Sergeant Brian D. Richardson, a 29-year-old crew chief for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Leesburg, Fla., searches for targets aboard a UH-1Y Venom helicopter during live-fire training as part of Exercise Koolendong 13 on Sept. 2, 2013. Three Venom helicopters and four MV-22 Osprey aircraft are operating from an expeditionary airfield 300 miles inland, supporting the battalion-sized element conducting the exercise. Koolendong demonstrates the operational reach of the 31st MEU and why it is the force of choice for the Asia-Pacific region. Also participating in the exercise is the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin and soldiers of the 5th Royal Australian Army. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The size and composition of the 31st MEU makes it well suited for amphibious operations, which includes raids, assaults, evacuations and humanitarian assistance operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Robbins)