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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.
U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, refuel an F/A-18C Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 30, 2025.
U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines prepares to conduct a flyaway drill during Korea Viper 26.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 12, 2025.
A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, surveys his sector of fire during Korea Viper 26.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025.
U.S. Marines with III MEF load a notional payload on a drone during the Marine Corps Attack Drone Competition on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan.
U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 navigate into a wedge formation during a small boat raid as part of MEU Exercise on Dec. 3, 2025.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP SMEDLEY D. BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – For decades, III Marine Expeditionary Force has stood as a beacon of readiness and capability in the Indo-Pacific region. As the Marine Corps marks 250 years of service, III MEF shows no signs of slowing down.
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CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JAPAN – In 1910, Marines from the First Brigade fired the first official Marine Corps Division Matches in Maquinaya, Philippines.
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii – U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Daniel J. Pacheco, a CH-53 Super Stallion pilot and the air officer with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal after helping save a fellow Marine's life following a motorcycle crash on the Pali Highway, Oahu, Hawaii, on Oct. 26, 2025.
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan – Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, completed a weeklong field communications exercise at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, strengthening their ability to install, operate and maintain tactical networks in austere terrain while sharpening basic infantry tactics and skills.