Navy covers are lined up as selected chief petty officers
Navy covers are lined up as selected chief petty officers prepare for a pinning ceremony in which they will be promoted. After promotion the new chiefs will wear a different cover. The anchors pinning ceremony ... More
Media Engagement, US Navy Photogrpah
Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, engages media, while on a five-day trip to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy Photo/mass communication specialist Petty Officer... More
AUP, ANA learn counter IED methods
Sgt. Said Amir, a squad leader for the Afghan National Army, performs a mine detection exercise during a counter improvised explosive device course on Camp Bastion, June 6. The class was led by Marines from Joi... More
Tom Foss, a veteran night club comedian, performs his
Tom Foss, a veteran night club comedian, performs his stand-up comedy warm-up routine prior to introducing the Ladies of Comedy to the audience. Jodi Miller, Christina Pazsitsky and Sarah Tiana headlined the Mo... More
Afghan National Security Forces members attend the
Afghan National Security Forces members attend the basic explosive reduction hazard course prior to partnering alongside coalition forces in the field of operations. Trainees review their study guide prior to a... More
Coalition and Afghan National Army players collide
Coalition and Afghan National Army players collide during a soccer match held at Camp Shorabak, Helmand province, June 21. “This game is just a bit of fun between the two teams from the Regional Military Traini... More
Two Marines raise and salute the U.S. flag during the
Two Marines raise and salute the U.S. flag during the opening ceremony commemorating the 4th of July, at Camp Leatherneck. The day’s festivities included a concert, sports, games and an outdoor barbecue for the troops.
Afghan National Army graduates of the Combat Medical
Afghan National Army graduates of the Combat Medical Course stand at attention alongside their coalition mentors, invited dignitaries and guests during their graduation ceremony at the Joint Sustainment Academy... More
Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau
Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, prepare to free a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle stuck in the desert sands of Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 11. The platoon serves a... More
Motor-T provides lifeline in southern Afghanistan
Lance Cpl. Gary Weisgerber, convoy turret gunner and driver with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, and a native of Pasadena, Md., hydrates after his team unloads supplies at Camp Dwyer and prepa... More
Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest staff and guests
Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest staff and guests salute during the Joint Non-commissioned Officers’ Course graduation ceremony held at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, July 18. Thirty-one Afghan Nationa... More
Petty Officer 2nd Class Devin Harris is a hospital
Petty Officer 2nd Class Devin Harris is a hospital corpsman and native of Columbus, Ohio currently assigned to an Afghan National Security Forces mentor team in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province. Harris helps train... More
Graduates of the Combat Medical Assistant, Basic
Graduates of the Combat Medical Assistant, Basic Administration and Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Courses at the Joint Sustainment Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, pose for a group photo at the ... More
Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general of Regional
Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general of Regional Command Southwest, congratulates and addresses graduates of the anti-terrorism force protection course following a graduation at Joint Sustainment Academ... More
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive ordnance disposal expert and counter-improvised explosive device at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, demonstrates basic victim-activated IED functi... More
Afghan National Security Forces training at the Joint
Afghan National Security Forces training at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest march toward the dining facility at sunset on Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Aug. 20. During the Islamic holy month of Ra... More
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - A team of Afghan Uniformed
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - A team of Afghan Uniformed Police practice rapid forced entry and maneuvering within a hostile and confined space at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, He... More
Petty Officer 3rd Class Mathew Fitzgerald, a hospital
Petty Officer 3rd Class Mathew Fitzgerald, a hospital corpsman, works with paramedics to recover and transport victims during a casualty drill at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Aug. 24. The exercise measur... More
Marines from Regional Command Southwest flew 425 American
Marines from Regional Command Southwest flew 425 American flags on Sept. 11, fulfilling troops' requests in obtaining signed flag certificates by Commanding General Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan commemorating the 10... More
Corpus Christi, Texas, native mentors Afghan police
Second Lt. Drew Miller of II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward) is deployed as part of a mentor team that works alongside the Afghan National Civil Order Police’s 5th Brigade. Miller, a nat... More
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith concludes the final worship service with a blast of the shofar (ram’s horn) signifying the end of the ceremony and breaking of fast observed during Yom Ki... More
Sailors stand at attention during a Chief Petty Officers’
Sailors stand at attention during a Chief Petty Officers’ pinning ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Sept. 16. The ceremony is a time-honored Navy tradition held since the rank was established in 1883.
Comedian Jodi Miller entertains coalition troops with
Comedian Jodi Miller entertains coalition troops with a high energy performance at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, June 15. Miller is best known for her roles in the television shows "The Sopranos" and "Law... More
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive ordnance disposal technician and a native of Groton, Conn., points out a model of an Afghan village used to instruct Afghan National Security Forces on vul... More
A British service member dribbles past an Afghan National
A British service member dribbles past an Afghan National Army player during a soccer match held at Camp Shorabak, Helmand province, June 21. “This game is just a bit of fun between the two teams from the Regi... More
Sgt. Steven Bias, a musician with Camp Leatherneck
Sgt. Steven Bias, a musician with Camp Leatherneck Band, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), 2nd Division, plays the National Anthem, here, during the start of the 4th of July ceremony celebrations. The da... More
Afghan National Army graduates step on stage to receive
Afghan National Army graduates step on stage to receive their Combat Medic course completion certificate presented by ANA’s high ranking leadership officials, here, July 7. This was the fourth edition of the co... More
Marines with the Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force
Marines with the Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, convoy to free a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle stuck in the desert sands of Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 11. The platoon serve... More
Lt. Col. Gary Rotsch, II Marine Expeditionary Force
Lt. Col. Gary Rotsch, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward) comptroller (left), congratulates Sgt. Akhtargul, a graduate of the Joint Non-commissioned Officer’s Course at Joint Sustainment ... More
The view from an Afghan National Civil Order Police
The view from an Afghan National Civil Order Police compound in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, overlooks the Helmand River and historical ruins from the Ghaznavids, a Turkish dynasty which ruled the area in the... More
Coalition forces, dignitaries and special guests salute
Coalition forces, dignitaries and special guests salute during the playing of the Afghan national anthem at the start of a graduation ceremony held at Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helm... More
Afghan National Army 2nd Lt. Minawar Khan salutes
Afghan National Army 2nd Lt. Minawar Khan salutes after receiving his diploma from the anti-terrorism force protection course at Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, July 28... More
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive ordnance disposal expert and counter-improvised explosive device instructor at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, demonstrates basic victim-activated... More
Afghan National Security Forces training at the Joint
Afghan National Security Forces training at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, perform prayer at their dining facility before the evening meal, or iftar, Aug. 20. Durin... More
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Coalition mentors direct
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Coalition mentors direct Provincial Response Company Course students in proper tactical entry and positioning during a training exercise held at the Joint Sustainment Academy Sou... More
1st Lt. Jared Gastrock, drill coordinator and observer,
1st Lt. Jared Gastrock, drill coordinator and observer, rounds up team leaders to evaluate performances of first responders during a mass casualty exercise at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Aug. 24. The ... More
Cpl. Lorenzo Ruiz (right) and Sgt. Shatia Felder salute
Cpl. Lorenzo Ruiz (right) and Sgt. Shatia Felder salute each and every American flag raised on Sept. 11, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Ruiz and Shatia flew 425 flags for troops who sub... More
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith,
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith, leads worship services on The High Holy Day celebration of Yom Kippur at the chapel, Oct. 7. Coalition service members attended evening holiday worship c... More
Comedian Christina Pazsitsky incorporates her new-found
Comedian Christina Pazsitsky incorporates her new-found love of the energy drink Rip It during her performance for coalition troops at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, June 15. Pazsitsky is best known for he... More
Lance Cpl. Gaz Selby, from Barnsley, England, and a
Lance Cpl. Gaz Selby, from Barnsley, England, and a counter-improvised explosive device instructor, demonstrates basic victim-activated impovised explosive devices to Afghan National Security Forces trainees at... More
Cpl. Lee Glasser, a musician with II Marine Expeditionary
Cpl. Lee Glasser, a musician with II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), 2nd Division, plays in the opening ceremony celebrations held here, on the 4th of July. Glasser is a tuba player with the band Camp Lea... More
Ahmad Monsoor expresses his jubilation to his fellow
Ahmad Monsoor expresses his jubilation to his fellow colleagues after accepting his graduation certificate, here, July 7. This was the fourth edition of the course. During the training ANA soldiers learned the... More
Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau
Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, convoy through the deserts of Helmand province toward Camp Leatherneck following a supply delivery to Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, July 11. The platoon... More
Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest director Maj. Andrew
Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest director Maj. Andrew Martinez, a native of San Antonio (left), presents a diploma to an Afghan Border Policeman graduating from the JSAS Joint Non-commissioned Officers’ Cour... More
Petty Officer 2nd Class Devin Harris, a hospital corpsman
Petty Officer 2nd Class Devin Harris, a hospital corpsman currently deployed to Helmand province as a mentor to the Afghan Border Police, prepares for a convoy in Lashkar Gah, July 26. Harris, a native of Colum... More
Afghan National Police Sgt. Fakhruddin receives his
Afghan National Police Sgt. Fakhruddin receives his anti-terrorism force protection course diploma during a graduation at Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, July 28. The so... More
Afghan security forces graduates of the Combat Medical
Afghan security forces graduates of the Combat Medical Assistant, Basic Administration and Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Courses sit alongside their coalition mentors, invited dignitaries and special guests a... More
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Ameika, an explosive ordnance disposal expert and counter-improvised explosive device at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, demonstrates basic victim-activated IED functi... More
An Imam, or spiritual leader, with the Joint Sustainment
An Imam, or spiritual leader, with the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, reads verses from the Koran, Aug. 20. It is obligatory for Muslims to pray five times a day.
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -Afghan Uniform Policemen
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -Afghan Uniform Policemen attending the Provincial Response Company course at Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest simulates entry and room clearing operations inside the shoot hous... More
Lance Cpl. Trevor Declue (left) and Lance Cpl. Scot
Lance Cpl. Trevor Declue (left) and Lance Cpl. Scot Vanderwood role-play mass casualties during a mass casualty drill staged at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Aug 24. The exercise measured the efficient r... More
Fourteen chief-select Petty Officers 1st class march
Fourteen chief-select Petty Officers 1st class march in place and sing “Anchors Aweigh” at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 16. The anchors pinning ceremony marks the end of a six-week initiation period h... More
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith,
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith, recites verses from the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and expands on the messages and meaning during worship services held at the chapel, Oct. 7. Chaplain Sherwi... More
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class John Aquino, a
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class John Aquino, a hospital corpsman attached to Regional Command Southwest, is promoted to chief petty officer during a pinning ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept.... More
Comedian Sarah Tiana shares her dating rituals and
Comedian Sarah Tiana shares her dating rituals and checklist with coalition troops as part of her act during an evening performance at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, June 15. Tiana is best known for her r... More
An Afghan National Security Forces trainee practices
An Afghan National Security Forces trainee practices scanning the ground with his eyes while simultaneously listening for the whine of the Vallon metal detector during the explosive hazard reduction course at t... More
Service members from the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Air
Service members from the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Air Force team up to compete in a Corn Hole tournament for medals. The day’s festivities included a concert, sports, games and an outdoor barbecue for the troops.
Mentors, course instructors, dignitaries and specially
Mentors, course instructors, dignitaries and specially invited guess attend the Combat Medic Course graduates ceremony, here, July 7. This was the fourth edition of the course. During the training ANA soldiers ... More
Staff Sgt. David Yeingst, convoy commander with Motor
Staff Sgt. David Yeingst, convoy commander with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, and a native of Liverpool, Pa., takes a moment to pose for a portrait. His platoon serves as the logistical life... More
An Afghan Border Policeman marches on stage to accept
An Afghan Border Policeman marches on stage to accept his diploma during a graduation ceremony for the Joint Non-commissioned Officers’ Course at Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Afghanist... More
Afghan National Army Sgt. Sabghatulla receives his
Afghan National Army Sgt. Sabghatulla receives his anti-terrorism force protection course diploma during a graduation ceremony at Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, July 28... More
An Imam, or spiritual leader, with the Joint Sustainment
An Imam, or spiritual leader, with the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, reads verses from the Koran, Aug. 20. It is obligatory for Muslim’s to pray five times a day.
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -Afghan Uniformed Police
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -Afghan Uniformed Police attending the Provincial Response Company Course watch as classmates execute house-clearing operations in an urban setting, Aug. 23, at the Joint Sustainme... More
Paramedics tend to mass casualty victims during a drill
Paramedics tend to mass casualty victims during a drill at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Aug 24. The exercise measured the efficient response, skill level and capacity of resources on base to manage crises.
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith,
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith, leads the congregation in praising the Lord and singing a hymn during Yom Kippur worship services at the chapel, Oct. 7. Coalition service members who at... More
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class Randall Connolly
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class Randall Connolly Jr., assigned to Naval Mobil Construction Battalion 4, is presented with chief petty officers anchors and a cover during his pinning ceremony at Camp Leathe... More
Lance Cpl. Gaz Selby, from Barnsley, England, and a
Lance Cpl. Gaz Selby, from Barnsley, England, and a counter-improvised explosive device instructor, demonstrates the proper stance and sweeping pattern for the Vallon metal detector to Afghan National Security ... More
Service members from the U.S. armed forces team up
Service members from the U.S. armed forces team up to compete for first place in a Horseshoe tournament held during the 4th of July celebrations. The day’s festivities included concert, sports, games and an out... More
The Combat Medic Course graduates, from the Joint
The Combat Medic Course graduates, from the Joint Sustainment Southwest, pose for a group photo with one of their Marine mentors at the end of the ceremony, July 7. This was the fourth edition of the course. D... More
Marines with Motor-T Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood,
Marines with Motor-T Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, make a fuel check while returning to Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, following a supply delivery at Camp Dwyer, July 11. The platoon serve... More
Muslims perform the evening prayer inside the mosque
Muslims perform the evening prayer inside the mosque at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Aug. 20. It is obligatory for Muslims to pray five times a day.
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afganistan - Coalition instructors
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afganistan - Coalition instructors guide and mentor Afghan Uniformed Police attending the Provincial Response Company Course on the correct tactics used to gain access and maneuver into positi... More
A paramedic applies a tourniquet to the face laceration
A paramedic applies a tourniquet to the face laceration of Cpl. Joseph Vegas during a mass casualty drill at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Aug. 24. The exercise measured the efficient response, skill leve... More
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith,
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith, leads Yom Kippur worship prayer service with coalition service members, Oct. 7. Two candle flames mark the beginning of a new celebration at Camp Leather... More
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class David Lawrence’s
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class David Lawrence’s anchors are pinned by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Senior Chief Douglas Phillips (right) while Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer David Reiter (left)... More
Marines, sailors and airmen team up to compete in the
Marines, sailors and airmen team up to compete in the volleyball tournament event scheduled at Camp Leatherneck during the 4th of July celebrations. The day’s festivities included a concert, sports, games and a... More
Marine Cpl. Sean Northcutt (left), convoy navigator
Marine Cpl. Sean Northcutt (left), convoy navigator with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, prepares to mount his Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle after a supply delivery at Camp Dwyer, He... More
Afghan National Security Forces train at the Joint
Afghan National Security Forces train at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, in the early morning of Aug. 23. During the holy month of Ramadan, the academy staff remains... More
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith,
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith, concludes the final worship service by sounding the shofar (ram's horn) signifying the end of ceremony and break of fast observed during Yom Kippur at th... More
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Miller,
Chief-select Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Miller, a hospital corpsman assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), is officially promoted to chief petty to officer during ... More
U.S. coalition forces members enjoy some home style
U.S. coalition forces members enjoy some home style barbecue during festivities held on July the 4th. The day’s festivities included a concert, sports, games and an outdoor barbecue for the troops.
Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau
Marines with Motor Transport Platoon, Task Force Belleau Wood, prepare to connect a tow bar to free a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle from the desert sands of Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 11. The... More
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith,
Lt. Joshua Sherwin, a Navy Chaplain of the Jewish faith, sings the final hymn and recites the final blessing prior to breaking bread sharing of wine in fellowship with worshipers attending the service symbolizi... More
A cake cutting marks the end of a chief petty officers
A cake cutting marks the end of a chief petty officers pinning ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 16. The chief petty officers’ pinning ceremony is a time-honored Navy tradition held since the ran... More
The musicians from the band, Camp Leatherneck, with
The musicians from the band, Camp Leatherneck, with II Marines Expeditionary Force (Forward), 2nd Division, perform for troops during the 4th of July celebrations. The day’s festivities included a concert, spor... More
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos Salas, (left) a
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos Salas, (left) a Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 and Army Spc. Robert Holland from Combat Sustainment Support Battalion 129, Headquarters, present the... More