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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.
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A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft takes off from Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, during exercise Keen Sword 25, Oct. 29, 2024.
U.S. service members and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members work together during bilateral airfield damage repair training.
U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members utilize M142 HIMARS to execute fire missions during exercise Keen Sword 25.
U.S. Marines with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, provide visual oversight of an M142 HIMARS movement in preparation for Keen Sword 25.
U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team conduct a squad attack range on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 15, 2024.
U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters fly in formation off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 11, 2024.
A U.S. Marine and a Philippine Air Force service member stage equipment in preparation to transport USAID family food packs at Villamor Air Base.
The ceremony marks the redesignation of CLB-12 to 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion on Oct. 3, 2024, Camp Hansen, Okinawa Japan.
U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, conduct an air insert onto Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Sept. 24, 2024.
Courtesy Patrols and vehicle checkpoints underscore the Marine Corps’ dedication to upholding the highest standards of conduct during liberty.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Lt. Gen. James Glynn, commander U.S Marine Corps Forces Pacific, joined Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, during a recent trip to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan October 23, 2024.
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan - III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines and Sailors will participate in exercise Keen Sword 25, a joint-bilateral biennial exercise, alongside the Japan Self-Defense Force from October 23 through November 1, 2024, throughout Japan.
CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, JAPAN – On Oct. 6, 2024, three U.S Marines and one U.S Navy Sailor were in a taxi northbound on the Okinawa Expressway heading back to Camp Schwab, when their driver suddenly stopped due to a vehicle blocking the road. The vehicle was involved in a crash and inside was a local resident. Without hesitation, the group of four rushed to assist.
CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan - At the request of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to support the U.S. Agency for International Development's efforts in foreign disaster relief operations in the Philippines following Typhoon Krathon (locally known as Julian), which made landfall on the Province of Cagayan, Philippines Sep. 30.
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – Combat Logistics Battalion 12 redesignated to 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion (LLB) on October 3, 2024. 12th LLB’s redesignation signifies the next milestone for 12th Marine Littoral Regiment as 12th LLB is their first subordinate element. This redesignation highlights the enduring commitment of the U.S. to the defense of Japan and to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.