US Military Pictures & Videos

U.S. Soldiers from Torch Company, Headquarters Platoon, "Manchus," of the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, conduct a walk-and-talk through the Nassir Wa Salaam market in Nassir Wa Salaam, near Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 12, 2009. U.S. Soldiers spoke to local merchants about market access problems and distributed micro-grant packets for economic development aid. All photos by US Navy photographers/released

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2009) Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Dontae Mahoney inspects a tool log prior to performing maintenance aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Martie/Released)

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Nov. 17, 2009) An attack team from Locker 7 Foxtrot prepares to fight a simulated fire during a general quarters drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is undergoing a maintenance period at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 14, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is underway alongside the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) during a vertical replenishment. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are participating in a strike group sustainment exercise off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 14, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) conducts a vertical replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2009) A Sailor assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) climbs the Jacob's ladder during visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations aboard the Military Sealift command Stalwart-class modified tactical auxiliary general ocean surveillance ship USNS Prevail (TSV-1). Hue City's VBSS team participated in their final pre-deployment training exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 12, 2009) Ens. Kenyatto Mayes, from Tampa, Fla., watches an E-2C Hawkeye from the Golden Hawks of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 land aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Murphy/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 13, 2009) Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Jeff Pratt, from St. Louis, performs maintenance on the rescue hoist of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Frankie J. Colbry/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 12, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Caleb Delatorre, left, from Miami, and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Abel Cholico, from Reno, Nev., man a P-25 fire-fighting truck on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Murphy/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 13, 2009) The aft lookout stands the watch as a landing craft, air cushion prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 14, 2009) Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Paul Scott, from San Diego, and Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Duane, from Pasadena, Calif., hook cargo onto an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8. The helicopters are conducting a vertical replenishment between the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 15, 2009) A Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) signals the pilot of an HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Squadron (HS) 7 that it is clear to lift off. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Donald R. White Jr./Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2009) An F/A-18 Hornet from the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 prepares to catapult from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is conducting a three-week composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming 2010 deployment. COMPTUEX is a joint, combined exercise conducted off the East Coast from Virginia to Florida. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad R. Erdmann/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2009) An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter from the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad R. Erdmann/Released)

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Nov 17, 2009) Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Shawn Magoon, stows barricade webbing in the barricade storeroom of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is undergoing a Post Shakedown Availability/Supplemental Restricted Availability (PSA/SRA) at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adrian White/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Ricardo Hernandez, from El Paso, Texas, watches an EA-6B Prowler from the Yellowjackets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 as it lands on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Murphy/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 14, 2009) Ensign Nathan Getty, from Manchester, Md., uses a stadi-meter to check the distance of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) from other ships in formation during a submarine familiarization exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elliott Fabrizio/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2009) A Sailor assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) conducts a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the Military Sealift Command Stalwart-class modified tactical auxiliary general ocean surveillance ship USNS Prevail (TSV-1). (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles/Released)

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 18, 2009) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Carlos Gonzales guides a 7-ton Marine Corps truck from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) onto landing craft utility (LCU) 1631. Tortuga is disembarking personnel and equipment assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) after participating in Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G). ANNUALEX is a bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino/Released)

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Corpus Christi, Texas (Nov. 18, 2009) Rear Adm. William Bob Kiser, commander of Navy Medicine East (NME), presents the Bronze Star medal to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ricardo D. Wilson for his actions while assigned to 11th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, Multinational Division, Baghdad, Iraq from September 2008 to August 2009. NME was in South Texas to get a first-hand look at the work being done by Navy medical professionals stationed in the region. Wilson is a preventive medicine technician at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill W. Love/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 19, 2009) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Leslie Cachero counts pills to fill a prescription aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew C. Haws/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Antonio Escobedo and Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Michelle McKeown change the starter relay on a spotting dolly aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Stike Group is on a routine deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Moon/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Culinary Specialist Seaman Dulce Looney folds napkins in the wardroom aboard the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Blue Ridge is underway on a scheduled fall deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cynthia Griggs/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Courteney Smith, from Oxford, Ohio, moves an aircraft on the Ouija board in hangar deck control aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The Ouija board is used to show the location of aircraft in the hangar deck.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/ Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Richard Genavieve, assigned to the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, re-stows chains aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Patton/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Christopher Eaton and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Joshua Cano use a bander in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Marcos

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 19, 2009) Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Joseph Parry, assigned to the Black Ravens of Tactical Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, performs maintenance on a jet engine aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr./Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 19, 2009) Seaman David Mahan performs maintenance on a fuel station aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr./Released)

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Nov. 17, 2009) Two Aviators assigned to the Top Hatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 wait near an F/A-18E Super Hornet static display at the 2009 Dubai International Air Show. VFA-14 is part of Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW) 11 and is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 17, 2009) Naval Aircrewman 2nd Class Bryan Vesce, a rescue swimmer assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, which is embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), prepares to jump from an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter to rescue three men spotted clinging to a piece of wood in the Gulf of Aden. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Taylor/Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 17, 2009) A boat crew from the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) approaches three men that were spotted clinging to a piece of wood in the Gulf of Aden. Chosin is the flagship of Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate to actively deter, disrupt, and supress piracy off the coast of Somalia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Taylor/Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 17, 2009) The first of three men that were rescued from the water of the Gulf of Aden is helped aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), which rescued the men after a civilian cargo vessel spotted them and called for assistance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Taylor/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 17, 2009) Chief Gunner's Mate Joshua Gordon mans a .50-caliber gun mount during an air defense drill aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1). Freedom is currently conducting independent ship training and certification for its upcoming maiden deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Ed Early/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 17, 2009) Flight deck crewmen from the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) secure a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 during a hot refueling evolution. Freedom is currently conducting independent ship training and certification for its upcoming maiden deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Ed Early/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 conducts flight operations over the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) transits the Pacific Ocean while an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 conducts flight operations in the background.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Two F-18E Super Hornets assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepare to launch off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).(U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Electrician Technician Airman Josiah Connelly /Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) An F-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 launches off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Electrician Technician Airman Josiah Connelly /Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Cmdr. Joe Barnes, executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during his 1,000th career arrested recovery. CVN-69 is embarked aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is conducting a three-week Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming 2010 deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeff McDowell/Released

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Lt. Cmdr. Jason Bartholomew and Lt. Louis Krueper give the signal to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Reann Mommsen/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Cmdr. Joe Barnes, executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, catapults off the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in an F/A-18 Super Hornet. Dwight D. Eisenhower is conducting a three-week Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming 2010 deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad R. Erdmann/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 19, 2009) A Sailor stands aft lookout while an EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Black Ravens of Tactical Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135 approaches for landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr./Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) Cmdr. Joe Barnes, executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during his 1,000th career arrested recovery. CVN-69 is embarked aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is conducting a three-week Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming 2010 deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 19, 2009) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Wallbangers of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 performs a banking turn before landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr./Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51, conducts flight operations near the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marcus D. Mince/Released)

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Artillerymen with gun three, Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, load a 155mm round in an M777 lightweight howitzer, Nov. 6, 2009. More than 120 Marines from the battery participated in Artillery Relocation Training Exercise 09-03 at the North Fuji Maneuver Area, here, Nov. 2-11, 2009.
Photo Date Taken: 11/6/2009
Unit: 12th Marine Regiment
Photo ByLine: Staff Sgt. Marc Ayalin

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Members of a visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) conduct a search for weapons and other gear. The boarding was conducted as part of counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Chosin is the flagship for Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

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US President Barack Obama addresses more than 1,500 U.S. servicemembers Nov. 18, 2009, at Osan Air Base, South Korea. This was President Obama's last stop of his Asian visit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

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Tech. Sgt. Shaun Carroll performs preflight checks on a B-1B Lancer Nov. 11, 2009, in Southwest Asia. Sergeant Carroll is with the 37th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and deployed with the aircraft from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert Barney)

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Airmen 1st Class Michael Huber (from left), Phillip Rhinehart and Matthew Beard load GBU-38s onto a B-1B Lancer Nov. 11, 2009, at an air base in Southwest Asia. The Airmen are deployed with the aircraft from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert Barney)

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Master Gunnery Sgt. Noah P. Mason Jr., right, 50, traffic chief for Company A, Headquarters and Service Battalion,, Camp Foster, stands with Pfc. Juan Canales, 18, a permanent change of station clerk with Company A, Headquarters and Service Bn., Camp Foster. Mason and Canales were the oldest and youngest Marine at the birthday ball for Company A, Headquarters, Camp Foster, at Butler's Officer Club on Plaza Housing, Camp Foster Monday.
Photo Date Taken: 11/2/2009
Unit: Marine Corps Bases Japan
Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Denny

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Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, 16th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, and retired Sgt. Maj. Henry H. Black, the 7th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, stand during the traditional reading of Gen. John A. Lejeune’s and the current commandant’s birthday messages are read. Kent, along with eight fellow Marines, traveled to Black’s house on the Corps’ 234th birthday to ensure he had fellow Marines to celebrate the day with him.
Photo Date Taken: 11/10/2009
Unit: Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Photo ByLine: Gunnery Sgt. Frederick B. Zimmer

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GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 16, 2009) Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jonathan Zoucha, from Shelby, Neb. and assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, checks cockpit systems after performing maintenance on an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran/Released)

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NORFOLK (Nov. 18, 2009) The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) arrives at its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk for the first time since it was commissioned Nov. 7. New York will be used for amphibious assault, special operations, expeditionary warfare missions, and humanitarian support around the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Martie/Released)

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BREMERTON, Wash. (Nov. 19, 2009) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Monique Lopez and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Brown, both assigned to the Naval Hospital Bremerton, participate in the Great American Smokeout and display a model cigarette that features chemicals and additives to the cigarette. (U.S. Navy photo by Doug Stutz/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 20, 2009) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 lifts supplies from the flight deck of the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) during a replenishment at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr./ Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 19, 2009) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Jonathan Dowdy, assigned to the Indians of Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, performs corrosion treatment on the windshield wipers of an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Patton/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2009) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) fires its MK-110 57 mm gun during a surface gunnery exercise (GUNEX). Freedom is conducting independent ship training and certification for her upcoming maiden deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

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UMM QASAR, Iraq (Nov. 16, 2009) Navy Diver 2nd Class Zachery Dojaquez waits on the Iraqi Navy pier before a day of diving operations in Umm Qasar. A team assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MSDU) 2 is working in partnership with Navy Advisory Training Team and a local Iraqi Navy Dive Team on an operation to remove a sunken barge from Iraqi water ways. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash/Released)

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Navy Diver 2nd Class Zachery Dojaquez signals he's ready during diving operations.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash/Released)

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Navy Diver 2nd Class Zachery Dojaquez begins a dive during diving operations.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash/Released)

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UMM QASAR, Iraq (Nov. 15, 2009) Navy Diver 2nd Class Alfred Pintor prepares to dive during diving operations conducted by Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 in Umm Qasar. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash/Released)

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Navy Diver 2nd Class Alfred Pintor emerges from the water to communicate with his teammates during diving operations.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash/Released)

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UMM QASAR, Iraq (Nov. 16, 2009) Navy Diver 1st Class Daniel Muhlbach completes his final pre-dive checks before diving down to secure a set of lifting wires to a sunken barge.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash/Released)

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U.S. Army Pfc. Coty Lang, from San Diego, carries his M-240 machine gun during an early morning patrol near Combat Outpost Munoz, Paktika province, Afghanistan, Nov. 14, 2009. Lang is deployed with Baker company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne). (Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO
Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith)

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KABUL, Afghanistan (November 21,2009) Dipping the NATO flag in front of the U.S. and NATO commander General Stanley McChrystal symbolizes the activation of NMTA command during the activation and change-of-command ceremony marking the change of command and the official activation of the NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan at Camp Eggers in Kabul, November 21, 2009. During the ceremony, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, assumed command from Maj. Gen. Richard P. Formica, and the Combined Security Transition Command -Afghanistan merged with the new NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan to create a unified command responsible for building capability and capacity within the Afghan Ministries of Defense and Interior. (Official photo by MC1 Christopher Mobley U.S. Navy)

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Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 conduct pre-flight inspections of their UH-1Y Huey helicopter before its first flight in Afghanistan Nov. 4. The first UH-1Y Huey arrived here Oct. 23, officially replacing the Vietnam-era UH-1N.

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A UH-1Y Huey helicopter and AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter with Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 take off on one of the first flights for the new Huey here. The first UH-1Y Huey arrived here Oct. 23 and made its first combat flight Nov. 4. The "Yankee" model brings more speed, lifting capacity and loiter time, which will ultimately offer HMLA-367 more options to support the Marines on the ground.

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PERSIAN GULF (Nov. 16, 2009) An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, assigned to the Blackhawks of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM)15, drags the bottom of the Persian Gulf attempting to cut moored mines during a joint nations exercise. The exercise is designed to develop a greater understanding of joint maritime operational and war fighting capabilities through the integration of Joint and Combined forces within U.S. 5th Fleet operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Edgington/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 21, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) transits through the Pacific Ocean with Mt. Fuji in the background. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K. Thomas/Released)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 23, 2009) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the ship returns to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. George Washington completed her second fall deployment since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier in 2008. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)

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GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 22, 2009) A flight deck director signals an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 onto catapult one aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr./Released)

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GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 16, 2009) Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct rifle training aboard the amphibious command ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a scheduled deployment. Bonhomme Richard, the flagship for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Antonio D. Ramos/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 19, 2009) Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Joseph Williams and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Joseph Ward, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 embarked aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), install a GAU-21 .50-caliber machine gun onto an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter. Freedom is conducting independent ship training and certification for her upcoming maiden deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 19, 2009) Fire Controlman 1st Class Ronila Ivory, assigned to the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), prepares to fire the ship's Mk-110 57mm gun from the mission control center. Freedom is conducting independent ship training and certification for her upcoming maiden deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

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PERSIAN GULF (Nov. 16, 2009) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Robert Ganger, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11, is lifted out of the Persian Gulf onto an SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter during a joint nations exercise in the Persian Gulf. The exercise is designed to develop a greater understanding of joint maritime operational and war fighting capabilities through the integration of Joint and Combined forces within U.S. 5th Fleet operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Edgington/Released)

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 20, 2009) Mount Fuji is visible behind the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) in port at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Greg Kuntz/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 20, 2009) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) enter the water to recover an exercise torpedo dropped by an SH-60B Sea Hawk Helicopter assigned to the Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/Released)

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BEAUFORT SEA (Nov. 20, 2009) An international research expedition being conducted in the Beaufort Sea aboard the Coast Guard heavy icebreaker ship Polar Sea (WAGB 11) organized and led Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)‚ Marine Biogeochemistry section. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released)

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