Pacific Marines Stories

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force prepare a first-person view small unmanned aircraft system during an FPV sUAS live fire demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 29, 2026. - U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force prepare a first-person view small unmanned aircraft system during an FPV sUAS live fire demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 29, 2026. I Marine Expeditionary Force, in partnership with Defense Innovation Unit, evaluated fiber-optic drones for use in signal-degraded environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Bustamante)

I MEF Marines evaluate fiber-optic FPV drones during DIU challenge

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force partnered with the Defense Innovation Unit and industry professionals, Jan. 27-29, 2026, to evaluate first-person view small unmanned aircraft systems that use fiber optic cables, marking the U.S. Marine Corps’ first field evaluation of the technology for sUAS employment in contested environments.

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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Billy Scafidel, an armory chief with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2026, for his heroic actions of saving a Marine's life from a severe vehicle accident. Scafidel’s actions are an example of selflessness and valor, earning a Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mary Torres) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Billy Scafidel, an armory chief with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2026, for his heroic actions of saving a Marine's life from a severe vehicle accident. Scafidel’s actions are an example of selflessness and valor, earning a Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mary Torres)

Staff Sgt. Scafidel; Marine Awarded for Heroic Life-Saving Actions

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Billy Scafidel, an armory chief with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2026, for his heroic actions in saving a Marine's life after a severe vehicle accident. On Sept. 1, 2024, while working on his car outside of his home near the Del Mar Boat Basin, Scafidel heard a loud splash in the ocean. He discovered a truck lying on its side and half-submerged in the water after its driver lost control.

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U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, detain the simulated riot group leader during a Security Augmentation Force class at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Jan. 29, 2026. SAF training prepares Marines to respond swiftly and effectively to real-world security threats, ensuring the protection of personnel, assets, and mission-critical operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roger-Junior Annoh) - U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, detain the simulated riot group leader during a Security Augmentation Force class at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Jan. 29, 2026. SAF training prepares Marines to respond swiftly and effectively to real-world security threats, ensuring the protection of personnel, assets, and mission-critical operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Roger-Junior Annoh)

Marines Sharpen Non-Lethal Response

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Forces, Pacific participated in non-lethal weapons training led by Headquarters Battalion, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, instructors to strengthen civil disturbance response capabilities and installation security. The training enhanced Marines’ readiness to assist law enforcement during complex security scenarios that may arise, which test installation defense, command and control, and interagency coordination.

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The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and Ticonderoga-Class Guided-Missile Cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59), conduct a simulated strait transit in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 27, 2026. The simulated strait transit was conducted to refine the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's ability to integrate with the Navy for enhanced force protection. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez) - The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and Ticonderoga-Class Guided-Missile Cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59), conduct a simulated strait transit in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 27, 2026. The simulated strait transit was conducted to refine the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's ability to integrate with the Navy for enhanced force protection. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)

BOXARG-11th MEU Complete At-Sea Integrated Training Exercise

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group - 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed a routine integrated training exercise off the coast of Southern California, Jan. 21 – Feb. 6, 2026. Conducted underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations, the amphibious training enhanced warfighting readiness and strengthened the partnership of the amphibious force in preparation for future expeditionary operations. During this at-sea period, the BOXARG-11th MEU team improved their efficiency in a wide range of missions such as visit, board, search and seizure operations, defense of the amphibious task force drills, aviation strike packages and various ship-to-shore movements. Additionally, the amphibious force successfully conducted two company-sized helicopter raids in Barstow, California and Yuma, Arizona, and one company-sized amphibious combat vehicle raid on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, demonstrating lethality and warfighting prowess during joint littoral operations.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Logan Gilbert, left, and Cpl. Gabriel Castleman, right, both combat engineers with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group pose for a photo after participating in an interview on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 23, 2026. Gilbert and Logan were being interviewed about assisting a local Japanese citizen during a medical emergency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Allen) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Logan Gilbert, left, and Cpl. Gabriel Castleman, right, both combat engineers with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group pose for a photo after participating in an interview on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 23, 2026. Gilbert and Logan were being interviewed about assisting a local Japanese citizen during a medical emergency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Allen)

Two U.S. Marines Assist a Local Japanese Resident During a Medical Emergency

U.S. Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, acted quickly to assist a civilian experiencing a medical emergency at a local restaurant on Jan. 21, 2026. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Gabriel Castleman and Sgt. Logan Gilbert, both combat engineers with 9th ESB, were dining at a ramen restaurant when they noticed an elderly man losing consciousness.

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U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, look at photos during a tour of a battlefield in an area formerly known as the Que Son Valley near Da Nang, Vietnam, Jan. 10, 2026. Marines and Sailors visited this battle site to honor and show reverence for the service members who fought in the Vietnam War. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola) - U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, look at photos during a tour of a battlefield in an area formerly known as the Que Son Valley near Da Nang, Vietnam, Jan. 10, 2026. Marines and Sailors visited this battle site to honor and show reverence for the service members who fought in the Vietnam War. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

31st MEU | U.S. Marines, Sailors Honor Legacy of Operation Swift During Battlefield Visit in Vietnam

From January 9–11, 2026, U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a battlefield visit to the site of Operation Swift, a pivotal engagement of the Vietnam War, to honor the legacy of those who fought there and to reflect on the enduring bonds between past and present generations of service members. During the Vietnam War, Marine forces conducted amphibious and helicopter-borne operations as part of Special Landing Force Alpha, including during Operation Swift, employing integrated air, ground, and logistics elements in combat that reinforced the MAGTF construct and helped shape the MEU’s role as a forward-deployed, rapid-response force.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christopher Adams, sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photo with 1st Sgt. Christopher McCullar during McCullar’s redesignation ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2026. McCullar was selected for a lateral move from master sergeant to first sergeant under the new E-8 transfer pilot initiative. McCullar will take over as the senior enlisted advisor for Communications Company, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christopher Adams, sergeant major of III Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photo with 1st Sgt. Christopher McCullar during McCullar’s redesignation ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2026. McCullar was selected for a lateral move from master sergeant to first sergeant under the new E-8 transfer pilot initiative. McCullar will take over as the senior enlisted advisor for Communications Company, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremiah Barksdale)

First Sergeant community welcomes highly qualified Marine

The Marine Corps has long been committed to retaining its talented individuals. The E-8 Redesignation Pilot Program serves to continue that commitment to retaining and growing talent. By allowing master sergeants to shift into the first sergeant role, the program allows the Marine Corps to leverage the leadership capabilities of seasoned Marines, aligning talent more efficiently with the Corps’ operational needs. First Sergeant Christopher J. McCullar exemplifies talent that the Marine Corps seeks to keep. His outstanding performance over nearly two decades has afforded him the chance to chase after something he’s wanted since his early days in the Marine Corps.

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The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy participate in the Marine Corps 250th Birthday Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 18, 2025. - The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy participate in the Marine Corps 250th Birthday Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 18, 2025. The 250th Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton marks the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday and America’s Semiquincentennial. The live-fire event highlights the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to integrate across air, land, and sea, showcasing the Corps’ enduring role as America’s force in-readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Bustamante)

Ready, Engaged, Lethal: I Marine Expeditionary Force Year in Review

From the littorals of the Indo-Pacific to the familiar training grounds of Southern California, 2025 was a year defined by action for I Marine Expeditionary Force. As America’s crisis response force, the Marines and Sailors of I MEF consistently demonstrated their commitment to being forward-deployed, combat-ready and prepared to answer the

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Saris II, top left, a native of Pennsylvania, and Cpl. Alex Hunt, right, a native of Maryland, instruct Lance Cpl. Christopher Camareno, a native of Florida, all cyberspace warfare operators with 3d Cyber Warfare Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, during the Marine Corps Cyber Red Zone 26-1 event at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025. Cyber Red Zone challenged Marines to find and defend networks against simulated cyberattacks, improving the Marine Corps’ ability to fight and win in the information domain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John-Paul Haubeil) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Saris II, top left, a native of Pennsylvania, and Cpl. Alex Hunt, right, a native of Maryland, instruct Lance Cpl. Christopher Camareno, a native of Florida, all cyberspace warfare operators with 3d Cyber Warfare Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, during the Marine Corps Cyber Red Zone 26-1 event at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025. Cyber Red Zone challenged Marines to find and defend networks against simulated cyberattacks, improving the Marine Corps’ ability to fight and win in the information domain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John-Paul Haubeil)

3d Cyber Warfare Company participates in offensive cyber competition to bolster Indo-Pacific regional security

As the Indo-Pacific region faces the challenges of the information age and the rise of technological warfare, Marines with 3d Cyber Warfare Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (III MIG), participated in Cyber Red Zone 26-1 training competition at Camp Courtney from October through November. During the exercise, Marines broke into simulated enemy databases and captured classified information to combat and counter the evolving technological methods foreign adversaries may use to strengthen their offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.

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The exercise enhanced Marines’ ability to install, operate, and maintain tactical communications architecture while strengthening leadership, teamwork, and expeditionary readiness in support of III MEF operations across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Meshaq Hylton) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brandon Aguilar, a native of California and a satellite communications operator maintainer with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, crosses a rope line on an obstacle course during Operation Odyssey Stormbreaker III at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2025.

Ropes and Radios: 7th Communication Battalion Marines test endurance and connectivity in jungles of Okinawa

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan – Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, completed a weeklong field communications exercise at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, strengthening their ability to install, operate and maintain tactical networks in austere terrain while sharpening basic infantry tactics and skills.

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