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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 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 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, fire an M252 81mm mortar during Korea Viper 26.2 at Camp Story, South Korea, Feb. 9, 2026.
U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.
Before the sun rises over Camp Hansen, Marines from across III Marine Expeditionary Force gather inside a classroom lined with detailed medical diagrams. Each seat is prepared with a medical aid bag containing the essential tools needed to care for a wounded Marine in combat. Voluntarily, these Marines have chosen to take the next step in Tactical Combat Casualty Care by earning the combat lifesaver (CLS) certification.
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