Lance Cpl. Jon D. Romero, a 27-year-old crew chief

Lance Cpl. Jon D. Romero, a 27-year-old crew chief for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Westbury, N.Y., adjusts a .50 caliber GAU-21 machine gun aboard a UH-1Y Venom helicopter during live-fire training as part of Exercise Koolendong 13 here, Sept. 2. Three Venom helicopters and four MV-22 Osprey aircraft are operating from an expeditionary airfield 300 miles inland, supporting the battalion-sized element conducting the exercise. Koolendong demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU and why it is the force of choice for the Asia-Pacific region. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Army. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The size and composition of the 31st MEU makes it well suited for amphibious operations, which includes raids, assaults, evacuations and humanitarian assistance operations.