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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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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.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Scott Detar shoots a GAU-17 mini gun during an amphibious task force live-fire exercise in the Philippine Sea.
U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters fly in formation prior to Fuji Viper off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 12, 2024.
U.S. Marines and Sailors stand at attention during a pass and review ceremony, part of Super Garuda Shield 2024, in the Java Sea, Sept. 5, 2024
U.S. Marines egress an Amphibious Combat Vehicle to secure the beach at Hwajin-ri, South Korea, during a simulated raid on Sept. 2, 2024.
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.
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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.
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Patrick Robichaux, an MV-22 Osprey Pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing speaks about the MV-22 Osprey’s valuable support in humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 20, 2024.
The U.S. Marine Corps is actively enforcing alcohol-related policies for Marines stationed in Okinawa, emphasizing a commitment to safety, responsible behavior, and strong ties with the local community. In 2016, in line with U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) policy, the Marine Corps adopted Japan’s stricter Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit of 0.03%, substantially lower than the 0.08% standard typically enforced in the United States. This policy applies to all Marines operating vehicles both on and off base.