Charlie Co Maintains Rifle Proficiency Aboard USS Somerset [Image 7 of 9]

The image depicts U.S. Marines from Charlie Company, a part of the Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 15 within the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), undergoing live-fire training aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD-25) in the South China Sea on April 10, 2024. The USS Somerset is a part of the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, the U.S. 7th Fleet, which is stationed in the Pacific Ocean and covers an area from the International Date Line to the Malacca Strait and from the Indian Ocean to the Sea of Japan.

The U.S. 7th Fleet is responsible for preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region by interacting and operating with allies and partners. The fleet's area of operations includes more than 36 countries and covers approximately 36 million square miles of water and 100,000 square miles of land. The fleet's primary mission is to provide a military presence in the region and deter potential threats to the United States and its allies.

The Marines from Charlie Company were participating in routine training exercises aboard the USS Somerset to maintain their rifle proficiency and readiness for potential operations. Live-fire training is an essential component of maintaining combat readiness and ensures that the Marines are proficient in the use of their weapons and can effectively respond to various threats.

The training session took place in the South China Sea, which is a significant strategic waterway due to its importance for international trade and communication. The South China Sea is also a source of territorial disputes between various countries, making it a critical area for the U.S. military presence and cooperation with its allies and partners.

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps regularly conduct exercises and operations in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen alliances and partnerships and maintain a strong military presence in the area. These exercises not only help maintain the readiness of the U.S. military but also demonstrate the United States' commitment to its allies and partners in the region.

In summary, the image shows U.S. Marines from Charlie Company undergoing live-fire training aboard the USS Somerset in the South China Sea as part of routine operations for the U.S. 15th MEU within the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet. The training helps maintain the Marines' readiness for potential operations and is part of the fleet's mission to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region by interacting and operating with allies and partners.