11th MEU training in the 5th Fleet AOR.

Photos by Cpl. Ryan Carpenter and Cpl. Tommy Huynh

A Marine serving with Company L kneels beside an amphibious assault vehicle here Feb. 12 during field training. The company is one of three rifle companies with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Lance Cpl. Josh J. Haish prepares ammunition before live-fire training here Feb. 12. The 19-year-old Royce City, Texas, native serves as a machine gunner for Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Company L Marines move in an amphibious assault vehicle here Feb. 12 during field training. The company is one of three rifle companies with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Weapons Company scout sniper and Lufkin, Texas, native Sgt. Hunter Bernius takes a shooting position here Feb. 12 during field training. The company provides specialized firepower for Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.

Machine gunner Lance Cpl. Charles B. Childers fires an M240B machine gun here Feb. 12 during field training. The 20-year-old Fort Smith, Ark., native serves with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit is deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts here.