A three-strand obstacle sprawls over an open valley at the Jungle Warfare Training Center Sept. 20, 2016 at Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan. This obstacle is one of the 31 obstacles Marines must navigate during the culminating event of any JWTC course. JWTC is utilized for its harsh terrain and conditions to prepare Marines for operations in the Asia-Pacific Region and stretches over more than 17,000 acres. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon) - A three-strand obstacle sprawls over an open valley at the Jungle Warfare Training Center Sept. 20, 2016 at Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan. This obstacle is one of the 31 obstacles Marines must navigate during the culminating event of any JWTC course. JWTC is utilized for its harsh terrain and conditions to prepare Marines for operations in the Asia-Pacific Region and stretches over more than 17,000 acres. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon)

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque Dec. 12 during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque Dec. 12 during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF.

Sgt. Christopher Rateau-Holbach, from Fulton, Mississippi, swims towards his destination Oct. 30 at White Beach Naval Facility during the scout swimmers course. The students underwent countless hours in the water in order to become more proficient in maneuvering through the water. Rateau-Holbach is a student with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Sgt. Christopher Rateau-Holbach, from Fulton, Mississippi, swims towards his destination Oct. 30 at White Beach Naval Facility during the scout swimmers course. The students underwent countless hours in the water in order to become more proficient in maneuvering through the water. Rateau-Holbach is a student with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Sgt. Gerry Pratama, from Anahuac, Texas, practices CPR during a scout swimmers course Oct. 22 at the Camp Hansen Aquatic Center. During the first of three weeks, students will earn their lifeguard certification, so they can provide first aid while training in the ocean. Pratama is a student with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Unit Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Sgt. Gerry Pratama, from Anahuac, Texas, practices CPR during a scout swimmers course Oct. 22 at the Camp Hansen Aquatic Center. During the first of three weeks, students will earn their lifeguard certification, so they can provide first aid while training in the ocean. Pratama is a student with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Unit Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Marines execute immediate action drills during combatant diver and beach reconnaissance training April 24 in the Central Training Area. Upon receiving fire from simulated enemy forces, the Marines executed immediate actions to include returning fire, broke contact and egressed into the water. The Marines are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew Manning/Released) - Marines execute immediate action drills during combatant diver and beach reconnaissance training April 24 in the Central Training Area. Upon receiving fire from simulated enemy forces, the Marines executed immediate actions to include returning fire, broke contact and egressed into the water. The Marines are reconnaissance men with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew Manning/Released)

Col. Peter S. Rubin and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Shoji Katsui attend a bilateral training conference to discuss legal issues and requirements for judge advocates in relation to amphibious operations and other subjects Oct. 31 at the Westpac Lodge conference room at Camp Foster. "Today, we are helping the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force understand the vital role judge advocates play in amphibious operations," said Rubin. "After today, they will be able to better recognize and resolve issues that they will encounter in the operational context." Rubin is the staff judge advocate for Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Katsui is the deputy staff judge advocate for the JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released) - Col. Peter S. Rubin and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Shoji Katsui attend a bilateral training conference to discuss legal issues and requirements for judge advocates in relation to amphibious operations and other subjects Oct. 31 at the Westpac Lodge conference room at Camp Foster. "Today, we are helping the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force understand the vital role judge advocates play in amphibious operations," said Rubin. "After today, they will be able to better recognize and resolve issues that they will encounter in the operational context." Rubin is the staff judge advocate for Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Katsui is the deputy staff judge advocate for the JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)