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By THOMAS BRENNAN - Daily News Staff
Published: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 20:51 PM.
A Camp Lejeune Marine was awarded the Silver Star on Tuesday for his actions during a 2011 deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
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Camp Pen sailor's actions recounted in award-winning eyewitness dispatch
By Gretel C. Kovach
4:19 p.m.April 30, 2013
A Navy hospital corpsman assigned to Camp Pendleton will be awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest medal for valor in combat, for his actions last year when a suicide bomber struck his convoy in southwestern Afghanistan.
To continue reading:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/30/silver-star-corpsman-camp-pendleton/?st
Story by 1st Lt. Spencer Kenyon | Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 04.28.2013
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan—The rugged hand-painted sign reads:
CAMP WEIS
In memory of
Maj. James Matthew Weis
Killed in action July 22, 2010
Trek Nawa, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
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Story by Cpl. Timothy Childers | 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 04.27.2013
USS RUSHMORE - When Marines need essential gear, vehicles or equipment in the field, they need it quickly. The helicopter support team, a group of landing support specialists, is called to support this vital mission.
To continue reading about the 15th MEU:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105981/hst-trains-aboard-uss-rushmore#.UX3nLMrIfK4
By Gregg Zoroya and Alan Gomez
USA Today
Apr. 26, 2013 - 05:29PM
BELTSVILLE, Md. – Six years have passed since a roadside bomb set Ronny “Tony” Porta on fire in Iraq when he was 20, and he’s still trying to find his way home.
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April 26, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Marine Corps announced today the cancellation of Marine Week Seattle. Marine Week is the Corps’ annual week-long community outreach event, scheduled to be held in Seattle, Wash., from Aug. 5-11.
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By John Vandiver
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 25, 2013
STUTTGART, Germany — An Africa-focused Marine rapid reaction force is bound for Morón, Spain, which will serve as a temporary base for the 550-strong unit, Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos told Congress on Wednesday.
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http://www.stripes.com/news/550-marines-head-to-spain-in-support-of-africom-1.218208
By Cpl Marcin Platek
April 24, 2013
KOTZEBUE, Alaska - A small group of uniformed men made their way across what seemed to be an endless white desert, their gloves and beanies did little to break the bitter-cold wind hitting their already pink faces and blue fingers. In front of them was a massive body of frozen water; behind them, a long workday.
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http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/photogallery/marines-ice-fish-alaskan-natives
By Rachel Dubrovin Published: Apr 23, 2013 at 9:11 AM PDT
MOSCOW, ID - Over the weekend, the Marines of the Palouse donated about 400 pounds of food to food banks in Moscow and Pullman.
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http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Labor-intensive-food-drive-204181011.html
Nearly Forty Volunteers in Over Twenty States to Receive Presidential Volunteer Service Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbia, MO, April 22, 2013 - MarineParents.com,Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit troop and troop family support organization, today announced plans to celebrate National Volunteer Week, a time dedicated to demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. Marine Parents volunteers reported over 18,000 hours of volunteer service in the year 2012.
National Volunteer Week, April 21 ‐ 27, is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change - discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to foster positive transformation.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award Marine Parents will present a total of 40 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards to 38 volunteers: 2 Lifetime Awards for 4,000 hours or more of volunteer service over a lifetime, 11 Gold Awards for 500 hours or more in 2012, 9 Silver Awards for at least 250 hours in 2012, and 18 Bronze Awards for at least 100 hours in 2012.
The dedicated volunteers of Marine Parents serve in various capacities, from online support services to outreach program management and support, and including an all‐volunteer Board of Directors.
Presidential Service Awards for Marine Parents volunteers will reach volunteers in over twenty different states across the nation. Visit www.marineparents.com/voty/ for more information.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Sponsored by Points of Light–National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each subsequent year, with literally thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. With the fourth year anniversary of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, the creation of the Volunteer Generation Fund and the resonant call to serve from the President, this year will be even more energizing and inspiring.
MarineParents.com, Inc.
PO Box 1115
Columbia, MO
65202‐1115
[email protected]
(573) 449‐2003
Contact: Danielle Karalis, Chief Development Officer, Ext 302, [email protected]
http://www.marineparents.com/voty/press-releases.asp
Story by Sgt. Sarah Fiocco | Marine Rotational Force Darwin | Date: 04.21.2013
Date Posted:04.22.2013 02:39
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE DARWIN, Australia - Approximately 200 Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, arrived aboard RAAF Base Darwin from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, as part of the second iteration of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, April 21.
Story by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston | 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs | Date: 04.21.2013
Date Posted:04.22.2013 12:18
AL-GALAIL, Qatar -- Approximately 300 U.S. artillery, infantry and combat logistics Marines assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, came ashore from the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) off of the Gulf today, arriving here to participate in Exercise Eagle Resolve 2013.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105614/us-marines-arrive-qatar-desert-eagle-resolve-2013#.UXXqcsoldPY
4/22/2013 5:35 AM
By Steve Zalusky
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. James Stack, of Arlington Heights, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on Nov. 10, 2010, in southern Afghanistan.
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Sunday Apr 21, 2013
Spain has authorized the temporary deployment of US Marine forces to an airbase in the southwestern city of Moron de la Frontera, Seville Province.
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http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/04/21/299442/spain-approves-deployment-of-us-marines/
By MATTHEW ADKINS - Daily News Staff
Published: Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 23:07 PM.
While the nation is mourning the recent events in Boston and the recent explosion in West, Texas, area residents gathered Saturday to remember a terrorist attack 30 years ago.
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By ERIN MOODY — [email protected]
Published: April 20, 2013
You can sense Jack Paxton's grin even across the phone as he describes how "Iron Mike" once delivered news to the Marines of Parris Island.
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http://www.islandpacket.com/2013/04/20/2471926/parris-island-newspaper-the-boot.html
By Dan Lamothe, Gina Harkins and James K. Sanborn, Staff writers
Apr. 19, 2013 - 10:42AM
As the Marine Corps and Navy expand their presence throughout the Asia-Pacific region, officials are examining how best to move personnel and equipment and tackle the logistical challenge of operating in a theater so vast and dispersed.
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From a Department of Veterans Affairs News Release
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2013 – The Veterans Affairs Department is expediting compensation claims decisions for veterans who have waited one year or longer, VA officials announced today.
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Story by Cpl. Ali Azimi | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms | Date: 04.19.2013
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Service members with 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion hosted a deployment workshop for the battalion’s children Saturday in response to the unit’s recent deployment to Afghanistan. The workshop introduced 3rd CEB kids to each other and provided games and activities to help understand and deal with the hardships of having a parent deployed.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105479/3rd-ceb-deployment-workshop#.UXGJKsoldPY
Story by Lance Cpl. Lauren Kurkimilis | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms | Date: 04.19.2013
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - No matter how mentally prepared your attempt may be, this place will take you by surprise; pleasantly and sometimes miserably. Many Marines will offer up their complaints about Twentynine Palms, Calif., and warn all to stay away. So, to a newcomer, it may be hard to dive head first into the desert, but there are many things to love, and a few to loathe, about this sunny piece of rock and sand.
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http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105482/corps-your-time#.UXGH-soldPY
By Sgt. Jacob Harrer | 11th Marine Regiment | April 18, 2013
It’s time to reenlist. There are more than 800 boat spaces still available this year, but first term Marines must act quickly to claim the jobs of their choice.
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http://www.1stmardiv.marines.mil/News/tabid/8577/Article/141556/dont-miss-the-boat-to-reenlist.aspx
Two more projects at dining facilities come online
By Gretel C. Kovach
5:47 p.m.April 18, 2013
Camp Pendleton is energizing two new solar power projects this month installed by Sullivan Solar Power, the firm headquartered in San Diego announced.
To continue reading:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/18/camp-pendleton-solar/?st
Story by Cpl. John Robbart III | 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 04.18.2013
USS PELELIU, At Sea - Being deployed at sea has afforded Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit some very unique training opportunities. These opportunities have included training with foreign militaries, fast-roping, rappelling, refining skills in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, shooting and weapons classes to name a few.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105444/marines-and-sailors-train-under-extreme-stress-sea#.UXGKl8oldPY
Charity event Friday also sends socks to last troops in Afghanistan
By Gretel C. Kovach
6:39 p.m.April 17, 2013
Jim and Carla Hogan thought their target shootouts benefiting troops in Afghanistan were losing steam.
To continue reading:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/17/warrior-fun-shoot-afghanistan/?st
By Kent Miller, Staff writer
Apr. 17, 2013 - 02:22PM
Hundreds of Marines with Task Force African Lion have suddenly been left with a lot less to do after Morocco abruptly canceled the huge annual exercise on Tuesday, just days after the Marines arrived.
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By Bob Brewin
April 16, 2013
Though the number of Marines on active duty will soon drop to 181,000 from the current level of 236,000 -- a cut of just under 25 percent – Marine Commandant James Amos told a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the service wants to boost the size of its Marine Air Ground Combat Center at Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif., by roughly 25 percent.
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Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bryan Blair | U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet | Date: 04.16.2013
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain –Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) Platoon, Marines close the book on a seven-month deployment in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) later this month.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105290/fast-marines-depart-5th-fleet#.UW3BocoldPY
Story by Lt. Nicole Schwegman | USS Peleliu (LHA 5) | Date: 04.16.2013
HONG KONG – The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Hong Kong, April 15 for a port visit.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105316/peleliu-arg-15th-meu-arrive-hong-kong#.UW3AT8oldPY
POSTED: 16 Apr 2013 1:16 PM
UPDATED: 16 Apr 2013 4:09 PM
SEOUL: A US military helicopter taking part in a joint South Korea-US drill crashed Tuesday near the North Korean border with 21 personnel on board. There were no fatalities.
To continue reading:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/us-military-black-hawk-crashes-near-n-ko/640036.html
By John Newland, Staff Writer, NBC News
April 16, 2013
It’s an iconic image that captures a moment when one Boston Marathon bystander became much more.
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By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has replaced the Distinguished Warfare Medal, DOD officials announced today.
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Monday, 15 April 2013 14:10
Press Release
Darwin 15 April 2013. Chief Minister Adam Giles today met with U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich ahead of the arrival of the second rotation of U.S. marines to Darwin next week.
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Video
Date Posted:04.13.2013 9:48PM
Marines return from Afghanistan.
To view video:
http://www.dvidshub.net/video/286653/vmaq-3-homecoming#.UYGIScrIfK4
Staff report
Apr. 13, 2013 - 10:54AM
This is an official call-out: We're looking for outstanding Marines who serve as an inspiration both on and off duty.
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By Gretel C. Kovach10:25 a.m.April 13, 2013
The alcohol-soaked heritage of the sea services dates to their founding during the Revolutionary War, when the Marine Corps was born at Tun Tavern and Navy sailors were issued “spirit” rations of grog.
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http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/13/navy-marines-start-alcohol-screening-program/
By Sam Adams
PUBLISHED: 10:32 EST, 12 April 2013 | UPDATED: 04:44 EST, 13 April 2013
A war veteran who died with just a handful of relatives to mourn him has been given a hero's funeral after a care home manager sent out a hopeful email which went global.
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By Cpl. Tyler L. Main | Headquarters Marine Corps | April 12, 2013
WASHINGTON --
As of April 8, 2013, the Voluntary Education Tuition Assistance funding is restored within the Marine Corps and new enrollments may begin immediately according to officials from the Marine and Family Programs Division.
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Camp Pendleton memorial for 86 international troops killed in Afghanistan
By Gretel C. Kovach
8:01 p.m .April 11, 2013
When the bell tolled Thursday for each of the fallen in Afghanistan, the loss echoed far beyond the Camp Pendleton parade ground to hometowns across America, England, Australia, the republic of Georgia and beyond.
To continue reading:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/11/camp-pendleton-memorial-afghanistan/
Photo Gallery:
http://www.utsandiego.com/photos/galleries/2013/apr/11/first-mef-afghanistan-memorial/
By Tony Perry
Los Angeles Times
Published: April 11, 2013
SAN DIEGO — Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Zambon was in Afghanistan, on his fourth combat deployment as an explosive ordnance disposal technician, when he took a step and heard the ominous click.
To continue reading:
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/afghan-bomb-cost-marine-his-legs-but-not-his-spirit-1.216141
By staff writers
April 11, 2013
While the Territory prepares to receive up to 250 US marines, Darwin Defence families have today been farewelling loved ones at a parade for one of the last rotations of Australian soldiers to serve in Afghanistan.
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Story by Cpl. Marcin Platek | Marine Forces Reserve | Date: 04.10.2013
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - 1st Sgt. Anthony J. Velarde, the first sergeant with 1st Civil Affairs Group, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device during a ceremony here, March 11.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104961/marine-awarded-bronze-star-medal-actions-during-oef#.UWdAylcldPY
By Rick Maze, Staff writer
Apr. 10, 2013 - 01:09PM
The White House's defense budget proposal for 2014 that was unveiled Wednesday includes a capped 1 percent pay raise for service members, along with increases of 3.4 percent on the food allowance and 4.2 percent in housing allowances.
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Apr 09, 2013
Marine Corps News| by Air Force Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- When a Marine is killed and the fallen member is bound for Dover Air Force Base, Del., a specialized three-person team is standing by to provide the same care and assistance as a civilian funeral home.
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Story by Cpl. William Jackson | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms | Date: 04.05.2013
Date Posted:04.08.2013 10:09
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Marines and sailors with Support Company, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, staged their sea bags while family and loved ones took in every minute they had left with their service member before the buses arrived in the late hours of March 28, 2013.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104791/3rd-ceb-deploys-afghanistan#.UWTax1cldPZ
By Julian E. Barnes
April 8, 2013, 3:18 PM
With his predecessor barking in either approval or protest, the Marine Corps’ new mascot, Chesty XIV, was made a full Marine on Monday.
To continue reading:
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2013/04/08/chesty-xiv-becomes-a-full-marine/
By Ben Brumfield, Catherine E. Shoichet and Josh Levs, CNN
April 8, 2013 -- Updated 0023 GMT (0823 HKT)
(CNN) -- The death toll has surged from weekend violence in Afghanistan, with six Americans and more than a dozen Afghan civilians reportedly among the casualties.
To continue reading:
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/07/world/turkey-kerry-afghanistan/index.html
By Capt. Lucas Burke | April 06, 2013
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY --
The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to assume the duties from the Peleliu ARG, April 5.
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Story by Lance Cpl. Tiffany Edwards | Marine Forces Reserve | Date: 04.05.2013
RESERVE, La. – A grin crept across Tommy Moreau’s face when he saw a handful of Marines standing outside the door of his room at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans’ Home.
To continue reading:
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104689/remembering-times-gone-marines-visit-veterans-home#.UV-X5FcldPY
By Capt. Justin Smith | 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit | April 05, 2013
At Sea --
The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group relinquished its duties in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to the Kearsarge ARG, April 4.
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By John Vandiver
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 5, 2013
STUTTGART, Germany — At its inception, U.S. Africa Command was supposed to be a different kind of military organization, focused less on combat and more on feel-good training missions aimed at preventing conflict rather than engaging in it.
To continue reading:
http://www.stripes.com/news/new-combat-focus-for-u-s-africa-command-1.215233
By Nicholas Iovino/[email protected]
Medford Transcript
Posted Apr 03, 2013 @ 12:00 PM
Last update Apr 03, 2013 @ 06:38 PM
Medford —
Medford resident and U.S. Marine Sgt. Daniel M. Vargas was knocked unconscious when two explosive devices detonated next to his convoy in the western cluster of Afghanistan on April 30, 2010.
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By Raquel Maria Dillon,
The Associated Press
Apr. 3, 2013 - 07:30AM
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Camp Pendleton Marines are practicing how to deal with boarding pirate ships in training aboard a ship moored in the port of Long Beach.
To continue reading about 13th MEU training:
By Heath Druzin
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 2, 2013
KABUL — U.S. troops across Afghanistan are preparing for a reunion with a long-lost frenemy.
To continue reading:
http://www.stripes.com/as-us-packs-up-in-afghanistan-the-return-of-the-dreaded-mre-1.214684
By Gretel C. Kovach12:01 a.m.April 2, 2013
Updated7:37 p.m.April 1, 2013
CAMP PENDLETON — Two Marines from a Camp Pendleton helicopter squadron who battled insurgents during the attack on Camp Bastion in Afghanistan last fall were honored with 2012 Marine Corps Aviation Awards.
To continue reading:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/apr/02/tp-two-marines-honored-for-role-in-afghan-fight/
By Dan Lamothe, Staff writer
Apr. 2, 2013 - 06:00PM
Two more women have washed out of Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course, putting a quick end to the latest iteration of an experiment into which roles female Marines might be able to fill in combat.
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The wealthy are buying homes abroad and moving money out of Afghanistan amid concern about what will happen after foreign troops leave in 2014. The less wealthy sometimes go the illegal route.
By Alexandra Zavis, Los Angeles Times
April 2, 2013, 6:31 p.m.
KABUL, Afghanistan — Nabil Ahmad was at his desk at a logistics support firm last spring when an explosion ripped through the office.
To continue reading:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghan-exodus-20130403,0,151952,full.story
By Kent Miller, Staff writer
Apr. 1, 2013 - 07:09PM
It's been nearly two years since the Iraqi government signaled its desire to present U.S. troops with a military decoration recognizing their dedication during nine years of war, hardship and sacrifice, but to date just one Iraq Commitment Medal has been delivered — and it was not given to a service member.
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By Cpl. Martin Egnash | Marine Corps Air Station New River | April 01, 2013
Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. --
Many Marines are familiarizing themselves with the upcoming High Intensity Tactical Training program the Marine Corps starts in July. Fewer Marines have heard of the amphibious partner to the HITT program, the Aquatics Maximum Power Intense Training program.
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