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

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde wanted to make a difference during his six-month unit deployment program to Okinawa, Japan with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment as the substance abuse control officer. He heard about the Legend of 1,000 Cranes and thought it would be a good way to show respect to the hospitals and nursing homes to which he gifted them. Esconde is from Los Angeles, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/Released)

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde wanted to make a difference during his six-month unit deployment program to Okinawa, Japan with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment as the substance abuse control officer. He heard about the Legend of 1,000 Cranes and thought it would be a good way to show respect to the hospitals and nursing homes to which he gifted them. Esconde is from Los Angeles, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde folds a paper crane during his free time in the field at Landing Zone Dodo, Okinawa on Nov. 2, 2016. Esconde wanted to make a difference during his six-month unit deployment program to Okinawa, Japan with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment as the substance abuse control officer. He heard about the Legend of 1,000 Cranes and thought it would be a good way to show respect to the hospitals and nursing homes to which he gifted them. Esconde is from Los Angeles, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/Released)

Staff Sgt. Ismael Esconde folds a paper crane during his free time in the field at Landing Zone Dodo, Okinawa on Nov. 2, 2016. Esconde wanted to make a difference during his six-month unit deployment program to Okinawa, Japan with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment as the substance abuse control officer. He heard about the Legend of 1,000 Cranes and thought it would be a good way to show respect to the hospitals and nursing homes to which he gifted them. Esconde is from Los Angeles, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, dashes for first base during a baseball game Nov. 19, 2016, at a baseball field in Naha, Japan. The Allstars are a team made up of U.S. Consulate and senior military leaders stationed on Okinawa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, dashes for first base during a baseball game Nov. 19, 2016, at a baseball field in Naha, Japan. The Allstars are a team made up of U.S. Consulate and senior military leaders stationed on Okinawa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

Photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard

The U.S. Consulate Allstars and Okinawan Prefectural Government competitors take a group photo commemorating their game together Nov. 19, 2016 at a baseball field in Naha, Japan. The Allstars are scheduled to continue playing more baseball games throughout the rest of the year and into the summer of 2017 spreading diplomacy and building partnerships through baseball. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

The U.S. Consulate Allstars and Okinawan Prefectural Government competitors take a group photo commemorating their game together Nov. 19, 2016 at a baseball field in Naha, Japan. The Allstars are scheduled to continue playing more baseball games throughout the rest of the year and into the summer of 2017 spreading diplomacy and building partnerships through baseball. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)

Photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard

Members of the U.S. Consulate Allstars and Okinawa Prefectural Government Baseball Teams bow to each other after a baseball game Nov. 19, 2016, at a baseball field in Naha, Japan. The Allstars play games against teams on Okinawa to make friends and foster partnerships in the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)xxx

Members of the U.S. Consulate Allstars and Okinawa Prefectural Government Baseball Teams bow to each other after a baseball game Nov. 19, 2016, at a baseball field in Naha, Japan. The Allstars play games against teams on Okinawa to make friends and foster partnerships in the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard/Released)xxx

Photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard

Marine Master Sgt. Travis A. Williams receives the 2015 Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award November 18, 2015 in Okinawa, Japan. This award is an annual award given to the most outstanding company grade officers and enlisted Marines and Sailors at each regiment/group or headquarters-level unit within the operating forces. Williams, an East Orange, New Jersey native, is a communications chief with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Master Sgt. Williams (second from the left) received the award from Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson (far left), Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force. They are accompanied here by Sgt. Maj. Mario P. Fields (second from the right), Sergeant Major, III MEF Headquarters Group, and Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen (far right), Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade/Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (Courtesy Photo)

Marine Master Sgt. Travis A. Williams receives the 2015 Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award November 18, 2015 in Okinawa, Japan. This award is an annual award given to the most outstanding company grade officers and enlisted Marines and Sailors at each regiment/group or headquarters-level unit within the operating forces. Williams, an East Orange, New Jersey native, is a communications chief with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Master Sgt. Williams (second from the left) received the award from Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson (far left), Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force. They are accompanied here by Sgt. Maj. Mario P. Fields (second from the right), Sergeant Major, III MEF Headquarters Group, and Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen (far right), Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade/Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (Courtesy Photo)

Photo by Courtesy Photo

A Marine from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, sets up a radio frequency for a communications check on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016, during their annual Warrior Challenge. The Warrior Challenge is an event which honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

A Marine from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, sets up a radio frequency for a communications check on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016, during their annual Warrior Challenge. The Warrior Challenge is an event which honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Kathy Nunez

Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, wrap a victim's arm during the “medical” station on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016, during their annual Warrior Challenge. This event honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, wrap a victim's arm during the “medical” station on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016, during their annual Warrior Challenge. This event honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann

Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, carry a rubber inflatable raft into the water to begin the “boating” station on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016, during their annual Warrior Challenge. This event honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, carry a rubber inflatable raft into the water to begin the “boating” station on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016, during their annual Warrior Challenge. This event honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann

A monument to two fallen Marines stands at the front of 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force’s barracks, marking the end of their Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016. This event honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

A monument to two fallen Marines stands at the front of 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force’s barracks, marking the end of their Warrior Challenge on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 23, 2016. This event honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Neumann

Staff Sgt. David Rogers poses for a photo during Blue Chromite 2017 at the Central Training Area in Okinawa Japan Nov. 2. Blue Chromite is a U.S.-only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Rogers is a platoon sergeant with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/ Released)

Staff Sgt. David Rogers poses for a photo during Blue Chromite 2017 at the Central Training Area in Okinawa Japan Nov. 2. Blue Chromite is a U.S.-only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Rogers is a platoon sergeant with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kelsey Dornfeld

CAMP GONZALVES, OKINAWA, Japan -- Staff Sgt. David Rogers with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment poses Aug. 3 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa, Japan. He and his Marines were in Okinawa testing new uniforms by putting them through two weeks of real-world trials. The set includes the new Marine Corps combat utility uniforms, two different boots and the boot drying towel. Rogers, from Brockport, New York, is a platoon sergeant with India Company.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

CAMP GONZALVES, OKINAWA, Japan -- Staff Sgt. David Rogers with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment poses Aug. 3 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa, Japan. He and his Marines were in Okinawa testing new uniforms by putting them through two weeks of real-world trials. The set includes the new Marine Corps combat utility uniforms, two different boots and the boot drying towel. Rogers, from Brockport, New York, is a platoon sergeant with India Company.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei

Representatives of the Guntenkyo observe an Okinawa Orientation Overview aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. This marked the first time the Guntenkyo sat in on an official OOO brief. “We are at our best when we openly communicate, share ideas, and work with local leaders to prepare our Marines, sailors, airmen and soldiers to be ambassadors and respectful members of the communities we share in Okinawa,” said Nicholson. “We have worked hard to create an improved presentation that all the branches of the military can use to be more effective at building understanding within our shared communities.” Nicholson is the Okinawa Area Coordinator for U.S. Forces, Japan.

Representatives of the Guntenkyo observe an Okinawa Orientation Overview aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. This marked the first time the Guntenkyo sat in on an official OOO brief. “We are at our best when we openly communicate, share ideas, and work with local leaders to prepare our Marines, sailors, airmen and soldiers to be ambassadors and respectful members of the communities we share in Okinawa,” said Nicholson. “We have worked hard to create an improved presentation that all the branches of the military can use to be more effective at building understanding within our shared communities.” Nicholson is the Okinawa Area Coordinator for U.S. Forces, Japan.

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul

U.S. Army Col. Brady A. Crosier introduces himself to representatives of the Guntenkyo Nov. 11 during a presentation of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of the orientation training is to familiarize new service members and civilians with Okinawa’s unique history and culture, and make them better informed about the environment where they will live and work. The new training is given to all service members and civilians on Okinawa and contains important historical examples, statistics and case studies based on recommendations from the Okinawa Prefectural Government. “We are at our best when we openly communicate, share ideas, and work with local leaders to prepare our Marines, Sailors, Airmen and soldiers to be ambassadors and respectful members of the communities we share in Okinawa,” said Marine Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, the Okinawa Area Coordinator for U.S. Forces, Japan. “We have worked hard to create an improved presentation that all the branches of the military can use to be more effective at building understanding within our shared communities.” Crosier is the chief of the Okinawa Area Field Office, USFJ.

U.S. Army Col. Brady A. Crosier introduces himself to representatives of the Guntenkyo Nov. 11 during a presentation of the new Okinawa Orientation Overview aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of the orientation training is to familiarize new service members and civilians with Okinawa’s unique history and culture, and make them better informed about the environment where they will live and work. The new training is given to all service members and civilians on Okinawa and contains important historical examples, statistics and case studies based on recommendations from the Okinawa Prefectural Government. “We are at our best when we openly communicate, share ideas, and work with local leaders to prepare our Marines, Sailors, Airmen and soldiers to be ambassadors and respectful members of the communities we share in Okinawa,” said Marine Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, the Okinawa Area Coordinator for U.S. Forces, Japan. “We have worked hard to create an improved presentation that all the branches of the military can use to be more effective at building understanding within our shared communities.” Crosier is the chief of the Okinawa Area Field Office, USFJ.

Photo by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul

U.S Navy Sailors aboard the amphibious transportation dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) salute the flag as it is raised for colors during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a U.S. –only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

U.S Navy Sailors aboard the amphibious transportation dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) salute the flag as it is raised for colors during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a U.S. –only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud

Pfc. Remington J. Heishman prepares a combat rubber reconnaissance crafts (CRRC) for a boat raid during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a U.S. –only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Heishman is a rifleman assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment which is forward deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

Pfc. Remington J. Heishman prepares a combat rubber reconnaissance crafts (CRRC) for a boat raid during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a U.S. –only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Heishman is a rifleman assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment which is forward deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud

U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II, Commanding Officer, 3rd Marine Division, speaks to the Marines and Sailors aboard the amphibious transportation dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a U.S. –only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaac Ibarra)

U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II, Commanding Officer, 3rd Marine Division, speaks to the Marines and Sailors aboard the amphibious transportation dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a U.S. –only exercise which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid-response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaac Ibarra)

Photo by Sgt. Isaac Ibarra

Marines prepare combat rubber reconnaissance crafts (CRRC) for boat raids during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale amphibious mission rehearsal which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Pacific region Marines are assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment which is forward deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

Marines prepare combat rubber reconnaissance crafts (CRRC) for boat raids during Blue Chromite 2017 in Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2016. Blue Chromite is a large-scale amphibious mission rehearsal which strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary, amphibious rapid response capabilities based in Okinawa and the greater Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Pacific region Marines are assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment which is forward deployed from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jesus McCloud

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter flys over a live fire range during final exercise as part of Exercise Valiant Mark 2016 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 11, 2016. Valiant Mark is an annual exercise conducted by U.S. Marines and the Singapore Armed Forces in order to maintain a high level of interoperability, enhanced military to military relations and to enrich mutual combat capabilities through combined training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Akeel Austin/Released)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter flys over a live fire range during final exercise as part of Exercise Valiant Mark 2016 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 11, 2016. Valiant Mark is an annual exercise conducted by U.S. Marines and the Singapore Armed Forces in order to maintain a high level of interoperability, enhanced military to military relations and to enrich mutual combat capabilities through combined training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Akeel Austin/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Akeel Austin

III MEF LOGO

Photo by III MEF

HP_Banner_MilOneSource.jpg.png

III Marine Expeditionary Force