"This base transfer occurred amid force protection concerns sparked by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran and its proxy militias, which CJTF-OIR said led to an acceleration of the long-term transfer plan."
The 24th MEU was heavily involved in Yemen during the early outset of the country's civil war helping move special operations forces, U.S. personnel and Yemen's president.
The Armed Forces Service Medal is awarded to service members who participate in an “operation deemed to be significant activity, and encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action."
Gunnery Sergeant Scott A. Koppenhafer, 35, of Mancos, Colorado, died August 10, 2019, after being engaged by enemy small arms fire while advising and accompanying Iraqi security forces on a planned operation in Ninewah, Province, Iraq. This incident is under investigation.
The heated rhetoric from the Venezuelan socialist leader follows an aggressive encounter between a Venezuelan SU-30 Flanker and an American EP-3 on July 19.
Pfc. Ali J. Alkazahg was arrested in May after trying to enter Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska with two semi-automatic rifles, a pistol, a suppressor, a bump stock, body armor and ammunition.