Marines

Photos

Filter

1st Lt. Alex Cervantes, a field artillery officer with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team (BLT), 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), from Corona, California, graduated May of 2018 from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering before deciding to join the Marines. He commissioned in June 2018, his very first salute to his father, Benny Cervantez, who served from 1984-1992. Cervantez is currently serving with the 31st MEU aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

1st Lt. Alex Cervantes, a field artillery officer with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team (BLT), 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), from Corona, California, graduated May of 2018 from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering before deciding to join the Marines. He commissioned in June 2018, his very first salute to his father, Benny Cervantez, who served from 1984-1992. Cervantez is currently serving with the 31st MEU aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

Photo by Sgt. Audrey Rampton

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 17, 2020) 1st Lt. Rio Sarmiento, assigned to the 16th Space Control Squadron (SPCS), was administered the oath of office into the United States Space Force by U.S. Marine Col. Michael Nakonieczny, commanding officer of the 31st MEU, aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Sarmiento was transferred from being an Air Force Space Operations Officer to becoming the first Space Force Liaison Officer (LNO) deployed with the 31st MEU. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 17, 2020) 1st Lt. Rio Sarmiento, assigned to the 16th Space Control Squadron (SPCS), was administered the oath of office into the United States Space Force by U.S. Marine Col. Michael Nakonieczny, commanding officer of the 31st MEU, aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Sarmiento was transferred from being an Air Force Space Operations Officer to becoming the first Space Force Liaison Officer (LNO) deployed with the 31st MEU. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 15, 2020) Marines and a Sailor with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), assess a simulated casualty during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) mission from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 15, 2020) Marines and a Sailor with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), assess a simulated casualty during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) mission from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 9, 2020) A Marine with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), climbs down a caving ladder to board a rigid-hull inflatable boat from the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) to conduct a reconnaissance and surveillance training mission in preparation for a boat raid.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 9, 2020) A Marine with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), climbs down a caving ladder to board a rigid-hull inflatable boat from the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) to conduct a reconnaissance and surveillance training mission in preparation for a boat raid.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sep. 6, 2020) An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), flies past amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a communication exercise.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sep. 6, 2020) An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), flies past amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a communication exercise.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

PHIILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 11, 2020) Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) debark USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during a boat raid exercise.

PHIILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 11, 2020) Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) debark USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during a boat raid exercise.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham

Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit transport simulated casualties during a mass casualty drill, or Nightingale, aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 10, 2020.

Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit transport simulated casualties during a mass casualty drill, or Nightingale, aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 10, 2020.

Photo by Cpl. Brandon Salas

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced) prepares to take off from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 25, 2020.

An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced) prepares to take off from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 25, 2020.

Photo by Sgt. Dominic Clay

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2020) Marines with the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast rope out of a MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2020) Marines with the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast rope out of a MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).

Photo by Cpl. Brandon Salas

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), scan role-players posing as non-combatant evacuees for unauthorized items during simulated non-combatant evacuation operation at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2020.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), scan role-players posing as non-combatant evacuees for unauthorized items during simulated non-combatant evacuation operation at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2020.

Photo by Sgt. Audrey Rampton

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) Reconnaissance Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a visit, board, search and seizure rehearsal.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) Reconnaissance Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a visit, board, search and seizure rehearsal.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger

Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 (CAAT), Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clean the beach at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, July 25, 2020. At the conclusion of their training, CAAT-1 picked up trash that had washed up on the beach in order to leave the environment better than they found it. 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. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)

Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1 (CAAT), Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), clean the beach at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, July 25, 2020. At the conclusion of their training, CAAT-1 picked up trash that had washed up on the beach in order to leave the environment better than they found it. 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. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), set up security during Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) training at Camp Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 1, 2020. Simulated TRAP missions allow Marines to rehearse realistic scenarios to improve their proficiency in recovering personnel and 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), set up security during Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) training at Camp Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 1, 2020. Simulated TRAP missions allow Marines to rehearse realistic scenarios to improve their proficiency in recovering personnel and 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

Lance Cpl. Benjamin Carr, a tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M240 machine gun during a training exercise at a tail gun range off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2020. The training consisted of field carrier landing practice and live firing from an MV-22B Osprey Tiltrotor 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Lance Cpl. Benjamin Carr, a tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an M240 machine gun during a training exercise at a tail gun range off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2020. The training consisted of field carrier landing practice and live firing from an MV-22B Osprey Tiltrotor 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 premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

Lance Cpl Jon Marie Roth, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistic Battalion (CLB) 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), lays on a stretcher while posing as a combat casualty during a nightingale exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 29, 2020. During a nightingale, Marines and Sailors provide tactical combat casualty care and evacuation of combat casualties. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M.C. Rampton)

Lance Cpl Jon Marie Roth, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistic Battalion (CLB) 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), lays on a stretcher while posing as a combat casualty during a nightingale exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 29, 2020. During a nightingale, Marines and Sailors provide tactical combat casualty care and evacuation of combat casualties. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M.C. Rampton)

Photo by Sgt. Audrey Rampton

A Force Reconnaissance Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) Maritime Raid Force dives out of a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, during free fall training at le Jima, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2020. 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. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham)

A Force Reconnaissance Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) Maritime Raid Force dives out of a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, during free fall training at le Jima, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2020. 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. The 31st MEU has implemented strict health protection measures and will continue to conduct mission essential training in support of regional security and stability. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham

Lance Cpl. Darrek Proctor, a machine gunner with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), practices marksmanship fundamentals from the seated position on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7, 2020. 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. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew R. Bray)

Lance Cpl. Darrek Proctor, a machine gunner with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), practices marksmanship fundamentals from the seated position on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7, 2020. 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. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew R. Bray)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Bray

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. Marines and Sailors aboard the America regularly conduct flight operations while underway to maintain their readiness to respond to contingencies. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. Marines and Sailors aboard the America regularly conduct flight operations while underway to maintain their readiness to respond to contingencies. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)

Photo by Sgt. Audrey Rampton

Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines run to board a MV22B Osprey during aviation integration training at Futenma Air Station, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2020. The training was conducted with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Reinforced, to increase Interoperability (Interop) training. Interop enhances coordination and familiarizes subordinate elements with the unique mission set of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). 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 Sgt. Dominic Clay)

Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines run to board a MV22B Osprey during aviation integration training at Futenma Air Station, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2020. The training was conducted with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Reinforced, to increase Interoperability (Interop) training. Interop enhances coordination and familiarizes subordinate elements with the unique mission set of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). 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 Sgt. Dominic Clay)

Photo by Sgt. Dominic Clay

Col. Michael Nakonieczny, left, the oncoming commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and native of Buena Park, California, and Col. Robert Brodie, the departing commanding officer of the 31st MEU and a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, stand in front of the U.S. and unit colors at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 25, 2020. During Brodie’s two years in command of the 31st MEU, the unit completed four full unit-deployment cycles including training, exercises, and real-world operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. 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 Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)

Col. Michael Nakonieczny, left, the oncoming commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and native of Buena Park, California, and Col. Robert Brodie, the departing commanding officer of the 31st MEU and a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, stand in front of the U.S. and unit colors at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 25, 2020. During Brodie’s two years in command of the 31st MEU, the unit completed four full unit-deployment cycles including training, exercises, and real-world operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. 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 Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)

Photo by Sgt. Audrey Rampton