II MEF News

Maj. Sasha Kuhlow presents the Pyeatt family an American flag. The flag was flown at Sgt. Pyeatt’s camp during the time of his death. Sgt. Pyeatt was killed in action Afghanistan, February 2011. - Maj. Sasha Kuhlow presents the Pyeatt family an American flag. The flag was flown at Sgt. Pyeatt’s camp during the time of his death. Sgt. Pyeatt was killed in action Afghanistan, February 2011.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Solomon S. Thomas, platoon commander with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Air-ground Taskforce-8 (MAGTF-8) gives an order while conducting Platoon hasty attack & maneuver range 410a during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 22, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Justin M. Smith) - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Solomon S. Thomas, platoon commander with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Air-ground Taskforce-8 (MAGTF-8) gives an order while conducting Platoon hasty attack & maneuver range 410a during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 22, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Justin M. Smith)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dustin S. Miller, Crew Chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Air Ground Task Force 8 (MAGTF) searches for a potential target from a UH-1Y Huey Helicopter while conducting a close air support drill during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 21, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dustin S. Miller, Crew Chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Air Ground Task Force 8 (MAGTF) searches for a potential target from a UH-1Y Huey Helicopter while conducting a close air support drill during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 21, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Marine Air Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF-8) convoy in a Humvee from range 114A after conducting a Motorized Fire and Movement Exercise (MFME) during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 23, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole) - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Marine Air Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF-8) convoy in a Humvee from range 114A after conducting a Motorized Fire and Movement Exercise (MFME) during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 23, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole)

A Marine prepares to load the charge into an M777A2 Howitzer during a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 26, 2017. The purpose of this field operation is to test and improve the unit’s capabilities by putting the Marines into a simulated combat environment. The Marine is with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell) - A Marine prepares to load the charge into an M777A2 Howitzer during a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 26, 2017. The purpose of this field operation is to test and improve the unit’s capabilities by putting the Marines into a simulated combat environment. The Marine is with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Holly Pernell)

The Afghan National Army 215th Corps color guard marches the Afghan national colors past Helmand Province key leaders and soldiers with 2nd Kandak, 4th Brigade, 215th Corps during a graduation ceremony at Camp Shorabak, Afghanistan, July 24, 2017. The 2nd Kandak, 4th Brigade completed an eight-week operational readiness cycle at the Helmand Regional Military Training Center, an eight-week course led by ANA instructors with assistance from U.S. Marine advisors with Task Force Southwest. The ORC is designed to enhance its students’ infantry skills in order to create an enduring and capable force to combat insurgency in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lucas Hopkins) - The Afghan National Army 215th Corps color guard marches the Afghan national colors past Helmand Province key leaders and soldiers with 2nd Kandak, 4th Brigade, 215th Corps during a graduation ceremony at Camp Shorabak, Afghanistan, July 24, 2017. The 2nd Kandak, 4th Brigade completed an eight-week operational readiness cycle at the Helmand Regional Military Training Center, an eight-week course led by ANA instructors with assistance from U.S. Marine advisors with Task Force Southwest. The ORC is designed to enhance its students’ infantry skills in order to create an enduring and capable force to combat insurgency in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lucas Hopkins)

A Marine carrying an award streamer approaches the unit colors during the rededication ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 21, 2017. Marines celebrated their unit’s 100-year anniversary with a rededication ceremony, dinner and a night of shared camaraderie. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Leynard Kyle Plazo) - A Marine carrying an award streamer approaches the unit colors during the rededication ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 21, 2017. Marines celebrated their unit’s 100-year anniversary with a rededication ceremony, dinner and a night of shared camaraderie. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Leynard Kyle Plazo)

Col. David Owen and Sgt. Maj. Rene Salinas retire the colors for II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group during a redesignation ceremony, during which II MEF Headquarters Group was renamed II MEF Information Group at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 21, 2017. The unit’s redesignation to II MIG is the first visible action complimentary to the forthcoming capabilities that support the Commandant’s priorities to modernize the force and develop increased capability in the information environment. Owen is the Commanding Officer and Salinas is the Sergeant Major of II MIG. - Col. David Owen and Sgt. Maj. Rene Salinas retire the colors for II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group during a redesignation ceremony, during which II MEF Headquarters Group was renamed II MEF Information Group at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 21, 2017. The unit’s redesignation to II MIG is the first visible action complimentary to the forthcoming capabilities that support the Commandant’s priorities to modernize the force and develop increased capability in the information environment. Owen is the Commanding Officer and Salinas is the Sergeant Major of II MIG.

Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Ahmadzai, left, the commanding general of 215th Corps, speaks with U.S. Marine Col. Matthew Grosz, right, the senior ANA advisor assigned to Task Force Southwest, at Camp Shorserack, Afghanistan, July 14, 2017. Elements of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, including the 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police, successfully cleared the Nawa district center of insurgent presence during Operation Maiwand Four with assistance from Marine advisors, and will continue to provide security and work to establish governance in the area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lucas Hopkins) - Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Ahmadzai, left, the commanding general of 215th Corps, speaks with U.S. Marine Col. Matthew Grosz, right, the senior ANA advisor assigned to Task Force Southwest, at Camp Shorserack, Afghanistan, July 14, 2017. Elements of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, including the 215th Corps and 505th Zone National Police, successfully cleared the Nawa district center of insurgent presence during Operation Maiwand Four with assistance from Marine advisors, and will continue to provide security and work to establish governance in the area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lucas Hopkins)

M1A1 Abrams battle tanks scan for targets during a combined arms range for Iron Wolf 17 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 14, 2017. Iron Wolf 17 is a multi-unit exercise designed to simulate battlefield conditions Marines may face while deployed. The tanks are from 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. (United States Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jon Sosner) - M1A1 Abrams battle tanks scan for targets during a combined arms range for Iron Wolf 17 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 14, 2017. Iron Wolf 17 is a multi-unit exercise designed to simulate battlefield conditions Marines may face while deployed. The tanks are from 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. (United States Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jon Sosner)