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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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct platoon level coordination on the objective during a limited scale raid exercise at Sam Hill Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 1, 2025. Following a ship-to-shore insert, the Marines conducted the limited scale raid night exercise to demonstrate operational proficiency. 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)

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct platoon level coordination on the objective during a limited scale raid exercise at Sam Hill Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 1, 2025. Following a ship-to-shore insert, the Marines conducted the limited scale raid night exercise to demonstrate operational proficiency. 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 with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct ship-to-shore movement, utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft, in the Coral Sea, June 29, 2025. Marines conducted the ship to shore movement in order to improve amphibious raid capabilities and sustain small boat skills. 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)

U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct ship-to-shore movement, utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft, in the Coral Sea, June 29, 2025. Marines conducted the ship to shore movement in order to improve amphibious raid capabilities and sustain small boat skills. 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

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off during flight operations aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 2025. Marines and Sailors conducted flight operations in order to expand mission capabilities in support of the 31st MEU. 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)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off during flight operations aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 2025. Marines and Sailors conducted flight operations in order to expand mission capabilities in support of the 31st MEU. 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. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, attach an AIM-9X-2 missile to a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA 242 during an ordnance load aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America, in the Coral Sea, June 29, 2025. Marines with VMFA 242 arm F-35Bs with multi-discipline strike capabilities 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 Sgt. Peter Rawlins)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, attach an AIM-9X-2 missile to a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to VMFA 242 during an ordnance load aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America, in the Coral Sea, June 29, 2025. Marines with VMFA 242 arm F-35Bs with multi-discipline strike capabilities 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 Sgt. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, search the vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 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)

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, search the vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 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 with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a patrol through the forest during a simulated night raid at Shoalwater Bay training area, Queensland, Australia, June 26, 2025. The raid simulated employing Marines to rapidly capture and control objectives essential to operations. 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)

U.S. Marines with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a patrol through the forest during a simulated night raid at Shoalwater Bay training area, Queensland, Australia, June 26, 2025. The raid simulated employing Marines to rapidly capture and control objectives essential to operations. 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 Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, board the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22) utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft during launch and recovery drills, in the Coral Sea, June 25, 2025. Marines conducted launch and recovery drills in order to improve amphibious raid capabilities and sustain small boat skills. 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)

U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, board the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22) utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft during launch and recovery drills, in the Coral Sea, June 25, 2025. Marines conducted launch and recovery drills in order to improve amphibious raid capabilities and sustain small boat skills. 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. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, search for a simulated casualty during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel simulation at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, June 26, 2025. The TRAP simulation showcased advanced trauma life support capabilities and evaluated the platoon’s rapid response and recovery tactics of downed aircraft, personnel and equipment in isolated locations. 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)

U.S. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, search for a simulated casualty during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel simulation at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, June 26, 2025. The TRAP simulation showcased advanced trauma life support capabilities and evaluated the platoon’s rapid response and recovery tactics of downed aircraft, personnel and equipment in isolated locations. 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

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a low altitude air delivery during air delivery operations training at Kapyong drop zone, Williamson Airfield, Australia, June 25, 2025. Marines showcased their capabilities in rapid, expeditionary logistics, a critical skill for maintaining readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. 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)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a low altitude air delivery during air delivery operations training at Kapyong drop zone, Williamson Airfield, Australia, June 25, 2025. Marines showcased their capabilities in rapid, expeditionary logistics, a critical skill for maintaining readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. 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

U.S. Marines with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a Multi-purpose Anti-tank Anti-personnel Weapon System at a simulated machine gun bunker during a live-fire platoon attack exercise at Shoalwater Bay training area, Queensland, Australia, June 23, 2025. Marines participated in training that showcased a high degree of tactical proficiency, lethal firepower, and reinforced their combat readiness through realistic scenario-based training. 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)

U.S. Marines with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a Multi-purpose Anti-tank Anti-personnel Weapon System at a simulated machine gun bunker during a live-fire platoon attack exercise at Shoalwater Bay training area, Queensland, Australia, June 23, 2025. Marines participated in training that showcased a high degree of tactical proficiency, lethal firepower, and reinforced their combat readiness through realistic scenario-based training. 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