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Marines assigned to Landing Support Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, observe a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, during external lift operations training at Landing Zone Falcon, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2016. The units conducted the training to complete qualifications for the 31st MEU's upcoming spring deployment. As the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed unit, the 31st MEU’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit/ Released) - Marines assigned to Landing Support Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, observe a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, during external lift operations training at Landing Zone Falcon, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2016. The units conducted the training to complete qualifications for the 31st MEU's upcoming spring deployment. As the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed unit, the 31st MEU’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit/ Released)

Sgt. Andrew Sturgress, a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts his pre-flight inspections at Oruma Air Base, Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 18, 2016. The aircraft flew from the island of Okinawa, conducted simulated humanitarian aid with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at multiple locations and was refueled by JMSDF personnel before returning to Okinawa. Sturgess is a native of Sidney, Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit/ Released) - Sgt. Andrew Sturgress, a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts his pre-flight inspections at Oruma Air Base, Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 18, 2016. The aircraft flew from the island of Okinawa, conducted simulated humanitarian aid with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at multiple locations and was refueled by JMSDF personnel before returning to Okinawa. Sturgess is a native of Sidney, Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit/ Released)

U.S. Marines wait aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) before going ashore after returning from their Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region, Oct. 28, 2016. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is prepared to respond to a wide range of military operations, from humanitarian assistance missions to limited combat operations, at a moment’s notice. As a balanced air-ground-logistics team, the 31st MEU is ready to respond throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Amy Phan) - U.S. Marines wait aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) before going ashore after returning from their Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region, Oct. 28, 2016. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is prepared to respond to a wide range of military operations, from humanitarian assistance missions to limited combat operations, at a moment’s notice. As a balanced air-ground-logistics team, the 31st MEU is ready to respond throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Amy Phan)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy Pryor, a hospital corpsman with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrates proper tourniquet use during a Combat Lifesaver Course aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Oct. 22, 2016. Marines taking the course learn basic lifesaving skills to respond to critical situations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal) - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy Pryor, a hospital corpsman with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrates proper tourniquet use during a Combat Lifesaver Course aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Oct. 22, 2016. Marines taking the course learn basic lifesaving skills to respond to critical situations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, take off from Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, after delivering a group of Marines participating in Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX), Oct. 5, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and build up partner capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, take off from Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, after delivering a group of Marines participating in Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX), Oct. 5, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and build up partner capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish/Released)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Maresea Potts, a supply clerk with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, plays a game of Duck-Duck-Goose with Maruglo Elementary School students during a visit to the school on Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2016. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU visited the school to build unity between U.S. forces and the local residents during Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX). PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish/Released) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Maresea Potts, a supply clerk with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, plays a game of Duck-Duck-Goose with Maruglo Elementary School students during a visit to the school on Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2016. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU visited the school to build unity between U.S. forces and the local residents during Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX). PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish/Released)

WHITE BEACH, Okinawa, Japan, (Aug. 20, 2016) – Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit wait on the gangplank before boarding the USS Bonhomme Richard at White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 20, 2016.The 31st MEU is embarked aboard the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group during a regularly scheduled patrol of the Pacific region. - WHITE BEACH, Okinawa, Japan, (Aug. 20, 2016) – Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit wait on the gangplank before boarding the USS Bonhomme Richard at White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 20, 2016. The 31st MEU is embarked aboard the ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group during a regularly scheduled patrol of the Pacific region.

Sgt. Maj. James Roberts, off-going sergeant major of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, relinquishes the sword of office during his relief and appointment ceremony and retirement ceremony to Col. Tye R. Wallace, commanding officer of the 31st MEU, and oncoming MEU Sgt. Maj. Jim Lanham, Aug. 10, 2016 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Roberts retired after 30 years of service, completing his enlistment with a tour as sergeant major of the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU led several humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the Pacific region, as well as various bilateral and multilateral exercises with Pacific partner nations, during Roberts’ tenure as the 31st MEU’s senior enlisted advisor. - Sgt. Maj. James Roberts, off-going sergeant major of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, relinquishes the sword of office during his relief and appointment ceremony and retirement ceremony to Col. Tye R. Wallace, commanding officer of the 31st MEU, and oncoming MEU Sgt. Maj. Jim Lanham, Aug. 10, 2016 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Roberts retired after 30 years of service, completing his enlistment with a tour as sergeant major of the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU led several humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the Pacific region, as well as various bilateral and multilateral exercises with Pacific partner nations, during Roberts’ tenure as the 31st MEU’s senior enlisted advisor.

Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force participated in a culminating event as part of a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructor course July 28, 2016 at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines went through a three-week course which challenged them mentally and physically, pushing them past their limits. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal/Released) - Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force participated in a culminating event as part of a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Instructor course July 28, 2016 at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines went through a three-week course which challenged them mentally and physically, pushing them past their limits. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal/Released)

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit clear a water treatment facility at Koror, Palau on July 21, 2016. The Marines are conducting training in Palau to ensure familiarity with Palau's complex urban environment. The training events were planned out with local authorities to provide an opportunity for realistic training with minimal inconvenience to the community and environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales/ Released) - U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit clear a water treatment facility at Koror, Palau on July 21, 2016. The Marines are conducting training in Palau to ensure familiarity with Palau's complex urban environment. The training events were planned out with local authorities to provide an opportunity for realistic training with minimal inconvenience to the community and environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales/ Released)