U.S. Marine Corps Conducts Concurrent Bilateral Exercises

The U.S. Marine Corps is conducting concurrent bilateral exercises with Allies and joint force partners throughout the first island chain. These exercises demonstrate III MEF’s ability to command and control Stand-in-Force (SIF) formations and capabilities as they conduct distributed operations with joint and combined forces in support of sea denial operations and the retention of key maritime terrain, sense and make sense of what is happening, and support regional security and stability. As a critical component of Indo-Pacific Command’s SIF, III MEF is working with Allies and partners, deterring aggression and providing a persistent and prepared presence where hostilities may occur. Ultimately, the SIF identifies and counters malign behavior, imposes costs before and during conflict, and provides fleet and joint force commanders more time and flexibility to make decisions and act.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Marine Corps is conducting multiple training events throughout Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. III MEF units participating in these events are 3d Marine Division’s 12 Marine Regiment and 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, III MEF Information Group, 3d Marine Logistics Group’s Combat Logistics Regiments 37 and 3, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3d Transportation Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 3d Medical Battalion, and 3d Sustainment Group (Experimental). Marine Corps Installations Pacific is providing support to III MEF training events and conducting its own readiness and preparedness exercises. These multiple training events help to build interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and our Allies and partners that contribute to increased readiness of forces, and security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Marines in the Pacific serve as an expeditionary force-in-readiness. They operate as air-ground-logistics teams and are forward positioned and actively employed throughout the Indo-Pacific every day. Pacific Marines live and work alongside the joint force and like-minded Allies and partners to prevent conflict, respond to crisis, and if the Nation calls, to fight and win. 

III MEF maintains the highest level of readiness for contingencies across the spectrum of military operations while simultaneously modernizing and transforming to meet emergent threats.

From 10 to 17 July, III MEF will provide daily activity summaries of the ongoing exercises.

Japan

Imagery

- Resolute Dragon 23 CPX Deployment:

Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force deploy from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, to Camp Takayubaru, Kumamoto, Japan, ahead of the Resolute Dragon 23 command post exercise, July 7, 2023. Resolute Dragon 23 is an annual exercise the III Marine Expeditionary Force participates in, designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance by demonstrating integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains, as part of the Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Kazuma Engelkemier)

- 3rd Marine Logistics Group bilateral opening ceremony for exercise Resolute Dragon 23:

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Thomas Yeaman, company first sergeant for Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, addresses the audience during an opening ceremony for exercise Resolute Dragon 23 at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, July 9, 2023. Resolute Dragon 23 is an annual exercise the III Marine Expeditionary Force participates in, designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance by demonstrating integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains, as part of the Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sydni Jessee)

- III MIG Sensor EABO Establishment:

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Verrier, a communications chief with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conducts a radio check during a routine unit-level training exercise in Kumejima, Okinawa, Japan, July 9, 2023. The training was held to test the III MIG’s ability to operate as a stand-in force, capable of deploying to remote and austere conditions as a self-sustaining unit. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence and supporting arms liaison capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Andrew King)

- MALS-12 Fly to Kadena for Northern Edge 23.2:

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 fly to Kadena Air Base on a U.S. Air Force C-130J to support Northern Edge (NE) 23-2, July 09, 2023. Marines are participating in the joint, multidomain training exercise July 2-21, 2023. NE23-2 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise designed to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to improve interoperability of participating forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

- III MEF Combined Arms Staff Trainer Brief:

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force await a brief inside a Combined Arms Staff Trainer facility during exercise Resolute Dragon 23 on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 12, 2023. Resolute Dragon 23 is an annual exercise III MEF participates in, designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance by demonstrating integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains, as part of the Stand-in-Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Malik Lewis)

- Northern Edge 23-2 (Ie Shima Paraops):

A U.S. Air Force C-130J prepares to land as a U.S. Marine Corps AN/TPS-80 Ground and Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system operated by Marine Air Control Squadron 4 (MACS-4), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, radiates nearby during Northern Edge (NE) 23-2 on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, July 13, 2023. NE23-2 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise designed to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to improve interoperability of participating forces. 1st MAW utilized expeditionary advanced bases to expand kill chain functions across multinational and multi-domain operations during NE 23-2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emily Weiss)

- Northern Edge 23-2 | 1st Lt. Andrew Marchi Interview:

- Northern Edge 23-2 | 1st Lt. Keith Wright Interview:

Philippines

Imagery

- Cross-MEF Engagement | I MEF (Fwd.) Commander meets with leaders from 3rd MLR:

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Shortal, chief of staff for I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)(Forward), Sgt. Maj. Nathan Jacobson, Lt. Col. James Arnold, and Lt. Col. David Palacio, all command leaders with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, speak with Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, commander of I MEF (Fwd.), about littoral strategies, Lavarack Barracks, Queensland, Australia, July 9, 2023. The Marine Littoral Regiment is optimized for littoral maneuvering and operations in the Indo-Pacific theatre, and is comprised of a Littoral Combat Team, a Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, a Littoral Logistics Battalion, and 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. I MEF (Fwd.), along with units from across I and III MEF, are participating in various exercises across the Indo-Pacific region to refine and validate forward deployment capabilities, test emerging service and unit-level concepts, and foster interoperability and relationships with Allies and partners of the U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Hailey D. Clay)

- MAG-12 ordnance load Iwakuni:

U.S. Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 12 prepare to load AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air missiles and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles onto a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352 in support of Marine Aviation Support Activities (MASA) 23 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 7, 2023. The collaborative efforts of I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces in supporting MASA 23 events reinforces the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening the Alliance with the Philippines and advancing the shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Harmon)

- CLR-17 Filipino-American Marine teaches CBRN class:

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Krystle Pidor, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) responder with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, explains components of a gas mask to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 at Camp Lapu Lapu, Philippines, July 10, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. Pidor was born in Cebu, Philippines and moved to the United States at the age of six. After 13 years, this is her first time back. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hollerud)

- 3rd and 1st MAW collaborate to deliver fixed-wing ordinance to the Philippines for the first time:

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis on the runway before loading fixed-wing ordnance for transportation in support of Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 7, 2023. The collaborative efforts of I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces in supporting MASA 23 events reinforces the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening the Alliance with the Philippines and advancing the shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Harmon)

- MASA 23: Dropping in | Marines with 3rd MLR fast rope out of an Osprey:

A U.S. Marine Corps crew chief with Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron 262 gives the hand signal for ‘ready’ in an MV-22 Osprey with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, Basa Air Base, Philippines, July 12, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis)

- MASA 23 | Filipino and U.S. Marines Conduct Aerial Sniping Training:

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Ethen Gifford, right, a close quarters tactics instructor with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Philipine Marines prepare to conduct aerial sniper training aboard a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Crow Valley, Philippines, July 10, 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. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities.

- Filipino Marines para ops from USMC KC-130J Super Hercules:

A Philippine Marine gathers up her parachute after jumping out of a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, Crow Valley, Philippines, July 9, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis

- MASA 23: Joint Para Ops | U.S. Servicemembers and Philippine Marines conduct Pararescue operations:

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Trubee, a pararescueman with 58th Rescue Squadron, assists in loading a sked rescue stretcher onto a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing while conducting SKEDCO rescue training during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, Crow Valley, Philippines, July 8, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis)

- MASA | Filipino and U.S. Marines Practice Aerial Sniping Techniques:

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Cody Sperle, left, a reconnaissance Marine, and Staff Sgt. Ethan Gifford, right, a close quarters tactics instructor, both with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, instruct Philippine Marines on aerial sniping techniques during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, Crow Valley, Philippines, July 9, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis)

- MASA 23 | C-5 Super Galaxy Unloads Cargo in Preparation for MASA:

A U.S. Air Force C-5 Super Galaxy prepares to take off in preparation of MASA 23 on Clark Air Base, Angeles, Philippines, July 4, 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. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis)

- MASA 23: Aircraft inside Aircraft | C-5 Super Galaxy Transports H-1s to the Philippines:

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, deployed in support of Unit Deployment Program to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1stMarine Aircraft Wing, load a UH-1Y Venom and an AH-1Z Viper onto a C-5 Super Galaxy in preparation for MASA 23on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 1, 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. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis)

- Vipers at MASA 23:

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alejandro Zepeda, an aviation mechanic with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, deployed in support of Unit Deployment Program to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper helicopter in preparation for Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 at Clark Air Base, Angeles, Philippines, July 6, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thalia Rivera)

- U.S. and Philippine Marines train Aerial Sniper Technique:

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Cody Sperle, a reconnaissance Marine with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, instructs Philippine Marines on establishing an aerial sniping position during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, Crow Valley, Philippines, July 9, 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. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thalia Rivera)

- CH-53E: We have lift off:

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to take off from Antonio Bautista Air Base in support of Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 events in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, July 12, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean A. Potter)

- US-PHL Basketball:

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, play a game of basketball with the local Philippine Police and Fire Department during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 events in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, July 11, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conductdifferent training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean A. Potter)

- CH-53E Fam Flights:

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is staged for a familiarization flight at Antonio Bautista Air Base in support of Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 events in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, July 10, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean A. Potter)

- CH-53E Rainbow sky:

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, sit under a rainbow at Antonio Bautista Air Base in support of Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 events in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, July 10, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean A. Potter)

- US-PHL HIMARS discussion

A U.S. Marines Corps KC-130J Super Hercules arrives to offload I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) cargo at Antonio Bautista Air Base in support of Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 events in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, July 10, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean A. Potter)

- Aerial sniping:

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Cody Sperle, a reconnaissance Marine with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, instructs Philippine Marines on aerial sniping techniques from a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, Crow Valley, Philippines, July 9, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis)

- Fastroping:

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and Philippine Marines conduct fast rope training out of an MV-22 Osprey with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, Basa Air Base, Philippines, July 12, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesse Davis)

- HADR training:

Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. servicemembers participate in an en route patient care course during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23 in Mactan, Philippines, July 13, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hollerud)

Australia

Imagery

- Australian Cadets get to interact with U.S. Marine MV-22B Osprey:

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Chase Cooke, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D), gives a tour of an MV-22B to 101 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets on Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville, Queensland, Australia, July 7, 2023. The Australian Air Force Cadets is a youth development program whose mission is to inspire and develop youth in an air and space environment to achieve and maximize their potential to contribute to Australia’s future success. VMM-363 (Rein.), provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with assault support and is currently supporting MRF-D. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Hailey D. Clay)

- E Co Australian airfield assault exercise:

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, load magazines in preparation for an airfield assault exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), in the Coral Sea, July 2, 2023. BLT 2/1 was tasked with capturing an airfield in support of the Air Combat Element’s forward arming and refueling point. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elijah Murphy)

-F-35B Take-off From the USS America:

U.S. Navy Sailors with the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), signal a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, that the flight deck is safe for take-off during flight operations, in the Coral Sea, July 6, 2023. The F-35B provides a wide range of capabilities such as electronic warfare, reconnaissance and missile strikes. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez)

- BLT 2/1 Snipers Provide Support During a VBSS:

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Weir, a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in on an M110 semi-automatic sniper system during a visit, board, search, and seizure on the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) in the Coral Sea, July 8, 2023. The VBSS exercise refined Marines’ skills in maritime interdiction operations by training to remove maritime threats. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Marcos A. Alvarado)

-  BLT 2/1 conducts Trap exercise in Australia:

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, extract a simulated person of interest to safety during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise at Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area, Australia, July 4, 2023. The TRAP exercise was conducted to evaluate the platoon’s rapid respond and recovery tactics of downed aircraft personnel and equipment, as well as advanced trauma life support capabilities in isolated locations during deployment. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abigail Godinez)

- 3rd LAR Patrols Shoal Water Bay Training Area:

A U.S Navy landing craft, air cushion with Naval Beach Unit 7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, makes land fall during a field training at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Australia, July 5, 2023. The Marines of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion conducted road security tactics by simulating denying a enemy access to roads through use of communication as well as firepower. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Marcos A. Alvarado)

- STORY: “Unprecedented Interchangeability: U.S. Marines and Aussie Airmen Fly, Maintain and Operate Joint Strike Fighters Together”

https://www.3rdmaw.marines.mil/News/Stories/News-Article-Display/Article/3455379/unprecedented-interchangeability-us-marines-and-aussie-aviators-fly-maintain-an/  

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/448947/unprecedented-interchangeability-us-marines-and-aussie-aviators-fly-maintain-and-operate-joint-strike-fighters-together

Last updated July 17, 2023