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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marine Sgt. Kenneth Benson watch an explosion during a demolition range as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-16 on Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, March 30, 2016. KMEP is an exercise designed to allow ROK Marines and U.S. Marines to work together side-by-side as a cohesive unit and help strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The ROK Marines are with 1st ROK Marine Division. Benson, from St. Petersburg, Florida, is a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/ Released)

Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marine Sgt. Kenneth Benson watch an explosion during a demolition range as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-16 on Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, March 30, 2016. KMEP is an exercise designed to allow ROK Marines and U.S. Marines to work together side-by-side as a cohesive unit and help strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The ROK Marines are with 1st ROK Marine Division. Benson, from St. Petersburg, Florida, is a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Ryan Mains

Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines build improvised bangalore charges for a demolition range as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-16 on Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, March 30, 2016. KMEP is an exercise designed to allow ROK Marines and U.S. Marines to work together side-by-side as a cohesive unit and help strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The ROK Marines are with 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/ Released)

Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines build improvised bangalore charges for a demolition range as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-16 on Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, March 30, 2016. KMEP is an exercise designed to allow ROK Marines and U.S. Marines to work together side-by-side as a cohesive unit and help strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The ROK Marines are with 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Ryan Mains

U.S. Marine Cpl. April Flores, left, and Lance Cpl. Anna Hereth build an improvised shape charge for a demolition range as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-16 on Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, March 30, 2016. KMEP is an exercise designed to allow ROK Marines and U.S. Marines to work together side-by-side as a cohesive unit and help strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The ROK Marines are with 1st ROK Marine Division. Flores, from Fort Worth, Texas, and Hereth, from Kansas City, Missouri, are food service specialists attached to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/ Released)

U.S. Marine Cpl. April Flores, left, and Lance Cpl. Anna Hereth build an improvised shape charge for a demolition range as a part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-16 on Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, March 30, 2016. KMEP is an exercise designed to allow ROK Marines and U.S. Marines to work together side-by-side as a cohesive unit and help strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The ROK Marines are with 1st ROK Marine Division. Flores, from Fort Worth, Texas, and Hereth, from Kansas City, Missouri, are food service specialists attached to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Ryan Mains

Lance Cpl. Jeremie Lewis, Lance Cpl. Quinn Beckens, Lance Cpl. Rodrigo Cruzvera, and Lance Cpl. Javier Avila Jr. stand in front on their fire truck April 1, 2016. The Marines are aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Lewis is from South Haven, Miss.; Beckens is from Sodus, N.Y.; Crusvera is from Gardnerville, Nev.; Avila is from San Augustine, Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey M. Dornfeld/ Released)

Lance Cpl. Jeremie Lewis, Lance Cpl. Quinn Beckens, Lance Cpl. Rodrigo Cruzvera, and Lance Cpl. Javier Avila Jr. stand in front on their fire truck April 1, 2016. The Marines are aircraft rescue and firefighting Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Lewis is from South Haven, Miss.; Beckens is from Sodus, N.Y.; Crusvera is from Gardnerville, Nev.; Avila is from San Augustine, Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey M. Dornfeld/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld

kumomoto gig

kumomoto gig

Photo by andrew marcantonio

The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army Band and Shichijo Junior High School Band pose for a photo Mar. 6, in the gymnasium at Shichijo Junior High School, Kumamoto, Japan. The Western Army Band and III MEF Band performed with and coached the students during their visit.The Marines were in Kumamoto to participate in the Western Army Band Music Festival, which celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Western Army Band.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army Band and Shichijo Junior High School Band pose for a photo Mar. 6, in the gymnasium at Shichijo Junior High School, Kumamoto, Japan. The Western Army Band and III MEF Band performed with and coached the students during their visit.The Marines were in Kumamoto to participate in the Western Army Band Music Festival, which celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Western Army Band.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

U.S. Marine Cpl. Ryan O. Vangosen instructs a student at Shichijo Junior High School, Kumamoto, Japan, Mar. 6. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army Band and III Marine Expeditionary Force Band will perform with and coach the students during their visit.The Marines were in Kumamoto to participate in the Western Army Band Music Festival, which celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Western Army Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

U.S. Marine Cpl. Ryan O. Vangosen instructs a student at Shichijo Junior High School, Kumamoto, Japan, Mar. 6. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army Band and III Marine Expeditionary Force Band will perform with and coach the students during their visit.The Marines were in Kumamoto to participate in the Western Army Band Music Festival, which celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Western Army Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

U.S. Marines with 3D Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, and III MEF Band pay attention to instructions on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Christian J. Robertson/Released)

U.S. Marines with 3D Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, and III MEF Band pay attention to instructions on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Christian J. Robertson/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Robertson

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin Allen, an oboe player with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, buddy drags a casualty during a patrol on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Christian J. Robertson/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin Allen, an oboe player with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, buddy drags a casualty during a patrol on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Christian J. Robertson/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Robertson

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Carl S. Bush, an instrumentalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force band, provides gate security during CPX 16 on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos/ Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Carl S. Bush, an instrumentalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force band, provides gate security during CPX 16 on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jesse A. Sylvester, a trombone instrumentalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force band, gets his picture taken during CPX 16 on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos/ Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jesse A. Sylvester, a trombone instrumentalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force band, gets his picture taken during CPX 16 on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Mackenzie M. Strampp, a clarinet player with the III Marine Expeditionary Force band, sights into a M240B machine gun prior to CPX 16, on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 29, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos/ Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Mackenzie M. Strampp, a clarinet player with the III Marine Expeditionary Force band, sights into a M240B machine gun prior to CPX 16, on Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 29, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Bustos

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Hanks, a French horn player with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, receives chow on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 30, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Christian J. Robertson/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Hanks, a French horn player with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, receives chow on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 30, 2016. CPX 16 is conducted to improve the III MEF’s capabilities in intelligence and logistic operations, future planning, and combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Christian J. Robertson/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Robertson

U.S. Marine Sgt. James D. Lowe helps a Shichijo Junior High School band drummer March 6, in the school's gymnasium in Kumamoto, Japan. The Western Army Band and III MEF Band will perform with and coach the students during their visit.Lowe is a drummer with the III Marine Expiditionary Force Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

U.S. Marine Sgt. James D. Lowe helps a Shichijo Junior High School band drummer March 6, in the school's gymnasium in Kumamoto, Japan. The Western Army Band and III MEF Band will perform with and coach the students during their visit.Lowe is a drummer with the III Marine Expiditionary Force Band. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Okinawa based Marines and Department of Defense personnel pose for a photograph March 31 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The gentlemen were on board a flight leaving Honolulu heading toward Tokyo when an unruly passenger began to threaten fellow passengers. The four Marines and two civilians quickly jumped into action and peacefully apprehended the hostile passenger until he was turned over to Honolulu sheriff’s department. The Okinawa based personnel are with Marine Corps Installations Pacific and III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Okinawa based Marines and Department of Defense personnel pose for a photograph March 31 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The gentlemen were on board a flight leaving Honolulu heading toward Tokyo when an unruly passenger began to threaten fellow passengers. The four Marines and two civilians quickly jumped into action and peacefully apprehended the hostile passenger until he was turned over to Honolulu sheriff’s department. The Okinawa based personnel are with Marine Corps Installations Pacific and III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul

Cpl. Justin Fugate marches back into formation after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for saving a U.S. Army parachutist that landed in the ocean and was trapped by coral and his own parachute. Fugate is a 2009 graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio and serves as an Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairman.
Cpl. Lester Cano was awarded the same medal moments before. Cano and Fugate worked as a team on the rescue.
The Marines are assigned to Headquarters Company, 3d Marine Regiment and were awarded by Col. Carl Cooper and Sgt. Maj. Alfonso Via, March 30, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. On Dec. 15, 2015 a U.S. soldier was blown off course from his drop zone by high winds and parachuted into the Pacific Ocean north of the Mokapu Peninsula that forms Marine Corps Base Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Fugate and Cano were running through the area during their Corporal's Course small unit leader evaluation. They noticed people pointing towards the water and then saw the parachutist. They worked together to develop a rescue plan. Cano improvised a safety line and swam 100 meters out to establish himself as the anchoring relay halfway between the trapped soldier and shore. Meanwhile, Fugate and a lifeguard spent the next hour swimming to reach the soldier where they then freed him from the entangled cordage and retrieved him to the shore. Once ashore, Cano rendered first aid and Fugate assisted until emergency medical services arrived.

Cpl. Justin Fugate marches back into formation after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for saving a U.S. Army parachutist that landed in the ocean and was trapped by coral and his own parachute. Fugate is a 2009 graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio and serves as an Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairman. Cpl. Lester Cano was awarded the same medal moments before. Cano and Fugate worked as a team on the rescue. The Marines are assigned to Headquarters Company, 3d Marine Regiment and were awarded by Col. Carl Cooper and Sgt. Maj. Alfonso Via, March 30, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. On Dec. 15, 2015 a U.S. soldier was blown off course from his drop zone by high winds and parachuted into the Pacific Ocean north of the Mokapu Peninsula that forms Marine Corps Base Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Fugate and Cano were running through the area during their Corporal's Course small unit leader evaluation. They noticed people pointing towards the water and then saw the parachutist. They worked together to develop a rescue plan. Cano improvised a safety line and swam 100 meters out to establish himself as the anchoring relay halfway between the trapped soldier and shore. Meanwhile, Fugate and a lifeguard spent the next hour swimming to reach the soldier where they then freed him from the entangled cordage and retrieved him to the shore. Once ashore, Cano rendered first aid and Fugate assisted until emergency medical services arrived.

Photo by Capt. Timothy Irish

Cpl. Lester Cano shakes the hand of Col. Carl Cooper after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for saving a U.S. Army parachutist that landed in the ocean and was trapped by coral and his own parachute. Cano is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana
Cpl. Justin Fugate was awarded the same medal moments after. Cano and Fugate worked as a team on the rescue.
The Marines are assigned to Headquarters Company, 3d Marine Regiment and were awarded by the regimental commanding officer, March 30, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. On Dec. 15, 2015 a U.S. soldier was blown off course from his drop zone by high winds and parachuted into the Pacific Ocean north of the Mokapu Peninsula that forms Marine Corps Base Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Fugate and Cano were running through the area during their Corporal's Course small unit leader evaluation. They noticed people pointing towards the water and then saw the parachutist. They worked together to develop a rescue plan. Cano improvised a safety line and swam 100 meters out to establish himself as the anchoring relay halfway between the trapped soldier and shore. Meanwhile, Fugate and a lifeguard spent the next hour swimming to reach the soldier where they then freed him from the entangled cordage and retrieved him to the shore. Once ashore, Cano rendered first aid and Fugate assisted until emergency medical services arrived.

Cpl. Lester Cano shakes the hand of Col. Carl Cooper after being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for saving a U.S. Army parachutist that landed in the ocean and was trapped by coral and his own parachute. Cano is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana Cpl. Justin Fugate was awarded the same medal moments after. Cano and Fugate worked as a team on the rescue. The Marines are assigned to Headquarters Company, 3d Marine Regiment and were awarded by the regimental commanding officer, March 30, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. On Dec. 15, 2015 a U.S. soldier was blown off course from his drop zone by high winds and parachuted into the Pacific Ocean north of the Mokapu Peninsula that forms Marine Corps Base Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Fugate and Cano were running through the area during their Corporal's Course small unit leader evaluation. They noticed people pointing towards the water and then saw the parachutist. They worked together to develop a rescue plan. Cano improvised a safety line and swam 100 meters out to establish himself as the anchoring relay halfway between the trapped soldier and shore. Meanwhile, Fugate and a lifeguard spent the next hour swimming to reach the soldier where they then freed him from the entangled cordage and retrieved him to the shore. Once ashore, Cano rendered first aid and Fugate assisted until emergency medical services arrived.

Photo by Capt. Timothy Irish

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to Gen Nakatani, Japan's Minister of Defense, about the relationship between III MEF and the Okinawan people, March 26, 2016, at the Butler Officer's Club, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Nakatani was accompanied by a contingent from the Japan Ministry of Defense, including Joel Ehrendreich, Akihiko Nakashima, Haruo Morita, Hirofumi Takeda, Kazunori Inoue, Atsuo Suzuki and Yuichi Kosugi. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate in Naha, Japan; Nakashima is the director general of the Bureau of Local Cooperation; Morita is the director of the Okinawa Coordination Division, Bureau of Local Cooperation; Takeda is the press secretary for the Minister’s Secretariat; Inoue is the director general of the Okinawa Defense Bureau; Suzuki is the deputy director general of the Bureau of Defense Policy; and Kosugi is the secretary for the MOD. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nelson B. Duenas/ Released)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to Gen Nakatani, Japan's Minister of Defense, about the relationship between III MEF and the Okinawan people, March 26, 2016, at the Butler Officer's Club, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Nakatani was accompanied by a contingent from the Japan Ministry of Defense, including Joel Ehrendreich, Akihiko Nakashima, Haruo Morita, Hirofumi Takeda, Kazunori Inoue, Atsuo Suzuki and Yuichi Kosugi. Ehrendreich is the consul general at the U.S. Consulate in Naha, Japan; Nakashima is the director general of the Bureau of Local Cooperation; Morita is the director of the Okinawa Coordination Division, Bureau of Local Cooperation; Takeda is the press secretary for the Minister’s Secretariat; Inoue is the director general of the Okinawa Defense Bureau; Suzuki is the deputy director general of the Bureau of Defense Policy; and Kosugi is the secretary for the MOD. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nelson B. Duenas/ Released)

Photo by Nelson Duenas

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Gen Nakatani, Japan’s Minister of Defense, at the Butler Officer's Club, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 26, 2016. Nicholson and Nakatani discussed the relationship between III MEF and the Okinawa people over lunch. Nicholson is from Toronto. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nelson Duenas/ Released)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Gen Nakatani, Japan’s Minister of Defense, at the Butler Officer's Club, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 26, 2016. Nicholson and Nakatani discussed the relationship between III MEF and the Okinawa people over lunch. Nicholson is from Toronto. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nelson Duenas/ Released)

Photo by Nelson Duenas

Gunnery Sgt. David Devine explains his real world experience with an Amphibious Assault Vehicle to Japan Ground Self Defense Force Soldiers, March 25, 2016, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. “It is great to see the JGSDF and the United States Marine Corps coming together on amphibious operations and capabilities,” said Devine, from Fontana, Calif. Devine is AAV staff noncommissioned officer with Ordnance Maintenance Company, 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nelson B. Duenas /Released)

Gunnery Sgt. David Devine explains his real world experience with an Amphibious Assault Vehicle to Japan Ground Self Defense Force Soldiers, March 25, 2016, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. “It is great to see the JGSDF and the United States Marine Corps coming together on amphibious operations and capabilities,” said Devine, from Fontana, Calif. Devine is AAV staff noncommissioned officer with Ordnance Maintenance Company, 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nelson B. Duenas /Released)

Photo by Nelson Duenas

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III Marine Expeditionary Force