SOUTHERN ARABIAN GULF (May 12, 2020) Aviation Boatswains’ Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Darren Gomez directs a CH-47F helicopter attached to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Joint Aviation Command (JAC) to land during flight operations aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3). Lewis B. Puller is 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. Navy photo by Chief Logistics Specialist Thomas Joyce)
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 21, 2020) Sgt. Andrew Bell, left, and Lance Cpl. Travis Clark, machine gunners, assigned to Weapons Platoon, Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), establish their defensive position during platoon-level training on Karan Island, Saudi Arabia, April 21, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU, supported by air power from the Aviation Combat Element of the ARG/MEU, including AV-8B Harriers and attack helicopters, are conducting routine sustainment training in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in order to enhance the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to employ low-signature, operationally relevant and strategically mobile crisis response forces to project power over key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 21, 2020) A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off after inserting Marines for platoon-level training on Karan Island, Saudi Arabia, April 21, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU, supported by air power from the Aviation Combat Element of the ARG/MEU, including AV-8B Harriers and attack helicopters, are conducting routine sustainment training in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in order to enhance the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to employ low-signature, operationally relevant and strategically mobile crisis response forces to project power over key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (April 20, 2020) Assault amphibious vehicles assigned to Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), land on the beach during amphibious raid training on Karan Island, Saudi Arabia, April 20, 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU are conducting routine sustainment training in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in order to enhance the Navy-Marine Corps team's ability to employ low-signature, operationally relevant and strategically mobile crisis response forces to project power over key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Pablo Morrison)
ARABIAN GULF (March 23, 2020) An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter with 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Heavy Attack Reconnaissance Squadron performs deck landing qualifications on the flight deck of the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3). Lewis B. Puller is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Haley Buker)
The amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), left, and guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transit the Strait of Hormuz ahead of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) April 3, 2020. Bataan, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gary Jayne III)
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) 161, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, participate in a helicopter support team exercise, Jan. 17, 2020. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a multiple force provider designed to employ ground, logistics and air capabilities throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Branden J. Bourque)
BAHRAIN (January 12, 2020) Marines with Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) conduct marksmanship proficiency training. Throughout the afternoon the Marines had their combat marksmanship skills put to the test by executing numerous rifle drills.
“The range is designed for the Marines to close with enemy combatants at close proximity and increase their accuracy,” said Capt. Benjamin M Griffith, a platoon commander with FASTCENT. “Everything we did throughout the day is geared towards the goal of being able to work together as a team.”
FASTCENT provides expeditionary anti-terrorism and security forces to reinforce embassies, consulates, and other vital national assets throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Anne K. Henry)
A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, fires a Mossberg 590A1 12-gauge shotgun during a non-lethal weapons training exercise, Jan. 18, 2020. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a multiple force provider designed to employ ground, logistics and air capabilities throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Branden J. Bourque)
A U.S. Marine assigned to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, photographs a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) during a tactical vehicle driving course in Kuwait, Dec. 21, 2019. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a quick reaction force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kyle C. Talbot)