Landing support Marines, with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 1st Marine Division do an external lift of the M777A2 lightweight howitzer with an MV-22 Osprey, in support of the summer firing exercise, August 21, 2014, aboard Camp Pendleton, California. The 11th Marines conducted an eight-day firing exercise where they maneuvered and fired upon multiple ranges. For two days, the Marines trained for internal embarkation of the 120 mm mortar and the external lift of the howitzer. (USMC photo by Lance Cpl. Ashton C. Buckingham) - Landing support Marines, with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 1st Marine Division do an external lift of the M777A2 lightweight howitzer with an MV-22 Osprey, in support of the summer firing exercise, August 21, 2014, aboard Camp Pendleton, California. The 11th Marines conducted an eight-day firing exercise where they maneuvered and fired upon multiple ranges. For two days, the Marines trained for internal embarkation of the 120 mm mortar and the external lift of the howitzer. (USMC photo by Lance Cpl. Ashton C. Buckingham)

Bravo-1 hikes Alaskan Mountains - Bravo-1 hikes Alaskan Mountains

2/11 prepares for future operations - 2/11 prepares for future operations

Marines with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, use team combat tactics to maneuver to their extraction point after taking notional enemy contact during a Reconnaissance and Surveillance patrol at Fort Greely, Alaska, August 12, 2014. Bravo-1 used the unique terrain and vegetation in Alaska to conduct training R and S training in an environment completely different from what they’re accustomed to. - Marines with 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, use team combat tactics to maneuver to their extraction point after taking notional enemy contact during a Reconnaissance and Surveillance patrol at Fort Greely, Alaska, August 12, 2014. Bravo-1 used the unique terrain and vegetation in Alaska to conduct training R and S training in an environment completely different from what they’re accustomed to.

Cpl. Nickolas Collins meets his son, 6-month-old Karson Collins, for the first time Wednesday morning at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Collins returned early Wednesday from a seven-month deployment to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, with Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. Collins' wife, Annette Collins, made a sign saying, "I've waited my whole life to meet you" and dressed Karson in American flag-themed shorts and a shirt printed with "Awesome like daddy" for the occasion. - Cpl. Nickolas Collins meets his son, 6-month-old Karson Collins, for the first time Wednesday morning at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Collins returned early Wednesday from a seven-month deployment to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, with Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. Collins' wife, Annette Collins, made a sign saying, "I've waited my whole life to meet you" and dressed Karson in American flag-themed shorts and a shirt printed with "Awesome like daddy" for the occasion.

A Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman gives the signal for all clear before entering a pool during proficiency dive training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22. The SARCs were supported by Navy Divers from 1st Reconstruction consolidated dive locker. - A Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman gives the signal for all clear before entering a pool during proficiency dive training aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22. The SARCs were supported by Navy Divers from 1st Reconstruction consolidated dive locker.

Two Marines set security in preparation of an explosive breach into an enemy compound during a training exercise aboard Camp Pendleton Calif., July 28, 2014. 1st Marine Division Schools, Urban Leaders course recently held training for Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment and 1st Combat Engineers Battalion. - Two Marines set security in preparation of an explosive breach into an enemy compound during a training exercise aboard Camp Pendleton Calif., July 28, 2014. 1st Marine Division Schools, Urban Leaders course recently held training for Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment and 1st Combat Engineers Battalion.

Marines with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, fire mortars in support of adjacent rifleman units aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 29, 2014. The section of mortars was part of a five-day live-fire range to test the unit's capabilities to conduct a squad-sized attack on simulated enemy positions. - Marines with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, fire mortars in support of adjacent rifleman units aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 29, 2014. The section of mortars was part of a five-day live-fire range to test the unit's capabilities to conduct a squad-sized attack on simulated enemy positions.