Featured Image caption: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Estrada, a field artillery cannoneer with 1st Marine Division, pulls the firing handle on an M777 Howitzer during a Fire Support Coordination Exercise (FSCEX) in support of Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 0-25 in Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 5, 2024. FSCEX is a live-fire training event integrating infantry battalion combat operations center functions, distributed artillery, mobile fire support teams, close air support assets, and electronic warfare support teams. SLTE 0-25 is designed to enhance readiness across core Mission Essential Tasks and prepare Marines for high-end Force-on-Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Richard PerezGarcia)
Army
A U.S. Army M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle assigned to Charlie “Wildcards” Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, executes a wet gap crossing alongside Polish soldiers from the 16th Mechanized Division during Tumak 24 at Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), Poland, Nov. 27, 2024. A wet gap crossing involves overcoming natural obstacles such as rivers or bodies of water swiftly and effectively. Tumak 24 is a multinational combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) and wet gap crossing (WGX) to enhance interoperability, security and warfighting capabilities. The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners, which provides competent and ready forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevor Wilson)
Navy
Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and Marines assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 participate in flight quarters on the ship’s flight deck, Dec. 4, while the ship is underway conducting aviation certifications in the Atlantic Ocean. Amphibious assault ships, like Iwo Jima, project power and maintain presence by serving as the flagship of an amphibious ready group and expeditionary strike group at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaac Rodriguez)
Marine Corps
U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a high explosive weapons course of fire during a MSPF Weapons and Tactics course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Nov. 20, 2024. The Weapons and Tactics course builds upon the MSPF’s current capabilities and ensures the unit is capable of supporting MEU Mission Essential Tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emily Hazelbaker)
Air Force
Maj. Melanie Kluesner, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot, executes precision aerial maneuvers during a practice airshow at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Dec. 5, 2024. The practice session helps ensure the team maintains peak performance and readiness during the off-season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Rupiper)
Coast Guard
Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20), a 420-foot polar icebreaker, returns home to Seattle after spending more than five months at sea Dec. 12, 2024. During the patrol, the crew aboard the Healy conducted several missions to further scientific knowledge and the discovery of a volcano-like feature in the Arctic seabed, suggesting previously unknown geological activity. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Annika Hirschler)
