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U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle away from the stern gate in an enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft (E-CRRC) during a launch and recovery sustainment training aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Philippine Sea on Jan. 29, 2025. This training was conducted in order to rehearse and improve launch and recovery procedures during small boat operations. 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. Gerardo Mendez)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle away from the stern gate in an enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft (E-CRRC) during a launch and recovery sustainment training aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Philippine Sea on Jan. 29, 2025. This training was conducted in order to rehearse and improve launch and recovery procedures during small boat operations. 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. Gerardo Mendez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, approaches the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during off-loading and onloading rehearsals in preparation for a ship to shore movement, in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 29, 2025. The Marines and Navy sailors executed off-loading and onloading operations to certify joint operations between weaponized and amphibious units for the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in support of Marine and Navy personnel. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprising amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, approaches the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) during off-loading and onloading rehearsals in preparation for a ship to shore movement, in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 29, 2025. The Marines and Navy sailors executed off-loading and onloading operations to certify joint operations between weaponized and amphibious units for the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in support of Marine and Navy personnel. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprising amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marines and Navy sailors with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, unload 60 pallets of dry and frozen goods during resupply operations on the USS Rushmore, at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 27, 2025. The Marines and sailors executed resupply operations for the USS Rushmore in support of Marine and Navy personnel. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprising amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

U.S. Marines and Navy sailors with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, unload 60 pallets of dry and frozen goods during resupply operations on the USS Rushmore, at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 27, 2025. The Marines and sailors executed resupply operations for the USS Rushmore in support of Marine and Navy personnel. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprising amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.) during helocast training at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. This training enhances airborne techniques and enables Marines to insert personnel into a body of water 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, jumps from a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.) during helocast training at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. This training enhances airborne techniques and enables Marines to insert personnel into a body of water 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 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to load High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ammunition onto an U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion during onload operations at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. The purpose of these operations are to ensure that all necessary gear and personnel are embarked on ship prior to each patrol. 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 Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to load High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ammunition onto an U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion during onload operations at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. The purpose of these operations are to ensure that all necessary gear and personnel are embarked on ship prior to each patrol. 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 Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast rope training from MV-22 Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor 262 (Rein.) at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, January 15th 2025. Marines participated in fast rope training to enhance air-to-ground insertion 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. BishopWilliams.)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast rope training from MV-22 Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor 262 (Rein.) at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, January 15th 2025. Marines participated in fast rope training to enhance air-to-ground insertion 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. BishopWilliams.)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load an M224A1 60 millimeter mortar system during a live-fire exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 11, 2025. Marine Corps mortarmen assist light armored reconnaissance battalions, infantry squads, platoons, and companies to gain a favorable advantage in the field of combat. 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 with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load an M224A1 60 millimeter mortar system during a live-fire exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 11, 2025. Marine Corps mortarmen assist light armored reconnaissance battalions, infantry squads, platoons, and companies to gain a favorable advantage in the field of combat. 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 Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to conduct Howitzer M777A2 loading drills during lift operations at LZ Dodo, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Jan. 9, 2025. U.S. Marines participated in a training exercise designed to simulate attaching supplies and weaponry onto an aircraft in a field 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 Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to conduct Howitzer M777A2 loading drills during lift operations at LZ Dodo, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Jan. 9, 2025. U.S. Marines participated in a training exercise designed to simulate attaching supplies and weaponry onto an aircraft in a field 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 Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David J. Kelly, a tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, offloads supplies from an MV-22B Osprey assigned to VMM-262 during a foreign humanitarian assistance training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Dec. 17, 2024. U.S. Marine and Navy personnel participated in FHA training to test personnel’s abilities to interact and aid humanitarian needs while providing regional stability and security. 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. Marine Corps Sgt. David J. Kelly, a tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, offloads supplies from an MV-22B Osprey assigned to VMM-262 during a foreign humanitarian assistance training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Dec. 17, 2024. U.S. Marine and Navy personnel participated in FHA training to test personnel’s abilities to interact and aid humanitarian needs while providing regional stability and security. 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. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, detonate an explosive charge during an urban breaching range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 7, 2025. Marines rehearsed breaching techniques that increase their proficiency with operations in urban terrain which enhances tactical speed and tempo. 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, detonate an explosive charge during an urban breaching range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 7, 2025. Marines rehearsed breaching techniques that increase their proficiency with operations in urban terrain which enhances tactical speed and tempo. 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, conduct low light fast-roping during a helicopter rope suspension techniques course at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2025. The training allowed Marines to sustain HRST proficiency in preparation 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 low light fast-roping during a helicopter rope suspension techniques course at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2025. The training allowed Marines to sustain HRST proficiency in preparation 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. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-rope during a helicopter rope suspension techniques course at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2025. The training allowed Marines to sustain HRST proficiency in preparation 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 Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-rope during a helicopter rope suspension techniques course at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2025. The training allowed Marines to sustain HRST proficiency in preparation 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 Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, hold security during a
noncombatant evacuation operation training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on Dec. 18-19, 2024. A NEO
is the evacuation of civilians and nonessential military personnel from danger in an overseas country to a
designated safe haven. 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).

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, hold security during a noncombatant evacuation operation training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on Dec. 18-19, 2024. A NEO is the evacuation of civilians and nonessential military personnel from danger in an overseas country to a designated safe haven. 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

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board a vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2024. 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, 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. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board a vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2024. 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, 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. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews

A U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-ropes onto a vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 11, 2024. 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, 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. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-ropes onto a vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 11, 2024. 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, 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, unload fueling equipment from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Landing Zone Dodo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2024. A FARP is a multi-discipline operation that increases the speed of maneuver for aerial operations, utilizing expeditionary advanced base operations, enhancing strike capabilities by decreasing the distance required for refueling and rearming while increasing the range of combined-joint all domain operation capabilities. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

U.S Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, unload fueling equipment from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Landing Zone Dodo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2024. A FARP is a multi-discipline operation that increases the speed of maneuver for aerial operations, utilizing expeditionary advanced base operations, enhancing strike capabilities by decreasing the distance required for refueling and rearming while increasing the range of combined-joint all domain operation capabilities. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditonary Unit, practice paddling an enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft during a small boat sustainment training at Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan on Dec. 10, 2024. This training was conducted for the first time in the Indo-Pacific region in order to introduce the Marines to the newly fielded E-CRRC and increase their proficiecy for upcoming boat raids. The E-CRRC has an increased load carrying capacity as well as improved ride quality, speed, stability and seakeeping in heavy seas over the legacy CRRC. 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. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditonary Unit, practice paddling an enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft during a small boat sustainment training at Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan on Dec. 10, 2024. This training was conducted for the first time in the Indo-Pacific region in order to introduce the Marines to the newly fielded E-CRRC and increase their proficiecy for upcoming boat raids. The E-CRRC has an increased load carrying capacity as well as improved ride quality, speed, stability and seakeeping in heavy seas over the legacy CRRC. 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. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Rush, an engineer equipment operator with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands guard for a convoy as part of a movement process on GP304 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 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. Rush is a native of New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Rush, an engineer equipment operator with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands guard for a convoy as part of a movement process on GP304 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 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. Rush is a native of New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Braun, an imagery analysis specialist, left, Cpl. Ellijah Garcia, an intelligence specialist, center, and Lance Cpl. Christopher Guerrero, an infantry Marine, right, each with the 3rd Intelligence Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, disassemble a Furuno DRS4DNXT radar during a sensory expeditionary advanced base operation exercise at Ie Shima Training Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10, 2024. The exercise reinforced Marines’ abilities to gather maritime and airspace intelligence by employing radars and relaying the information back to commanders. 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. Braun is a native of Ohio, Garcia is a native of California and Guerrero is a native of Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Braun, an imagery analysis specialist, left, Cpl. Ellijah Garcia, an intelligence specialist, center, and Lance Cpl. Christopher Guerrero, an infantry Marine, right, each with the 3rd Intelligence Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, disassemble a Furuno DRS4DNXT radar during a sensory expeditionary advanced base operation exercise at Ie Shima Training Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10, 2024. The exercise reinforced Marines’ abilities to gather maritime and airspace intelligence by employing radars and relaying the information back to commanders. 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. Braun is a native of Ohio, Garcia is a native of California and Guerrero is a native of Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Ryan McGannon, the commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicates with his team over radio during a simulated motorized raid exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 7, 2024. The Marines conducted military operations on urbanized terrain to refine tactical interoperability and combat. 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. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Ryan McGannon, the commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicates with his team over radio during a simulated motorized raid exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 7, 2024. The Marines conducted military operations on urbanized terrain to refine tactical interoperability and combat. 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