Smoke and dust fill the air as artillery shells fired from M777 Howitzers with Sierra Battery, Battalion Landing Team, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, rain down on their target during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, and strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years. Elements of the 22nd MEU are currently are participating in the multi-national exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command.