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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.
A U.S. Marine posts security during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel training at Camp Gonzalves, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 2, 2026.
A U.S. Marine with 12th LCT, sets security during a combat trauma management course evaluation on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 27, 2026.
A Marine programs half-quick for JTAC operations during routine training at le-Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 20, 2026.
U.S. Marines establish a simulated expeditionary airfield landing zone at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2026.
Marines with 12th MLR maneuver a Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 7, 2026.
U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan – The U.S. Marine Corps deploys Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, also known as the “Hawks,” an F-35B Lightning II squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, under the Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program (UDP) on Sept. 5, 2026. VMFA-533 joins Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and will conduct aviation operations and maintain combat readiness throughout the Indo-Pacific region. VMFA-533 will integrate as the new UDP squadron, replacing the current UDP squadron, VMFA-232.
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