Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit fire M240B machine guns during live-fire training aboard USS Pearl Harbor. The unit embarked the ship, as well as USS Makin Island and USS New Orleans in San Diego, beginning a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Horn of Africa and Middle East regions.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tommy Huynh – DVIDS)

Marines stand in formation as Commanding Officer of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Col. Michael R. Hudson, speaks to them after crossing the equator aboard USS Makin Island May 15. The unit embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego Nov. 14, beginning a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Horn of Africa and Middle East regions.

U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Chad J. Pulliam (DVIDS)

Boatswain’€™s Mate Seaman Carl Worthington cleans the propeller of a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro /Released)