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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation during a trans-Pacific flight en route to Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, at sea, July 8, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation during a trans-Pacific flight en route to Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, at sea, July 8, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities.

Photo by Lt. Col. Seth Byrum

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, right, passes the 3d Marine Division colors to Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman during a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 30, 2023. The ceremony signified the official transfer of command of 3d Marine Division from Maj. Gen. Bargeron to Maj. Gen. Wortman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, right, passes the 3d Marine Division colors to Maj. Gen. Christian Wortman during a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 30, 2023. The ceremony signified the official transfer of command of 3d Marine Division from Maj. Gen. Bargeron to Maj. Gen. Wortman. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade)

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade

U.S. service members and civilian advocates participate in a group discussion during the 2023 Suicide Prevention Stakeholder’s Symposium on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 6, 2023. The symposium, now in its third iteration, brings mental health professionals and service members together to discuss critical issues and preventative measures regarding suicide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. service members and civilian advocates participate in a group discussion during the 2023 Suicide Prevention Stakeholder’s Symposium on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 6, 2023. The symposium, now in its third iteration, brings mental health professionals and service members together to discuss critical issues and preventative measures regarding suicide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews

Firefighters with Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services use a hose to extinguish a simulated fire in a multi-vehicle accident crisis response drill during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2022 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022. The annual drill was held to convey the readiness and capabilities of various installations and first responders in the event of an emergency. CV22 is a Force Protection Condition and crisis response evaluation to validate regional installations, camps, and tenant antiterrorism plans and policies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Firefighters with Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services use a hose to extinguish a simulated fire in a multi-vehicle accident crisis response drill during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2022 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022. The annual drill was held to convey the readiness and capabilities of various installations and first responders in the event of an emergency. CV22 is a Force Protection Condition and crisis response evaluation to validate regional installations, camps, and tenant antiterrorism plans and policies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment conduct a retirement ceremony for Maj. Dennis Nichols on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Mar. 11, 2020. Maj. Nichols retired after 28 years of honorable service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Tso)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment conduct a retirement ceremony for Maj. Dennis Nichols on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Mar. 11, 2020. Maj. Nichols retired after 28 years of honorable service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Tso)

Photo by Cpl. Eric Tso

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph McDonnell, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, lowers a package to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) in the Philippine Sea, May 9, 2023. Vertical replenishments enable naval vessels to quickly receive critical resources without disrupting maritime security operations while underway. III MEF is postured to enable naval expeditionary operations within the first island chain as part of a Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph McDonnell, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, lowers a package to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) in the Philippine Sea, May 9, 2023. Vertical replenishments enable naval vessels to quickly receive critical resources without disrupting maritime security operations while underway. III MEF is postured to enable naval expeditionary operations within the first island chain as part of a Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Emily Weiss

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Beirman, center right, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Yamane Toshikazu, center, commanding general of Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during a III MEF facilities tour on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 17, 2023. During the inaugural tour, Toshikazu spoke to key III MEF leadership and discussed topics pertaining to strengthening the partnership between III MEF and JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Beirman, center right, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Yamane Toshikazu, center, commanding general of Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during a III MEF facilities tour on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 17, 2023. During the inaugural tour, Toshikazu spoke to key III MEF leadership and discussed topics pertaining to strengthening the partnership between III MEF and JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

Photo by Sgt. Megan Roses

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) board a KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise (ACMEX) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, May 19, 2023. ACMEX confirms the III MEF Marines' crisis response capability as part of a Stand-in-Force within the First Island Chain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford)

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) board a KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise (ACMEX) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, May 19, 2023. ACMEX confirms the III MEF Marines' crisis response capability as part of a Stand-in-Force within the First Island Chain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford

A member of the III MEF band coaches students on point during a sectional lesson for each instrument.
楽器ごとに分かれてのレッスンで、生徒らにポイントポイントで指導する第三海兵遠征軍音楽隊員。

A member of the III MEF band coaches students on point during a sectional lesson for each instrument. 楽器ごとに分かれてのレッスンで、生徒らにポイントポイントで指導する第三海兵遠征軍音楽隊員。

Photo by Yoshie Makiyama

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert, a native of Binghamton, New York salutes U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, born in Camp Lejeune, as part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of office ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2023. U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Curtis D. Blunt, the outgoing command master chief of III MEF, relinquishes his duties to Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Colton Nicks)

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert, a native of Binghamton, New York salutes U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, born in Camp Lejeune, as part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of office ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 4, 2023. U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Curtis D. Blunt, the outgoing command master chief of III MEF, relinquishes his duties to Command Master Chief Donald O. Leppert. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Colton Nicks)

Photo by Cpl. Nicks

U.S. and Philippine senior military leaders furl the exercise flag at the closing ceremony to conclude Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 28, 2023. Over the last three weeks, more than 17,600 personnel trained shoulder-to-shoulder across the Philippines’ northern Luzon and Palawan, increasing proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operation, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. and Philippine senior military leaders furl the exercise flag at the closing ceremony to conclude Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 28, 2023. Over the last three weeks, more than 17,600 personnel trained shoulder-to-shoulder across the Philippines’ northern Luzon and Palawan, increasing proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operation, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews

A U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires during a littoral live fire event during Balikatan 23 at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippines, April 26, 2023. Balikatan 2023 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Fletcher)

A U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires during a littoral live fire event during Balikatan 23 at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippines, April 26, 2023. Balikatan 2023 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Fletcher)

Photo by Sgt. Samuel C. Fletcher

Service members from the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, and the U.S. Marine Corps finish the reconstruction of a new roof for Miss Bunnam Inprom’s home during Exercise Cobra Gold 23 (CG23) at Chanthaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, March 2, 2023. U.S. Marines and partner nations teamed up to build a new roof for Inprom’s home, which was destroyed by termites. Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 and MWSS-172 participated in the 42nd iteration of the Cobra Gold series of exercises, where they lended their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

Service members from the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Republic of Korea Navy and Marine Corps, and the U.S. Marine Corps finish the reconstruction of a new roof for Miss Bunnam Inprom’s home during Exercise Cobra Gold 23 (CG23) at Chanthaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, March 2, 2023. U.S. Marines and partner nations teamed up to build a new roof for Inprom’s home, which was destroyed by termites. Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 and MWSS-172 participated in the 42nd iteration of the Cobra Gold series of exercises, where they lended their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez

U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Nathaniel Jackson, a mortarman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, demonstrates how to adjust the alignment of an M252 81 mm mortar system to a member of the Philippine Marine Corps during bilateral weapons familiarization during Balikatan 23 in Santa Juliana, Philippines, April 10, 2023.

U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Nathaniel Jackson, a mortarman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, demonstrates how to adjust the alignment of an M252 81 mm mortar system to a member of the Philippine Marine Corps during bilateral weapons familiarization during Balikatan 23 in Santa Juliana, Philippines, April 10, 2023.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade

U.S. service members and distinguished guests pose for a photo during the Ishigaki Memorial Ceremony on Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2023. The ceremony honors three fallen World War II U.S. Navy airmen, whom died shortly after crash landing on the island. The memorial was developed by the people of Ishigaki and U.S. Service members as a symbol of peace and friendship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

U.S. service members and distinguished guests pose for a photo during the Ishigaki Memorial Ceremony on Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2023. The ceremony honors three fallen World War II U.S. Navy airmen, whom died shortly after crash landing on the island. The memorial was developed by the people of Ishigaki and U.S. Service members as a symbol of peace and friendship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Megan Roses)

Photo by Sgt. Megan Roses

Philippine and U.S. military representatives conduct the unfurling of the flag during the opening ceremony to commence Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 11, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, improve capabilities, and reinforce the shared security relationship built over decades of training and cooperation. More than 17,600 troops are participating in Balikatan 23, the 38th iteration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

Philippine and U.S. military representatives conduct the unfurling of the flag during the opening ceremony to commence Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 11, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, improve capabilities, and reinforce the shared security relationship built over decades of training and cooperation. More than 17,600 troops are participating in Balikatan 23, the 38th iteration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Von Landry a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M18 pistol during a pistol qualification range, March 30. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Von Landry a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M18 pistol during a pistol qualification range, March 30. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March 27, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Augustine, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an Aussie rappel during rope training during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March 27, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Augustine, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an Aussie rappel during rope training during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 74 with Assault Craft Unit 5, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives ashore for an amphibious assault during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 74 with Assault Craft Unit 5, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives ashore for an amphibious assault during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam)

Photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive a light armored vehicle off a landing craft, air cushion during an amphibious assault training exercise for Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. - ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S. -ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive a light armored vehicle off a landing craft, air cushion during an amphibious assault training exercise for Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. - ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S. -ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas

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III Marine Expeditionary Force