24th MEU. Eager Lion. Return to sea.

Photos by 2nd Lt. Joshua Larson

Marines with the combat cargo department assist Alpha Company Marines load their Assault Amphibious Vehicles aboard the USS New York after the conclusion of Exercise Eager Lion 12, May 30. The Marines are part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who recently returned from the three-week training exercise in the Kingdom of Jordan that involved partnered militaries from 19 countries. It was the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Marines with the combat cargo department assist Alpha Company Marines load their Assault Amphibious Vehicles aboard the USS New York after the conclusion of Exercise Eager Lion 12, May 30. The Marines are part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who recently returned from the three-week training exercise in the Kingdom of Jordan that involved partnered militaries from 19 countries. It was the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Seaman David Poole, a deck seaman with the USS New York, provides overwatch as a Navy Landing Craft Air-Cushion carries Marines and equipment from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the ship at the conclusion of Exercise Eager Lion 12, May 30. The 24th MEU recently returned from the three-week training exercise in the Kingdom of Jordan that involved partnered militaries from 19 countries. It was the second major exercise for the 24th MEU who, along with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed to the U.S Central Command area of operations as a theater reserve and crisis response force. The USS Iwo Jima can be seen in the background. The group is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.