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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Raquel R. Davila receives the Earle Hattaway Marine Aviation Ground Officer of the Year Award at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. The Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded Davila for working well to provide aircrafts with parts they needed in order to complete their mission. “I am very much humbled about someone watching my work and thinking that it’s great and I’m appreciative of all the opportunities that were given to me,” said Davila. Davila, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is a Supply Response Division officer in charge of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Raquel R. Davila receives the Earle Hattaway Marine Aviation Ground Officer of the Year Award at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. The Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded Davila for working well to provide aircrafts with parts they needed in order to complete their mission. “I am very much humbled about someone watching my work and thinking that it’s great and I’m appreciative of all the opportunities that were given to me,” said Davila. Davila, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is a Supply Response Division officer in charge of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Lee Bennett receives the Paul G. Vess Avionics Marine of the Year award at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. The Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded Bennett for his work in repairing the electrical wiring in the avionic system for the V-22 Osprey. “I got the award but we’ve got a pretty good group of guys making this happen,” said Bennett. Bennet, a native of Havelock, North Carolina, is a V-22 avionics technician with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 265, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Lee Bennett receives the Paul G. Vess Avionics Marine of the Year award at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. The Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded Bennett for his work in repairing the electrical wiring in the avionic system for the V-22 Osprey. “I got the award but we’ve got a pretty good group of guys making this happen,” said Bennett. Bennet, a native of Havelock, North Carolina, is a V-22 avionics technician with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 265, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ortega

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Justin Tyler Johnson receives the Jack W. Demmond Aviation Ground Marine of the Year award at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. The Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded Johnson for his efforts in transporting Marines and their gear to and from locations by air, land, and sea. “I was excited,” said Johnson. “I wasn’t really expecting it. I just do my job the best way I can.” Johnson, a native of Pensacola, Florida, is an embarkation chief with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Justin Tyler Johnson receives the Jack W. Demmond Aviation Ground Marine of the Year award at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. The Marine Corps Aviation Association awarded Johnson for his efforts in transporting Marines and their gear to and from locations by air, land, and sea. “I was excited,” said Johnson. “I wasn’t really expecting it. I just do my job the best way I can.” Johnson, a native of Pensacola, Florida, is an embarkation chief with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hike up a hill at Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2017. The Marines, non-commissioned officers with the MEU, visited World War II battle sites throughout Okinawa as part of a Marine Corps Community Services tour that was intended to boost morale throughout the NCO corps of the 31st MEU and sharpen the Marines’ mental readiness. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hike up a hill at Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2017. The Marines, non-commissioned officers with the MEU, visited World War II battle sites throughout Okinawa as part of a Marine Corps Community Services tour that was intended to boost morale throughout the NCO corps of the 31st MEU and sharpen the Marines’ mental readiness. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hike through Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2017. The Marines, non-commissioned officers with the MEU, visited World War II battle sites throughout Okinawa as part of a Marine Corps Community Services tour that was intended to boost morale throughout the NCO corps of the 31st MEU and sharpen the Marines’ mental readiness. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hike through Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2017. The Marines, non-commissioned officers with the MEU, visited World War II battle sites throughout Okinawa as part of a Marine Corps Community Services tour that was intended to boost morale throughout the NCO corps of the 31st MEU and sharpen the Marines’ mental readiness. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hike down a hill at Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2017. The Marines, non-commissioned officers with the MEU, visited World War II battle sites throughout Okinawa as part of a Marine Corps Community Services tour that was intended to boost morale throughout the NCO corps of the 31st MEU and sharpen the Marines’ mental readiness. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hike down a hill at Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2017. The Marines, non-commissioned officers with the MEU, visited World War II battle sites throughout Okinawa as part of a Marine Corps Community Services tour that was intended to boost morale throughout the NCO corps of the 31st MEU and sharpen the Marines’ mental readiness. As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed unit, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s air-ground-logistics team provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards)

Photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards

Sgt. Andrew Mattson, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 3d Maintenance Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, teaches a child from the Young Marines program how to use the operating control unit to a wireless robot platform used for ordnance disposal during the Young Marines Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The field meet showcased interactive hands-on displays of various equipment Marines use. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

Sgt. Andrew Mattson, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 3d Maintenance Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, teaches a child from the Young Marines program how to use the operating control unit to a wireless robot platform used for ordnance disposal during the Young Marines Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The field meet showcased interactive hands-on displays of various equipment Marines use. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm

Local Okinawan children cheer as a military working dog is brought out for a demonstration during the Young Marine Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The field meet allowed local Okinawan children and children of the Young Marines program to work together as a team to overcome obstacles and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

Local Okinawan children cheer as a military working dog is brought out for a demonstration during the Young Marine Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The field meet allowed local Okinawan children and children of the Young Marines program to work together as a team to overcome obstacles and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm

Local Okinawan children and children of the Young Marines program participate in a team effort exercise while attending the Young Marine Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The meet included team building exercises which allowed interaction between local Okinawan children and American children who are in the YMP. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

Local Okinawan children and children of the Young Marines program participate in a team effort exercise while attending the Young Marine Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The meet included team building exercises which allowed interaction between local Okinawan children and American children who are in the YMP. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm

A child with the Young Marines program crawls under an obstacle while attending the Young Marine Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The field meet allowed local Okinawan children and children of the YMP to overcome obstacles and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

A child with the Young Marines program crawls under an obstacle while attending the Young Marine Battalion Field Meet on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2017. The field meet allowed local Okinawan children and children of the YMP to overcome obstacles and build camaraderie. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Deseree Kamm

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Eli Schmidt, left, and Pvt. Ibarra Dalurio install electrical-wire casing in a new school classroom during Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 29, 2017. Philippine service members and U.S. military engineers worked together to build new classrooms at Don Carlos Elementary School in Ormoc City. The increased interoperability between the U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines will enhance readiness of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism and other combined military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Eli Schmidt, left, and Pvt. Ibarra Dalurio install electrical-wire casing in a new school classroom during Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 29, 2017. Philippine service members and U.S. military engineers worked together to build new classrooms at Don Carlos Elementary School in Ormoc City. The increased interoperability between the U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines will enhance readiness of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism and other combined military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Castaneda

U.S. Air Force Maj. Scott Kelly speaks to local residents during a groundbreaking ceremony for Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 25, 2017. Leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. military, and Ormoc City gathered to commemorate the beginning of engineering projects for new classrooms at Margen Elementary School in Ormoc City. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counterterrorism

U.S. Air Force Maj. Scott Kelly speaks to local residents during a groundbreaking ceremony for Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 25, 2017. Leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. military, and Ormoc City gathered to commemorate the beginning of engineering projects for new classrooms at Margen Elementary School in Ormoc City. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counterterrorism

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas Whitworth helps a Filipino boy with chin ups during a groundbreaking ceremony for Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 25, 2017. Leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. military, and Ormoc City gathered to commemorate the beginning of engineering projects for new classrooms at Don Carlos Elementary School in Ormoc City. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas Whitworth helps a Filipino boy with chin ups during a groundbreaking ceremony for Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 25, 2017. Leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. military, and Ormoc City gathered to commemorate the beginning of engineering projects for new classrooms at Don Carlos Elementary School in Ormoc City. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

Maj. Christopher A. Denver was honored as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Aviator of the Year Award recipient last month at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The Alfred A. Cunningham Award (Marine Aviator of the Year) first recognizes the top aviator in each MAW, and then identifies an overall winner from those finalists. The Marine Corps Aviation Association announced Capt. Hugh E. Anderson, assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd MAW, as the winner of the Marine Corps wide Aviator of the Year. Denver, from San Antonio, Texas, is the executive officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, MAG 36, 1st MAW.

Maj. Christopher A. Denver was honored as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Aviator of the Year Award recipient last month at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The Alfred A. Cunningham Award (Marine Aviator of the Year) first recognizes the top aviator in each MAW, and then identifies an overall winner from those finalists. The Marine Corps Aviation Association announced Capt. Hugh E. Anderson, assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd MAW, as the winner of the Marine Corps wide Aviator of the Year. Denver, from San Antonio, Texas, is the executive officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, MAG 36, 1st MAW.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bernadette Wildes

Filipino children wave U.S. and Philippine flags during a groundbreaking ceremony for Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 25, 2017. Leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. military, and Ormoc City gathered to commemorate the beginning of engineering projects for new classrooms at Margen Elementary School in Ormoc City. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counterterrorism.

Filipino children wave U.S. and Philippine flags during a groundbreaking ceremony for Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc City, Leyte, April 25, 2017. Leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. military, and Ormoc City gathered to commemorate the beginning of engineering projects for new classrooms at Margen Elementary School in Ormoc City. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and counterterrorism.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Petter Reft

Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez stands ready to receive the noncommissioned officer sword, symbolizing his appointment as III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, during a ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2017. Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. relinquished his post to Marquez and retired after enlisting out of Wheeling, West Virginia, 32 years ago. Marquez is a native of Lakewood, California.

Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez stands ready to receive the noncommissioned officer sword, symbolizing his appointment as III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, during a ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2017. Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. relinquished his post to Marquez and retired after enlisting out of Wheeling, West Virginia, 32 years ago. Marquez is a native of Lakewood, California.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. says farewell during his relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2017. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, a native of Lakewood, California, took his place as the III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. says farewell during his relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 12, 2017. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, a native of Lakewood, California, took his place as the III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar hands off the sword of office to III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson during the III MEF sergeant major relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on May 12, 2017. The ceremony took place to relieve Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. of his duties as the III MEF sergeant major and to appoint Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez in his place. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after serving 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar hands off the sword of office to III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson during the III MEF sergeant major relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on May 12, 2017. The ceremony took place to relieve Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. of his duties as the III MEF sergeant major and to appoint Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez in his place. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after serving 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar hands off the sword of office to III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson during the III MEF sergeant major relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on May 12, 2017. The ceremony took place to relieve Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. of his duties as the III MEF sergeant major and to appoint Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez in his place. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after serving 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar hands off the sword of office to III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson during the III MEF sergeant major relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on May 12, 2017. The ceremony took place to relieve Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. of his duties as the III MEF sergeant major and to appoint Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez in his place. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after serving 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar hands off the sword of office to III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson during the III MEF sergeant major relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on May 12, 2017. The ceremony took place to relieve Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. of his duties as the III MEF sergeant major and to appoint Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez in his place. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after serving 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar hands off the sword of office to III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson during the III MEF sergeant major relief, appointment, and retirement ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on May 12, 2017. The ceremony took place to relieve Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr. of his duties as the III MEF sergeant major and to appoint Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez in his place. Bonar, who enlisted out of Wheeling, West Virginia, retired after serving 32 years of honorable and faithful service.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Plouffe

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III Marine Expeditionary Force