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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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221209-N-IY633-1092 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 9, 2022) – Leadership and staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Forces pose for a photo during Naval Integration staff talks Dec. 9 onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Kitchner)

221209-N-IY633-1092 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 9, 2022) – Leadership and staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Forces pose for a photo during Naval Integration staff talks Dec. 9 onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Kitchner)

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda K

Service members of III Marine Expeditionary Force, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Government of Japan representatives attend the 2022 Reunion of Honor on Iwo Jima, Japan, Dec.10, 2022.

Service members of III Marine Expeditionary Force, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Government of Japan representatives attend the 2022 Reunion of Honor on Iwo Jima, Japan, Dec.10, 2022.

Photo by Sgt. Megan Roses

2022 III MEF Holiday Message

2022 III MEF Holiday Message

Photo by Sgt Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luis DelacruzRios, a motor transport operator, and Cpl. Samuel Llamas, a combat engineer, both with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, execute a simulated convoy ambush with an M240B medium machine gun during exercise Winter Workhorse, at Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luis DelacruzRios, a motor transport operator, and Cpl. Samuel Llamas, a combat engineer, both with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, execute a simulated convoy ambush with an M240B medium machine gun during exercise Winter Workhorse, at Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade offload a Japan Self Defense Force CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade offload a Japan Self Defense Force CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

Photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Koeneke, a Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Thailand Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) instructor with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, supervises Staff Sgt. Parawut Pongfai, a Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) student, during an EOD level 1-2 course at Jarumanee training area, Ratchaburi, Thailand, November 22, 2022. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 1-2 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMAC’s mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s HMA Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Moises Rodriguez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Koeneke, a Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Thailand Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) instructor with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, supervises Staff Sgt. Parawut Pongfai, a Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) student, during an EOD level 1-2 course at Jarumanee training area, Ratchaburi, Thailand, November 22, 2022. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 1-2 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMAC’s mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s HMA Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Moises Rodriguez)

Photo by Cpl. Moises Rodriguez

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ezra Blankenship, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines participates in a platoon attack during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 22. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Blankenship is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ezra Blankenship, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines participates in a platoon attack during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 22. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Blankenship is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines conduct an air assault in support of a United Nations Command Honor Guard alert contingency disbursement rehearsal during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 16, 2022. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines conduct an air assault in support of a United Nations Command Honor Guard alert contingency disbursement rehearsal during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 16, 2022. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart

U.S. Marines with 3d Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct refueling and vehicle demonstrations with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members during Keen Sword 23 on Amami, Japan, Nov. 12, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Levi J. Guerra)

U.S. Marines with 3d Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct refueling and vehicle demonstrations with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members during Keen Sword 23 on Amami, Japan, Nov. 12, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Levi J. Guerra)

Photo by Sgt. Levi Guerra

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade practice combat lifesaving training during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade practice combat lifesaving training during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, poses for a photo in front of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, poses for a photo in front of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, poses for a photo in front of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, poses for a photo in front of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 lands during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Tutsara Island, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Justin J. Marty)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 lands during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Tutsara Island, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Justin J. Marty)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin Marty

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Heather Hamilton, a weapons systems officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, prepares an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft cockpit for flight during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 11, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jackson Ricker)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Heather Hamilton, a weapons systems officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, prepares an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft cockpit for flight during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 11, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jackson Ricker)

Photo by Sgt. Jackson Ricker

U.S. service members and members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) conduct mass casualty training during a simulated chemical attack for exercise Keen Sword 23 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, Nov. 13, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss)

U.S. service members and members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) conduct mass casualty training during a simulated chemical attack for exercise Keen Sword 23 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, Nov. 13, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss

Firefighters with Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services participate in embankment rope training on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. The firefighters utilized roping techniques to rescue and provide care to a simulated victim located at the bottom of a steep embankment. MCIPAC F&ES is a regional fire department that operates eight fire stations across Japan and provides services to installations including fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous material disposal, emergency medical care, fire protection and prevention. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Firefighters with Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services participate in embankment rope training on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. The firefighters utilized roping techniques to rescue and provide care to a simulated victim located at the bottom of a steep embankment. MCIPAC F&ES is a regional fire department that operates eight fire stations across Japan and provides services to installations including fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous material disposal, emergency medical care, fire protection and prevention. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Tiana Winstead, a defense attorney with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo with her family in PoHang, South Korea, Sep. 2022. Winstead was in Korea for exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield and was reconnected with her extended family. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Tiana Winstead, a defense attorney with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo with her family in PoHang, South Korea, Sep. 2022. Winstead was in Korea for exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield and was reconnected with her extended family. (Courtesy photo)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

Post for III MEF EOA as of Nov. 1, 2022

Post for III MEF EOA as of Nov. 1, 2022

Photo by III MEF

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific attended the fourth annual Marine Corps Association Okinawa Professional Dinner at Camp Butler Officers’ Club, Camp Foster, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific attended the fourth annual Marine Corps Association Okinawa Professional Dinner at Camp Butler Officers’ Club, Camp Foster, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022.

Photo by Sgt Megan Roses

Command Master Chief Curtis Blunt, command master chief, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), speaks to recruits inside a compartment of the USS John F. Kennedy recruit barracks during his visit to Recruit Training Command (RTC). III MEF, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan, is sponsoring a recruit division, Division 263, for the first time in its history. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brandie Nix)

Command Master Chief Curtis Blunt, command master chief, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), speaks to recruits inside a compartment of the USS John F. Kennedy recruit barracks during his visit to Recruit Training Command (RTC). III MEF, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan, is sponsoring a recruit division, Division 263, for the first time in its history. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brandie Nix)

Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brandie Nix

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III Marine Expeditionary Force