Japanese civilians and international media board waiting helicopters of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a non-combatant evacuation operation exercise conducted by Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion-31 and Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st MEU, as well as five other participating nations, during Exercise Cobra Gold 2012. Cobra Gold 2012 demonstrates the resolve of the U.S. and participating nations to increase interoperability and promote security and peace throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and remains the nation's force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.