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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.
Lance Cpl. Jorryn Tutu, an intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance systems engineer sets a satellite Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 20, 2026.
Marines load a rocket pod onto a HIMARS to conduct live fire missions during a live fire training event. Camp Fuji, Japan, May 20, 2026.
A U.S. Marine inspects a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during routine maintenance at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan
A U.S. Marine operates a NMESIS on to a U.S. Army LCU during Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Calayan, Cagayan, Philippines, May 2, 2026.
U.S. Marines load a NMESIS onto a C-130J during Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Cagayan North International Airport, Lal-lo, Philippines, April 25, 2026.
U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.