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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Phillip Martinez, a network transport technician with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, connects to the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group

38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025.

Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing

the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six-

mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite

communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical,

technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. Martinez is a native of New

Hampshire. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Phillip Martinez, a network transport technician with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, connects to the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six- mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical, technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. Martinez is a native of New Hampshire. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Steele Armstrong, a satellite transmissions systems operator, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jaden Coleman, a transmission systems operator, both with Marine
Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing,

set up a radio call during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by

MWCS-38, MACG-38, 3rd MAW, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10,

2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines,

showcasing the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations.

The six-mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite

communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical,

technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. Armstrong is a native of

Minnesota, and Coleman is a native of Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Steele Armstrong, a satellite transmissions systems operator, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jaden Coleman, a transmission systems operator, both with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, set up a radio call during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by MWCS-38, MACG-38, 3rd MAW, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six-mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical, technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. Armstrong is a native of Minnesota, and Coleman is a native of Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

U.S. Marines from Communications Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, pose for a photograph after receiving an award and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for winning first place in the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025.

U.S. Marines from Communications Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, pose for a photograph after receiving an award and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for winning first place in the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025.

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

U.S. Marines with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, arrive at Check Point 2 during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group

38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025.

Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing

the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six-

mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite

communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical,

technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. (U.S. Marine Corps photo

by Cpl. Renee Gray)

U.S. Marines with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, arrive at Check Point 2 during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition, hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six- mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical, technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

U.S. Marines from across the Marine Corps’ communications field take off at the start of the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition hosted by Marine Wing Communications

Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air

Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition

dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing the increasing importance of resilient

command and control in distributed operations. The six-mile course integrated high frequency

radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite communications, and data networking tasks under

expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical, technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps

communicators. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

U.S. Marines from across the Marine Corps’ communications field take off at the start of the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six-mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical, technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Burkheimer, a transmission systems operator with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducts a radio call during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six-mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical, technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. Burkheimer is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Burkheimer, a transmission systems operator with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conducts a radio call during the inaugural Thunderstruck Communications Competition hosted by Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Thunderstruck is a service-wide competition dedicated to communications Marines, showcasing the increasing importance of resilient command and control in distributed operations. The six-mile course integrated high frequency radio, Mobile User Objective System satellite communications, and data networking tasks under expeditionary conditions, testing the tactical, technical, and physical proficiency of Marine Corps communicators. Burkheimer is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Renee Gray)

Photo by Cpl. Renee Gray

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, execute a raid during Raid Leaders Course 24-5 hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 6, 2025. RLC trains Marines in the tactics, techniques and procedures to serve as small-unit leaders within the assault element of a raid force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, execute a raid during Raid Leaders Course 24-5 hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 6, 2025. RLC trains Marines in the tactics, techniques and procedures to serve as small-unit leaders within the assault element of a raid force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)

Photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 C/D Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to take off for a trans-Pacific flight in support of the Unit Deployment Program at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 5, 2025. VMFA-232 will attach to 1st MAW to enhance squadron readiness and provide flexible fighter attack capabilities in support of a forward posture in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra)

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 C/D Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to take off for a trans-Pacific flight in support of the Unit Deployment Program at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 5, 2025. VMFA-232 will attach to 1st MAW to enhance squadron readiness and provide flexible fighter attack capabilities in support of a forward posture in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off for a trans-Pacific flight in support of the Unit Deployment Program at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 5, 2025. VMFA-232 will attach to 1st MAW to enhance squadron readiness and provide flexible fighter attack capabilities in support of a forward posture in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra)

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off for a trans-Pacific flight in support of the Unit Deployment Program at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 5, 2025. VMFA-232 will attach to 1st MAW to enhance squadron readiness and provide flexible fighter attack capabilities in support of a forward posture in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis Ibarra

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages simulated targets during a close-quarters tactics drill as part of Raid Leaders Course 24-5 hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 4, 2025. RLC trains Marines in the tactics, techniques and procedures to serve as small-unit leaders within the assault element of a raid force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages simulated targets during a close-quarters tactics drill as part of Raid Leaders Course 24-5 hosted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 4, 2025. RLC trains Marines in the tactics, techniques and procedures to serve as small-unit leaders within the assault element of a raid force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)

Photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry

A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter assigned to the 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, engages a simulated target at the joint land strike exercise with the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Australian Defence Forces during Super Garuda Shield 25 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Sept. 1, 2025. Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, and cooperation. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Seu Chan)

A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter assigned to the 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, engages a simulated target at the joint land strike exercise with the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Australian Defence Forces during Super Garuda Shield 25 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Sept. 1, 2025. Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, and cooperation. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Seu Chan)

Photo by Pfc. Seu Chan

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and staff from the Pohnpei Public Library pose for a photo during Koa Moana 25 at Pohnpei Public Library on Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Sept. 1, 2025. Koa Moana 25 is an annual partnership in the Indo-Pacific region that strengthens established relationships, bolsters theater security cooperation, and enhances the resilience of our allies and partners through community outreach, medical and civic assistance, infrastructure improvement projects, and key leader exchanges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and staff from the Pohnpei Public Library pose for a photo during Koa Moana 25 at Pohnpei Public Library on Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Sept. 1, 2025. Koa Moana 25 is an annual partnership in the Indo-Pacific region that strengthens established relationships, bolsters theater security cooperation, and enhances the resilience of our allies and partners through community outreach, medical and civic assistance, infrastructure improvement projects, and key leader exchanges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy)

Photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Darrien Philpot, an infantryman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, conducts weapons handling drills aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 1, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. Philpot is a native of Oklahoma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Darrien Philpot, an infantryman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, conducts weapons handling drills aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 1, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. Philpot is a native of Oklahoma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

Photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Roy J. Nicka, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and family pose in front of an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225, MAG-13, 3rd MAW, before his change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Aug. 29, 2025. During his command, Nicka balanced readiness across four fifth generation fighter squadrons, enabling three unit deployments and one bilateral exercise, spearheaded the Marine Corps’ first MQ-9A Reaper inter-theater redeployment into the Indo-Pacific region, and ultimately generated more than 7,000 flight hours of strike, fighter and reconnaissance mission in support of 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Roy J. Nicka, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and family pose in front of an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225, MAG-13, 3rd MAW, before his change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Aug. 29, 2025. During his command, Nicka balanced readiness across four fifth generation fighter squadrons, enabling three unit deployments and one bilateral exercise, spearheaded the Marine Corps’ first MQ-9A Reaper inter-theater redeployment into the Indo-Pacific region, and ultimately generated more than 7,000 flight hours of strike, fighter and reconnaissance mission in support of 3rd MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, push a corrosion control cart during flight deck operations for MV-22B Ospreys with U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 29, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, push a corrosion control cart during flight deck operations for MV-22B Ospreys with U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 29, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

Photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Austin Washington, an aviation boatswain mate handler, directs an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, for landing aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 29, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Austin Washington, an aviation boatswain mate handler, directs an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, for landing aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 29, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

Photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara

Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, speaks to U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division after firing an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer as part of his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 27, 2025. The visit highlighted readiness, modernization, and quality of life priorities for Marines and Sailors across I Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy–Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez)

Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, speaks to U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division after firing an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer as part of his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 27, 2025. The visit highlighted readiness, modernization, and quality of life priorities for Marines and Sailors across I Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy–Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez)

Photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jan Macadangdang, a howitzer section chief with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division explains the capabilities of the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer as part of Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan’s, visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 27, 2025. The visit highlighted readiness, modernization, and quality of life priorities for Marines and Sailors across I Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy–Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jan Macadangdang, a howitzer section chief with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division explains the capabilities of the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer as part of Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan’s, visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, August 27, 2025. The visit highlighted readiness, modernization, and quality of life priorities for Marines and Sailors across I Marine Expeditionary Force and the Navy–Marine Corps team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez)

Photo by Sgt. Atticus Martinez

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division watch a vendor loaned small unmanned aircraft system fly during Project G.I. at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 26, 2025. The Defense Innovation Unit’s Project G.I. Challenge brought together Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force, industry partners, and Department of Defense leaders to evaluate commercial sUAS, with Marine feedback shaping future procurement decisions and advancing modernization for contested environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sawyer Carleton)

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division watch a vendor loaned small unmanned aircraft system fly during Project G.I. at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 26, 2025. The Defense Innovation Unit’s Project G.I. Challenge brought together Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force, industry partners, and Department of Defense leaders to evaluate commercial sUAS, with Marine feedback shaping future procurement decisions and advancing modernization for contested environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sawyer Carleton)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Sawyer Carleton

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Eduardo Montano Lopez, a rifleman with 1st Marine Division Schools, launches a small unmanned aircraft system during Project G.I. at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 25, 2025. The Defense Innovation Unit’s Project G.I. Challenge brought together Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force, industry partners, and Department of Defense leaders to evaluate commercial sUAS, with Marine feedback shaping future procurement decisions and advancing modernization for contested environments. Montano Lopez is a native of Mexico. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Adeola Adetimehin)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Eduardo Montano Lopez, a rifleman with 1st Marine Division Schools, launches a small unmanned aircraft system during Project G.I. at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 25, 2025. The Defense Innovation Unit’s Project G.I. Challenge brought together Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force, industry partners, and Department of Defense leaders to evaluate commercial sUAS, with Marine feedback shaping future procurement decisions and advancing modernization for contested environments. Montano Lopez is a native of Mexico. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Adeola Adetimehin)

Photo by Sgt. Adeola Adetimehin

I Marine Expeditionary Force