Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
III MEF is the nucleus of a joint and coalition Stand-In Force within the First Island Chain. In competition, III MEF assures and expands access for the joint force across the Indo-Pacific. In crisis, it provides in-place response forces to secure allies and partners while deterring adversary aggression. In conflict, III MEF fights from advanced naval bases as part of a naval expeditionary force and enables Joint Force objectives in the Indo-Pacific.
U.S. Marines establish a simulated expeditionary airfield landing zone at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2026.
Marines with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division maneuver a Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System during familiarization...
A Marine returning from deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embraces his family at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2026.
Marines spar during martial arts instructor course 91-26 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, on July 24, 2026.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacob Milstead, an Intelligence Specialist with 3rd Marine Division, operates a Skydio X2D for a live-fire smart shooter range...
U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.