US Military Pictures thread

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KILLICK, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) Lt. Marlin Williams, a Navy chaplain embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), prays for a Haitian boy as he receives treatment at the Killick Haitian Coast Guard Clinic. The boy was trapped under the bodies of dead family members in a collapsed building for seven days before he was rescued from the rubble. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Candice Villarreal/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 19, 2010) Search and Rescue teams from France, Haiti, Turkey, Fairfax County, Va. and members of the U.S. Air Force 23rd Special Tactics Squadron place Hottline Lozoma, a 25 Year-old Haitian woman, on a stretcher after extracting her from the rubble of a collapsed market. Units from all branches of the U.S. military are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage in Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael C. Barton/Released)

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KILLICK, Haiti (Jan. 19, 2010) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is anchored near the Killick Haitian Coast Guard Base. Gunston Hall was diverted from its Africa Partnership Station (APS) mission to assist with relief and humanitarian efforts for Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Stratton/Released)

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KILLICK, Haiti (Jan. 19, 2010) A U.S. Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk helicopter leaves the soccer field at the Killick Haitian Coast Guard Base to transport earthquake victims for further treatment at a different facility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Stratton/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) A Haitian woman carries her infant son aboard an SH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 during a medical evacuation to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). The child was born Jan. 16 aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma (WMEC 908) while his mother was being medically evacuated from Haiti. Tahoma and Comfort are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage in Haiti on Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Troy D. Miller/Released)

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KILLICK, Haiti (Jan 19, 2010) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Amanda Vasquez, from Liberty, Mo. assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), administers an IV to a 4-year-old girl suffering from dehydration at a clinic at the Killick Haitian Coast Guard Base. Higgins was on her way home from a scheduled deployment when she was diverted to assist with Operation Unified Response relief efforts after a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Martine Curaron/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 19, 2010) Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 launch boats from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). Fort McHenry arrived on station Jan. 18 to support Operation Unified Response, a joint humanitarian assistance mission to Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude on Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justan Williams/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 19, 2010) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 461 conduct pre-flight checks prior to take-off aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan, along with the amphibious dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), is participating in Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 19, 2010) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) 22 carries relief supplies to an area near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Bataan, along with the amphibious dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), is participating in Operation Unified Response(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 19, 2010) A landing signal enlisted (LSE) directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) 22 to lift off from the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

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JACMEL, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) Canadian Soldiers work with U.S. Navy Sailors and Haitian citizens to offload food and water from an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to the Blackhawks of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 at the airport in Jacmel, Haiti. The Navy has 12 ships supporting Operation Unified Response in Haiti with approximately 11,000 Sailors, Marines, and civilians who are providing humanitarian and medical aid to the battered nation after it was struck by a powerful earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea Kennedy/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where the combined crew of civilians and Sailors will begin to provide medical care as part of Operation Unified Response. The 1,000-bed hospital ship contains one of the largest trauma facilities in the U.S. and has the capability to provide a full range of medical services to the battered Caribbean nation in the aftermath of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edwardo Proano/Released)

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CANAL DU SUD (Jan. 21, 2010) Boatswain's Mate Seaman Recruit Duimel J. Marquez, from Guatemala, runs back to the helicopter hangar of the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) after placing a chock and chain on an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Screaming Seagulls of Helicopter Anti-submarine squadron light (HSL) 46. Normandy is conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response in the aftermath of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Adam R. Cole/Released)

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CANAL DU SUD (Jan. 21, 2010) Boatswain's Mate Seaman Ruben Benders, from the Dominican Republic, signals an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Screaming Seagulls of Helicopter Anti-submarine squadron light (HSL) 46, to turn off its engines after landing aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). The helicopter crew spent the day delivering humanitarian supplies in Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Adam R. Cole/Released)

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JACMEL, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) Canadian soldiers and Haitian citizens unload food and water from an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to the Blackhawks of Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), at the airport in Jacmel, Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea Kennedy/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) An aerial view of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti shows U.S. Navy helicopters from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) staging to deliver humanitarian supplies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

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LOS ANGELES (Jan. 20, 2010) Harbor tug boats assist the fast-attack submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) into her berth at the Port of Los Angeles. The arrival of the submarine kicked-off the 14th annual Navy Days L.A. celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jeffrey Wells/Released)

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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 20, 2010) Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Chelsey Schmidt signals a pilot during an engine start sequence aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ç./Released)

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BAIE DE GRAND GOAVE, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transits off the coast of Haiti while conducting flight operations supporting relief efforts on the ground. Bataan, along with amphibious dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) are participating in Operation Unified Response and are providing military support capabilities to civil authorities to help stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti in the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Steinhour/Released)

[bd popeye]

More pix for youz guyz!!


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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan 20, 2010) A SH-60F Sea hawk helicopter, front, and a HH-60H Sea hawk helicopter approach the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Both helicopters are assigned to the Indians of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6. Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan 20, 2010) A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Providers of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

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NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 20, 2010) A Sailor prepares a catapult track for flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

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NORFOLK (Jan. 19, 2010) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Airman Ashley Counts, from Godfrey, Ill., uses a sound-powered telephone during a supply onload aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is preparing to depart Naval Station Norfolk to conduct carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) Air crewmen aboard an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 delivers Haitian patients to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) to provide medical attention. (U.S. Navy photo by Jim Garamone/Released)

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NORFOLK (Jan. 18, 2010) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Daniel Kegel mans the rails of the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) as the ship prepares to depart Naval Station Norfolk. The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group will support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Pankau/Released)

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BAIE DEGRAND GOAVE, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) Fight deck crew members aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) carry a Haitian woman to the ship's flight deck triage for immediate medical treatment. The woman was one of 19 Haitians brought aboard Bataan during a mass medical evacuation from various areas around Port-au-Prince. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

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BAIE DEGRAND GOAVE, Haiti (Jan. 20, 2010) An air crewman assigned to Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) 22 carries a Haitian child to the flight deck triage area aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a mass casualty environment. The child was one of 19 Haitians brought aboard Bataan during a mass medical evacuation from various areas around Port-au-Prince. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

ZERAK, AFGHANISTAN - JANUARY 22: Spc. Edgar Pena with the US Army Able Company, 3-509 Infantry Battalion and of Woodland, California looks for enemy fighters in his optics site during an afternoon rocket and mortar attack on Combat Outpost (COP) Zerak on January 22, 2010 in Zerak, Afghanistan. No injuries were reported in the heavy rocket and mortar barrage which resulted in nine mortars landing inside of the small base. COP Zerak, located in Paktika Province, works at disrupting and suppressing Taliban routes into Afghanistan from neighboring Pakistan. The province, which is roughly the size of Vermont, shares a restive and porous 600 kilometer border with Pakistan.

ZERAK, AFGHANISTAN - JANUARY 22: Soldiers with US Army Able Company, 3-509 Infantry Battalion stand inside protective shelter during an afternoon rocket and mortar attack on Combat Outpost (COP) Zerak on January 22, 2010 in Zerak, Afghanistan.

[Nem116]

A Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment prepares to provide suppressive fire for members of his squad as they sprint across open terrain towards cover, during a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010. Patrols have been increased in an effort to push the Taliban back and create a buffer for villages friendly towards coalition forces in the region.

Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment take cover behind a wall after being fired upon by insurgents during a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010. Patrols have been increased in an effort to push the Taliban back and create a buffer for villages friendly towards coalition forces in the region.

Snipers attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment take aim at insurgents during a firefight in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010. Patrols have been increased in an effort to push the Taliban back and create a buffer for villages friendly towards coalition forces in the region.

A sniper attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment takes aim at insurgents from behind cover, during a firefight in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010. Patrols have been increased in an effort to push the Taliban back and create a buffer for villages friendly towards coalition forces in the region.

Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment open fire on enemy insurgents taking cover in an abandoned compound, during a firefight in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2010. Patrols have been increased in an effort to push the Taliban back and create a buffer for villages friendly towards coalition forces in the region.

[Nem116]

U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field Fl., land a drop zone in Mirebalais, Haiti, where humanitarian aid will be air dropped and distributed by members of the United Nations Jan 21, 2010. Department of Defense assets have been deployed to assist in the Haiti relief effort following a magnitude 7 earthquake that hit the city on Jan. 12, 2010.

A U.S. Army Soldier from 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment is on joint patrol through Sabari, Afghanistan, January 17, 2009

U.S. Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, await for the end of a Detainee Release Ceremony in which thirty eight detainees were released back into the population in the town of Baharia, Al Anbar Province, Iraq, Jan. 13, 2010.

U.S. Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) unload bottled water from a CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter to distribute to the Haitian population in Leogane, Haiti, Jan. 20, 2010. Bataan, along with amphibious dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), are providing military support capabilities to civil authorities in the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12, 2010.

Army Sergeant Cory Hall, Infantryman, 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade, Special Troops Battalion, waits to board a C-17 Globemaster III before a supply mission to Haiti in support of Operation Unified Response, Jan. 22, 2010.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Jan. 22, 2010) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Four arrive on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. NMCB Four is one of two additional Seabee battalions that deployed in support of the President’s new troop uplift. The battalion, whose main job is expeditionary construction, will play a key role in providing necessary engineering support to arriving U.S. forces.

[Nem116]

U.S. Special Forces dismounting a US Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade executing a pinnacle landing on a mountain peak in Zabul Province, Afghanistan to disrupt insurgent communication.

[bd popeye]

Thanks for posting the great photos that you do Nem116! Keep up the great work!

[Nem116]

thanks popeye. just tryin to match you post for post!

[bd popeye]

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BAIE DE PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 28, 2010) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) operates off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, while participating in Operation Unified Response, providing military support capabilities to civil authorities to help stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti in the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the area on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

[bd popeye]

A few from the USN..


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CARIBBEAN SEA (Jan. 30, 2010) Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) mind the tending and distance line during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 1198). Fort McHenry is supporting Operation Unified Response following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused severe damage in Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Edward Kessler/Released)

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CARIBBEAN SEA (Jan. 28, 2010) The guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) pulls away from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) following an underway replenishment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Coleman Thompson/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 24, 2010) An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 60, transports humanitarian supplies to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Kim L. Hanson/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 21, 2010) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) conducts humanitarian assistance operations near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Comfort is supporting Operation Unified Response following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused severe damage in Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photos by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist J. L. Chirrick/Released)

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CARIBBEAN SEA (Jan. 29, 2010) A MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, prepares to land aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) near the coast of Haiti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released)

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CARIBBEAN SEA (Jan. 27, 2010) Fight deck directors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) launch an MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (MMV) 162. (U.S. Navy photo, by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released)

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 28, 2010) U.S. Navy Capt. Richard Sharpe helps U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, based in Fort Bragg, N.C., unload stretchers from an SH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter at a medical evacuation site in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Sharpe, the on-site commander of the landing zone, is responsible for evaluating the severity of injuries and order of precedence for patients to be transported to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) for treatment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson/Released)

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BAY OF BENGAL (Jan. 29, 2010) An SA-330J Puma helicopter, assigned to the military sealift command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), delivers supplies to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a replenishment at sea. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of the maritime strategy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2010) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Lindsey Poole, kneeling, from Roseburg, Ore., checks the status of an M-16 rifle while Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Christopher Wilson, from Marshfield, Mo., evaluates downrange targets during a live-fire qualification aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is underway off the coast of Southern California in support of pilot carrier qualifications for fleet replacement squadrons and naval air training command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Dille/Released)

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EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2010) Fire Controlman prepare to load a RIM-7P into the Sea Sparrow Surface Missile System aboard the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The Essex Amphibious Ready Group is conducting a spring patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Ebarb/Released)

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mike Schlitz, who suffered burns over 85 percent of his body by a roadside bomb in 2007, talks about his new prosthetic hands after a ceremony at al-Faw palace in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. Schlitz, a Milan, Ill. native, is mentoring other wounded vets as part of Operation Proper Exit,a program designed to help combat veterans find closure by taking them to the places they were injured.

U.S. Army soldiers have a snowball fight the day after a night of snow, at Forward Operating Base Blessing, in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Friday Jan. 29, 2010. (AP)

The Afghan village of Nangalam, pictured from Forward Operating Base Blessing, in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Friday Jan. 29, 2010. (AP)

U.S. Army soldiers stand by their armored vehicles, at Forward Operating Base Blessing, in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Friday Jan. 29, 2010. (AP)

A U.S. Army soldier, right, walks with an Afghan translator the morning after a night of snow, at Forward Operating Base Blessing, in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Friday Jan. 29, 2010. (AP)

A U.S. Army soldier looks out from an armored vehicle at the start of a convoy in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Thursday Jan. 28, 2010. The soldiers in the Pech Valley regularly receive fire and IEDs from Taliban militants who operate in the hillsides overlooking the base. (AP)

Ammunition and water from fresh rain fill the floor of a U.S. Army armored vehicle during a convoy in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Thursday Jan. 28, 2010. (AP)

U.S. Army Spc. Jeremey Foley runs to deliver a 120mm mortar bomb to fellow members of his team, which barraged a nearby Taliban position, at Combat Outpost Michigan, in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Wednesday Jan. 27, 2010. The soldiers from the 2-12 Infantry, Task Force Lethal at COP Michigan regularly receive small and large-arms fire from Taliban militants who operate in the hillsides overlooking the base. (AP)

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A U.S. Army 120mm mortar team barrages a nearby Taliban position, at Combat Outpost Michigan, in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Thursday Jan. 28, 2010. The soldiers from the 2-12 Infantry, Task Force Lethal at COP Michigan regularly receive small and large-arms fire from Taliban militants who operate in the hillsides overlooking the base. (AP)

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At the end of a convoy in which he received and returned fire with his 50 calibre machine gun, U.S. Marine turret gunner Cpl. Ian Bole, of Port Royal, S.C. , breaths steam on a cold day when he wore a face mask with a scull design, inside an armored vehicle, in the Pech Valley, Kunar province, northeastern Afghanistan, Thursday Jan. 28, 2010. (AP)

[Nem116]

Marines and Afghan national army soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, step out on patrol through the Shorshurak region of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 29. Marines and Afghan national army soldiers conducted a census patrol through villages in their area of operations in an attempt to build rapport with locals and identify concerns that they may have.

Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, speak with a village elder, while out on patrol through the Shorshurak region of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 29. Marines and Afghan national army soldiers conducted a census patrol through villages in their area of operations in an attempt to build rapport with locals and identify concerns that they may have.

Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers conducted a census patrol through villages in their area of operations in an attempt to build rapport with locals and identify concerns that they may have.

A Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, scans the horizon during a patrol through the Shorshurak region of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 29. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers conducted a census patrol through villages in their area of operations in an attempt to build rapport with locals and identify concerns that they may have.

An Afghan national army soldier attached to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment greets an elderly man outside his home, while out on patrol through the Shorshurak region of Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 29. Marines and Afghan national army soldiers conducted a census patrol through villages in their area of operations in an attempt to build rapport with locals and identify concerns that they may have.

[Nem116]

U.S. Marine Corps radio operators use communication gear during a mock amphibious assault at Utapao Air Base in the Rayong province of Thailand Feb. 4, 2010. The Marines, who are assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are participating in Cobra Gold 2010. The annual bilateral training exercise is conducted between the Armed Forces of Thailand and the U.S. military in order to enhance military interoperability and improve communities through humanitarian assistance and civil action projects. This year?s participants also include Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.

A U.S. Marine lays in the prone position during a mock amphibious assault conducted by the Marine and Naval forces of the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the US, at Hat Yao, Feb. 4. The event was part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2010.

U.S. Marines hold their position during a mock amphibious assault conducted by the Marine and Naval forces of the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the US, at Hat Yao, Feb. 4. The event was part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2010.

An amphibious assault vehicle from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) exits the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9). Denver is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting a spring patrol.

[bd popeye]

Hires

F-22A's assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and the 49th Fighter Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., prepare to depart Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., flight line for a training mission during Red Flag 10-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Feb. 4, 2010. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is conducted on the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range, north of Las Vegas.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brett Clashman/RELEASED)

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F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron Elmendorf Air Base, Alaska and the 49th Fighter Wing Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. fly to the Nevada Test and Training Range during Red Flag Feb. 4, 2010. Red Flag, a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is conducted on the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range, north of Las Vegas. (U.S Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Taylor Worley/RELEASED)

Hires

An F-22 Raptor from the 90th Fighter Squadron Elmendorf Air Base, Alaska flies over snow covered Nevada mountains on its way to the Nevada Test and Training Range during Red Flag 10-2 Feb. 4, 2010. Red Flag is a realistic training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is conducted on the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range, north of Las Vegas. (U.S Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt Taylor Worley/RELEASED)

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A three-ship of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis fly in formation after refueling Feb. 4 2010, during Red Flag 10.2 being held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is conducted on the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range, north of Las Vegas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald/RELEASED)

Hires

A three-ship of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis head to the fight after refueling Feb. 4 2010, during Red Flag 10.2 being held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is conducted on the 15,000-square-mile Nevada Test and Training Range, north of Las Vegas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald /RELEASED)

[Nem116]

U.S. Army soldier with Charlie Company 2508, Task Force Furry in Southern Afghanistan. Canadian Forces 3rd KANDAK 1/205 Corps and the U.S. Army Charlie Company 2508 Task Force Furry worked together mentoring the 3-1/205 Afghan National Army for a successful execution of Operation Mesmar. The mission objective was to clear several villages and fruit orchards in the southern most half of Terot Kulacha in search of IED's, weapons caches and illegal drugs.

[Nem116]

Capt. Stephan P. Karabin, commanding officer, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, gives directions to units on two different radios from a rooftop during a firefight at the center of “Five Points,” a key intersection of roads linking the northern area of the insurgent stronghold of Marjeh with the rest of Helmand province. Marines of Charlie Co. conducted a helicopter-borne assault that morning to seize the area. Karabin, 30, is from West Palm Beach, Fla.

A Marine with Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, sprints down the line of heavy machine guns to deliver a map after a firefight with Taliban insurgents Feb. 9 at the “Fire Points” intersection, a key junction of roads linking the northern area of the insurgent stronghold of Marjeh with the rest of Helmand province. Marines of Charlie Co. conducted a helicopter-borne assault earlier that morning to seize the area.

Cpl. Joshua D. Villegas, a radio operator attached to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, watches nearby farms for insurgent activity Feb. 9 from a building rooftop in the center of “Five Points,” a key intersection of roads linking the northern area of the insurgent stronghold of Marjeh with the rest of Helmand province. Marines of Charlie Co. conducted a helicopter-borne assault that morning to seize the area. Villegas, 22, is from Chicago.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (BLT 2/7), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provide security for the landing zone after exiting a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a helicopter raid, Feb. 7. The MEU is currently participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2010 (CG’ 10). The exercise is the latest in a continuing series of exercises design to promote regional peace and security.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (BLT 2/7), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provide security as wounded troops are carried to safety during a helicopter raid Feb. 7. The MEU is currently participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2010 (CG’ 10). The exercise is the latest in a continuing series of exercises design to promote regional peace and security.