U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Brown, a radio operator with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV), observes an impact zone during Exercise Steel Knight 22 (SK-22) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2021. SK-22 is a 1st MARDIV-led annual training exercise which enables the Navy-Marine Corps team to operate in a realistic, combined-arms environment to enhance naval warfighting tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cameron Hermanet) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Brown, a radio operator with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV), observes an impact zone during Exercise Steel Knight 22 (SK-22) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2021. SK-22 is a 1st MARDIV-led annual training exercise which enables the Navy-Marine Corps team to operate in a realistic, combined-arms environment to enhance naval warfighting tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cameron Hermanet)

I MEF Marines, ESG 3 Sailors kick off Exercise Steel Knight 2023

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alex Carrillo Orantes, left, and Lance Cpl. Andrew Barbosa, both engineer equipment electrical systems technicians with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, perform preventative maintenance on a MEP-1070 generator in support of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 29, 2022. SK23 is a 1st Marine Division-led annual training exercise which enables the Navy-Marine Corps team to operate in a realistic, combined-arms environment to enhance naval warfighting tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amelia Kang) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alex Carrillo Orantes, left, and Lance Cpl. Andrew Barbosa, both engineer equipment electrical systems technicians with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, perform preventative maintenance on a MEP-1070 generator in support of Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 29, 2022. SK23 is a 1st Marine Division-led annual training exercise which enables the Navy-Marine Corps team to operate in a realistic, combined-arms environment to enhance naval warfighting tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amelia Kang)

I MEF Marines, ESG 3 Sailors kick off Exercise Steel Knight 2023

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force, to include 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing will train alongside U.S. Sailors with Expeditionary Strike Group 3 in exercise Steel Knight 2023 throughout southern California from Nov. 28 – Dec. 16.

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U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Ryan Cassidy (left), executive officer, and Cpl. Nicholas Fingers, team leader with Charlie Battery, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38 stand during the battery activation ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 18, 2022. The activation of Charlie Battery increases 3rd Marine Air Wing’s capabilities in ground-based air defense. Charlie Battery will be equipped with new and emerging technologies to combat unmanned aerial systems, and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Fingers is a native of St. Louis and Cassidy is a native of Pearl River, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean Potter) - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Ryan Cassidy (left), executive officer, and Cpl. Nicholas Fingers, team leader with Charlie Battery, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38 stand during the battery activation ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 18, 2022. The activation of Charlie Battery increases 3rd Marine Air Wing’s capabilities in ground-based air defense. Charlie Battery will be equipped with new and emerging technologies to combat unmanned aerial systems, and fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Fingers is a native of St. Louis and Cassidy is a native of Pearl River, New York. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean Potter)

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Activates New Air Defense Unit

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) activated a new air defense battery on November 18, 2022, as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its existing ground-based air defense capabilities to continue responsibly modernizing the force. Charlie Battery, which belongs to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, increases 3rd MAW's ground-based air defense weapon systems and capabilities. The activation demonstrates the Marine Corps’ investment in growing the ground-based air defense community. The unit's activation sets the foundation for the arrival of Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) Increment 1 to the battalion. This system modernizes the existing ground-based air defense capabilities by mounting a mix of legacy and emerging technologies and capabilities onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The new capabilities will help the unit mitigate the threat from unmanned aerial systems, fixed, and rotary-wing aircraft. Once fully equipped, the new unit will have the MADIS, FIM-92 Stinger missiles, and a kinetic remote weapon system designed to counter adversary unmanned aerial systems. The remote weapon system, an organic RPS-62 RADAR, provides additional capabilities, including multi-function electronic warfare and significant command and control improvements. “The Charlie Battery activation is another piece to the pie of modernizing the force to meet future threats,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Crispus M. Kimani, operations officer for 3rd LAAD Battalion. “It increases air defense capacity within the Marine Expeditionary Force.” Activating Charlie Battery and integrating new technologies, including the MADIS, enables 3rd LAAD to detect, track, identify, and defeat aerial threats. Additionally, the new capabilities will enable expeditionary counter-unmanned aerial systems operations in austere and isolated environments.

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U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, welcomes Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, the chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, to 3rd MLG Headquarters, during a bilateral key leader engagement for exercise Keen Sword 23 on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan Nov. 10, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown) - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, welcomes Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, the chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, to 3rd MLG Headquarters, during a bilateral key leader engagement for exercise Keen Sword 23 on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan Nov. 10, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown)

Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military begin biennial exercise Keen Sword 2023

Units from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and U.S. military have begun exercise Keen Sword 23 on November 10, 2022. From 10 to 19 November 2022, Indo-Pacific Command's First Island Chain Stand-In Force (SIF) III Marine Expeditionary Force is conducting distributed, combined and joint maritime operations throughout the nearly 2,000 mile long archipelago of Japan, as a part of exercise Keen Sword 23. During this year’s iteration, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) and U.S. Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force will conduct amphibious landings side-by-side in the vicinity of mainland Japan. Additionally, there are numerous other training events that will explore every operational space with U.S. and Japanese units working side-by-side, exercising in the land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains simultaneously. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Self-Defense Force while strengthening the interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance. This iteration of the biennial exercise features multiple distributed Bilateral Ground Tactical Control Centers where Marines alongside their Japanese counterparts will command and control both unilateral and bilateral maritime strikes and amphibious force actions. This demonstration of SIF capabilities provides assurance of our readiness to rapidly counter aggression against Japan and other regional Allies and partners.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Farmer, a small arms technician with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 2, 2022. Farmer was awarded for saving a woman’s life after she was swept off a cliff into the ocean. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat award for heroism awarded to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Farmer, a small arms technician with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 2, 2022. Farmer was awarded for saving a woman’s life after she was swept off a cliff into the ocean. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat award for heroism awarded to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio)

Hawaii-Based U.S. Marine Awarded for Saving Life of Woman Swept off Cliff into Ocean

Cpl. Robert Farmer was enjoying Labor Day last year, at China Walls Coastal Cliffs, when he observed a giant wave knock a woman off the side of a cliff. Without hesitation, Farmer dove off the cliff into a dangerous ocean swell and swam toward the woman.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, checks F-35B Lightning II aircraft controls at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, checks F-35B Lightning II aircraft controls at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)

Pursuing Excellence in the Marine Corps

“Have a purpose, find it, and achieve it,” said Sgt. Brooke M. Thompson, a Croswell, Michigan native, who was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

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U.S. Marines with India Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, approach a support by fire position during a platoon live-fire attack as part of exercise Darrandarra 22, at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, June 10, 2022. Exercise Darrandarra 22 increases MRF-D 22’s readiness to respond to realistic crises throughout the range of military operations within the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cedar Barnes) - U.S. Marines with India Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, approach a support by fire position during a platoon live-fire attack as part of exercise Darrandarra 22, at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, June 10, 2022. Exercise Darrandarra 22 increases MRF-D 22’s readiness to respond to realistic crises throughout the range of military operations within the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cedar Barnes)

MRF-D 22 Departs more Ready, more Lethal, and more Allied in the Indo-Pacific

Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22 completed the 11th iteration of the deployment on October 17, and returns home with a tremendous understanding of the conditions, procedures, and tactics necessary to fight and train in the Indo-Pacific, alongside a premier ally in Australia, and alongside outstanding allies and partners across the region.

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U.S. Marines and Sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force are part of a group of U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Lape) - U.S. Marines and Sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force are part of a group of U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Lape)

U.S. Service Members Provide Life-Saving Care Near Zambales During KAMANDAG

U.S. Marines and Sailors approached the scene of a traffic accident and provided life-saving medical aid to three Filipino civilians struck by an automobile, Oct. 7, 2022 near Zambales, Philippines.

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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, refuels in flight during a Transpacific flight over Queensland, Australia, Sept. 13, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, refuels in flight during a Transpacific flight over Queensland, Australia, Sept. 13, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

MRF-D Demonstrates Range and Reaction Capability with Trans-Pacific Tactical Redeployment

Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22 conducted a trans-pacific tactical redeployment (TACREDEPLOY) of forces and equipment, primarily consisting of a team from the aviation combat element (ACE) to further demonstrate the range and quick reaction capability of the MAGTF from 12 – 17 September.“I want to maximize the training value of every

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U.S. service members and their families prepare to watch a fireworks show held by the City of Kailua from Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 4, 2022. MCBH facilitated the viewing area in order provide an opportunity to view the firework demonstration and to celebrate Independence Day. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Aultman) - U.S. service members and their families prepare to watch a fireworks show held by the City of Kailua from Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 4, 2022. MCBH facilitated the viewing area in order provide an opportunity to view the firework demonstration and to celebrate Independence Day. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Aultman)

Rescinded COLA Reduction

We received notification Office of the Undersecretary of Defense/PR will not implement any COLA decreases for Hawaii. They authorized a new Living Pattern Survey, which documents members’ shopping patterns (e.g., commissary, out in town), and a new Retail Price Schedule, which provides prices members pay in the outlets where they shop. The results of both the new Living Pattern Survey and new Retail Price Schedule will be used to determine whether any change to COLA rates in Hawaii is warranted. If the results indicate a change is warranted, it will be implemented prospectively. However, no changes are being implemented at this time.

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