III Marine Expeditionary Force | Marine Air Ground Task Force based in Okinawa, Japan.
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***UPDATE***(2200 Dec 12, 2018)
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – The five U.S. Marines declared deceased after being involved in a 6 December F/A-18 and KC-130 mishap off the coast of Kochi, Japan have been identified. Click the link:
We are thankful for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's, the Japanese Coast Guard's, and the U.S. 7th Fleet's efforts as they continue to respond to the search and rescue operation. Media can contact the III Marine Expeditionary Force media desk at IIIMEFMEDIA
@usmc
.mil.
***UPDATE*** (1315/Dec 11, 2018)
Marine Corps declares remaining Marines involved in F/A-18 and KC-130 aviation mishap deceased; search and rescue operations concluded... To read more click the link:
U.S Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Philippine Marine Corps, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct a humanitarian aid amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 2 in Naval Education Training Command, Philippines.
***UPDATE*** (2300/Dec 6,2018)
The United States Marine Corps confirms that two Marines have been found. One is in fair condition and the other has been declared deceased by competent medical personnel. For more information visit
Search and rescue operations continue for U.S. Marine Corps aircraft that were involved in a mishap approximately 200 miles off of the coast of Japan around 2:00 a.m. Dec. 6.
View full press release:
After a grueling 4 days of hiking, shooting and getting slayed at the Jungle Warfare Training Center. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment are crowned as the 3rd Marine Divison Super Squad. 🏆
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Amed Issa, a rifleman with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, heard gunshots, ran toward the gunfire, and provided lifesaving aid to a wounded man in Honolulu Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2023.
See the full story below!
Scuba Savior
As tragedy threatened to eclipse the honeymoon of Hong Kong nationals scuba diving in Okinawa, a Marine dive master came to the rescue.
Full story:
If Norman Rockwell were a Marine...
Enjoy III MEF's take on the classic "Freedom from Want" painting and have a happy Thanksgiving day!🦃
Norman Rockwell Museum
( U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Lopez)
Distributed but connected.
U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Division and
@1stMAW_Marines
transported HIMARS from Okinawa to Iwo To for a rapid infiltration during exercise Noble Fury.
#FreeandOpenIndoPacific
#Marines
with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262,
@31stMeu
, and soldiers with the 1st Regimental Landing Team, 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment,
@Japan_GSDF
, coordinated a forward arming and refueling point during Iron Fist 23 on Feb. 17, 2023.
Parachute riggers in Okinawa with 3d Landing Support Battalion’s Air Delivery Platoon, who conduct regular jump training on surrounding islands. This training keeps the parachute riggers, ready to deliver supplies and personnel to remote locations in the Pacific.
U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Installation Pacific react to an active shooter scenario during Constant Vigilance 2020, to test their emergency response capabilities for MCIPAC leadership.
“We are building the plan together, we are sharing the targeting data together, we are choosing the asset we will use to engage that target together, and then we are going after it.”
-Maj. Ben Reading
Learn all about largest bilateral exercise in Japan!
#Marines
with the
@31stMeu
trained with members of the
@JGSDF_pr
during
#MDX
-ARDB. They conducted an air assault to strengthen ties between the forces.
A Musical Connection
Service members took part in the Japan Self-Defense Force Marching Festival to strengthen bonds between U.S., Vietnam, Germany and Japan through music and friendships!
Distinguished visitors spoke with Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1/4,
@31stMeu
, and soldiers with 1st Regimental Landing Team,
@Japan_GSDF
, during a littoral maneuver exercise part of Iron Fist 23 on Okinawa, Japan, March 10, 2023.
#Marines
with
@31stMeu
and
#JGSDF
service members conduct TCCC training during Iron Fist 24.
Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF and the JMSDF.
U.S. Marines with
@31stMeu
and
@Japan_GSDF
soldiers participate in a bilateral sniper live-fire exercise during Iron Fist 23 in Hijudai, Japan, Feb. 21. Iron Fist is designed to strengthen relationships between the
@USMC
,
@USNavy
, JGSDF, and
@jmsdf_pao_eng
.
#Marines
with F/A-18 Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232,
@3rdmaw
, F-35B Lightning II aircraft with VMFA-242,
@1stMAW_Marines
, and F-15J with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF),
@JASDF_PAO_ENG
, 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron fly in formation.
A Marine F-35B Lightning II with
@31stMeu
lands aboard amphibious assault ship USS America. By integrating the F-35B, which has short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities from naval vessels, the Marine Corps is strengthening its partnership with the Navy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
@1stMAW_Marines
Since July 7, 1941, 1st MAW has been a vital asset to the American people. They have played a role in every major theater of war since World War II.
***UPDATE***
The United States Marine Corps confirms that one
additional Marine has been found. The Marine is being transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Follow for more information.
Prayers for his family.
Statement from R. Lee Ermey's long time manager, Bill Rogin: It is with deep sadness that R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny") passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia.
Gunny Ermey served alongside 3rd Marine Division Marines in Vietnam.
#Marine
Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 and VMFA 242,
@1stMAW_Marines
, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 1, 2024.
Integrated Operations
📍 East China Sea
#Marines
with
@31stMeu
conducted forward arming and refueling ship operations from amphibious assault ships USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and USS America (LHA 6) on March 16, 2023.
Read full story here!
Resolute Dragon 23 FTX | Bilateral Aircraft Maintenance
📍Kumamoto, Japan
#Marines
with
@1stMAW_Marines
and
@Japan_GSDF
conduct routine maintenance on MV-22 Ospreys and CH-47JA Chinooks.
Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023
Throughout the year, III MEF took part in various exercises across the world, exemplifying our ability to be part of the stand-in force in the Indo-Pacific region and our steadfast commitment to our allies and partners.
#Marines
with III Marine Expeditionary Force and members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force,
@Japan_GSDF
, will participate in Exercise Resolute Dragon 23 Field Training Exercise (FTX) at various locations around Japan, October 2023.
Airfield Raid
📍 le Shima, Okinawa, Japan
#Marines
with
@31stMeu
simulate taking control of an enemy airfield and supporting further seize and denial operations.
U.S. Marines with
@31stMeu
participate in a bilateral live-fire exercise at Hijudai, Japan, Feb. 21, 2023, as part of Iron Fist 23.
Iron Fist is designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between
@USMC
,
@USNavy
,
@Japan_GSDF
, and the
@jmsdf_pao_eng
.
Would you dare jump?
Recon Marines with 3rd Marine Division jump into the night during free-fall parachute training for Yokota Parachute Operations.
View more photos:
#Marines
with
@31stMeu
conduct Helicopter Support Team training in order to increase proficiency in logistics and enhance the ability to execute potential contingency missions carried out to by the 31st MEU.
@USMC
photos by Cpl. Malik Lewis
#USMC
#Military
#Marines
with
@3d_Marine_Div
and
#Airmen
with 21st Special Operations Squadron conducted a forward arming and refueling point during Exercise Resolute Dragon 21.
#Marines
with
@31stMeu
strengthened their littoral movements by passing through other units' positions while moving toward an objective. These actions are the most complex evolutions a partnered force can conduct.
Marines with
@1stMAW_Marines
deployed to Iwakuni as part of the Unit Deployment Program. This program gives Marines the opportunity to train all around the world while increasing their knowledge of operational tactics and overall lethality.
The United States Marine Corps confirms that two Marines have been found. One is in fair condition and the other is being transported to
a local hospital for evaluation. Visit for more updates.
U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force,
@31stMeu
parachuted onto one of Okinawa’s adjacent islands, Ie Shima. The MRF performed high-altitude jumps and dropped joint precision air drop systems in order to maintain readiness and lethality for future operations.
#Marines
with
@31stMeu
maintained proficiency in bilateral tactics alongside maneuver elements during Iron Fist 23 in Hijudai, Japan, Feb. 20. Iron Fist is designed to increase interoperability, strengthen relationships, between the
@USMC
,
@USNavy
,
@Japan_GSDF
and
@jmsdf_pao_eng
.
#Marines
with Battalion Landing Team 2/1,
@31stMeu
and
@Japan_GSDF
soldiers with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, secure the shore line during an amphibious assault exercise for Talisman Sabre 23 at Stanage Bay Training Area, Aug. 2, 2023
#Marines
with the
@31stMeu
held a zeroing range for the M240B Machine Gun and the M242 Bushmaster chain gun. Zeroing is a preparatory calibration of the sights on a weapon so
#Marines
are accurate and
#lethal
while firing.
#FightNow
Extremely thankful and grateful for our Japanese Self Defense Force partners and their help in the search and recovery efforts.
View full press release:
RD 23 FTX | Capabilities Brief
#Marines
with
@1stMAW_Marines
demonstrate and discuss the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar capabilities with
@Japan_GSDF
service members.
Marines with
@1stMAW_Marines
participated in a joint maritime strike rehearsal with the
@USNavy
.
Our Marines and Sailors routinely train and rehearse these joint maritime missions in order to be able to carry out a wide range of operational tasks through the Indo-Pacific region.
#Marines
with
@1stMAW_Marines
reinforced their skillset by simulating a large-scale launch of multiple aircraft and practicing training scenarios such as formation flying, simulated aerial delivery and tactical landings.
RD 23.2 FTX | Bilateral Transportation
📍 JASDF Naha Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
#Marines
and
#JSDF
load a AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system onto a
#JASDF
Kawasaki C-2 cargo airplane headed to the Sakishima islands.
A winning combination
U.S. Marines with 5th ANGLICO and soldiers with
@jgsdf_15b_pr
test their ability as a combined force to provide air and surface fire support from advanced bases within the Indo-Pacific region.
#FreeAndOpenIndoPacific
#Marines
with the
@31stMeu
Maritime Raid Force, provide security during a simulated limited scale raid, part of a Realistic Urban Training Exercise,
@MCB_Hawaii
, Jan. 15, 2023.
#Marines
with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232,
@3rdmaw
, participated in the Nyutabaru Aviation Training Relocation (ATR) at Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Dec. 7 to Dec. 21, 2023.
Sending Rounds Down Range
📍 Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii
#Marines
with
@3d_Marine_Div
execute live-fire ranges using multiple weapon systems to enhance the Marine's weapon handling skills and readiness.