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U.S. and Thai Marines storm the beachhead in an amphibious assault raid during Cobra Gold, an annual exercise, in Hat Yao, Thailand, Feb. 10, 2011. Cobra Gold is a multinational training exercise designed to improve partner nation interoperability. The Marines are assigned to the Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Mark W. Stroud.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joff Carroll provides security during an amphibious assault raid at Hat Yao, Thailand, Feb. 10, 2011. Carroll is a firepower control team leader assigned to the 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Forward, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Mark W. Stroud

Colombian Marines offload from a landing craft unit disembarked from USS Gunston Hall in Covenas Sucre, Colombia, Jan. 29, 2011. The Marines toured the landing craft as a part of Amphibious Southern Partnership Station, an exercise to enhance close coordination and communication between regional civil and maritime services to strengthen partnerships. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kevin L. Pruitt.

LOME, Togo (Feb. 1, 2011) Capt. Dan Shaffer, commodore of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West, is greeted by Togolese sailors. Shaffer is in Lome to promote the start of the fifth iteration of APS. APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

U.S. and Philippine Marines enter a CH-53E Sea Stallion at the end of a bilateral beach landing in San Miguel, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 10, 2010. The Marines are assigned to the Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which conducted a bilateral mechanized amphibious landing with the Philippine Marine Corps, allowing both Marine forces to gain shared experiences. U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Caleb D. Eames.

Competitors from around the world take a break during the "loophole" event at the International Sniper Competition on Selby Hill, Fort Benning, Ga., Oct. 12, 2010. U.S. Army photo by John D. Helms.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, left, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, and Indian Army Lt. Gen. Amarjeet Singh Sekhon, the director general of military operations for the Indian army, answer questions during a press conference during Yudh Abhyas, a bilaterial U.S.-Indian exercise on Camp Bundela, India, Oct. 26, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Jackson.

U.S. and Indian soldiers perform a medical evacuation during exercise Yudh Abhyas on Camp Bundela, India, Oct. 26, 2009. Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral exercise involving the armies of India and the United States. The U.S. soldiers are assigned to the 31st Armored Division, 7th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 94th Armored Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Jackson.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Jeremy Vasquez patrols aboard the Nova Selo Training Area in Sliven, Bulgaria, May 28, 2009. The patrol was part of a training exercise at the joint Bulgarian-American training base. Vasquez is assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is conducting this training for the first time in Bulgaria. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright.

South Korean army soldiers showcased how to decontaminate a weapon in a chemical environment during a joint training exercise with U.S. Army soldiers, Camp Casey, Dongducheon, South Korea, June 2, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 4th Chemical Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion. U.S. Army courtesy photo.

MAYPORT BEACH, Fla. (April 25, 2009) Canadian Army soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 3d Battalion, 22d Regiment of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-24 depart a U.S. Navy landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and deploy onto Mayport Beach during a Unitas Gold amphibious assault exercise. Maritime forces from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru, U.S., and Uruguay are participating in UNITAS Gold, which provides the opportunity to conduct and integrate joint and combined land, maritime, coast guard and air operations in a realistic training environment. The exercise is taking place April 20-May 5 off the coast of Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by CWO2 Keith A. Stevenson/Released)

Maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru, and the United States sail in formation during the 50th anniversary of UNITAS, the U.S. Navy’s longest-running annual multilateral exercise Atlantic Ocean, April 23, 2009. The exercise to aimed at increasing interoperability among participating navies. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Seth Johnson. Story

U.S. Marines and sailors and Royal Thai Marines, “fast rope” from a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during bilateral helicopter raid training, Samaesan, Thailand, Feb. 11, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Royal Thai Marines, along with about 7,000 U.S. servicemembers, are participating in Exercise Cobra Gold 2009 throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. U.S. Marine Corps Courtesy photo.

A B-52 Stratofortress leads a formation of Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-2s, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, and a U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler over Guam, Feb. 10, 2009. The event is Cope North 09-1, a bilateral exercise to enhance air operations in defense of Japan. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald.

A British GR-1 Tornado provides close-air support for American Soldiers during a mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Readiness Center in Fort Polk, La. (U.S. Air Force photo/Casey Bain)

American, British forces hone warfighting skills together. Army joint fires observers search for potential targets at the Joint Readiness Center in Fort Polk, La. (U.S. Air Force photo/Casey Bain)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 19, 2008) The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine JS Mochishio (SS 600) is underway in the Pacific Ocean at the culmination of ANNUALEX 2008. ANNUALEX is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brendan Morgan/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 19, 2008) An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Warlords" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51, approaches the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) after a photo exercise at the culmination of ANNUALEX 2008. ANNUALEX is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brendan Morgan/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 8, 2008) A Royal Brunei Navy visit, board, search, and seizure team waves to their counterparts aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) after completing a joint training exercise during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2008. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Daryl Borgquist/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 8, 2008) U.S. and Brunei navy visit, board, search, and seizure team members confer during a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2008 exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Daryl Borgquist/Released)

August 05, 2008 - Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Daniel, Office of Defense Cooperation, Jakarta, assists an Indonesian soldier with a jammed weapon during the Warrior Leader Course in Indonesia. Photo by Staff Sgt. Crista Yazzie.

August 05, 2008 - Staff Sgt William Vargas, with assistance from an interpreter, oversees the progress of the Indonesian sergeants in the Warrior Leader Course. Photo by Staff Sgt. Crista Yazzie.

Marines and Royal Malay Rangers wade ashore from a landing craft utility vessel July 15 during a humanitarian aid/disaster relief exercise in Malaysia, conducted as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2008. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Avitt.

Army of Czech Republic Master Sgt. Lukas Pikner calls out commands during drill practice at the drill instructor school July 26. Pikner is the 46th international student to attend the drill instructor school since 1998. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Daniel Todd.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 26, 2008) Canada's Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk, right, discusses flight operations with Lt. Cmdr. Tom Bell aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk recently finished the Rim of the Pacific exercise. The exercise included units from Australia, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom and United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau/Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (July 30, 2008) The fast-attack submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) moors in Pearl Harbor after the conclusion of Rim of the Pacific 2008. The exercise included units from the United States, Australia, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Navy photo by Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Brian J. Hudson/Released)

DAKAR, Senegal (July 26, 2008) A Senegalese Sailor practices baton training alongside members of the Senegalese Army and National Marines aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716). Dallas is deployed to the region under the direction of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet supporting Africa Partnership Station (APS). APS is an initiative aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve global maritime safety and security. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Public Affairs Specialist 1st Class Tasha Tully/Released)

DAKAR, Senegal (July 26, 2008) Firefighters from the Dakar Marine Terminal fire department practice plugging a hole during a damage control training exercise. The firefighters also practiced hose handling, pipe patching and shoring techniques aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) during the cutter’s port visit. Dallas is deployed to the region under the direction of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet supporting Africa Partnership Station (APS). APS is an initiative aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve global maritime safety and security. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Public Affairs Specialist 1st Class Tasha Tully/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 26, 2008) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Kristal Scudamore, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD6), exchanges ship ball caps with sailors assigned to the Australian amphibious ship HMAS Tobruk (LSH 50). Sailors from Bonhomme and Tobruk cross decks to experience life aboard each vessel during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Drew Williams/Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (July 27, 2008) Four small patrol craft assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Nine (MESRON 9) render honors to the USS Arizona memorial during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Chief Michael A. Strand/Released)

ABUJA, Nigeria — Gen. A.O. Azazi, Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff, inspects the troops during the opening ceremony of Africa Endeavor 2008 on Nigerian Air Force Base, Abuja, July 16, 2008. Africa Endeavor 2008, a U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, brings the U.S. and African nations together to plan and execute interoperability testing of command, control, communications, and computer systems from participant nations in preparation for future African humanitarian, peacekeeping, and disaster relief operations. (Department of Defense photo)

SURABAYA, Indonesia (July 20, 2008) Members of the Indonesian navy stand pierside as the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) pulls into port at the Tanjung Perak commercial pier in Surabaya. Tortuga is one of four U.S. ships participating in Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) Indonesia. NEA is part of an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and several Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kim McLendon/Released)

WAIMANALO, Hawaii (July 18, 2008) Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Unit (CLU) 3 land at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii, in Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters during a simulated raid while participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. The helicopter flew from the amphibious assault ship USS BonHomme Richard (LHD 6). RIMPAC is the world's largest biennial multinational exercise conducted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the U.S., Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark Rankin (Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 20, 2008) Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Biggs shoots a French F-2 Rafale off the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during combined French and American carrier qualifications. This event marks the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder (Released)

MALAYSIA EXERCISE - Malaysian Army Rangers and U.S. Marines wade ashore from Landing Craft Unit 1634 during a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2008 amphibious assault exercise, Bukit Tioman Darat, Malaysia, July 15, 2008. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises involving the United States and several Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Daryl Borgquist.

BUKIT TIOMAN DARAT, Malaysia (July 15, 2008) Malaysian army rangers and U.S. Marines from Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marines, wade ashore from Landing Craft Unit (LCU) 1634 at a beachhead during an amphibious exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2008. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and several Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Daryl Borgquist.

MAYPORT, Fla. (July 11, 2008) The Italian air-independent propulsion (AIP) equipped submarine ITS Salvatore Todaro (S-526) prepares to pull into port at Naval Station Mayport, which marks the first visit of an Italian submarine to the U.S. since World War II. Todaro's port visit is supporting the upcoming Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group joint task force exercise (JTFEX) and demonstrates the U.S. and Italian Navy's continued commitment to building a strong working relationship. JTFEX is designed to test and evaluate a battle group's reactions to multiple wartime scenarios and is the final certification for a battle group preparing to deploy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Regina L. Brown (Released)

MAYPORT, Fla. (July 11, 2008) Crew members assigned to the Italian air-independent propulsion (AIP) equipped submarine ITS Salvatore Todaro (S-526) prepare to pull into port at Naval Station Mayport, which marks the first visit of an Italian submarine to the U.S. since World War II. Todaro's port visit is supporting the upcoming Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group joint task force exercise (JTFEX) and demonstrates the U.S. and Italian Navy's continued commitment to building a strong working relationship. JTFEX is designed to test and evaluate a battle group's reactions to multiple wartime scenarios and is the final certification for a battle group preparing to deploy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Regina L. Brown (Released)

July 14, 2008 - U.S. Soldiers help load a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter into an Antanov An-124 Ruslan (Condor) aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany July 6 for transport to the Republic of Georgia for Immediate Response 08, a training exercise with participants from U.S., Armenian, and Georgian forces. Photo by Airman 1st Class Heidi Holston.

July 14, 2008 - Immediate Response 2008, an annual, bilateral security cooperation exercise conducted between U.S. and NATO and coalition partners, is being conducted this month in the Republic of Georgia. It is a long-standing joint chiefs of staff-directed exercise focused on interoperability training and theater security cooperation, and is designed to promote understanding and cooperation between military forces of the United States and its allies. A seven-servicemember team from American Forces Network Europe (AFNE) is conducting live-radio programming and radio/TV news coverage for about 1,000 U.S. Soldiers, Marines and National Guard Soldiers-plus troops from the Georgian, Ukrainian, Azerbaijani and Armenian military services-deployed to the training area. AFNE deployed their Tactical Mobile Radio and Television System to the exercise, their third consecutive Immediate Response exercise, using the tactical broadcasting system. Photo by Department of the Army.

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (July 10, 2008) Canadian soldiers assigned to the "Red Devils" of A Co., 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, board the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Station Pearl Harbor to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) maritime exercise. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the U.S., Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Michael Moriatis (Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (July 7, 2008) Korean diesel submarine Lee Sunsin (SSK 068) transits Pearl Harbor before participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Michael Moriatis (Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (July 4, 2008) A rainbow arches near the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) while moored at Pearl Harbor. Kitty Hawk is making its first U.S. port call in more than 10 years. The ship will participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 with units from the United States, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John J. Mike (Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (June 27, 2008) Sailors man the rails aboard the Australian Navy ship HMAS Anzac (FF 150) as the ship arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul D. Honnick (Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (June 27, 2008) The Australian Navy amphibious ship HMAS Tolbrook (LSH 50) arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul D. Honnick (Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (June 27, 2008) The Australian Navy ship HMAS Anzac (FF 150) arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul D. Honnick (Released)

PARTNERSHIP TRAINING - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Miller conducts pre-flight safety instruction with a group of German soldiers during U.S.-German Army Partnership Air Assault training at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, June 25, 2008. Miller is assigned to Hohenfels as a Aviation Detachment "Falcon Team" Observer/Controller. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kelly Fox...

HOHENFELS, Germany — An Aviation Detachment "Falcon Team" Observer/Controller UH-1 helicopter lands to pick up a group of German Soldiers during U.S.-German Army partnership air assault training at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here on June 25, 2008. (Department of Defense photo by Army Spc Kelley Fox)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (June 26, 2008) The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force submarine JS Narushio (SS 595) pulls into Pearl harbor for a scheduled port call before starting Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC, the world's largest multinational exercise, is scheduled biennially by U.S. Pacific Fleet and takes place in the Hawaiian operating area during June 29 - July 31. Participants include Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the U.S. India, Colombia, Mexico, and Russia are scheduled to send observers. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick (Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (June 26, 2008) The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ship JS Makinami (DD 112) pulls into Pearl harbor for a scheduled port call before starting Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC, the world's largest multinational exercise, is scheduled biennially by U.S. Pacific Fleet and takes place in the Hawaiian operating area during June 29 - July 31. Participants include Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the U.S. India, Colombia, Mexico, and Russia are scheduled to send observers. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick (Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 11, 2008) The German auxiliary repair ship FGS Elbe (A 511) steams through the Baltic Sea during exercises supporting Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is an annual international exercise involving 13 countries. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Mike Banzhaf (Released)

An F-15 Eagle flies above the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, June 18 at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The Red Arrows will perform during AirPower over Hampton Roads, the Langley AFB airshow, which is scheduled for June 20 to 22. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aaron Johnson)

PALAWAN, Philippines (May 27, 2008) Marine Corps Sgt. Michael K. Kamerer, a squad leader assigned to 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Regiment, Combat Assault Company, explains an advanced optical gun sight to a Filipino Marine during a period of instruction in the Philippines for Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (CARAT) 2008. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Avitt..

PALAWAN, Philippines (May 28, 2008) Filipino Marines demonstrate the safe consumption of food while in the jungle by cutting a slice a wedge from a stump as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2008. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Avitt...(Released)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 5, 2008) Lt. Cmdr. Alan Ross explains the features of decontamination equipment during a decontamination procedure demonstration for visiting Japanese service members at Naval Hospital Yokosuka. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder (Released)

Senior Airman Jason D. Nathan's grandfather, sister and mother view a plaque at the new Senior Airman Jason D. Nathan Gate June 1 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. The gate was dedicated to Airman Nathan who lost his life June 23, 2007, while on a combat patrol in Tikrit, Iraq. Members of Airman Nathan's unit and Maj. John Northon, the 48th Security Forces Squadron commander, offered support to his family. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian J. Ellis)

INDONESIAN WELCOME - U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is escorted by Gen. Djoko Santoso, commander of the Indonesian Defense Forces, during an arrival ceremony welcoming him to Jakarta, Indonesia, May 29, 2008. Indonesia is the first stop on an eight-day trip to visit Asia-Pacific nations and attend the 2008 Shangri-La Dialogues in Singapore, May 29, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley...

May 29, 2008 - Soldiers from the U.S. and Italian military participate during Combat Life Saver Joint training in Pordenone, Italy. The image was taken Barbara Romano, one of four Army civilians in Europe selected for the Department of Defense's 16th Annual Worldwide Military Photography Workshop. Photo by Barbara Romano...

BERLIN-SCHOENFIELD AIRPORT, Germany — U.S. aircraft were a prominent feature at the 2008 Berlin Airshow here May 27 - June 1. Since 1909 the Berlin Airshow offers aviation enthusiasists, military leaders, and industry representatives an opportunity to learn about aircraft from around the world. (Photo courtesy of the Berlin Airshow)

ARABIAN SEA (May 15, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), the frigate USS Curts (FFG 38), the fast-attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714), Pakistani Navy ships PNS Badr (D-184), PNS Shahjahan (D-186), and PNS Nasr (A-47) participate in a photography exercise. Pakistan and U.S. Naval forces began Exercise Inspired Union 2008 in the North Arabian Sea, which focuses on air, surface and anti-submarine training. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose (Released)

WEAPON MALFUNCTION - U.S. Army Pfc. Christopher Deist instructs soldiers of the Royal Thai Army on proper procedures for clearing a malfunctioning weapon during a close quarters combat training course as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2008, May 11, 2008. Deist is assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Hight...

PERSIAN GULF (May 14, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) leads a formation of the coalition ships including the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), the Bahraini Navy frigate RBNS Al Manama (FPBGH 50), the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F 111), and the United Arab Emirates Navy missile boat UAENS Mubarraz (P4401) during Exercise Goalkeeper III in the Persian Gulf. The multi-lateral Goalkeeper III exercise includes participation from Bahrain, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Great Britain and the U.S.

The exercise is designed to train forces in various aspects of maritime security operations as well as command and control functions with the Royal Bahraini naval staff. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson (Released)

CORONADO, Calif. (May. 13, 2008) Support personnel load equipment onto a Russian Antonov aircraft in preparation for Exercise Bold Monarch 2008. The Deep Submergence Unit from Naval Air Station North Island, along personnel from several other countries, will participate in a live submarine escape and rescue exercise, working through complex rescue and medical problems in a variety of demanding scenarios. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick D. House (Released)

WINTER'S WELCOME - U.S. Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter is welcomed aboard the Romanian Frigate F222 Rigina Maria for a ship's tour, May 14, 2008. Winter is on a two-day visit to Romania to meet with military and government officials. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien...

CONSTANTA, Romania (May 14, 2008) Sailors of the Romanian Navy present arms while the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter receives a tour of the Romanian Fleet Command. Winter is on a two-day visit to Romania meeting with military and government officials. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (Released)

MOMBASA, Kenya (May 7, 2008) Maj. Gen. Samson Jefwa Mwathethe, commander of the Kenyan Navy, arrives aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) for a shipboard reception during a three-day port visit by Momsen. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist (Released)

FIRE EXERCISE - U.S. Army Spc. David Grace controls a car fire during an exercise with the local fire department on Soto Cano Air Force Base, Honduras, May 1, 2008. The exercise is part of Beyond the Horizons, a joint training exercise between the United States and Honduras to foster goodwill and improve relations between the two nations. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kathy J. Young...

KORAT, Thailand (May 11, 2008) U.S. Army Pfc. Christopher Deist, assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, instructs soldiers from the Royal Thai Army 3rd Battalion, 23th Infantry Regiment on proper procedures for clearing a malfunctioning weapon during close quarters combat training course as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2008. Cobra Gold is an annual joint/combined multi-national exercise designed to improve U.S, Thai, Singaporean, Japanese and Indonesian military readiness and combined, joint interoperability, enhance security relationships and demonstrate U.S. resolve to support the security and humanitarian interests of our pacific partners. This year marks the 27th anniversary of this regional training event. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight (Released)

GUATEMALA (May 7, 2008) Lt. j.g. Sven Chrisman, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Support Squadron (HSC) 23 embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), speaks with Guatemalan navy cadets about the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the ship's flight deck. Boxer is deployed in support of the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise 2008, a two-month equal partnership mission designed to combine partner nation and U.S. relief capabilities to demonstrate the lasting bonds and shared interests among neighbors. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Jackson (Released)

Vladivostok, Russia (May 09, 2008) Crew members of the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) and Russian sailors lay wreaths during Victory Day celebrations in Vladivostok, Russia. Victory Day celebrates the day Nazi Germany surrendered to the allies ending World War II in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)

OPENING CEREMONY - Slovakian troops participate in the opening ceremony for Combined Endeavor 2008 in Baumholder, Germany, May 1, 2008. The United States European Command sponsors the annual exercise, which includes more than 35 nations. Participants use a range of communications, equipment, policies and procedures before deploying for NATO missions and emerging crisis situations. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan Doti...

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 6, 2008) Dawn breaks behind the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2008, a multinational exercise designed to enhance regional security and maritime partnership. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis (Released)

May 05, 2008 - Army 1st. Lt. Robert Judge from the 509th Airborne Battalion checks the parachute equipment of a Honduran soldier before a combined jump with U.S. and Honduran military members April 30. The jump was the final event of a week-long key leader exchange. Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Asselin

FIELD VIDEO - U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Vaughn and Army Capt. Sarah Williams, Joint Task Force-Bravo civil engineers, set up a field video teleconferencing unit at an abandoned coffee factory, May 5, 2008, at Comalapa Air Base, El Salvador, during Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias 2008, a regional disaster relief exercise being conducted through May 15. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. William Farrow.

SOUDA BAY, Crete - US Navy amphibious ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) will participate in Phoenix Express 2008 (PE 08), a U.S.-hosted, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships and foster the ability to operate jointly, from Apr. 8-22. (Department of Defense file photo)

SPC. TYLER MEEHAN OBSERVES KENYAN ARMY SOLDIERS. - U.S. Army Spc. Tyler Meehan from 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), from Ft. Myer, Va., observes Kenyan army soldiers assigned to the 20th Parachute Battalion as they practice firing maneuvers at Forward Operating Location Isiolo, Kenya, on April 17, 2008. U.S. Army soldiers from the Old Guard are training Kenyan army soldiers on military operations in urban terrain during a 22-week course. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

ISIOLO, Kenya (April 23, 2008) Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, Command Master Chief Roy Maddocks, left, and Kenyan Defense Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 1, Ashford Miriti Nbubi address students at the School of Infantry. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Steve Cline (Released)

MCOM Commander: Covenant Building Stronger Communities. April 29, 2008 - Col. Raffaele Iubini, left, Italian base commander at Camp Darby, greets Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, commander of Installation Management Command, during Wilson's visit April 29. Photo by Marino Gioia...

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (April 21, 2008) In this panoramic photo illustration the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrives at Rio de Janeiro for a scheduled port visit. USS George Washington departed Norfolk, Va. en route to Yokosuka, Japan, where it will replace the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). US Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis...

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the George Washington Carrier Strike Group participated in the opening ceremony for UNITAS 49-08 in Rio de Janeiro April 22. UNITAS, Latin for "unity," is a 49 year-old annual exercise designed to enhance friendly, mutual cooperation, understanding and interoperability for participating navies through cultural exchanges and maritime warfare and maritime interdiction operations scenarios. By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, USS George Washington Public Affairs...

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (April 21, 2008) Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, speaks of the historic significance of the battleship USS Arizona Memorial to Adm. Sureesh Mehta, India Chief of Naval Staff, during a tour of the memorial. Mehta is on a two-day visit to Hawaii to enhance the mutual interest in maritime security and the stability of the maritime domain between the United States and India. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight (Released)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (April 21, 2008) Adm. Sureesh Mehta, India Chief of Naval Staff, pays respects at the battleship USS Arizona Memorial during an historic tour of Pearl Harbor. Mehta is on a two-day visit to Hawaii to enhance the mutual interest in maritime security and the stability of the maritime domain between the United States and India. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight (Released)

Marines with the with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, conducts a routine visit led by soldiers from the Australian Defence Force’s 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, here, April 14. The Marines and Australian soldiers conducted the training as part of a military exchange exercise to support stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jason Spinella)

SOUDA BAY, Crete (Apr. 8, 2008) The "Don't Tread on Me" jack waves from the forecastle of the frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) as the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) pulls into Souda Bay. Both ships are participating in Phoenix Express 2008 (PE 08), the third in a series of annual exercises to improve regional cooperation and maritime security by increasing interoperability by developing individual and collective maritime proficiencies of the participating nations, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson (Released)

SOUDA BAY, Crete (April 11, 2008) Service members from Algeria participate in an Exercise Phoenix Express 2008 (PE 08) a training exercise aboard a mock ship at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Centre (NMIOTC). PE 08 is the third annual exercise in a long-term effort to improve regional cooperation and maritime security. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David R. Quillen (Released)

FURRY FRIENDS - U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason David and 1st Lt. Melissa Stevens pet a Bulgarian sheep herder's dogs near Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, April 3, 2008. The airmen are in the area participating in exercise Thracian Spring 2008, an annual bilateral training exercise between the United States and Bulgaria. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Scott Wagers.....

The crowd mingles around U.S. Air Force aircraft at FIDAE 2008, one of the largest air shows in South America, in Santiago, Chile. A host of aircraft and Airmen also participated in Exercise Newen 2008, which emphasizes cooperation between the U.S. and Chilean militaries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jason Tudor)

MONROVIA, Liberia (March 27, 2008) The President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, visits members of the Armed Forces of Liberia who have been participating in Africa Partnership Station (APS) classes aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). The students graduated after completing courses in leadership and marital arts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Merriam (Released)

MONROVIA, Liberia. (March 24, 2008) The Military Sealift Command roll-on, roll-off container ship USNS 2nd Lt. John Bobo (T-AK 3008) is moored to the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) roll-on, roll-off discharge facility to transfer Marine vehicles aboard the high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2), left, as part of the Navy's West Africa Training Cruise 08 (WATC), a sea basing initiative in conjunction with Africa Partnership Station. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Merriam (Released)

BRUNEI (April 9, 2008) Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, reviews the Honor Guard of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces during a welcome ceremony at the Ministry of Defense in Brunei to meet with senior defense and foreign affairs officials to discuss military to military relations, regional security issues, and the continuing importance of cooperation against violent extremism. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Elisia V. Gonzales (Released)

SHANGHAI (April 8, 2008) People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) officials welcome Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Anthony L. Simmons of the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) to Shanghai during a reception. Shanghai, meaning, "go onto the sea" in English, is one of the world's busiest ports. While in port Sailors from Lassen had the opportunity to experience the local culture and interact with PLAN counterparts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)

MCMURDO STATION, Antactica (Jan. 26, 2008) The Swedish icebreaker Oden carves a path through the ice off the shores of McMurdo Sound in Antarctica. U.S. Navy photo by Larry Larsson (Released)

MCMURDO STATION, Antactica (Jan 24, 2008) Ice floes and treacherous weather pose challenges to Military Sealift Command's annual mission of re-supplying McMurdo Station in Antarctica. U.S. Navy photo by Capt. Robert Lee (Released)

Royal Lifeguard Barracks in Copenhagen, Denmark / Africa Partnership Station (APS)

DANISH SALUTE - Royal Danish troops give Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates an honors salute at the Royal Lifeguard Barracks in Copenhagen, Denmark, Apr. 1, 2008. Gates is in Copenhagen to discuss defense issues with Danish officials. Defense Dept. photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison...

LIBREVILLE, Gabon (Jan. 8, 2008) Capt. John B. Nowell Jr., commodore, Africa Partnership Station (APS) is greeted by Gabonese Army as he arrives at a scheduled meeting with General Ntori Longo, chief of Gabonese Armed Services, about APS. APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries, to address common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling and human trafficking. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eddie Harrison (Released)

Marine Expeditionary Unit and their Indonesian Marine counterparts / Exercise Thracian Spring 2008

CAMP KARANG TEKOK, EAST JAVA, Republic of Indonesia – U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and their Indonesian Marine counterparts give a loud “Hoorah - Infantry” cry upon the end of the closing ceremony of the MEU’s bilateral Field Training Exercise here, March 19. To celebrate the conclusion of the exercise, which took place March 10-19, U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU participated with Indonesian Marines in a day of sports, musical entertainment and a closing ceremony here, March 18-19. The purpose of the bilateral exercise was to increase interoperability, enhance military to military relationships and continue building strong regional partnerships between the two nations. Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Marc Ayalin. (Released)

A C-130 Hercules delivers U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and Bulgarian special forces paratroopers to a drop zone near Bezmer Aviation Base, Bulgaria, during Exercise Thracian Spring 2008. The Airmen and Soldiers will conduct several day and night static line jumps in the bilateral exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Wagers)

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE (March 10, 2008) Africa Partnership Station (APS) Sailors and members of the Principe military off load medical and school supplies destined for the Principe hospital and secondary schools. These donations were made possible through the combined efforts of APS and Project Handclasp. Project Handclasp receives, collects, consolidates and stores humanitarian, educational, and goodwill material for transportation on naval vessels and distribution by Navy and Marine Corps personnel on behalf of American citizens to needy people overseas. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason Morris (Released)

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Feb. 28, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is moored near the Republic of Korean submarine Sohn Won-il (SSK 072) at Busan Naval Base. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is taking part in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008, an annual joint exercise involving forces from the U.S. and the ROK. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lou Rosales (Released)

IWO JIMA, Japan (March 13, 2008) Japan Self-Defense Forces Capt. Tetsuichi Kawakami, left, commanding officer of Air Station Iwo To, and Vice Adm. Tom Kilcline, commander officer of Naval Air Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet, stand on Mount Serabachi and discuss the battle for Iwo Jima. Kilcline visited the island to observe Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 during their field carrier landing practice. During his trip, Kilcline also visited many of the historic memorials, shrines and caves on the island. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Barry Riley (Released)

DJIBOUTI JUMP - U.S. Air Force pararescuemen conduct a parachute training jump from an HC-130 aircraft over Djibouti, Africa, March 13, 2008. The airmen are assigned to the 82nd Search and Rescue Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock...

Civil Assistance Plan / USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) pull sailors from the Republic of Korea

U.S. Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, left, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and Canadian Air Force Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, commander of Canada Command, signed a Civil Assistance Plan that allows the military from one nation to support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency. The signing took place at U.S. Army North headquarters, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Feb. 14, 2008. Photo by U.S. Army North Public Affairs Office.

YELLOW SEA (March 10, 2008) Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) pull sailors from the Republic of Korea (ROK) commercial fishing boat M/V Je 2 Bong Ho into a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat. The ROK sailors abandoned their vessel after it caught fire. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Intelligence Specialist Thomas Fischer (Released)