An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

Filter

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Pantoja teaches Republic of Korea Marine Sergeant Lee Sang Ok how to properly shoulder a M16A4 service rifle at Gimpo Training Area, Republic of Korea, Feb. 27, 2016. Marines from both forces practiced urban and detention operations throughout the day. The training took place as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-6, a regularly scheduled training event between the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps. This iteration of KMEP focuses on specialized training between military policemen with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, and Military Police Company, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division. Pantoja, from Trenton, New Jersey, is a military policeman with Company A, 3rd LE Bn. Lee, from Pohang, Republic of Korea, is a military policeman with MP Company, 2nd ROKMC Div. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Tran/Released)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Pantoja teaches Republic of Korea Marine Sergeant Lee Sang Ok how to properly shoulder a M16A4 service rifle at Gimpo Training Area, Republic of Korea, Feb. 27, 2016. Marines from both forces practiced urban and detention operations throughout the day. The training took place as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-6, a regularly scheduled training event between the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps. This iteration of KMEP focuses on specialized training between military policemen with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, and Military Police Company, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division. Pantoja, from Trenton, New Jersey, is a military policeman with Company A, 3rd LE Bn. Lee, from Pohang, Republic of Korea, is a military policeman with MP Company, 2nd ROKMC Div. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Tran/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven Tran

A U.S. Marine breaks the seal on his M50 Field Protective Joint Service General Purpose Mask during gas mask qualification at Gimpo Training Area, Republic of Korea, Feb. 25, 2016. The event took place as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-6, a regularly scheduled training event between the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps. This iteration of KMEP focuses on specialized training between military policemen with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, and Military Police Company, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Tran/Released)

A U.S. Marine breaks the seal on his M50 Field Protective Joint Service General Purpose Mask during gas mask qualification at Gimpo Training Area, Republic of Korea, Feb. 25, 2016. The event took place as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-6, a regularly scheduled training event between the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps. This iteration of KMEP focuses on specialized training between military policemen with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, and Military Police Company, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Steven Tran/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Steven Tran

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson (left), III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, discusses increased partnership and training with Maj. Gen. Chang Ryong Choi, Republic of Korea 1st Marine Division Commanding General, Feb. 24, 2016, in Pohang, South Korea. More than 60 Marines and sailors with III MEF, III MEF subordinate commands and adjacent commands based in Japan and South Korea, met in the South in order to uphold and strengthen the alliance between the ROK and the U.S., and reinforce their commitment to defend the country at a moment’s notice. The visit took place in various locations throughout the country, enhancing U.S. Marines' familiarization of the Korean Peninsula while simultaneously developing the kind of faith and trust between forces that can only be established through constant engagement, as well as rigorous and realistic training. Nicholson is a native of Toronto, Canada. (Official USMC photo by GySgt Jeremy Vought)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson (left), III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, discusses increased partnership and training with Maj. Gen. Chang Ryong Choi, Republic of Korea 1st Marine Division Commanding General, Feb. 24, 2016, in Pohang, South Korea. More than 60 Marines and sailors with III MEF, III MEF subordinate commands and adjacent commands based in Japan and South Korea, met in the South in order to uphold and strengthen the alliance between the ROK and the U.S., and reinforce their commitment to defend the country at a moment’s notice. The visit took place in various locations throughout the country, enhancing U.S. Marines' familiarization of the Korean Peninsula while simultaneously developing the kind of faith and trust between forces that can only be established through constant engagement, as well as rigorous and realistic training. Nicholson is a native of Toronto, Canada. (Official USMC photo by GySgt Jeremy Vought)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Vought

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson (right), III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II (left), 3rd Marine Division Commanding General, and Brig. Gen. Russell A.C. Sanborn (center), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, tour the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, Feb. 23, 2016 on Pyeongtaek Naval Base, South Korea. The Cheonan was struck and sunk by a North Korean torpedo, March 26, 2010, killing 46 sailors in the attack. More than 60 Marines and sailors with III MEF, III MEF subordinate commands and adjacent commands based in Japan and South Korea, met in the South in order to uphold and strengthen the alliance between the ROK and the U.S., and reinforce their commitment to defend the country at a moment’s notice. The visit took place in various locations throughout the country, enhancing U.S. Marines' familiarization of the Korean Peninsula while simultaneously developing the kind of faith and trust between forces that can only be established through constant engagement, as well as rigorous and realistic training. (Official USMC photo by GySgt Jeremy Vought)

Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson (right), III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II (left), 3rd Marine Division Commanding General, and Brig. Gen. Russell A.C. Sanborn (center), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, tour the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, Feb. 23, 2016 on Pyeongtaek Naval Base, South Korea. The Cheonan was struck and sunk by a North Korean torpedo, March 26, 2010, killing 46 sailors in the attack. More than 60 Marines and sailors with III MEF, III MEF subordinate commands and adjacent commands based in Japan and South Korea, met in the South in order to uphold and strengthen the alliance between the ROK and the U.S., and reinforce their commitment to defend the country at a moment’s notice. The visit took place in various locations throughout the country, enhancing U.S. Marines' familiarization of the Korean Peninsula while simultaneously developing the kind of faith and trust between forces that can only be established through constant engagement, as well as rigorous and realistic training. (Official USMC photo by GySgt Jeremy Vought)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Vought

Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion test a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft March 1, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Recon Bn, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion test a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft March 1, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Recon Bn, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

Photo by Cpl. Robert D. Williams Jr.

A service member with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force finishes practicing scout swimming techniques March 1, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. The JGSDF members are with 43rd Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

A service member with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force finishes practicing scout swimming techniques March 1, at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. The JGSDF members are with 43rd Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

Photo by Cpl. Robert D. Williams Jr.

Service members with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pull Combat Rubber Raiding Craft into the water at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, March 1. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. The JGSDF members are with 43rd Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

Service members with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pull Combat Rubber Raiding Craft into the water at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, March 1. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. The JGSDF members are with 43rd Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

Photo by Cpl. Robert D. Williams Jr.

Service members with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paddle out to sea in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, March 1. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. The JGSDF members are with 43rd Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

Service members with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paddle out to sea in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, March 1. The JGSDF members observed Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, practice scout swimmer techniques and conduct raid missions. The JGSDF members are with 43rd Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Robert Williams Jr./Released)

Photo by Cpl. Robert D. Williams Jr.

Members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force pose with U.S. Marines for a photo at a farewell luncheon for the professional military exchange program February 23 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, second from left. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. After Nishida’s exposure to the Marine Corps, the JASDF will return the favor by taking in a Marine in March to experience day-to-day routines of the JASDF. Nishida was a participant of the program and is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force pose with U.S. Marines for a photo at a farewell luncheon for the professional military exchange program February 23 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, second from left. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. After Nishida’s exposure to the Marine Corps, the JASDF will return the favor by taking in a Marine in March to experience day-to-day routines of the JASDF. Nishida was a participant of the program and is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, right, accepts a momento from U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jorge M. Guinta, left, at the professional military exchange program farewell luncheon February 25 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Nishida. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. Guinta is the flight planning chief and staff non-commissioned officer in charge of base operations, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan, and Cranston, RI. native. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida, right, accepts a momento from U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jorge M. Guinta, left, at the professional military exchange program farewell luncheon February 25 at the Habu Pit Officers’ Club on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The professional military exchange program benefits JASDF and Marines by providing first-hand insight to the daily routines and responsibilities of each service, according to Nishida. The experience and knowledge gained through the program establishes better understanding and communication. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. Guinta is the flight planning chief and staff non-commissioned officer in charge of base operations, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan, and Cranston, RI. native. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida speaks on an enhanced terminal voice switch while participating in the professional military exchange program February 23 in the base operations building on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The ETVS expedites calling and communication between air traffic control facilities. The professional military exchange program provided Nishida from the JASDF an opportunity to work with the Marine Corps to learn their job skills, culture and day-to-day life as a member of the U.S. armed services. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Japanese Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Shinya Nishida speaks on an enhanced terminal voice switch while participating in the professional military exchange program February 23 in the base operations building on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The ETVS expedites calling and communication between air traffic control facilities. The professional military exchange program provided Nishida from the JASDF an opportunity to work with the Marine Corps to learn their job skills, culture and day-to-day life as a member of the U.S. armed services. Nishida is a flight plan dispatcher with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Brittany A. James

Pictured is Col. Chris Braney preparing for a visit with Japan Ground Self Defense Force logistics officers on Camp Kinser, Feb. 22. The visit is an effort to share the Marine Corps' standard operating procedures in supply and distribution operations with the JGSDF in hopes of enhancing future combined or coalition operations. Braney, from Syracuse, New York, is the regimental commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Pictured is Col. Chris Braney preparing for a visit with Japan Ground Self Defense Force logistics officers on Camp Kinser, Feb. 22. The visit is an effort to share the Marine Corps' standard operating procedures in supply and distribution operations with the JGSDF in hopes of enhancing future combined or coalition operations. Braney, from Syracuse, New York, is the regimental commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Pictured is Master Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Allen III sitting behind his desk on Camp Courtney. He enlisted in 1986 and has served nearly 31 years in the Marine Corps. During his time in, he has seen a lot, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi and Kuwait, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Allen is the communications chief of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/Released)

Pictured is Master Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Allen III sitting behind his desk on Camp Courtney. He enlisted in 1986 and has served nearly 31 years in the Marine Corps. During his time in, he has seen a lot, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi and Kuwait, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Allen is the communications chief of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers sprint forward to capture the flag during a snowball fight championship for Forest Light 16-2 in Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. Forest Light, a semi-annual exercise between the JGSDF and III Marine Expeditionary Force, strengthens military partnership, solidifies regional security agreements and improves individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF soldiers are with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, Northern Army. The Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF through the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released)

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers sprint forward to capture the flag during a snowball fight championship for Forest Light 16-2 in Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 31, 2016. Forest Light, a semi-annual exercise between the JGSDF and III Marine Expeditionary Force, strengthens military partnership, solidifies regional security agreements and improves individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF soldiers are with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, Northern Army. The Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF through the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers retire the colors during the opening ceremony of Forest Light 16-2 in Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 26, 2016. Forest Light, which concluded Feb. 6, is a semi-annual exercise between Japan and the U.S. The exercise strengthens military partnership, solidifies regional security agreements and improves individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, Northern Army. The Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released)

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers retire the colors during the opening ceremony of Forest Light 16-2 in Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Jan. 26, 2016. Forest Light, which concluded Feb. 6, is a semi-annual exercise between Japan and the U.S. The exercise strengthens military partnership, solidifies regional security agreements and improves individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, Northern Army. The Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform at the Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa City Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The III MEF Band was the final performance following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform at the Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa City Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The III MEF Band was the final performance following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Photo by Nelson Duenas

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform at the Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa City Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The III MEF Band was the final performance following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band perform at the Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa City Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The III MEF Band was the final performance following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Photo by Nelson Duenas

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band performs at Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The Marines played as the finale for the concert following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band performs at Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The Marines played as the finale for the concert following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Photo by Nelson Duenas

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band practice before performing at the Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa City Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The III MEF Band was the final performance following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band practice before performing at the Koza Music Town, Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, for the Okinawa City Promenade Concert Feb. 6, 2016. The III MEF Band was the final performance following the Kubasaki High School Band.

Photo by Nelson Duenas

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cody R. Gannon, a mortarman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, is meritoriously promoted by Lt. Col. Eric A. Reid, the battalion commander of 1/2, on Iwo Jima, Japan, Feb. 2, 2016. Gannon won the 2nd Marine Division Meritorious Sergeant Board and is currently forward deployed in the Pacific as part of 3rd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Robert Gonzales/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cody R. Gannon, a mortarman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, is meritoriously promoted by Lt. Col. Eric A. Reid, the battalion commander of 1/2, on Iwo Jima, Japan, Feb. 2, 2016. Gannon won the 2nd Marine Division Meritorious Sergeant Board and is currently forward deployed in the Pacific as part of 3rd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Robert Gonzales/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Gonzales

HP_Banner_MilOneSource.jpg.png

III Marine Expeditionary Force