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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.
U.S. Marines with III MEF share their perspectives on the professional, personal, and family benefits of serving in the Indo-Pacific.
A Marine returning from deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embraces his family at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2026.
Marines with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division maneuver a Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System during familiarization...
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...
Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and III Marine Expeditionary Force raise a rescue carriage with a simulated casualty during hoist training in...
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing prepares for air delivered ground refueling during routine flight operations at...