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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Crosby, bottom right, races up a rope tower during a company competition at Korea Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Yooghuk Dae, Munseu San Mountain, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines competed for the fastest integrated company in rappelling, rocking climbing and rope climbing before a sprint to the finish line. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Crosby, from Glendale, Arizona, is a rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The ROK Marines are with 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Crosby, bottom right, races up a rope tower during a company competition at Korea Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Yooghuk Dae, Munseu San Mountain, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines competed for the fastest integrated company in rappelling, rocking climbing and rope climbing before a sprint to the finish line. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Crosby, from Glendale, Arizona, is a rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The ROK Marines are with 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Giguere

A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 guides a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft for takeoff at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. MWSS-171 provided fuel for HMH-462 at a forward arming and refueling point during an assault transport. The assault transport supported a bilateral air assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. Forest Light is an exercise to increase interoperability of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. MWSS-171 is with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-462 is with MAG 16, 3rd MAW, currently assigned to MAG 36, 1st MAW, III MEF.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 guides a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft for takeoff at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. MWSS-171 provided fuel for HMH-462 at a forward arming and refueling point during an assault transport. The assault transport supported a bilateral air assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. Forest Light is an exercise to increase interoperability of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. MWSS-171 is with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-462 is with MAG 16, 3rd MAW, currently assigned to MAG 36, 1st MAW, III MEF.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mandaline Hatch

U.S. Marines board a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft at Aibano training area, Sept. 15, 2015. The aircraft provided assault transport during a bilateral air assault comprehensive exercise at Aibano Training Area. The exercise is part of Forest Light 16-1, an exercise to increase interoperability of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. U.S. Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines board a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft at Aibano training area, Sept. 15, 2015. The aircraft provided assault transport during a bilateral air assault comprehensive exercise at Aibano Training Area. The exercise is part of Forest Light 16-1, an exercise to increase interoperability of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. U.S. Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mandaline Hatch

A U.S. Marine with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, left, helps a Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 refuel a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. MWSS-171 provided fuel at a forward arming and refueling point during an assault transport. The assault transport supported a bilateral-air-assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171 is with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-462 is with MAG 16, 3rd MAW, currently assigned to MAG 36, 1st MAW, III MEF.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, left, helps a Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 refuel a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. MWSS-171 provided fuel at a forward arming and refueling point during an assault transport. The assault transport supported a bilateral-air-assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171 is with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMH-462 is with MAG 16, 3rd MAW, currently assigned to MAG 36, 1st MAW, III MEF.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mandaline Hatch

U.S. Marines move between landing zones during a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft assault transport at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. The assault transport supported a bilateral-air-assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. Forest Light is an exercise to increase interoperability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. The U.S. Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines move between landing zones during a CH-53E Super Stallion rotary-wing aircraft assault transport at Aibano Training Area, Sept. 15, 2015. The assault transport supported a bilateral-air-assault comprehensive exercise during Forest Light 16-1. Forest Light is an exercise to increase interoperability of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps forces. The U.S. Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mandaline Hatch

New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines watch illumination coordination rounds light the impact area at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 28, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. The illumination rounds provide visibility on the impact area at night in order to efficiently adjust the rounds onto target. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines watch illumination coordination rounds light the impact area at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 28, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. The illumination rounds provide visibility on the impact area at night in order to efficiently adjust the rounds onto target. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

New Zealand Army Soldier Lance Cpl. Arana Hunter watches an illumination coordination round light the impact area at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 29, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. The illumination rounds provide visibility on the impact area at night in order to efficiently adjust the rounds onto target. Arana is a signals lance bombardier with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

New Zealand Army Soldier Lance Cpl. Arana Hunter watches an illumination coordination round light the impact area at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 29, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. The illumination rounds provide visibility on the impact area at night in order to efficiently adjust the rounds onto target. Arana is a signals lance bombardier with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

U.S. Marines hike to their designated observation post at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

U.S. Marines hike to their designated observation post at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

U.S. Marines plot points on a map to indicate the observation post positions during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

U.S. Marines plot points on a map to indicate the observation post positions during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines arrive to Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

New Zealand Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines arrive to Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Marines are with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

U.S. Marine Maj. Ryan Von Rembow, from Fayetteville, Arizona, surveys the impact area at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Von Rembow is a forward air controller officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

U.S. Marine Maj. Ryan Von Rembow, from Fayetteville, Arizona, surveys the impact area at Waiouru Military Training Area, New Zealand, during exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Aug. 27, 2015. Kiwi soldiers and U.S. Marines collectively called for fire utilizing 81mm mortars. They conducted immediate neutralization, danger close, smoke and coordinated illuminated missions. Kiwi soldiers are with 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment. Von Rembow is a forward air controller officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra

The Marine Corps Association selected Maj. Jeffrey L. Seavy’s essay “A Free Lunch – Cohesion Increases Readiness and Capability” for the 2015 Maj. Gen. Harold W. Chase Essay Contest. The annual contest recognizes Marines who through bold and daring thought argue for new and better ways of doing business within the Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force presented the plaque and $3,000 check to Seavy, Sept. 21 on Okinawa, Japan. Seavy, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the deputy director of the III MEF Defense Policy Review Initiative. His essay will be published in the Marine Corps Gazette.

The Marine Corps Association selected Maj. Jeffrey L. Seavy’s essay “A Free Lunch – Cohesion Increases Readiness and Capability” for the 2015 Maj. Gen. Harold W. Chase Essay Contest. The annual contest recognizes Marines who through bold and daring thought argue for new and better ways of doing business within the Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force presented the plaque and $3,000 check to Seavy, Sept. 21 on Okinawa, Japan. Seavy, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the deputy director of the III MEF Defense Policy Review Initiative. His essay will be published in the Marine Corps Gazette.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Vought

The Marine Corps Association selected Maj. Jeffrey L. Seavy’s essay “A Free Lunch – Cohesion Increases Readiness and Capability” for the 2015 Maj. Gen. Harold W. Chase Essay Contest. The annual contest recognizes Marines who through bold and daring thought argue for new and better ways of doing business within the Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force presented the plaque and $3,000 check to Seavy, Sept. 21 on Okinawa, Japan. Seavy, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the deputy director of the III MEF Defense Policy Review Initiative. His essay will be published in the Marine Corps Gazette.

The Marine Corps Association selected Maj. Jeffrey L. Seavy’s essay “A Free Lunch – Cohesion Increases Readiness and Capability” for the 2015 Maj. Gen. Harold W. Chase Essay Contest. The annual contest recognizes Marines who through bold and daring thought argue for new and better ways of doing business within the Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force presented the plaque and $3,000 check to Seavy, Sept. 21 on Okinawa, Japan. Seavy, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the deputy director of the III MEF Defense Policy Review Initiative. His essay will be published in the Marine Corps Gazette.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Vought

The Marine Corps Association selected Maj. Jeffrey L. Seavy’s essay “A Free Lunch – Cohesion Increases Readiness and Capability” for the 2015 Maj. Gen. Harold W. Chase Essay Contest. The annual contest recognizes Marines who through bold and daring thought argue for new and better ways of doing business within the Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force presented the plaque and $3,000 check to Seavy, Sept. 21 on Okinawa, Japan. Seavy, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the deputy director of the III MEF Defense Policy Review Initiative. His essay will be published in the Marine Corps Gazette.

The Marine Corps Association selected Maj. Jeffrey L. Seavy’s essay “A Free Lunch – Cohesion Increases Readiness and Capability” for the 2015 Maj. Gen. Harold W. Chase Essay Contest. The annual contest recognizes Marines who through bold and daring thought argue for new and better ways of doing business within the Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force presented the plaque and $3,000 check to Seavy, Sept. 21 on Okinawa, Japan. Seavy, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the deputy director of the III MEF Defense Policy Review Initiative. His essay will be published in the Marine Corps Gazette.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Vought

The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the 15th Brigade Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, engage the crowd during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the 15th Brigade Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, engage the crowd during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Justin Schmidt and Leading Pvt. Kana Furusho with the 15th Brigade Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, sing together during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience. Schmidt, from Wauconda, Illinois, is the small ensemble leader and a vocalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Justin Schmidt and Leading Pvt. Kana Furusho with the 15th Brigade Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, sing together during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience. Schmidt, from Wauconda, Illinois, is the small ensemble leader and a vocalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Justin Schmidt and Leading Pvt. Kana Furusho with the 15th Brigade Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, sing together during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience. Schmidt, from Wauconda, Illinois, is the small ensemble leader and a vocalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Justin Schmidt and Leading Pvt. Kana Furusho with the 15th Brigade Band, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, sing together during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience. Schmidt, from Wauconda, Illinois, is the small ensemble leader and a vocalist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

U.S. Marine Cpl. Nassim Amirouche, left, and U.S. Marine Sgt. Michael Parker play a duet during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and Japan Ground Self Defense Force musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience. Amirouche, from Stratford, Connecticut, and Parker, from Cazenovia, New York, are saxophonist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Nassim Amirouche, left, and U.S. Marine Sgt. Michael Parker play a duet during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and Japan Ground Self Defense Force musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience. Amirouche, from Stratford, Connecticut, and Parker, from Cazenovia, New York, are saxophonist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

A combined band made up of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 15th Brigade Band, plays during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience.

A combined band made up of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 15th Brigade Band, plays during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joshua A. Stone conducts a combined band composed of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 15th Brigade Band, during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience.

U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joshua A. Stone conducts a combined band composed of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 15th Brigade Band, during the 20th Annual Combined Band Concert, at Okinawa Civic Hall, in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 19, 2015. The concert celebrated the long-standing relationship between the Marine and JGSDF musical ensembles, affording them the opportunity to once again combine forces and musically stimulate an audience.

Photo by Cpl. Drew Tech

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III Marine Expeditionary Force