Team leader Cpl. Gerrick J. Watkins, right, and fellow squad members rehearse exiting a CH-46E Sea Knight parked on an air-station apron here Aug. 30 during a four-day course in which Company L riflemen learned to recover downed or lost pilots and personnel. Company L is one of three rifle companies in Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground-combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Pilots from the unit’s aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), flew helicopters in support of the course. Watkins is a 21-year-old Dallas native. - Team leader Cpl. Gerrick J. Watkins, right, and fellow squad members rehearse exiting a CH-46E Sea Knight parked on an air-station apron here Aug. 30 during a four-day course in which Company L riflemen learned to recover downed or lost pilots and personnel. Company L is one of three rifle companies in Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the ground-combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Pilots from the unit’s aviation combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced), flew helicopters in support of the course. Watkins is a 21-year-old Dallas native.
Amphibious assault vehicles lay in a defensive position Aug. 19 as Marines with Company G wait to conduct a night raid. The raid was the final training exercise for Battalion Landing Team 2/4 before it deploys with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Amphibious assault vehicles lay in a defensive position Aug. 19 as Marines with Company G wait to conduct a night raid. The raid was the final training exercise for Battalion Landing Team 2/4 before it deploys with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Lance Cpl. Jacob Ramirez, 24, from Fresno, Calif., prepares his night-vision equipment before participating in a live-fire night raid with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, here July 26. - Lance Cpl. Jacob Ramirez, 24, from Fresno, Calif., prepares his night-vision equipment before participating in a live-fire night raid with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, here July 26.
Retired Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston talks to members of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, during a field mess night here July 16. Livingston served as the E Co. commander in 1968 during the Vietnam War. There he earned the Medal of Honor and many other decorations for heroic actions in combat. - Retired Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston talks to members of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, during a field mess night here July 16. Livingston served as the E Co. commander in 1968 during the Vietnam War. There he earned the Medal of Honor and many other decorations for heroic actions in combat.
Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit disembark helicopters lining up for fuel April 3 at Castle Airport. Twelve helicopters, eight transporting infantrymen, stopped here en route to a simulated raid site during the MEU's recent air-ground task force exercise held at several California installations. - Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit disembark helicopters lining up for fuel April 3 at Castle Airport. Twelve helicopters, eight transporting infantrymen, stopped here en route to a simulated raid site during the MEU's recent air-ground task force exercise held at several California installations.