The Marines and Sailors of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, live minimally - to say the least - at their tiny outpost in southwestern Afghanistan.

Every Marine a rifleman. Regardless of military occupational specialty, Marines throughout history trained to fight, defend and carry out the duties of an infantryman should their country call. For members of the Fourth Marine Regiment Band, "The Last China Band," this call to arms became their new persona on Dec. 8, 1942.

Improvised explosive devices have changed the way the Marine Corps engages hostile forces. The need has risen for supplies to reach the most remote parts of Afghanistan quickly, reliably and safely.

Staff Sgt. James Fishburne and Sgt. Travis Shiflett, a Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team leader and an air traffic controller, respectively, with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, clear two AH-1W Super Cobras to land at their airfield aboard Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, known as FOB Edi, April 28, 2012.

After being delayed by rain and high winds, a small break in the clouds opens, allowing a short window for two CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 to deliver much needed fuel and supplies to 1st Tank Battalion, operating in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 26.

A CH-53E Super Stallion flies close enough to a KC-130J Hercules that the rivets outlining the frame can be counted.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., flew two MV-22B Ospreys to practice aerial maneuvering and landing on uneven terrain on San Clemente Island, Calif., April 24.

Towering high above base is an octagon-shaped pillar filled with the hum of technology and the buzz of busy workers.

Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 mount a memorial plaque at the entrance of their flight line aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012.

As the sun rises over Afghanistan, two CH-53D Sea Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, the "Ugly Angels," roll down the runway at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, to await their turn for takeoff.

"'Gunfighters rule' is more than a motto, it's a way of life," said Lt. Col. Ian Clark, the commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, at the squadron's 40th anniversary and battle colors ceremony aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, April 1, 2012.

Capt. Phillip A. Wiktor, a UH-1Y Huey pilot and the hazardous materials officer-in-charge with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 and a Rochester, Minn., native, received the 2011 Marine Corps Ground Safety Officer of the Year Award at the 26th Executive Force Preservation Board in Washington, D.C., March 28.

A four-vehicle convoy travels along the barren desert when the first vehicle is suddenly struck by an improvised explosive device. A Marine in the first vehicle is hit in the face by shrapnel. A Navy corpsman riding in the third vehicle jumps out and pulls the injured Marine from the vehicle and rushes to assess his injuries. The convoy commander immediately radios for a medical evacuation.

A modified KC-130J flies over Afghanistan ready to unleash a tremendous amount of firepower for the Marines it supports.

The rotor blades are spinning and low chatter is drifting in over the internal communication system. The flight crews of the two MV-22B Ospreys awaiting takeoff – again – have been flying since before 5 a.m., March 28. It's late morning now and their day is far from over.

The Officers Club hosted a technology exposition aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 29.

An hour before the break of dawn, offices on the flight line of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, were abuzz with the day's upcoming operations; one of which included providing close-air-support for Marines on the ground.

An assistant gunner looks through his binoculars to see an aircraft coming his way and points it out to the other two Marines in this three man team of 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Marines.

Lt. Col. Wes Spaid, the executive officer and pilot of the MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 "White Knights," flew his last flight with the squadron over San Clemente while performing Ground Threat Reaction training March 15.

Opium poppy grows abundant in the fields of Afghanistan and the harvesting of this plant in the spring helps fund terrorist organizations all year. However, this year, with the help of "eyes in the sky," U.S. troops on the ground along with their Afghan counterparts were able to put a hole in the insurgents' pockets.

Well on its way to becoming the Department of Defense's first net zero energy installation, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., continues to bring energy efficient ideas to life in waste disposal and renewable energy.

More than 3,000 Marines with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) officially assumed aviation responsibilities in the Regional Command Southwest area of operations Feb. 29 aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 celebrated its 60th anniversary aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 1.

As the AV-8B Harrier jets hovered over the airfield, Marines prepared to quickly and efficiently carry out the task in front of them. Pumping more than 130 gallons per minute, the Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 filled the Harrier jets with the fuel needed to complete the mission.

There is approximately $9.5 million worth of gear at the Marine Aircraft Group 13 supply warehouse.

Marines bring to the Corps a multitude of anecdotes, like hunting with Dad out in the woods or the usual fodder of drill instructor scares from boot camp. But how many can attest to watching Marines parade down the streets after Kuwait's liberation in the Persian Gulf War?

For their embodiment of honor, courage and commitment through their life-saving actions in the spring and summer of 2011, two Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., received prestigious medals, Feb. 15.

Flying Marines to the heart of Helmand province, Afghanistan, and carrying cargo to villages in Africa in need of supplies are just two of the many responsibilities of Marine Corps aviation assets.