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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, stand at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, is the outgoing sergeant major of 1st MAW and will soon assume his post as III MEF sergeant major. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, stand at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, is the outgoing sergeant major of 1st MAW and will soon assume his post as III MEF sergeant major. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase

Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, bow their heads during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, was relieved as sergeant major of 1st MAW and will assume his post as III MEF sergeant major as his next assignment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, bow their heads during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, was relieved as sergeant major of 1st MAW and will assume his post as III MEF sergeant major as his next assignment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase

Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez turns over the sword of office to Maj. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, was the previous sergeant major of 1st MAW. Sanborn, from Gainesville, Florida, is the commanding general of 1st MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez turns over the sword of office to Maj. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, was the previous sergeant major of 1st MAW. Sanborn, from Gainesville, Florida, is the commanding general of 1st MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase

Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, addresses attendees during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, was the previous sergeant major of 1st MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, addresses attendees during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2017. Relief and appointment ceremonies are part of the Marine Corps’ tradition in passing leadership from one to another. During the ceremony, Pritchard, from Keene, New Hampshire, was appointed sergeant major of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Sgt. Maj. Mario A. Marquez, from Lakewood, California, was the previous sergeant major of 1st MAW. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Pfc. Tyler Wechsler, a Marine with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, was found deceased by the Honolulu Police Department on a hiking trail 18 April.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Pfc. Tyler Wechsler, a Marine with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, was found deceased by the Honolulu Police Department on a hiking trail 18 April.

Photo by Cpl. Carl King

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 salutes a pilot during hot-reload training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 6, 2017. This signified the first time the squadron loaded ordnance onto a running F-35B Lightning II aircraft at the air station in order to prepare for real-world scenarios.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 salutes a pilot during hot-reload training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 6, 2017. This signified the first time the squadron loaded ordnance onto a running F-35B Lightning II aircraft at the air station in order to prepare for real-world scenarios.

Photo by (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph Abrego)

Sgt. 1st Class Midsru Miyazaki has been chosen as the first Japanese MV-22 Osprey crew chief aboard Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., April 7, 2017. “It’s very honorable to be chosen as a crew chief and I’m ready for flight in the United States its very fun,” said Miyazaki. Miyazaki looks forward to going back to Japan and training his soldiers in the proper methods and procedures for flying a MV-22 Osprey. Miyazaki is originally with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. VMMT-204 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Sgt. 1st Class Midsru Miyazaki has been chosen as the first Japanese MV-22 Osprey crew chief aboard Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., April 7, 2017. “It’s very honorable to be chosen as a crew chief and I’m ready for flight in the United States its very fun,” said Miyazaki. Miyazaki looks forward to going back to Japan and training his soldiers in the proper methods and procedures for flying a MV-22 Osprey. Miyazaki is originally with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. VMMT-204 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin Roux

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller, addresses social media conduct and the importance of respecting fellow Marines during a heart-to-heart discussion at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, April 4, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna)

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller, addresses social media conduct and the importance of respecting fellow Marines during a heart-to-heart discussion at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, April 4, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna)

Photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller, addresses social media conduct and the importance of respecting fellow Marines during a heart-to-heart discussion at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, April 4, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna)

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller, addresses social media conduct and the importance of respecting fellow Marines during a heart-to-heart discussion at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, April 4, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna)

Photo by Sgt. Laura Gauna

Lt. Col. Bryan G. Swenson gives Donald Irwin, a United States Navy World War II veteran, a tour of the MV-22 Osprey, April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin took part in battles for Midway, Guadalcanal, and survived the sinking of the USS Colhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin decided to return to Okinawa and exchange stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Swenson, a Kansas City, Missouri, native, is the commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Irwin is a native of San Jose, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Lt. Col. Bryan G. Swenson gives Donald Irwin, a United States Navy World War II veteran, a tour of the MV-22 Osprey, April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin took part in battles for Midway, Guadalcanal, and survived the sinking of the USS Colhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin decided to return to Okinawa and exchange stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Swenson, a Kansas City, Missouri, native, is the commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Irwin is a native of San Jose, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney

Don Irwin, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, shakes Lance Cpl. Hui Xue’s hand April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, took part in battles for Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Calhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Irwin is a San Jose, California native and Xue, a New York, New York, native, is an aviation life support system technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue)

Don Irwin, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, shakes Lance Cpl. Hui Xue’s hand April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, took part in battles for Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Calhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Irwin is a San Jose, California native and Xue, a New York, New York, native, is an aviation life support system technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue)

Photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue

Don Irwin, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, shakes 1st Lt. Lauren Campbell’s hand April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, took part in battles for Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Calhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island.Irwin is a San Jose, California native and Campbell, a Redwood City, California, native, is a material control officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue)

Don Irwin, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, shakes 1st Lt. Lauren Campbell’s hand April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, took part in battles for Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Calhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island.Irwin is a San Jose, California native and Campbell, a Redwood City, California, native, is a material control officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue)

Photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue

U.S. Marine Capt. Joe Hamlin gives Don Irwin, a United States Navy World War II veteran, a tour of the Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra, April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, took part in battles for Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Calhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Irwin is a San Jose, California native and Hamlin, a Corbin, Kentucky, native, is a Bell AH-1 Super Cobra pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue)

U.S. Marine Capt. Joe Hamlin gives Don Irwin, a United States Navy World War II veteran, a tour of the Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra, April 7, 2017 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Irwin, who served aboard a number of ships during World War II, took part in battles for Midway and Guadalcanal and survived the sinking of the USS Calhoun during the battle for Okinawa. Irwin returned to Okinawa and exchanged stories with the Marines and Sailors stationed on the island. Irwin is a San Jose, California native and Hamlin, a Corbin, Kentucky, native, is a Bell AH-1 Super Cobra pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue)

Photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue

Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force wait to board a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook March 16, 2017, for parachute operations with Republic of Korea Recon Marines at Josari drop zone, ROK, as part of Korea Marine Exercise Program 17-6. These parachute operations are the only joint, bilateral training during KMEP 17-6 and help maintain the highest level of readiness in defense of ROK. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger)

Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force wait to board a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook March 16, 2017, for parachute operations with Republic of Korea Recon Marines at Josari drop zone, ROK, as part of Korea Marine Exercise Program 17-6. These parachute operations are the only joint, bilateral training during KMEP 17-6 and help maintain the highest level of readiness in defense of ROK. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger)

Photo by Sgt. Allison Beiswanger

World War II veterans salute a memorial after placing a wreath at the base during a wreath-laying presentation as part of the 72nd Reunion of Honor ceremony on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. The event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Eppler)

World War II veterans salute a memorial after placing a wreath at the base during a wreath-laying presentation as part of the 72nd Reunion of Honor ceremony on Iwo To, Japan March 25, 2017. The event presented the opportunity for the U.S. and Japanese people to mutually remember and honor thousands of service members who fought and died on the hallowed grounds of Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Eppler)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Eppler

Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd command photo

Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd command photo

Photo by Courtesy photo

Sgt. Kevin Carpio, a UH-1Y crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, finishes refueling the UH-1Y Venom at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 11, 2017. The squadron, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day mission, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Carpio is from Bronx, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Sgt. Kevin Carpio, a UH-1Y crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, finishes refueling the UH-1Y Venom at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 11, 2017. The squadron, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day mission, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Carpio is from Bronx, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

A UH-1Y Venom leads the way for an AH-1Z Viper flying by Mount Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan, March 12, 2017. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying more than 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day operation, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The Marines in the aircraft are with HMLA-267, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program. The squadron is based out of Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

A UH-1Y Venom leads the way for an AH-1Z Viper flying by Mount Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan, March 12, 2017. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying more than 314 nautical miles during one leg of the four-day operation, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The Marines in the aircraft are with HMLA-267, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program. The squadron is based out of Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

AH-1Z Vipers soar through the skies over Osaka Castle, Osaka, Japan, March 12, 2017. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the journey, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Asia-Indo-Pacific region. The Marines in the aircraft are with HMLA-267, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program. The squadron is based out of Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

AH-1Z Vipers soar through the skies over Osaka Castle, Osaka, Japan, March 12, 2017. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the journey, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Asia-Indo-Pacific region. The Marines in the aircraft are with HMLA-267, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program. The squadron is based out of Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

Sgt. Kevin Carpio, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, inspects helicopter propellers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 12, 2017. The squadron, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the journey, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Asia-Pacific region. Carpio is a native of Bronx, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Sgt. Kevin Carpio, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program, inspects helicopter propellers at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 12, 2017. The squadron, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, validated the long-range capability of the auxiliary fuel tanks on their H-1 platform helicopters by flying 314 nautical miles during one leg of the journey, March 10. These aircrafts’ extended range is crucial to maintaining a stronger, more capable forward-deployed force in the Asia-Pacific region. Carpio is a native of Bronx, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

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III Marine Expeditionary Force