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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. Marines detonate an explosive charge during an urban breaching range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 7, 2025.
U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Keegan Farnsworth maneuvers through the endurance course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan.
U.S. Marines move to an assault position during exercise Korea Viper 25.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 18, 2024.
U.S. Marines fire M224 60mm mortar system during exercise Korea Viper 25.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 21, 2024.
Santa Claus and his elf helpers, played by U.S. Marines arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 19, 2024.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David J. Kelly, offloads supplies from an MV-22B Osprey during humanitarian assistance training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Antwone Rowe loads propelling charges into an M777 Howitzer at Ojojihara Maneuver Area, Japan, Dec. 5, 2024.
U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), recently embarked on a unique deployment to Alaska, combining rigorous training operations with impactful community service. The squadron's multifaceted mission showcased its adaptability and dedication to both military readiness and community relations.
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U.S. Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, have graduated from the first blended Expeditionary Warfare School seminar offered at the air station. The graduates completed a five-and-a-half-month-long course that combined in-person and remotely taught seminars. This particular seminar was a pilot program to gauge its flexibility as an accelerated professional military education opportunity at a forward-deployed base.
U.S. Marines from 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, and three of its subordinate battalions gathered for a reunion of units’ colors, commanders, and staff for the first time in over 45 years, Nov. 21, 2024.
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, formally received the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System – a mountable, ground-based anti-ship missile launcher – on November 26, 2024. In order to commemorate the intra-service hand-off and acknowledge the months of initial operational testing and evaluation that went into fielding the new weapon system, 3d MLR held a receiving ceremony and NMESIS static display at Dewey Square on Marine Corps Base Hawaii and invited distinguished visitors from across both U.S. and partnered militaries to take part.