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III MEF is the nucleus of a joint and coalition Stand-In Force within the First Island Chain. In competition, III MEF assures and expands access for the joint force across the Indo-Pacific. In crisis, it provides in-place response forces to secure allies and partners while deterring adversary aggression. In conflict, III MEF fights from advanced naval bases as part of a naval expeditionary force and enables Joint Force objectives in the Indo-Pacific.
Republic of Korea Marine Corps tanks fire after rehearsing squad attacks during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1
U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a pre-flight inspection on an F-35B at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan
U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members conduct a beach landing during exercise Iron Fist 26 in Tanegashima, Japan, March 2, 2026.
U.S. Marines, Rangers, and Berets deploy from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a simulated raid on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 19, 2026.
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to VMFA-121 prepares to take off during flight operations in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 14-15, 2026.
U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.
RODRIGUEZ LIVE-FIRE COMPLEX, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, executed company-size attacks during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Feb. 26 to March 4, 2026. During the company-level exercise, Marines integrated organic and supporting fires, maneuver elements, and reconnaissance capabilities to conduct a coordinated assault on a designated objective.
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