Pacific Marines Stories

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)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, attached to Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, and Indonesian marines 4th Marine Infantry Battalion, Pasmar 1, conduct live-fire table five combat marksmanship program training during Keris Marine Exercise 2023 at Piabung Training Area in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, Dec. 7, 2023. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise led by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Indonesian Marine Corps, or Korps Marinir, to promote military interoperability and maritime domain awareness capabilities, strengthen relationships, and expand military capabilities among participating forces in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. MRF-SEA is a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model that involves exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and Partners, and positions I MEF forces west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter) - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, attached to Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, and Indonesian marines 4th Marine Infantry Battalion, Pasmar 1, conduct live-fire table five combat marksmanship program training during Keris Marine Exercise 2023 at Piabung Training Area in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, Dec. 7, 2023. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise led by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Indonesian Marine Corps, or Korps Marinir, to promote military interoperability and maritime domain awareness capabilities, strengthen relationships, and expand military capabilities among participating forces in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. MRF-SEA is a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model that involves exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and Partners, and positions I MEF forces west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter)

Japan Ground Self Defense Force Gen. Morishita Yasunori, left, chief of staff, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, exchange gifts during a key leader engagement on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2024. Senior MARFORPAC leaders regularly host distinguished visitors from all over the world to discuss mutual interests, foster collaboration, and share experiences among Allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Blake Gonter) - Japan Ground Self Defense Force Gen. Morishita Yasunori, left, chief of staff, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, exchange gifts during a key leader engagement on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2024. Senior MARFORPAC leaders regularly host distinguished visitors from all over the world to discuss mutual interests, foster collaboration, and share experiences among Allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Blake Gonter)

A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, transporting Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, maneuvers through the water as part of Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 28, 2024. QUART is a joint training exercise designed to develop and sustain essential amphibious skills for effective operations in maritime environments while reinforcing the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. As part of QUART, Marines with 3rd AA Bn. were certified to conduct ship-to-shore operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan) - A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, transporting Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, maneuvers through the water as part of Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 28, 2024. QUART is a joint training exercise designed to develop and sustain essential amphibious skills for effective operations in maritime environments while reinforcing the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. As part of QUART, Marines with 3rd AA Bn. were certified to conduct ship-to-shore operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)