Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a platoon guide with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 31st MEU, who selflessly gave his life to save those he was serving with, was awarded the Navy Cross, the country’s second highest award. Peralta was killed during Operation Phantom Fury in 2004, when after being mortally wounded, smothered a grenade thrown at him and his Marines with his body. The 31st MEU is America’s only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains the nation’s force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. The MEU honors the meaning of Memorial Day through its commitment to being always ready and remembering the sacrifice of those who have given all. - Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a platoon guide with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 31st MEU, who selflessly gave his life to save those he was serving with, was awarded the Navy Cross, the country’s second highest award. Peralta was killed during Operation Phantom Fury in 2004, when after being mortally wounded, smothered a grenade thrown at him and his Marines with his body. The 31st MEU is America’s only continually forward-deployed MEU, and remains the nation’s force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. The MEU honors the meaning of Memorial Day through its commitment to being always ready and remembering the sacrifice of those who have given all.

Marines fire their M4A1 carbines during marksmanship training May 10 as a part of the Dynamic Assault Course at Camp Hansen’s Range 16. The Marines are from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Force Company, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and need the certification provided by the course to operate as a force reconnaissance platoon. ::r::::n:: - Marines fire their M4A1 carbines during marksmanship training May 10 as a part of the Dynamic Assault Course at Camp Hansen’s Range 16. The Marines are from Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Force Company, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and need the certification provided by the course to operate as a force reconnaissance platoon. ::r::::n::

Sgt. Maj. Gonzalo Vasquez (right), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit sergeant major, receives the non-commissioned officers’ sword from Col. Andrew R. MacMannis (left), 31st MEU commanding officer, during a Relief and Appointment Ceremony at the House of Pain Gymnasium, May 13. Vasquez assumed responsibilities as the senior enlisted advisor for the 31st MEU from Sgt. Maj. Jayme F. Winders. - Sgt. Maj. Gonzalo Vasquez (right), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit sergeant major, receives the non-commissioned officers’ sword from Col. Andrew R. MacMannis (left), 31st MEU commanding officer, during a Relief and Appointment Ceremony at the House of Pain Gymnasium, May 13. Vasquez assumed responsibilities as the senior enlisted advisor for the 31st MEU from Sgt. Maj. Jayme F. Winders.

Pfc. Brian C. Lippincott, a mechanic with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sticks to a Velcro wall during a barracks bash, May 6. The bash was thrown to help Marines and Sailors relax after a successful deployment. - Pfc. Brian C. Lippincott, a mechanic with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sticks to a Velcro wall during a barracks bash, May 6. The bash was thrown to help Marines and Sailors relax after a successful deployment.

Gene Shepherd, a Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps instructor, teaches Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit how to use the revolutionary system, May 2. The 31st MEU is the first MEU in the Marine Corps to utilize the system. - Gene Shepherd, a Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps instructor, teaches Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit how to use the revolutionary system, May 2. The 31st MEU is the first MEU in the Marine Corps to utilize the system.