NEWS

. 1st Reconnaissance Battalion conducted the training to enhance rapid insertion capabilities in littoral zones as preparation for integrating with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment and its subordinate battalions while forward in the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan 25 and Kamandag 9 this summer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Malia Sparks) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Stefan Mueller, a native of Colorado and a reconnaissance Marine with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, tests gear prior to conducting dive operations on Marine Corps Base Hawaii Feb. 24, 2025

The 80th Reunion of Honor is a milestone anniversary that commemorates the sacrifices made by both Japanese and American service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring their legacy and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. This milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between both nations and the progress made toward regional stability over the past 80 years. The U.S. Marine Corps was born on November 10th, 1775. From that day until the present, Marines have served with distinction in every clime and place, including the hallowed battle fields of Iwo Jima. This year, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment across the globe. - From left to right, Joseph Young, Charge d’Affaires for U.S. Embassy Tokyo; the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith; and the Honorable Peter Hegseth, United States Secretary of Defense, lay a commemoration wreath at the Reunion of Honor memorial during the 80th Reunion of Honor ceremony at Iwo To, Japan, March 29, 2025.

This training was conducted in order for the Marines to increase their profiency conducting boat raids with the newly fielded enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca) - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicate with their squad during a simulated boat raid on Recon Beach, Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 17, 2025.

Turner presented challenge coins to select Marines for their accomplishments within their military occupational specialties. Stark is a native of Oklahoma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl.Giovanni Navarrette) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Trace Stark, a financial management resource analyst with III Marine Expeditionary Force, receives a challenge coin from Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2025.

VMFA-214, an F-35B squadron from MCAS Yuma, Arizona, deployed to augment MAG-12, 1st MAW under the Unit Deployment Program, which provides U.S.-based units with operational experience in the Indo-Pacific. Their arrival marked the start of the Marine Corps’ transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35 for rotational deployments to the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez) - U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing taxi the flight line after arriving at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 8, 2025.

Marines with 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion executed the first ALPV rehearsals in Okinawa, increasing 12th LLB's operational readiness and amphibious capabilities. The ALPV is a semi-submersible autonomous logistics delivery system that has the ability to deliver multiple variations of supplies and equipment through contested maritime terrain. The Marines are with 12th LLB, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye) (Details on the vessel have been blurred for security reasons) - U.S. Marines operate an Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025.

For the exercise’s culminating event, 3d LCT conducted a force-on-force operation against U.S. Army soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division. The training exercise taking place at PTA mirrors a Service Level Training Exercise by setting conditions for 3d MLR and its subordinate battalions to go forward to the Philippines in support of Exercise Balikatan 25 and Kamandag 9 this summer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Manuel Sandoval, a native of Mexico and an infantry rifleman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, uses a service flag to signal a landing zone for a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk during a training exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 12, 2025.

The Stormbreaker 25.1 exercise is designed to enhance combat readiness by establishing, maintaining, and defending communication networks and services, enabling commanders to effectively command and control their forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez) - U.S. Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, secure a stairway as part in a close quarters combat tactics class during the Stormbreaker 25.1 exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 29, 2025.

The 31st MEU is ready to respond to crisis throughout the region with the entire range of military operations to support and defend our allies and partners in the region. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Lape) - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) pilots, prepare to disembark U.S. Marine Corps light armored vehicle crewmen with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during an amphibious landing exercise, part of Iron Fist 24, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 12, 2024.

Marines with III MSB, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group and Army Soldiers with the 630th Clearance Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, worked in a joint environment to provide different elements of support. Marines provided a secure border around the training area, while Soldiers supplied manpower and machinery to create advantageous fighting positions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abigail Godinez) - U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion patrol during a joint training event at Dagmar North Training Area, Republic of Korea, Feb. 6, 2025.