Pacific Marines Stories

Archbishop Christopher Cardone gives the opening prayer during the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the battle, and served to honor the fallen and strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific allies and partners. The historic battle was codenamed Operation Watchtower and was the first major offensive and decisive victory for the allied forces in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole) - Archbishop Christopher Cardone gives the opening prayer during the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2024. The ceremony commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the battle, and served to honor the fallen and strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific allies and partners. The historic battle was codenamed Operation Watchtower and was the first major offensive and decisive victory for the allied forces in the Pacific theater. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole)

A member of the French Marine Infantry Regiment in French Polynesia, French Armed Forces stands at parade rest during the Bazeilles Day Ceremony in Arue, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Aug. 31, 2023. The Bazeilles Day Ceremony commemorates a pivotal moment for the French Armed Forces during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, where French Marines were outnumbered by their enemy 10-to-1 during one of the first recorded occurrences of urban warfare. Pacific Marines’ presence at the ceremony demonstrates the collective effort in strengthening relationships and building upon mutual respect among Allies in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Haley Fourmet Gustavsen) - A member of the French Marine Infantry Regiment in French Polynesia, French Armed Forces stands at parade rest during the Bazeilles Day Ceremony in Arue, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Aug. 31, 2023. The Bazeilles Day Ceremony commemorates a pivotal moment for the French Armed Forces during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, where French Marines were outnumbered by their enemy 10-to-1 during one of the first recorded occurrences of urban warfare. Pacific Marines’ presence at the ceremony demonstrates the collective effort in strengthening relationships and building upon mutual respect among Allies in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Haley Fourmet Gustavsen)

U.S. and Philippine senior military leaders furl the exercise flag at the closing ceremony to conclude Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 28, 2023. Over the last three weeks, more than 17,600 personnel trained shoulder-to-shoulder across the Philippines’ northern Luzon and Palawan, increasing proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operation, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews) - U.S. and Philippine senior military leaders furl the exercise flag at the closing ceremony to conclude Balikatan 23 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 28, 2023. Over the last three weeks, more than 17,600 personnel trained shoulder-to-shoulder across the Philippines’ northern Luzon and Palawan, increasing proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operation, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

From left, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander, Southern Luzon Command, and Philippine Exercise Co-Director; Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense; Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines; Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., AFP Chief of Staff; and U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher A. McPhillips, commanding general, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade stand shoulder-to-shoulder at Tejeros Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, April 1, 2019. The ceremony represented the official commencement of Balikatan 2019 and the continued partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Balikatan 19, in its 35th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations held from April 1 to April 12. - From left, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander, Southern Luzon Command, and Philippine Exercise Co-Director; Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense; Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines; Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., AFP Chief of Staff; and U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Christopher A. McPhillips, commanding general, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade stand shoulder-to-shoulder at Tejeros Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, April 1, 2019. The ceremony represented the official commencement of Balikatan 2019 and the continued partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. Balikatan 19, in its 35th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations held from April 1 to April 12.

Minister Kahu Kelekona Bishaw performs a traditional Hawaiian blessing during the Marine Memorial Rededication Ceremony at the USS ARIZONA Education Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, Aug. 19, 2016. Bishaw sprinkled fresh Hawaiian water over the memorial, representing the connection between Hawaii and the fallen Marines. - Minister Kahu Kelekona Bishaw performs a traditional Hawaiian blessing during the Marine Memorial Rededication Ceremony at the USS ARIZONA Education Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, Aug. 19, 2016. Bishaw sprinkled fresh Hawaiian water over the memorial, representing the connection between Hawaii and the fallen Marines.

Sgt. Coty Lyttle (left) and Sgt. Jonathan McDonald prepare to present the Marine Corps colors during the ANZAC Day Ceremony April 25, 2015, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The day commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, fought by Australian-New Zealand Army Corps forces in World War I. The battle is remembered for the valiant men and the significant losses the nations both suffered. Those who fought are known as “ANZACS” and are honored in one of the most recognized holidays in the South Pacific. - Sgt. Coty Lyttle (left) and Sgt. Jonathan McDonald prepare to present the Marine Corps colors during the ANZAC Day Ceremony April 25, 2015, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The day commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, fought by Australian-New Zealand Army Corps forces in World War I. The battle is remembered for the valiant men and the significant losses the nations both suffered. Those who fought are known as “ANZACS” and are honored in one of the most recognized holidays in the South Pacific.

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)

Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, presents the trophy for the Marine Corps Band of the Year Award to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. Smith, band officer, MarForPac Band, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Mark D. Gleason, bandmaster. The award is given to the best of the 10 field bands in the Marine Corps. - Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, presents the trophy for the Marine Corps Band of the Year Award to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. Smith, band officer, MarForPac Band, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Mark D. Gleason, bandmaster. The award is given to the best of the 10 field bands in the Marine Corps.