Pacific Marines Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, awards Sgt. Garrett Sloan, a loadmaster with VMGR-153, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 5, 2026. Sloan received the award after rescuing two local children who were swept out to sea by a rip current while swimming at Makapu’u beach. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chandler Evans) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, awards Sgt. Garrett Sloan, a loadmaster with VMGR-153, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 5, 2026. Sloan received the award after rescuing two local children who were swept out to sea by a rip current while swimming at Makapu’u beach. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chandler Evans)

U.S. Marine Corps Loadmaster Awarded Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Heroic Off-Duty Rescue

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Garrett A. Sloan, a KC-130J fixed-wing aircraft loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in recognition of his heroic actions and courage in a life-threatening situation while outside of duty.

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U.S. Marines with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, test custom-built unmanned surface vessels at Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, March 9, 2026. The Marine made systems were evaluated by employing on-board communication systems on rubber rafts in varying sea states by analyzing different haul types and designs. (Courtesy Photo by Expedition Operations Training Group) - U.S. Marines with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, test custom-built unmanned surface vessels at Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, March 9, 2026. The Marine made systems were evaluated by employing on-board communication systems on rubber rafts in varying sea states by analyzing different haul types and designs. (Courtesy Photo by Expedition Operations Training Group)

From Workshop to Waterway: Marine Innovation Redefines Naval Strike

In a groundbreaking display of innovation, U.S. Marines from the III Expeditionary Operations Training Group and operators from Naval Special Warfare have executed the Marine Corps’ first live-fire drone strike against a maritime surface vessel from a Naval Special Warfare surface craft.

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert S. Bunn, center left, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Col. Robb T. McDonald, the outgoing commanding officer of MRF-SEA, pose for a photo with Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez, left, the commanding general of Northern Luzon Command, and Brig. Gen. Cesar A. Molina, the deputy commander of NOLCOM, during a key leader engagement at Camp Aquino, Philippines. - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert S. Bunn, center left, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Col. Robb T. McDonald, the outgoing commanding officer of MRF-SEA, pose for a photo with Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez, left, the commanding general of Northern Luzon Command, and Brig. Gen. Cesar A. Molina, the deputy commander of NOLCOM, during a key leader engagement at Camp Aquino, Philippines.

Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia continues Alliance with Philippines

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit concluded its rotation with Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia on March 31, after enhancing combined readiness with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and regional partners in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand. Building on that success, a new command element from I Marine Expeditionary Force arrived to continue the mission with a focused effort in the Philippines, integrating Marine Corps forces in support of Task Force – Philippines and strengthening the U.S.-Philippines Alliance.

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U.S. Marines Corps Pfc. Roman Juba, a rifleman with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, provides rear security during close quarter battle drills in a “shoot house” training facility at Camp Story, Republic of Korea, March 2, 2026. 12th LCT Marines trained in specialized combat marksmanship tactics, including room clearing, navigating stairways and hallways, and overcoming obstacles in confined environments. The training simulated a fast-paced, high-stress scenario to enhance situational awareness. Juba is a native of Missouri. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Blanks) - U.S. Marines Corps Pfc. Roman Juba, a rifleman with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, provides rear security during close quarter battle drills in a “shoot house” training facility at Camp Story, Republic of Korea, March 2, 2026. 12th LCT Marines trained in specialized combat marksmanship tactics, including room clearing, navigating stairways and hallways, and overcoming obstacles in confined environments. The training simulated a fast-paced, high-stress scenario to enhance situational awareness. Juba is a native of Missouri. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert Blanks)

One Year of 12th LCT: U.S. Marines Execute a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise in the Republic of Korea

U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Combat Team, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, executed company-size attacks during a Combined-Arms Live-Fire Exercise at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Feb. 26 to March 4, 2026. 12th LCT Marines executed a company-level CALFEX, integrating organic and supporting fires, maneuver elements, and reconnaissance capabilities to conduct a coordinated assault on a designated objective.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, III Marine Expeditionary Force Commander, gives a challenge coin to a Republic of Korea Marine Corps Marine with 1st ROK Marine Division during exercise Freedom Shield 26 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, March 16, 2026. The exercise prepares participants to respond to a range of emerging threats, including cyber warfare, missile defense, and asymmetric tactics, ensuring a comprehensive approach to national defense. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Wetzel) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, III Marine Expeditionary Force Commander, gives a challenge coin to a Republic of Korea Marine Corps Marine with 1st ROK Marine Division during exercise Freedom Shield 26 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, March 16, 2026. The exercise prepares participants to respond to a range of emerging threats, including cyber warfare, missile defense, and asymmetric tactics, ensuring a comprehensive approach to national defense. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Wetzel)

U.S. and ROK Marines Complete Freedom Shield 26; Continue Korea Marine Exchange Program Training

Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), Marine Forces Korea (MARFORK) and 1st Marine Division, alongside their Republic of Korea (ROK) counterparts, completed exercise Freedom Shield (FS) 26 on March 19, increasing bilateral capability to respond to regional crises as a team. While FS 26 has concluded, the Korean Marine Exchange Program (KMEP) 26.1 will continue throughout the remainder of the month.

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U.S. Marines with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigate into a wedge formation for a night raid at Kin Blue Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 15, 2025. This training aimed to enhance the ability to conduct boat raids using the newly fielded enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rebeka Falcon) - U.S. Marines with India Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigate into a wedge formation for a night raid at Kin Blue Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 15, 2025. This training aimed to enhance the ability to conduct boat raids using the newly fielded enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rebeka Falcon)

31st MEU | Secure and Defend

From 10-19 Feb., 2026, U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, completed a demanding series of missions at the Kin Blue Training Area that forged the unit's proficiency executing intricate operations under circumstances that are deliberately challenging. Over the span of just over a week, the Marines conducted a variety of scenario-based missions consisting of a boat raid, setting up a security defense, and a small arms squad attack, all beginning with a launch from the sea.

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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, stand at attention during the Battalion Landing Team 2/4 composite ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 12, 2026. The ceremony was held to recognize the battalion’s transition to a battalion landing team and subsequent composite under the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Mary R. Jenni) (This image was made in camera using double exposure with a Canon R5-C.) - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, stand at attention during the Battalion Landing Team 2/4 composite ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 12, 2026. The ceremony was held to recognize the battalion’s transition to a battalion landing team and subsequent composite under the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Mary R. Jenni) (This image was made in camera using double exposure with a Canon R5-C.)

13th MEU Forms Complete Marine Air-Ground Task Force

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has officially formed as a complete Marine Air-Ground Task Force with the addition of its major subordinate elements, bringing the MEU’s full capability together under one command. The 13th MEU Command Element welcomed Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/4, which will serve as the Ground Combat Element; Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 13, which will serve as the Logistics Combat Element; and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, which together form the Aviation Combat Element. VMFA-211 will provide a full squadron of F-35B Lightning II aircraft, significantly expanding the aviation capabilities of the unit.

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U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, pose for a photo in the closing ceremony for Iron Fist 26, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 9, 2026. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and JGSDF. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Reyes) - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, pose for a photo in the closing ceremony for Iron Fist 26, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 9, 2026. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and JGSDF. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Reyes)

31st MEU | Conclusion of Exercise Iron Fist 26

Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and the 3rd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, trained alongside U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during Exercise Iron Fist 26, the 20th iteration of the bilateral exercise, conducted from Feb. 23 through March 9, 2026. The training brought together U.S. and Japanese forces to enhance interoperability and strengthen the alliance through integrated amphibious operations and combined training events.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cody Overacker, center, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, teaches a class on the M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System during Korea Viper 26.2 at Suesong-ri range in Pohang, South Korea, Feb. 20, 2026. Korea Viper is a recurring exercise series that demonstrates the Republic of Korea and U.S. Marine Corps' ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Overacker is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Mocan) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Cody Overacker, center, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, teaches a class on the M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System during Korea Viper 26.2 at Suesong-ri range in Pohang, South Korea, Feb. 20, 2026. Korea Viper is a recurring exercise series that demonstrates the Republic of Korea and U.S. Marine Corps' ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Overacker is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker Mocan)

Backbone of the Battalion: 2/7 NCOs Sharpen Combat Readiness

“I should be setting the example in and out of the uniform. It is everything,” said Sgt. Cody Overacker, a squad leader and M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System gunner with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines. “In uniform, I stay hungry and strive to improve every single day. I’m constantly studying our adversaries and their capabilities to ensure we’re prepared.” During the live-fire range, the Marines trained to increase proficiency with their M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles during the day. After the range had concluded, Overacker taught several classes on proper use of the M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System, including tactical positioning of the weapon system, and how to properly communicate when employing it, ensuring his Marines are prepared to employ the MAAWS effectively in combat.

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U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, took part in a pre-deployment brief for Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1 at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 5, 2026. The brief gave Marines the opportunity to learn about financial advice, laws and the cultural differences they will experience during their time in Korea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Borruso) - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, took part in a pre-deployment brief for Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1 at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 5, 2026. The brief gave Marines the opportunity to learn about financial advice, laws and the cultural differences they will experience during their time in Korea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Borruso)

CLR-37 Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1 Brief

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, took part in a pre-deployment brief for Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.1 at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 5, 2026. The brief gave Marines the opportunity to learn about financial advice, laws and the cultural differences they will experience during their deployment in Korea.

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