Our military forces truly never sleep! They are deployed around the entire world, in every time zone and in many cases very remote locations. This photo shows our US forces hard at work where young Marine Corps Corporal Christopher Russell, a landing support specialist, oversees a CH-53E Super Stallion lifting a heavy concrete barrier.

This operation was part of external load training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Feb. 16, 2017.

You may ask yourself what are the US Marine Corps doing in Djibouti on the horn of Africa?  Djibouti is strategically located on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is considered a gateway to the Suez Canal, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Good reason!

Located in Djibouti, Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent US military base in Africa is operated by the United States Navy and host to the Combined Joint Task Force of the U.S. Africa Command.

The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit consistently train to keep their skills ready for crisis response and contingency operations throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 11 and the Stallion and crew are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, 11th MEU.

The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 11 and the Stallion and crew are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, 11th MEU. – United States Marine Corps

Watch: A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion Lifting Some Heavy Loads!

The Sikorsky Aircraft built CH-53E Super Stallion first flew in 1974 and entered service in 1981. Primarily used by the US Navy and Marine Corps there were 234 built at an estimated cost of $24 million each. The helicopter can lift up to 36,000 pounds.

Featured image of a CH-53E Super Stallion and Marine Corps Corporal Christopher Russell at Arta Beach, Djibouti honors all US service members deployed around the world. We at Fighter Sweep salute you! Photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon Maldonado, US Marine Corps.