Sergeant John H. Kirk VI, aerial gunner and observer

Sergeant John H. Kirk VI, aerial gunner and observer and a CH-46E Sea Knight mechanic, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (Rein.), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to fire a M240D machine gun while flying over the Indian Ocean, Oct. 25. Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (Rein.), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted aerial gunnery and tail gunnery training to refresh the skills of eight of the unit's crew chiefs as well as aerial tail gunnery qualifications for two of their aerial observers. The 15th MEU is comprised of approximately 2,400 Marines and sailors and is currently deployed with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout US Central Command and the US 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
Kirk, 25, is from Ramona, Calif.