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A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), drops off Marines and Sailors of the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a night raid here, Jan. 9. The raid was the first event of the Realistic Urban Training Exercise, which is part of the pre-deployment training for the 31st MEU’s regularly scheduled Spring Patrol. The training is designed and evaluated by Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in order to challenge the full spectrum of MRF capabilities. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), drops off Marines and Sailors of the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a night raid here, Jan. 9. The raid was the first event of the Realistic Urban Training Exercise, which is part of the pre-deployment training for the 31st MEU’s regularly scheduled Spring Patrol. The training is designed and evaluated by Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in order to challenge the full spectrum of MRF capabilities. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Lance Cpl. Clark P.E. Krupa, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Portland, Oreg, posts security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise at Kin Blue beach, Dec. 12. The Marines and sailors conducted the mission to increase their proficiency in rescuing downed personnel, providing the capability to conduct this mission within the Marine Air Ground Task Force rather than sourcing assets from other units. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Lance Cpl. Clark P.E. Krupa, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Portland, Oreg, posts security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise at Kin Blue beach, Dec. 12. The Marines and sailors conducted the mission to increase their proficiency in rescuing downed personnel, providing the capability to conduct this mission within the Marine Air Ground Task Force rather than sourcing assets from other units. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Lance Cpl. Ryan Downey, a rifleman with Company E., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rides in an Amphibious Assault Vehicle during a mechanized raid on a notional enemy base, Dec. 12. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package, designed to prepare the Marines of the MEU for the next regularly scheduled theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force of readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Lance Cpl. Ryan Downey, a rifleman with Company E., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rides in an Amphibious Assault Vehicle during a mechanized raid on a notional enemy base, Dec. 12. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package, designed to prepare the Marines of the MEU for the next regularly scheduled theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force of readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Alex G. Skutch, daughter of Maj. John P. Skutch, the logistics officer for the Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of New York, colors on a drawing during the 31st MEU’s Christmas party at the House of Pain gymnasium here, Dec. 12. The event provided an opportunity for the Marines and their families to spend time together, foster camaraderie and enjoy the holiday spirit. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Alex G. Skutch, daughter of Maj. John P. Skutch, the logistics officer for the Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of New York, colors on a drawing during the 31st MEU’s Christmas party at the House of Pain gymnasium here, Dec. 12. The event provided an opportunity for the Marines and their families to spend time together, foster camaraderie and enjoy the holiday spirit. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Marines with Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to land at Kin Blue beach in combat rubber raiding craft during a boat raid training event, Dec. 11. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package designed to prepare the Marines for the upcoming theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Marines with Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to land at Kin Blue beach in combat rubber raiding craft during a boat raid training event, Dec. 11. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package designed to prepare the Marines for the upcoming theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Lance Cpl. Juan J. Cabreramartinez, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Long Beach, Calif., walks off the USS Germantown (LSD-42) here, Dec. 3, after spending more than two weeks assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines in disaster relief efforts during Operation Damayan. Elements of the 31st MEU left Okinawa within 96 hours of receiving the mission, departing on Nov. 17. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward deployed MEU. - Lance Cpl. Juan J. Cabreramartinez, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Long Beach, Calif., walks off the USS Germantown (LSD-42) here, Dec. 3, after spending more than two weeks assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines in disaster relief efforts during Operation Damayan. Elements of the 31st MEU left Okinawa within 96 hours of receiving the mission, departing on Nov. 17. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward deployed MEU.

A Filipino carries a 110 lbs. bag of rice from the back of an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during a supply drop-off at a village here, Nov. 25. The combined Philippine and international effort delivered more than 79,000 lbs. of rice and high-energy biscuits to eight island villages. The 31st MEU, deployed with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in support of Joint Task Force 505, is currently supporting the government of the Philippines during Operation Damayan by assisting with disaster relief efforts in areas affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. - A Filipino carries a 110 lbs. bag of rice from the back of an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during a supply drop-off at a village here, Nov. 25. The combined Philippine and international effort delivered more than 79,000 lbs. of rice and high-energy biscuits to eight island villages. The 31st MEU, deployed with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in support of Joint Task Force 505, is currently supporting the government of the Philippines during Operation Damayan by assisting with disaster relief efforts in areas affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

First Lt. Jose Eugenio E. Eclavia, security officer for the Philippine Navy Ship Gregorio Del Pilar, Patrol Force 15, and a native of IloIlo City, Republic of the Philippines, talks to the executive officer of his ship from the deck of USS Germantown (LSD 42), Nov. 21. Eclavia is a liaison officer from the Philippine Marine Corps working with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to help coordinate disaster relief efforts in support of Operation Damayan. The 31st MEU and the ships of Amphibious Squadron are capable of delivering robust air, ground, and maritime transportation; medical and dental health services; distribution services for food, water and other supplies; and engineering assets for infrastructure repair and road clearance. The 31st MEU is deployed at the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines and in coordination with Joint Task Force 505 personnel and the U.S. Agency for International Development. - First Lt. Jose Eugenio E. Eclavia, security officer for the Philippine Navy Ship Gregorio Del Pilar, Patrol Force 15, and a native of IloIlo City, Republic of the Philippines, talks to the executive officer of his ship from the deck of USS Germantown (LSD 42), Nov. 21. Eclavia is a liaison officer from the Philippine Marine Corps working with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to help coordinate disaster relief efforts in support of Operation Damayan. The 31st MEU and the ships of Amphibious Squadron are capable of delivering robust air, ground, and maritime transportation; medical and dental health services; distribution services for food, water and other supplies; and engineering assets for infrastructure repair and road clearance. The 31st MEU is deployed at the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines and in coordination with Joint Task Force 505 personnel and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Corporal Michael R. Hough, intelligence specialist with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Sacramento, Calif., holds the company guidon during a promotion ceremony here, Nov. 1. The unit adds two unique elements to the Marine Corps’ traditional promotion ceremony in order to highlight the importance of becoming an NCO. To reinforce the responsibility of the new rank, the NCO’s Creed is read, which states the role of NCO leadership, and a 1-inch red stripe is draped over the necks of the new NCO’s. Dating back to 1849, NCO’s and officers have worn this stripe on the outer edge of their trousers. When the creed is finished, the Marine’s mentors remove the rank of Lance Corporal and promote the Marine to Corporal. BLT 2/4 recently completed a three month tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which included bilateral training with the Australian Defense Force. They are now preparing to return to their home port, Camp Pendleton, Calif., after a successful tour as the 31st MEU’s BLT. - Corporal Michael R. Hough, intelligence specialist with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Sacramento, Calif., holds the company guidon during a promotion ceremony here, Nov. 1. The unit adds two unique elements to the Marine Corps’ traditional promotion ceremony in order to highlight the importance of becoming an NCO. To reinforce the responsibility of the new rank, the NCO’s Creed is read, which states the role of NCO leadership, and a 1-inch red stripe is draped over the necks of the new NCO’s. Dating back to 1849, NCO’s and officers have worn this stripe on the outer edge of their trousers. When the creed is finished, the Marine’s mentors remove the rank of Lance Corporal and promote the Marine to Corporal. BLT 2/4 recently completed a three month tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which included bilateral training with the Australian Defense Force. They are now preparing to return to their home port, Camp Pendleton, Calif., after a successful tour as the 31st MEU’s BLT.