Pacific Marines Stories

This was the first open-water amphibious movement for ACVs deployed to III Marine Expeditionary Force, accomplishing a new milestone for amphibious operations with the vehicle platform in the Indo-Pacific. Amphibious operations, including the use of ship-to-shore connectors, is a foundational aspect of Marine Corps operations and is critical to remaining the Nation’s premier expeditionary force in readiness. The Marines shown are with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kendrick Jackson) - U.S. Marines prepare Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV) for amphibious operations at Kushi Crossing, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10, 2024.

4th Marines ACVs Complete First Open Water Amphibious Movement

Amphibious Combat Vehicles with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, completed the first open-water amphibious movement in the Kushi Crossing, Dec. 10, 2024.

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark F. Schaefer, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Royal Thai Marine Corps Rear Adm. Nirat Tagoodruar, deputy commanding officer, pose for a photo following an in-brief during the USMC-RTMC Future Engagement Planning Conference in Sattahip, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2024. These discussions strengthen the enduring partnership between the two forces by fostering military-to-military collaboration, enhancing combined readiness, and supporting a shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Conor Ragland) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark F. Schaefer, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Royal Thai Marine Corps Rear Adm. Nirat Tagoodruar, deputy commanding officer, pose for a photo following an in-brief during the USMC-RTMC Future Engagement Planning Conference in Sattahip, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2024. These discussions strengthen the enduring partnership between the two forces by fostering military-to-military collaboration, enhancing combined readiness, and supporting a shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Conor Ragland)

Pacific Marines Plan for Future Engagements with RTMC

U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and members of the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) met to discuss future engagements between the two forces, Dec. 10 – 13, 2024. Senior leaders from MARFORPAC traveled over six thousand miles to participate in the multi-day event, known as the USMC-RTMC Future Engagement Planning (FEP) Conference, to further strengthen regional cooperation and collaboration with the RTMC.

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An AH-1Z Viper aircraft assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775) maneuvers while providing close-air support at the San Clemente Island Range Complex, March 8, 2023. - An AH-1Z Viper aircraft assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 (HMLA-775) maneuvers while providing close-air support at the San Clemente Island Range Complex, March 8, 2023. HMLA-775 flew sorties from MCAS Camp Pendleton to the San Clemente Island Range Complex in support of the Marine Forces Reserve Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) exercise held from February 26 to March 11. The exercise implemented concepts of Force Design 2030, a call to modernize the Marine Corps’ warfighting doctrine, via expeditionary advanced based operations such as a limited-footprint forward arming and refueling point and hot ordnance loading evolutions to reduce downtime between sorties and build joint fires proficiency.

Marine Corps Reserve Brief Highlights Opportunities for Aviators Through Direct Affiliation Program

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Maj. Gen. John Kelliher III, commanding general of 4th MAW, spoke to officers about the Marine Corps Reserve during a brief on the Direct Affiliation Program at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Jan. 10, 2025.

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3d LAAB's Inaugural MADIS Live-Fire - A Marine Air Defense Integrated System Mk 1 fires upon a small unmanned aircraft system during a training exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Jan. 25, 2025. A key component of the Marine Corps’ Force Design initiative, the mobile MADIS increases 3d Marine Littoral Regiment’s tactical flexibility by extending the range of the airspace which 3d MLR is able to sense and defend without support from the Joint Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons)

3d LAAB's Inaugural MADIS Live-Fire

A key component of the Marine Corps’ Force Design initiative, the mobile MADIS, increases 3d Marine Littoral Regiment’s tactical flexibility by extending the range of the airspace which 3d MLR is able to sense and defend without support from the Joint Force.

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RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, communicates with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Masayoshi Arai, commanding general of the Western Army, during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at JGSDF Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, August 4, 2024. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

III MEF Advances into 2025: Building on a Year of Milestones and Strengthening Regional Security

As the calendar turns to 2025, the Marines, Sailors, and joint force enablers of III Marine Expeditionary Force are poised to build on the successes of 2024, a year marked by significant milestones and advancements in regional security. Through a robust series of exercises, training events, and community engagements, III MEF deepened relationships with regional partners and allies, reinforcing shared values of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

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An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, during a Large Force Exercise conducted by MAG-11 and MAG-13 on Jan. 15, 2025. - An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, during a Large Force Exercise conducted by MAG-11 and MAG-13 on Jan. 15, 2025. LFE is a high-fidelity combat training event over the Southern California coast, incorporating defensive counter-air and air interdiction missions. The exercise provides pilots with invaluable experience in mission planning and execution, including opportunities to serve as division leads or mission commanders. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Johnson Truong)

Third Marine Aircraft Wing Large Force Exercises provide advanced training for fighter squadrons

Marines with the two fixed-wing Marine Aircraft Groups of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing launched a series of cross-MAG Large Force Exercises in the skies of Southern California from Jan. 9-16, 2025. These were the first of their kind in duration and scale with involvement from all 3rd MAW fighter squadrons, and the combined effort provided an invaluable

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The purpose of these operations are to ensure that all necessary gear and personnel are embarked on ship prior to each patrol. 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 Sgt. Tyler Andrews) - U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to transport High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ammunition from an U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during onload operations at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2025.

31st MEU Embarks with the America Amphibious Ready Group

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Jan. 28, campaigning and competing in the Indo-Pacific region.

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3rd MLG CG Completes JGSDF, ROK Visits Ahead of Bilateral Exercises

Brigadier General Kevin Collins, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, completed today a multinational visit of U.S., Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea self-defense and military commands ahead of scheduled bilateral exercises in Japan and Korea, Jan. 27 through Feb. 4, 2025.

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Participants pose for a group photo after the 2025 Philippine Marine Corps-U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Marine-to-Marine Staff Talks at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Feb. 6, 2025. The three-day talks provided a forum to improve coordination of bilateral exercises and operations while discussing mutual areas of interest throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chloe Zimmerer) - Participants pose for a group photo after the 2025 Philippine Marine Corps-U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Marine-to-Marine Staff Talks at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Feb. 6, 2025. The three-day talks provided a forum to improve coordination of bilateral exercises and operations while discussing mutual areas of interest throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chloe Zimmerer)

PMC-US MARFORPAC Marine to Marine Staff Talks 2025

Senior leaders from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and the Philippine Marine Corps gathered at Fort Bonifacio for their annual Marine-to-Marine staff talks, from Feb. 3 to 6, 2025. The annual Marine-to-Marine staff talks are an important part of the U.S.-Philippine alliance, giving senior military leaders the chance to discuss regional security issues and find ways to work together more closely. These talks help strengthen the bond between the two military forces, allowing them to address new security challenges, share knowledge, and plan actions to maintain stability in the region. This week's discussions further strengthened the long-lasting relationship between the U.S. and the Philippine Marine Corps, showing the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

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Marines with III MSB, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group and Army Soldiers with the 630th Clearance Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, worked in a joint environment to provide different elements of support. Marines provided a secure border around the training area, while Soldiers supplied manpower and machinery to create advantageous fighting positions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abigail Godinez) - U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion patrol during a joint training event at Dagmar North Training Area, Republic of Korea, Feb. 6, 2025.

Breaking the Ice, Breaking up Ground: III MSB Marines conduct joint training event with Army 11th Engineer Battalion Soldiers

Early on the morning of February 6, 2025, the Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, III MEF Information Group joined Soldiers from 63rd Clearance Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at the frozen grounds of Dagmar North Training Area, South Korea to conduct a joint training event.

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