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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Toshiyuki Ishimura, 15th Brigade Band director, with a plaque 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 Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Toshiyuki Ishimura, 15th Brigade Band director, with a plaque 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

A Papua New Guinea native greets a Royal Australian soldier with a flowered decoration after members from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Army and Royal British Army arrive at the Taurama Barracks, Papua New Guinea, for exercise Puk Puk 15, Sept 1. The purpose of the exercise is to increase interoperability between multiple nations and exchange engineering tactics. The U.S. Marines and sailors are stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

A Papua New Guinea native greets a Royal Australian soldier with a flowered decoration after members from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Army and Royal British Army arrive at the Taurama Barracks, Papua New Guinea, for exercise Puk Puk 15, Sept 1. The purpose of the exercise is to increase interoperability between multiple nations and exchange engineering tactics. The U.S. Marines and sailors are stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Photo by Cpl. William Hester

Cpl. Daniel J. Benjamin Jr. reunites with Paula Genova at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, on Sept. 14, 2015, two weeks after saving her life from a substantial head injury. On Aug. 31, Paula was riding her bike when she lost control and was struck in the head by a tree branch. While losing a significant amount of blood and screaming for help, Benjamin came to her aid by taking her straight to the hospital. Benjamin recently received a coin from the III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr., for his selfless act. Paula is a tourist from Manila, Philippines. Benjamin is a digital wideband repair Marine with Headquarters Marine Wing Support Group 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Daniel J. Benjamin Jr. reunites with Paula Genova at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, on Sept. 14, 2015, two weeks after saving her life from a substantial head injury. On Aug. 31, Paula was riding her bike when she lost control and was struck in the head by a tree branch. While losing a significant amount of blood and screaming for help, Benjamin came to her aid by taking her straight to the hospital. Benjamin recently received a coin from the III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr., for his selfless act. Paula is a tourist from Manila, Philippines. Benjamin is a digital wideband repair Marine with Headquarters Marine Wing Support Group 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Rebecca Elmy

Cpl. Daniel J. Benjamin Jr. poses for a photo with Paula Genova at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 14, 2015, two weeks after saving her life from a substantial head injury. On Aug. 31, Paula was riding her bike when she lost control and was struck in the head by a tree branch. After she lost a significant amount of blood and had been screaming for help, Benjamin came to her aid by taking her straight to the hospital. Benjamin recently received a unit challenge coin from the III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr., for his selfless act. Paula is a tourist from Manila, Philippines. Benjamin is a digital wideband repair Marine with Headquarters Marine Wing Support Group 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Cpl. Daniel J. Benjamin Jr. poses for a photo with Paula Genova at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 14, 2015, two weeks after saving her life from a substantial head injury. On Aug. 31, Paula was riding her bike when she lost control and was struck in the head by a tree branch. After she lost a significant amount of blood and had been screaming for help, Benjamin came to her aid by taking her straight to the hospital. Benjamin recently received a unit challenge coin from the III Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Lee D. Bonar Jr., for his selfless act. Paula is a tourist from Manila, Philippines. Benjamin is a digital wideband repair Marine with Headquarters Marine Wing Support Group 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Rebecca Elmy

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi attaches vegetation to his sniper rifle while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi attaches vegetation to his sniper rifle while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi looks through binoculars at the target while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi looks through binoculars at the target while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Deven Lewis runs across a clearing while participating in stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch Lewis stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Lewis from Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a hospital corpsman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Deven Lewis runs across a clearing while participating in stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch Lewis stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Lewis from Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a hospital corpsman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi fires his sniper rifle at the 600 meter line during forest light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. The JGSDF fired their rifles with precision accuracy at the 400 and 600-meter firing line at man-sized targets. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi fires his sniper rifle at the 600 meter line during forest light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. The JGSDF fired their rifles with precision accuracy at the 400 and 600-meter firing line at man-sized targets. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Lance Cpl. Kyle Frey fires his M40 Sniper Rifle at the 800-meter firing line during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. The Marines fired at the 400, 600 and 800-meter firing line. The M40 is capable of precision firing from as far as 1,000 meters. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Frey from Elverson, Pennsylvania, is a sniper with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lance Cpl. Kyle Frey fires his M40 Sniper Rifle at the 800-meter firing line during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. The Marines fired at the 400, 600 and 800-meter firing line. The M40 is capable of precision firing from as far as 1,000 meters. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Frey from Elverson, Pennsylvania, is a sniper with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Cpl. Devon Tindle

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II cuts the first slice of cake during 3rd Marine Division’s 73rd Anniversary, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 4, 2015. The 3rd Marine Division has a successful combat-oriented history dating back to the early days of World War II, earning the title ‘the Fighting Third’ due to their prowess on the battlefield. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II cuts the first slice of cake during 3rd Marine Division’s 73rd Anniversary, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 4, 2015. The 3rd Marine Division has a successful combat-oriented history dating back to the early days of World War II, earning the title ‘the Fighting Third’ due to their prowess on the battlefield. Simcock is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Villarreal

Marines with 3rd Marine Division honor their history as the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band plays the opening song for the division’s 73rd Anniversary, which took place at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 4, 2015. The ceremony honored past and present Marines, and the history behind the “Fighting Third.” The Marines are with various units under 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.

Marines with 3rd Marine Division honor their history as the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band plays the opening song for the division’s 73rd Anniversary, which took place at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 4, 2015. The ceremony honored past and present Marines, and the history behind the “Fighting Third.” The Marines are with various units under 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Villarreal

Cpl. Joey Wallace and his squad compete against other mortarmen during the 3rd Marine Division Annual Squad Competition, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3, 2015. Wallace, from Ocean City, Maryland, is a mortarman with weapons company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Cpl. Joey Wallace and his squad compete against other mortarmen during the 3rd Marine Division Annual Squad Competition, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 3, 2015. Wallace, from Ocean City, Maryland, is a mortarman with weapons company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Photo by Cpl. Joey Holeman

Lance Cpl. Lorenzo Jackson fires a .50-Caliber Heavy Machine Gun during 3rd Marine Division’s Annual Squad Competition, at Camp Hansen, Sept. 3, 2015. Marines throughout the division were evaluated on their weapons proficiency and infantry skills during the competition. Jackson, from Miami, Florida, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Lance Cpl. Lorenzo Jackson fires a .50-Caliber Heavy Machine Gun during 3rd Marine Division’s Annual Squad Competition, at Camp Hansen, Sept. 3, 2015. Marines throughout the division were evaluated on their weapons proficiency and infantry skills during the competition. Jackson, from Miami, Florida, is a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Photo by Cpl. Joey Holeman

Cpl. Eric Pacheco, right, loads a 60 mm mortar as Cpl. Michael Jepsen steadies the weapon during the 3rd Marine Division Annual Squad Competition, Sept. 3, 2015. The competition allows Marines to enhance their infantry skills in a competitive environment. Pacheco, from Kansas City, and Jepsen, from Marion, Illinois, are mortarmen with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Cpl. Eric Pacheco, right, loads a 60 mm mortar as Cpl. Michael Jepsen steadies the weapon during the 3rd Marine Division Annual Squad Competition, Sept. 3, 2015. The competition allows Marines to enhance their infantry skills in a competitive environment. Pacheco, from Kansas City, and Jepsen, from Marion, Illinois, are mortarmen with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Photo by Cpl. Joey Holeman

Okinawan citizens enjoy carnival rides during HansenFest, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 5, 2015. The Marine Corps Community Services opened Camp Hansen’s gates for Okinawan citizens, military families, and service members to enjoy the carnival rides, festive foods and live music from Madison Rising and Shinedown. The MCCS mission is to take care of Marines and their families by providing quality of life programs, products, and services in support of the Marine Corps objectives.

Okinawan citizens enjoy carnival rides during HansenFest, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 5, 2015. The Marine Corps Community Services opened Camp Hansen’s gates for Okinawan citizens, military families, and service members to enjoy the carnival rides, festive foods and live music from Madison Rising and Shinedown. The MCCS mission is to take care of Marines and their families by providing quality of life programs, products, and services in support of the Marine Corps objectives.

Photo by Pfc. Jessica Etheridge

Okinawan children slide down an inflatable slide during HansenFest on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 5, 2015. Hansen Fest is a festival the Marine Corps Community Services organizes to build morale among the Marines as well as relationships with the Okinawan citizens. MCCS is a program that improves the health and welfare of the Marine Corps community.

Okinawan children slide down an inflatable slide during HansenFest on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 5, 2015. Hansen Fest is a festival the Marine Corps Community Services organizes to build morale among the Marines as well as relationships with the Okinawan citizens. MCCS is a program that improves the health and welfare of the Marine Corps community.

Photo by Jessica Etheridge

Brent Smith performs during HansenFest, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 5, 2015. The free entertainment boosted morale for the services members and helped build stronger relationships with the Okinawan citizens. Camp Hansen opened its gates for Okinawan citizens, military families, and service members to enjoy carnival rides, festival foods and live music from musical groups Madison Rising and Shinedown. Smith is the lead singer for Shinedown.

Brent Smith performs during HansenFest, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 5, 2015. The free entertainment boosted morale for the services members and helped build stronger relationships with the Okinawan citizens. Camp Hansen opened its gates for Okinawan citizens, military families, and service members to enjoy carnival rides, festival foods and live music from musical groups Madison Rising and Shinedown. Smith is the lead singer for Shinedown.

Photo by Jessica Etheridge

Lt. Gen. John Wissler, middle, passes the III Marine Expeditionary Force colors to Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. At the change of command ceremony, Wissler relinquished command to Nicholson. Wissler is a native of Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Nicholson is a native of Toronto.

Lt. Gen. John Wissler, middle, passes the III Marine Expeditionary Force colors to Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. At the change of command ceremony, Wissler relinquished command to Nicholson. Wissler is a native of Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Nicholson is a native of Toronto.

Photo by Cpl. Joey Holeman

Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson addresses Marines during the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. Wissler relinquished command to Nicholson, who was the 1st Marine Division commanding general prior to assuming command of III MEF. Nicholson is a native of Toronto.

Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson addresses Marines during the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. Wissler relinquished command to Nicholson, who was the 1st Marine Division commanding general prior to assuming command of III MEF. Nicholson is a native of Toronto.

Photo by Cpl. Joey Holeman

Lt. Gen. John Wissler addresses Marines during the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. Wissler, who has been the III MEF commanding general for the past two years, relinquished his command to Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson. Wissler is a native of Camp Pendleton, Calif. Nicholson is from Toronto.

Lt. Gen. John Wissler addresses Marines during the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 11, 2015. Wissler, who has been the III MEF commanding general for the past two years, relinquished his command to Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson. Wissler is a native of Camp Pendleton, Calif. Nicholson is from Toronto.

Photo by Cpl. Joey Holeman

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III Marine Expeditionary Force