Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin flip their zodiac over during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course off the coast of Noumea, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

A Philippine Marine shoots a course of fire with his rifle while U.S Marines spot for him May 8, 2014, at Crow Valley, Philippines, during a live-fire training exercise for Balikatan 2014. The U.S. Marines and Philippine Marines worked side-by-side to shoot targets at unknown distances. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

U.S. Marine Cpl. William Steinbach sits underneath a makeshift tent with Philippine Marines May 7 at Crow Valley, Philippines as part of exercise Balikatan 2014. The Marines worked together during live-fire mortar training in which Philippine and U.S. Marines shot mortars side-by-side. Balikatan 14 is an annual bilateral exercise that brings Philippine and U.S. forces together to strengthen their relationship and better their combined combat capabilities. Steinbach is a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The Philippine Marines are with 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Philippine Marines assigned to the 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, and U.S. Marines assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines look down range during their bilateral live fire mortar training May 7, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines, during Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines trained together to increase mission readiness. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Cpl. Joseph J. Bennetti, a machine gunner, builds a rope bridge during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course outside of Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 22, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. Bennetti, from New York, New York, is with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Philippine Marines assigned to 311th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, perform a squad level fire and maneuver technique while their U.S. Marine Corps counterparts supplied suppressive machine gun fire during live-fire exercises May 9, 2014, at Crow Valley, Philippines, for Balikatan 2014. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh at patrol Base Shaheed providing security and dominating the ground. (UK/MOD Crown Copyright 2010 Photo by Major Paul Smyth)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin stands under the Southern Cross star constellation during Exercise Koolendong 16 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 16, 2016. Koolendong is an amphibious and live-fire exercise designed to increase interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and Australian Defense Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)

Sgt Garathy (front), Fus Handley (carrying the goat) and Fus Williams91. The leek ceremony.

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Philippine Marines with 10th Marines Company and U.S. Marines assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division provide security on the beach during an amphibious exercise (AMPHIBEX) held at the Naval Education and Training Command, Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines, May 9, 2018, as part of Exercise Balikatan. By training together in events like AMPHIBEX the U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines build upon shared tactics, techniques and procedures that enhance readiness and response capabilities during real-world challenges, to include disaster response efforts during operations ashore. Exercise Balikatan, in its 34th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations held from May 7 to May 18. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Krysten I. Gomez)

Philippine Marine Staff Sgt. Arnaldo O. Manguiat, left, a squad leader assigned to 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, and Philippine Marine Sgt. Henry V. Lalap, right, a mortarman with the company, establish coordinates for the next series of 81mm mortars to be aimed for a bilateral live fire mortar training event May 7, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines, during Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines trained together to increase mission readiness. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

Philippine Marine Corps Pfc. Harold James F. Juan adjusts the position of his team’s 81mm mortar May 7 at Crow Valley, Philippines during exercise Balikatan 2014. During the training, Philippine and U.S. Marines fired mortars alongside one another. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military and their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Juan is a mortarman with 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Maj Ed Hill helps serve the soldiers a lamb stew at the patrol base.

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

2nd Lt Bexson(left) and Cpl Mansell drinking from the 'loving cup'.St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Philippine Marines position their 81mm mortar during a live-fire mortar training May 7 at Crow Valley, Philippines as part of exercise Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines worked alongside U.S. Marines during the training iteration, firing mortars on the same range as the U.S. Marines. Balikatan is an annual bilateral exercise that helps enhance military-to-military relations and combined combat capabilities. The Philippine Marines are mortarmen with 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

Philippine Marines with 10th Marines Company run to provide security during the amphibious landing demonstration during Exercise Balikatan at the Naval Education and Training Center, in San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines, May 9, 2018. This training is held to further interoperability between the U.S. and the Philippines while conducting amphibious operations. Exercise Balikatan, in its 34th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism and other combined military operations held from May 7 to 18. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Krysten I. Gomez)

Philippine Marines assigned to 511th Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, and U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Logan A. Giger, second from left, a platoon commander assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, work together during their bilateral live fire mortar training May 7, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines, during Balikatan 2014. The Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines trained together to increase mission readiness. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

One of the Welsh seven a side teams take on the French troops working with B Company

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

I was pleased to find this mural from 1990 still in good condition, but apparently the colors were originally much brighter:

www.lamurals.org/MuralFiles/ELA/CombinedForces.html

This is on Eastlake and Darwin in Lincoln Heights.

U.S. Marines assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and Philippine Marines with 10th Marines Company provide security on the beach during the exercise Balikatan at the Navy Education and Training Center, in San Antonio, Zambales, May 8, 2018. This training is held to increase interoperability between the U.S. and the Philippines while conducting amphibious exercises. Exercise Balikatan, in its 34th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism and other combined military operations held from May 7 to 18. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Krysten I. Gomez)

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Condley, an infantry unit leader, climbs over an obstacle during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course off the coast of Noumea, New Caledonia, August 15, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, is a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. Condley, from Boise, Idaho, is with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces soldiers with 92nd Infantry Regiment, French Army, arrive at the end of a swimming test during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course off the coast of Noumea, New Caledonia, August 15, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force participate in the opening ceremony for Operation Rising Thunder at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Wash., Sept. 2. Operation Rising Thunder allowed Soldiers to train with the JGSDF to help increase their combined forces experience.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces soldiers with 92nd Infantry Regiment compete in tug-of-war during the French Armed Forces Bazeilles Games in Plum, New Caledonia, August 26, 2016.The French Armed Forces invited the Marines to participate in this annual competition conducted in remembrance of the Battle of Brazeilles. The Marines are in New Caledonia participating in Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Lance Cpl. Jesus A. Covarrubias helps a Philippine child use a firefighting hose at a static display May 10 at Clark Air Field, Philippines during Balikatan 2014. The static display gave the opportunity for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their families to get up close and personal with Philippine and U.S. aircraft. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military and their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Covarrubias is an aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lena Wakayama/Released)

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces soldiers with 92nd Infantry Regiment compete in tug-of-war during the French Armed Forces Bazeilles Games in Plum, New Caledonia, August 26, 2016.The French Armed Forces invited the Marines to participate in this annual competition conducted in remembrance of the Battle of Brazeilles. The Marines are in New Caledonia participating in Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Philippine and U.S. Marines sprint toward their objective during a shoulder-to-shoulder live-fire exercise May 12, 2014 at Crow Valley, Philippines, that featured mortars, rockets and machine gun fire. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Sissel/Released)

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A Marine with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin jumps off a bridge during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course in Noumea, New Caledonia, August 18, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin flip their kayak over during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course off the coast of Noumea, New Caledonia, August 15, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh at patrol Base Shaheed providing security and dominating the ground. (UK/MOD Crown Copyright 2010 Photo by Major Paul Smyth)

Megan Pohlner, park guide at the Territory Wildlife Park, displays a baby crocodile to Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, during a reception, staging, onward movement and integration brief at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, Australia, April 20, 2016. The RSO&I program is designed for MRF-D as the first critical step in establishing situational awareness for all Marines and their planned training during their deployment in Australia. All Marines are required to attend this comprehensive program in order to ensure that foundations of interoperability, safety, and effective training are established. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Cpl. Tate J. Sherman, a mortarman, practices kick boxing techniques during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. Sherman, from Plymouth, Minnesota, is with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces soldiers with 92nd Infantry Regiment cross a river during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course in Noumea, New Caledonia, August 22, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

The leek ceremony begins. Sgt Garathy (front), Fus Handley (carrying the goat) and Fus Williams91.

St Davids day on the front line with the 1 R WELSH

Just over two weeks ago the 1 Batallion The Royal Welsh were involved in the largest assault in Helmand since 2001.

But even though the men of the B Company, 1 R Welsh are on the front line they still make every effort they can to celebrate St Davids Day.

For over 300 years the regiments that have come to make up the Royal Welsh have, where ever they are in the world, celebrated this very special day.

Picture credit: Major Paul Smyth

Megan Pohlner, park guide at the Territory Wildlife Park, give Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, the opportunity to touch and hold a baby crocodile during a reception, staging, onward movement and integration brief at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, Australia, April 20, 2016. The RSO&I program is designed for MRF-D as the first critical step in establishing situational awareness for all Marines and their planned training during their deployment in Australia. All Marines are required to attend this comprehensive program in order to ensure that foundations of interoperability, safety, and effective training are established. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces soldiers with 92nd Infantry Regiment transport a water raft through mangroves during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course in Noumea, New Caledonia, August 22, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Sgt. Donald J. Conde III, a rifleman, receives a pin signifying the completion of a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, Sept. 1, 2016. This marks the first U.S. forces ever to complete the course and receive these pins. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. Conde, from Temecula, California, is with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces service members with 92nd Infantry Regiment transport their gear using a rope bridge during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course outside of Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 19, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

A baby crocodile is presented to Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, during a reception, staging, onward movement and integration brief at Robertson Barracks, Darwin, Australia, April 20, 2016. The RSO&I program is designed for MRF-D as the first critical step in establishing situational awareness for all Marines and their planned training during their deployment in Australia. All Marines are required to attend this comprehensive program in order to ensure that foundations of interoperability, safety, and effective training are established. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mandaline Hatch/Released)

Lance Cpl. Joseph R. Siford, a rifleman, detains and searches French Army Cpl. Ugo Rubiconi, an infantryman, acting as a hostile enemy, during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 18, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. Siford, from Tawas, Michigan, is with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. Rubiconi, from Clermont Ferrand, France, is with 92nd Infantry Regiment, French Army. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin attach their gear to a rope bridge during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course outside of Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 19, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

U.S. Soldiers, with Bandit Troop, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, perform log carries as part of a combined forces endurance stress shoot at Camp Taji, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2018. A Coalition created from a diverse international community will continue its support to the people of Iraq in order to enhance the capabilities of the nation to ensure security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Audrey Ward)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces service members with 92nd Infantry Regiment transport ammo using a rope bridge during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course outside of Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 19, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin receive pins signifying the completion of a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, Sept. 1, 2016. This marks the first U.S. forces ever to complete the course and receive these pins. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin box during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

French Army Pfc. Quentin Antomarchi, left, an infantryman, and Cpl. Joseph J. Bennetti, a machine gunner, box during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. Antomarchi from Toulouse, France, is with 92nd Infantry Regiment, French Army. Bennetti, from New York, New York, is with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

A French Army course instructor helps Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin practices tactical close combat techniques during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, August 17, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and French Armed Forces soldiers with 92nd Infantry Regiment receive pins signifying the completion of a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course at Quartier Gribeauval, New Caledonia, Sept. 1, 2016. This marks the first U.S. forces ever to complete the course and receive these pins. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations between the U.S. Marine Corps and the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)

Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin flip their zodiac over during a French Armed Forces Nautical Commando Course off the coast of Noumea, New Caledonia, August 16, 2016. The course is a part of Exercise AmeriCal 16, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance mutual combat capabilities and improve relations with our partners by exchanging a U.S. Marine Corps and French Armed Forces infantry platoon. While the U.S. Marines are in New Caledonia, the French infantry platoon traveled to Australia to participate in Exercise Koolendong 16 with U.S. and Australian forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr./Released)