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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph McDonnell, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, lowers a package to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) in the Philippine Sea, May 9, 2023. Vertical replenishments enable naval vessels to quickly receive critical resources without disrupting maritime security operations while underway. III MEF is postured to enable naval expeditionary operations within the first island chain as part of a Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph McDonnell, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, lowers a package to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) in the Philippine Sea, May 9, 2023. Vertical replenishments enable naval vessels to quickly receive critical resources without disrupting maritime security operations while underway. III MEF is postured to enable naval expeditionary operations within the first island chain as part of a Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Beirman, center right, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Yamane Toshikazu, center, commanding general of Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during a III MEF facilities tour on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 17, 2023. During the inaugural tour, Toshikazu spoke to key III MEF leadership and discussed topics pertaining to strengthening the partnership between III MEF and JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Beirman, center right, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Yamane Toshikazu, center, commanding general of Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during a III MEF facilities tour on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 17, 2023. During the inaugural tour, Toshikazu spoke to key III MEF leadership and discussed topics pertaining to strengthening the partnership between III MEF and JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

Photo by Sgt. Megan Roses

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) board a KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise (ACMEX) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, May 19, 2023. ACMEX confirms the III MEF Marines' crisis response capability as part of a Stand-in-Force within the First Island Chain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford)

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) board a KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise (ACMEX) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, May 19, 2023. ACMEX confirms the III MEF Marines' crisis response capability as part of a Stand-in-Force within the First Island Chain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford

A member of the III MEF band coaches students on point during a sectional lesson for each instrument.
楽器ごとに分かれてのレッスンで、生徒らにポイントポイントで指導する第三海兵遠征軍音楽隊員。

A member of the III MEF band coaches students on point during a sectional lesson for each instrument. 楽器ごとに分かれてのレッスンで、生徒らにポイントポイントで指導する第三海兵遠征軍音楽隊員。

Photo by Yoshie Makiyama

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert, a native of Binghamton, New York salutes U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, born in Camp Lejeune, as part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of office ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2023. U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Curtis D. Blunt, the outgoing command master chief of III MEF, relinquishes his duties to Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Colton Nicks)

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert, a native of Binghamton, New York salutes U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, born in Camp Lejeune, as part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of office ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2023. U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Curtis D. Blunt, the outgoing command master chief of III MEF, relinquishes his duties to Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Colton Nicks)

Photo by Cpl. Nicks

U.S. and Philippine senior military leaders furl the exercise flag at the closing ceremony to conclude Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 28, 2023. Over the last three weeks, more than 17,600 personnel trained shoulder-to-shoulder across the Philippines’ northern Luzon and Palawan, increasing proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operation, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. and Philippine senior military leaders furl the exercise flag at the closing ceremony to conclude Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 28, 2023. Over the last three weeks, more than 17,600 personnel trained shoulder-to-shoulder across the Philippines’ northern Luzon and Palawan, increasing proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operation, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews

A U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires during a littoral live fire event during Balikatan 23 at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippines, April 26, 2023. Balikatan 2023 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Fletcher)

A U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires during a littoral live fire event during Balikatan 23 at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippines, April 26, 2023. Balikatan 2023 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Fletcher)

Photo by Sgt. Samuel C. Fletcher

Service members from the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, and the U.S. Marine Corps finish the reconstruction of a new roof for Miss Bunnam Inprom’s home during Exercise Cobra Gold 23 (CG23) at Chanthaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, March 2, 2023. U.S. Marines and partner nations teamed up to build a new roof for Inprom’s home, which was destroyed by termites. Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 and MWSS-172 participated in the 42nd iteration of the Cobra Gold series of exercises, where they lended their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

Service members from the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, and the U.S. Marine Corps finish the reconstruction of a new roof for Miss Bunnam Inprom’s home during Exercise Cobra Gold 23 (CG23) at Chanthaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, March 2, 2023. U.S. Marines and partner nations teamed up to build a new roof for Inprom’s home, which was destroyed by termites. Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 and MWSS-172 participated in the 42nd iteration of the Cobra Gold series of exercises, where they lended their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez

U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Nathaniel Jackson, a mortarman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, demonstrates how to adjust the alignment of an M252 81 mm mortar system to a member of the Philippine Marine Corps during bilateral weapons familiarization during Balikatan 23 in Santa Juliana, Philippines, April 10, 2023.

U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Nathaniel Jackson, a mortarman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, demonstrates how to adjust the alignment of an M252 81 mm mortar system to a member of the Philippine Marine Corps during bilateral weapons familiarization during Balikatan 23 in Santa Juliana, Philippines, April 10, 2023.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade

U.S. service members and distinguished guests pose for a photo during the Ishigaki Memorial Ceremony on Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2023. The ceremony honors three fallen World War II U.S. Navy airmen, whom died shortly after crash landing on the island. The memorial was developed by the people of Ishigaki and U.S. Service members as a symbol of peace and friendship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

U.S. service members and distinguished guests pose for a photo during the Ishigaki Memorial Ceremony on Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2023. The ceremony honors three fallen World War II U.S. Navy airmen, whom died shortly after crash landing on the island. The memorial was developed by the people of Ishigaki and U.S. Service members as a symbol of peace and friendship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

Photo by Sgt. Megan Roses

Philippine and U.S. military representatives conduct the unfurling of the flag during the opening ceremony to commence Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 11, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, improve capabilities, and reinforce the shared security relationship built over decades of training and cooperation. More than 17,600 troops are participating in Balikatan 23, the 38th iteration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

Philippine and U.S. military representatives conduct the unfurling of the flag during the opening ceremony to commence Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 11, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, improve capabilities, and reinforce the shared security relationship built over decades of training and cooperation. More than 17,600 troops are participating in Balikatan 23, the 38th iteration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Von Landry a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M18 pistol during a pistol qualification range, March 30. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Von Landry a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M18 pistol during a pistol qualification range, March 30. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March 27, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Augustine, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an Aussie rappel during rope training during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March 27, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Augustine, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an Aussie rappel during rope training during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 74 with Assault Craft Unit 5, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives ashore for an amphibious assault during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 74 with Assault Craft Unit 5, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives ashore for an amphibious assault during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam)

Photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive a light armored vehicle off a landing craft, air cushion during an amphibious assault training exercise for Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. - ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S. -ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive a light armored vehicle off a landing craft, air cushion during an amphibious assault training exercise for Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. - ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S. -ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of South Korea (March. 29, 2023) –Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during Ssang Young 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicolas Atehortua)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of South Korea (March. 29, 2023) –Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during Ssang Young 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicolas Atehortua)

Photo by Sgt. Nicolas Atehortua

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines were enjoying recreational skiing and snowboarding before providing first aide to an injured Japanese teen in Nagano, Japan Feb. 11, 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines were enjoying recreational skiing and snowboarding before providing first aide to an injured Japanese teen in Nagano, Japan Feb. 11, 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

Photo by 3rd Marine Division

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an M240B machine gun during a live-fire exercise on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Mar. 11, 2022. Live-fire drills and exercises keep Marines consistent in the execution of their roles within their squads. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an M240B machine gun during a live-fire exercise on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Mar. 11, 2022. Live-fire drills and exercises keep Marines consistent in the execution of their roles within their squads. Maritime Defense Exercise Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is a bilateral exercise meant to increase interoperability and strengthen ties between U.S. and Japanese forces for the defense of Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Alarcon

U.S. Marines with the maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a search during a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise aboard the tank landing ship JS Osumi (LST-4001) during Iron Fist 23 in the Pacific Ocean, Mar. 4, 2023. Iron Fist 23 provided an opportunity for the USS America Amphibious Ready Group and the JMSDF to work together in coordinating combined counter-piracy operations at sea. 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 JMSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Marcos A. Alvarado)

U.S. Marines with the maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a search during a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise aboard the tank landing ship JS Osumi (LST-4001) during Iron Fist 23 in the Pacific Ocean, Mar. 4, 2023. Iron Fist 23 provided an opportunity for the USS America Amphibious Ready Group and the JMSDF to work together in coordinating combined counter-piracy operations at sea. 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 JMSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Marcos A. Alvarado)

Photo by Sgt. Marcos Alvarado

U.S. Marines and Japan Self Defense Force service members serve as the color guard during the 78th Reunion of Honor ceremony, Iwo To, Japan, March 25th, 2023. The Reunion of Honor ceremony is held annually to bring together leaders from the U.S. and Japan, veterans, distinguished guests, and their family members to pay tribute to service members lost during the Battle of Iwo Jima, and is a testament to the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance which has blossomed over the past 78 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sebastian Riveraaponte)

U.S. Marines and Japan Self Defense Force service members serve as the color guard during the 78th Reunion of Honor ceremony, Iwo To, Japan, March 25th, 2023. The Reunion of Honor ceremony is held annually to bring together leaders from the U.S. and Japan, veterans, distinguished guests, and their family members to pay tribute to service members lost during the Battle of Iwo Jima, and is a testament to the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance which has blossomed over the past 78 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sebastian Riveraaponte)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Sebastian Riveraapont

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III Marine Expeditionary Force