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Marines

EXPLORE PHOTOS

III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Okinawa, Japan

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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

U.S. Marines with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, take part in a meteorology and oceanography data collections (METOC) training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, take part in a meteorology and oceanography data collections (METOC) training exercise at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez

U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members with Fire Leading Company, Field Artillery Battalion, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, embark a JGSDF CH-47J Chinook for joint terminal attack controller training at Naha Air Base, Okinawa Japan, Nov. 13, 2023. The training tested U.S. and Japanese service members’ ability to enhance and sustain tactics and procedures for terminal control of fires. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander with a liaison capability to plan, coordinate, employ, and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Wallace)

U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members with Fire Leading Company, Field Artillery Battalion, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, embark a JGSDF CH-47J Chinook for joint terminal attack controller training at Naha Air Base, Okinawa Japan, Nov. 13, 2023. The training tested U.S. and Japanese service members’ ability to enhance and sustain tactics and procedures for terminal control of fires. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander with a liaison capability to plan, coordinate, employ, and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Wallace)

Photo by Cpl. William Wallace

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Yates, left, and Cpl. Robert Gonzalez, right, both radio operators, both with 7th Communication battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, set up an antenna during the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 at Kumejima, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 23, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III MEF and allied Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. Yates is a native of Owls Head, Maine and Gonzalez is a native of Star, Idaho. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William N. Wallace)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Yates, left, and Cpl. Robert Gonzalez, right, both radio operators, both with 7th Communication battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, set up an antenna during the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 at Kumejima, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 23, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III MEF and allied Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. Yates is a native of Owls Head, Maine and Gonzalez is a native of Star, Idaho. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William N. Wallace)

Photo by Cpl. William Wallace

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Pak, a forward air controller officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes the landing zone of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47J Chinook during joint terminal attack controller training at Irisuna Island, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. The training tested U.S. and Japanese service members’ ability to enhance and sustain tactics and procedures for terminal control of fires. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander with a liaison capability to plan, coordinate, employ, and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. Pak is a native of Los Angeles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Wallace)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Pak, a forward air controller officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes the landing zone of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47J Chinook during joint terminal attack controller training at Irisuna Island, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. The training tested U.S. and Japanese service members’ ability to enhance and sustain tactics and procedures for terminal control of fires. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander with a liaison capability to plan, coordinate, employ, and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. Pak is a native of Los Angeles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Wallace)

Photo by Cpl. William Wallace

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Orin Chacho provides security during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. Chacho, a native of Thoreau, New Mexico is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Orin Chacho provides security during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. Chacho, a native of Thoreau, New Mexico is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Crider signals to his squad during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. Crider, a native of Florence, Colorado and is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Crider signals to his squad during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. Crider, a native of Florence, Colorado and is a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Williams, left, and Lance Cpl. Anahi Anaya pose for a photo after a ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 8, 2023. The ceremony was to award Williams with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for heroic actions that saved Anaya’s life after a motor incident. “If he wasn’t there, I would not be here today,” said Anaya. “We didn’t even know each other that well. It’s crazy how strangers can become family in an instant.” Williams used medical aid knowledge and skills he received since joining the Marine Corps. “When the accident happened, I moved without thinking and relied on the training we do constantly as Marines,” said Williams. And referring to his comrades in 3d Littoral Combat Team, Williams said, “I did what any of you would have done if you were in my place, I know that for sure.” Williams, a native of Salisbury, N.C., is an infantry rifleman with 3d LCT, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division. Anaya, a native of Momence, Ill., is an administrative specialist with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Williams, left, and Lance Cpl. Anahi Anaya pose for a photo after a ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 8, 2023. The ceremony was to award Williams with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for heroic actions that saved Anaya’s life after a motor incident. “If he wasn’t there, I would not be here today,” said Anaya. “We didn’t even know each other that well. It’s crazy how strangers can become family in an instant.” Williams used medical aid knowledge and skills he received since joining the Marine Corps. “When the accident happened, I moved without thinking and relied on the training we do constantly as Marines,” said Williams. And referring to his comrades in 3d Littoral Combat Team, Williams said, “I did what any of you would have done if you were in my place, I know that for sure.” Williams, a native of Salisbury, N.C., is an infantry rifleman with 3d LCT, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division. Anaya, a native of Momence, Ill., is an administrative specialist with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons)

Photo by Sgt. Jacqueline Parsons

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Force salute while in formation during the closing ceremony for the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 held at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied JSDF personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert G. Gavaldon)

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Force salute while in formation during the closing ceremony for the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 held at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied JSDF personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert G. Gavaldon)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Gavaldon

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Force salute while in formation during the closing ceremony for the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 held at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied JSDF personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert G. Gavaldon)

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Force salute while in formation during the closing ceremony for the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 held at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied JSDF personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert G. Gavaldon)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Gavaldon

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Force salute while in formation during the closing ceremony for the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 held at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied JSDF personnel.

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Force salute while in formation during the closing ceremony for the field training exercise portion of Resolute Dragon 23 held at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun, Kumamoto, Japan, Oct. 31, 2023. RD 23 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied JSDF personnel.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Gavaldon

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III Marine Expeditionary Force