Exercise Bright Star 09/10

Maj. Christopher Wills, commanding officer of Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents a to a Jordanian commando during Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Castillo)

Maj. Christopher Wills, commanding officer of Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents battle maps of Iwo Jima to a Jordanian commando during Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Castillo)

Maj. Christopher Wills, commanding officer of Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, presents battle maps of Iwo Jima to a Jordanian commando during Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Castillo)

Maj. Christopher Wills, commanding officer of Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks to the Jordanian commandos during Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Castillo)

A Jordanian commando sits behind a MK-19 40mm automatic grenade launcher during a bilateral weapons exchange as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Castillo)

A Jordanian commando holds a M240G machine gun during a bilateral weapons exchange as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. David Castillo)

Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose with Jordanian commandos during Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. David Castillo)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt - Sgt. Buddy I. Dagostino, an artillery forward observer with India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and native of Plymouth, Mass., coordinates fire plans with an Egyptian officer during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt - Three Kuwaiti Humvees prepare for a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – An Egyptian Mechanized Company attacks multiple targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt - Smoke and dust fill the air as artillery shells fired from M777 Howitzers with Sierra Battery, Battalion Landing Team, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, rain down on their target during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – An Egyptian Mechanized Company engages targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

Marines from India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

Marines from India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – An Egyptian Mechanized Company assaults multiple targets during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt - An Amphibious Assault Vehicle attached to India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, approaches a firing position during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

An M1-A1 Abrams main battle tank attached to India Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires its main gun during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – Egyptian soldiers dismount their armored personnel carrier during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt - Two Egyptian Air Force Mirage fighter jets execute a bombing run during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matt Epright)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Two U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicles and Marines from India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct offensive maneuvers during the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, Oct. 14 as part of Operation Bright Star 2009. Operation Bright Star is a multinational exercise that is designed to improve readiness, interoperability and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and nine other nations. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- A U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicle carrying Marines from India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct offensive maneuvers during the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, Oct. 14 as part of Operation Bright Star 2009. Operation Bright Star is a multinational exercise that is designed to improve readiness, interoperability and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and nine other nations. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Egyptian mechanized infantry and dismounted Egyptian soldiers conduct offensive maneuvers during the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, Oct. 14 as part of Operation Bright Star 2009. Operation Bright Star is a multinational exercise that is designed to improve readiness, interoperability and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and nine other nations. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Two Egyptian Gazelles provide air support during the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, Oct. 14 as part of Operation Bright Star 2009. Operation Bright Star is a multinational exercise that is designed to improve readiness, interoperability and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and nine other nations. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Field Marshall Mohamed Hosin Tantawi, chief of Egyptian Armed Forces, observes the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, Oct. 14 as part of Operation Bright Star 2009. Operation Bright Star is a multinational exercise that is designed to improve readiness, interoperability and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and nine other nations. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Maj Gen. R. Benjamin Bartlett, director of plans and exercises, U.S. Central Command and codirector of Operation of Bright Star 2009, observes the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, Oct. 14. Operation Bright Star is a multinational exercise that is designed to improve readiness, interoperability and strengthen military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and nine other nations. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne jump from a C-17 Globemaster III during a training exercise as part of Operation Bright Star 2009, Oct. 12. The U.S. is part of an 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- A landing craft air cushion vehicle and a light-armored vehicle come ashore while a AH-1W Super Cobra flies by during a training exercise in support of Operation Bright Star 2009, Oct. 12. The LCAC, LAV and Cobra are part of an the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit that is part of an11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Helen M. Searcy)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Two landing craft utility vehicles and a light-armored vehicle come ashore with three landing craft air cushion vehicles approaching and an AH-1W Super Cobra flies by during a training exercise in support of Operation Bright Star 2009, Oct. 12. The LCAC, LAV and Cobra are part of an the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit that is part of an11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Army photo by Spc. Lindsey M. Frazier)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- A U.S. Marine from Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes up a firing position in front of a light-armored vehicle to provide security during a training exercise in support of Operation Bright Star 2009, Oct. 12. The U.S. is part of an 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Army photo by Spc. Lindsey M. Frazier)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Marines with the Ground Command Element, and Aviation Command Elements from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit came ashore during a training exercise in support of Operation Bright Star 2009, Oct. 12. The U.S. is part of an 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Army photo by Spc. Lindsey M. Frazier)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Pakistani Marines and U.S. Marines from Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit take up firing positions after exiting a landing craft utility and provide security for landing forces during a training exercise in support of Operation Bright Star 2009, Oct. 12. The U.S. is part of an 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Army photo by Spc. Lindsey M. Frazier)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt -- Pakistani Marines and U.S. Marines from Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, come ashore off a landing craft utility during a training exercise in support of Operation Bright Star 2009, Oct. 12. The U.S. is part of an 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Army photo by Spc. Lindsey M. Frazier)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Lt. Col Pat Hines, commander of 1-325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, from Fayetteville, N.C., prepares to touch down in the desert near Alexandria, Egypt, during a strategic jump exercise as part of Operation Bright Star 2009. The strategic jump included participants from Egypt, Germany, and Kuwait, and was one of many events held to foster teambuilding among the Bright Star participants. The U.S. is part of an 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Craig L. Collins)

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt-- Paratroopers from the Turkish Army near the completion of a high altitude low opening jump during Operation Bright Star. The Turks is part of an 11-country coalition participating in the biannual event spearheaded by Egypt and the U.S. Central Command and Third Army/US Army Central. (Official Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Craig L. Collins)