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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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UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, fly off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2025.
3d Reconnaissance Battalion Marines dive during a search and recovery drill on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 15, 2025.
U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load simulated casualties onto a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to...
Marines Corps MV-22B Ospreys descend to land during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America, in the Coral Sea, June 26, 2025.
U.S. Marine Corps UH-Y1 Venom helicopter assigned to VMM 265, prepares to take off during flight operations aboard USS San Diego, June 6, 2025.
A U.S. Navy Sailor aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America guides a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B lightning II in the Philippine Sea, May 31, 2025.
COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER, CAMP FUJI, Japan – U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division conducted High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) dry-fire training at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji from June 11-13, 2025. This training represents a significant enhancement of Camp Fuji’s capability to support long-range fires and reflects our commitment to maintaining readiness and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific alongside our Japanese partners.
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - On 18 June 2025, 3d Radio Battalion bid fair winds and following seas to Lieutenant Colonel Gary A. Keefer, and welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Sean F. X. Barrett to the family. Lieutenant Colonel Keefer was the Battalion Commander of 3d Radio Battalion for three years and will be retiring after 23 years of faithful service. Lieutenant Colonel Barrett is assuming command of 3d Radio Battalion after serving consecutive assignments at I Marine Expeditionary Force G-2.