Photos

U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, recover aboard the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), during a shore-to-ship movement, utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft as a part of exercise Talisman Sabre 25, in the Coral Sea, July 14, 2025. Marines conducted the shore-to-ship movement to improve amphibious raid capabilities and sustain small boat skills. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams

U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, recover aboard the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), during a shore-to-ship movement, utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft as a part of exercise Talisman Sabre 25, in the Coral Sea, July 14, 2025. Marines conducted the shore-to-ship movement to improve amphibious raid capabilities and sustain small boat skills. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load a GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) bomb, into the weapons bay of a F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA 242 during an ordnance load as a part of Talisman Sabre 25, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Coral Sea, July 14, 2025. Marines with VMFA 242 arm F-35Bs with multi-discipline strike capabilities to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, taxis on a flight deck during flight operations as a part of Talisman Sabre 25, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Coral Sea, July 13, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage adversary forces during a simulated amphibious assault in Urban Operations Training Facility, Queensland, Australia, July 5, 2025. The Amphibious Combat Vehicle provides the MEU a ship-to-objective amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability and growth capacity and flexibility to incorporate and adapt future technologies. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Sgt. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicles assigned to Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct surf passage qualifications during a simulated amphibious assault in Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 3, 2025. The ACV provides the MEU a ship-to-objective amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability and growth capacity and flexibility to incorporate and adapt future technologies. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Sgt. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage simulated adversary forces with an M3A1 multipurpose, anti armor, anti personnel weapon system during a visit, board, search and seizure training aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 2025. VBSS is part of maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Sgt. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company-Bravo, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, retrieve resupply equipment from a Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System during a resupply exercise, at Sam Hill Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 5, 2025. The TRUAS is a class 3 unmanned aerial vehicle that can deliver supplies to remote and inaccessible areas. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company-Alpha, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to attach a trailer to a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), during a helicopter support transportation exercise at Sam Hill Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 1, 2025. The Marines with CLB-31 conducted HST operations to maintain and improve their aerial transportation skills in rural training situations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez

U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, clear a building during a simulated air assault at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 5th, 2025. Marines participated in a simulated air assault exercise in order to increase their lethality in a realistic combat scenario. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kenny Hernandez Polanco, a machine gunner with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, returns simulated fire with an M240B machine gun during a simulated air assault at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 5th, 2025. Marines participated in a simulated air assault exercise in order to increase their lethality in a realistic combat scenario. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Polanco is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jose Rubiofigueroa, a rifleman with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, collects a R-80D Sky Raider drone after its flight during a R-80D Sky Raider drone familiarization exercise at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, June 30, 2025. Marines enhanced their reconnaissance capabilities through the use of an unmanned aerial observational device. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Rubiofigueroa is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a patrol on Light Armored Vehicles during a R-80D Sky Raider drone familiarization exercise at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, June 30, 2025. Marines enhanced their reconnaissance capabilities through the use of an unmanned aerial observational device. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Joseph Kiesa, an infantry officer with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires a M240B machine gun during a force on force exercise at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 5, 2025. Marines participated in this training in order to refine their lethality and interoperability against one another. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Kiesa is a native of New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a mechanized patrol on Light Armored Vehicles during a force on force exercise at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 4, 2025. Marines participated in this training in order to refine their lethality and interoperability against one another. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin Mercado-Henriquez, left, and Cpl. Jose Nunez both machine gunners with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, set security with an M240B on the defensive line during a simulated assault and seizure at Glen Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 2-7, 2025. Marines capture and control objectives to enable future MEU operations such as a forward arming and refueling point on the airfield. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Mercado-Henriquez is a native of Puerto Rico and Nunez is a native of Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Calvin Burke, an intelligence specialist, with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, activates a Skydio X2 small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) to survey the defensive line for opposing forces during a simulated assault and seizure at Glen Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 2-7, 2025. Marines capture and control objectives to enable future MEU operations such as a forward arming and refueling point on the airfield. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Burke is a native of New Jersey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load 20mm caliber ammunition into an AH-1Z Viper assigned to VMM-265 (Rein.) during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Glen Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 7, 2025. Marines loaded ordnance rapidly and tactically to exercise arming aircraft in a high-pressure environment, such as a FARP and sustain technical and tactical proficiency. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to depart during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the expeditionary sea base John L. Canley (ESB-6), in the Coral Sea, July 7, 2025. VBSS is part of the maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marines Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a fly over of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Coral Sea, July 1, 2025. VMFA-242 “The Bats” celebrated 82 years; the unit was commissioned July 1, 1943, boasting a combat history, beginning in the Solomon Islands and continuing through Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. The squadron has adapted and evolved, flying the A-4 Skyhawk during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the A-6 Intruder in Vietnam, and the F/A-18 Hornet in Iraq. Today, VMFA-242 flies the F-35B Lightning II aircraft and carries the title of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year, earning the Robert M. Hanson Award in 2024. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Devin Nichols)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Devin Nichols