Marines from Sierra Battery, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to fire a 155 mm shell from an M777 howitzer during the Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise conducted as part of Exercise Bright Star 2009 in Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009. 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 multinational exercise while serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command.