U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Aaron Figueroa, a fire and effects targeting chief with I Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photo following a Bronze Star award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 14, 2026. Figueroa received the Bronze Star for his actions in support of Operation Epic Fury. Figueroa is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Bustamante)
U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sailors assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) execute a 1,000-pound club challenge aboard the USS Boxer in the South China Sea, June 7, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)
