III MEF VIDEOS

A sneak peek and behind the scenes look of "Get to know your UDP" video series. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 is currently on the unit deployment program and will spend six months based out of Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Andy Martinez)

For the first time, more than 2,000 U.S. Marines joined with approximately 1,500 service members with the Japan Self-Defense Force to support the first iteration of Exercise Northern Viper 2017, at Misawa Air Base and the island of Hokkaido, Japan, August 10-28, 2017. Northern Viper, an annual joint contingency exercise, tests the interoperability and bilateral capability of the JSDF and U.S. Marine Corps forces to work together across a variety of areas including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This exercise enhances and improves interoperability at the tactical level between the Marines and JSDF to keep the forces formidable and adaptive. NV17 showcases a highly-capable, forward-deployed U.S. military presence positioned with their Japanese partners to directly support the security of the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed August 19, 1939, National Aviation Day to celebrate the development of aeronautics. However, Marine Corps aviation began on May 22, 1912, when 1st Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham reported to the aviation camp at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Starting with its first aircraft, the Curtiss C-3, Marine aviation has stayed at the forefront of cutting-edge technology with its newest aircraft, the F-35B Lightning II. Currently, the four Marine aircraft wings are operating across the world and stand ready to overcome any obstacles in the future. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jessica Etheridge)

Thailand and the U.S. teamed with several countries around the pacific to build six multipurpose rooms for communities throughout the Kingdom of Thailand, Jan. 28 to Feb. 24, 2017 during Cobra Gold 17. Humanitarian Civic Action programs conducted during CG17 demonstrate a mutual commitment to support security and humanitarian interests of friends and partner nations. The programs will improve the quality of life, as well as the general health and welfare, of civilian residents in the exercise areas.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Wyble speaks on the effort his Marines displayed during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 at Chanthaburi, Thailand, February 21, 2017. U.S., Thai Marines and Japan Self-Defense Force members collaborated to build a multi-purpose room for Wat Thung Kabin School. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. Wyble, from Carson City, Nevada, is the sergeant major of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Cpl. Steven Tran)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. John Arpino describes bilateral training with Thai Marines during Exercise Cobra Gold 17 at Ban Chan Krem, February 17. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. Arpino, from Lake Orion, Michigan, is a mortarman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (Marine Corps video by Cpl. Steven Tran)

U.S. Navy, Royal Thai Army and Singapore Army pass out school supplies to the children of Ban Nong Mee, Buri Ram Province, Feb. 15, 2017 during Cobra Gold 17. This exercise maintains a consistent focus on Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA) and community engagement conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region.

U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Aroon Seeda and Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Unit, hand out school supplies and teach English to students at the Ban Phan Sa Nguan School in Korat Province Feb. 15, 2017 as part of Cobra Gold 2017. Seeda, a Thailand native, is the only Buddhist Chaplain with the U.S. Navy and is with Navy Operational Support Unit. CG17 maintains a consistent focus on Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA), community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger)

U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Aroon Seeda and Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Unit, hand out school supplies and teach English to students at the Ban Phan Sa Nguan School in Korat Province Feb. 15, 2017 as part of Cobra Gold 2017. Seeda, a Thailand native, is the only Buddhist Chaplain in the Navy and is part of the Navy Operational Support Unit. CG17 maintains a consistent focus on Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA), community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger) English translation: I personally had a great experience about 30 years ago. At that time, I was a Buddhist novice. When I was walking for food, the U.S. Marines gave me an MRE. They followed me to a temple and helped me do my homework. As a part of this [community relations] event, I hope I can make these children have the same memorable experience that I had. When I come back to Thailand, it’s an opportunity to fulfill my dream to serve my country. I’m glad that I’m a part of Cobra Gold and that I can help this school. The work I do as a chaplain is rewarding because I can serve the U.S., Thailand and Buddhism at the same time.

Marines and airmen give shoutouts to their loved ones for Valentine's Day at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Korat Province, Feb. 14, 2017 during Cobra Gold 2017. CG17 emphasizes coordination on civic action, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, seeking to expand regional cooperation and collaboration in these vital areas.

Thai Gen. Surapng Suwana-adth, Chief of Defence Forces, U.S. Ambassador Glyn T. Davies, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, and Admiral Harry B. Harris, Pacific Command commander, give remarks during the opening ceremony of Cobra Gold 17 at Sattahip, Thailand, February 14, 2017. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Suyat and Cpl. Lecil Campbell talk about Thailand's culture and how Marines are able to build relationships despite the language barrier during Cobra Gold 2017. The U.S., Thailand, and Malaysia teamed up at Ban Kok Kee San Toor in the Khon Kaen Province to build a multipurpose room for the people in the village. Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA) programs conducted during CG17 demonstrate a mutual commitment to support security and humanitarian interests of friends and partner nations. The programs will improve the quality of life, as well as the general health and welfare, of civilian residents in the exercise areas. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 compete against the Royal Thai Air Force Soccer Team during a soccer game and a tug-of-war match at Ban Kok Kee San Toor, Khon Kaen Province, Feb. 8, 2017 during Cobra Gold 17. This exercise is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored exercise that represents the longstanding friendship between the Thai and American people. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Kimberlyn Adams)