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Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 (CAAT), Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clean the beach at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, July 25, 2020. At the conclusion of their training, CAAT-1 picked up trash that had washed up on the beach in order to leave the environment better than they found it. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger) - Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 (CAAT), Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clean the beach at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, July 25, 2020. At the conclusion of their training, CAAT-1 picked up trash that had washed up on the beach in order to leave the environment better than they found it. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)

Lance Cpl. Benjamin Carr, a tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M240 machine gun during a training exercise at a tail gun range off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2020. The training consisted of field carrier landing practice and live firing from an MV-22B Osprey Tiltrotor aircraft. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck) - Lance Cpl. Benjamin Carr, a tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M240 machine gun during a training exercise at a tail gun range off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2020. The training consisted of field carrier landing practice and live firing from an MV-22B Osprey Tiltrotor aircraft. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines run to board a MV22B Osprey during aviation integration training at Futenma Air Station, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2020. The training was conducted with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Reinforced, to increase Interoperability (Interop) training. Interop enhances coordination and familiarizes subordinate elements with the unique mission set of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Clay) - Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines run to board a MV22B Osprey during aviation integration training at Futenma Air Station, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2020. The training was conducted with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Reinforced, to increase Interoperability (Interop) training. Interop enhances coordination and familiarizes subordinate elements with the unique mission set of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Clay)

Col. Michael Nakonieczny, left, the oncoming commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and native of Buena Park, California, and Col. Robert Brodie, the departing commanding officer of the 31st MEU and a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, stand in front of the U.S. and unit colors at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 25, 2020. During Brodie’s two years in command of the 31st MEU, the unit completed four full unit-deployment cycles including training, exercises, and real-world operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton) - Col. Michael Nakonieczny, left, the oncoming commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and native of Buena Park, California, and Col. Robert Brodie, the departing commanding officer of the 31st MEU and a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, stand in front of the U.S. and unit colors at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 25, 2020. During Brodie’s two years in command of the 31st MEU, the unit completed four full unit-deployment cycles including training, exercises, and real-world operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)

Lance Cpl. Darrek Proctor, a machine gunner with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), practices marksmanship fundamentals from the seated position on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7, 2020. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew R. Bray) - Lance Cpl. Darrek Proctor, a machine gunner with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), practices marksmanship fundamentals from the seated position on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7, 2020. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew R. Bray)

EAST CHINA SEA (April 28, 2020) A Marine with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), climbs down a cargo net during a tactical debarkation rehearsal from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The exercise served as a proof of concept for the Blue-Green team to demonstrate proficiency in a proven, reliable method of amphibious debarkation. The ability to rapidly debark from an amphibious assault ship to surface connectors provides the 31st MEU a reliable way to move forces ashore in support of amphibious operations. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton) - EAST CHINA SEA (April 28, 2020) A Marine with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), climbs down a cargo net during a tactical debarkation rehearsal from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The exercise served as a proof of concept for the Blue-Green team to demonstrate proficiency in a proven, reliable method of amphibious debarkation. The ability to rapidly debark from an amphibious assault ship to surface connectors provides the 31st MEU a reliable way to move forces ashore in support of amphibious operations. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2020) Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load onto an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during a combat mission rehearsal aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The Osprey is a long-range troop transport aircraft that can be deployed at a moment’s notice, enabling the Blue-Green team to rapidly respond to crises. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt Audrey M. C. Rampton) - SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2020) Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load onto an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during a combat mission rehearsal aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The Osprey is a long-range troop transport aircraft that can be deployed at a moment’s notice, enabling the Blue-Green team to rapidly respond to crises. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt Audrey M. C. Rampton)

Cpl. Michael Cenci (middle left), a force reconnaissance Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Maritime Raid Force and a native of Malvern, Pennsylvania, holds a Reconnaissance Foundation flag at Hat Yao, Kingdom of Thailand, March 5, 2020, following the completion of Exercise Cobra Gold 2020. Cobra Gold 20 was the largest theater security cooperation exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell) - Cpl. Michael Cenci (middle left), a force reconnaissance Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Maritime Raid Force and a native of Malvern, Pennsylvania, holds a Reconnaissance Foundation flag at Hat Yao, Kingdom of Thailand, March 5, 2020, following the completion of Exercise Cobra Gold 2020. Cobra Gold 20 was the largest theater security cooperation exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. Marines and Sailors aboard the America regularly conduct flight operations while underway to maintain their readiness to respond to contingencies. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton) - SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. Marines and Sailors aboard the America regularly conduct flight operations while underway to maintain their readiness to respond to contingencies. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)