An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

Photos

Filter

A U.S. Marine Critical Skills Operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, guides himself to a dropzone in the Arizona desert, during a double-bag static line (DBSL) parachute training course, Aug 25, 2014. The DBSL course was an introduction to the High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO) insertion method utilized by Special Operations Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven M. Fox/Released)

A U.S. Marine Critical Skills Operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, guides himself to a dropzone in the Arizona desert, during a double-bag static line (DBSL) parachute training course, Aug 25, 2014. The DBSL course was an introduction to the High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO) insertion method utilized by Special Operations Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven M. Fox/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven Fox

A Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with Critical Skill Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. Throughout the 10-day training evolution, Marines with 2/8 played the role of a notional partner nation force, while MARSOC Critical Skills Operators and Special Operations Officers advised, trained and assisted 2/8, increasing both MARSOC’s and 2/8’s ability to advise, train and assist partner nation forces throughout the globe.

A Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug. 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with Critical Skill Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. Throughout the 10-day training evolution, Marines with 2/8 played the role of a notional partner nation force, while MARSOC Critical Skills Operators and Special Operations Officers advised, trained and assisted 2/8, increasing both MARSOC’s and 2/8’s ability to advise, train and assist partner nation forces throughout the globe.

Photo by Capt. Barry Morris

Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, capture a role player identified as a notional high value target during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with MARSOC to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. In addition to partner nation force training, 2/8 Marines learned specialized techniques used by MARSOC to conduct short strikes and small-scale offensive actions to seize, capture and recover critical information and high value targets and persons of interest.

Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, capture a role player identified as a notional high value target during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with MARSOC to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. In addition to partner nation force training, 2/8 Marines learned specialized techniques used by MARSOC to conduct short strikes and small-scale offensive actions to seize, capture and recover critical information and high value targets and persons of interest.

Photo by Capt. Barry Morris

A CH-53 Sea Stallion from Heavy Marine Helicopter squadron 464 inserts Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command into a helicopter landing zone during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with MARSOC to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. Throughout the 10-day training evolution, Marines with 2/8 played the role of a notional partner nation force, while MARSOC Critical Skills Operators and Special Operations Officers advised, trained and assisted 2/8, increasing both MARSOC’s and 2/8’s ability to advise, train and assist partner nation forces throughout the globe.

A CH-53 Sea Stallion from Heavy Marine Helicopter squadron 464 inserts Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and Critical Skills Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command into a helicopter landing zone during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with MARSOC to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. Throughout the 10-day training evolution, Marines with 2/8 played the role of a notional partner nation force, while MARSOC Critical Skills Operators and Special Operations Officers advised, trained and assisted 2/8, increasing both MARSOC’s and 2/8’s ability to advise, train and assist partner nation forces throughout the globe.

Photo by Capt. Barry Morris

A Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with Critical Skill Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. Throughout the 10-day training evolution, Marines with 2/8 played the role of a notional partner nation force, while MARSOC Critical Skills Operators and Special Operations Officers advised, trained and assisted 2/8, increasing both MARSOC’s and 2/8’s ability to advise, train and assist partner nation forces throughout the globe.

A Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, provides security during a partner nation force training exercise at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Aug 17 – 27. The Marines of 2/8 joined forces with Critical Skill Operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command to strengthen the process-driven capability integration process between Special Operations Forces and the Marine Air Ground Task Force and to increase the Marine Corps’ and MARSOC’s ability to partner with foreign counterparts to advise, train and assist allied security forces. Throughout the 10-day training evolution, Marines with 2/8 played the role of a notional partner nation force, while MARSOC Critical Skills Operators and Special Operations Officers advised, trained and assisted 2/8, increasing both MARSOC’s and 2/8’s ability to advise, train and assist partner nation forces throughout the globe.

Photo by Capt. Barry Morris

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Major John W. Scott passes the Marine Corps colors from Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, the outgoing Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, to Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, the incoming MARSOC commander, during a change of command ceremony aboard Stone Bay at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug 6, 2014.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Major John W. Scott passes the Marine Corps colors from Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, the outgoing Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, to Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, the incoming MARSOC commander, during a change of command ceremony aboard Stone Bay at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug 6, 2014.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mark. A. Clark, the outgoing Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, passes the Marine Corps colors to Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, the incoming MARSOC commander, during a change of command ceremony aboard Stone Bay at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug 6, 2014.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mark. A. Clark, the outgoing Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, passes the Marine Corps colors to Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, the incoming MARSOC commander, during a change of command ceremony aboard Stone Bay at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug 6, 2014.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos awards Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, the outgoing Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, the Distinguished Service Medal during the MARSOC change of command ceremony aboard Stone Bay at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug 6, 2014. Clark passed command to Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, during the ceremony.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos awards Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, the outgoing Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command commander, the Distinguished Service Medal during the MARSOC change of command ceremony aboard Stone Bay at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug 6, 2014. Clark passed command to Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, during the ceremony.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

A Special Operations Officer (SOO) with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command awaits the signal from the jump master, before exiting the aircraft to conduct a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) training exercise. Marine officers graduating MARSOC’s Individual Training Course will be assigned a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty, clearing the way for retention and promotion in a professional career path. Previously, only enlisted Marines designated as Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) were awarded a PMOS of 0372, while SOOs were awarded an Additional Military Occupational Specialty of 0370. The decision now allows SOOs to hold 0370 as a PMOS, and be managed with a development strategy that facilitates talent management of Special Operations Forces skills, standardized training, retention, promotions, command, professional military education and career progression, according to Maj. Gen Clark, the MARSOC commander. “By developing a defined career path, the Marine Corps will be better able to retain and sustain the operational experience and capability necessary to meet operational requirements and reinvest special operations talent and experience where it is needed most. Approval of the PMOS also allows the Marine Corps the ability to develop Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs), over a course of a career, as both fully proficient special operations professionals and well-rounded Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force officers,” said Clark.

A Special Operations Officer (SOO) with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command awaits the signal from the jump master, before exiting the aircraft to conduct a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) training exercise. Marine officers graduating MARSOC’s Individual Training Course will be assigned a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty, clearing the way for retention and promotion in a professional career path. Previously, only enlisted Marines designated as Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) were awarded a PMOS of 0372, while SOOs were awarded an Additional Military Occupational Specialty of 0370. The decision now allows SOOs to hold 0370 as a PMOS, and be managed with a development strategy that facilitates talent management of Special Operations Forces skills, standardized training, retention, promotions, command, professional military education and career progression, according to Maj. Gen Clark, the MARSOC commander. “By developing a defined career path, the Marine Corps will be better able to retain and sustain the operational experience and capability necessary to meet operational requirements and reinvest special operations talent and experience where it is needed most. Approval of the PMOS also allows the Marine Corps the ability to develop Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs), over a course of a career, as both fully proficient special operations professionals and well-rounded Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force officers,” said Clark.

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs) graduating MARSOC’s ITC will be assigned a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty, clearing the way for retention and promotion in a professional career path. Previously, only enlisted Marines designated as Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) were awarded a PMOS of 0372, while SOOs were awarded an Additional Military Occupational Specialty of 0370. The decision now allows SOOs to hold 0370 as a PMOS, and be managed with a development strategy that facilitates talent management of Special Operations Forces skills, standardized training, retention, promotions, command, professional military education and career progression, according to Maj. Gen Clark, the MARSOC commander.“Approval of the PMOS allows the Marine Corps the ability to develop Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs), over a course of a career, as both fully proficient special operations professionals and well-rounded Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force officers,” said Clark.

Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs) graduating MARSOC’s ITC will be assigned a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty, clearing the way for retention and promotion in a professional career path. Previously, only enlisted Marines designated as Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) were awarded a PMOS of 0372, while SOOs were awarded an Additional Military Occupational Specialty of 0370. The decision now allows SOOs to hold 0370 as a PMOS, and be managed with a development strategy that facilitates talent management of Special Operations Forces skills, standardized training, retention, promotions, command, professional military education and career progression, according to Maj. Gen Clark, the MARSOC commander.“Approval of the PMOS allows the Marine Corps the ability to develop Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs), over a course of a career, as both fully proficient special operations professionals and well-rounded Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force officers,” said Clark.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs) graduating MARSOC’s ITC will be assigned a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty, clearing the way for retention and promotion in a professional career path. Previously, only enlisted Marines designated as Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) were awarded a PMOS of 0372, while SOOs were awarded an Additional Military Occupational Specialty of 0370. The decision now allows SOOs to hold 0370 as a PMOS, and be managed with a development strategy that facilitates talent management of Special Operations Forces skills, standardized training, retention, promotions, command, professional military education and career progression, according to Maj. Gen Clark, the MARSOC commander.“Approval of the PMOS allows the Marine Corps the ability to develop Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs), over a course of a career, as both fully proficient special operations professionals and well-rounded Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force officers,” said Clark.

Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs) graduating MARSOC’s ITC will be assigned a new Primary Military Occupational Specialty, clearing the way for retention and promotion in a professional career path. Previously, only enlisted Marines designated as Critical Skills Operators (CSOs) were awarded a PMOS of 0372, while SOOs were awarded an Additional Military Occupational Specialty of 0370. The decision now allows SOOs to hold 0370 as a PMOS, and be managed with a development strategy that facilitates talent management of Special Operations Forces skills, standardized training, retention, promotions, command, professional military education and career progression, according to Maj. Gen Clark, the MARSOC commander.“Approval of the PMOS allows the Marine Corps the ability to develop Marine Special Operations Officers (SOOs), over a course of a career, as both fully proficient special operations professionals and well-rounded Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force officers,” said Clark.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas W. Provost

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), gave his remarks during a relief, appointment and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27. Sgt. Maj. Thomas A. Hall Jr., passed his responsibilities as sergeant major of MARSOC to Sgt. Maj. John W. Scott.

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), gave his remarks during a relief, appointment and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27. Sgt. Maj. Thomas A. Hall Jr., passed his responsibilities as sergeant major of MARSOC to Sgt. Maj. John W. Scott.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Sergeant Maj. John W. Scott, sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), gave his remarks during his appointment ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27. “I am humbled and honored to be counted amongst the ranks of MARSOC, I look forward to joining you and adding to its rich legacy,” said Scott.

Sergeant Maj. John W. Scott, sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), gave his remarks during his appointment ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27. “I am humbled and honored to be counted amongst the ranks of MARSOC, I look forward to joining you and adding to its rich legacy,” said Scott.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Sergeant Maj. Thomas A. Hall Jr., former sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), gives his remarks during his relief and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27. “May God continue to bless this great nation, the U.S. Marines, our families and friends, Semper Fidelis Sgt. Maj. Scott,” said Hall.

Sergeant Maj. Thomas A. Hall Jr., former sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), gives his remarks during his relief and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27. “May God continue to bless this great nation, the U.S. Marines, our families and friends, Semper Fidelis Sgt. Maj. Scott,” said Hall.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Sergeant Maj. Thomas A. Hall Jr., (left), former sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), Sgt. Maj. John W. Scott (middle), sergeant major of MARSOC, and Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark (right), commander of MARSOC, salute the national ensign during a relief, appointment and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27.

Sergeant Maj. Thomas A. Hall Jr., (left), former sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), Sgt. Maj. John W. Scott (middle), sergeant major of MARSOC, and Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark (right), commander of MARSOC, salute the national ensign during a relief, appointment and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, June 17.

General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, and Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, spoke during the ceremony and then presented the award to Gifford’s wife and children.

“Acts of extraordinary heroism, those of conspicuous gallantry, are acts that cannot be planned, ordered or demanded. They are acts given fully and willingly by a person without regard to themselves; they are acts done for the man to their left, and the man to their right and for the mission” said Clark. “Today we are here to honor such a man.”

Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, June 17. General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, and Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, spoke during the ceremony and then presented the award to Gifford’s wife and children. “Acts of extraordinary heroism, those of conspicuous gallantry, are acts that cannot be planned, ordered or demanded. They are acts given fully and willingly by a person without regard to themselves; they are acts done for the man to their left, and the man to their right and for the mission” said Clark. “Today we are here to honor such a man.”

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, presents the Navy Cross citation to the wife of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, presents the Navy Cross citation to the wife of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, presents the Navy Cross medal to the wife of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, presents the Navy Cross medal to the wife of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks on the life of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks on the life of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks on the life of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

General John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks on the life of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Gifford, a team chief with 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 17. Gifford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while serving with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The Navy Cross is the highest decoration bestowed by the Department of the Navy and second highest decoration for valor.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee