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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Band perform, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo during the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Band perform, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo during the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann

Members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann

Staff Sgt. Ronald Orange participates in the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival, Nov.16, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Orange is the drum major in the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Staff Sgt. Ronald Orange participates in the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival, Nov.16, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Orange is the drum major in the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann

Members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Members of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann

Cpl. Matthew Kitzen-Abelson performs, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. Kitzen-Abelson, from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, is a trumpet player for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Cpl. Matthew Kitzen-Abelson performs, Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the United States, Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. Kitzen-Abelson, from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, is a trumpet player for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Band, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, and the U.S. Army Japan Band, perform Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo during the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the U.S., Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Band, the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, and the U.S. Army Japan Band, perform Nov. 14, 2017, at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo during the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Band Festival. The festival provides an opportunity for military bands from the U.S., Thailand, and Japan to bond through music and military culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann)

Photo by Cpl. Andrew Neumann

Marines and members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force pose for a group photo after an educational event held at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on Nov. 8, 2017.The event was held to educate service members of the JGSDF about the Marine Corps rank structure and the roles and duties of a senior enlisted service member. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales)

Marines and members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force pose for a group photo after an educational event held at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on Nov. 8, 2017.The event was held to educate service members of the JGSDF about the Marine Corps rank structure and the roles and duties of a senior enlisted service member. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales)

Photo by Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales

An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial system with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3) , conducts a landing approach during a training event at Landing Zone Westfield, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Oct. 18, 2017. The purpose of the event is to conduct UAS operations with a minimal amount of personnel and equipment after flying a system in by KC-130J in order to operate immediately within a short amount of time. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabelo Tabanguil)

An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial system with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3) , conducts a landing approach during a training event at Landing Zone Westfield, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Oct. 18, 2017. The purpose of the event is to conduct UAS operations with a minimal amount of personnel and equipment after flying a system in by KC-130J in order to operate immediately within a short amount of time. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabelo Tabanguil)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Isabelo Tabanguil

Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, speaks about his experience at the Las Vegas shooting during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulvedatorres)

Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, speaks about his experience at the Las Vegas shooting during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulvedatorres)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen

U.S. Marines pose for a group photo after finishing the live fire platoon attack range during Exercise Fuji Viper, at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, October 20, 2017. The platoon conducted fire and maneuver drills to simulate closing with an enemy that has occupied their defensive position. Fuji Viper is a training exercise where Marines conduct live fire and non-live fire combined arms training in order to sustain combat proficiency and improve the lethality of the Marines in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. The Marine are with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. 1/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as part of the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe)

U.S. Marines pose for a group photo after finishing the live fire platoon attack range during Exercise Fuji Viper, at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, October 20, 2017. The platoon conducted fire and maneuver drills to simulate closing with an enemy that has occupied their defensive position. Fuji Viper is a training exercise where Marines conduct live fire and non-live fire combined arms training in order to sustain combat proficiency and improve the lethality of the Marines in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. The Marine are with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. 1/8 is attached to 3rd Marine Division as part of the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Yesterday III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific completed the process of removing the CH-53E Super Stallion that conducted an emergency landing on Okinawa, Japan. Our Marines worked closely with local officials and Japanese police to remove the debris and clear all military equipment from the site before 9:00 pm. The Marines plan to return to the site next week to conduct a walk-through to ensure nothing was missed during the deteriorating weather conditions caused by the pending Typhoon Lan.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Yesterday III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific completed the process of removing the CH-53E Super Stallion that conducted an emergency landing on Okinawa, Japan. Our Marines worked closely with local officials and Japanese police to remove the debris and clear all military equipment from the site before 9:00 pm. The Marines plan to return to the site next week to conduct a walk-through to ensure nothing was missed during the deteriorating weather conditions caused by the pending Typhoon Lan.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan –CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters stationed here will resume normal flight operations Wed, Oct. 18, following government of Japan and Okinawa Prefectural Government leadership notification.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan –CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters stationed here will resume normal flight operations Wed, Oct. 18, following government of Japan and Okinawa Prefectural Government leadership notification.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, directed a 96-hour operational pause this morning for all CH-53E Super Stallions helicopters stationed in Okinawa, Japan to ensure CH-53E readiness and the safe conduct of our aviation community.

We will conduct a thorough investigation working closely with aircrew and maintenance experts to determine the cause of the incident. We will continue to share information with the government of Japan as details become available, while understanding that the investigation must be protected and cannot be released until complete.

III MEF is working with Japanese agencies toward the cleanup and removal of the aircraft. We are in the process of conducting an initial survey at the location to determine the most viable platform and method of aircraft recovery, stressing the importance of safety and protection to the environment.

“This is a regrettable incident, and after the investigation is complete, those with property damage as a result of this incident will be appropriately compensated,” said Nicholson. "I want to thank the local Japanese first responders who helped secure the scene quickly and safely, the members of the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Squadron 21 who evacuated our crew members, and those moving the aircraft safely today. I also want to thank everyone for the concern shown for our pilots, the local community members, and their understanding of the risks both Japanese and U.S. military men and women take daily as part of our vital responsibility to provide for the defense of Japan."

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, directed a 96-hour operational pause this morning for all CH-53E Super Stallions helicopters stationed in Okinawa, Japan to ensure CH-53E readiness and the safe conduct of our aviation community. We will conduct a thorough investigation working closely with aircrew and maintenance experts to determine the cause of the incident. We will continue to share information with the government of Japan as details become available, while understanding that the investigation must be protected and cannot be released until complete. III MEF is working with Japanese agencies toward the cleanup and removal of the aircraft. We are in the process of conducting an initial survey at the location to determine the most viable platform and method of aircraft recovery, stressing the importance of safety and protection to the environment. “This is a regrettable incident, and after the investigation is complete, those with property damage as a result of this incident will be appropriately compensated,” said Nicholson. "I want to thank the local Japanese first responders who helped secure the scene quickly and safely, the members of the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Squadron 21 who evacuated our crew members, and those moving the aircraft safely today. I also want to thank everyone for the concern shown for our pilots, the local community members, and their understanding of the risks both Japanese and U.S. military men and women take daily as part of our vital responsibility to provide for the defense of Japan."

Photo by Lance Cpl. Rosales

U.S. Marines with Amphibious Assault Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, embark Assault Amphibious Vehicles onto the Philippine Navy’s BRP Tarlac (LD 601) during exercise KAMANDAG, Subic Bay, Philippines, October 2, 2017. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist and humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb T. Maher)

U.S. Marines with Amphibious Assault Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, embark Assault Amphibious Vehicles onto the Philippine Navy’s BRP Tarlac (LD 601) during exercise KAMANDAG, Subic Bay, Philippines, October 2, 2017. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist and humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb T. Maher)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Caleb T. Maher

A color guard comprised of U.S. and Philippine Marines present their national colors at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig, Philippines, Oct. 2, to celebrate the beginning of KAMANDAG. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase "Kaagapay Ng Maddirigma Ng Dagat," which translates to "Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea." This bilateral exercise increases the ability of the U.S. and the Philippines to rapidly respond to terrorist threats or humanitarian crises. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan Maysonet)

A color guard comprised of U.S. and Philippine Marines present their national colors at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig, Philippines, Oct. 2, to celebrate the beginning of KAMANDAG. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase "Kaagapay Ng Maddirigma Ng Dagat," which translates to "Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea." This bilateral exercise increases the ability of the U.S. and the Philippines to rapidly respond to terrorist threats or humanitarian crises. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan Maysonet)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan Maysonet

Two MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepare to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team.

Two MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepare to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team.

Photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – – A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter
belonging to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was conducting regularly scheduled training when it was forced to
make an emergency landing at a field outside the Northern Training Area due to an inflight fire at
approximately 5:20 pm today. There were no injuries to the crew or civilians as a result of this incident.
Local first responders attended to the incident quickly and extinguished the fire.
The cause of this incident is under investigation and there is limited information at this time. We are
currently working with local and military police to secure the site for follow on investigation and
everyone's safety. Additional details will be released when information is available.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – – A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter belonging to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was conducting regularly scheduled training when it was forced to make an emergency landing at a field outside the Northern Training Area due to an inflight fire at approximately 5:20 pm today. There were no injuries to the crew or civilians as a result of this incident. Local first responders attended to the incident quickly and extinguished the fire. The cause of this incident is under investigation and there is limited information at this time. We are currently working with local and military police to secure the site for follow on investigation and everyone's safety. Additional details will be released when information is available.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge Rosales

A CH-53 Super Stallion lands in a field at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., during a formation flight, Sept. 25, 2017. The formation flight allowed the Marines to showcase their ability to plan and execute an eight-aircraft formation. The Marines are with HMHT-302. (Marine Corps Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara)

A CH-53 Super Stallion lands in a field at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., during a formation flight, Sept. 25, 2017. The formation flight allowed the Marines to showcase their ability to plan and execute an eight-aircraft formation. The Marines are with HMHT-302. (Marine Corps Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara)

Photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara

Sgt. Maj. Mario Marquez, sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, volunteered at the Tour de Tohoku, an annual charity bicycle tour along the coast of mainland Japan Sept. 17, 2017. Marquez volunteered at the tour and visited with the people of Ishinomaki City and Kesennuma City, where he and his previous unit provided humanitarian assistance after the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Sgt. Maj. Mario Marquez, sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, volunteered at the Tour de Tohoku, an annual charity bicycle tour along the coast of mainland Japan Sept. 17, 2017. Marquez volunteered at the tour and visited with the people of Ishinomaki City and Kesennuma City, where he and his previous unit provided humanitarian assistance after the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards

Members of the U.S. and Sri Lanka Navy came together for the opening ceremony of Sri Lanka Health Engagement 17 at Naval Base Welisara, Sri Lanka, Sept. 11, 2017. During SLHE-17, U.S. Navy Corpsmen will train members of the Sri Lanka Navy to conduct their own Combat Life Saver classes to further develop their medical capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Members of the U.S. and Sri Lanka Navy came together for the opening ceremony of Sri Lanka Health Engagement 17 at Naval Base Welisara, Sri Lanka, Sept. 11, 2017. During SLHE-17, U.S. Navy Corpsmen will train members of the Sri Lanka Navy to conduct their own Combat Life Saver classes to further develop their medical capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez

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III Marine Expeditionary Force