News

A graphic in support of content about the Secretary of the Navy. - A graphic in support of content about the Secretary of the Navy.

Statement by Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker

To all of our Sailors, Marines, civilians and military families, I am honored to return to the Department of the Navy team as your acting secretary. From my years on active duty in the Coast Guard and as a career civilian at several federal agencies, I am keenly aware of the sacrifices all of you make, and the dedication you show, every day in service to our Nation. As we continue to navigate our way through the COVID-19 crisis, I am confident we will work together to help bring our Nation through this historic period...

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Okinawa Prefectural Government representatives met with Marine Corps Installations Pacific leadership and medical health professionals to discuss COVID-19 related information on Camp Foster Naval Hospital, July 15. - Okinawa Prefectural Government representatives met with Marine Corps Installations Pacific leadership and medical health professionals to discuss COVID-19 related information on Camp Foster Naval Hospital, July 15.

US Marine Corps working together with Okinawa Prefectural Government for COVID-19 control effort

Since late March, the U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa has been implementing strict safety measures including restricting activities off base to minimize the spread of COVID-19. After the infection surged in early July, with two clusters of infections discovered on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Camp Hansen, the Marine Corps worked ceaselessly to ensure the safety and protection of the U.S. military and the Okinawan communities. With deliberate force health-protection efforts, the Marine Corps was able to subside the spread of infection...

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U.S. Marine Recruiters Tackle New Adversary - Online Classrooms

Each year as school begins, the race to get into classrooms and lunchrooms starts. Marine recruiters face a diverse set of challenges such as schools that are not military friendly, schedule conflicts and competition with the sister services. Marines always face those challenges head-on and accomplish the mission. This year is different though, one of the most difficult challenges presented itself to Marine recruiters across the nation. How do you perform a class talk when the students themselves aren’t physically in school...

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A U.S. Navy Hospitalman puts on personal protective equipment before seeing a possible Coronavirus patient at the respiratory triage clinic, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 6. - A U.S. Navy Hospitalman puts on personal protective equipment before seeing a possible Coronavirus patient at the respiratory triage clinic, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Aug. 6.

On the Front Lines

From day one, the novel Coronavirus shocked the world and sent nations into a visceral panic, prompting leaders to hurriedly set-up safety precautions and overwhelming countless health care centers rushing to protect the public. New safety measures were immediately enacted across the globe and mass testing began to ensure anyone experiencing symptoms or showing possible signs of COVID-19 are taken care of and treated as soon as possible. Included in the surge of healthcare adaptations, Sailors and their civilian counterparts at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, went into double time and onto the front lines of COVID-19...

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MCSC employs virtual training during COVID-19 - U.S. Marine socially distances and wears a mask while attending the in-classroom portion of his Apprentice Electronic Signals Intelligence Analyst course aboard Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 20.

MCSC employs virtual training during COVID-19

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Marine Corps Systems Command’s mission to support the warfighter hasn’t stopped. Prior to the crisis, MCSC’s program offices hosted both in-person and classroom training sessions for Marines to learn to use new gear. With travel restrictions in place, MCSC had to find new, innovative ways to conduct New Equipment Training. Earlier this spring, MCSC began conducting Virtual NET—online training that replicates a live, classroom training environment. Viewing a live video stream, Marines can watch as an instructor teaches them to employ a piece of equipment...

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U.S. Marines Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Paschal, a driver within the Joint Reception Center (JRC) welcomes the new Marines to the island of Okinawa on Kadena Air Base, July 9, 2020. The JRC staff drive to Kadena Air Base to transport the Marines and greenside sailors to the barracks to execute a 14-day restriction of movement (ROM), followed by a week of welcome aboard classes to orient them to the new island. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Karis Mattingly) - U.S. Marines Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Paschal, a driver within the Joint Reception Center (JRC) welcomes the new Marines to the island of Okinawa on Kadena Air Base, July 9, 2020. The JRC staff drive to Kadena Air Base to transport the Marines and greenside sailors to the barracks to execute a 14-day restriction of movement (ROM), followed by a week of welcome aboard classes to orient them to the new island. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Karis Mattingly)

MCIPAC joint reception center operations uninterrupted throughout COVID-19 pandemic

“It’s a challenge,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Preston Batson, the assistant barracks manager for the Joint Reception Center Marines. Although many of the services across Marine Corps camps on Okinawa have stopped and resumed based on the COVID-19 climate, JRC has continued to be a 365 day, 24/7 operation. “The JRC staff and I are always on the go,” Batson said...

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A U.S. Marine practices marksmanship fundamentals from the kneeling position with an M16A4 service rifle on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7. - A U.S. Marine practices marksmanship fundamentals from the kneeling position with an M16A4 service rifle on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 7.

Adaptability is Key: 31st MEU stays ready to respond to crises

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) to conduct Naval integration training, take part in Exercise Cobra Gold 20, and support freedom of navigation in the South and East China Seas in the spring of 2020. Amidst the global spread of COVID-19, the MEU has continued training to maintain readiness and remain a dependable crisis response force for the Indo-Pacific region.The title of the fastest crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region is something that Col. Robert Brodie, the 31st MEU commanding officer, intends for the MEU to keep amidst the new challenges presented by COVID-19...

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A U.S. Marine briefs task force leaders during a virtual team meeting at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 29. - A U.S. Marine briefs task force leaders during a virtual team meeting at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 29.

Virtual communication mitigates COVID-19 risk for task force Marines

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Southern Command have adapted to new methods to ensure they are maintaining readiness and communication with the force, all while socially distancing for COVID-19 precautions. Along with using face masks, continuously cleaning their workspaces, and holding team meetings at a safe distance from one another, the force has also turned to virtual communications for briefs and conferences...

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Photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Marquez. - Photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Marquez.

III MEF G6 adapts to support new working conditions during COVID-19

III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Communications and Information System Department (G6) has rapidly adapted to ensure III MEF personnel continues to accomplish mission requirements while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic through innovative teleworking solutions. The G6 department exists to provide critical communication and information support services to III MEF and to ensure its personnel are able to connect electronically...

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A U.S. Marine takes the first step to cross a day-old bridge during Exercise Thunder Reindeer in Setermoen, Norway, May 27. - A U.S. Marine takes the first step to cross a day-old bridge during Exercise Thunder Reindeer in Setermoen, Norway, May 27.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, US Marines deploy to Norway, successfully integrate with Norwegian allies

Whether in the face of the enemy or a deadly global pandemic, the U.S. Marine Corps not only stays ahead of the curve but also flattens it. World War I destroyed numerous lives across the globe during the 1910 era but only claimed second place for deadliest disturbance. The 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic killed millions more, taking with it military personnel who intermingled with other countries without proper health protocol. A century later, the Marine Corps learned from the past, and the Marines and Sailors with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, successfully deployed to Norway in May 2020 as Marine Rotational Force-Europe 20.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, which focuses...

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, visits The Citadel, a public military college temporarily utilized to stage poolees for a 14-day observation period in Charleston, S.C., May 5, 2020. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, visits The Citadel, a public military college temporarily utilized to stage poolees for a 14-day observation period in Charleston, S.C., May 5, 2020.

2nd MARDIV-led 'Task Force Commitment' deploys to MCRD Parris Island; troops ensure training pipeline unimpeded

Somewhere in the U.S. sits a poolee - the title given to future U.S. Marine Corps recruits - patiently awaiting their report date to either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., or San Diego, wondering how the COVID-19 situation would affect them. Due to events surrounding COVID-19 the Marine Corps organized Task Force Commitment to ensure the health and safety of recruits and training personnel aboard the depots...

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A U.S. Marine stretches before practice during the 2020 Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 3. - A U.S. Marine stretches before practice during the 2020 Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 3.

Annual DoD Warrior Games canceled amid COVID concerns

As the U.S. continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the U.S. Marine Corps and City of San Antonio leadership remain committed to the safety and health of our service members and local communities. As the lead planners for the 2020 Warrior Games, the Marine Corps announced the decision to cancel the Games, citing the paramount concerns for the health and well- being of the 300 U.S. military active-duty and veteran athletes, international military teams, and residents within the greater San Antonio area...

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Three civilians speak at a table. - From left: Matthew Donovan, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness; Lisa W. Hershman, the Defense Department's chief management officer, and Jonathan Rath Hoffman, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, conduct a news briefing at the Pentagon, May 26, 2020.

DOD Officials Unveil COVID-Related Personnel, Move Guidance

Defense Department officials outlined a conditions-based approach to relaxing the stop-movement order that has been in effect since early March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper issued the order in early March, and in April, he extended the ban through June 30. At a Pentagon news conference on May 26, Matthew P. Donovan, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said Esper signed a memo lifting the June 30 travel restrictions and transitioning to a conditions-based phased approach for personnel movement and travel...

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A U.S. Marine returns to Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., after providing Department of Defense support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the whole-of-nation COVID-19 Response, May 19. - A U.S. Marine returns to Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., after providing Department of Defense support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the whole-of-nation COVID-19 Response, May 19.

2nd MEB completes deployment supporting national COVID-19 response

Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, who formed the command element for U.S. Northern Command’s COVID-19 response in the Northeast United States, returned to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 19, 2020. The Task Force Northeast Command Element coordinated U.S. Northern Command-assigned medical support in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont as well as the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands...

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U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, enforce precautionary measures such as cleaning and disinfecting the barracks during field day on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 23. - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, enforce precautionary measures such as cleaning and disinfecting the barracks during field day on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 23.

Changing of Health Protection Condition Levels During COVID-19

Effective May 20th, Secretary Esper updated guidance to commanders on changing local Force Health Protection Condition levels to allow bases to begin planning to return to normal operations in the COVID environment. This guidance sets the considerations and processes for commanders who are seeking to adjust their local HPCON levels in a manner that will continue to protect our personnel from further spread of COVID-19 and preserve the operational readiness of our global force. Under this guidance, commanders make deliberate, risk-based decisions to change HPCON levels as conditions allow. Commanders will take into consideration guidance from the CDC; collaboration with state, territorial and local health authorities; and advice from...

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A vehicle stands by ready to assist with destructive weather at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 12, 2018. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isaiah Gomez) - A vehicle stands by ready to assist with destructive weather at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 12, 2018. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isaiah Gomez)

MCB Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is a part of life for residents living along the Eastern Seaboard, and with the recent passage of Tropical Storm Arthur this week, ahead of the official hurricane season, there is already a renewed focus on upcoming weather anomalies. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River prepare for destructive weather and plan months in advance to ensure all assets in the path of future storms are secured and protected. Hurricane season begins June 1 and extends to November 30...

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U.S. Marine is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 8. - U.S. Marine is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 8.

2nd Intel Bn Marine recognized for fundraising during COVID-19 outbreak

The leadership of 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, recognized U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zeelie Scruggs, an intelligence specialist with the battalion, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 8, 2020. She earned this honor for her volunteer service to the local community during the Coronavirus pandemic from March to April 2020...

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A U.S. Marine operates a skid steer during a command post exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 8. - A U.S. Marine operates a skid steer during a command post exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 8.

Task force Marines certified for deployment during pandemic

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Southern Command certified for a crisis response deployment to the Latin American and Caribbean region April 23. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, SPMAGTF-SC elements implemented the social distancing guidance throughout their training schedule and ensured that the lives and safety of the service members remained a priority...

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Fidelis Rides: U-Shop - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Niko Abutin, an aviation ordnanceman with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, sanitizes his hands prior to retrieving groceries on April 19, 2020, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Abutin was volunteering for “Fidelis Rides: U-Shop”, a free-to-use shopping service that allows patrons to order their groceries over the phone instead of risking exposure of COVID-19. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Madero)

Latest travel restrictions update for Marine training schools

COVID-19 has impacted Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as well as the entirety of the Marine Corps. Adapting to these latest challenges has resulted in the constant adaptation of Marine Corps travel policy. The latest guidance, MARADMIN 267/20, provides guidelines to active duty Marine travelers who are traveling to scheduled advanced formal school courses...

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U.S. Marines are assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force as part of a Marine security detachment supporting Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20). - U.S. Marines are assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force as part of a Marine security detachment supporting Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20).

Marines conducting security help save patients bound for USNS Comfort

U.S. Marine Sgt. Austin Loppe had just started his shift providing security for Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) on April 7 when he got an urgent call over the radio shortly before midnight. A local hospital was undergoing an emergency evacuation and was sending patients in 10 ambulances to the Comfort all at once. Medical staff aboard the Norfolk, Virginia-based ship are treating trauma, emergency and urgent care patients without regard to their COVID-19 status to help relieve local hospitals that have become overwhelmed with patients because of the coronavirus pandemic...

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A U.S. Marine boards an MV-22B Osprey as they prepare for takeoff from the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., April 10. - A U.S. Marine boards an MV-22B Osprey as they prepare for takeoff from the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., April 10.

II MEF Marines deploy in support of FEMA

Marines and Sailors from II Marine Expeditionary Force deployed to the Northeastern U.S. for a defense support of civil authorities mission, in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic April 10, 2020. More than 40 Marines from II MEF’s 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed by MV-22b Osprey headed to Fort Devens, Massachusetts...

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Camp Pendleton’s terrain is covered in yellow after heavy precipitation across California triggered a wildflower “superbloom”. - Camp Pendleton’s terrain is covered in yellow after heavy precipitation across California triggered a wildflower “superbloom”.

Camp Pendleton’s Environmental Security Department offers virtual Earth Day alternatives

Earth Day is an annual event that offers time to reflect on the efforts made to preserve and protect the natural environment across the planet. Even with the disruptions caused by COVID-19, it is still possible to honor Earth Day's values and appreciate the hard work of those committed to helping the environment. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton's Environmental Security Department's work across the installation stays true to Earth Day's tradition of environmental preservation...

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Naval Base Guam - A U.S. Sailor with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, tests a USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailor for symptoms of COVID-19, on Naval Base Guam, Guam, April 8, 2020. Theodore Roosevelt is in Guam for a scheduled port visit for resupply and crew rest during their scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific. - Naval Base Guam - A U.S. Sailor with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, tests a USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailor for symptoms of COVID-19, on Naval Base Guam, Guam, April 8, 2020. Theodore Roosevelt is in Guam for a scheduled port visit for resupply and crew rest during their scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

3rd Marine Logistics Group Supports USS Theodore Roosevelt

A team of medical professionals assigned to 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force deployed to Guam in order to augment the COVID-19 response efforts by USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Approximately 230 Sailors and Marines arrived in Guam throughout the first weeks of April and are supporting Theodore Roosevelt’s onboard medical staff in assessing, managing and treating the symptoms of COVID-19 cases while the ship is in port...

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A graphic in support of content about the Secretary of the Navy. - A graphic in support of content about the Secretary of the Navy.

All Hands Message from the Acting Secretary of the Navy

To all of our Sailors, Marines, civilians and military families, I am honored to return to the Navy-Marine Corps Team as your acting secretary. From my years as an officer in the United States Navy, and my prior service as an enlisted Soldier in the United States Army, I am keenly aware of the sacrifices you make, and the dedication you show, every day in service to our Nation. Thank you for your dedicated service. I look forward to serving alongside you...

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U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Austin Sawyeron, a military police officer with Provost Marshal’s Office, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, scans an ID card at the San Luis Rey gate on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 2, 2020. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Austin Sawyeron, a military police officer with Provost Marshal’s Office, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, scans an ID card at the San Luis Rey gate on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 2, 2020.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Implements Changes to Combat COVID-19

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton has seen a variety of changes over the past few weeks in response to COVID-19. The installation has always put the health and well-being of all personnel and their families as its top priority, which is why each change has been carefully and quickly made to adapt to the surrounding environment while continuing to provide critical services key to mission success.

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A U.S. Marine briefs Brig. Gen. Dan Conley at the medial isolation and observation center being set up near the 13 Area on Camp Pendleton, California, March 15. - A U.S. Marine briefs Brig. Gen. Dan Conley at the medial isolation and observation center being set up near the 13 Area on Camp Pendleton, California, March 15.