Iron Fist is an annual exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This iteration of Iron Fist will further develop the combined amphibious capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps and JGSDF Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.

The U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, JGSDF, and JMSDF will conduct combined planning to improve preparedness through real-world amphibious training. The nearly three-week exercise also focuses on advanced marksmanship, amphibious reconnaissance, fire and maneuver assaults, bi-lateral logistics and medical support, and fire support operations; such as mortars, artillery and close-air support.

“This year’s execution of Iron Fist 25 is another essential milestone in deepening our integration with the JGSDF Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade,” said Col. Chris Niedziocha, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. "With every bilateral exercise the 31st MEU cultivates our readiness posture, develops our effectiveness at crisis response, and increases our ability to support and defend our allies and partners in the region."

The key bi-lateral training event is a bilateral amphibious operation event on Mar. 01 in Okinawa, which media are invited to observe. After the event, media will have the opportunity to attend a bi-lateral press conference with commanders representing both U.S. and Japanese amphibious forces.

Photo and video packages, including B-roll, will be released by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit for media use. Content can be found at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/IronFist.

Media representatives interested in attending the press conference or interested in additional coverage opportunities should contact 31st MEU COMMSTRAT Director Maj. Edward Pingel at edward.j.pingel.mil@usmc.mil.