Sergeant Tyson Hicks, right, a martial arts instructor

Sergeant Tyson Hicks, right, a martial arts instructor trainer with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South, and a native of Lynwood, Calif., demonstrates techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program for Colombian Marines during a martial arts training exchange at Colombian Marine Corps Base Coveñas, Colombia, July 16, 2014. The SPMAGTF came to Colombia aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during its transit around South America. A SPMAGTF is a balanced air, ground and logistics force that can be tailored to accomplish missions across a wide range of crises. As the first stop on the ship's transit, the visit to Colombia also represents the first time Marines and Sailors have been tactically inserted into an environment from the newly built ship. Through partner-nation activities, key leader engagements and security cooperation activities, the visit aims at further strengthening our partnership in the region, increasing interoperability and building mutual trust between the U.S. and Colombia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher J. Moore/Released)