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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. 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.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Louis Demps, relays orders while executing platoon attack drills at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii.
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.
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — U.S. Marines with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force integrated advanced drone technology into III MEF operations Nov. 6 at Camp Hansen, marking a significant step forward in unmanned systems employment in the Indo-Pacific region.