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Marines

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dennis W. Sampson (left), the commanding officer for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to relieve Sgt. Maj. James Horr (right) of his duties as Sergeant Major 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 Col. Dennis W. Sampson (left), the commanding officer for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to relieve Sgt. Maj. James Horr (right) of his duties as Sergeant Major 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. Marine Corps Col. Dennis W. Sampson (center), the commanding officer for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to appoint Sgt. Maj. Christopher Taylor (right) 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 Col. Dennis W. Sampson (center), the commanding officer for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), prepares to appoint Sgt. Maj. Christopher Taylor (right) 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 Marine Corps Systems Command and 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, observe an Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) during a simulated ACV retrieval exercise at Courthouse Bay on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 17, 2024. The ACV, the Marine Corps’ latest replacement of the assault amphibious vehicle, was tested aboard MCB Camp Lejeune in order to evaluate its functionality and effectiveness in amphibious operations. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Jorge Borjas)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Systems Command and 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, observe an Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) during a simulated ACV retrieval exercise at Courthouse Bay on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 17, 2024. The ACV, the Marine Corps’ latest replacement of the assault amphibious vehicle, was tested aboard MCB Camp Lejeune in order to evaluate its functionality and effectiveness in amphibious operations. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Jorge Borjas)

Photo by Cpl. Jorge Borjas

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Todd Grindstaff, a native of Missouri and a weapons and tactics training chief with Headquarters and Service Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, operates a drone during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Todd Grindstaff, a native of Missouri and a weapons and tactics training chief with Headquarters and Service Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, operates a drone during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Todd Grindstaff, a native of Missouri and a weapons and tactics training chief with Headquarters and Service Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, prepares drones for a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Todd Grindstaff, a native of Missouri and a weapons and tactics training chief with Headquarters and Service Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, prepares drones for a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion conduct a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion conduct a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Shavoci Jones, left, a native of Illinois and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, loads an M1014 shotgun during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Shavoci Jones, left, a native of Illinois and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, loads an M1014 shotgun during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zackery Potter, a native of Pennsylvania and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, listens to instruction during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zackery Potter, a native of Pennsylvania and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, listens to instruction during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zackery Potter, a native of Pennsylvania and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, loads an M4 carbine during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zackery Potter, a native of Pennsylvania and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, loads an M4 carbine during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zackery Potter, a native of Pennsylvania and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, fires an M4 carbine during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zackery Potter, a native of Pennsylvania and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, fires an M4 carbine during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marines with Alpha Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, throw smoke grenades during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marines with Alpha Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, throw smoke grenades during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Richard McCarty Jr., a native of Georgia and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) section leader with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, observes Marines during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Richard McCarty Jr., a native of Georgia and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) section leader with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, observes Marines during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marines with Bravo Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, pose for a photo following a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marines with Bravo Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, pose for a photo following a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marines with Charlie Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, run toward cover during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marines with Charlie Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, run toward cover during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Leach, a native of New York and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Alpha Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, patrols during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Leach, a native of New York and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Alpha Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, patrols during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith

Dispatchers with Security Emergency Services pose for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Dispatchers with Security Emergency Services pose for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Reyes

Amber Penland, 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, poses for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Amber Penland, 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, poses for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Reyes

Lisa Moran, supervisory 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, poses for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Lisa Moran, supervisory 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, poses for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Reyes

Lisa Moran, supervisory 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, takes a call on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Lisa Moran, supervisory 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, takes a call on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Reyes

Amber Joesting, 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, poses for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Amber Joesting, 911 dispatcher, Security Emergency Services, poses for a photo during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 9, 2024. During the month of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held to honor personnel in the public safety sector for their dedicated service to the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Douds)

Photo by Cpl. Jennifer E. Reyes