Pacific Marines Stories

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 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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U.S. Marines and Sailors are awarded with Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and Letters of Appreciation at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 11, 2024. The Marines and Sailors were awarded for their heroic actions in providing aid to a Japanese local after a vehicle accident in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines are with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Taggart) - U.S. Marines and Sailors are awarded with Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and Letters of Appreciation at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 11, 2024. The Marines and Sailors were awarded for their heroic actions in providing aid to a Japanese local after a vehicle accident in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines are with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Taggart)

First on the Scene: Marines Rescue Family of Four from Vehicle Rollover

Two Marines, Cpl. Malakai Obed and Cpl. Caden Perez with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were traveling toward the main gate of Camp Pendleton on Vandergrift Rd. when they witnessed a serious vehicle crash unfold in front of them...

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Two members of the Republic of the Philippines army play Taps during the first-ever Repatriation Ceremony held at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines for U.S. personnel who were disinterred there, March 6, 2026. - Currently, there are 71,783 U.S. personnel unaccounted for from World War II with approximately 10,000 missing in the Philippines, the largest total for any single country. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Lt. Col. George Tobias)

DPAA Conducts First Ever Repatriation Ceremony at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial: Marks 100 Disinterments in FY2026

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted for the first time a Repatriation Ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, March 6, 2026. The ceremony also marked the first time in over five years that 100 disinterments had occurred in a fiscal year. Hosted by DPAA and the American Battle Monuments Commission, the event honored the sacrifice of the fallen U.S. personnel who could not be identified at the end of World War II and marks the start of the journey to the Daniel K. Inouye DPAA Center for Excellence, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for potential identification.

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U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, maneuver toward an objective during a live-fire training event at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 3, 2026. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, maneuver toward an objective during a live-fire training event at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 3, 2026. The training exercise at PTA refined weapon system and tactical proficiency, strengthening overall combat readiness and preparing 3rd LCT for future operational requirements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Iyer Ramakrishna)

Distributed Maritime Operations: 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment certifies its Marines during 2026 MCCRE

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment executed a suite of dry-fire and live-fire ranges that concluded with a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, February 6-11, 2026. The series of ranges and subsequent evaluation validated weapon system and tactical proficiency, bolstering warfighting readiness and preparing the unit for future operational requirements as a premier Stand-in Force within the Indo-Pacific.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Wass, a sensor platoon maintenance chief with air control battery, 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2026. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Wass, a sensor platoon maintenance chief with air control battery, 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2026. Wass was recognized as the U.S. Missile Defender of the Year for the Marine Corps during the 16th Annual Missile Defender of the Year Awards ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, Jan. 16, 2026. Wass is a native of Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ernesto Lagunes)

3rd LAAB Marine named U.S. Missile Defender of the Year

Sgt. Ryan Wass, a sensor platoon maintenance chief with air control battery, 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, was recognized as the U.S. Missile Defender of the Year for the Marine Corps during the 16th Annual Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, Jan. 16, 2026.

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