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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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U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, fly over the USS America with 31st MEU.
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, departs the USS George Washington with the 31st MEU.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ethan Cox, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter 169 fires a GAU-21 machine gun during a live fire exercise.
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.
On Aug. 8, 2025, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), supported an operational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission utilizing the MV-22B Osprey teamed with two Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters to distribute sonobuoys. This iteration of anti-submarine operations represents the first time a forward-deployed MV-22B assigned to the 31st MEU has operated in an ASW role within the Indo-Pacific theater, significantly enhancing the 31st MEU’s capabilities and contributing to regional maritime security.
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