An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

Filter

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael J. West presents the Marine Corps to U.S. Marine Corp Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr. during the 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade assumption of command at the Camp Courtney Theater, July 26, 2019. Rock assumes command as the deputy commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. The assumption of command ceremony represents the relinquishing of power from one commanding general to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. George Melendez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael J. West presents the Marine Corps to U.S. Marine Corp Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr. during the 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade assumption of command at the Camp Courtney Theater, July 26, 2019. Rock assumes command as the deputy commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. The assumption of command ceremony represents the relinquishing of power from one commanding general to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. George Melendez)

Photo by Sgt. George Melendez

“We cross-train Marines in every aspect of combat logistics, preparing them for the field and for any situation because when you’re a Marine, you are able to adapt and overcome,” said Corporal Christian Gomez, a supply specialist with CLB-31.

“We cross-train Marines in every aspect of combat logistics, preparing them for the field and for any situation because when you’re a Marine, you are able to adapt and overcome,” said Corporal Christian Gomez, a supply specialist with CLB-31.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dylan Hess

An Assault Amphibious Vehicle with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, patrols the coast after a simulated raid on Townshend Island, Queensland Australia, July 1, 2019. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle P. Bunyi)

An Assault Amphibious Vehicle with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, patrols the coast after a simulated raid on Townshend Island, Queensland Australia, July 1, 2019. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle P. Bunyi)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Bunyi

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, ride ashore in a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft during a boat raid exercise in the Coral Sea, July 3, 2019. The Marines launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, while operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brennan Priest)

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, ride ashore in a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft during a boat raid exercise in the Coral Sea, July 3, 2019. The Marines launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, while operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brennan Priest)

Photo by Cpl. Brennan Priest

U.S. Marines conduct a simulated amphibious assault of exercise Talisman Sabre 19 in Bowen, Australia, July 22, 2019. Talisman Sabre provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase participating countries' abilities to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner D. Lambert)

U.S. Marines conduct a simulated amphibious assault of exercise Talisman Sabre 19 in Bowen, Australia, July 22, 2019. Talisman Sabre provides an opportunity to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase participating countries' abilities to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner D. Lambert)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner Lambert

Marines from the Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team stand alongside their Tactical Aid to Navigation device, which helps them guide incoming aircraft into the landing zone. Being able to rapidly set up and maintain airstrips and helipads in a deployed environment is one of the many capabilities that Detachment 18 brings to the 31st MEU.

Marines from the Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team stand alongside their Tactical Aid to Navigation device, which helps them guide incoming aircraft into the landing zone. Being able to rapidly set up and maintain airstrips and helipads in a deployed environment is one of the many capabilities that Detachment 18 brings to the 31st MEU.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kenny Nunez Bigay

Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, is comprised of various units, task organized to accomplish the different missions the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is expected to be prepared for. One of the most versatile and dynamic capabilities that 2/1 offers would be the ability to vertically envelop the enemy and conduct offensive operations to seize, occupy and defend an objective. This is the job of Echo Company, tasked as BLT 2/1, 31st MEU’s Air Assault Company, currently deployed aboard the USS Wasp (LHD 1), as they take part in Talisman Sabre 2019, a biennial exercise between the U.S. and Australia.

Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, is comprised of various units, task organized to accomplish the different missions the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is expected to be prepared for. One of the most versatile and dynamic capabilities that 2/1 offers would be the ability to vertically envelop the enemy and conduct offensive operations to seize, occupy and defend an objective. This is the job of Echo Company, tasked as BLT 2/1, 31st MEU’s Air Assault Company, currently deployed aboard the USS Wasp (LHD 1), as they take part in Talisman Sabre 2019, a biennial exercise between the U.S. and Australia.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dylan Hess

“The capabilities and resourcefulness of the Marines in each of the individual platoons have developed and grown,” said 1st Lt. Michael Downing, Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon commander with Weapons Company. “Even in the restricted training environment on ship, seeing their drive to keep up the training in Weapons Company has been a very rewarding experience. We are excited to showcase all of our capabilities during Talisman Sabre and see all of our Marines’ hard work pay off.”

“The capabilities and resourcefulness of the Marines in each of the individual platoons have developed and grown,” said 1st Lt. Michael Downing, Light Armored Reconnaissance platoon commander with Weapons Company. “Even in the restricted training environment on ship, seeing their drive to keep up the training in Weapons Company has been a very rewarding experience. We are excited to showcase all of our capabilities during Talisman Sabre and see all of our Marines’ hard work pay off.”

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks

III Marine Expeditionary Force Band demonstrates its pride during the 75th Liberation Day Parade, July 21, 2019, in Guam. The III Marine Expeditionary Force and the 3rd Marine Division annually participate in the parade.

III Marine Expeditionary Force Band demonstrates its pride during the 75th Liberation Day Parade, July 21, 2019, in Guam. The III Marine Expeditionary Force and the 3rd Marine Division annually participate in the parade.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, takes off from Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim during exercise KAMANDAG 2 at Ternate, Philippines on Oct. 7, 2018. KAMANDAG 2 is an exercise that helps maintain a high level of readiness and enhances combined military-to-military relations and capabilities. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Christian J. Lopez)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, takes off from Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim during exercise KAMANDAG 2 at Ternate, Philippines on Oct. 7, 2018. KAMANDAG 2 is an exercise that helps maintain a high level of readiness and enhances combined military-to-military relations and capabilities. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Christian J. Lopez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Persinger

Sgt. Arielle Lahtinen, noncommissioned officer in charge with the 31st MEU's Law Enforcement detachment, tases a Marine with a Conducted Energy Weapon, or TASER, during a non-lethal weapons course aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), underway in the Coral Sea, June 30, 2019. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks)

Sgt. Arielle Lahtinen, noncommissioned officer in charge with the 31st MEU's Law Enforcement detachment, tases a Marine with a Conducted Energy Weapon, or TASER, during a non-lethal weapons course aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), underway in the Coral Sea, June 30, 2019. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cameron Parks

U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicles give off tactical smoke as they approach Langham Beach, Queensland, Australia, July16, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019

U.S. Marine amphibious assault vehicles give off tactical smoke as they approach Langham Beach, Queensland, Australia, July16, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019

Photo by 1st Lt. Brett Vannier

OKINAWA, Japan – Strong. Narrow. Fast. Rip Current!
In a matter of moments an average beach day can turn dangerous, sometimes tragic. According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents claim more than 100 lives annually. Many people don’t know how to spot a rip current and consequentially get swept out to sea before they realize it is happening. Far from shore, even the best swimmers get fatigued and are at risk of drowning.

OKINAWA, Japan – Strong. Narrow. Fast. Rip Current! In a matter of moments an average beach day can turn dangerous, sometimes tragic. According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents claim more than 100 lives annually. Many people don’t know how to spot a rip current and consequentially get swept out to sea before they realize it is happening. Far from shore, even the best swimmers get fatigued and are at risk of drowning.

Photo by Sgt. Trystan Jordan

A live-fire demonstration was performed during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19), July 8, 2019. TS19 is a bilateral combined Australian and United States training. The exercise is designed to practice respective military services with associated agencies, through planning and conducting combined and joint task force operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado)

A live-fire demonstration was performed during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19), July 8, 2019. TS19 is a bilateral combined Australian and United States training. The exercise is designed to practice respective military services with associated agencies, through planning and conducting combined and joint task force operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado)

Photo by Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is fired in Bradshaw Field Training Area, Australia July 12, 2015, during Talisman Sabre 15. U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, out of Okinawa, Japan and 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, trained with the rocket system along with Australian Army soldiers with 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for approximately 30,000 U.S. and Australian service members to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is fired in Bradshaw Field Training Area, Australia July 12, 2015, during Talisman Sabre 15. U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, out of Okinawa, Japan and 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, trained with the rocket system along with Australian Army soldiers with 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for approximately 30,000 U.S. and Australian service members to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries’ ability to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson)

Photo by Sgt. Sarah Anderson

U.S. Navy Lt. Hal Jones prays at the base of Mt. Suribachi, Japan, July 2, 2019. Jones, the Navy Chaplain of 7th Communication Battalion, spoke with the Marines and Sailors and did a moment of silence to honor the service members that died in the Battle of Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

U.S. Navy Lt. Hal Jones prays at the base of Mt. Suribachi, Japan, July 2, 2019. Jones, the Navy Chaplain of 7th Communication Battalion, spoke with the Marines and Sailors and did a moment of silence to honor the service members that died in the Battle of Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the substance abuse control officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, holds a crane he folded at building 267 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 19, 2017. Esconde uses origami as a way to make a positive impact in his local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella)

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde, the substance abuse control officer with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, holds a crane he folded at building 267 aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii April 19, 2017. Esconde uses origami as a way to make a positive impact in his local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella)

Photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella

A Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet with 462 Squadron receives fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during an aerial refuel mission, Gran Canaria, Spain, Mar. 29, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Spanish airmen conducted air-to-air refueling missions in order to enhance crisis response readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole/Released)

A Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet with 462 Squadron receives fuel from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response- Africa during an aerial refuel mission, Gran Canaria, Spain, Mar. 29, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Spanish airmen conducted air-to-air refueling missions in order to enhance crisis response readiness and help build relationships between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kassie L. McDole/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Kassie McDole

On April 8, 2019 U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyle M. LeClair, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, was awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Paul G. Vess Award for Avionics Marine of the Year.

On April 8, 2019 U.S. Marine Cpl. Kyle M. LeClair, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, was awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Paul G. Vess Award for Avionics Marine of the Year.

Photo by Cpl. Eric Tso

Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III, answers questions during a press conference following the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 31, 2019. Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith passed his duties as the commanding general of III MEF onto Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III. Clardy arrived from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness where he served as the Military Deputy.

Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III, answers questions during a press conference following the III Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 31, 2019. Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith passed his duties as the commanding general of III MEF onto Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III. Clardy arrived from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness where he served as the Military Deputy.

Photo by Pfc. Francesca de la Reza

HP_Banner_MilOneSource.jpg.png

III Marine Expeditionary Force