Video

Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Diana Quinlan

31st MEU CERTEX

Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7

Aug. 11, 2017 | 1:52

An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to the "Tomcats" Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, conducts vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in support of a certification exercise (CERTEX) for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). During the CERTEX, the 31st MEU will be evaluated on crisis response operations for a number of potential contingencies. CERTEX, taking place off the coast of and with Australia's Shoalwater Bay Training Area, will test the MEU's ability to conduct all of its core missions such as stability operations, non-combat evacuation and disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dianna Quinlan/Released)