Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit work with members of the New York Sanitation Department to clear out the tremendous piles of debris that have accumulated on Staten Island in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Nov. 5, 2012. The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts. The 26th MEU was currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary force operating from the sea, the MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael S. Lockett/Released)