A reconnaissance Marine with the Amphibious Reconnaissance

A reconnaissance Marine with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, carries a combat rubber raiding craft during a helo-casting exercise aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), in the Pacific Ocean, March 19, 2017. Helo-casting is a method for inserting reconnaissance and surveillance teams in support of small boat operations. The ARP specializes in ground and amphibious reconnaissance operations as the primary reconnaissance and surveillance element of the 31st MEU. 31st MEU conducted helo-cast training as a part of their 17.1 Spring Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st MEU’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jona R. Meme/Released)