A Marine with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd

A Marine with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security while conducting stability and support operations. SASO operations were part of a scenario-based operation, which took place during exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. Talisman Sabre 2011 is the largest joint military exercise undertaken by the Australian Defence Force. Around 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel will participate. Talisman Sabre 2011 provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined and joint environment that will increase both countries' bilateral war-fighting capabilities to respond to crisis and to provide humanitarian assistance. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation's force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by: Lance Cpl Kevin M.Smith)