Weekend Photos - 30th June to 1st July 2012

[vor033]

German Soldiers at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center

A German army soldier from the 472nd Logistics Battalion looks through the scope of his G36 assault rifle at an improvised explosive device during a training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, June 27, 2012.

German army soldiers from the 472nd Logistics Battalion describe the injuries of a casualty to a U.S. Army Soldier during a medical evacuation training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, June 21, 2012.

A German army soldier from the 472nd Logistics Battalion calls in a nine-line medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) report during a MEDEVAC training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, June 21, 2012.

German army soldiers from the 472nd Logistics Battalion provide aid to a casualty during a medical evacuation training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, June 21, 2012.

German army soldiers from the 472nd Logistics Battalion wait to evacuate a casualty during a medical evacuation training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, June 21, 2012.

[vor033]

(Photos released 29th June )

U.S. Army Pfc. Derek Phan serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, provides security in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012

U.S. Army Pfc. Haley serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, provides security in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012.

U.S. Army Pfc. Derek Phan serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, provides security in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012.

A U.S. soldier serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division watches his area in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012.

U.S. soldiers serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division provide security in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012.

U.S. soldiers serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division provide security on top of a roof in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012.

U.S. soldiers serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division provide security from a rooftop in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012.

U.S. soldiers serving with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division provide security from a rooftop in the village of Badu Khel, Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 19, 2012.

[vor033]

Pararescuemen from the 306th RQS parachuted from the HC-130J as part of a heritage flight as D-M transitions from the HC-130P/N King.

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen from the 306th Rescue Squadron daisy chain the lines on parachutes after jumping from the new HC-130J Combat King II on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 306th Rescue Squadron pulls in his parachute after landing as other pararescuemen head towards the drop zone on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Joshua Swartz, 306th Rescue Squadron, daisy chains the lines on a parachute after jumping from the new HC-130J Combat King II on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen from the 306th Rescue Squadron land near the designated drop zone on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman, also known as PJs, from the 306th Rescue Squadron, lands near the designated drop zone on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jake Thompson, 306th Rescue Squadron, measures the velocity of the wind before pararescuemen, also known as PJs, parachute from the new HC-130J Combat King II on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Michael Jones performs a jump master personnel inspection on Tech. Sgt Jeffrey Hamilton, both from the 306th Rescue Squadron on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen, also known as PJs, from the 306th Rescue Squadron strap on their parachutes before boarding an HC-130J Combat King II on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Montanez, 306th Rescue Squadron, helps suit up Capt. Kevin Deibler, 943rd Rescue Group, before he boards the new HC-130J Combat King II on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012.

[vor033]

A pararescueman with the 306th Rescue Squadron waits for his turn to jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

A pararescueman with the 306th Rescue Squadron waits for his turn to jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

A pararescueman with the 306th Rescue Squadron waits for his turn to jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

Pararescuemen with the 306th Rescue Squadron load onto an HC-130P to conduct a training jump at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

Pararescuemen with the 306th Rescue Squadron wait to conduct a training jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

Pararescuemen with the 306th Rescue Squadron prepare to conduct a training jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

Pararescuemen with the 306th Rescue Squadron conduct a training jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

Pararescuemen with the 306th Rescue Squadron conduct a training jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

A pararescueman with the 306th Rescue Squadron conducts his training jump from an HC-130P at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2012. Pararescuemen must complete training operations to maintain readiness for real world scenarios.

[vor033]

Belgian Para-Commando Snipers during Exercise Viking Express 2012 – 18^th June 2012

[Leaper]

Are those Belgians in Norway or something?

[Dave76]

A few Montford Point Marines take a seat on the parade field before the start of a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington June 28. In 1942, President Roosevelt established a presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited into the Marine Corps. Between 1942 and 1949 approximately 20,000 African American Marines received basic training at the segregated Montford Point instead of the traditional boot camps of Parris Island, S.C. and San Diego, Calif. These men fought for their country with honor and valor that are hallmarks of the Corps, but they were not treated as equals to their white counterparts at the time. Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, set out to begin to right this wrong when he invited the Montford Point Marines to the Barracks Aug. 26, 2011 to be the guests of honor at a Friday Evening Parade, bringing their story to the national forefront and starting a chain of events that lead to this historic day.

Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, publicly thanks and congratulates Lt. Gen. Willie Williams, director, Marine Corps staff and currently the senior African-American Marine in the Corps, during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington June 28.

SgtMaj. Michael Barrett, 17th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, personally thanks every Montford Point Marine in attendance before a Congressional Gold Medal presentation ceremony at the historic parade grounds of Marine Barracks Washington June 28.

Lt. Gen. Robert E. Milstead, Jr., deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, awards a Montford Point Marine a replica of a Congressional Gold Medal during a presentation ceremony at the historic parade grounds of Marine Barracks Washington June 28.

Alpha Gainous, an original Montford Point Marine, smiles at guests after a Congressional Gold Medal presentation ceremony at the historic parade grounds of Marine Barracks Washington June 28.

Retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Norman D. Epkin, a Montford Point Marine, speaks with guests after receiving a replica of Congressional Gold Medal at the conclusion of a presentation ceremony at the historic parade grounds of Marine Barracks Washington June 28.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, conduct live-fire training during Artillery Relocation Training Program 12-1 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, June 22. The regiment is part of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Uploaded on Jun 29, 2012

Petty Officer 2nd Class Fletcher T. Carson kisses identification tags hanging from a pair of boots and a rifle here June 28 during a memorial ceremony honoring Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada, who died in a Djibouti training accident Feb. 14. Estrada, who served as a corpsman with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, was 21 and a native of Maricopa, Ariz. Carson is a 23-year-old Mayfield, Maine, native. The landing team serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Lt. Col. Fridrik Fridriksson kneels with Alyssa Estrada before a pair of boots and a rifle here June 28 during a memorial ceremony honoring her husband Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada, who died in a Djibouti training accident Feb. 14. Estrada, who served as a corpsman with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, was 21 and a native of Maricopa, Ariz. Fridriksson is the commanding officer for the landing team, which serves as the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

RIP

[tercio67]

Are those Belgians in Norway or something?

Porsanger, I believe. About 1600 pax.

[vor033]

(Photos from the end of May and released 30th June)

Operation Trap House was designed to reduce the enemy's ability to launch or fund any offensive operations from the Zamindawar region during the traditional fighting season.

A U.S. Marine Corps Anti-Tank missileman attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 uses the command launch unit of a Javelin anti-tank missile system to observe enemy movement during Operation Trap House in the village of Deh Mushek in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 27, 2012.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Charles E. Mackey III, attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 supports a patrol in a compound during Operation Trap House in the village of Deh Mushek in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 26, 2012.

An Afghan Uniformed Policeman (AUP), right, enters a compound room to search it for weapons during Operation Trap House in the village of Deh Mushek in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 26, 2012.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joshua V. Armstrong, a police advisor attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, looks into a room before entering during Operation Trap House in the village of Deh Mushek in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 26, 2012.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Compnay, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 conduct pre-combat checks before a patrol during Operation Trap House in the village of Deh Mushek in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 26, 2012.

A U.S. Marine Corps sniper with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 observes enemy movement from a rooftop during Operation Trap House in the village of Deh Mushek in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 25, 2012.

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 observes enemy movement with a pair of binoculars during Operation Trap House in the village of Deh Mushek in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 25, 2012

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Egan, a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, observes enemy movement with his personal periscope during a clearing operation in the village of Deh Mushek during Operation Trap House in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 25, 2012

A U.S. Marine Corps machine gunner with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 provides security as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician enters an empty enemy fighting position in the village of Deh Mushek during Operation Trap House in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 22, 2012.

A U.S. Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 enters an empty enemy fighting position after checking it for improvised explosive devices in the village of Deh Mushek during Operation Trap House in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 22, 2012.

A U.S. Marine Corps machine gunner, left, with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 provides security as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician checks an empty enemy fighting position for improvised explosive devices in the village of Deh Mushek during Operation Trap House in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 22, 2012.

A U.S. Marine Corps Explosives Ordnance Disposal technician, right with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6 checks an empty enemy fighting position for improvised explosive devices in the village of Deh Mushek during Operation Trap House in Kajaki, Helmand province Afghanistan May 22, 2012.

[Dave76]

In support of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) training in the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, pilot Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Campbell from Ft. Lewis, Washington flies members of Idaho Air National Guard’s ASOS to various locations using the US Army CH-47 Chinook Helicopter, June 25. ASOS is training in an exercise Mountain Fury II June 19 through June 27 performing small unit tactics, mounted patrol with HMWVVs, Close Air Support missions, and over watch with the help of the 190th Fighter Squadron’s A-10 Aircraft and B Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, Idaho Army National Guard 1-183rd Ariel Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB) Apache Helicopters and 728th Air Control Squadron, Mt. Home. Date Posted: 06.28.2012

Maj. Hans Lienke and other members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard are being transported by a 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) CH-47 Chinook Helicopter to several locations for training during exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25. Exercise Mountain Fury II is intense, rugged outdoor training during the day into the late night hours, June 19 through June 27.

Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard participate in intensive outdoor training during exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25. ASOS members shown here are transported to several locations by the 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, June 19 through June 27.

Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard flee from a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter to participate in intensive outdoor training during exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25. Members of ASOS perform small unit tactics, mounted patrol with HMWVVs, Close Air Support missions, and over watch with the help of the 190th Fighter Squadron’s A-10 Aircraft and B Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, Idaho Army National Guard Apache Helicopters and 728th Air Control Squadron, Mt. Home, June 19 through June 27.

Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard set up and test communication radio equipment during intensive outdoor training in exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25. These ASOS members, Radio Operation Maintainer and Driver (ROMAD)s, and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) perform small unit tactics, mounted patrol with HMWVVs, Close Air Support missions, and over watch with the help of the 190th Fighter Squadron’s A-10 Aircraft and B Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, Idaho Army National Guard Apache Helicopters and 728th Air Control Squadron, Mt. Home, June 19 through June 27.

Airman 1st Class Harry Nieves, a Radio Operation Maintainer and Driver (ROMAD) from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) searches for a specific observation point for observing a simulated enemy during intensive outdoor training in exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25. Members of ASOS perform small unit tactics, mounted patrol with HMWVVs, Close Air Support missions, and over watch with the help of the 190th Fighter Squadron’s A-10 Aircraft and B Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, Idaho Army National Guard Apache Helicopters and 728th Air Control Squadron, Mt. Home, June 19 through June 27.

Airman 1st Class Harry Nieves, a Radio Operation Maintainer and Driver (ROMAD) from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard sets a visual identifier marker for cooperating friendly forces flying above involved in training with exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Staff Sgt. Nate Durfee from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard observes the simulated enemy down range, by looking through PVS 14 Monocular Night Vision Goggles (NVG)s during training with exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25. This exercise focused on small unit tactics, mounted patrol with HMWVVs, Close Air Support missions, and over watch with the help of the 190th Fighter Squadron’s A-10 Aircraft and B Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, Idaho Army National Guard Apache Helicopters and 728th Air Control Squadron, Mt. Home, June 19 through June 27.

Staff Sgt. Nate Durfee, left, and Maj. Hans Lienke from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard observe the simulated enemy down range at the observation point during training with exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Maj. Hans Lienke from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard observes the simulated enemy down range, by looking through PVS 14 Monocular Night Vision Goggles (NVG)s during training with exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard participate in intensive outdoor training during exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Maj. Billy Soper from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard observes and plans land navigation and direction using a compass for the incoming A-10 Aircraft during exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard participate in intensive outdoor training during exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Airman 1st Class Gregory Miller from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard observes the simulated enemy down range with PLRF-15C Pocket Laser Range Finders at the observation point during training with exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Members of the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard hike up several mountains in search of their specific observation point for for observing a simulated enemy during intensive outdoor training during exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Airman 1st Class Gregory Miller, left, and Maj. Hans Lienke from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard observes the simulated enemy down range, with PVS 15 Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and PLRF-15C Pocket Laser Range Finders at the observation point during training with exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

Staff Sgt. Nate Durfee from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) of the Idaho Air National Guard observes the simulated enemy down range, with PVS 15 Night Vision Goggles(NVG) at the observation point during training with exercise Mountain Fury II throughout the Idaho Sawtooth National Forest, June 25.

[Dave76]

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrol out of Forward Operating Base Dehli, Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012. 3/8 Marines conducted the security patrol to disrupt enemy activity throughout their area of operation. Date Posted: 06.29.2012 (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jacob Cano with 3rd Civil Affairs Group, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 gives local Afghan children candy during a security patrol in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jarrid Heckman with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 provides security during a patrol in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jacob Cano with 3rd Civil Affairs Group, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat team 5 poses for a photo with an Afghan boy during a security patrol in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 provides security during a patrol in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrol through the streets of Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Scott Rider with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrols the streets of Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 17, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

Afghan National Army soldiers provide security during a shura in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 18, 2012. The shura was held by the Garmsir District Governor, Mohammad Fahim, to discuss the future security of the district. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

An Afghan Uniformed Policeman serves food to guests, including U.S. Marines with 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, after a security shura in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 18, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contrera/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Devin R. Blowes, right, commanding officer, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat team 5, speaks with a local Afghan leader after a security shura in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 18, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

Afghan Uniformed Policemen (AUP) practice baton strikes during a training exercise in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 19, 2012. AUP participated in a weekly training exercise led by U.S. Marines with Police Advisory Team, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 to improve their non-lethal weapon techniques. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Rangy Ribera, right, with Police Advisory Team, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 explains proper striking techniques during a training exercise for Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 19, 2012. AUP participated in a weekly training exercise to improve their non-lethal weapon techniques. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrol outside Forward Operating Base Dehli, Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. 3/8 Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers conducted a dismounted patrol to disrupt enemy activity in their area of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers with 2nd Kandak, 215th Corps and U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrol in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

A U.S. Marine with 3D Civil Affairs Group, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrols along a street in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

Afghan National Army (ANA) Maj. Zahir Shah, executive officer, 2nd Kandak, 215th Corps and U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5, patrol in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

Afghan National Army (ANA) Maj. Zahir Shah, center right, executive officer, 2nd Kandak, 215th Corps, speaks to local Afghan boys during a patrol with U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier with 2nd Kandak, 215th Corps provides security during a patrol with U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Henry Garrison, 2nd squad leader, 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5, patrols through a bazaar in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Todd M. Boydstun with Afghan National Army (ANA) Advisory Team, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 patrols through a bazaar in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), Regimental Combat Team 5 conduct a vehicle checkpoint during a patrol in Garmsir District, Helmand province, Afghanistan June 24, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar N. Contreras/Released)

[hogdriver]

HiRes

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Maj. Joseph Knothe and Capt. Robert Schoeneberg, B-2 Spirit pilots from the 509th Operations Support Squadron, walk to their assigned aircraft to participate in the bomber operations portion of Global Strike Challenge 2012 June 26. Global Strike Challenge is the world's premier bomber, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile and security forces competition with units from Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

HiRes

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Airman 1st Class Eljay Noel and Airman 1st Class Jimmy Womack, B-2 Spirit crew chiefs from the 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, perform preflight checks on a B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing prior to its departure to Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range in Salina, Kan., to participate in Global Strike Challenge 2012 June 26. One of the main components of the competition judged is how accurate munitions are when pilots hit their targets. Points are deducted per foot that the particular bomb lands from its target. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson)

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WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- A B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing takes off on the runway to Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range in Salina, Kan., to participate in the bomber operations portion of Global Strike Challenge 2012 June 26. The intent of the challenge is to allow units the opportunity to pit their best aircrew against the best of the other units around the major command with similar missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick Wilson) (Released)

[hogdriver]

HiRes

A 2nd Security Forces Squadron Airman provides cover for teammates under a B-52H Stratofortress during a training scenario at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 26. This scenario, part of a Nuclear Surety Exercise, evaluated the wing's ability to defend and recover an aircraft loaded with simulated strategic weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

HiRes

Senior Airman Cody Neale, 2nd Security Forces Squadron, provides cover for Defender teammates under a B-52H Stratofortress during a training scenario at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 26. This scenario, part of a Nuclear Surety Exercise, evaluated the wing's ability to defend and recover an aircraft loaded with simulated strategic weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

HiRes

A 2nd Security Forces Squadron Airman rushes to secure a B-52H Stratofortress during a training scenario at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 26. Airmen from the 2 SFS train regularly to maintain the highest level of readiness in the event of a real-world situation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Chad Warren)(RELEASED)

[vor033]

Great Photos Hogdriver and Dave76, thanks for posting them

[bd popeye]

Great Photos Hogdriver and Dave76, thanks for posting them

x a million.. You to vor33! Excellent pix posted by all!


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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (June 29, 2012) The Russian navy Udaloy-class destroyer RFS Admiral Panteleyev (BPK 548) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2012. Twenty-two nations, 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea-lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey/Released)

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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (June 29, 2012) The Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) pulls into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to support the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach/Released)

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JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (June 29, 2012) The U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class maritime security cutter USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750) pulls into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to support the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach/Released)

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The Japan Maritime Self-Defense destroyer JMSDF Myoko (DDG 175) is moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. (New Zealand Defense Force photo by LAC Amanda McErlich/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (June 28, 2012) The Japanese Self Defense Force ship JS Shirane (DDH 143), of the, transits the waters of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (June 28, 2012) The Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Perth (FFH 157) pulls into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to support Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise.

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PEARL HARBOR (June 28, 2012) Two of the three Japanese Maritime Self-Defense ships JS Myoko (DDG 175) and JS Shirane (DDH 143) are moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force photo by LS Tetsuya Sekino/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (June 28, 2012) The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) transits the waters of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in support of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Jun. 28, 2012) Beach goers observe the Chilean Navy frigate Almirante Lynch (FF 07) pull into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise.

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PEARL HARBOR (June 27, 2012) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (June 27, 2012) The Singapore Naval frigate RSS Formidable (68) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (June 27, 2012) The French frigate Prairial (F731) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2012.

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PEARL HARBOR (June 27, 2012) The Mexican Navy ship Usumacinta (A-412), formerly the USS Fredrick (LST-1184) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (June 26, 2012) The Japanese minesweeper tender JDS Bungo (MST 464) pulls into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to support Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach/Released)