The STORM is a developing capability used at III MEF that enhances radio frequency tracking abilities, further enhancing III MEF’s ability to detect potential adversaries. Spicer and Hicks are natives of Georgia. Prieto is a native of Arkansas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Stephen Holland) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Spicer, left, a satellite transmissions system operator with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Lance Cpl. Gabriel Prieto, middle, a digital wideband systems maintainer with 3d Marine Division, and Cpl. Jarod Hicks, a transmissions system operator with MWCS-18, MACG 18, 1st MAW, assemble a Strategic Tasked Organic Radio Frequency Machine system on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 16, 2024.

Exercise SY 24 strengthens the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward combined amphibious capability in defense of the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Peyton Kahle) - A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle attached to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enters the water from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) in waters east of South Korea, Sept. 1, 2024, during exercise Ssang Yong 24.

While ashore at Camp Mujuk, the 15th MEU conducted a maintenance exercise to complete preventive maintenance checks and services, corrective maintenance, equipment modifications, and calibrations to ensure ground equipment readiness. Elements of the 15th MEU are currently located in South Korea to conduct integrated training with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps to contribute toward combined capability in defense of the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amelia Kang) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bryan Acosta, automotive maintenance technician, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of California, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Installation Camp Mujuk, Pohang, South Korea, Aug. 20, 2024.

Ratliff is a native of Indiana. KMEP is a bilateral training exercise that increases interoperability and strengthens the combined capabilities of ROK and U.S. Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paley Fenner) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grace Ratliff, right, an engineer assistant with Company B, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines with 8th Engineer Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare a ROK KM16 anti-personnel practice mine during a bilateral conventional minefield exchange during Korean Marine Exchange Program 24.2 on Gunha-Rhi, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Aug. 1, 2024.

For more than 70 years, the ROK-U.S. Alliance has been the foundation of peace and security on the Korean peninsula. Exercise Ssang Yong builds upon this alliance by exercising capabilities crucial to both nations' national defense. - Ssang Yong, meaning “twin dragons” representing the U.S. and ROK forces, is intended to strengthen ROK-U.S. combat readiness and combined interoperability, advancing the ROKMC Marine Task Force and command and control capabilities through combined training and amphibious operations.

Bartholome was awarded the NAM for his heroic actions in saving another Marine's life after a car accident. Bartholome, a small craft mechanic and native of Overland Park, Kansas, is with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brendan Bartholome poses with his Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal citation on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 8, 2024.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Richter, a field artillery radar operator with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division connects an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar cable to a power generator during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, July 31, 2024. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Richter, a field artillery radar operator with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division connects an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar cable to a power generator during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, July 31, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado) - III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, III MEF Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Trevor Hall and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Masayoshi Arai share a meal after the opening ceremony of exercise Resolute Dragon at the JGSDF Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, July 28, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado)