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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Simon Li, a low altitude air defense gunner with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, aims a FIM-92E stinger missile system during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia, July 4, 2023. Marines with 2nd LAAD provided a defensive posture for the FARP from aerial threats as part of an expeditionary advanced base of operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Simon Li, a low altitude air defense gunner with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, aims a FIM-92E stinger missile system during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia, July 4, 2023. Marines with 2nd LAAD provided a defensive posture for the FARP from aerial threats as part of an expeditionary advanced base of operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with Lima Co., 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 23 engage simulated targets during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 23 in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 1, 2023. Southern Jackaroo is a trilateral exercise with MRF-D, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and Australian Defence Force, with Republic of Korea observers, working together to achieve fire, maneuver, and communications interoperability objectives. - U.S. Marines with Lima Co., 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 23 engage simulated targets during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 23 in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 1, 2023. Southern Jackaroo is a trilateral exercise with MRF-D, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and Australian Defence Force, with Republic of Korea observers, working together to achieve fire, maneuver, and communications interoperability objectives.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, left, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Indonesian Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Nur Alamsyah, commandant, Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia, deliver remarks during the closing ceremony of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, Bali, Indonesia, July 13, 2023. PALS strengthens our interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations – from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to complex expeditionary operations. This year's symposium hosted senior leaders from 24 participating nations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, left, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Indonesian Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Nur Alamsyah, commandant, Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia, deliver remarks during the closing ceremony of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, Bali, Indonesia, July 13, 2023. PALS strengthens our interoperability and working relationships across a wide range of military operations – from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to complex expeditionary operations. This year's symposium hosted senior leaders from 24 participating nations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships.

PALS-23 Indonesia Logo is acceptable for public use. - PALS-23 Indonesia Logo is acceptable for public use.

U.S. Marines, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), pose for a photo aboard the SS Curtis (T-AVB-4) during Balikatan 23 off the coast of the Philippines, April 18, 2023. Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule. - U.S. Marines, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, pose for a photo aboard the SS Curtis (T-AVB-4) during Balikatan 23 off the coast of the Philippines, April 18, 2023. Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct planning during Exercise Maltese Dragon, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 15, 2022. Exercise Maltese Dragon is a training exercise, hosted by Marine Corps Logistics Operation Group, where logistics staffs train in an exercise-controlled environment undergoing different Combat Operations Center simulated stressors used to train and educate well-rounded Marine Air Ground-Task Force logisticians. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct planning during Exercise Maltese Dragon, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 15, 2022. Exercise Maltese Dragon is a training exercise, hosted by Marine Corps Logistics Operation Group, where logistics staffs train in an exercise-controlled environment undergoing different Combat Operations Center simulated stressors used to train and educate well-rounded Marine Air Ground-Task Force logisticians. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, refuels in flight during a Transpacific flight over Queensland, Australia, Sept. 13, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati. - A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, refuels in flight during a Transpacific flight over Queensland, Australia, Sept. 13, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, members of the Australian Defence Force, and Indonesian forces fly in an MV-22 Osprey during Exercise Crocodile Response 22 in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia, May 17, 2022. Exercise Crocodile Response trains MRF-D, the ADF and Indonesian forces to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, members of the Australian Defence Force, and Indonesian forces fly in an MV-22 Osprey during Exercise Crocodile Response 22 in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia, May 17, 2022. Exercise Crocodile Response trains MRF-D, the ADF and Indonesian forces to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region.

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U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Joshua Wilson, front, a joint terminal attack controller instructor with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and U.S. Army Special Forces operators with 1st Special Forces Group, conduct simulated close air support using handheld Link 16 radios at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 15, 2022. The training focused on the joint force’s ability to integrate and refine tactics of CAS, which requires detailed planning and careful coordination between pilots and forces on the ground. - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Joshua Wilson, front, a joint terminal attack controller instructor with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and U.S. Army Special Forces operators with 1st Special Forces Group, conduct simulated close air support using handheld Link 16 radios at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 15, 2022. The training focused on the joint force’s ability to integrate and refine tactics of CAS, which requires detailed planning and careful coordination between pilots and forces on the ground.

Ships of the America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups, and Carrier Strike Group 3, sail in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during exercise Noble Fusion. Left to right: USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Ashland (LSD 48), JS Kongō (DDG 173), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), USS America (LHA 6), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Essex (LHD 2), landing crafts, air cushion from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. - Ships of the America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups, and Carrier Strike Group 3, sail in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during exercise Noble Fusion. Left to right: USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Ashland (LSD 48), JS Kongō (DDG 173), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), USS America (LHA 6), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Essex (LHD 2), landing crafts, air cushion from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness.

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A U.S. Navy Sailor directs a Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH-183) off the coast of Japan, Oct. 3, 2021. Marines and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) embarked aboard Izumo to support the first ever F-35B Lightning II operations aboard a Japanese vessel. The U.S. and Japan continue to work closely together to broaden their operational capabilities, support the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. - A U.S. Navy Sailor directs a Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH-183) off the coast of Japan, Oct. 3, 2021. Marines and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) embarked aboard Izumo to support the first ever F-35B Lightning II operations aboard a Japanese vessel. The U.S. and Japan continue to work closely together to broaden their operational capabilities, support the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a timed ruck run during a Littoral Engineer Reconnaissance Team screener on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 18, 2021. 9th ESB conducted the screener to select the most qualified Marines and Sailors to serve on the Littoral Engineer Reconnaissance Team, and to introduce some of the physical and mental challenges that LERT Marines will be expected to overcome. The LERT is a 3rd MLG capability, specialized in engineering and mobility-specific intelligence reconnaissance in support of the battalion commander or any element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as 3rd MLG’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. - U.S. Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a timed ruck run during a Littoral Engineer Reconnaissance Team screener on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 18, 2021. 9th ESB conducted the screener to select the most qualified Marines and Sailors to serve on the Littoral Engineer Reconnaissance Team, and to introduce some of the physical and mental challenges that LERT Marines will be expected to overcome. The LERT is a 3rd MLG capability, specialized in engineering and mobility-specific intelligence reconnaissance in support of the battalion commander or any element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as 3rd MLG’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

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U.S. Navy ET2 Paul Saldana, left, electronics technician, and CM2 Adam Long, construction mechanic, both with Naval Beach Unit 7, conduct ramp marshall duties to guide a Landing Craft Air Cushion into port on Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, June 1, 2021. Marines from 3d MLG and Sailors from NBU-7 integrated to load and transport personnel and equipment in support of exercise Poseidon’s Watchtower. NBU-7 is an operational, forward deployed unit that directly contributes to the core capabilities of U.S. Maritime Sea Power by facilitating the movement of troops, equipment, vehicles and supplies from amphibious shipping across the beach. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Saldana is a native of Miramar, Florida, and Long is a native of Sanford, North Carolina. - U.S. Navy ET2 Paul Saldana, left, electronics technician, and CM2 Adam Long, construction mechanic, both with Naval Beach Unit 7, conduct ramp marshall duties to guide a Landing Craft Air Cushion into port on Naval Base White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, June 1, 2021. Marines from 3d MLG and Sailors from NBU-7 integrated to load and transport personnel and equipment in support of exercise Poseidon’s Watchtower. NBU-7 is an operational, forward deployed unit that directly contributes to the core capabilities of U.S. Maritime Sea Power by facilitating the movement of troops, equipment, vehicles and supplies from amphibious shipping across the beach. 3d MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Saldana is a native of Miramar, Florida, and Long is a native of Sanford, North Carolina.

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 fly during a mission rehearsal exercise over Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2021. The MRX served as a culminating event for HMLA-267 as they near the end of their time in Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program. - U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 fly during a mission rehearsal exercise over Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2021. The MRX served as a culminating event for HMLA-267 as they near the end of their time in Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 prepare to refuel a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 267 during a forward arming and refueling point training event as part of a Marine Corps combat readiness evaluation held by MWSS-172 at the Ie Shima training facility, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2021. The MCCRE creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as a deployed unit at any time. - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 prepare to refuel a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 267 during a forward arming and refueling point training event as part of a Marine Corps combat readiness evaluation held by MWSS-172 at the Ie Shima training facility, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2021. The MCCRE creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as a deployed unit at any time.

U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors conduct external lifts for a vertical replenishment of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Naval Base Guam, Feb. 25. - U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors conduct external lifts for a vertical replenishment of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Naval Base Guam, Feb. 25.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni during MEFEX 21. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni during MEFEX 21.

U.S. Marines and Sailors wave from a distance to their friends and family as they depart San Diego, Calif. aboard USNS City of Bismarck (EPF-9) July 2. - U.S. Marines and Sailors wave from a distance to their friends and family as they depart San Diego, Calif. aboard USNS City of Bismarck (EPF-9) July 2.

A Royal Thai Marine showcases a scorpion to U.S. Marines during jungle survival training at Camp Lotawin, Kingdom of Thailand, March 4. - A Royal Thai Marine showcases a scorpion to U.S. Marines during jungle survival training at Camp Lotawin, Kingdom of Thailand, March 4.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a rapid deployment exercise conducted by 1st MAW, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 25, 2019. Marines with 1st MAW conducted a rapid deployment exercise to increase the confidence of III MEF’s ability to rapidly deploy and maintain a secure Indo-Pacific region. As the only forward-deployed MEF, III MEF is strategically postured to quickly and effectively respond to any crisis within the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a rapid deployment exercise conducted by 1st MAW, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 25, 2019. Marines with 1st MAW conducted a rapid deployment exercise to increase the confidence of III MEF’s ability to rapidly deploy and maintain a secure Indo-Pacific region. As the only forward-deployed MEF, III MEF is strategically postured to quickly and effectively respond to any crisis within the Indo-Pacific region.

Marines from the Royal Thai Marine Corps Secuity Regiment stand in formation Feb. 13, 2018, during the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 at U-Tapao International Airport, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, Thailand. Exercise Cobra Gold, in its 37th iteration, is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Pacific region. The annual exercise is conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. - Marines from the Royal Thai Marine Corps Secuity Regiment stand in formation Feb. 13, 2018, during the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 at U-Tapao International Airport, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, Thailand. Exercise Cobra Gold, in its 37th iteration, is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Pacific region. The annual exercise is conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations.