Pacific Marines Stories

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight deck qualifications aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, July 15, 2024. Joint training between 3rd MAW squadrons and the Tripoli in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations enabled the amphibious assault ship to conduct Mobility Air Qualifications and 3rd MAW squadrons to maintain currency required for amphibious operations. - U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight deck qualifications aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, July 15, 2024. Joint training between 3rd MAW squadrons and the Tripoli in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations enabled the amphibious assault ship to conduct Mobility Air Qualifications and 3rd MAW squadrons to maintain currency required for amphibious operations.

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Stuart Glenn, commanding officer for Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arturo G Rojas, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, and Philippine Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Vicente Map Blanco III, director, exercise directorate headquarters, unfurl the KAMANDAG exercise flag during the opening ceremony for KAMANDAG 8 at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines, Oct. 15, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. MRF-SEA is a rotational unit executing a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allied and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I Marine Expeditionary Force presence west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Wilson) - From left, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Stuart Glenn, commanding officer for Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arturo G Rojas, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, and Philippine Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Vicente Map Blanco III, director, exercise directorate headquarters, unfurl the KAMANDAG exercise flag during the opening ceremony for KAMANDAG 8 at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines, Oct. 15, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. MRF-SEA is a rotational unit executing a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allied and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I Marine Expeditionary Force presence west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Wilson)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land at Basco Airport during foreign disaster relief operations in Basco, Batanes Province, Philippines, Oct. 8, 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense is supporting the Republic of the Philippines at the request of the Government of the Philippines providing foreign disaster relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Krathon (Julian) in Northern Luzon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms) - U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, land at Basco Airport during foreign disaster relief operations in Basco, Batanes Province, Philippines, Oct. 8, 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense is supporting the Republic of the Philippines at the request of the Government of the Philippines providing foreign disaster relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Krathon (Julian) in Northern Luzon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms)

U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, load a Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System into a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft during a ground-based air defense exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-25 at Tacts Airfield near Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 10, 2024. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine aviation in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, Joint and Coalition Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Thompson) - U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, load a Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System into a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft during a ground-based air defense exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-25 at Tacts Airfield near Wellton, Arizona, Oct. 10, 2024. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine aviation in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, Joint and Coalition Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Micah Thompson)

Families of U.S. Marines assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, welcome their loved ones as they arrive at the Del Mar Boat Basin aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California Oct. 16, 2024. Elements of the 15th MEU embarked aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), returned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton after a seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in support of regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kenneth Twaddell) - Families of U.S. Marines assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, welcome their loved ones as they arrive at the Del Mar Boat Basin aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California Oct. 16, 2024. Elements of the 15th MEU embarked aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), returned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton after a seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in support of regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kenneth Twaddell)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alejandro Quintero Jr., a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System operator with 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, operates an M142 HIMARS in preparation for Keen Sword 25 at Japan Air Self –Defense Force Kenebetsu Air Base, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 18, 2024. KS25 is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alejandro Quintero Jr., a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System operator with 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, operates an M142 HIMARS in preparation for Keen Sword 25 at Japan Air Self –Defense Force Kenebetsu Air Base, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 18, 2024. KS25 is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye)

U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Philippine Marines assigned to Intelligence Company, 3rd Marine Brigade, pose for a photo during a counter-unmanned aircraft system subject matter expert exchange as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Tarumpitao Point, Palawan Province, Philippines, Oct. 18, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Amelia Kang) - U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Philippine Marines assigned to Intelligence Company, 3rd Marine Brigade, pose for a photo during a counter-unmanned aircraft system subject matter expert exchange as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Tarumpitao Point, Palawan Province, Philippines, Oct. 18, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Amelia Kang)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, left, commanding general of Marine Forces Pacific, and Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, middle-right, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, pose for a photo with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members during exercise Keen Sword 25 at JGSDF Camp Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 23, 2024. KS25 is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. JVonnta Taylor) - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, left, commanding general of Marine Forces Pacific, and Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, middle-right, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, pose for a photo with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members during exercise Keen Sword 25 at JGSDF Camp Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 23, 2024. KS25 is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. JVonnta Taylor)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark Schaefer, left, commanding officer, congratulates Cpl. Sean Olson, administrative specialist, both with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, after his meritorious promotion and award ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 13, 2024. Olson, a California native, received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for rescuing two people who were struggling to stay afloat in rough waters. He also earned a meritorious promotion, ahead of normal service requirements, signifying his outstanding performance as a Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chloe Zimmerer) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark Schaefer, left, commanding officer, congratulates Cpl. Sean Olson, administrative specialist, both with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, after his meritorious promotion and award ceremony on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 13, 2024. Olson, a California native, received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for rescuing two people who were struggling to stay afloat in rough waters. He also earned a meritorious promotion, ahead of normal service requirements, signifying his outstanding performance as a Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chloe Zimmerer)

U.S. service members and distinguished guests bow their head during the invocation on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2024. DPAA Marines were joined by Marine Corps Forces, Pacific senior leaders and DPAA senior leadership to celebrate the 249th Marine Corps birthday, highlighting the overlap of commitment, pride, and professionalism these two organizations share. DPAA's mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting of U.S. personnel to their families and the nation. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lesley Cisneros) - U.S. service members and distinguished guests bow their head during the invocation on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2024. DPAA Marines were joined by Marine Corps Forces, Pacific senior leaders and DPAA senior leadership to celebrate the 249th Marine Corps birthday, highlighting the overlap of commitment, pride, and professionalism these two organizations share. DPAA's mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting of U.S. personnel to their families and the nation. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lesley Cisneros)