U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Pontello, a squad leader and rifleman with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, and also a Syracuse, New York native is interviewed about a live fire exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 2023. The live fire exercise was conducted to build on and improve movement and communication with each other in preparation for a deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Kylie Lake)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James W. Underwood III, outgoing sergeant major, 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division welcomes the incoming Sgt. Maj. during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sep. 6, 2024. Sgt. Maj. Christian R. Appleman took command of the battalion and gave a speech during the ceremony to express his confidence in the Marines under his command. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Alexander Peterson)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj Ryan D. Cantrel, the outgoing sergeant major for 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, speaks during his relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 6, 2024. The ceremony serves as the official change over between Sergeants Major. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Frank Sepulveda Torres)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Blake Owen, from Indiana, and Cpl. Kristineda De Las Penas, from California, both digital wideband systems maintainers with Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS) 28, talk about winning the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Cowbell Award at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 22, 2024. Owen and De Las Penas recently wont the Cowbell Award, which recognizes and encourages members of 2nd MAW to actively seek out and implement innovations, improvements, and best practices that enhance collective performance and readiness. The Cowbell Award helps 2nd MAW foster a culture of continuous improvement driven by individual and shared excellence. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Rowdy Vanskike)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Channing Washlesky, and field artillery officer with Hotel Battery, 2d Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conducts an interview while on Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Aug. 30, 2024. Hotel Battery participated in a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration training exercise to demonstrate the logistical capabilities associated with the rapid deployment of a HIMARS Rapid Insertion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Frank Sepulveda Torres)