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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson, commanding officer, Blount Island Command, thanks service members and government civilians during an employee appreciation break Sept. 30, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The Marine Corps attained 114% of its mission for first-term reenlisted Marines in fiscal year 2024, while also reenlisting more than 5,700 subsequent-term Marines, exceeding its retention goal in a competitive environment. “Every day, you all come to work with a smile and give your level best,” said Watson.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson, commanding officer, Blount Island Command, thanks service members and government civilians during an employee appreciation break Sept. 30, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The Marine Corps attained 114% of its mission for first-term reenlisted Marines in fiscal year 2024, while also reenlisting more than 5,700 subsequent-term Marines, exceeding its retention goal in a competitive environment. “Every day, you all come to work with a smile and give your level best,” said Watson.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson, commanding officer, Blount Island Command, listens to Staff Sgt. Robert Mastrocola of Jamesburg, New Jersey, explain career goals during an employee appreciation break Sept. 30, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Mastrocola initially joined the Marine Corps in July 2013 following a family tradition. The ammunition technician signed his third enlistment in August at Blount Island, where he supplies U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off cargo ships, operated globally by Military Sealift Command.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson, commanding officer, Blount Island Command, listens to Staff Sgt. Robert Mastrocola of Jamesburg, New Jersey, explain career goals during an employee appreciation break Sept. 30, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Mastrocola initially joined the Marine Corps in July 2013 following a family tradition. The ammunition technician signed his third enlistment in August at Blount Island, where he supplies U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off cargo ships, operated globally by Military Sealift Command.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, prepare for an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, prepare for an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Petty Officer First Class Alexander Boston of Bartow, Florida, assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverses an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Petty Officer First Class Alexander Boston of Bartow, Florida, assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverses an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, sing the “The Marines’ Hymn” while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, sing the “The Marines’ Hymn” while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Petty Officer First Class Bob Hobronhyland of Staten Island, New York, assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverses an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Petty Officer First Class Bob Hobronhyland of Staten Island, New York, assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverses an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverse an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverse an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Marines assist Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, with traversing an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Marines assist Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, with traversing an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Marines assist Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, with traversing an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Marines assist Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, with traversing an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Petty Officer First Class Alexander Boston of Bartow, Florida, assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverses an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Petty Officer First Class Alexander Boston of Bartow, Florida, assigned to the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney, homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, traverses an obstacle course while completing chief petty officer initiation capstone events Sept. 25 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida.

Photo by Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, trains Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Sortman of Long Beach, California, on polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything is maintained correctly and safely,” said Sortman, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, trains Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Sortman of Long Beach, California, on polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything is maintained correctly and safely,” said Sortman, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, explains polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything we put into the ships is a quality product,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Mason Musmeci of Mandeville, Louisiana, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, explains polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything we put into the ships is a quality product,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Mason Musmeci of Mandeville, Louisiana, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, explains polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything we put into the ships is a quality product,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Mason Musmeci of Mandeville, Louisiana, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, explains polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything we put into the ships is a quality product,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Mason Musmeci of Mandeville, Louisiana, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Sortman of Long Beach, California, is trained on polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, by Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything is maintained correctly and safely,” said Sortman, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Sortman of Long Beach, California, is trained on polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, by Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything is maintained correctly and safely,” said Sortman, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Sortman of Long Beach, California, is trained on polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, by Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything is maintained correctly and safely,” said Sortman, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Sortman of Long Beach, California, is trained on polyalphaolefin fluid servicing carts, which cool F-35 aircraft mission systems, by Bill Pawlowski, Lockheed Martin senior field engineer, Sept. 24, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. The facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. With the transition to the F-35 offering advanced stealth and sensor capabilities in a long-range fighter platform, the aircraft’s ground support equipment is now a maritime prepositioning force asset—it must be strategically positioned with other combat-ready equipment and supplies. Technical subject-matter experts arrived at the facility in Florida for the induction. While contractors maintain the equipment, Marines must conduct in-process inspections, ensuring adherence to approved ground operations procedures. “We make sure everything is maintained correctly and safely,” said Sortman, ground support equipment quality assurance representative at Blount Island Command.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Jacob George, chief mate, Crowley Government Solutions, explains cargo and crew operations on the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez for students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Jacob George, chief mate, Crowley Government Solutions, explains cargo and crew operations on the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez for students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Thurman Bobbett, head of maintenance management branch, Blount Island Command, explains corrective and preventative maintenance procedures for students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Thurman Bobbett, head of maintenance management branch, Blount Island Command, explains corrective and preventative maintenance procedures for students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation board the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation board the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Thurman Bobbett, head of maintenance management branch, Blount Island Command, explains corrective and preventative maintenance procedures for students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Thurman Bobbett, head of maintenance management branch, Blount Island Command, explains corrective and preventative maintenance procedures for students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Photo by Dustin Senger

Students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation listen to Kevin McCandlish, Navy equipment specialist, Blount Island Command, explain maintenance and logistics oversight procedures during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Students from Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation listen to Kevin McCandlish, Navy equipment specialist, Blount Island Command, explain maintenance and logistics oversight procedures during a tour Sept. 13, 2024, at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Of the nearly 60 students from the military education and training institute in Fort Moore, Georgia, roughly half were staff officers from a dozen partner nations spanning from Mexico through South America. After learning about military equipment and staging areas, the students toured USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, a U.S. Navy roll-on, roll-off support cargo ship operated by Military Sealift Command. The 1,100-acre Marine Corps facility, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, is the hub of Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs. Blount Island Command personnel—service members, government civilians and federal contractors—ensure Marines responding to global contingency areas are supported with the highest quality combat-ready equipment and supplies.

Photo by Dustin Senger