U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Pedro A. Hernandez (left), of

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Pedro A. Hernandez (left), of Santa Ana, Calif., and Pfc. Zachary T. Bear (right), of Columbus, Ohio, both mortarmen with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's battalion landing team, prepare a M252 81 mm Mortar System for a fire mission during Talisman Sabre 2011 on Townshend Island, Australia, July 13. Talisman Sabre promotes the alliance with Australia, which is one the United States' most important defense relationships and a central pillar for national security strategy, based on shared values and a common commitment to peace and security.