 Members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit board the ships of Amphibious Squadron 11, preparing for departure. More than 2,200 Marines and Sailors embark on three ships, requiring more than 1,900,000 pounds of equipment. A daunting task for the combat logistics Marines and Sailors loading the vessels. The unload itself takes about 35 hours, and like I said, that's getting everything griped down ready to get out to sea. Once at sea, the 31st Mu will continue its bilateral training with Allied nations in the Asia-Pacific region, while maintaining its readiness to respond in support of disaster relief, crisis response, amphibious operations, contingency operations, and humanitarian aid. Marine Sergeant Paul Robbins, Jr. Okinawa, Japan.