U.S. Marine Col. Vance L. Cryer, left, speaks with

U.S. Marine Col. Vance L. Cryer, left, speaks with Navy Capt. Peter M. Mantz and Sgt. Maj. Douglas B. Schaefer aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) at Naval Base San Diego Jan. 24, 2014. Mantz is the commanding officer of the USS Essex. Cryer is the commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Schaefer is the sergeant major of the 15th MEU. USS Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group which is scheduled to deploy with the 15th MEU this spring. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elize McKelvey/Released)