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USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea – Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit pause their workout to pose for a “meathead” group photo here, Sept. 13. Physical training gives Marines more than just bulging biceps, it serves as an outlet for anger, keeps an anxious mind occupied and builds unit camaraderie through shared pain and success. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Robbins) - USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea – Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit pause their workout to pose for a “meathead” group photo here, Sept. 13. Physical training gives Marines more than just bulging biceps, it serves as an outlet for anger, keeps an anxious mind occupied and builds unit camaraderie through shared pain and success. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Robbins)

Sergeant Miguel A. Lopez (left), the 27-year-old Military Information Support Operations team leader and a native of Santa Anna, Calif., and Sgt. Wesly T. Weber (right), the 25-year-old MISO non-commissioned officer in charge and a native of Rochester, N.Y., both with the Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, test a Long Range Acoustic Device 100x from the inside of an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, here, Sept. 17. The team tested the device to ensure it could be operated effectively over the noise of the Osprey. Two LRAD devices were tethered together in order to boost the volume and compensate for the surrounding aircraft noise. The LRAD met expectations by providing a crisp, clear message over the sound of the aircraft’s rotors from more than 500 meters away. The 31st MEU is currently conducting their regularly scheduled Fall Patrol. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Sergeant Miguel A. Lopez (left), the 27-year-old Military Information Support Operations team leader and a native of Santa Anna, Calif., and Sgt. Wesly T. Weber (right), the 25-year-old MISO non-commissioned officer in charge and a native of Rochester, N.Y., both with the Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, test a Long Range Acoustic Device 100x from the inside of an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, here, Sept. 17. The team tested the device to ensure it could be operated effectively over the noise of the Osprey. Two LRAD devices were tethered together in order to boost the volume and compensate for the surrounding aircraft noise. The LRAD met expectations by providing a crisp, clear message over the sound of the aircraft’s rotors from more than 500 meters away. The 31st MEU is currently conducting their regularly scheduled Fall Patrol. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

A landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, prepare to lift a load of cargo off the flight deck here, Sept. 13. The Helicopter Support Team of CLB-31 and the crews of the helicopters play important roles in the 31st MEU’s capability to execute external lifts. The HST provides ground support to the CH-53E, which can lift up to 36,000 pounds. This lift capability can be used to overcome difficult terrain and land-based obstacles when executing logistical re-supply. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward deployed MEU. - A landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, prepare to lift a load of cargo off the flight deck here, Sept. 13. The Helicopter Support Team of CLB-31 and the crews of the helicopters play important roles in the 31st MEU’s capability to execute external lifts. The HST provides ground support to the CH-53E, which can lift up to 36,000 pounds. This lift capability can be used to overcome difficult terrain and land-based obstacles when executing logistical re-supply. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward deployed MEU.

Corporal Jacob A. Flury, a 20-year-old artillery fire-support observer with Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Damascus, Oreg., executes a movement with a non-commissioned officer sword during a Corporals Course class on the bow of the ship here, Sept.14. Newly-promoted corporals of the company have been conducting the course periodically throughout the 31st MEU’s regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol. They began their class three months ago at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, and have adapted to the confines of the ship in order to continue training. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Corporal Jacob A. Flury, a 20-year-old artillery fire-support observer with Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Damascus, Oreg., executes a movement with a non-commissioned officer sword during a Corporals Course class on the bow of the ship here, Sept.14. Newly-promoted corporals of the company have been conducting the course periodically throughout the 31st MEU’s regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol. They began their class three months ago at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, and have adapted to the confines of the ship in order to continue training. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct Marine Corps Martial Arts training in the hanger bay here, Sept. 12. Those participating in the MCMAP training have to work around the challenges that being deployed on an amphibious warship presents, including time limitations, confined space, dim lighting and unstable fighting grounds. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward deployed MEU. - Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct Marine Corps Martial Arts training in the hanger bay here, Sept. 12. Those participating in the MCMAP training have to work around the challenges that being deployed on an amphibious warship presents, including time limitations, confined space, dim lighting and unstable fighting grounds. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward deployed MEU.

DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia –Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit help guide a High-Mobility, Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle onto the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD- 6) during the retrograde following Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Sept. 9. The 31st MEU moved a battalion-sized force more than 300 miles inland from the Port of Darwin to conduct a week-long, live-fire training exercise. Also participating in the exercise was were the Marines of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or toand pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward deployed MEU. - DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia –Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit help guide a High-Mobility, Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle onto the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD- 6) during the retrograde following Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Sept. 9. The 31st MEU moved a battalion-sized force more than 300 miles inland from the Port of Darwin to conduct a week-long, live-fire training exercise. Also participating in the exercise was were the Marines of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or toand pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward deployed MEU.

Navy Lt. Chris A. Cruz, a 29-year-old medical doctor for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Arlington, Texas, provides an intra-articular, sub-patella injection for pain relief during Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Sept. 4. The doctors and corpsmen of the 31st MEU’s logistics combat element and command element operate multiple aid stations to maintain the health of more than 250 Marines and Sailors training in the area. Koolendong demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU and reinforces why it is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. - Navy Lt. Chris A. Cruz, a 29-year-old medical doctor for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Arlington, Texas, provides an intra-articular, sub-patella injection for pain relief during Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Sept. 4. The doctors and corpsmen of the 31st MEU’s logistics combat element and command element operate multiple aid stations to maintain the health of more than 250 Marines and Sailors training in the area. Koolendong demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU and reinforces why it is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces.

Maintenance Marines with Marine Light Attack Squadron 369, currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, troubleshoot a 7.62mm GAU-17/A weapon system on a UH-1Y Venom helicopter here, Sept. 3. The helicopters are supporting the battalion-sized element currently conducting Exercise Koolendong 13. Koolendong demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Maintenance Marines with Marine Light Attack Squadron 369, currently attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, troubleshoot a 7.62mm GAU-17/A weapon system on a UH-1Y Venom helicopter here, Sept. 3. The helicopters are supporting the battalion-sized element currently conducting Exercise Koolendong 13. Koolendong demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Light Armored Vehicle 25’s with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, pull off the dirt road and orient toward their targets during a combined, live-fire exercise for Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Sept. 3. The 31st MEU moved a battalion-sized force more than 300 miles inland from the Port of Darwin to conduct training. The exercise demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Light Armored Vehicle 25’s with Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, pull off the dirt road and orient toward their targets during a combined, live-fire exercise for Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Sept. 3. The 31st MEU moved a battalion-sized force more than 300 miles inland from the Port of Darwin to conduct training. The exercise demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Corporal Jose L. Polanco (top), a 25-year-old heavy equipment mechanic for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary, and a native of Truth or Consequences, N.M., loosens a drive shaft mount with the assistance of Lance Cpl. Tanner M. Jones, a 19-year-old light armored vehicle mechanic for CLB-31, 31st MEU, and a native of Denver, Colo., here, Sept. 1. The Marines of CLB-31’s maintenance section are working long days and late nights to keep pace with the required maintenance that comes with supporting the battalion-sized element currently executing Exercise Koolendong 13. Koolendong is a week-long, live-fire exercise that demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Corporal Jose L. Polanco (top), a 25-year-old heavy equipment mechanic for Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary, and a native of Truth or Consequences, N.M., loosens a drive shaft mount with the assistance of Lance Cpl. Tanner M. Jones, a 19-year-old light armored vehicle mechanic for CLB-31, 31st MEU, and a native of Denver, Colo., here, Sept. 1. The Marines of CLB-31’s maintenance section are working long days and late nights to keep pace with the required maintenance that comes with supporting the battalion-sized element currently executing Exercise Koolendong 13. Koolendong is a week-long, live-fire exercise that demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.