News

Michelle Wozniak, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Prevention Director, left, gives an emergency service card to Jacob Aimes, the III MEF Inspector General Investigator on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, August 8, 2023. - Michelle Wozniak, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Prevention Director, left, gives an emergency service card to Jacob Aimes, the III MEF Inspector General Investigator on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, August 8, 2023. Marine Forces Japan ordered the cards to distribute to all assigned personnel, serving as a quick reference for emergency numbers in Japan during emergencies or disasters. Wozniak is a native of Honolulu, Hawaii and Aimes is a native of Detroit, Mich. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

MARFORJ receives 45,000 EMS cards for SOFA personnel

Adjusting to the laws and regulations of a new host nation can be confusing enough. Throw in a medical emergency, and international numbers with specific dialing instructions, and the unfamiliarity could lead to delays in assistance. To ease the cultural transition, and avoid miscommunication, MARFORJ commanders and emergency coordinators invested in a solution.

Read More

Typhoon Khanun moved through Okinawa as a category 4 hurricane equivalent storm, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves, marking one of the strongest storms to affect the island in recent years. Immediately after the storm, crews from across Marine Corps Installation Pacific and III Marine Expeditionary Force began assessing damage and initiating repair work to ensure the Marines on Okinawa remain operationally ready. Kamm is a native of Concord, California, and Fish is a native of Adel, Georgia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Kamm, left, a transmission systems operator, and Lance Cpl. Ali Fish, right, a data system administrator, both with Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, load a fallen tree into a USMC 7-ton on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Aug. 7, 2023. Typhoon Khanun moved through Okinawa as a category 4 hurricane equivalent storm, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves, marking one of the strongest storms to affect the island in recent years. Immediately after the storm, crews from across Marine Corps Installation Pacific and III Marine Expeditionary Force began assessing damage and initiating repair work to ensure the Marines on Okinawa remain operationally ready. Kamm is a native of Concord, California, and Fish is a native of Adel, Georgia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

III Marine Expeditionary Force maintains readiness after Typhoon Khanun

U.S. Marines across installations on Okinawa weathered Typhoon Khanun, a storm equivalent to a category four hurricane, in August 2023. After the storm, vehicle and property were damaged, and communication abilities limited both on and off-base. For many Marines, this was their introduction to island living.

Read More

TCCOR Definitions - TCCOR Definitions

Typhoon Khanun - Message to the Force

Marines, Sailors, civilians, and families of III MEF and MCIPAC, Typhoon Khanun is currently southeast of us; the storm maintained a slow trajectory through the night, which has pushed back anticipated TCCOR timelines. I anticipate a declaration of TCCOR 1 tonight by the Commander of the 18th Wing.

Read More

Marines with 2d LAAD provided a defensive posture for the FARP from aerial threats as part of an expeditionary advanced base of operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher R. Lape) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Simon Li, a low altitude air defense gunner with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, aims a FIM-92E stinger missile system during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia, July 4, 2023. Marines with 2d LAAD provided a defensive posture for the FARP from aerial threats as part of an expeditionary advanced base of operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher R. Lape)

A Ready Marine Corps in the Western Pacific: The Stand-in Force Emerges in III Marine Expeditionary Force

On a tropical island within the First Island Chain, planners from the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force are deeply engrossed in their work, studying maps under tan weathered tents. Their focus is on wargaming enemy actions within their battlespace, while attentive interpreters in their native military uniforms mediate technical discussions, dictating their nation's part in the Stand-in Force.

Read More

2023 Independence Day

From the III MEF Commanding General, to the Marines, Sailors, civilians, and families of III MEF,

Read More

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, right, passes the 3d Marine Division colors to Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman during a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 30, 2023. The ceremony signified the official transfer of command of 3d Marine Division from Maj. Gen. Bargeron to Maj. Gen. Wortman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade) - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, right, passes the 3d Marine Division colors to Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman during a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 30, 2023. The ceremony signified the official transfer of command of 3d Marine Division from Maj. Gen. Bargeron to Maj. Gen. Wortman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade)

3d Marine Division Change of Command Ceremony 2023

Command of 3d Marine Division transferred from Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron to Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman June 30, 2023 at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan.

Read More

IPSUM VERUM - VERUM IPSUM

Emergency Communications: J-Alerts Message to the Force

Message from the commanding general, MARFORJ and III MEF, to the Marines, Sailors, civilians, and families of MARFORJ regarding the J-Alert system and clarifying use of emergency communications in the event of a crisis.

Read More

U.S. service members and civilian advocates participate in a group discussion during the 2023 Suicide Prevention Stakeholder’s Symposium on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 6, 2023. The symposium, now in its third iteration, brings mental health professionals and service members together to discuss critical issues and preventative measures regarding suicide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews) - U.S. service members and civilian advocates participate in a group discussion during the 2023 Suicide Prevention Stakeholder’s Symposium on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 6, 2023. The symposium, now in its third iteration, brings mental health professionals and service members together to discuss critical issues and preventative measures regarding suicide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

2023 Suicide Prevention Stakeholder’s Wellness Symposium

U.S. service members joined government and civilian advocates for the 2023 Suicide Prevention Stakeholder’s Wellness Symposium on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 6-8, 2023. The symposium, now in its third iteration, brings mental health professionals from Headquarters Marine Corps and service members with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Forces Pacific together to discuss critical issues and preventative measures regarding suicide.

Read More

Firefighters with Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services use a hose to extinguish a simulated fire in a multi-vehicle accident crisis response drill during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2022 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022. - Firefighters with Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services use a hose to extinguish a simulated fire in a multi-vehicle accident crisis response drill during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2022 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022. The annual drill was held to convey the readiness and capabilities of various installations and first responders in the event of an emergency. CV22 is a Force Protection Condition and crisis response evaluation to validate regional installations, camps, and tenant antiterrorism plans and policies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng)