161213-M-EO036-119 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2016) Marines

161213-M-EO036-119
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2016) Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 Reinforced lower an RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial surveillance aircraft down from the STUAS recovery system using the vertical capture rope as the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), wrap up a simulated straight transit to rehearse a defense of the amphibious task force mission during Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise Dec. 13, 2016. During the three-week training evolution, Marines will tackle a wide range of operations and scenarios enhancing interoperability and amphibious warfare capabilities with their Navy counterparts. The RQ-21A provides persistent maritime and land-based tactical surveillance, enhancing the MEU’s ability to defend the naval vessels of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brianna Gaudi/Released)