Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
6:35 p.m., May 15, 2012

When “flying leathernecks” look back on the history of Marine aviation, their flight log tracks dramatic technological change, inevitable turbulence over new aircraft and flight methods, and a cockpit view ranging from Atlantic ocean battles to the mountains of Afghanistan.

SHARONVILLE — On what would have been his 26th birthday, friends and family of Sgt. John Patrick “J.P.” Huling gathered for his funeral.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio – With Marine Week Cleveland 2012, slated for June 11-17, only weeks away, the Corps is making efforts to build and maintain relationships with local communities before the first boots hit the ground. Aiding in that effort was the Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based All Marine Wrestling Team, in town to share their knowledge of Greco-Roman wrestling with over 60 students and coaches from the Cleveland area during a two day clinic at St. Edwards High School, May 8-9.

MUSA QA’LEH DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment disrupted insurgent activity in northern Musa Qa’leh district during Operation Ox Bow, May 8-12.

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — In the fall of 2004, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment began a challenging journey that took them to the Middle East and central Asia.

STUTTGART, Germany — Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa are getting a chance to reflect back on the history, sacrifice and legend that shrouds the battlefields of Belleau Wood. The series of classes are in preparation for the 94th-year anniversary of the battle with a Memorial Day ceremony in Aisne-Marne, France, slated for May 27.

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea — Approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are set to participate in the largest multi-nation exercise in the Middle East region this year.

Two California-based Marines are scheduled to receive Navy Cross awards on Friday for their actions during separate battles in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

KABUL, Afghanistan – One of the most powerful men on the Taliban council, Agha Jan Motasim, nearly lost his life in a hail of bullets for advocating a negotiated settlement that would bring a broad-based government to his beleaguered homeland of Afghanistan.

RCT-6 sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Jamie Deets updates families on their deployed Marines and Sailors and what is happening within the unit.

SANGIN, Afghanistan — Sgt. Johnathan Cook leads his squad of Marines through the narrow alleys and dusty compounds in this district’s dangerous “Fish Tank” region, facing insurgents armed with grenades, machine guns and improvised explosive devices.

NEW YORK — Through two tours of duty in Iraq Sgt. Rex was by Marine Cpl. Megan Leavey’s side.

CAMP HANSON, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines serving in Marjah, Afghanistan, say when they have the time, they often think about the luxuries and comforts they miss at home. Naturally, there’s always one lady missed very much by a deployed Marine – his mother.

Starting next week, the U.S. Postal Service will prohibit shipping of lithium or products containing lithium to international, APO, FPO and DPO addresses.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - As a sergeant of Marines, one must set the example for others to emulate, be professional both on and off duty, be responsible for the accomplishments of assigned missions and for the safety, professional development and well-being of the Marines under his charge. A sergeant must embody the Marine Corps institutional core values of honor, courage and commitment while leading his Marines with firmness, fairness and dignity.