Landing craft, air cushion vessels embark aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) while carrying gear, vehicles and Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), off the coast of Onslow Beach, N.C., March 13, 2013. The 26th MEU is deploying to the 5th Fleet and 6th Fleet areas of operation. The MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based, quick-reaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis-response and limited contingency operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle N. Runnels/Released)