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Marines

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A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), hovers over the flight deck of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a fast rope and rappel training exercise at sea, June 23, 2014. Elements of the 22nd MEU, embarked aboard Bataan, are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald/Released)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), hovers over the flight deck of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a fast rope and rappel training exercise at sea, June 23, 2014. Elements of the 22nd MEU, embarked aboard Bataan, are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), rappels out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a fast rope and rappel training exercise aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5), at sea, June 23, 2014. Elements of the 22nd MEU, embarked aboard Bataan, are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald/Released)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), rappels out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a fast rope and rappel training exercise aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5), at sea, June 23, 2014. Elements of the 22nd MEU, embarked aboard Bataan, are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), rappels out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a fast rope and rappel training exercise aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5), at sea, June 23, 2014. Elements of the 22nd MEU, embarked aboard Bataan, are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald/Released)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), rappels out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a fast rope and rappel training exercise aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5), at sea, June 23, 2014. Elements of the 22nd MEU, embarked aboard Bataan, are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Caleb McDonald

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) hold a loaded stretcher over their heads during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) hold a loaded stretcher over their heads during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Vanderkuur, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) data network specialist and native of Davison, Mich., lifts an ammo can during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Vanderkuur, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) data network specialist and native of Davison, Mich., lifts an ammo can during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) carry a simulated casualty during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) carry a simulated casualty during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) run in combat gear during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) run in combat gear during a physical conditioning drill as part of martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Vanderkuur, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) data network specialist and native of Davison, Mich., blocks and counters a forward strike during martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 27, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Vanderkuur, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) data network specialist and native of Davison, Mich., blocks and counters a forward strike during martial arts training. The Marines are conducting previously scheduled sustainment training to maintain proficiency and a high degree of readiness. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Austin Hazard

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 24, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct flight operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 24, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct flight operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Released)

Photo by Courtesy photo

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cory Thomas, right, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), communications chief and native of South Hill, Va., prepares to have a pie smashed in his face by Cpl. Konnor Moore, CLB-22 radio operator and native of Tremonton, Utah, as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cory Thomas, right, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), communications chief and native of South Hill, Va., prepares to have a pie smashed in his face by Cpl. Konnor Moore, CLB-22 radio operator and native of Tremonton, Utah, as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Vincent Young, right, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sergeant major and native of Bronx, N.Y., and Pfc. Rodney Corriveau, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd MEU, motor transport mechanic and native of Arcadia, Fla., smash each other in the face with pies as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Vincent Young, right, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sergeant major and native of Bronx, N.Y., and Pfc. Rodney Corriveau, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd MEU, motor transport mechanic and native of Arcadia, Fla., smash each other in the face with pies as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Craig Jenkins, right, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), food service specialist and New Orleans native, smashes a pie into the face of Staff Sgt. Emanuel Burton, CLB-22 mess chief and Cleveland native, as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Craig Jenkins, right, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), food service specialist and New Orleans native, smashes a pie into the face of Staff Sgt. Emanuel Burton, CLB-22 mess chief and Cleveland native, as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Emanuel Burton, left, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), mess chief and Cleveland native, begs not to have a pie smashed in his face by Cpl. Craig Jenkins, CLB-22 food service specialist and New Orleans native, as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Emanuel Burton, left, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), mess chief and Cleveland native, begs not to have a pie smashed in his face by Cpl. Craig Jenkins, CLB-22 food service specialist and New Orleans native, as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departs the flight deck of the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departs the flight deck of the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cory Thomas, left, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), communications chief and native of South Hill, Va., smashes a pie into the face of 1st Lt. Victor Szeligowski, CLB-22 communications officer and native of Newark, Ill., as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 18, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cory Thomas, left, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), communications chief and native of South Hill, Va., smashes a pie into the face of 1st Lt. Victor Szeligowski, CLB-22 communications officer and native of Newark, Ill., as part of a fundraiser to benefit a Marine Corps birthday ball, during a “Half-Way Day” celebration aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) to mark the approximate middle of the current deployment. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard an MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) wait to depart the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard an MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) wait to depart the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departs the flight deck of the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departs the flight deck of the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), board an MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) to depart the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), board an MV-22 Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) to depart the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in support of ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load ammunition into magazines aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) as they prepare to support ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Jun. 20, 2014) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load ammunition into magazines aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) as they prepare to support ongoing operations. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell

ARABIAN SEA (June 16, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Shaun Hansen, left, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), machine gunner and native of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Lance Cpl. Zachary Gulbronson, BLT 1/6 machine gunner and native of Wewahitchka, Fla., man an M240B machine gun and provide security as the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) transits the Strait of Hormuz on its way to the Arabian Gulf. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

ARABIAN SEA (June 16, 2014) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Shaun Hansen, left, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), machine gunner and native of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Lance Cpl. Zachary Gulbronson, BLT 1/6 machine gunner and native of Wewahitchka, Fla., man an M240B machine gun and provide security as the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) transits the Strait of Hormuz on its way to the Arabian Gulf. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lukas Atwell