HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Feb. 19, 2012) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 approach their targets at a firing range at Camp Leatherneck to check for shooting accuracy. NMCB-11 is deployed to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael.
Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765) tend to mooring lines as the ship returns to homSailors aboard the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765) tend to mooring lines as the ship returns to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment to the European Command area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer.
U.S. Army Spc. Bruce Cotton checks security near the village of Narizah in Afghanistan's Tani district, Feb. 10, 2012. Cotton is assigned to the 501st Infantry Division's Company B, 1st Battalion Airborne. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Epperson.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Carlos Gonzales and Sgt. Ernesto Gallegos assist pilots during a run up of a CH-47F Chinook helicopter on Camp Marmal, Afghanistan, Feb. 16, 2012. Gonzales is a flight engineer instructor and Gallegos is a crew chief. Both are assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division's Company B, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Task Force Lobos. U.S. Air Force photo by Sgt. Felix Acevedo.
PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 18, 2012) Marines spend time on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship makes its way to Sasebo, Japan. Bonhomme Richard will replace the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) as the forward deployed amphibious assault ship. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane.
A motorized convoy clears a route during Operation Alekhine's Gun in the Musa Qaleh district of Afghanistan's Helmand, Afghanistan, Feb 9, 2012. The Marines, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, found numerous weapons caches and an estimated 150 pounds of black tar heroin. The Marines also made use of their mobilized speed and night vision capability to disrupt and confuse enemy operations in the city of Shah Karez. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Storm.
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter kicks up snow at a remote landing zone in the Shah Joy district in Afghanistan's Zabul province, Feb. 8, 2012. Helicopters provide an efficient and reliable means of transporting personnel and cargo to the country's rural areas. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jon Rasmussen.
U.S. Marine Lance Cpls. Ryan Snyder and David Lambert talk while providing security from their defensive position as the sun sets during Operation Shahem Tofan Eagle Storm in the Garmsir district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2012. Snyder and Lambert are assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder.
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Doxtator sees his newborn daughter for the first time during a video teleconference aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island in the Arabian Sea, Feb. 9, 2012. Doxtator is a engineman. The Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Apprentice Ethan Tracey.
U.S. Marines fire an M777A2 Ultra Light Weight Howitzer during Exercise Cobra Gold 2012 in Thailand's Chai Badan province, Feb. 14, 2012. The Marines are assigned to Battery L, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Marines were firing to prepare for an upcoming exercise. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garry Welch.
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Logistics Terry Yonkers, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and State Land Commissioner Ray Powell were among many Air Force, State of New Mexico and county officials at the lease signing ceremony on Jan. 18, 2012, in Santa Fe. The lease of 11,000 acres of state land will allow Cannon Air Force Base to expand Joint Air Force Special Operations training areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Armando Perez.
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) returns to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a Bold Alligator 2012 amphibious landing exercise. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. #BA12 U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday.
Every deployment brings new and unique challenges. As Afghan National Security Forces grow in size and capability, they will rely less on the support of coalition forces. To meet these new training requirements, security force assistance teams assigned from modified brigade combat teams will learn to mentor and advise Afghan National Security Forces at the Joint Readiness Training Center, starting this February.
