Pacific Marines Stories

A U.S. Navy Sailor with Beachmaster Unit 1, Naval Beach Group 1, guides a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle with 3rd Marine Logistics Group off an Improved Navy Lighterage System during a 3rd MLG instream offload operation as part of Freedom Banner 25 at Republic of Korea Marine Corps Base Pohang, South Korea, Feb. 28, 2025. The instream offload, a training evolution alongside BMU1 and the ROKMC Marine Logistics Group, refines and validates 3rd MLG’s ability to transport, offload and distribute vehicles and equipment from ship to shore without the use of a pier. This type of sealift capability allows the unit to maneuver equipment in austere environments without using established infrastructure, such as in locations following a natural disaster. Freedom Banner 25 is a Maritime Prepositioning Force exercise where 3rd MLG offloads equipment and provides support to III Marine Expeditionary Force units training throughout South Korea, testing and validating 3rd MLG’s ability to conduct integrated logistics operations in complex environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan G. Wright) - A U.S. Navy Sailor with Beachmaster Unit 1, Naval Beach Group 1, guides a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle with 3rd Marine Logistics Group off an Improved Navy Lighterage System during a 3rd MLG instream offload operation as part of Freedom Banner 25 at Republic of Korea Marine Corps Base Pohang, South Korea, Feb. 28, 2025. The instream offload, a training evolution alongside BMU1 and the ROKMC Marine Logistics Group, refines and validates 3rd MLG’s ability to transport, offload and distribute vehicles and equipment from ship to shore without the use of a pier. This type of sealift capability allows the unit to maneuver equipment in austere environments without using established infrastructure, such as in locations following a natural disaster. Freedom Banner 25 is a Maritime Prepositioning Force exercise where 3rd MLG offloads equipment and provides support to III Marine Expeditionary Force units training throughout South Korea, testing and validating 3rd MLG’s ability to conduct integrated logistics operations in complex environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan G. Wright)

3rd MLG Conducts Instream Offload with USN, ROKMC During Freedom Banner 25

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, U.S. Navy Sailors with Naval Beach Group 1, and Republic of Korea Marines with the ROK Marine Corps’ MLG conducted an instream offload at the beach outside of ROKMC Base Pohang during exercise Freedom Banner 25 in Pohang, South Korea, from Feb. 28 to March 1, 2025.

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VMFA-214, an F-35B squadron from MCAS Yuma, Arizona, deployed to augment MAG-12, 1st MAW under the Unit Deployment Program, which provides U.S.-based units with operational experience in the Indo-Pacific. Their arrival marked the start of the Marine Corps’ transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35 for rotational deployments to the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez) - U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing taxi the flight line after arriving at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 8, 2025.

U.S.-based F-35s replace Hornets in rotational deployments to Japan

The U.S. Marine Corps’ Japan-based aviation forces received their first F-35 deployment from the continental United States on March 8, 2025. Based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, an F-35B squadron of Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, under the Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program to temporarily support MAG-12, 1st MAW flight operations in the Indo-Pacific.

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U.S. Marines operate an Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. Marines with 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion executed the first ALPV rehearsals in Okinawa, increasing 12th LLB's operational readiness and amphibious capabilities. The ALPV is a semi-submersible autonomous logistics delivery system that has the ability to deliver multiple variations of supplies and equipment through contested maritime terrain. The Marines are with 12th LLB, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye) (Details on the vessel have been blurred for security reasons) - U.S. Marines operate an Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025. Marines with 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion executed the first ALPV rehearsals in Okinawa, increasing 12th LLB's operational readiness and amphibious capabilities. The ALPV is a semi-submersible autonomous logistics delivery system that has the ability to deliver multiple variations of supplies and equipment through contested maritime terrain. The Marines are with 12th LLB, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye) (Details on the vessel have been blurred for security reasons)

12th LLB Marines Train with ALPV, Enhance Autonomous Logistics Capabilities

Ten Marines with 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion successfully completed new equipment training with the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV) at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, in January 2025. The training, sponsored by the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, and provided by Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC-PAC), introduced Marines to both remote and direct operation of the ALPV, a next-generation unmanned logistics platform designed to sustain Stand-in Forces in contested maritime environments.

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, gives remarks during the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commander’s Course tour of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) at Naval Base San Diego, California, Feb. 26, 2025. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, gives remarks during the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commander’s Course tour of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) at Naval Base San Diego, California, Feb. 26, 2025. The Commander's Course brought together leadership from across 3rd MAW to explore key topics ranging from science and technology, safety and unit culture, fostering readiness for future challenges, and enhancing understanding of the MAW's critical role in supporting I Marine Expeditionary Force objectives and the joint force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

Third MAW takes Leadership to the Next Level

More than two thousand years of collective Marine Corps experience converged aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, Feb. 24-26. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commander’s Course 2025 brought together command teams from across the 43 units within the Wing, for a unique and impactful opportunity to focus on leadership and warfighting.

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Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct a brief aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a recent visit as LHA 6 conducts routine operations in the Philippine Sea, Japan, Feb. 3, 2025. The visit was part of a broader effort by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, JGSDF and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force to enhance their military cooperation and interoperability. The U.S.-Japan alliance plays a key role in the defense against potential aggressors. To support these efforts, the Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit and the ARDR regiments continue to invest in interactions aimed at areas of mission complementarity to reliably and more capably respond in tandem to a crisis. These exchanges will further strengthen the Marines’ and ARDR’s ability to work together more seamlessly and maintain a robust deterrence presence in the region. The ARG/MEU, which consists of more than 5,000 Marines and Sailors, is currently underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews) - Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conduct a brief aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a recent visit as LHA 6 conducts routine operations in the Philippine Sea, Japan, Feb. 3, 2025. The visit was part of a broader effort by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, JGSDF and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force to enhance their military cooperation and interoperability. The U.S.-Japan alliance plays a key role in the defense against potential aggressors. To support these efforts, the Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit and the ARDR regiments continue to invest in interactions aimed at areas of mission complementarity to reliably and more capably respond in tandem to a crisis. These exchanges will further strengthen the Marines’ and ARDR’s ability to work together more seamlessly and maintain a robust deterrence presence in the region. The ARG/MEU, which consists of more than 5,000 Marines and Sailors, is currently underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment Leaders Visit USS America to Enhance Rapid Response Capabilities

The America Amphibious Ready Group (AMAARG) and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) hosted the commanding officers of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiments of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force from Feb. 3-6 in a demonstration of the wholesale effort to combine efforts of deterrence in the first island chain.

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More than 200 service members from U.S., Thailand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia gathered on the parade grounds at Camp Suranaree, Thailand, Feb. 25, 2025 to usher in the start of Cobra Gold 2025. - More than 200 service members from U.S., Thailand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia gathered on the parade grounds at Camp Suranaree, Thailand, Feb. 25, 2025 to usher in the start of Cobra Gold 2025.

Opening ceremony kicks off 44th iteration of Cobra Gold

More than 200 service members from U.S., Thailand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia gathered on the parade grounds at Camp Suranaree, Thailand, Feb. 25, to usher in the start of Cobra Gold 2025.

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For the exercise’s culminating event, 3d LCT conducted a force-on-force operation against U.S. Army soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division. The training exercise taking place at PTA mirrors a Service Level Training Exercise by setting conditions for 3d MLR and its subordinate battalions to go forward to the Philippines in support of Exercise Balikatan 25 and Kamandag 9 this summer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Manuel Sandoval, a native of Mexico and an infantry rifleman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, uses a service flag to signal a landing zone for a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk during a training exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 12, 2025.

3d MLR Conducts its first Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation across the Hawaiian Islands

Various U.S. Army and Marine Corps units put 3d Marine Littoral Regiment to the test during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, February 10-14, 2025. The evaluation exercise was the first of its kind with U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command, Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, and Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command providing support while 3d Marine Division and 12th Marine Littoral Regiment conducted the evaluation across multiple locations around the Hawaiian archipelago.

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For the exercise’s culminating event, 3d LCT conducted a force-on-force operation against U.S. Army soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division. The training exercise taking place at PTA mirrors a Service Level Training Exercise by setting conditions for 3d MLR and its subordinate battalions to go forward to the Philippines in support of Exercise Balikatan 25 and Kamandag 9 this summer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Manuel Sandoval, a native of Mexico and an infantry rifleman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, uses a service flag to signal a landing zone for a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk during a training exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 12, 2025.

3d MLR Conducts its first Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation across the Hawaiian Islands

Various U.S. Army and Marine Corps units put 3d Marine Littoral Regiment to the test during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, February 10-14, 2025. The evaluation exercise was the first of its kind with U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command, Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, and Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command providing support while 3d Marine Division and 12th Marine Littoral Regiment conducted the evaluation across multiple locations around the Hawaiian archipelago.

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The Stormbreaker 25.1 exercise is designed to enhance combat readiness by establishing, maintaining, and defending communication networks and services, enabling commanders to effectively command and control their forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez) - U.S. Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, secure a stairway as part in a close quarters combat tactics class during the Stormbreaker 25.1 exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 29, 2025.

Stormbreaker 25.1: 7th Communication Battalion Enhance Their Combat Effectiveness and Job Proficiency

Stormbreaker 25.1 was designed to enhance Marines’ combat readiness by establishing, maintaining, and defending communication networks and services, enabling commanders to effectively command and control their forces. The training also gave 7th Comm Bn’s noncommissioned officers the opportunity to teach and mentor their junior Marines with the intent to increase their knowledge in field craft and setting up communication assets.

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Ken Hirano, the Marine and Family Life counselor of 3rd Marine Logistics Group (3rd MLG), speaks during a Korean Marine Exchange Program pre-deployment brief at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2025. Marines and Sailors with 3rd MLG attended a pre-deployment brief designed to equip them with essential information on operational readiness, mental resilience, and support services to help them transition smoothly into their deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rachel Mason) - Ken Hirano, the Marine and Family Life counselor of 3rd Marine Logistics Group (3rd MLG), speaks during a Korean Marine Exchange Program pre-deployment brief at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2025. Marines and Sailors with 3rd MLG attended a pre-deployment brief designed to equip them with essential information on operational readiness, mental resilience, and support services to help them transition smoothly into their deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rachel Mason)

3rd MLG to Support Multiple US/ROK Military Exercises

Hundreds of U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines are set to launch a nearly two-month series of bilateral training exercises across the South Korean Peninsula from February to April 2025. The exercises Freedom Banner 25, Korean Marine Exchange Program (KMEP) 25.1, and Freedom Shield 25 are designed to enhance interoperability between the two Allies while strengthening regional security.

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