An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima Jan. 29, 2012, as the 24th MEU prepares for their final at-sea training exercise.  The 24th MEU is conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with Amphibious Squadron 8 scheduled Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, which includes a series of missions intended to evaluate and certify the unit for their upcoming deployment. The harrier detachment is from VMA-542 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III
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