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Marines

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Marine Raiders with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, transition out of the water during a simulated underwater assault force night-raid in Los Angeles, California, Sept. 3, 2015. Training such as this is conducted to meet Special Operations Forces dive requirements and to enhance the understanding, planning and operational considerations when working in a joint operational environment with both special operations and conventional Marine Corps forces. 1st Marine Raider Battalion is organized, trained and equipped to deploy for worldwide missions as directed by MARSOC in support of their regionally-aligned Theater Special Operations Command.

Marine Raiders with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, transition out of the water during a simulated underwater assault force night-raid in Los Angeles, California, Sept. 3, 2015. Training such as this is conducted to meet Special Operations Forces dive requirements and to enhance the understanding, planning and operational considerations when working in a joint operational environment with both special operations and conventional Marine Corps forces. 1st Marine Raider Battalion is organized, trained and equipped to deploy for worldwide missions as directed by MARSOC in support of their regionally-aligned Theater Special Operations Command.

Photo by Sgt Scott A Achtemeier

Lt. Col. Jack R. Christensen, retired, a World War II Marine Raider, holds a handmade staff under his arm at the 2015 Marine Raider Reunion in San Antonio, Aug. 30, 2015. An active duty Raider with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command whittled the staff himself, and included an ornate Raider insignia from World War II, as well as the MARSOC insignia into the walking-stick’s design. He donated the staff to the U.S. Marine Raider Association and Foundation to be used by a Raider in need of assistance while walking. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Lt. Col. Jack R. Christensen, retired, a World War II Marine Raider, holds a handmade staff under his arm at the 2015 Marine Raider Reunion in San Antonio, Aug. 30, 2015. An active duty Raider with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command whittled the staff himself, and included an ornate Raider insignia from World War II, as well as the MARSOC insignia into the walking-stick’s design. He donated the staff to the U.S. Marine Raider Association and Foundation to be used by a Raider in need of assistance while walking. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox

A Critical Skills Operator with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command uses a saw to cut through a metal door to gain entry on a building during Marine Special Operation School's Master Breacher's Course, at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 20, 2015. The Master Breacher course instructs Critical Skills Operators on how to overcome obstacles such as walls, fences and doors via a range of breaching methods including mechanical, ballistic, thermal and explosive. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Scott A. Achtemeier / Released)

A Critical Skills Operator with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command uses a saw to cut through a metal door to gain entry on a building during Marine Special Operation School's Master Breacher's Course, at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 20, 2015. The Master Breacher course instructs Critical Skills Operators on how to overcome obstacles such as walls, fences and doors via a range of breaching methods including mechanical, ballistic, thermal and explosive. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Scott A. Achtemeier / Released)

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

General Joseph L. Votel (front-left), commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, prepares to ride an M-RZR 4 all-terrain vehicle from the 1st Marine Raider Battalion headquarters building to the nearby beach to speak with critical skills operators, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 5, 2015. The ride allowed Gen. Votel to experience first-hand the capabilities of the unit's all-terrain vehicles.

General Joseph L. Votel (front-left), commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, prepares to ride an M-RZR 4 all-terrain vehicle from the 1st Marine Raider Battalion headquarters building to the nearby beach to speak with critical skills operators, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 5, 2015. The ride allowed Gen. Votel to experience first-hand the capabilities of the unit's all-terrain vehicles.

Photo by Sgt. Lia N. Gamero

Colonel Michael J. Borgschulte, Marine Aircraft Group 39 commanding officer, explains some of the capabilities of the UH-1Y Huey to Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command during a tour of MAG 39's aircraft aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug 5, 2015. The tour of the aircraft concluded Gen. Votel's visit aboard MCB Camp Pendleton, Calif., after visiting 1st Marine Raider Regiment and touring their facilities.

Colonel Michael J. Borgschulte, Marine Aircraft Group 39 commanding officer, explains some of the capabilities of the UH-1Y Huey to Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command during a tour of MAG 39's aircraft aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug 5, 2015. The tour of the aircraft concluded Gen. Votel's visit aboard MCB Camp Pendleton, Calif., after visiting 1st Marine Raider Regiment and touring their facilities.

Photo by Sgt. Lia N. Gamero

General Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, speaks with critical skills operators during a visit to 1st Marine Raider Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 5, 2015. Gen. Votel's visit included a tour of the Hall of Heroes, the medical clinic and a town hall will members of the unit.

General Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, speaks with critical skills operators during a visit to 1st Marine Raider Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 5, 2015. Gen. Votel's visit included a tour of the Hall of Heroes, the medical clinic and a town hall will members of the unit.

Photo by Sgt. Lia N. Gamero

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, presents Col. Archibald M. Mclellan a Legion of Merit medal for his exemplary performance as the Marine Raider Support Group commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 2, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox)

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, presents Col. Archibald M. Mclellan a Legion of Merit medal for his exemplary performance as the Marine Raider Support Group commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 2, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox)

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.—Colonel Neil C. Schuehle relinquishes command of Marine Special Operations School to Col. Brett A. Bourne during a change-of-command ceremony at the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 1, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee/released)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.—Colonel Neil C. Schuehle relinquishes command of Marine Special Operations School to Col. Brett A. Bourne during a change-of-command ceremony at the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 1, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee/released)

Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee

Major Michael G. Carle, Marine Raider Regiment adjutant, salutes the colors during the playing of the National Anthem at the MRR change of command ceremony at the Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Major Michael G. Carle, Marine Raider Regiment adjutant, salutes the colors during the playing of the National Anthem at the MRR change of command ceremony at the Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee

Colonel Peter Huntley, the Marine Raider Regiment commander, spoke briefly to the audience during a change of command ceremony at the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Colonel Peter Huntley, the Marine Raider Regiment commander, spoke briefly to the audience during a change of command ceremony at the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee

Colonel Andrew R. Milburn, the outgoing Marine Raider Regiment commander, spoke briefly to the audience during a change of command ceremony at the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Colonel Andrew R. Milburn, the outgoing Marine Raider Regiment commander, spoke briefly to the audience during a change of command ceremony at the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee

(Left to right) Colonel Andrew R. Milburn, the outgoing Marine Raider Regiment commander, Col. Peter Huntley, the oncoming Marine Raider Regiment commander, and Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, salute the colors during the pass and review of the MRR change of command ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

(Left to right) Colonel Andrew R. Milburn, the outgoing Marine Raider Regiment commander, Col. Peter Huntley, the oncoming Marine Raider Regiment commander, and Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, salute the colors during the pass and review of the MRR change of command ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee

Colonel Andrew Milburn, right, relinquishes command of Marine Raider Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, symbolized by the passing of the colors to Col. Peter Huntley during the change of command ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Colonel Andrew Milburn, right, relinquishes command of Marine Raider Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, symbolized by the passing of the colors to Col. Peter Huntley during the change of command ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee

Sergeant Maj. Felix W. Acosta, Marine Raider Regiment sergeant major, delivers the colors during the MRR change of command ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Sergeant Maj. Felix W. Acosta, Marine Raider Regiment sergeant major, delivers the colors during the MRR change of command ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 26, 2015.

Photo by Sgt. Donovan Lee

Lieutenant Col. Benjamin J. Pappas relinquishes command of 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, to Lt. Col. Craig A. Wolfenbarger during a ceremony atMARSOC headquarters on Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox)

Lieutenant Col. Benjamin J. Pappas relinquishes command of 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, to Lt. Col. Craig A. Wolfenbarger during a ceremony atMARSOC headquarters on Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox)

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox

Lieutenant Col. Brian Rideout passes the U.S. Marine Corps flag to Maj. Edward Norris during the 3rd Marine Special Operations Support Battalion, Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, change-of-command ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2015. Rideout relinquished command of the battalion to Norris during the ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Lieutenant Col. Brian Rideout passes the U.S. Marine Corps flag to Maj. Edward Norris during the 3rd Marine Special Operations Support Battalion, Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, change-of-command ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2015. Rideout relinquished command of the battalion to Norris during the ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, takes his position during the MARSOC re-designation ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 19, 2015. The ceremony was held to officially adopt the name Marine Raider, carrying on the heritage and legacy passed along by the Raiders of World War II. During the ceremony, the units' colors were cased and their new colors were unveiled.

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, takes his position during the MARSOC re-designation ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 19, 2015. The ceremony was held to officially adopt the name Marine Raider, carrying on the heritage and legacy passed along by the Raiders of World War II. During the ceremony, the units' colors were cased and their new colors were unveiled.

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox

Corporal Rosalie Nolan, a motor transport operator with Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, inspects a seven-ton tactical vehicle with one of her Marines at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 11, 2015. Nolan was selected as Motor Transport Operator of the Year, one of the categories in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Motor Transport Association Awards. Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, MARSOC, officially awarded Nolan during a ceremony June 1, 2015, here.

Corporal Rosalie Nolan, a motor transport operator with Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, inspects a seven-ton tactical vehicle with one of her Marines at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 11, 2015. Nolan was selected as Motor Transport Operator of the Year, one of the categories in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Motor Transport Association Awards. Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, MARSOC, officially awarded Nolan during a ceremony June 1, 2015, here.

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox

Corporal Rosalie Nolan, a motor transport operator with Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, poses for a photograph with Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, MARSOC, following a ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 1, 2015. Nolan was selected as Motor Transport Operator of the Year, one of the categories in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Motor Transport Association Awards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Corporal Rosalie Nolan, a motor transport operator with Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, poses for a photograph with Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, MARSOC, following a ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 1, 2015. Nolan was selected as Motor Transport Operator of the Year, one of the categories in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Motor Transport Association Awards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox

Corporal Rosalie Nolan, a motor transport operator with Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, stands at attention as Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, MARSOC, and 1st Sgt. Darnell E. Patton, MSOSG acting sergeant major, award her during a ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 1, 2015. Nolan was selected as the Motor Transport Operator of the Year, one of the categories in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Motor Transport Association Awards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Corporal Rosalie Nolan, a motor transport operator with Marine Special Operations Support Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, stands at attention as Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, MARSOC, and 1st Sgt. Darnell E. Patton, MSOSG acting sergeant major, award her during a ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 1, 2015. Nolan was selected as the Motor Transport Operator of the Year, one of the categories in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Motor Transport Association Awards. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Fox/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Steven Fox