A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a U.S. Air Forces Central Agile Combat Employment event, March 1, 2021. AFCENT’s ACE capstone event enhances theater airpower competencies, validating operational capabilities and command and control while simultaneously strengthening regional partnerships. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a U.S. Air Forces Central Agile Combat Employment event, March 1, 2021. AFCENT’s ACE capstone event enhances theater airpower competencies, validating operational capabilities and command and control while simultaneously strengthening regional partnerships. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

U.S Marines static line jump from a KC-130J Hercules over Drop Zone Basilone on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10. - U.S Marines static line jump from a KC-130J Hercules over Drop Zone Basilone on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10.

U.S. Marines conduct helicopter support team training during Integrated Training Exercise 1-21 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13. - U.S. Marines conduct helicopter support team training during Integrated Training Exercise 1-21 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 13.

U.S Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, run aboard a Navy improved navy lighterage system during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, Virginia, June 17, 2019. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario. - U.S Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, run aboard a Navy improved navy lighterage system during exercise Resolute Sun at Fort Story, Virginia, June 17, 2019. Marines participated in the exercise to increase combat operational readiness in amphibious and prepositioning operations while conducting joint training with U.S. Army during a joint logistics over the shore scenario.

A landing craft air cushion lands on Alvund Beach, Norway during an amphibious landing in support of Trident Juncture 18, Oct. 30, 2018. Trident Juncture provides a unique and challenging environment for Marines and Sailors to rehearse their amphibious capabilities which will result in a more ready and proficient fighting force. The LCACs originated from USS New York and showcased the ability of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to rapidly project combat power ashore. - A landing craft air cushion lands on Alvund Beach, Norway during an amphibious landing in support of Trident Juncture 18, Oct. 30, 2018. Trident Juncture provides a unique and challenging environment for Marines and Sailors to rehearse their amphibious capabilities which will result in a more ready and proficient fighting force. The LCACs originated from USS New York and showcased the ability of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to rapidly project combat power ashore.

U.S. Marines assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, brace while an entrance is breached during Eager Lion at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center, Jordan, April 18, 2018. As part of Eager Lion, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets practice and rehearse a range of critical capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore to promote stability in the region. - U.S. Marines assigned to the Maritime Raid Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, brace while an entrance is breached during Eager Lion at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center, Jordan, April 18, 2018. As part of Eager Lion, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets practice and rehearse a range of critical capabilities available to U.S. Central Command both afloat and ashore to promote stability in the region.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division prepare to launch an attack during the Eager Lion 16 final exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 24, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division prepare to launch an attack during the Eager Lion 16 final exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 24, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion engage targets during a squad attacks exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability. - Members of the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion engage targets during a squad attacks exercise in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19, 2016. Eager Lion is a recurring exercise between partner nations designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability, and enhance regional security and stability.

Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016,. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Sgt. Jeffrey L. Allen scopes out the terrain from his seat in a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016,. Allen, along with other crew chiefs and aircraft maintainers, may work up to 16 hours a day performing maintenance and checks on aircraft to ensure safe missions. Allen, from Ennis, Texas, is with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.