15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response - Central Command 19.1, take a moment from their pre-deployment training program to speak about what they are thankful for at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 21, 2018. SPMAGTF-CR-CC 19.1 is tailor-designed to conducts crisis response, contingency operations, theater security cooperation, enabling operations and all other missions as may be directed throughout the CENTCOM (Central Command) area of operations in order to support the commander's objective. (U.S. motion media by Cpl. Zachary Catron)

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response - Central Command 19.1 conduct a Command Post Exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif, Sept. 10-13, 2018. The CPX focused on developing a fully functional command and control center capable of providing crisis response to forward units within a six-hour window. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Zachary Catron)

180713-M-JO645-1001 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 13, 2018) Canadian soldiers with the Royal 22e Régiment and Mexican marines with the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade train with U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, and 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on and around Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The partner forces conducted humanitarian assistance/ disaster relief demonstrations, live-fire combat exercises in realistic training environments to share best tactics, techniques and procedures. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Desiree King)

180713-M-JO645-1002 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 13, 2018) Mexican marines with the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade and Canadian soldiers with the Royal 22e Régiment train with U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, and 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on and around Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The partner forces conducted humanitarian assistance/ disaster relief demonstrations, live-fire combat exercises in realistic training environments to share best tactics, techniques and procedures. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Desiree King)

180713-M-JO645-1004 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 13, 2018) Mexican marines with the Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade and Canadian soldiers with the Royal 22e Régiment train with U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, and 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on and around Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The partner forces conducted humanitarian assistance/ disaster relief demonstrations, live-fire combat exercises in realistic training environments to share best tactics, techniques and procedures. RIMPAC demonstrates the value of amphibious forces and provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces enhancing the critical crisis response capability of U.S. forces and partners globally. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Desiree King)

180628-M-JO645-1004 MARINE CORPS CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (June 28, 2018) U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion and 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, conduct assault amphibious vehicle familiarization training with Canadian Armed Forces during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Camp Pendleton, California, June 28, 2018. Marines training with partner nations from around the world enhances prowess. RIMPAC provides high-value training for task-organized, highly-capable Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhances the critical crisis response capability of U.S. Marines in the Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps motion media by Cpl. Desiree King)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit hosted a combined change of command and relief and appointment ceremony on the Camp Del Mar parade deck, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 21, 2018. During the ceremony, Col. Joseph R. Clearfield and Sgt. Maj. Dennis K. Campbell, outgoing commanding officer and sergeant major respectively, transferred their duties and responsibilities to Col. Jay M. Holtermann and Sgt. Maj. Daniel E. Mangrum. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Desiree King)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Joshua D. Anderson, assumes command of Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB-15) from the former commanding officer, Lt. Col. James R. Stover during the unit’s Change of Command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California May 31, 2018. During the ceremony, family, friends and guests, attended the ceremony from local and distant locations to witness the traditional passing of accountability, authority and responsibility of the battalion from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Motion media by Gunnery Sgt. Jon Spencer)

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a game of ultimate frisbee on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 18, 2018. The unit resiliency program is designed to foster camaraderie and unit cohesion through team building physical training and scenario-based guided discussions. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Desiree King)

Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct annual swim qualifications at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, April 26, 2018. The swim qualification is to ensure Marines adhere to the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program standards and build a safer expeditionary force. (Marine Corps Video by Cpl. Jeremy Laboy)

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit discuss the benefits and impact of the unit’s Resiliency Program, April 24, 2018. The program, which was developed by the 15th MEU is designed to develop physical and mental toughness and foster camaraderie. Each week every member of the unit participates in a fun physical training activity and contributes personal perspective during a guided-discussion. (U.S. Marine Corps Motion Media by Gunnery Sgt. Jon Spencer)

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jim Myers, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit chaplain, explains the 'Tap Code,' a secret communication code developed by U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War as part of the unit’s resiliency training program, March 30, 2018. The program is designed to foster camaraderie and unit cohesion, where each member participates in a scenario-based guided discussion at the conclusion of a physical training session. (U.S. Marine Corps motion media by Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Spencer/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 2, 2017) -- The Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group return home after completing a seven-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Horn of Africa, Middle East and Mediterranean, this is their deployment video. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Hannah Perkins)

PACIFIC OCEAN - Sgt. Hunter Pfohl and Cpl. Yamilet Urena both Marine Corps martial arts instructors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit explain in their words what Marine Corps martial arts program is to them and why they teach it.

Flight operations are critical for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the combined capabilities of the Aviation Combat Element’s jet, helicopter, tiltrotor, and unmanned aircraft allows for a wide range of mission capabilities. These missions vary from long-range missile strikes, surveillance, to gear, equipment and troop transfers. Everyone is aware that the pilots and aircraft provide an important service to the operational requirements of the 15th MEU. However, little is known of the men and women who make all the flight operations possible.

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS -- Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Sailors with Amphibious America Ready Group (ARG) aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) celebrate new year on ship and send shotouts to their families, Jan. 1, 2017. The 15th MEU is embarked on the ARG and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F. Cordoba)

Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit endure a circuit while under the effects of Oleoresin Capsicum spray as part of a non-lethal weapons courseaboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Dec. 30, 2017 . The course teaches Marines how to properly implement the weapon systems and provide them with the confidence and knowledge to push through the effects of the non-lethal weapons. The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F. Cordoba)

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Iraq (Dec. 18, 2017) – U.S. Marines were deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force- Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. CJTF - OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Marines deployed in support of CJTF-OIR advice and assist Iraqi Security Forces as they liberate the country from ISIS. (U.S. Marine Corps videp by Cpl. Frank Cordoba)

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Marines prepares themselves mentally to be shot with a HEMI/X-29E Taser and O.C. Spray during a three-day Non-Lethal Weapons Course aboard USS America (LHA 6), Dec. 17-21, 2017. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and American Amphibious Ready Group are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team uses the Percussion Actuated Neutralizer to defuss an ordnance detonator device during ordnance disposal training aboard USS America (LHA 6), Dec. 16, 2017. The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are 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 the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps broll by Cpl. Timothy Valero)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 7, 2017) - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 and USS America give a motivating message to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy for this year's Army-Navy football game aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and to preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Hannah Perkins)

U.S 5th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS - Marines and Sailors with the Company A. of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Battalion Landing Team in action. The 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are 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 the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Timothy Valero)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group wish family and friends a happy Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 2017. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America ARG are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and to preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Hannah Perkins/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 23, 2017) Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer visited Sailors and Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the America Amphibious Ready Group aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) Thanksgiving Day. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video Sgt. Hannah Perkins)

A Marine bulk fuel specialist, supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, enables U.S. and coalition forces to further the fight against ISIS in Iraq. CJTF - OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Marines deployed in support of CJTF-OIR advice and assist Iraqi Security Forces as they liberate Al Qaim district from ISIS. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F. Cordoba)

Cpl. Smalling, a law enforcement Marine with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element, shares a little bit about himself and his deployment. Smalling, the 15th MEU and America Amphibious Ready Group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and to preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Battalion Landing Team started their portion of Alligator Dagger 17, a two-week combat rehearsal in Djibouti, to increase proficiency and readiness in the 5th Fleet area of operation, by reintroducing basic marksmanship skills and weapons familiarization. “This basic sustainment training keeps the Marines’ edges sharp so we maintain that constant force of readiness,” said Staff Sgt. Rogan Nichols, the platoon sergeant for third platoon, Company A. “This is why we are known as the force in readiness, and it’s what our MEU is prepared for.” The BLT culminated the training by conducting squad supported live-fire, fire-and-movement attacks, which incorporated company organic assets as wells scout snipers exercising the combat orders process. The BLT successfully completed all training expectations and reinforced the strength of their teams from the bottom up making the BLT as a whole fundamentally more effective and responsive. “This training helped the Marines get to the next tier of confidence in their weapons systems, intimately learning about their day and night optics and how to use both in low-light and other harsh situations, as well as built a familiarity with rest of their gear issued for deployment,” Nichols added. The Battalion Landing Team worked in extreme conditions to prepare themselves as well as the rest of the 15th MEU for seamless and quick response to crises situations even in the most unforgiving terrain and climate. “This exercise acclimated us to operating in 5th Fleet’s environment,” said 1st Lt. Patrick Neichter, the platoon commander of 2nd platoon, Company B. “Alligator Dagger was necessary so we are prepared to respond to any type of crises situation while the 15th MEU is operating in the 5th Fleet area of operation.” From heat acclamation and building and using terrain models to conduct live-fire squad attacks, the BLT built their confidence of the key leaders as well as the small unit leaders perfecting readiness, the Marines’ leadership skills and the overall abilities of the 15th MEU.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – Section chiefs with Battery C., Battalion Landing Team, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit explain in their own words why artillery is known as the king of battle. The battery Marines are participating in the Fire Support Coordination Exercise conducting fire missions in response to Joint Tactical Air Controllers call for fire against notional enemy positions during Alligator Dagger, Sept. 8, 2017. Alligator Dagger is an opportunity for the Blue-Green team to demonstrate they are a strong, flexible force ready to execute crisis response missions within the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The MEU-ARG’s flexibility to conduct aggregated or disaggregated operations makes it uniquely suited to consistently respond to mission sets TF 51/5 may task at particularly decisive points for combat operations or humanitarian missions setting them apart from their forward deployed counterparts.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F Cordoba)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 8, 2017) Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force conduct a visit, board, search and seizure mission aboard USS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB 3) during exercise Alligator Dagger 2017. VBSSs are conducted to capture and control a suspected enemy vessel in order to combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling operations on the sea. Available expeditionary Navy/Marine Corps forces stand ready aboard ships to assure allies, deter potential adversaries and provide persistent U.S. presence. Alligator Dagger provides opportunity to enhance capabilities in critical mission sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Capt. Maida Zheng/Released)"