III Marine Expeditionary Force

Mission

III MEF provides the United States with a forward-deployed force in readiness in the Pacific Theater, as a globally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), capable of generating, deploying, and employing forces for crisis response, forward presence, major combat operations, and campaigns.

HMLA-169 | SPIE Rigging, Fast Rope, and Rappel Training

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force rappel from a UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 during special patrol insertion and extraction training at Landing Zone Starling, Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 21, 2023. Helicopter rope suspension techniques teach Marines proper knots, rappelling techniques and build confidence for maneuvering from air to ground. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

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VMU-3 Milestone Video

The U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE is unveiled during a ceremony for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Aug. 2, 2023. The MQ-9A is a remotely piloted aircraft capable of supporting a wide range of operations such as coastal and border surveillance, weapons tracking, embargo enforcement, humanitarian and disaster assistance, peacekeeping, and counter-narcotic operations. VMU-3 can support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing multi-surveillance and reconnaissance, data gateway and relay capabilities, and enabling or conducting the detection and cross cueing of targets and facilitating their engagement during expeditionary, joint and combined operations. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)

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U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct a Multi-Purpose Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapons Systems range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, August 21, 2023. The purpose of this training is to sharpen the LCT’s weapons handling skills and increase their readiness for future exercises and operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh)

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3rd Marine Aircraft Wing supports MASA 23

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Emilio Perez, an CH-53E flight line mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, waits as the CH-53E Super Stallions prepare to take off from Antonio Bautista Air Base in support of Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 events in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, July 12, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. Perez is a Los Angeles native. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean A. Potter)

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Airfield Assault Exercise

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fire and maneuver drills during an airfield assault exercise at the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area, Australia, July 6, 2023. BLT 2/1 was tasked with capturing an airfield in support of the Air Combat Element’s forward arming and refueling point. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elijah Murphy)

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MASA 23: Hornets Across the Pacific

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation during a trans-Pacific flight en route to Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, at sea, July 8, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities.

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Jungle Crab 22

U.S. Marine Corps explosive ordnance technicians with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, operate and survive in a jungle environment during Jungle Crab 22 at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, June 30, 2022. During Jungle Crab 22 EOD Marines prepared to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations by practicing survival methods in areas where logistical support may not be available. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Moises Rodriguez)

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3d Reconnaissance Parachute Operations

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion execute Military Free Fall and Low-Level Static Line parachute operations over Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, May 16-18, 2023. The training sustains operational readiness while ensuring Marines are prepared to rapidly insert into austere environments through multiple methods. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Israel Sheber)

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III MEF welcomes JGSDF Western Army Commanding General

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Bierman, center right, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Yamane Toshikazu, center, commanding general of Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during a III MEF facilities tour on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 17, 2023. During the inaugural tour, Toshikazu spoke to key III MEF leadership and discussed topics pertaining to strengthening the partnership between III MEF and JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

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Korea Flying Training 2023

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, VMFA-115, U.S. Air Force 8th Fighter Wing, USAF 25th Fighter Squadron, and various Republic of Korea Air Force units participate in Fiscal Year 2023 Korea Flying Training at Gwanju Air Base, ROK, April 27, 2023. KFT 23 is a combined training event focused on tactical execution of combat missions to maintain military readiness and is part of the ROK-U.S. alliance’s routine, annual training program. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Ryan Ulibarri)

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III MEF Press Release

U.S. Marine Corps Conducts Concurrent Bilateral Exercises

The U.S. Marine Corps is conducting concurrent bilateral exercises with Allies across the first island chain that highlight the capabilities of providing Marine Corps forces to joint and combined forces in the Indo-Pacific.

Artillery Relocation Training Program 23-1

Okinawa-based U.S. Marines from 3d Marine Division will conduct artillery training under the Artillery Relocation Training Program (ARTP) at the Ojojihara Maneuver Area, Japan, from May 17 to June 11, 2023, to maintain readiness and proficiency. The exercise will feature essential, realistic training, to include live artillery fire, low-light (night) training, and small-arms fire designed to sharpen Marine warfighting skills. This training is essential to the United States’ ability to uphold our obligations to the security of Japan under Article V of The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

78th Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor

Japanese and U.S. Distinguished Visitors and guests gathered for the Reunion of Honor Ceremony at Iwo To, March 25, 2023, to pay tribute to one another and those who sacrificed their lives during the battle of Iwo Jima.

12th Marine Littoral Regiment announced, USMC remains ready to address regional security challenges

12th Marine Regiment, currently stationed on Camp Hansen, is scheduled to transition to the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) by fiscal year 2025. 12th MLR will remain stationed in Okinawa. No force-level increase will occur in Okinawa under the agreement and personnel levels will not exceed those outlined in the 2012 Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI) Realignment Plan.

F-35B makes precautionary landing at Kadena Air Base

While conducting flight operations on December 1, an F-35B Lightning II aircraft, currently assigned to VMFA-121, made a precautionary landing at Kadena Air Base at approximately 1:40 p.m. due to a suspected electrical issue.

III MEF Unit News

The Power of NCOs: Supporting Ulchi Freedom Shield 23

“Attention in the COC! Attention in the COC.” This a common command, a verbal warning order, that members of the Combined Marine Corps Component Command who work on the operations center watch floor became familiar with during exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 23.

Ulchi Freedom Shield 23: Sgt. Julian Martinmar

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Yokosuka, Japan-- “The ship life has always been something that piqued my interest,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Julian Martinmar, a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and an administrative specialist with III Marine Expeditionary Force.

III MEF and Republic of Korea Marines operate from USS Blue Ridge during Ulchi Freedom Shield 23

The command element of III Marine Expeditionary Force, with key leaders and planners from the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, embarked on the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) for the final phase of Exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 23.

MARFORJ receives 45,000 EMS cards for SOFA personnel

Adjusting to the laws and regulations of a new host nation can be confusing enough. Throw in a medical emergency, and international numbers with specific dialing instructions, and the unfamiliarity could lead to delays in assistance. To ease the cultural transition, and avoid miscommunication, MARFORJ commanders and emergency coordinators invested in a solution.