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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grace Ratliff, right, an engineer assistant with Company B, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines with 8th Engineer Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare a ROK KM16 anti-personnel practice mine during a bilateral conventional minefield exchange during Korean Marine Exchange Program 24.2 on Gunha-Rhi, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Aug. 1, 2024.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grace Ratliff, right, an engineer assistant with Company B, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines with 8th Engineer Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, prepare a ROK KM16 anti-personnel practice mine during a bilateral conventional minefield exchange during Korean Marine Exchange Program 24.2 on Gunha-Rhi, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Aug. 1, 2024.

Photo by Cpl. Paley Fenner

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enter the water during a shore to ship movement in an amphibious combat vehicle during exercise Ssang Yong 24 in waters East of the Korean peninsula, Aug. 25, 2024.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enter the water during a shore to ship movement in an amphibious combat vehicle during exercise Ssang Yong 24 in waters East of the Korean peninsula, Aug. 25, 2024.

Photo by Cpl. Alora J. Finigan

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is staged during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 21, 2024.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is staged during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 21, 2024.

Photo by Cpl. Juan Maldonado

Ssang Yong, meaning “twin dragons” representing the U.S. and ROK forces, is intended to strengthen ROK-U.S. combat readiness and combined interoperability, advancing the ROKMC Marine Task Force and command and control capabilities through combined training and amphibious operations.

Ssang Yong, meaning “twin dragons” representing the U.S. and ROK forces, is intended to strengthen ROK-U.S. combat readiness and combined interoperability, advancing the ROKMC Marine Task Force and command and control capabilities through combined training and amphibious operations.

Photo by Maj. George McArthur

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brendan Bartholome poses with his Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal citation on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 8, 2024.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brendan Bartholome poses with his Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal citation on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 8, 2024.

Photo by 1st Lt. Duncan McClain

U.S. Marines and sailors load a simulated supply bundle onto an MV-22B Osprey during an air delivery exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 14, 2024.

U.S. Marines and sailors load a simulated supply bundle onto an MV-22B Osprey during an air delivery exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 14, 2024.

Photo by Pfc. Skilah Sanchez

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force pose for a photo after an Advanced Administrative Specialist Course graduation on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, July 26, 2024.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force pose for a photo after an Advanced Administrative Specialist Course graduation on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, July 26, 2024.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Pruett

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), disembarks from shore during a combat support service area exercise, at Kin Blue Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 9, 2024.

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), disembarks from shore during a combat support service area exercise, at Kin Blue Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 9, 2024.

Photo by Cpl. Christopher Lape

U.S. Marines conduct a defensive patrol during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hijyudai Maneuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan Aug. 1, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. The Marines are with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kendrick Jackson)

U.S. Marines conduct a defensive patrol during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Hijyudai Maneuver Area, Oita Prefecture, Japan Aug. 1, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. The Marines are with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kendrick Jackson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kendrick Jackson

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Richter, a field artillery radar operator with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division connects an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar cable to a power generator during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, July 31, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Richter, a field artillery radar operator with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division connects an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar cable to a power generator during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, July 31, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales

III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, III MEF Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Trevor Hall and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Masayoshi Arai share a meal after the opening ceremony of exercise Resolute Dragon at the JGSDF Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, July 28, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado)

III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, III MEF Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Trevor Hall and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Masayoshi Arai share a meal after the opening ceremony of exercise Resolute Dragon at the JGSDF Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, July 28, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado

U.S. Marines with 3d Radio Battalion, Company B, conducted a Close Quarters Tactics range to increase familiarization and comfortability with rifles and pistols. Marines participating in this range focused on honing their skills before an upcoming deployment. This range sharpened the Marines' abilities to conduct life-fire operations in close quarters scenarios and allowed the Marines to become experts in their weapons systems, adding to III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group's lethality. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sergeant James Wyatt)

U.S. Marines with 3d Radio Battalion, Company B, conducted a Close Quarters Tactics range to increase familiarization and comfortability with rifles and pistols. Marines participating in this range focused on honing their skills before an upcoming deployment. This range sharpened the Marines' abilities to conduct life-fire operations in close quarters scenarios and allowed the Marines to become experts in their weapons systems, adding to III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group's lethality. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Staff Sergeant James Wyatt)

Photo by USMC

U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, communicate using various radio systems during an urban close-air support exercise at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan, July 11, 2024. The urban CAS training allowed 5th ANGLICO Marines to maintain their proficiency at coordinating fires and close-air support in an urban environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Justin Cledera)

U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, communicate using various radio systems during an urban close-air support exercise at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan, July 11, 2024. The urban CAS training allowed 5th ANGLICO Marines to maintain their proficiency at coordinating fires and close-air support in an urban environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Justin Cledera)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin Cledera

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Aivree Kamalzadeh, SYSCON communications officer, with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit verifies liberty cards and driving documents of drivers on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2024. Courtesy Patrols and vehicle checkpoints underscore the Marine Corps’ dedication to U.S. military personnel upholding the highest standards of conduct during liberty in Japan. Over the past month, service members across the forces have intensified ongoing education on the conduct, discipline, and behavior expected as guests and allies of Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Roses)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Aivree Kamalzadeh, SYSCON communications officer, with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit verifies liberty cards and driving documents of drivers on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2024. Courtesy Patrols and vehicle checkpoints underscore the Marine Corps’ dedication to U.S. military personnel upholding the highest standards of conduct during liberty in Japan. Over the past month, service members across the forces have intensified ongoing education on the conduct, discipline, and behavior expected as guests and allies of Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Roses)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Roses

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Austin Cook, an aviation ordnance technician with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW))-224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, covers the air intakes of an F/A-18 Hornet Aircraft after landing at Suwon Air Base, South Korea, July 13, 2024. VMFA(AW)-224, known as the Fighting Bengals, is supporting MAG-12, 1st MAW, under the Unit Deployment Program, which aims at providing squadrons experience operating in the Indo-Pacific. The Fighting Bengals traveled to Suwon Air Base, South Korea, to enhance their standard of readiness and lethality with our South Korean allies and joint forces. Cook is a Georgia native. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Austin Cook, an aviation ordnance technician with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW))-224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, covers the air intakes of an F/A-18 Hornet Aircraft after landing at Suwon Air Base, South Korea, July 13, 2024. VMFA(AW)-224, known as the Fighting Bengals, is supporting MAG-12, 1st MAW, under the Unit Deployment Program, which aims at providing squadrons experience operating in the Indo-Pacific. The Fighting Bengals traveled to Suwon Air Base, South Korea, to enhance their standard of readiness and lethality with our South Korean allies and joint forces. Cook is a Georgia native. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)

Photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Andrew Sweet sets up a simulated drone target during a Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. C-SUAS training ensures Marines can engage with all threats in potential crises to develop combat capable, modern, and lethal force. Sweet, a native of Indiana, is an infantry officer currently forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kendrick Jackson)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Andrew Sweet sets up a simulated drone target during a Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. C-SUAS training ensures Marines can engage with all threats in potential crises to develop combat capable, modern, and lethal force. Sweet, a native of Indiana, is an infantry officer currently forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kendrick Jackson)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kendrick Jackson

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Erick Volquezrodriguez, middle right, stands with senior leadership at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 13, 2024. Volquezrodriguez was awarded the Reserve Administration Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and was recognized by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Erick Volquezrodriguez, middle right, stands with senior leadership at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 13, 2024. Volquezrodriguez was awarded the Reserve Administration Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and was recognized by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, right, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. Eric E. Austin, the outgoing commanding general, salute the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. 1st MAW is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, right, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. Eric E. Austin, the outgoing commanding general, salute the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. 1st MAW is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

Photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan

U.S. Marines with the maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to be lifted in the air from a UH-1Y Venom helicopter as part of special patrol insertion and extraction rigging during a helicopter rope suspension techniques sustainment exercise on Kin Blue Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 11, 2024. The exercise sustained the MRF’s HRST proficiency in insert and extract capabilities for the 31st MEU, and included fast rope, rappelling, helocasting and SPIE rigging. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marines with the maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to be lifted in the air from a UH-1Y Venom helicopter as part of special patrol insertion and extraction rigging during a helicopter rope suspension techniques sustainment exercise on Kin Blue Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 11, 2024. The exercise sustained the MRF’s HRST proficiency in insert and extract capabilities for the 31st MEU, and included fast rope, rappelling, helocasting and SPIE rigging. 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 premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, right, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. Eric E. Austin, the outgoing commanding general, salute the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. 1st MAW is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, right, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. Eric E. Austin, the outgoing commanding general, salute the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2024. 1st MAW is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

Photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan

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III Marine Expeditionary Force