Camp Pendleton, California. (April 15, 2023): In this photo by Corporal Cameron Hermanet, U.S. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division and members of the 2nd Intai Amfibi Battalion of the Indonesian Korps Marinir paddle back to shore on a combat rubber craft during a recon exercise at Camp Pendleton. The Marines host this annual exercise to foster greater cooperation and mutual respect between American and Indonesian forces and to share cultural experiences. Just as the Marines are America’s best, these elite reconnaissance troops represent the cream of the armed forces of Indonesia.

Nicknamed the "Sea Ghosts" due to their deadly capabilities as seaborne infantry, the Amfibi have skills far above the average ordinary soldier. When the Indonesian Marine Corps was established in 1961, the nation had no naval reconnaissance capability and saw a clear need for a special force trained in special activities that cannot be done by ordinary units. Indonesia established its own Amphibious Reconnaissance Commando Unit to combine airborne and amphibious skills into one capable force.

The Amfibi accept volunteers who have at least two years' experience and are willing to undergo ten months of commando training including a one-month airborne course. Trainees practice airborne jumps into harsh jungle terrain and landings at sea using free fall techniques. They are highly capable swimmers, divers, and underwater demolition experts. The unit specializes in deploying combat swimmers through submarine torpedo tubes to lethal effect upon their enemy. For the U.S. Marines, these exercises allow America’s finest to showcase their skills while developing cultural ties with this important ally.