A Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit takes a ground contamination reading before flying in a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter for further readings during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense course, August 19. The knowledge the Marines take away from this training will help support the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during their fall patrol. - A Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit takes a ground contamination reading before flying in a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter for further readings during a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense course, August 19. The knowledge the Marines take away from this training will help support the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during their fall patrol.

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit move to their objective during a Maritime Contingency Force Raid at Kadena Training Area 1, Aug. 16. The raid was in support of the MEU's upcoming fall patrol. - Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit move to their objective during a Maritime Contingency Force Raid at Kadena Training Area 1, Aug. 16. The raid was in support of the MEU's upcoming fall patrol.

Amphibious Assault Vehicles transport Marines from Camp Schwab to Landing Zone Dodo, at combat town, during a mock mechanized raid, Aug. 13. The AAV is designed to transport troops from an assault ship at sea, to a destination on shore. The Marines were conducting a mock mechanized assault in preparation for larger exercises they will participate in during the 31st MEU’s fall float. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza) - Amphibious Assault Vehicles transport Marines from Camp Schwab to Landing Zone Dodo, at combat town, during a mock mechanized raid, Aug. 13. The AAV is designed to transport troops from an assault ship at sea, to a destination on shore. The Marines were conducting a mock mechanized assault in preparation for larger exercises they will participate in during the 31st MEU’s fall float. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza)

1st Lt. Justin Bokert (left), platoon commander with Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicates to a forward squad on his radio during a simulated helicopter raid at LZ Dodo, Aug. 12. The helo raid was in support of the 31st MEU’s preparation for its fall patrol. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael A. Bianco) - 1st Lt. Justin Bokert (left), platoon commander with Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicates to a forward squad on his radio during a simulated helicopter raid at LZ Dodo, Aug. 12. The helo raid was in support of the 31st MEU’s preparation for its fall patrol. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael A. Bianco)

Marines with Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to launch Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts prior to conducting a simulated boat raid, Aug. 10. The boat raid was in support of the MEU’s preparation for its upcoming fall patrol. - Marines with Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to launch Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts prior to conducting a simulated boat raid, Aug. 10. The boat raid was in support of the MEU’s preparation for its upcoming fall patrol.

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit carry children on their shoulders and line up for a relay race during their visit to Nagomi Children’s Orphanage, August 6. Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Schwab and Camp Hansen often visit this orphanage to spend time with the children. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza) - Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit carry children on their shoulders and line up for a relay race during their visit to Nagomi Children’s Orphanage, August 6. Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Schwab and Camp Hansen often visit this orphanage to spend time with the children. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza)

Cmdr. Ray Bailey is pinned by his wife at Camp Hansen, August 2. Bailey has been the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Chaplain since 2008. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza) - Cmdr. Ray Bailey is pinned by his wife at Camp Hansen, August 2. Bailey has been the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Chaplain since 2008. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza)

Second Lt. Brett Howard, platoon commander for Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, teaches Marines how to pick alternate positions in case of compromise, August 3. The training prepares Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza) - Second Lt. Brett Howard, platoon commander for Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, teaches Marines how to pick alternate positions in case of compromise, August 3. The training prepares Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza)