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U.S. Marine Maj. Earl Ehrhart, an AV-8B pilot assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 231 Detachment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) poses for a photo after flying from the USS Bataan (LHD-5) from deployment at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Mar. 16, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

U.S. Marine Maj. Earl Ehrhart, an AV-8B pilot assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 231 Detachment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) poses for a photo after flying from the USS Bataan (LHD-5) from deployment at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Mar. 16, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christopher Taylor (right) accepts responsibilities as Sergeant Major of the 26th MEU(SOC) during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 19, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christopher Taylor (right) accepts responsibilities as Sergeant Major of the 26th MEU(SOC) during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 19, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves)

Photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) stand for the playing of the national anthem during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 19, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves)

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) stand for the playing of the national anthem during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Apr. 19, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves)

Photo by Sgt. Nayelly Nieves-Nieves

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Larry L. Buzzard (right), the commanding officer for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), relieves Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Haber (center) of his duties as Sergeant Major of VMM-162 (Rein.) during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Apr. 18, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Larry L. Buzzard (right), the commanding officer for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), relieves Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Haber (center) of his duties as Sergeant Major of VMM-162 (Rein.) during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Apr. 18, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony serves as the official changeover between Sergeants Major, honoring the outgoing Sergeant’s Major contributions during his tenure and allowing the oncoming SgtMaj to introduce himself to the Marines now under his charge. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Cpl. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), stand in formation during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Mar. 17, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), stand in formation during a homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Mar. 17, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

Photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air-Cushion with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group transporting Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) arrives at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 18, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air-Cushion with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group transporting Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) arrives at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 18, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

Photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia

Marines and Sailors aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) salute the ships colors after returning from deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), Morehead City, North Carolina, Mar. 17, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Marines and Sailors aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) salute the ships colors after returning from deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), Morehead City, North Carolina, Mar. 17, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Cpl. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) reunites with his family, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 18, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing a eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) reunites with his family, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 18, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing a eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

Photo by Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz

240315-N-ED646-1580- ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 15, 2024) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Austin Block, assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), fires an M4 rifle as Cpl. Gabriel SantosCunningham, an ammunition technician assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), monitors during a qualification shoot in the Atlantic Ocean, March 15. Carter Hall is deployed in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval)

240315-N-ED646-1580- ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 15, 2024) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Austin Block, assigned to the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), fires an M4 rifle as Cpl. Gabriel SantosCunningham, an ammunition technician assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), monitors during a qualification shoot in the Atlantic Ocean, March 15. Carter Hall is deployed in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval)

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Moises S

U.S. Marines assigned to the Ground Combat Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepare to board a CH-53E Super Stallion while on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19, Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted advanced ARG/MEU readiness sustainment training. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Ground Combat Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepare to board a CH-53E Super Stallion while on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19, Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted advanced ARG/MEU readiness sustainment training. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

A U.S. Marine assigned to the Ground Combat Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion while on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

A U.S. Marine assigned to the Ground Combat Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion while on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

U.S. Marines assigned to the Ground Combat Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepare to board a CH-53E Super Stallion while on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Ground Combat Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepare to board a CH-53E Super Stallion while on the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), lands aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), lands aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to land aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to land aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Feb. 18, 2024. U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) conducted a five-day ARG/MEU readiness and sustainment training exercise focused on core mission essential tasks. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

A U.S. Marine Corps medium tactical vehicle replacement, assigned to Combat Logistics Battalions 22, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)), offloads from a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) during the 26th MEU(SOC) exercise named “Odyssey Encore,” Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) readiness sustainment exercise enhances the unit’s operational capabilities as an expeditionary crisis response force and provides an opportunity for the 26th MEU(SOC) to conduct advanced integrated expeditionary operations and live-fire training with both the 32nd and 24th Marine Brigades in Greece. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

A U.S. Marine Corps medium tactical vehicle replacement, assigned to Combat Logistics Battalions 22, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)), offloads from a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) during the 26th MEU(SOC) exercise named “Odyssey Encore,” Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) readiness sustainment exercise enhances the unit’s operational capabilities as an expeditionary crisis response force and provides an opportunity for the 26th MEU(SOC) to conduct advanced integrated expeditionary operations and live-fire training with both the 32nd and 24th Marine Brigades in Greece. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Cpl. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

231221-M-VB101-2021 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 21, 2023) U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Travis Bird (right), the company commander with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), speaks with Marines prior to conducting a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Dec. 21. Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, are on a scheduled deployment as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force with elements deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

231221-M-VB101-2021 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 21, 2023) U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Travis Bird (right), the company commander with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), speaks with Marines prior to conducting a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Dec. 21. Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, are on a scheduled deployment as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force with elements deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

Photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean

A U.S. Marine Corps 11m rigid hull, inflatable boat is lowered from Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in preparation for integrated amphibious operations with Hellenic Marines assigned to 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade during the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)) exercise named “Odyssey Encore,” Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) readiness sustainment exercise enhances the unit’s operational capabilities as an expeditionary crisis response force and provides an opportunity for the 26th MEU(SOC) to conduct advanced integrated expeditionary operations and live-fire training with both the 32nd and 24th Marine Brigades in Greece. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

A U.S. Marine Corps 11m rigid hull, inflatable boat is lowered from Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in preparation for integrated amphibious operations with Hellenic Marines assigned to 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade during the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26th MEU(SOC)) exercise named “Odyssey Encore,” Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th MEU(SOC) readiness sustainment exercise enhances the unit’s operational capabilities as an expeditionary crisis response force and provides an opportunity for the 26th MEU(SOC) to conduct advanced integrated expeditionary operations and live-fire training with both the 32nd and 24th Marine Brigades in Greece. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Photo by Cpl. Rafael BrambilaPelayo

U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), execute a live-fire deck shoot aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 12, 2023. U.S. Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, are on a scheduled deployment with elements deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), execute a live-fire deck shoot aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 12, 2023. U.S. Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, are on a scheduled deployment with elements deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torre

231226-M-VB101-1095 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 26, 2023) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Earl Ehrhart V, an AV-8B Harrier pilot attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), receives signals during flight operations aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Dec. 26. Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, are on a scheduled deployment as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force with elements deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

231226-M-VB101-1095 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 26, 2023) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Earl Ehrhart V, an AV-8B Harrier pilot attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), receives signals during flight operations aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Dec. 26. Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), embarked on the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, are on a scheduled deployment as the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command crisis response force with elements deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

Photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean