Pacifica

Ready to strike by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
February 15, 2011, A U.S. Marine with Company E, Battalion Landing Team (BLT), 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), sights in with his weapon during a patrol through the jungle in Recon Camp, Kingdom of Thailand, in support of Exercise Cobra Gold 2011. For three decades, Thailand has hosted Cobra Gold, one of the largest land-based, joint, combined military training exercises in the world. A successful Cobra Gold 2011 results in increased operational readiness of U.S. and Thai forces and matured military to military relations between the two countries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Brennan O’Lowney/Released)

Fast rope training keeps Marines ready by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force, participates in fast rope sustainment training Feb. 4. The training helps to ensure the MEU’s ability to remain always ready to respond to any contingency operation throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The view from the sky by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
BAN CHAN KREM, Kingdom of Thailand—A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Air Combat Element, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Forward, III Marine Expeditionary Force, circles over the training area ensuring that it is clear for the beginning of training here February 11 during Cobra Gold 2011. The training area would be used for live-fire weapons training, Military Operations in Urban Terrain, improvised explosive device, combat lifesaver and jungle survival training by Ground Combat Element, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Forward, III Marine Expeditionary Force, along with Royal Thai and Republic of Korea Marines. Cobra Gold is a yearly, multinational training exercise hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand designed to improve partner nation interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Mark W. Stroud/Released)

Marines clear debris after tsunami in Japan by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Battalion Landing Team (BLT), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), pick up debris during a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief mission at Uranohama Port, Oshima Island, Japan, in support of Operation Tomodachi. The 31st MEU’s involvement is part of a larger U.S. government response, after a 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan causing widespread damage. The 31st MEU is ready to support our Japanese partners and to provide assistance when called upon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brennan O’Lowney/Released)

Marines continue Excercise Cobra Gold drills in Thailand by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
February 11, 2011, A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), signals to Royal Thai Marines during a simulated mechanized raid in AAV Camp, Kingdom of Thailand, for Exercise Cobra Gold 2011. Cobra Gold improves participating nations’ ability to conduct relevant and dynamic training, while strengthening relationships between the militaries and local communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Brennan O’Lowney/Released)

Cleared for landing by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
February 14, 2011, A U.S. Marine with the Special Operations Training Group (SOTG), III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), observes a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter carrying U.S. Marines with Company G, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st MEU, as it lands during a mock Tactical Rescue of Aviation Personnel (TRAP) mission, in Hat Yao, Kingdom of Thailand, for Exercise Cobra Gold 2011. For three decades, Thailand has hosted Cobra Gold, one of the largest land-based, joint, combined military training exercises in the world. A successful Cobra Gold 2011 results in increased operational readiness of U.S. and Thai forces and matured military to military relations between the two countries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Brennan O’Lowney/Released)

Red Dragons take flight by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A CH-46E Sea Knight, with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 “Red Dragons,” flies toward USS Makin Island after a live fire exercise during Exercise Iron Fist here Feb. 27. Marines, with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, attached to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and soldiers, with the Japanese Western Army Infantry Regiment, are participating in the bilateral training to enhance the services interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elyssa Quesada)

A Sea Knight helicopter lands at an improvised landing zone in support of Operation Tomodachi by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
SENDAI, Japan – A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), lands at an improvised landing zone in Sendai March 14 as part of Operation Tomodachi. Personnel with III MEF (Fwd) established a humanitarian assistance center here to assist the Government of Japan-led relief efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck mainland Japan March 11. (Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Leo A. Salinas/Released)

Marines simulate mechanized raid by United States Marine Corps Official Page on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
February 11, 2011, Royal Thai Marines provide security during a simulated mechanized raid conducted with U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), in AAV Camp, Kingdom of Thailand, for Exercise Cobra Gold 2011. Cobra Gold 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the exercise which focuses on basic military skills training, staff planning, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Brennan O’Lowney/Released)