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A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, calls in a simulated casualty evacuation 9-line during a mass casualty exercise at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2024. The training evolution tested the responsiveness and coordination of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force to rescue and treat numerous casualties at once within an expeditionary advanced base of operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, calls in a simulated casualty evacuation 9-line during a mass casualty exercise at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2024. The training evolution tested the responsiveness and coordination of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force to rescue and treat numerous casualties at once within an expeditionary advanced base of operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola

A U.S. Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, guides a convoy during a combat support service area exercise at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Dec. 6, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU participated in an exercise to enhance interoperability and strengthen ship-to-shore capabilities. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

A U.S. Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, guides a convoy during a combat support service area exercise at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Dec. 6, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU participated in an exercise to enhance interoperability and strengthen ship-to-shore capabilities. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marine Corps Lcpl. Jacob Hernandez, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 5, 2024. The TRAP exercise showcased advanced trauma life support capabilities and evaluated the platoon’s rapid respond and recovery tactics of downed aircraft, personnel and equipment in isolated locations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Hernandez is a native of Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams)

U.S. Marine Corps Lcpl. Jacob Hernandez, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 5, 2024. The TRAP exercise showcased advanced trauma life support capabilities and evaluated the platoon’s rapid respond and recovery tactics of downed aircraft, personnel and equipment in isolated locations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Hernandez is a native of Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor Bishopwilliams

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.) lands to refuel during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10, 2024. The Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provided local security for a FARP in order to protect key logistics site which is crucial in distributed operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.) lands to refuel during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10, 2024. The Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provided local security for a FARP in order to protect key logistics site which is crucial in distributed operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit rehearses convoy procedures and techniques during combat convoy simulator training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 25, 2024. CCS provides an immersive environment for convoy operation training and provides individual team building procedures for the driver, gunner and passengers including but not limited to weapon use for target engagement and driver evasive action. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit rehearses convoy procedures and techniques during combat convoy simulator training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 25, 2024. CCS provides an immersive environment for convoy operation training and provides individual team building procedures for the driver, gunner and passengers including but not limited to weapon use for target engagement and driver evasive action. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marines, with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse boarding drills on a CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st MEU, on LZ Falcon, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 26, 2024. Marines with BLT 2/4 practice boarding operations to enhance skills and increase mission readiness. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. BishopWilliams)

U.S. Marines, with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse boarding drills on a CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st MEU, on LZ Falcon, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 26, 2024. Marines with BLT 2/4 practice boarding operations to enhance skills and increase mission readiness. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. BishopWilliams)

Photo by Pfc. Trevor BishopWilliams

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Sergio Rios, a system repairer with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up a radio system during a communication exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU were paired with instructors from Deploying Group Systems Integration Testing to ensure that the Marines are efficient in functioning Command, Control, Communications and Computer equipment and are prepared for real-world contingencies. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Rios is a native of Nevada. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Sergio Rios, a system repairer with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up a radio system during a communication exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU were paired with instructors from Deploying Group Systems Integration Testing to ensure that the Marines are efficient in functioning Command, Control, Communications and Computer equipment and are prepared for real-world contingencies. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Rios is a native of Nevada. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary load a simulated casualty onto a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement during unit level training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 26, 2024. Marines conduct ground guide and loading procedures, crew-served weapon mounting and dismounting, tow and down vehicle procedures, and tactical combat casualty care techniques. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary load a simulated casualty onto a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement during unit level training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 26, 2024. Marines conduct ground guide and loading procedures, crew-served weapon mounting and dismounting, tow and down vehicle procedures, and tactical combat casualty care techniques. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kenneth Cornwell, a joint fires observer, left, Cpl. Robert White, center, and Sgt. Patrick Nally, right, both field radio operators with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a radio communications check during the Best Radio Operator competition at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Nov. 26, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU participated in a two-day event to determine the best radio operator out of a pool of 8 teams. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Nally and White are natives of Washington. Cornwell is a native of Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kenneth Cornwell, a joint fires observer, left, Cpl. Robert White, center, and Sgt. Patrick Nally, right, both field radio operators with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a radio communications check during the Best Radio Operator competition at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Nov. 26, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU participated in a two-day event to determine the best radio operator out of a pool of 8 teams. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Nally and White are natives of Washington. Cornwell is a native of Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Maldonado Velazquez, left, and Lance Cpl. Anthony Aguilar, both radio operators with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct communications on a radio during a single channel radio exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 14, 2024. In this event, teams of Joint Task Force Enablers increase their proficiency in establishing radio communications in an austere environment. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Velazquez is a native of Puerto Rico, and Aguilar is a native of California. Velazquez is a native of Puerto Rico, and Aguilar is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. BishopWilliams)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Maldonado Velazquez, left, and Lance Cpl. Anthony Aguilar, both radio operators with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct communications on a radio during a single channel radio exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 14, 2024. In this event, teams of Joint Task Force Enablers increase their proficiency in establishing radio communications in an austere environment. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Velazquez is a native of Puerto Rico, and Aguilar is a native of California. Velazquez is a native of Puerto Rico, and Aguilar is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. BishopWilliams)

Photo by Pfc. Trevor BishopWilliams

U.S. Marines Corps Staff Sgt. Anthony Sandoval, with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, discards spent 25mm ammunition during weapons field training at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 27, 2024. 3rd LAR conducts security and offensive operations to provide mission-capable task-organized forces in support of enduring and emerging operational commitments across the range of military operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

U.S. Marines Corps Staff Sgt. Anthony Sandoval, with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, discards spent 25mm ammunition during weapons field training at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 27, 2024. 3rd LAR conducts security and offensive operations to provide mission-capable task-organized forces in support of enduring and emerging operational commitments across the range of military operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, fire a M240B machine gun during a live-fire exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 8, 2024. During the training, Marines with CLB-31 fired several thousand rounds to increase and maintain proficiency with medium and heavy machine guns. 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 Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, fire a M240B machine gun during a live-fire exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 8, 2024. During the training, Marines with CLB-31 fired several thousand rounds to increase and maintain proficiency with medium and heavy machine guns. 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 Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Navy corpsmen and Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, treat simulated casualties during a mass casualty training event at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 7, 2024. The training tested the responsiveness and coordination of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force to rescue and treat numerous casualties at once within an expeditionary advanced base of operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Navy corpsmen and Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, treat simulated casualties during a mass casualty training event at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 7, 2024. The training tested the responsiveness and coordination of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force to rescue and treat numerous casualties at once within an expeditionary advanced base of operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Green with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a radio check during the Best Radio Operator competition at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Nov. 27, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU participated in a two-day event to determine the best radio operator out of a pool of 8 teams. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Green is a native of North Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Green with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a radio check during the Best Radio Operator competition at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Nov. 27, 2024. Marines with the 31st MEU participated in a two-day event to determine the best radio operator out of a pool of 8 teams. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Green is a native of North Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a patrolling exercise during a CLB-31 field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2024. Marines patrol the surrounding area to sustain and improve their skills. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora J. Finigan)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a patrolling exercise during a CLB-31 field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2024. Marines patrol the surrounding area to sustain and improve their skills. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora J. Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a patrol during lane training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 3, 2024. Marines conducted lane training consisting of truck platoon integration and platoon level raid sustainment with patrolling and military operations in urban terrain simulations to prepare for future operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a patrol during lane training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 3, 2024. Marines conducted lane training consisting of truck platoon integration and platoon level raid sustainment with patrolling and military operations in urban terrain simulations to prepare for future operations. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Nickolas Maybush, a Motor Transport Maintenance Chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, awaits to send off Joint Light Tactical Vehicles during a night-driving course on Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2024. During the course, Marines conducted a black-out driving exercise that allows for the tactical movements of vehicles to remain concealed in darkness. 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. Maybush is a native of Maryland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Nickolas Maybush, a Motor Transport Maintenance Chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, awaits to send off Joint Light Tactical Vehicles during a night-driving course on Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2024. During the course, Marines conducted a black-out driving exercise that allows for the tactical movements of vehicles to remain concealed in darkness. 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. Maybush is a native of Maryland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-ropes out of an UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.) on LZ Swallow at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 4, 2024. The Marines conducted nighttime fast-rope training to enhance their ability to quickly insert into a landing zone in a low lighting scenario. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Skilah Sanchez)

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-ropes out of an UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.) on LZ Swallow at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 4, 2024. The Marines conducted nighttime fast-rope training to enhance their ability to quickly insert into a landing zone in a low lighting scenario. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Pfc. Skilah Sanchez

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in during an aerial live-fire exercise out of aSH-60 Sea Hawk assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 on W-174, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 4 2024. The exercise focuses on proficiency in engaging targets from an 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Skilah Sanchez)

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in during an aerial live-fire exercise out of aSH-60 Sea Hawk assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 on W-174, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 4 2024. The exercise focuses on proficiency in engaging targets from an 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Pfc. Skilah Sanchez

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose for a photo next to an UH-1Y Venom helicopter during an award ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2024. On October 12, 2024, the Marines assisted in saving the life of a local woman who had been swept away by strong currents near Cape Zanpa, Okinawa, Japan. The decisive actions carried out by the Marines that day not only saved a life, but demonstrated the Marines’ commitment to the local community, even when off-duty. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose for a photo next to an UH-1Y Venom helicopter during an award ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 6, 2024. On October 12, 2024, the Marines assisted in saving the life of a local woman who had been swept away by strong currents near Cape Zanpa, Okinawa, Japan. The decisive actions carried out by the Marines that day not only saved a life, but demonstrated the Marines’ commitment to the local community, even when off-duty. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz