Sergeant Major Mark Arvizu, the Sgt. Maj. of 11th Marine Regiment, passes the regimental colors to Col. Stephen Liszewski, the former commanding officer of 11th Marines, during the regimental change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22, 2014. Liszewski was also awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Silvano/released) - Sergeant Major Mark Arvizu, the Sgt. Maj. of 11th Marine Regiment, passes the regimental colors to Col. Stephen Liszewski, the former commanding officer of 11th Marines, during the regimental change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22, 2014. Liszewski was also awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Silvano/released)
Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, provide security during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 16, 2014. The training was part of a battalion field exercise where Marines continued to improve their urban combat skills with the assistance of the Infantry Immersion Trainer. The IIT provides a training facility for practical application of tactical skills and decision making in an immersive, scenario-based training environment. - Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, provide security during a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 16, 2014. The training was part of a battalion field exercise where Marines continued to improve their urban combat skills with the assistance of the Infantry Immersion Trainer. The IIT provides a training facility for practical application of tactical skills and decision making in an immersive, scenario-based training environment.
Sergeant Thomas Z. Spitzer, professionally instructed gunman, Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, poses for a photo shortly after arriving in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 20, 2014. Spitzer, a 23-year-old native of New Braunfels, Texas, was killed while conducting combat operations, June 25, 2014. - Sergeant Thomas Z. Spitzer, professionally instructed gunman, Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, poses for a photo shortly after arriving in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 20, 2014. Spitzer, a 23-year-old native of New Braunfels, Texas, was killed while conducting combat operations, June 25, 2014.
A Marine with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, wrestles his parachute to the ground after landing from a static line jump aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 25, 2014. The company practiced both freefall and static line jumps from a CH-43E helicopter to better prepare for potential combat operations anywhere they are needed worldwide. - A Marine with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, wrestles his parachute to the ground after landing from a static line jump aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 25, 2014. The company practiced both freefall and static line jumps from a CH-43E helicopter to better prepare for potential combat operations anywhere they are needed worldwide.
Marines with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, extinguish a simulated fire during a Woodland Firefighting Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 26, 2014. The weeklong training was led by firefighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Tony Simmons) - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, extinguish a simulated fire during a Woodland Firefighting Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 26, 2014. The weeklong training was led by firefighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Camp Pendleton Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Tony Simmons)
Retired Marine Lieutenant Gen. John F. Sattler presents a behind the scenes look into development and operations during the second Battle of Fallujah during a Professional Military Education class aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 18, 2014. Sattler gave the Marines an idea of how plans were developed and executed during the battle. - Retired Marine Lieutenant Gen. John F. Sattler presents a behind the scenes look into development and operations during the second Battle of Fallujah during a Professional Military Education class aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 18, 2014. Sattler gave the Marines an idea of how plans were developed and executed during the battle.
Lieutenant Col. Gilbert D. Juarez (left), past commanding officer for 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Col. Christian M. Rankin (middle), present commanding officer for 1st LAR, 1st Marine Division, I MEF, and retired Lt. Col. Clifford O. Meyers (right), a former commanding officer for 1st LAR, 1st Marine Division, I MEF, stand at attention during the pass in review portion of a change of command ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 19, 2014. It is a tradition to invite former commanding officers to join the off-going and on-coming commanders during the pass and review. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anna Albrecht) - Lieutenant Col. Gilbert D. Juarez (left), past commanding officer for 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Col. Christian M. Rankin (middle), present commanding officer for 1st LAR, 1st Marine Division, I MEF, and retired Lt. Col. Clifford O. Meyers (right), a former commanding officer for 1st LAR, 1st Marine Division, I MEF, stand at attention during the pass in review portion of a change of command ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 19, 2014. It is a tradition to invite former commanding officers to join the off-going and on-coming commanders during the pass and review. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anna Albrecht)
A Marine from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion fires breaching rounds into a door hinge during a Methods of Entry proficiency training exercise aboard Camp Pendleton Calif., June 10. During the exercise, raid scenarios were tailored for the event to keep the Marines in an operational mindset while honing their skill set for future deployments as the Maritime Raid Force in support of Marine Expeditionary Units. - A Marine from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion fires breaching rounds into a door hinge during a Methods of Entry proficiency training exercise aboard Camp Pendleton Calif., June 10. During the exercise, raid scenarios were tailored for the event to keep the Marines in an operational mindset while honing their skill set for future deployments as the Maritime Raid Force in support of Marine Expeditionary Units.
Marines from 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, stand together after the completion of the 16th annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day half Marathon, 10k and 5k May 26, 2014. The race honored those who are currently serving, those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The event also raised awareness and support from the local community for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, or "Dark Horse Battalion," with a portion of the event proceeds going to the battalion's support committee. - Marines from 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, stand together after the completion of the 16th annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day half Marathon, 10k and 5k May 26, 2014. The race honored those who are currently serving, those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The event also raised awareness and support from the local community for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, or "Dark Horse Battalion," with a portion of the event proceeds going to the battalion's support committee.