuhl USO Super Bowl Party. The Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund volunteers made the 130-mile trek from Stuttgart to Landstuhl to serve pizza, sodas and homemade desserts to wounded warriors while they waited for the big game to start. - Volunteers from the Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center USO, Marines from the Marine Corps Liaison Detachment Landstuhl and hospital staff pose for a group photo during the Landstuhl USO Super Bowl Party. The Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund volunteers made the 130-mile trek from Stuttgart to Landstuhl to serve pizza, sodas and homemade desserts to wounded warriors while they waited for the big game to start.

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.

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.

Lance Cpl. Kevin Cronin, a rifleman with the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, helps a member of 1st Paratrooper Battalion, Greek Special Forces, during a combat lifesaving practical application at Maleme, Crete, May 20. The Greek Special Forces and SCMAGTF spent the day conducting bilateral training exercises, to include a live-fire range, weapons handling classes, and combat lifesaving. - Lance Cpl. Kevin Cronin, a rifleman with the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, helps a member of 1st Paratrooper Battalion, Greek Special Forces, during a combat lifesaving practical application at Maleme, Crete, May 20. The Greek Special Forces and SCMAGTF spent the day conducting bilateral training exercises, to include a live-fire range, weapons handling classes, and combat lifesaving.