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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

231221-M-VB101-2066 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 21, 2023) A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion 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-VB101-2066 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 21, 2023) A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion 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 with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), instructs Hellenic Marines assigned to the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade on how to properly rappel down a tower during fast rope and rope suspension training at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, on the island of Crete, Greece, Dec. 18, 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 Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

A U.S. Marine with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), instructs Hellenic Marines assigned to the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade on how to properly rappel down a tower during fast rope and rope suspension training at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, on the island of Crete, Greece, Dec. 18, 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 Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

A U.S. Marine with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), rappels down a tower during fast rope and rope suspension training at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, on the island of Crete, Greece, Dec. 18, 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 Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

A U.S. Marine with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), rappels down a tower during fast rope and rope suspension training at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, on the island of Crete, Greece, Dec. 18, 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 Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

U.S. Marines with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepare to breach a building during Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain training at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, on the island of Crete, Greece, Dec. 16, 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 Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

U.S. Marines with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepare to breach a building during Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain training at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, on the island of Crete, Greece, Dec. 16, 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 Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda)

Photo by Cpl. Aziza Kamuhanda

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Michael Bogdanos, a platoon commander with the Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th MEU(SOC), conducts beach landing during an amphibious assault training mission as part of the 26th MEU(SOC) Exercise “Odyssey Encore”, Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness sustainment exercise enhances the unit’s operational capabilities as a crisis response force. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 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 Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Michael Bogdanos, a platoon commander with the Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th MEU(SOC), conducts beach landing during an amphibious assault training mission as part of the 26th MEU(SOC) Exercise “Odyssey Encore”, Volos, Greece, Jan. 8, 2024. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Marine Air-Ground Task Force readiness sustainment exercise enhances the unit’s operational capabilities as a crisis response force. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 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 Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)

Photo by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean

U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) execute a small-scale amphibious assault alongside Greek Marines with 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade during a bilateral exercise near Skyros, Greece, Dec. 2, 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 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 Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) execute a small-scale amphibious assault alongside Greek Marines with 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade during a bilateral exercise near Skyros, Greece, Dec. 2, 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 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 Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres

U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) execute a small-scale amphibious assault alongside Greek Marines with 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade during a bilateral exercise near Skyros, Greece, Dec. 2, 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 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 Cpl. Michele Clarke)

U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) execute a small-scale amphibious assault alongside Greek Marines with 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade during a bilateral exercise near Skyros, Greece, Dec. 2, 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 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 Cpl. Michele Clarke)

Photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke

U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) execute a small-scale amphibious assault alongside Greek Marines with the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade part of a bilateral exercise near Skyros, Greece, Dec. 2, 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 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 Cpl. Michele Clarke)

U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) execute a small-scale amphibious assault alongside Greek Marines with the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade part of a bilateral exercise near Skyros, Greece, Dec. 2, 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 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 Cpl. Michele Clarke)

Photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Bradley, a motor transport operator assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), receives a piece of cake from Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Meierotto, during a cake cutting ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Nov. 10, 2023. A key ritual of the cake-cutting ceremony is the passing of the cake from the oldest Marine present to the youngest, symbolizing generations of knowledge being shared to the future of the Corps, and the youngest Marine in the event was Bradley, at 19 years old.

The USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Austin Bradley, a motor transport operator assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), receives a piece of cake from Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Meierotto, during a cake cutting ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Mediterranean Sea, Nov. 10, 2023. A key ritual of the cake-cutting ceremony is the passing of the cake from the oldest Marine present to the youngest, symbolizing generations of knowledge being shared to the future of the Corps, and the youngest Marine in the event was Bradley, at 19 years old. The USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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

230906-M-WR609-1080 UDAIRI RANGE COMPLEX, Kuwait (Sept. 6, 2023) – A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), fires an M72 LAW anti-tank weapon during an integrated platoon reinforced live-fire attack with Kuwaiti Marines at Udairi Range Complex, Kuwait, Sept. 6, 2023. Elements of the 26th MEU(SOC) conduct bilateral training with Kuwait armed forces to increase interoperability, maintain operational readiness, and strengthen relationships with partner forces. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU(SOC) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Cordero)

230906-M-WR609-1080 UDAIRI RANGE COMPLEX, Kuwait (Sept. 6, 2023) – A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), fires an M72 LAW anti-tank weapon during an integrated platoon reinforced live-fire attack with Kuwaiti Marines at Udairi Range Complex, Kuwait, Sept. 6, 2023. Elements of the 26th MEU(SOC) conduct bilateral training with Kuwait armed forces to increase interoperability, maintain operational readiness, and strengthen relationships with partner forces. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th MEU(SOC) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Cordero)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Cordero

A U.S. Marine with Combined Anti-armor Team Red, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) gives the signal for the Marines to begin fast roping out of an MV-22 Osprey at Sierra del Retin Training Camp, Oct. 6, 2023. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docking ship USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Michele Clarke)

A U.S. Marine with Combined Anti-armor Team Red, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) gives the signal for the Marines to begin fast roping out of an MV-22 Osprey at Sierra del Retin Training Camp, Oct. 6, 2023. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docking ship USS Mesa Verde, assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Michele Clarke)

Photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mark Frick, a native of Baltimore, Maryland and explosive ordnance disposal team leader with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), photographs a neutralized simulated improvised explosive device during Exercise Northern Challenge 2023, Keflavik Airport, Iceland, Sept. 22, 2023. Northern Challenge 23 is an Icelandic Coast Guard-led bomb disposal exercise, hosted to train teams from over a dozen nations with response to incidents involving simulated improvised and military explosive devices. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Kyle Jia)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mark Frick, a native of Baltimore, Maryland and explosive ordnance disposal team leader with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), photographs a neutralized simulated improvised explosive device during Exercise Northern Challenge 2023, Keflavik Airport, Iceland, Sept. 22, 2023. Northern Challenge 23 is an Icelandic Coast Guard-led bomb disposal exercise, hosted to train teams from over a dozen nations with response to incidents involving simulated improvised and military explosive devices. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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. Kyle Jia)

Photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) and Royal Bahrain Marines pose for a group photo after completing an urban terrain force-on-force training event during a Bahrain bilateral training exercise, undisclosed location in the Middle East, Sept. 10, 2023. The training was completed alongside members of the Royal Bahrain Marine Force to facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures between partners. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26MEU(SOC) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to increase maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) and Royal Bahrain Marines pose for a group photo after completing an urban terrain force-on-force training event during a Bahrain bilateral training exercise, undisclosed location in the Middle East, Sept. 10, 2023. The training was completed alongside members of the Royal Bahrain Marine Force to facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures between partners. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26MEU(SOC) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to increase maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia)

Photo by Cpl. Kyle Jia

U.S. Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Detachment, employ the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) during Red Sands 23.2, a counter-unmanned aerial system live fire exercise conducted by the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Central at Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia on Sept. 10, 2023. This is the second iteration of the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center (IEC) concept, a forum to test and field counter-UAS systems and implement best practices to optimize interoperability between partners and systems. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Latasha Price)

U.S. Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Detachment, employ the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) during Red Sands 23.2, a counter-unmanned aerial system live fire exercise conducted by the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Central at Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia on Sept. 10, 2023. This is the second iteration of the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center (IEC) concept, a forum to test and field counter-UAS systems and implement best practices to optimize interoperability between partners and systems. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Latasha Price)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Latasha Price

(From left to right) Vice Adm. Frank Lenski, Commander of the German Fleet and Supporting Forces and Vice Chief of the German Navy, Maj. Gen. Robert Sofge Jr., Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, and Rear Adm. Stephan Haisch, Deputy Commander of the German Maritime Forces Staff, pose for a group picture aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) during a distinguished visitor and media day for Northern Coast 2023 (NoCo 23), Sept. 18, 2023. NoCo 23 is a German-led multinational exercise that strengthens military and maritime combat readiness through realistic training in order to sharpen interoperability with our Allies and partners. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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., Allies, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke)

(From left to right) Vice Adm. Frank Lenski, Commander of the German Fleet and Supporting Forces and Vice Chief of the German Navy, Maj. Gen. Robert Sofge Jr., Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, and Rear Adm. Stephan Haisch, Deputy Commander of the German Maritime Forces Staff, pose for a group picture aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) during a distinguished visitor and media day for Northern Coast 2023 (NoCo 23), Sept. 18, 2023. NoCo 23 is a German-led multinational exercise that strengthens military and maritime combat readiness through realistic training in order to sharpen interoperability with our Allies and partners. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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., Allies, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke)

Photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke

U.S. Marines assigned to the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), pose for a picture during a distinguished visitor and media day for Northern Coast 2023 (NoCo 23), Sept. 18, 2023. NoCo 23 is a German-led multinational exercise that strengthens military and maritime combat readiness through realistic training in order to sharpen interoperability with our Allies and partners. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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., Allies, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke)

U.S. Marines assigned to the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)), pose for a picture during a distinguished visitor and media day for Northern Coast 2023 (NoCo 23), Sept. 18, 2023. NoCo 23 is a German-led multinational exercise that strengthens military and maritime combat readiness through realistic training in order to sharpen interoperability with our Allies and partners. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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., Allies, and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke)

Photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke

230914-N-VO134-1319 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 14, 2023) Distinguished visitors from Qatar and U.S. delegates tour the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 14. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Naomi Johnson)

230914-N-VO134-1319 ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 14, 2023) Distinguished visitors from Qatar and U.S. delegates tour the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 14. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Naomi Johnson)

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Naomi Johnson