Pacific Marines Stories

An Australian soldier prepares to use a Shallow Water Egress Trainer, a device designed to simulate an off shore emergency during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014. Training at the pool introduced participants to breathing compressed air and maneuvering upside down underwater to simulate a water survival situation. Twenty-two nations, 49 ships, 6 submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971. - An Australian soldier prepares to use a Shallow Water Egress Trainer, a device designed to simulate an off shore emergency during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014. Training at the pool introduced participants to breathing compressed air and maneuvering upside down underwater to simulate a water survival situation. Twenty-two nations, 49 ships, 6 submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A soldier with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) waits for his squad leader to give the signal to advance positions during an amphibious assault at Pyramid Rock Beach. The JGSDF conducted the training exercise with U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, based in Okinawa, Japan. The world's largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014, provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC. - A soldier with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) waits for his squad leader to give the signal to advance positions during an amphibious assault at Pyramid Rock Beach. The JGSDF conducted the training exercise with U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, based in Okinawa, Japan. The world's largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014, provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, board a CH-53E Super Stallion for a fast-roping exercise during Ground Air Integration Training June 30. GAIT allows militaries to insert troops onto the ground by a helicopter quickly without having to land the aircraft. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, board a CH-53E Super Stallion for a fast-roping exercise during Ground Air Integration Training June 30. GAIT allows militaries to insert troops onto the ground by a helicopter quickly without having to land the aircraft. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Wreaths rest at the base of the memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) at the conclusion of the 64th annual Korean War memorial ceremony, June 25, 2014. The ceremony commemorated U.S. and Republic of Korea veterans, both living and dead, who fought for the freedom of South Korea, and guests in attendance laid wreaths at the base of the memorial to honor those who gave their lives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg) - Wreaths rest at the base of the memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) at the conclusion of the 64th annual Korean War memorial ceremony, June 25, 2014. The ceremony commemorated U.S. and Republic of Korea veterans, both living and dead, who fought for the freedom of South Korea, and guests in attendance laid wreaths at the base of the memorial to honor those who gave their lives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew J. Bragg)

A machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment fires a M249 light machine gun during a live fire night shoot here, May 28. The Marines were being tested on whether they could keep security throughout the night and effectively fire upon targets. - A machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment fires a M249 light machine gun during a live fire night shoot here, May 28. The Marines were being tested on whether they could keep security throughout the night and effectively fire upon targets.

Members of the Philippine National Police and U.S. armed forces work together to finish their first responder practical application exam May 8 during a first responder training course in Legazpi, City, Albay province, Philippines. The seminar was part of Exercise Balikatan, a annual bilateral training exercise that strengthens interoperability and enhances military-to-military relations between the U.S. and the Philippines. - Members of the Philippine National Police and U.S. armed forces work together to finish their first responder practical application exam May 8 during a first responder training course in Legazpi, City, Albay province, Philippines. The seminar was part of Exercise Balikatan, a annual bilateral training exercise that strengthens interoperability and enhances military-to-military relations between the U.S. and the Philippines.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct a “hasty beach report” during an amphibious landing exercise between the Philippine and the U.S. Marine Corps at the Naval Education Training Center here May 9. The training evolution, as part of Balikatan 2014, aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening the Philippine-U.S. relationship. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct a “hasty beach report” during an amphibious landing exercise between the Philippine and the U.S. Marine Corps at the Naval Education Training Center here May 9. The training evolution, as part of Balikatan 2014, aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening the Philippine-U.S. relationship.

Philippine Marines and a U.S. Navy Corpsman prepare to bandage a patient during a simulated casualty exercise during combat lifesaver training at Crow Valley, Philippines, May 8, 2014, during Balikatan 2014. The training was designed for non-medical personnel and developed the skills necessary to administer first aid in a field environment. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. - Philippine Marines and a U.S. Navy Corpsman prepare to bandage a patient during a simulated casualty exercise during combat lifesaver training at Crow Valley, Philippines, May 8, 2014, during Balikatan 2014. The training was designed for non-medical personnel and developed the skills necessary to administer first aid in a field environment. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the armed forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.