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III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

III MEF Logo
FORWARD. FAITHFUL. FOCUSED.
Okinawa, Japan

Who we are

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.

 

 

01

VMFA-242 | Flight Operations

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

02

U.S. Marines & JGSDF Landing

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.

03

Marines, Rangers & Berets

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.

04

31st MEU | F-35B Flight Ops

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.

05

Korea Viper 26.2 Mortar Range

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.

06

Opportunity in the Indo-Pacific

U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.

 

Featured News

Introducing 3rd SGX
3rd Marine Logistics Group
May 10, 2022 | 2:22
Introducing 3rd SGX
3rd Marine Logistics Group
May 10, 2022 | 2:22
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Introducing 3rd SGX
3rd Supply Battalion FEX
So Long CLR-35
Coming to a DZ near you | U.S. Marines with CLR-3 conduct a wide variety of airborne operations
Balikatan 2019: Airmen, Marines showcases airpower to local kids social media video
Ammo Tech Marines, EOD Marines work alongside each other in emergency destruct training
Nations bring happiness to Thai school during Cobra Gold 17
31st MEU Marines Help Deliver Much Needed Supplies to Residents of Kyushu Island
Remote Areas of Nepal Need Relief Supplies, JTF 505 Responds
Remote Areas of Nepal Need Relief Supplies, JTF 505 Responds (clean version, no music)
Joint Task Force 505 Using Thailand to Provide Unique Capabilities to Nepal Relief Efforts
U.S. Marines and Nepalese Soldiers Deliver Aid on MV-22 Ospreys (Without Titles)
USNS Sacagawea Blazes Trail for ROK
Supply Guy
 
III Marine Expeditionary Force