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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson and U.S. Consul General Mr. Joel Ehrendreich, spoke with approximately 18 Okinawan and mainland Japan media representatives to answer questions concerning the purpose and reach of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview brief given to newcomers, the actions taken to advance the U.S. and Japanese alliance, and flight policies set in place for U.S. military aircraft operating in and around Okinawa. The media round table was held on March 8, 2017, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Nicholson, from Toronto, Canada is the commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate, Naha. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson and U.S. Consul General Mr. Joel Ehrendreich, spoke with approximately 18 Okinawan and mainland Japan media representatives to answer questions concerning the purpose and reach of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview brief given to newcomers, the actions taken to advance the U.S. and Japanese alliance, and flight policies set in place for U.S. military aircraft operating in and around Okinawa. The media round table was held on March 8, 2017, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Nicholson, from Toronto, Canada is the commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate, Naha. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson calls on an Okinawan media representative to ask a question during the media round table on March 8, 2017, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Nicholson and U.S. Consul General Mr. Joel Ehrendreich, spoke with approximately 18 Okinawan and mainland Japan media representatives to answer questions concerning the purpose and reach of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview brief given to newcomers, the actions taken to advance the U.S. and Japanese alliance, and flight policies set in place for U.S. military aircraft operating in and around Okinawa. Nicholson, from Toronto, Canada is the commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate, Naha. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson calls on an Okinawan media representative to ask a question during the media round table on March 8, 2017, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Nicholson and U.S. Consul General Mr. Joel Ehrendreich, spoke with approximately 18 Okinawan and mainland Japan media representatives to answer questions concerning the purpose and reach of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview brief given to newcomers, the actions taken to advance the U.S. and Japanese alliance, and flight policies set in place for U.S. military aircraft operating in and around Okinawa. Nicholson, from Toronto, Canada is the commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate, Naha. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson and U.S. Consul General Mr. Joel Ehrendreich, spoke with approximately 18 Okinawan and mainland Japan media representatives on March 8, 2017, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The media round table was held to answer questions concerning the purpose and reach of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview brief given to newcomers, the actions taken to advance the U.S. and Japanese alliance, and flight policies set in place for U.S. military aircraft operating in and around Okinawa. Nicholson, from Toronto, Canada is the commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate, Naha. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson and U.S. Consul General Mr. Joel Ehrendreich, spoke with approximately 18 Okinawan and mainland Japan media representatives on March 8, 2017, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The media round table was held to answer questions concerning the purpose and reach of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview brief given to newcomers, the actions taken to advance the U.S. and Japanese alliance, and flight policies set in place for U.S. military aircraft operating in and around Okinawa. Nicholson, from Toronto, Canada is the commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate, Naha. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Pinkney

Master Sgt. Anthony Camina, a native of San Antonio, Texas, has been in the Marine Corps for 24 years. He currently teaches the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class to locals in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan. Camina and his wife, Michelle, have been giving back to the local community since 2013. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Master Sgt. Anthony Camina, a native of San Antonio, Texas, has been in the Marine Corps for 24 years. He currently teaches the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class to locals in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan. Camina and his wife, Michelle, have been giving back to the local community since 2013. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

Private First Class Devon J. Ridenour (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovanni L. Ramires (right), both intelligence specialists with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, and an Okinawan resident present a class project during the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class at the Kin Town Central Community Center, in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 28, 2017. The Kin-Hansen English Class is a weekly English conversational class hosted to strengthen the bond between Okinawans and service members. Ridenour is a native of Phoenix; Ramires is from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Private First Class Devon J. Ridenour (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovanni L. Ramires (right), both intelligence specialists with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, and an Okinawan resident present a class project during the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class at the Kin Town Central Community Center, in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 28, 2017. The Kin-Hansen English Class is a weekly English conversational class hosted to strengthen the bond between Okinawans and service members. Ridenour is a native of Phoenix; Ramires is from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

Michelle Camina, wife of Master Sgt. Anthony Camina, teaches Okinawans during the Schwab Intermediate English Class at the Education Center at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 22, 2017. The Education Center hosts a weekly beginner and intermediate English class on Wednesdays to strengthen the bond between Okinawans and service members. The Caminas, from San Antonio, Texas, also instruct the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class, at the Kin Town Central Community Center, Okinawa, each Tuesday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Michelle Camina, wife of Master Sgt. Anthony Camina, teaches Okinawans during the Schwab Intermediate English Class at the Education Center at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 22, 2017. The Education Center hosts a weekly beginner and intermediate English class on Wednesdays to strengthen the bond between Okinawans and service members. The Caminas, from San Antonio, Texas, also instruct the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class, at the Kin Town Central Community Center, Okinawa, each Tuesday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

Lance Cpl. Shay Rudderwilson (left) and Lance Cpl. Josabel Gaspar (right), both intelligence specialists with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, play with an Okinawan child during the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class at the Kin Town Central Community Center, the largest community center in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 28, 2017. The Kin-Hansen English Class is a weekly English conversation class hosted to strengthen the bond between local nationals and service members and to provide the opportunity to talk with one another. Rudderwilson is a native of Stratford, Connecticut; Gaspar is from Mira Mesa, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Lance Cpl. Shay Rudderwilson (left) and Lance Cpl. Josabel Gaspar (right), both intelligence specialists with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, play with an Okinawan child during the Kin-Hansen Friendship English Class at the Kin Town Central Community Center, the largest community center in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 28, 2017. The Kin-Hansen English Class is a weekly English conversation class hosted to strengthen the bond between local nationals and service members and to provide the opportunity to talk with one another. Rudderwilson is a native of Stratford, Connecticut; Gaspar is from Mira Mesa, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

An Okinawan child pretends to be a photographer on a playground during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. This was the second time 3D MEB Marines and Sailors have participated in what will become a quarterly event. During the first, a Thanksgiving dinner, 3D MEB Marines and Sailors provided food for a total of 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

An Okinawan child pretends to be a photographer on a playground during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. This was the second time 3D MEB Marines and Sailors have participated in what will become a quarterly event. During the first, a Thanksgiving dinner, 3D MEB Marines and Sailors provided food for a total of 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonah Baase

Okinawan and American children play on the playground during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. This was the second time 3D MEB Marines and Sailors have participated in what will become a quarterly event. During the first, a Thanksgiving dinner, 3D MEB Marines and Sailors provided food for a total of 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Okinawan and American children play on the playground during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. This was the second time 3D MEB Marines and Sailors have participated in what will become a quarterly event. During the first, a Thanksgiving dinner, 3D MEB Marines and Sailors provided food for a total of 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge

Okinawan and American children play on the playground during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. This was the second time 3D MEB Marines and Sailors have participated in what will become a quarterly event. During the first, a Thanksgiving dinner, 3D MEB Marines and Sailors provided food for a total of 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Okinawan and American children play on the playground during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. This was the second time 3D MEB Marines and Sailors have participated in what will become a quarterly event. During the first, a Thanksgiving dinner, 3D MEB Marines and Sailors provided food for a total of 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge

Three local Okinawan children play jenga during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, in Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. For Thanksgiving, the 3D MEB volunteers served food to 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal/Released)

Three local Okinawan children play jenga during a community outreach event, March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, in Okinawa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided food for less fortunate children during the event. For Thanksgiving, the 3D MEB volunteers served food to 100 people at the church. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal

Staff Sgt. Michael Newell, a saxophone instrumentalist with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, performed during a Combat Logistics Battalion 31 relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 24, 2017. The III MEF Band is the only forward-deployed band in the Marine Corps, performing across the Asia-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Staff Sgt. Michael Newell, a saxophone instrumentalist with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, performed during a Combat Logistics Battalion 31 relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 24, 2017. The III MEF Band is the only forward-deployed band in the Marine Corps, performing across the Asia-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

Staff Sgt. Michael Newell, a saxophone instrumentalist with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines at the III MEF Band Hall aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 1, 2017. At age 12, Newell began practicing the saxophone. Newell was recognized for his musical talents, Marine Corps accomplishments and nominated for Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Staff Sgt. Michael Newell, a saxophone instrumentalist with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines at the III MEF Band Hall aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 1, 2017. At age 12, Newell began practicing the saxophone. Newell was recognized for his musical talents, Marine Corps accomplishments and nominated for Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

Cpl. Samantha Villarreal lets an Okinawan child pretend to be a photographer during a community outreach event March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okianwa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade and III Marine Expeditionary Force provided food for less fortunate children during the event. Villarreal, from Brownsville, Texas, is a combat correspondent with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Cpl. Samantha Villarreal lets an Okinawan child pretend to be a photographer during a community outreach event March 3, 2017, at Yugafu Church, Okianwa, Japan. Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade and III Marine Expeditionary Force provided food for less fortunate children during the event. Villarreal, from Brownsville, Texas, is a combat correspondent with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Photo by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge

Staff Sgt. Michael Newell, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, began his love and passion for the saxophone at the age of 12. He started practicing in middle school and continued throughout high school. Prior to the Marine Corps, he spent some time at Tallahassee Community College, but decided to pursue his passion for music by joining the Marine Corps and auditioning for a position in the band. This year, Newell is one of the 10 Marine Corps band nominees for the title of Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year. “My love for the Marine Corps and playing music has just increased the longer I’ve stayed in.” (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Staff Sgt. Michael Newell, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, began his love and passion for the saxophone at the age of 12. He started practicing in middle school and continued throughout high school. Prior to the Marine Corps, he spent some time at Tallahassee Community College, but decided to pursue his passion for music by joining the Marine Corps and auditioning for a position in the band. This year, Newell is one of the 10 Marine Corps band nominees for the title of Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year. “My love for the Marine Corps and playing music has just increased the longer I’ve stayed in.” (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez

Sgt. Nathan R. Gembreska, a native of Toledo, Ohio, brought home a flyer for piano lessons at age seven and decided to begin his musical career as a pianist. Throughout middle and high school, he picked up the alto saxophone, piccolo, and bassoon and competed throughout the state. Gembreska joined the Marine Corps in 2013 as a bassoonist. He is currently with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan. “Seventeen years later, here I am,” said Gembreska. “Because of that [decision], I’m playing the bassoon in the Marine Corps.” (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Sgt. Nathan R. Gembreska, a native of Toledo, Ohio, brought home a flyer for piano lessons at age seven and decided to begin his musical career as a pianist. Throughout middle and high school, he picked up the alto saxophone, piccolo, and bassoon and competed throughout the state. Gembreska joined the Marine Corps in 2013 as a bassoonist. He is currently with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan. “Seventeen years later, here I am,” said Gembreska. “Because of that [decision], I’m playing the bassoon in the Marine Corps.” (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez

Sgt. Nathan R. Gembreska, a Toledo, Ohio native, rehearses with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band woodwind quintet at the III MEF Band Hall aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 1, 2017. Gembreska’s primary instrument in the Marine Corps is the bassoon, but he is also proficient in the saxophone, piano, and piccolo. This year, he was nominated to represent the III MEF Band as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year for fiscal year 2016. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Sgt. Nathan R. Gembreska, a Toledo, Ohio native, rehearses with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band woodwind quintet at the III MEF Band Hall aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 1, 2017. Gembreska’s primary instrument in the Marine Corps is the bassoon, but he is also proficient in the saxophone, piano, and piccolo. This year, he was nominated to represent the III MEF Band as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year for fiscal year 2016. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez

Sgt. Nathan R. Gembreska, a Toledo, Ohio native, rehearses with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band at the III MEF Band Hall, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 1, 2017. Gembreska’s primary instrument in the Marine Corps is the bassoon, but he is also proficient in the saxophone, piano, and piccolo. This year, he was nominated to represent the III MEF Band as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year for fiscal year 2016. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Sgt. Nathan R. Gembreska, a Toledo, Ohio native, rehearses with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band at the III MEF Band Hall, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 1, 2017. Gembreska’s primary instrument in the Marine Corps is the bassoon, but he is also proficient in the saxophone, piano, and piccolo. This year, he was nominated to represent the III MEF Band as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year for fiscal year 2016. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez)

Photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez

Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years.

Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bernadette Wildes

Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years.

Gunnery Sgt. Todd Groves and Bokusei Kinjo at Kinjo’s farm, near Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23, 2017. Groves is a maintenance chief with Small Craft Repair Platoon, Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kinjo is a local Japanese farmer. Groves, from Fulton, Missouri, was a pig farmer growing up and has now found a place he can call home on Kinjo’s farm. He has helped to take care of the land and the animals on Kinjo’s farm for the last two years.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bernadette Wildes

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III Marine Expeditionary Force