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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen James W. Bierman, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, center-left, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, center-right, stand with their combined staff at the ROK Marine Corps Headquarters, Baran, Republic of Korea, March 9, 2023. The two Marine Corps leaders met to discuss the expansion of combined-joint training on the Korean peninsula and promote mutual commitment between the two forces. The ROK-U.S. alliance is vital to the collective defense and security of the Korean Peninsula and the region, and the lynchpin of U.S. joint force posture in Northeast Asia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen James W. Bierman, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, center-left, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, center-right, stand with their combined staff at the ROK Marine Corps Headquarters, Baran, Republic of Korea, March 9, 2023. The two Marine Corps leaders met to discuss the expansion of combined-joint training on the Korean peninsula and promote mutual commitment between the two forces. The ROK-U.S. alliance is vital to the collective defense and security of the Korean Peninsula and the region, and the lynchpin of U.S. joint force posture in Northeast Asia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews

The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marines conduct a pass and review during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, March 7, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Eric D. Cook relinquished his duties as sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, and sergeant major of Marine Forces Japan to Sgt. Maj. Joy M. Kitashima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez)

U.S. Marines conduct a pass and review during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, March 7, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Eric D. Cook relinquished his duties as sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, and sergeant major of Marine Forces Japan to Sgt. Maj. Joy M. Kitashima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez)

Photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force present the colors at a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, March 7, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Eric D. Cook relinquished his duties as sergeant major of III MEF, and sergeant major of Marine Forces Japan to Sgt. Maj. Joy M. Kitashima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez)

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force present the colors at a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, March 7, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Eric D. Cook relinquished his duties as sergeant major of III MEF, and sergeant major of Marine Forces Japan to Sgt. Maj. Joy M. Kitashima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez)

Photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force embark the high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force embark the high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ethan Jara, a native of East Bethel, Minnesota and an ammunition technician with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, maneuvers his fire team on an Infantry Battle Platoon Course during a live fire range on U.S. Army Garrison Casey, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2023. III MSB is conducting Bushido Strike 23, which comprises training events including a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation in South Korea to validate its mission essential tasks of providing combat service, security and administrative services to III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel A. Serrano)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ethan Jara, a native of East Bethel, Minnesota and an ammunition technician with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, maneuvers his fire team on an Infantry Battle Platoon Course during a live fire range on U.S. Army Garrison Casey, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2023. III MSB is conducting Bushido Strike 23, which comprises training events including a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation in South Korea to validate its mission essential tasks of providing combat service, security and administrative services to III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel A. Serrano)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel Serrano

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Deven Schools, a fire support Marine with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, tests batteries during Innovation Boot Camp on Sea Glass Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 8, 2023. IBC was designed to teach Marines skills such as soldering, 3D printing, coding, and programming to create innovative products for the Marine Corps and to test Marines’ critical thinking skills. Schools is a native of Kent Island, Maryland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Deven Schools, a fire support Marine with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, tests batteries during Innovation Boot Camp on Sea Glass Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 8, 2023. IBC was designed to teach Marines skills such as soldering, 3D printing, coding, and programming to create innovative products for the Marine Corps and to test Marines’ critical thinking skills. Schools is a native of Kent Island, Maryland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marines salute during the Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Reactivation and Naming Ceremony at Asan Beach, National Historical Park, Asan, Guam, on Jan. 26, 2023. The Reactivation and Naming Ceremony officially recognized the activation and naming of Naval Support Activity, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz after Marine Barracks Guam was deactivated on Nov. 10, 1992. MCB Camp Blaz was administratively activated on October 1, 2020. It is the first newly constructed base for the Marine Corps since 1952 and will serve as an enduring symbol of the continued partnership between the Marine Corps and the Government of Guam, which has existed since the Spanish surrender to U.S. forces on June 21, 1898. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Beauchamp)

U.S. Marines salute during the Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Reactivation and Naming Ceremony at Asan Beach, National Historical Park, Asan, Guam, on Jan. 26, 2023. The Reactivation and Naming Ceremony officially recognized the activation and naming of Naval Support Activity, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz after Marine Barracks Guam was deactivated on Nov. 10, 1992. MCB Camp Blaz was administratively activated on October 1, 2020. It is the first newly constructed base for the Marine Corps since 1952 and will serve as an enduring symbol of the continued partnership between the Marine Corps and the Government of Guam, which has existed since the Spanish surrender to U.S. forces on June 21, 1898. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Beauchamp)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Beauchamp

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Amed Issa, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 20, 2023. On Jan. 6, 2023, Sgt Issa was in Honolulu Hawaii, where he heard gunshots, ran toward the gunfire, and provided lifesaving aid to a wounded man. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Patrick King)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Amed Issa, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 20, 2023. On Jan. 6, 2023, Sgt Issa was in Honolulu Hawaii, where he heard gunshots, ran toward the gunfire, and provided lifesaving aid to a wounded man. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Patrick King)

Photo by Cpl. Patrick King

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr and Sgt. Maj. Rodney E. Nevinger, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer and sergeant major, unveil the 3d MLR unit colors during the redesignation ceremony of 3d Marines to 3d MLR aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 3, 2022. The 3d MLR will serve as a key enabler for joint, allied, and partnered forces, will integrate with naval forces, and will enable multi-domain maneuver and fires within contested spaces. The transition of 3d Marines to 3d MLR is in accordance with Force Design 2030 and one of the first major steps to facilitating a shift as the Marine Corps divests in legacy capabilities and builds a force that is optimized for operations envisioned within the Commandant’s Planning Guidance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr and Sgt. Maj. Rodney E. Nevinger, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer and sergeant major, unveil the 3d MLR unit colors during the redesignation ceremony of 3d Marines to 3d MLR aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 3, 2022. The 3d MLR will serve as a key enabler for joint, allied, and partnered forces, will integrate with naval forces, and will enable multi-domain maneuver and fires within contested spaces. The transition of 3d Marines to 3d MLR is in accordance with Force Design 2030 and one of the first major steps to facilitating a shift as the Marine Corps divests in legacy capabilities and builds a force that is optimized for operations envisioned within the Commandant’s Planning Guidance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

Photo by Cpl. Patrick King

Retired Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Rikiya Kondo, former commanding officer of Fuji Training Center, JGSDF, poses for a photograph with his wife during an award ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2023.

Retired Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Rikiya Kondo, former commanding officer of Fuji Training Center, JGSDF, poses for a photograph with his wife during an award ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 6, 2023.

Photo by Sgt. Savannah Mesime

A U.S. Marine with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M3E1 Multipurpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System during a live-fire training range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 15, 2022. This training allowed small unit leaders to practice decision making and problem solving in a realistic scenario. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio)

A U.S. Marine with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires an M3E1 Multipurpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System during a live-fire training range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 15, 2022. This training allowed small unit leaders to practice decision making and problem solving in a realistic scenario. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio)

Photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio

221209-N-IY633-1092 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 9, 2022) – Leadership and staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Forces pose for a photo during Naval Integration staff talks Dec. 9 onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Kitchner)

221209-N-IY633-1092 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 9, 2022) – Leadership and staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Forces pose for a photo during Naval Integration staff talks Dec. 9 onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Kitchner)

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda K

Service members of III Marine Expeditionary Force, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Government of Japan representatives attend the 2022 Reunion of Honor on Iwo Jima, Japan, Dec.10, 2022.

Service members of III Marine Expeditionary Force, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Government of Japan representatives attend the 2022 Reunion of Honor on Iwo Jima, Japan, Dec.10, 2022.

Photo by Sgt. Megan Roses

2022 III MEF Holiday Message

2022 III MEF Holiday Message

Photo by Sgt Savannah Mesimer

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luis DelacruzRios, a motor transport operator, and Cpl. Samuel Llamas, a combat engineer, both with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, execute a simulated convoy ambush with an M240B medium machine gun during exercise Winter Workhorse, at Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Luis DelacruzRios, a motor transport operator, and Cpl. Samuel Llamas, a combat engineer, both with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, execute a simulated convoy ambush with an M240B medium machine gun during exercise Winter Workhorse, at Central Training Area, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. Winter Workhorse is an annual exercise for CLR-3 to train to carry out mission essential tasks in forward-deployed, austere environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade offload a Japan Self Defense Force CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade offload a Japan Self Defense Force CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

Photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Koeneke, a Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Thailand Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) instructor with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, supervises Staff Sgt. Parawut Pongfai, a Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) student, during an EOD level 1-2 course at Jarumanee training area, Ratchaburi, Thailand, November 22, 2022. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 1-2 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMAC’s mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s HMA Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Moises Rodriguez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Koeneke, a Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) Thailand Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) instructor with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, supervises Staff Sgt. Parawut Pongfai, a Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) student, during an EOD level 1-2 course at Jarumanee training area, Ratchaburi, Thailand, November 22, 2022. Royal Thai and American Armed Forces work together to train TMAC students in EOD level 1-2 in order to develop an EOD capacity to assist TMAC’s mission of becoming landmine free. This partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense’s HMA Program, which assists partnered nations affected by landmines, explosive remnants of war, and the hazardous effects of unexploded ordnance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Moises Rodriguez)

Photo by Cpl. Moises Rodriguez

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ezra Blankenship, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines participates in a platoon attack during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 22. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Blankenship is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ezra Blankenship, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines participates in a platoon attack during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 22. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Blankenship is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines conduct an air assault in support of a United Nations Command Honor Guard alert contingency disbursement rehearsal during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 16, 2022. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines conduct an air assault in support of a United Nations Command Honor Guard alert contingency disbursement rehearsal during Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 23.1 at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Nov. 16, 2022. KMEP is conducted routinely to maintain the trust, proficiency, and readiness of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. 3d Battalion, 4th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart

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III Marine Expeditionary Force