U.S. Marines, with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participate in a guided discussion about the Battle of Thermoplyae aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Sept. 6. The Battle of Thermoplyae, where the Spartans defended ancient Greece against the second Persian invasion in one of history’s most famous last stands, is frequently used as an example of warrior ethos in the Marine Corps. Noncomissioned officers (NCOs), Staff NCOs and officers meet weekly to discuss different leadership topics and how it applies today. The 22nd MEU is currently deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.