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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.
Republic of Korea Marine Corps tanks fire after rehearsing squad attacks during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1
U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, performs a pre-flight inspection on an F-35B at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan
U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members conduct a beach landing during exercise Iron Fist 26 in Tanegashima, Japan, March 2, 2026.
U.S. Marines, Rangers, and Berets deploy from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a simulated raid on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 19, 2026.
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to VMFA-121 prepares to take off during flight operations in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 14-15, 2026.
U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.
The U.S. Marine Corps is committed to the safety and security of its Marines, Sailors, civilian and contractor personnel, families and tenants. To enhance our ability to communicate critical information during emergencies, all installations are transitioning from the AtHoc system to the new Alert! mass notification system, effective 1 April 2026.
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RODRIGUEZ LIVE-FIRE COMPLEX, REPUBLIC OF KOREA -- U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, executed company-size attacks during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Feb. 26 to March 4, 2026. During the company-level exercise, Marines integrated organic and supporting fires, maneuver elements, and reconnaissance capabilities to conduct a coordinated assault on a designated objective.