A Marine with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit establishes communications with the USS Wasp, which sits off the Northeastern coast, on Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 6. Communications Marines accompany ground forces on every mission as specialists, responsible for ensuring the flow of information throughout the mission. The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts. The 26th MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary crisis response 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.