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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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A Super Stallion CH-53E helicopter takes off from the USS America July 12, 2016 during deck landing qualifications and initial arrival. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (reinforced) will operate the aircraft from the USS America as the Aviation Combat Element for Provisional Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Hawaii during RIMPAC. Twenty-six nations, 49 ships, six submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2016 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

A Super Stallion CH-53E helicopter takes off from the USS America July 12, 2016 during deck landing qualifications and initial arrival. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (reinforced) will operate the aircraft from the USS America as the Aviation Combat Element for Provisional Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Hawaii during RIMPAC. Twenty-six nations, 49 ships, six submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2016 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Giannetti

160712-M-PQ336-006
PEARL HARBOR, USS AMERICA (July 12, 2016) — A U.S. Marine, sailor and a Malaysian soldier salute as USS America leaves port July 12, 2016. III Marine Expeditionary Forces will conduct mission rehearsals of landing force integration with an amphibious task force during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, 49 ships, six submarines, about 200 aircrafts, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2016 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships between participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra)

160712-M-PQ336-006 PEARL HARBOR, USS AMERICA (July 12, 2016) — A U.S. Marine, sailor and a Malaysian soldier salute as USS America leaves port July 12, 2016. III Marine Expeditionary Forces will conduct mission rehearsals of landing force integration with an amphibious task force during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, 49 ships, six submarines, about 200 aircrafts, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2016 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships between participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra)

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

U.S. Marines and sailors march to their designated saluting position minutes before USS America leaves port July 12, 2016. III Marine Expeditionary Forces will conduct mission rehearsals of landing force integration with an amphibious task force during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, 49 ships, six submarines, about 200 aircrafts, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2016 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships between participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

U.S. Marines and sailors march to their designated saluting position minutes before USS America leaves port July 12, 2016. III Marine Expeditionary Forces will conduct mission rehearsals of landing force integration with an amphibious task force during Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, 49 ships, six submarines, about 200 aircrafts, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2016 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships between participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory Abranson practices breathing underwater upside down with a breathing device July 6, 2016. U.S. Marines and Australian soldiers conducted shallow water egress training in preparation of mission rehearsals of landing force integration with an amphibious task force during Rim of the Pacific 2016. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, and provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Gregory Abranson practices breathing underwater upside down with a breathing device July 6, 2016. U.S. Marines and Australian soldiers conducted shallow water egress training in preparation of mission rehearsals of landing force integration with an amphibious task force during Rim of the Pacific 2016. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, and provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines sight in side-by-side in front of ROK Assault Amphibious Vehicles July 6, 2016 at Suseong Range, South Korea, during a Korean Marine Exchange Program. The goal of the KMEP is to sustain the combined force and enhance the ROK-U.S. team at the tactical level to build combined warfighting capabilities. During this exercise the Marines carried out a bilateral regimental-sized Marine Air Ground Task Force operation for the first time. The ROK Marines were a part of 73rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. The U.S. service members are a part of 2nd platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Amaia Unanue/ Released)

U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines sight in side-by-side in front of ROK Assault Amphibious Vehicles July 6, 2016 at Suseong Range, South Korea, during a Korean Marine Exchange Program. The goal of the KMEP is to sustain the combined force and enhance the ROK-U.S. team at the tactical level to build combined warfighting capabilities. During this exercise the Marines carried out a bilateral regimental-sized Marine Air Ground Task Force operation for the first time. The ROK Marines were a part of 73rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. The U.S. service members are a part of 2nd platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Amaia Unanue/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Amaia Unanue

Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing perform a hydraulic systems inspection an AV-8B Harrier at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 30, 2016. By performing daily tasks and needed maintenance on the aircraft to ensure readiness, Marines maintain their squadron’s ability to deploy at a moment's notice.

Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing perform a hydraulic systems inspection an AV-8B Harrier at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 30, 2016. By performing daily tasks and needed maintenance on the aircraft to ensure readiness, Marines maintain their squadron’s ability to deploy at a moment's notice.

Photo by Sgt. Austin Long

Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 24, a Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, hold a banner under water May 30, 2016, honoring 12 of their fellow Marines who passed away during a training accident in January 2016. The Marines are part of MAG 24 Dive Group and they spend their free time diving off Hawaii’s coast. The group began as a way to have weekend events that were alcohol-free and provided family-friendly fun.

Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 24, a Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, hold a banner under water May 30, 2016, honoring 12 of their fellow Marines who passed away during a training accident in January 2016. The Marines are part of MAG 24 Dive Group and they spend their free time diving off Hawaii’s coast. The group began as a way to have weekend events that were alcohol-free and provided family-friendly fun.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Cray

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night amphibious training. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night amphibious training. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, during night-time amphibious training in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, during night-time amphibious training in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. poses with his family after receiving his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, during night amphibious training in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. poses with his family after receiving his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, during night amphibious training in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. poses after receiving his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, during night-time amphibious training in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. poses after receiving his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, during night-time amphibious training in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Pictured is retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. in 1988 when he was first stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as part of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. He performed life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night-time amphibious training. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native who retired in 2010. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 22, 2016, for his actions of that night.

Pictured is retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. in 1988 when he was first stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as part of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. He performed life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night-time amphibious training. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native who retired in 2010. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 22, 2016, for his actions of that night.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night-time amphibious training exercise in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night-time amphibious training exercise in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night-time amphibious training exercise in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Retired Master Sgt. Robert Alexander Jr. receives his fourth Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, June 23, 2016, at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He is receiving it for his life-saving actions in Subic Bay, Philippines, after a night-time amphibious training exercise in 1988. He is a Fitchburg, Massachusetts, native living in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgts. James R. Holt, Neil Z. Loaiza, Sgt. Michael A. Parker and Lance Cpl. Ivan E. Arden perform with Japan Western Army's 8th Division Band, June 17-20, 2016, in areas affected by the earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan, April 16, 2016. The Marines are musicians with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgts. James R. Holt, Neil Z. Loaiza, Sgt. Michael A. Parker and Lance Cpl. Ivan E. Arden perform with Japan Western Army's 8th Division Band, June 17-20, 2016, in areas affected by the earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan, April 16, 2016. The Marines are musicians with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band.

Photo by Courtesy Photo

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James R. Holt and Sgt. Michael A. Parker, musicians with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, interact with Japanese children, June 17-20, 2016, while performing for Japanese citizens displaced by an earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan, April 16, 2016. Musicians with the III MEF band performed alongside the 8th Division Band of Japan's Western Army. (Courtesy Photo/ Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James R. Holt and Sgt. Michael A. Parker, musicians with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, interact with Japanese children, June 17-20, 2016, while performing for Japanese citizens displaced by an earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan, April 16, 2016. Musicians with the III MEF band performed alongside the 8th Division Band of Japan's Western Army. (Courtesy Photo/ Released)

Photo by Courtesy Photo

Cpl. Derek Poe instructs Lance Cpl. Joshua Lowry on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 2, 2016. Lowry is currently diagnosing a faulty circuit card. Poe is a Dequincy, Lousiana, native, and section chief for the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Cpl. Derek Poe instructs Lance Cpl. Joshua Lowry on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 2, 2016. Lowry is currently diagnosing a faulty circuit card. Poe is a Dequincy, Lousiana, native, and section chief for the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Cpl. Derek Poe poses for a photo on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 2, 2016. He repairs circuit cards which are a key component for almost every electronic equipment used by the Marine Corps. Poe is a Dequincy, Louisiana, native, and the section chief of the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Cpl. Derek Poe poses for a photo on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 2, 2016. He repairs circuit cards which are a key component for almost every electronic equipment used by the Marine Corps. Poe is a Dequincy, Louisiana, native, and the section chief of the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Cpl. Jacob M. Pikey cleans a faulty circuit card on Camp Courtney June 2, 2016. In order for him to repair the card, he must clean it before he begins soldering. Pikey, a Cedar Hill, Missouri, native, is the assistant chief of the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Cpl. Jacob M. Pikey cleans a faulty circuit card on Camp Courtney June 2, 2016. In order for him to repair the card, he must clean it before he begins soldering. Pikey, a Cedar Hill, Missouri, native, is the assistant chief of the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Cpl. Jacob M. Pikey solders a circuit on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 2, 2016. He is repairing a faulty circuit after diagnosing the issue. Pikey, a Cedar Hill, Missouri, native, is the assistant chief of the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Cpl. Jacob M. Pikey solders a circuit on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 2, 2016. He is repairing a faulty circuit after diagnosing the issue. Pikey, a Cedar Hill, Missouri, native, is the assistant chief of the miniature/ micro-miniature section for Maintenance Platoon, Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

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III Marine Expeditionary Force