U.S.M.C. Battalion Landing Team 1/2

120329-N-NN926-065 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 29, 2012) Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1/2 pilot amphibious assault vehicles into the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) as the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) transits nearby. New York is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund/Released)

Marine Sniper Headshot at 625 Yards | Military.com

Marine Sniper Headshot at 625 Yards | Military.com

LCU-1681

120313-N-KS651-483 ARABIAN GULF (March 13, 2012) Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1681 approaches the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). Pearl Harbor and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Behnke/Released)

LCACs

120311-N-UZ986-041 ARABIAN SEA (March 11, 2012) Landing craft air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 approach the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gabriel Owens/Released)

Landing Craft Utility (LCU-1654)

120109-N-SB587-153 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 9, 2012) Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1654, attached to Assault Craft Unit 2, prepares to offload vehicles onto the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is conducting crew certifications in preparation for future amphibious operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corbin Shea/Released)

Rubber Raiding Craft

120301-N-SS993-569 U.S. 7th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Mar. 1, 2012) Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) recover at the stern gate of the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) after a night exercise in combat rubber raiding craft. Tortuga, part of The Essex Amphibious Readiness Group, is underway on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Crosby/Released)

Target Practice

120219-N-UH337-086 HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Feb. 19, 2012) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 approach their targets at a firing range at Camp Leatherneck to check for shooting accuracy. NMCB-11 is deployed to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael/Released)

Landing Craft Utility (LCU)

120210-N-LP801-057 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 10, 2012) A landing craft utility (LCU) deploys Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) during Cobra Gold 2012. The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), with embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), is underway supporting Cobra Gold, an annual Thai-U.S. co-sponsored joint and multinational exercise designed to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region and enhance interoperability with participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Raul Moreno Jr./Released)

Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV)

120206-N-KB666-211 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) Amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) make their way toward the shore during an amphibious assault exercise as part of Bold Alligator 2012. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday/Released)

LCACs (Landing Craft Air-Cushioned)

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120206-N-VG904-136 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) Landing craft air cushions prepare to come ashore after departing the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Gagnier/Released)

AAVs (Amphibious Assault Vehicles)

120206-N-VG904-065 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) Amphibious assault vehicles come ashore after departing the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Gagnier/Released)

AAVs (Amphibious Assault Vehicles)

120206-N-VG904-027 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) Amphibious assault vehicles operate on Onslow Beach near the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) during the amphibious assault phase of Bold Alligator 2012. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tom Gagnier/Released)

Exercise Bold Alligator 2012

120207-N-RB579-149 PINEY ISLAND, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2012) Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) Advance Force Element (AFE) provide rear security as their element moves toward an extraction site with a recovered downed pilot in a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) evolution during amphibious exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Davies/Released)

Marines Board a Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight

120208-N-KB563-448 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 6, 2012) Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) board a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during flight quarters aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is participating in Exercise Iron Fist 2012. Iron Fist is a training exercise between U.S. Marines and the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force designed to increase interoperability and amphibious capabilities throughout U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell/Released)

Sikorsky MH-60S Sea Hawk

120205-N-RR095-052 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 5, 2012) A search and rescue swimmer signals all clear after jumping from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, during a search and rescue training exercise. HSC-23 is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephen D. Doyle II/Released)

RCB (Riverine Command Boat)

120207-N-YX920-291 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2012) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 board a riverine assault boat after executing a hot extract drill during Exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lynn Friant/Released)

AAV and U.S.S. New Orleans (LPD-18)

120203-N-PB383-546 ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 3, 2012) Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) drive amphibious assault vehicles into the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro/Released)

LCAC (Landing Craft Air-Cushioned) and U.S.S. Wasp (LSD-1)

120201-N-VL218-009 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 1, 2012) Landing Craft Air-Cushion (LCAC) 37 maneuvers off the coast of North Carolina during the coalition exercise Bold Alligator 2012 as the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) is seen in the background. Bold Alligator 2012 is the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of sea basing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edwin F. Bryan/Released)

McDonnell-Douglas AV-8B Harrier

120202-N-EC658-024 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 2, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Travion Humphrey, from Sacramento, Calif., renders a salute to an AV-8B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 263 during the squadron's post-deployment fly-off from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, which is returning from a 10 1/2-month deployment, the longest for a U.S. Navy ship since the early 1970s. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV)

120206-N-KB666-082 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) French forces practice an amphibious landing during a Bold Alligator 2012 amphibious landing exercise. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday/Released)

Landing Craft Air-Cushioned (LCAC) and Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV)

120206-N-KB666-034 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) An amphibious assault vehicle is offloaded from a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) during a Bold Alligator 2012 amphibious landing exercise. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday/Released)

Landing Craft Air-Cushioned (LCAC)

120206-N-KB666-048 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) returns to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a Bold Alligator 2012 amphibious landing exercise. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday/Released)

Landing Craft Air-Cushioned (LCAC)

120206-N-KB666-299 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) A landing craft air cushioned (LCAC) from the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) comes ashore during an amphibious assault exercise as part of Bold Alligator 2012. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday/Released)

Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) and U.S.S. Wasp (LHD-1)

120201-N-GF386-477 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 1, 2012) Marines aboard an amphibious assault vehicle pass the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) en route to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012 is the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of sea basing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Vargas/Released)

Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) and U.S.S. Wasp (LHD-1)

120202-N-NU634-356.jpg 120202-N-NU634-356 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 2, 2012) An amphibious assault vehicle navigates toward the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Darien G. Kenney/Released)

Marines debark a Landing Craft Utility (LCU)

111121-N-KA046-059 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 21, 2011) Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) debark a landing craft utility (LCU) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 in the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Turner/Released)

McDonnell-Douglas AV-8B Harrier

120202-N-UM734-412 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 2, 2012) A Marine assigned to Marine Fighter Squadron (VMA) 231 inspects an AV-8B Harrier before flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012, afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tommy Lamkin/Released)

Shore Bombardment by U.S.S. Nitze (DDG-94)

120131-N-AP176-153 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 31, 2012) A projectile exits the barrel of the MK-45 5-inch/.54-caliber lightweight gun during a live-fire exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94). Nitze is underway participating in exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton/Released)

Exercise Bold Alligator 2012

120202-N-NX489-119 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Feb. 2, 2012) U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) set up communications during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise as part of Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez/Released)

LCAC (Landing Craft Air-Cushioned)

120201-N-VL218-011 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 1, 2012) Landing craft air cushions approach the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) off the coast of North Carolina during the coalition exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012 is the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of sea basing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edwin F. Bryan/Released)

Landing Craft Utility

120202-N-WV964-073 JAPAN (Feb. 2, 2012) Seaman Brandon Snook removes chains from a landing craft utility in the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). The ship pulled into Okinawa to embark Marines participating in Cobra Gold 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon/Released)

LCAC (Landing Craft Air-Cushioned) and Medium Tactical Vehicle

120131-N-SB587-163 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Jan. 31, 2012) A medium tactical replacement vehicle is embarked aboard a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 during Bold Alligator 2012. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. The exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corbin J. Shea/Released)

U.S.S. New York (LPD-21) and Riverine Command Boat 803

120201-N-PC102-184 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 1, 2012) Electricians Mate 3rd Class Zach Duffey, assigned to Riverine Command Boat 803, attached to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 2, mans a .50-caliber machine gun while conducting security escort operations for ships transiting out to sea through the inner coastal waterways of North Carolina, during exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class R. Jason Brunson/Released)

Amphibious Assault Vehicles enter Welldeck of U.S.S. New York (LPD-21)

120129-N-QM601-255 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2012) Amphibious assault vehicles from battalion landing team (BLT) 1/2 of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) enter the welldeck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) during a certification exercise (CERTEX). The CERTEX is the final qualification before a scheduled spring deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Recruit Scott Youngblood/Released)

LCACs

120130-N-GZ228-055 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 30, 2012) Landing craft air cushions approach the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator is the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesse Monford/Released)

McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

U.S.S. Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) and Landing Craft

120114-N-KS651-120 ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 14, 2012) A landing craft air cushion prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). Pearl Harbor and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Behnke/Released)