An RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial surveillance aircraft sets on a launcher as the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), begin a simulated straight transit to rehearse a defense of the amphibious task force mission during Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise Dec. 13, 2016. During the three-week training evolution, Marines will tackle a wide range of operations and scenarios enhancing interoperability and amphibious warfare capabilities with their Navy counterparts. The RQ-21A provides persistent maritime and land-based tactical surveillance, enhancing the MEU’s ability to defend the naval vessels of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brianna Gaudi)