An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

Filter

OKINAWA, Japan – Strong. Narrow. Fast. Rip Current!
In a matter of moments an average beach day can turn dangerous, sometimes tragic. According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents claim more than 100 lives annually. Many people don’t know how to spot a rip current and consequentially get swept out to sea before they realize it is happening. Far from shore, even the best swimmers get fatigued and are at risk of drowning.

OKINAWA, Japan – Strong. Narrow. Fast. Rip Current! In a matter of moments an average beach day can turn dangerous, sometimes tragic. According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents claim more than 100 lives annually. Many people don’t know how to spot a rip current and consequentially get swept out to sea before they realize it is happening. Far from shore, even the best swimmers get fatigued and are at risk of drowning.

Photo by Sgt. Trystan Jordan

A live-fire demonstration was performed during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19), July 8, 2019. TS19 is a bilateral combined Australian and United States training. The exercise is designed to practice respective military services with associated agencies, through planning and conducting combined and joint task force operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado)

A live-fire demonstration was performed during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19), July 8, 2019. TS19 is a bilateral combined Australian and United States training. The exercise is designed to practice respective military services with associated agencies, through planning and conducting combined and joint task force operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado)

Photo by Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is fired in Bradshaw Field Training Area, Australia July 12, 2015, during Talisman Sabre 15. U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, out of Okinawa, Japan and 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, trained with the rocket system along with Australian Army soldiers with 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for approximately 30,000 U.S. and Australian service members to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is fired in Bradshaw Field Training Area, Australia July 12, 2015, during Talisman Sabre 15. U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, out of Okinawa, Japan and 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, trained with the rocket system along with Australian Army soldiers with 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for approximately 30,000 U.S. and Australian service members to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)

Photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson

U.S. Navy Lt. Hal Jones prays at the base of Mt. Suribachi, Japan, July 2, 2019. Jones, the Navy Chaplain of 7th Communication Battalion, spoke with the Marines and Sailors and did a moment of silence to honor the service members that died in the Battle of Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

U.S. Navy Lt. Hal Jones prays at the base of Mt. Suribachi, Japan, July 2, 2019. Jones, the Navy Chaplain of 7th Communication Battalion, spoke with the Marines and Sailors and did a moment of silence to honor the service members that died in the Battle of Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the substance abuse control officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, holds a crane he folded at building 267 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 19, 2017. Esconde uses origami as a way to make a positive impact in his local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella)

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the substance abuse control officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, holds a crane he folded at building 267 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 19, 2017. Esconde uses origami as a way to make a positive impact in his local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella)

Photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella

A Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet with 462 Squadron receives fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during an aerial refuel mission, Gran Canaria, Spain, Mar. 29, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Spanish airmen conducted air-to-air refueling missions in order to enhance crisis response readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole/Released)

A Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet with 462 Squadron receives fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during an aerial refuel mission, Gran Canaria, Spain, Mar. 29, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Spanish airmen conducted air-to-air refueling missions in order to enhance crisis response readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Kassie McDole

On April 8, 2019 U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyle M. LeClair, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, was awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Paul G. Vess Award for Avionics Marine of the Year.

On April 8, 2019 U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyle M. LeClair, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, was awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Paul G. Vess Award for Avionics Marine of the Year.

Photo by Cpl. Eric Tso

Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III, answers questions during a press conference following the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 31, 2019. Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith passed his duties as the commanding general of III MEF onto Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III. Clardy arrived from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness where he served as the Military Deputy.

Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III, answers questions during a press conference following the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 31, 2019. Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith passed his duties as the commanding general of III MEF onto Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III. Clardy arrived from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness where he served as the Military Deputy.

Photo by Pfc. Francesca de la Reza

U.S. Marines with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Radio Battalion conduct a surf passage training event during a Radio Reconnaissance Operator Course, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 2, 2019. The course aimed to maintain the units' combat readiness and effectiveness, along with increasing cohesion between the three battalions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Luke Kuennen)

U.S. Marines with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Radio Battalion conduct a surf passage training event during a Radio Reconnaissance Operator Course, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 2, 2019. The course aimed to maintain the units' combat readiness and effectiveness, along with increasing cohesion between the three battalions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Luke Kuennen)

Photo by Cpl. Luke Kuennen

Lance Cpl. Allen Yang, a radio operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, assembles communications equipment during a simulated Humanitarian Assistance-Disaster Relief mission at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 1, 2019. Yang, a native of Riverside, California, graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. High School in June 2017 before enlisting December 2017. CLB-31 provides security, logistics, transportation, and HADR support as the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU partnering with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harrison C. Rakhshani/Released)

Lance Cpl. Allen Yang, a radio operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, assembles communications equipment during a simulated Humanitarian Assistance-Disaster Relief mission at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 1, 2019. Yang, a native of Riverside, California, graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. High School in June 2017 before enlisting December 2017. CLB-31 provides security, logistics, transportation, and HADR support as the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU partnering with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harrison C. Rakhshani/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Harrison C. Rakhshani

Col. Robert Brodie, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sgt. Maj. Edwin Mota, 31st MEU sergeant major, listen in on a confirmation brief during MEU Exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2018. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Crops photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks)

Col. Robert Brodie, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sgt. Maj. Edwin Mota, 31st MEU sergeant major, listen in on a confirmation brief during MEU Exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2018. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Crops photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks

9 mm ammunition sits inside an ammunition canister during a live fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. S-4 logisticians with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ensure the proper caliber and quantity of ammunition is available for Marines to effectively train. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner D. Lambert)

9 mm ammunition sits inside an ammunition canister during a live fire range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. S-4 logisticians with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ensure the proper caliber and quantity of ammunition is available for Marines to effectively train. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner D. Lambert)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner Lambert

Cpl. John Stone, a meteorology and oceanography analyst forecaster with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses a computer at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2019. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle P. Bunyi/Released)

Cpl. John Stone, a meteorology and oceanography analyst forecaster with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, uses a computer at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2019. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle P. Bunyi/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Bunyi

Lance Cpl. Tayvion Smith, a legal clerk with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, reads a book at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 11, 2019. Smith, a native of Columbus, Ohio, enlisted in November of 2017 after graduating from Eastmoore Academy. He joined for the camaraderie and to continue his education. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo be Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks/Released)

Lance Cpl. Tayvion Smith, a legal clerk with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, reads a book at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 11, 2019. Smith, a native of Columbus, Ohio, enlisted in November of 2017 after graduating from Eastmoore Academy. He joined for the camaraderie and to continue his education. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo be Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks

Australian Army Pvt. James McLennan discusses operations with Philippine Army Capt. Alger Depositario, the project officer, at Victor O' De Guia Jr. Memorial Elementary School in Balian, Pangil, Laguna, Philippines, March 27, 2019, as part of Exercise Balikatan. Marines with Engineer Company A, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, are working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defence Force to build a classroom. Balikatan, in its 35th iteration, is an annual exercise between the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines that allows the two countries to strengthen relationships, increase interoperability, and support local communities. McLennan, a combat engineer with 6th Engineer Support Regiment, 6th Combat Support Brigade, is a native of Brisbane, Australia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mark Fike)

Australian Army Pvt. James McLennan discusses operations with Philippine Army Capt. Alger Depositario, the project officer, at Victor O' De Guia Jr. Memorial Elementary School in Balian, Pangil, Laguna, Philippines, March 27, 2019, as part of Exercise Balikatan. Marines with Engineer Company A, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, are working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defence Force to build a classroom. Balikatan, in its 35th iteration, is an annual exercise between the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines that allows the two countries to strengthen relationships, increase interoperability, and support local communities. McLennan, a combat engineer with 6th Engineer Support Regiment, 6th Combat Support Brigade, is a native of Brisbane, Australia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mark Fike)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark Fike

Lance Cpl. Keven A. Temple, left, and Garrett R. Jolley, heavy equipment mechanics with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, move fork lifts into the garage for repairs at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 27, 2019. Temple, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, graduated from River City Science Academy in June 2016 before enlisting in January 2017. Temple joined the Marine Corps to follow his family legacy. Since joining the Marines, he has learned traits of good leadership, including dedication, team work and responsibility. Jolley, a native of Glenwood Spring, Colorado, graduated from Coal Ridge High School in May 2015 before enlisting in August 2018. He joined to experience team work, dedication and culture. Since enlisting he has learned more about respect to others and understanding people from different backgrounds, units and culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron E. Parks/Released)

Lance Cpl. Keven A. Temple, left, and Garrett R. Jolley, heavy equipment mechanics with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, move fork lifts into the garage for repairs at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 27, 2019. Temple, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, graduated from River City Science Academy in June 2016 before enlisting in January 2017. Temple joined the Marine Corps to follow his family legacy. Since joining the Marines, he has learned traits of good leadership, including dedication, team work and responsibility. Jolley, a native of Glenwood Spring, Colorado, graduated from Coal Ridge High School in May 2015 before enlisting in August 2018. He joined to experience team work, dedication and culture. Since enlisting he has learned more about respect to others and understanding people from different backgrounds, units and culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron E. Parks/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Julian Gonzalez, rifleman with Echo Co., 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, takes cover on a re-supply patrol during exercise Bougainville I at Kahuku Training Area, Hawaii, March 20, 2019. Bougainville I is a pre-deployment training exercise that enhances the unit’s proficiency, cohesion and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Wilson)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Julian Gonzalez, rifleman with Echo Co., 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, takes cover on a re-supply patrol during exercise Bougainville I at Kahuku Training Area, Hawaii, March 20, 2019. Bougainville I is a pre-deployment training exercise that enhances the unit’s proficiency, cohesion and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Wilson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Wilson

U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyle Bougeno with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, explains the use of a laptop and its various video feed capabilities to Royal Thai counterparts at Camp Ban Chan Khrem, the Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 19, 2018.Bougeno, a Pevely, Missouri native, serves as an intelligence analyst and a small unmanned aerial systems operator. Cobra Gold 18 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand and runs from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Robert Arellano)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyle Bougeno with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, explains the use of a laptop and its various video feed capabilities to Royal Thai counterparts at Camp Ban Chan Khrem, the Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 19, 2018.Bougeno, a Pevely, Missouri native, serves as an intelligence analyst and a small unmanned aerial systems operator. Cobra Gold 18 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand and runs from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Robert Arellano)

Photo by Sgt. Robert Arellano

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, prepares for take-off from the flight line of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 7, 2019. This aircraft underwent a combined Planned Maintenance Interval (PMI) and H-53 Reset event at Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific. Combining the CH-53E PMI and reset events greatly reduces the amount of time a CH-53E spends out of service allowing the aircraft to be available for operational commitments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Ethan LeBlanc)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, prepares for take-off from the flight line of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 7, 2019. This aircraft underwent a combined Planned Maintenance Interval (PMI) and H-53 Reset event at Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific. Combining the CH-53E PMI and reset events greatly reduces the amount of time a CH-53E spends out of service allowing the aircraft to be available for operational commitments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Ethan LeBlanc)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Madeline Jones

U.S. Navy Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Nancy Guillermo meets a local girl before a community relations event in support of Exercise Balikatan at Calangitan Elementary School in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, April 23, 2018. Guillermo is with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and is a 30-year-old native of Queens, NY. Balikatan 34-2018, in its 34th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism and other combined military operations held from May 7 to 18. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew J. Bragg)

U.S. Navy Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Nancy Guillermo meets a local girl before a community relations event in support of Exercise Balikatan at Calangitan Elementary School in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, April 23, 2018. Guillermo is with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and is a 30-year-old native of Queens, NY. Balikatan 34-2018, in its 34th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism and other combined military operations held from May 7 to 18. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew J. Bragg)

Photo by Sgt. Matthew Bragg

HP_Banner_MilOneSource.jpg.png

III Marine Expeditionary Force