PACIFIC OCEAN – Marines aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD

PACIFIC OCEAN – Marines aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, the Logistics Combat Element of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attach an M-777 Howitzer to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) to conduct helicopter support team operation where two M-777 Howitzers will be transported from ship to shore during Composite Training Unit Exercise, May 3, 2017. COMPTUEX will test the LCE’s ability to move personnel and equipment from sea to land demonstrating the amphibious force’s extensive set of ship-to-shore capabilities. COMPTUEX is the second at-sea training exercise that provides opportunities to sharpen mission essential skill sets prior to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Certification Exercise and Western Pacific 17-2 deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F. Cordoba)