Today's Photos, Monday - March 4th, 2013

[Ceriy]

Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13 ascend Mount Etna during a conditioning event, Feb. 26, 2013. The group of Marines and sailors ascended more than 3,500 feet during the hike up Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa conducts security force assistance and military-to-military engagements throughout Africa in support of Marine Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command. The approximately 150 Marines and sailors are also trained to provide limited crisis response. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Norris/Released)

[Ceriy]

Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13 demonstrate how to high lift a Combat Rubber Raid Craft, or Zodiac, to a group of Marines and sailors before a physical training session here, Feb. 22, 2013. Reconnaissance Marines train with the Zodiac regularly to strengthen physical and mental endurance and promote teamwork. Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa conducts security force assistance and military-to-military engagements throughout Africa in support of Marine Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command. The approximately 150 Marines and sailors are also trained to provide limited crisis response. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Norris/Released)

[Ceriy]

Explosive Ordnance Training, Kenya (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devin Doskey/Released)

[Ceriy]

299th Tactical Aviation Brigade, Ukraine.

[Ceriy]

Brig. Gen. Hugh C. Van Roosen Force Chief of Staff for the United Nations Mission in Liberia visiting Ukrainian 56th Detached Helicopter unit.

[Ceriy]

The passing out Parade of the 48th Recruit Platoon, Gormanstown Camp 27th Battalion March 1st 2013. Ireland.

[Ceriy]

An example of NATO Russia cooperation at sea as the Italian Ship San Marco, the NATO flag ship to Operation Ocean Shield, maneuvers on the port (left) side of the Russian Federation ship Severromorsk during a joint counter piracy exercise that took place on 26 Feb in the Gulf of Aden.

A NATO boarding team from the Italian Flag ship San Margo are lowered by helicopter onto the deck of the Russian Federation ship Severromorsk during a NATO-Russia cooperative exercise in the Gulf of Aden. With the Cooperation of the Russian Navy the NATO boarding team practice their search procedures looking for evidence of illegal activity.

A Russian Navy assault team from the Russian Federation ship Severromorsk land by helicopter on the deck of the Italian Ship San Marco, the NATO flag ship to Operation Ocean Shield, during a NATO-Russia counter piracy exercise in the Gulf of Aden. The Russian team are using the NATO ship to practice their boarding procedures to free hostages during a simulated piracy exercise with NATO.

Italian naval personnel from the Italian Amphibious command ship San Marco, NATO’s counter piracy flag ship in Operation Ocean Shield, join their Russian Navy counterparts following a joint NATO-Russia counter piracy exercise in the Gulf of Aden.

The Russian Navy assault team successfully captures the pretend pirates during a counter piracy exercise between NATO and the Russian Federation taking place on NATO’s Flag ship San Marco, in the Gulf of Aden.

[bd popeye]

Excellent photos today Ceriy!

My Naval contribution..


Download HiRes

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 27, 2013) Boatswain's Mate Seaman Brannon Laveder, left, and Quartermaster Seaman Chris Epperson raise the church pennant and the national ensign during Catholic Mass aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Giovanni Squadrito/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 1, 2013) Sailors move an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to Bluetails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 off of an aircraft elevator aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower departed Naval Station Norfolk on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations and Theater Security Cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Schneider/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 3, 2013) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (US Navy photo by Seaman Brian Wilbur/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 3, 2013) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) receives fuel while steaming alongside USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) during Eisenhower's first replenishment-at-sea during her 2013 deployment. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kameren Guy Hodnett/Released)

Download HiRes

WASHINGTON (March 1, 2013) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens speaks with Sailors from Naval Air Facility Washington prior to the 98th Navy Reserve Anniversary ceremony at Navy Memorial in Washington Friday. MCPON was the guest speaker for the event with Vice Adm. Robin Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve, as the host. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas L. Rosprim/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 27, 2013) Airman Billy Grant, from Arcadia, Fla. assigned to the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5, wraps up a blade crutch after folding the rotors of an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Schneider/Released)

Download HiRes

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Feb. 28, 2013) A catapult and arresting gear officer ducks as an E-2C Hawkeye from the Golden Hawks of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

Download HiRes

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 28, 2013) Rear Adm. David F. Steindl, commander of Carrier Strike Group One (CSG) 1, meets with deck department Sailors in the forecastle aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Carl Vinson is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Iain L. Stratton/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 28, 2013) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Johnathan Groves, assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) acts as safety observer as one of the Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) test fires during a practice fire evolution. Hue City is on a deployment to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. Cole/Released)

Download HiRes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2013) Chief Legalman Lucia Abreu cleans a statue of Ronald McDonald during a Commander, Navy Region Southeast volunteer project at the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville, Fla. The project was co-sponsored by the Commander, Navy Region Southeast Chief Petty Officers Association and the Commander, Navy Region Southeast First Class Petty Officers Association. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson/Released)

Download HiRes

COROZAL, Belize (Feb. 25, 2013) U.S. Navy Sailors perform a hip-tow maneuver during joint river operations with the Belizean Defense Force during Southern Partnership Station 2013 in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. A hip-tow is when two boats are tied together fore and aft to facilitate the transfer of material or casualties while the boats are still at sea. Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment that exchanges training and expertise between U.S. military and civilian agencies with their counterparts in Central and South America and the Caribbean. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Hyatt/Released)

Download HiRes

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 26, 2013) Lt. Cmdr. Douglas Kay signals an EA-18G Growler form Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 to launch during night flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy A. Hazel/Released)

Download HiRes

I love the smell of cat steam in the morning.. it smells like..like VICTORY!

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 26, 2013) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Leigh Davis directs aircraft during night flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy A. Hazel/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 3, 2013) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) approaches USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) in preparation for Eisenhower's first replenishment-at-sea during her 2013 deployment. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Rob Rupp/Released)

[bd popeye]

More US Navy photos..


Download HiRes

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (March 3, 2013) Sailors perform maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marco Villasana/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 1, 2013) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 is transported from the flight deck to the hangar bay on an aircraft elevator aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower departed Naval Station Norfolk on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations and Theater Security Cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Schneider/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 28, 2013) Quartermaster 1st Class Timothy Sheedy, assigned to the Cyclone-class coastal patrol ship USS Monsoon (PC4), fires .50 caliber machine gun blanks at simulated hostile small boats during an Advanced Phase Training Exercise (APTEX). APTEX is a four-day exercise designed to stress and evaluate the U.S. Navy Patrol Coastal crew in an integrated and advanced level environment and tests the crew's ability to complete exercise objectives, demonstrating the ship's ability to work and communicate as a team.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Sunderman/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN, (Mar. 02, 2013) Seaman Brenti L. Franklin (left) and Seaman Moses Aseda assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) continue ship efforts preservation by painting on the forecastle. Hue City is on a deployment to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. Cole/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 02, 2013) Seaman Anna M. Collins assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) steers the ship as it steams through the Atlantic Ocean.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. Cole/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 27, 2013) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) heave a line during a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. Cole/Released)

Download HiRes

SAN DIEGO (March 3, 2013) One of the 20,000 Marines to receive basic training at Montford Point between 1942 and 1945 applauds during the christening ceremony of the Mobile Landing Platform USNS Montford Point (T-MLP 1) in San Diego. Montford Point is the first ship of its class and will serve as a floating base for amphibious operations and operate as a transfer point between large ships and small landing craft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Crossley/Released)

Download HiRes

SAN DIEGO (March 2, 2013) The Mobile Landing Platform USNS Montford Point (T-MLP 1) is moored pier side in San Diego during the ship's christening ceremony (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro/Released)

Download HiRes

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 2, 2013) Seaman Gregory Clayton from Atlanta stands watch aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Brian Wilbur/Released)

Download HiRes

NORFOLK (Feb. 28, 2013) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Christian Lyons and Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Christopher Shapiro, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, are hoisted aboard an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter during search and rescue training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sandi Grimnes/Released)

Download HiRes

COROZAL, Belize (Feb. 25, 2013) A U.S. Navy Sailor pulls rear security on a rivercraft during joint river operations as part of Southern Partnership Station 2013 in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment that exchanges training and expertise between U.S. military and civilian agencies with their counterparts in Central and South America and the Caribbean. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Hyatt/Released)

Download HiRes

SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2013) Senior Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Christopher Perry spends time with his family aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) before his departure on a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region. Freedom will demonstrate her operational capabilities and allow the Navy to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. LCS platforms are designed to employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare or mine countermeasures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Grandin/Released)

Download HiRes

SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2013) A Sailor assigned to the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) spends time with his family before his departure on a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Grandin/Released)

Download HiRes

SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2013) Gunner's Mate 1st Class Michael Davis spends time with his daughter aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) before his departure on a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Grandin/Released)

Download HiRes

HOUSTON TX (Feb. 27, 2013) Approximately 100 future Sailors from the Houston area take the Oath of Enlistment during Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in front of rodeo attendees. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob L. Dillon, Navy Recruiting District Houston Public Affairs/Released)

[thounaojamtom]

much appreciated for this cool picture, sincerely thank you ceriy and bd popeye.

[Ceriy]

Soldiers of the Sandston-based Battery A, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct a live-fire exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., March 2, 2013. The live-fire exercise was part of the unit’s section certifications and training for an external evaluation in 2014. (Photo by Sgt. JoAnna Greene, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

[bd popeye]

much appreciated for this cool picture, sincerely thank you ceriy and bd popeye.

Thanks so much for your kind words!

Sorry!! >>>NO Hi-res on these PIX..

Wounded Warrior Trials 2013

By Jonathan Horn March 2, 2013...CAMP PENDLETON CA — It’s still Camp Pendleton, but this week it seems more like a mini Olympic Village.

That’s because wounded warriors from the U.S. Marine Corps and eight other countries have converged on the expansive base to compete in sports ranging from archery and wheelchair basketball to volleyball and swimming. The games run through Wednesday.

For the Americans, it’s especially important, because 50 of the 250 Marines will be invited to the 2013 Warrior Games in May at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where they’ll compete against the best wounded warriors from the other branches of the military. For now, they’re getting the chance to test their skills against wounded warriors from places like New Zealand, Great Britain and the Netherlands.

On Saturday, 114 Marine archers spent the 80-degree sunny afternoon aiming for bull’s eyes on a field next to the base’s Lake O’Neill.

Camp Pendelton CA..March 1st 2013..During the archery competition of the Wounded Warrior Trials 2013 at Camp Pendleton. Austrailian Army vet. Curtis McGrath, who lost both legs, competes. Watching and giving advice is archery instructor Darryl Wood, a retired Marine. — Charlie Neuman

Active duty Marine Gaybriell Copper, of Portsmouth, Virginia, concentrates as she's about the release her arrow. At right is active duty Marine Clayton McDaniel, of Hawaii. — Charlie Neuman

The line of competitors fire at their targets. — Charlie Neuman

Detail view of the message on the back of the cap of ex-Marine Gregory Rodriguez, of Chicago, as he shoots an arrow at his target. — Charlie Neuman

When you feel like bitchin' about something wrong in your life..think about this man and what he is overcoming.

Ex-Marine Oy Rassavong, of Akron, Ohio, uses his teeth to pull back the arrow in the bow. Among his many injuries suffered from an I.E.D. in Iraq in 2005 is a paralyzed right arm. Assisting at left are archery ... — Charlie Neuman

Marine Colonel Willard Buhl, the Commanding Officer of the Wounded Warrior Regiment in Quantico, Virginia, shakes hands with ex-Marine Oy Rassavong, of Akron, Ohio during a break in the competition. He was severely injured by an I.E.D. in Iraq in ... — Charlie Neuman

[Ceriy]

476th anniversary since establishment of Spanish Navy Marines.

[Ceriy]

Training Trip LXXXIV - Juan Sebastian de Elcano a training ship for the Royal Spanish Navy.

[Ceriy]

Operation Ariel Badger was an exercise organized by the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s West Bend Aviation units on March 3, 2013, involving civilian emergency response organizations, local hospitals, and the Civil Air Patrol, with several disaster scenarios throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Wisconsin Army National Guard photo by the 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment