090719-N-0120A-650 SHOALWATER BAY, Australia (July 19, 2009) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), rush toward an M777 105mm lightweight Howitzer to be lift by an MH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter, assigned to the Air Combat Element of the 31st MEU, as a part of exercise Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a biennial, combined training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined operations, which will help improve combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez/Released)
090719-N-0120A-634 SHOALWATER BAY, Australia (July 19, 2009) An MH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter, assigned to the Air Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) lifts an M777 105mm lightweight Howitzer as a part of exercise Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a biennial, combined training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined operations, which will help improve combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez/Released)