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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Diego Sanchez-Fuentes, a radio operator assigned to Bravo Company, 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires a M240B machine gun while in the defensive position on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 15, 2023.

7th Comm. Bn. conducted joint task force enabler training on Camp Hansen March 15-16, 2023 to prepare Marines and validate their abilities in preparation for temporary additional duty to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The mission of 7th Comm. Bn. is to establish, maintain, and defend communication networks and services simultaneously for Marine Air Ground Task Force command elements, Marine component headquarters, and/or a Combined/Joint Task Force headquarters in order to facilitate a commander's ability to command and control forces.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yvonne Iwae)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Diego Sanchez-Fuentes, a radio operator assigned to Bravo Company, 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fires a M240B machine gun while in the defensive position on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 15, 2023. 7th Comm. Bn. conducted joint task force enabler training on Camp Hansen March 15-16, 2023 to prepare Marines and validate their abilities in preparation for temporary additional duty to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The mission of 7th Comm. Bn. is to establish, maintain, and defend communication networks and services simultaneously for Marine Air Ground Task Force command elements, Marine component headquarters, and/or a Combined/Joint Task Force headquarters in order to facilitate a commander's ability to command and control forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yvonne Iwae)

Photo by Cpl. Yvonne Iwae

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Henry Li, a satellite transmission system operator with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conducts gear checks in preparation for a platoon field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 30, 2023. The purpose of the platoon field exercise is to maintain proficiency with communication equipment. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Grace Gerlach)

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Henry Li, a satellite transmission system operator with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conducts gear checks in preparation for a platoon field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 30, 2023. The purpose of the platoon field exercise is to maintain proficiency with communication equipment. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Grace Gerlach)

Photo by Cpl. Grace Gerlach

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Villazon, a surveillance sensor operator with Ground Sensor Platoon, 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, adjusts a maritime radar during a meteorology and oceanography (METOC) data collections training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. The METOC training exercise was conducted to gather real-time weather conditions in areas of interest to provide commanders vital information and enhance battle space awareness. III MIG provides III MEF comprehensive intelligence collection capabilities in dynamic and unpredictable environments as a part of the Stand-in Force concept. Villazon is a native of Woodbridge, Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Villazon, a surveillance sensor operator with Ground Sensor Platoon, 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, adjusts a maritime radar during a meteorology and oceanography (METOC) data collections training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 14, 2023. The METOC training exercise was conducted to gather real-time weather conditions in areas of interest to provide commanders vital information and enhance battle space awareness. III MIG provides III MEF comprehensive intelligence collection capabilities in dynamic and unpredictable environments as a part of the Stand-in Force concept. Villazon is a native of Woodbridge, Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez

Philippine Air Force service members palletize Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Philippine Air Force service members palletize Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

A Philippine Air Force service member palletizes Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

A Philippine Air Force service member palletizes Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, alongside Philippine military and coast guard service members palletize Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs in preparation for transportation at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, alongside Philippine military and coast guard service members palletize Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs in preparation for transportation at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

Philippine Air Force service members palletize Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Philippine Air Force service members palletize Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, alongside Philippine military and coast guard service members position pallets to secure Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs in preparation for transportation at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, alongside Philippine military and coast guard service members position pallets to secure Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs in preparation for transportation at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

Philippine military and coast guard service members position pallets to secure Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs in preparation for transportation at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Philippine military and coast guard service members position pallets to secure Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs in preparation for transportation at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, unload equipment from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft in preparation to transport Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, unload equipment from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft in preparation to transport Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

Philippine Air Force service members unload equipment off a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 in preparation to transport Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Philippine Air Force service members unload equipment off a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 in preparation to transport Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marines with 3rd Radio Battalion listen to instruction during parachute operations with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 28, 2020. VMM-363 and 3rd Radio Battalion conducted static line jumps and free fall jumps to increase readiness and unit cohesion.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Radio Battalion listen to instruction during parachute operations with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 28, 2020. VMM-363 and 3rd Radio Battalion conducted static line jumps and free fall jumps to increase readiness and unit cohesion.

Photo by USMC

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the oncoming III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, addresses guests during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the oncoming III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, addresses guests during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, the offgoing III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Turner. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, the offgoing III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Turner. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force stand in formation during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force stand in formation during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer)

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marines with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Radio Battalion conduct a surf passage training event during a Radio Reconnaissance Operator Course, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 2, 2019. The course aimed to maintain the units' combat readiness and effectiveness, along with increasing cohesion between the three battalions.

U.S. Marines with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Radio Battalion conduct a surf passage training event during a Radio Reconnaissance Operator Course, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 2, 2019. The course aimed to maintain the units' combat readiness and effectiveness, along with increasing cohesion between the three battalions.

Photo by USMC

U.S. Marines with 3rd Radio Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct patrol exercises at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Jun. 27, 2018. The training opportunity fortified basic Marine skills and reaffirmed combat training techniques.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Radio Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct patrol exercises at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Jun. 27, 2018. The training opportunity fortified basic Marine skills and reaffirmed combat training techniques.

Photo by USMC

U.S. Marines with 3d Radio Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fire an M240B machine gun during a multi-weapons systems range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, August 14, 2023. The purpose of this training is to sharpen the Marines’ weapons handling skills and increase their readiness for future exercises and operations. Alpha Company, 3d Radio Battalion, provides support to 3d Marine Littoral Regiment during various training exercises.

U.S. Marines with 3d Radio Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, fire an M240B machine gun during a multi-weapons systems range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, August 14, 2023. The purpose of this training is to sharpen the Marines’ weapons handling skills and increase their readiness for future exercises and operations. Alpha Company, 3d Radio Battalion, provides support to 3d Marine Littoral Regiment during various training exercises.

Photo by USMC

3rd Radio Battalion Logo

Photo by USMC

Lt. Gen. James Bierman shakes hands with Gen. Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Japan Joint Staff, during an outcall at the Ministry of Defense, on 17 January. Lt. Gen. Bierman was appreciative of the outcall and the close bond shared between U.S. and Japanese leaders. (Courtesy Photo from the Japan Joint Staff)

Lt. Gen. James Bierman shakes hands with Gen. Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Japan Joint Staff, during an outcall at the Ministry of Defense, on 17 January. Lt. Gen. Bierman was appreciative of the outcall and the close bond shared between U.S. and Japanese leaders. (Courtesy Photo from the Japan Joint Staff)

Photo by Courtesy Photo

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III Marine Expeditionary Force