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

U.S. Marine Corps, Army and Navy World War II veterans render honors during the 74th Annual Reunion of Honor ceremony March 23, 2019 at Iwo To, Japan. Dozens of WWII veterans and veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima took part in the ceremony. The Reunion of Honor ceremony is held annually to commemorate the heroism and sacrifices made by service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

U.S. Marine Corps, Army and Navy World War II veterans render honors during the 74th Annual Reunion of Honor ceremony March 23, 2019 at Iwo To, Japan. Dozens of WWII veterans and veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima took part in the ceremony. The Reunion of Honor ceremony is held annually to commemorate the heroism and sacrifices made by service members during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers set up an antenna for the tactical operations center at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 15, 2019. Communication between the TOC and forward ground elements was essential for successful coordination of forces throughout the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew R. Bray)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers set up an antenna for the tactical operations center at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 15, 2019. Communication between the TOC and forward ground elements was essential for successful coordination of forces throughout the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew R. Bray)

Photo by Pfc. Andrew R Bray

Senior Chief Mark Sawyer, a master diver with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, monitors Marines from inside a Standard Navy Double Lock Hyperbaric Recompression Chamber (SNDLRCS) at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2019. Sawyer observed the Marines to ensure their safety while in a SNDLRCS during a training scenario to simulate the pressure felt when diving up to 60 feet in order to enhance combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall/Released)

Senior Chief Mark Sawyer, a master diver with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, monitors Marines from inside a Standard Navy Double Lock Hyperbaric Recompression Chamber (SNDLRCS) at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2019. Sawyer observed the Marines to ensure their safety while in a SNDLRCS during a training scenario to simulate the pressure felt when diving up to 60 feet in order to enhance combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall

The Reunion of Honor ceremony is a testament to the strength of our alliance which has developed over 74 years. Marines and Sailors from the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in Okinawa, will stand side by side with officials from the Government of Japan as a symbol of unity and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Cpl. Ryan Harvey)

The Reunion of Honor ceremony is a testament to the strength of our alliance which has developed over 74 years. Marines and Sailors from the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in Okinawa, will stand side by side with officials from the Government of Japan as a symbol of unity and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Cpl. Ryan Harvey)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Harvey

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nancy Guillermo, a religious program specialist with 1st Marine Aircraft wing, stands at attention on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 5, 2019. Guillermo was highlighted for being a Sailor of outstanding quality. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall)

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nancy Guillermo, a religious program specialist with 1st Marine Aircraft wing, stands at attention on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 5, 2019. Guillermo was highlighted for being a Sailor of outstanding quality. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Johnathan Delgado, a field artillery Marine with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, fires a M777 Howitzer in the Ojojihara Maneuver Area, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, Feb. 10, 2019. Marines with 3/12 are training in the Ojojihara Maneuver Area as part of the Artillery Relocation Training Program 18-4. ARTP is a routine training exercise that allows Okinawa-based Marines to conduct live-fire training in Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Ayers)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Johnathan Delgado, a field artillery Marine with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, fires a M777 Howitzer in the Ojojihara Maneuver Area, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, Feb. 10, 2019. Marines with 3/12 are training in the Ojojihara Maneuver Area as part of the Artillery Relocation Training Program 18-4. ARTP is a routine training exercise that allows Okinawa-based Marines to conduct live-fire training in Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Ayers)

Photo by Pfc. Christian Ayers

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Maura Hennigan speaks to Royal members of Thai Armed Forces and U.S. Marines during the landmine disposal exercise closing ceremony of Cobra Gold 19 Feb. 21, 2019 in the Kingdom of Thailand. U.S. Marines assisted the Royal Thai Armed Forces in successfully disposing over 5,000 landmines over two weeks. Hennigan, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, is a native of Long Island, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jamin M. Powell)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Maura Hennigan speaks to Royal members of Thai Armed Forces and U.S. Marines during the landmine disposal exercise closing ceremony of Cobra Gold 19 Feb. 21, 2019 in the Kingdom of Thailand. U.S. Marines assisted the Royal Thai Armed Forces in successfully disposing over 5,000 landmines over two weeks. Hennigan, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, is a native of Long Island, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jamin M. Powell)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jamin Powell

U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force service members discuss defensive cyber operations during the cyber range as part of exercise Cobra Gold at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 20, 2019. The cyber range is a bilateral simulated computer exercise that focuses on identifying critical vulnerabilities within a network and working together to correct those deficiencies. Cobra Gold demonstrates the commitment of the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States to our long-standing alliance, promotes regional partnerships and advances security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Bragg)

U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force service members discuss defensive cyber operations during the cyber range as part of exercise Cobra Gold at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 20, 2019. The cyber range is a bilateral simulated computer exercise that focuses on identifying critical vulnerabilities within a network and working together to correct those deficiencies. Cobra Gold demonstrates the commitment of the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States to our long-standing alliance, promotes regional partnerships and advances security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Bragg)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Bragg

Then, Lance Cpl. Craig Johnson, right, and Lance Cpl. Veronica Johnson, left, pose for a photo at their wedding. The Johnsons have been married for over 23 years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been in the Marine Corps for a cumulative 52 years and 26 years each. (Photo provided by Master Gunnery Sgt. Craig Johnson)

Then, Lance Cpl. Craig Johnson, right, and Lance Cpl. Veronica Johnson, left, pose for a photo at their wedding. The Johnsons have been married for over 23 years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been in the Marine Corps for a cumulative 52 years and 26 years each. (Photo provided by Master Gunnery Sgt. Craig Johnson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall

Capt. Jordan Vargas, a platoon commander for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Maritime Raid Force, speaks with a crowd before a tactical display of a vehicle interdiction during a community engagement event at Naval Air Museum Barbers Point, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 19, 2019. The event gave the Marines of the MRF the opportunity to build a relationship with the community. There were static displays of the Marines and their gear, a breaching display and a tactical demonstration of a high value target interdiction. 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 Cpl. Isaac Cantrell/Released)

Capt. Jordan Vargas, a platoon commander for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Maritime Raid Force, speaks with a crowd before a tactical display of a vehicle interdiction during a community engagement event at Naval Air Museum Barbers Point, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 19, 2019. The event gave the Marines of the MRF the opportunity to build a relationship with the community. There were static displays of the Marines and their gear, a breaching display and a tactical demonstration of a high value target interdiction. 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 Cpl. Isaac Cantrell/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell

Pfc. Gilberto Loza-Machado pulls on a fuel hose to be attached to a meter on Jan. 28, 2019 at Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, assembled several fuel sites across the CTA to enhance their training and readiness within a harsh environment. The Marines set up and maintained their bulk fuel equipment during a week-long training evolution. Loza-Machado, a native of San Bernardino, California, is a bulk fuel specialist with 2nd Plt., Bulk Fuel Co., 9th ESB, 3rd MLG. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Armando Elizalde)

Pfc. Gilberto Loza-Machado pulls on a fuel hose to be attached to a meter on Jan. 28, 2019 at Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, assembled several fuel sites across the CTA to enhance their training and readiness within a harsh environment. The Marines set up and maintained their bulk fuel equipment during a week-long training evolution. Loza-Machado, a native of San Bernardino, California, is a bulk fuel specialist with 2nd Plt., Bulk Fuel Co., 9th ESB, 3rd MLG. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Armando Elizalde)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Armando Elizalde

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Adrian J. Willis, a computer technician with 7th Communications Battalion, pictured here aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, is one of the Marines that utilize 3D printing technology to expand capabilities within the unit. Willis, from Las Vegas, Nev., is in charge of expanding the printer’s capabilities and establishing the standard operating procedures for the printer in order to implement and track its impact in the unit. (Photo by United States Marine Corps Cpl. George Melendez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Adrian J. Willis, a computer technician with 7th Communications Battalion, pictured here aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, is one of the Marines that utilize 3D printing technology to expand capabilities within the unit. Willis, from Las Vegas, Nev., is in charge of expanding the printer’s capabilities and establishing the standard operating procedures for the printer in order to implement and track its impact in the unit. (Photo by United States Marine Corps Cpl. George Melendez)

Photo by Cpl. George Melendez

Cpl. Malon Johnson is a combat engineer with Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon, Bridge Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Johnson earned his license as a bridge erection boat (BEB) operator after being tested on a series of maneuvers Jan. 29, 2019 at Naha Military Port. BEBs are used to move and connect Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) bays, which is a tactical bridging system that can span across bodies of water greater than 100 meters. Tactical bridging, specifically wet-gap crossing, is a unique function within logistics combat element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and ensures mobility across rivers and waterways throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations. Johnson is a native of San Francisco, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Cpl. Malon Johnson is a combat engineer with Improved Ribbon Bridge Platoon, Bridge Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Johnson earned his license as a bridge erection boat (BEB) operator after being tested on a series of maneuvers Jan. 29, 2019 at Naha Military Port. BEBs are used to move and connect Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) bays, which is a tactical bridging system that can span across bodies of water greater than 100 meters. Tactical bridging, specifically wet-gap crossing, is a unique function within logistics combat element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and ensures mobility across rivers and waterways throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations. Johnson is a native of San Francisco, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards

Maj. William Easter, left, a theatre security cooperation officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force, receives a letter of appreciation from Masaharu Noguni, the Mayor of Chatan, right, at the Chatan Town Office, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 22, 2019. Mayor Noguni presented Easter with the award for aiding in the rescue of a pregnant woman who was a quarter of a mile away from the shoreline struggling to swim ashore. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall)

Maj. William Easter, left, a theatre security cooperation officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force, receives a letter of appreciation from Masaharu Noguni, the Mayor of Chatan, right, at the Chatan Town Office, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 22, 2019. Mayor Noguni presented Easter with the award for aiding in the rescue of a pregnant woman who was a quarter of a mile away from the shoreline struggling to swim ashore. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hall

United States Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sterling Elliot, the Operations Officer with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, pictured here aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, was one of seven Marines who acted quickly to save an U.S. Airman’s life following a recent motorcycle accident Dec. 31, 2018. Elliot, a native of Katy, Texas, stayed with the injured airman providing body support stabilization, he also flew back with the injured airman on the helicopter to the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa as an escort. (Photo by United States Marine Corps Cpl. George Melendez)

United States Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sterling Elliot, the Operations Officer with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, pictured here aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, was one of seven Marines who acted quickly to save an U.S. Airman’s life following a recent motorcycle accident Dec. 31, 2018. Elliot, a native of Katy, Texas, stayed with the injured airman providing body support stabilization, he also flew back with the injured airman on the helicopter to the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa as an escort. (Photo by United States Marine Corps Cpl. George Melendez)

Photo by Cpl. George Melendez

This photo provided by the Marine Corps shows Brig. Gen. William Forney, former 1st MAW commanding general from 1992 to 1994, who served 30 years in the Marine Corps. On Dec. 25, 2018, Forney passed away in Panama City, Florida at the age of 76. His decorations are the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V"; Air Medal with Numeral 8; and the Combat Action Ribbon. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

This photo provided by the Marine Corps shows Brig. Gen. William Forney, former 1st MAW commanding general from 1992 to 1994, who served 30 years in the Marine Corps. On Dec. 25, 2018, Forney passed away in Panama City, Florida at the age of 76. His decorations are the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V"; Air Medal with Numeral 8; and the Combat Action Ribbon. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

Photo by Curtesy Photo

Sgt. Maj. Bryan M. Alfaro, the incoming sergeant major of Combat Logistics Battalion 31, salutes Lt. Col. Christopher Johnson, the battalion’s commander, during a Relief and Appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. During the ceremony, Alfaro assumed the sword of office from Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gasser. CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 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)

Sgt. Maj. Bryan M. Alfaro, the incoming sergeant major of Combat Logistics Battalion 31, salutes Lt. Col. Christopher Johnson, the battalion’s commander, during a Relief and Appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. During the ceremony, Alfaro assumed the sword of office from Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gasser. CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 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 Cpl. Luis Velez

The Combat Logistics Battalion 31 Color Guard takes center stage during a Relief and Appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gasser relinquished the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Bryan Alfaro. CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 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)

The Combat Logistics Battalion 31 Color Guard takes center stage during a Relief and Appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gasser relinquished the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Bryan Alfaro. CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 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 Cpl. Luis Velez

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31 stand in formation during a Relief and Appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gasser relinquished the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Bryan Alfaro. 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)

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31 stand in formation during a Relief and Appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2019. CLB-31 is the Logistics Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gasser relinquished the sword of office to Sgt. Maj. Bryan Alfaro. 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 Cpl. Luis Velez

A sketch map and 5.56 mm rounds sit ready for use by Lance Cpl. Martin Roslies, a designated marksman and rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, during training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2019. Roslies, a native of Yuba City, California, graduated from Henley High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon before enlisting in June 2015. Designated marksmen and machine gunners with Charlie Company fired more than 13,000 rounds during the training, refining their abilities with the M240B medium machine gun and M38 designated marksmen rifle as part of BLT 1/4, the Ground Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 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 Gunnery Sgt. T. T. Parish/Released)

A sketch map and 5.56 mm rounds sit ready for use by Lance Cpl. Martin Roslies, a designated marksman and rifleman with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, during training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2019. Roslies, a native of Yuba City, California, graduated from Henley High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon before enlisting in June 2015. Designated marksmen and machine gunners with Charlie Company fired more than 13,000 rounds during the training, refining their abilities with the M240B medium machine gun and M38 designated marksmen rifle as part of BLT 1/4, the Ground Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 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 Gunnery Sgt. T. T. Parish/Released)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. T. T. Parish

HP_Banner_MilOneSource.jpg.png

III Marine Expeditionary Force