Sergeant Jessica Velez, a Marine Corps motor transport

Sergeant Jessica Velez, a Marine Corps motor transport operator from 6th Motor Transport Battalion, conducts an inspection of serialized military tactical vehicles while preparing for convoy operations. Velez, a native of Lake Hopatcong, N.J., participated in Exercise African Lion 13, a U.S. Africa Command-directed, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa-led, multi-lateral military engagement between U.S., Moroccan and German armed forces. Exercise African Lion is a U.S. Africa Command-scheduled, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa- led, joint multi-lateral exercise. The joint task force consisting of U.S. Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen were able to conduct modified joint training for Exercise African Lion 13, demonstrating their ability to adapt to unpredicted circumstances, restore mission essential tasks, build interoperability and create friendships during the remaining days of the evolution. The logistics component will continue to exercise vigilant, safe and rapid retrograde of almost 1,200 personnel and 250 short-tons of vehicles and equipment while working with Moroccan partners and contractors to sustain the force and redeploy them back to their home stations in a timely and efficient manner.