Charlie Co Maintains Rifle Proficiency Aboard USS Somerset [Image 8 of 9]

The image depicts U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Noah Kalin, a rifleman from Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 15 (BLT 15), engaged in live-fire training aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD-25) in the South China Sea on April 10, 2024. The U.S. Navy's 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was embarked on the USS Somerset during this time, and the ship and its accompanying marine unit were conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet in the world, with over 70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft, and is responsible for maintaining the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The fleet routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is essential for global commerce and security.

Charlie Company, as part of BLT 15, is one of the ground combat elements within the MEU. The company's primary mission is to provide a rapidly deployable force capable of conducting amphibious landings and securing objectives ashore. The Marines undergo rigorous training to maintain their proficiency in marksmanship and other combat skills, as seen in the image with Lance Cpl. Kalin serving as the position safety officer during the live-fire training event.

The live-fire training is an essential aspect of maintaining the readiness and combat effectiveness of the Marines. It allows them to practice and hone their marksmanship skills using their M4 rifles in various shooting positions and under different conditions. The training also ensures that the Marines are familiar with the unique challenges and constraints of operating aboard a ship at sea while underway.

The U.S. Marines' proficiency in marksmanship is crucial for their ability to defend themselves and their allies in various contingencies and conflicts. The training aboard the USS Somerset is part of the ongoing efforts by the U.S. military to maintain its readiness and capability in the Indo-Pacific region.