Lance Cpl. Clark P.E. Krupa, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Portland, Oreg, posts security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise at Kin Blue beach, Dec. 12. The Marines and sailors conducted the mission to increase their proficiency in rescuing downed personnel, providing the capability to conduct this mission within the Marine Air Ground Task Force rather than sourcing assets from other units. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Lance Cpl. Clark P.E. Krupa, a machine gunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Portland, Oreg, posts security during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise at Kin Blue beach, Dec. 12. The Marines and sailors conducted the mission to increase their proficiency in rescuing downed personnel, providing the capability to conduct this mission within the Marine Air Ground Task Force rather than sourcing assets from other units. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Lance Cpl. Ryan Downey, a rifleman with Company E., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rides in an Amphibious Assault Vehicle during a mechanized raid on a notional enemy base, Dec. 12. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package, designed to prepare the Marines of the MEU for the next regularly scheduled theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force of readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Lance Cpl. Ryan Downey, a rifleman with Company E., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rides in an Amphibious Assault Vehicle during a mechanized raid on a notional enemy base, Dec. 12. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package, designed to prepare the Marines of the MEU for the next regularly scheduled theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force of readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Alex G. Skutch, daughter of Maj. John P. Skutch, the logistics officer for the Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of New York, colors on a drawing during the 31st MEU’s Christmas party at the House of Pain gymnasium here, Dec. 12. The event provided an opportunity for the Marines and their families to spend time together, foster camaraderie and enjoy the holiday spirit. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Alex G. Skutch, daughter of Maj. John P. Skutch, the logistics officer for the Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of New York, colors on a drawing during the 31st MEU’s Christmas party at the House of Pain gymnasium here, Dec. 12. The event provided an opportunity for the Marines and their families to spend time together, foster camaraderie and enjoy the holiday spirit. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Marines with Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to land at Kin Blue beach in combat rubber raiding craft during a boat raid training event, Dec. 11. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package designed to prepare the Marines for the upcoming theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. - Marines with Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to land at Kin Blue beach in combat rubber raiding craft during a boat raid training event, Dec. 11. The exercise was part of the 31st MEU’s pre-deployment training package designed to prepare the Marines for the upcoming theater security deployment. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU.

Lance Cpl. Juan J. Cabreramartinez, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Long Beach, Calif., walks off the USS Germantown (LSD-42) here, Dec. 3, after spending more than two weeks assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines in disaster relief efforts during Operation Damayan. Elements of the 31st MEU left Okinawa within 96 hours of receiving the mission, departing on Nov. 17. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward deployed MEU. - Lance Cpl. Juan J. Cabreramartinez, an administrative specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Long Beach, Calif., walks off the USS Germantown (LSD-42) here, Dec. 3, after spending more than two weeks assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines in disaster relief efforts during Operation Damayan. Elements of the 31st MEU left Okinawa within 96 hours of receiving the mission, departing on Nov. 17. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only continuously forward deployed MEU.