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Jun Oshiro, the guitarist with the Koza City Rockers, a rock and roll tribute band, performs during the 2021 Hansen Festival on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 13, 2021. - Jun Oshiro, the guitarist with the Koza City Rockers, a rock and roll tribute band, performs during the 2021 Hansen Festival on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 13, 2021.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Daniel J. Melton, NMCRS representative for Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks before the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s annual kickoff event at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 2. - U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Daniel J. Melton, NMCRS representative for Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks before the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s annual kickoff event at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, March 2.

JMSDF, MCAS Iwakuni take Friendship Day 2019 to new altitudes - Japanese guests view various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft during the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an exciting experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft, aerial performances, food and entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Timothy Valero)

Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler has issued MCIPAC-MCB Camp Butler Order 3000.1 to ensure the safety and security of military personnel and facilities amidst the increasing popularity of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. - Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler has issued MCIPAC-MCB Camp Butler Order 3000.1 to ensure the safety and security of military personnel and facilities amidst the increasing popularity of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Your personal UAS must be registered with the Installation Provost Marshal Office. The UAS’ serial number and various features will be recorded and you will sign an acknowledgement stating you understand UAS operations are prohibited aboard MCIPAC installations.

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Marines fire a high-explosive round from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer during live-fire artillery training Sept. 2 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2. The Yausubetsu Maneuver Area is the largest training area available to U.S. Marines in the ARTP and affords the opportunity to fire at greater distances than other training areas. The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines fire a high-explosive round from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer during live-fire artillery training Sept. 2 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido as part of Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2. The Yausubetsu Maneuver Area is the largest training area available to U.S. Marines in the ARTP and affords the opportunity to fire at greater distances than other training areas. The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Aircraft maintenance Marines perform daily maintenance on a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016. The maintainers work in shifts so that each squadron maintains a 24-hour presence at its hangar. The Marines are with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Aircraft maintenance Marines perform daily maintenance on a UH-1Y Huey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2016. The maintainers work in shifts so that each squadron maintains a 24-hour presence at its hangar. The Marines are with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, currently supporting Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, send hand signals as they head back to the USS Germantown in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft, Feb. 17 , 2016, after conducting a successful boat raid the night before. The Marines conducted the boat raid as part of the 31st MEU's amphibious integration training with the Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed to the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, send hand signals as they head back to the USS Germantown in Combat Rubber Raiding Craft, Feb. 17 , 2016, after conducting a successful boat raid the night before. The Marines conducted the boat raid as part of the 31st MEU's amphibious integration training with the Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU are currently deployed to the Asia-Pacific region.

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COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER, GOTEMBA, Japan — Marines mount Humvees in preparation for a night live-fire training event during Exercise Fuji Samurai at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Gotemba, Japan, Jan. 7,2016. Exercise Fuji Samurai builds interoperability between multiple combat elements through live fire and offensive tactics training. During the training, Marines with Lima Co. 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force and 1st Battalion 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force participated in combined arms training firing weapons systems such as mortars, the M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the FGM-148 Javelin missile. - COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER, GOTEMBA, Japan — Marines mount Humvees in preparation for a night live-fire training event during Exercise Fuji Samurai at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Gotemba, Japan, Jan. 7,2016. Exercise Fuji Samurai builds interoperability between multiple combat elements through live fire and offensive tactics training. During the training, Marines with Lima Co. 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force and 1st Battalion 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force participated in combined arms training firing weapons systems such as mortars, the M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the FGM-148 Javelin missile.

Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan. - Capt. Dustin R. Lukasiewicz, 29, of Harlan County, Neb., was honored Nov. 6, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal. Lukasiewicz lost his life in a helicopter mishap during Operation Sahayogi Haat, a humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission in Nepal following multiple earthquakes in April and May. In the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal the Honorable Alaina B. Teplitz, Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, commanding general, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment dedicated the Heritage Room in the Marine House on the embassy grounds officially naming it ‘Vengeance Hall’.‘Vengeance Hall’ will be named after the call sign of the UH-1Y Huey – ‘Vengeance 01’. The four aircrew Marines and helicopter belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The two other Marines on board were from Combat Camera, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Okinawa, Japan.

Sgt. William G. Byington performs a parachute landing fall June 19 as part of the basic airborne refresher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, before conducting a rehearsal for Talisman Sabre 15. Prior to a live jump, all service members are required to practice parachute landing falls. U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Australian soldiers trained June 9 through July 5 in preparation for a mass airborne attack during Talisman Sabre 15. Talisman Sabre is an exercise designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. The service members are a part of the Pacific Command’s Combined Task Force 660 for Talisman Sabre. - Sgt. William G. Byington performs a parachute landing fall June 19 as part of the basic airborne refresher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, before conducting a rehearsal for Talisman Sabre 15. Prior to a live jump, all service members are required to practice parachute landing falls. U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Australian soldiers trained June 9 through July 5 in preparation for a mass airborne attack during Talisman Sabre 15. Talisman Sabre is an exercise designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. The service members are a part of the Pacific Command’s Combined Task Force 660 for Talisman Sabre.

Maj. Thai N. Nguyen, G-5, planner, MCIPAC and Capt. Benjamin J. Carlton, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, team up with a Japanese liaison to coordinate a CH-53E Super Stallion landing July 23, during the Churashima Rescue Exercise on Camp Naha, Okinawa, Japan. According to Nguyen, the Marine Corps saw this as an excellent opportunity to build cohesion among the two forces. “U.S. and Japanese forces have a long history of working together, and we value every opportunity to learn from one another and to maintain the readiness of our militaries,” said Nguyen. “Marine forces will continue to train bilaterally with JGSDF and multilaterally with U.S. allies throughout the Asia-Pacific to enhance regional stability.” - Maj. Thai N. Nguyen, G-5, planner, MCIPAC and Capt. Benjamin J. Carlton, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, team up with a Japanese liaison to coordinate a CH-53E Super Stallion landing July 23, during the Churashima Rescue Exercise on Camp Naha, Okinawa, Japan. According to Nguyen, the Marine Corps saw this as an excellent opportunity to build cohesion among the two forces. “U.S. and Japanese forces have a long history of working together, and we value every opportunity to learn from one another and to maintain the readiness of our militaries,” said Nguyen. “Marine forces will continue to train bilaterally with JGSDF and multilaterally with U.S. allies throughout the Asia-Pacific to enhance regional stability.”

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bruce Beard escorts a high profile target to a detainee retention center during the culminating event of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-11 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, May 16, 2015. KMEP 15-11 is focused on exchanging law enforcement techniques, tactics and procedures while enhancing relations across the Korean Peninsula. Beard is a military policeman with Alpha Company, 3rd Law Enforcement, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Bruce Beard escorts a high profile target to a detainee retention center during the culminating event of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-11 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, May 16, 2015. KMEP 15-11 is focused on exchanging law enforcement techniques, tactics and procedures while enhancing relations across the Korean Peninsula. Beard is a military policeman with Alpha Company, 3rd Law Enforcement, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Lance Cpl. Edward Y. Cho, from Dix Hills, New York, performs maintenance operations on a Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical-Terminal during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 at Robertson Barracks, Australia, July 6. The exercise is designed to improve U.S.-Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. Cho is a satellite communications operator and maintainer with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. - Lance Cpl. Edward Y. Cho, from Dix Hills, New York, performs maintenance operations on a Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical-Terminal during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 at Robertson Barracks, Australia, July 6. The exercise is designed to improve U.S.-Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability. Cho is a satellite communications operator and maintainer with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, currently attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

A Marine with the Provost Marshal’s Office on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, places handcuffs on an Uruma City police officer posing as an on-base intruder, June 11, 2015 during bilateral training between service members and the UCPD. The event ensured Marines with camp guard and the Provost Marshal’s Office are proficient in communicating with the UCPD to mitigate threats involving service members and Okinawa residents. During the training event, Camp Guard Marines patrolling the base perimeter apprehended a simulated armed intruder. PMO Marines received a notification over a radio signal and responded to rehearse turnover procedures of the intruder and escort him to the proper detainment authorities. - A Marine with the Provost Marshal’s Office on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, places handcuffs on an Uruma City police officer posing as an on-base intruder, June 11, 2015 during bilateral training between service members and the UCPD. The event ensured Marines with camp guard and the Provost Marshal’s Office are proficient in communicating with the UCPD to mitigate threats involving service members and Okinawa residents. During the training event, Camp Guard Marines patrolling the base perimeter apprehended a simulated armed intruder. PMO Marines received a notification over a radio signal and responded to rehearse turnover procedures of the intruder and escort him to the proper detainment authorities.

Marines contain a leaking ordnance round during leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases. - Marines contain a leaking ordnance round during leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases.

A UH-1Y Huey flies over Charikot, Nepal, May 5. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 and Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 262 carried supplies in a UH-1Y Huey and MV-22 Ospreys to Charikot, Nepal. The supplies will provide Nepalese people with shelter after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Nepal, April 25, causing fatalities, injuries and significant damage. The government of Nepal declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance. The U.S. military, at the direction of the U.S. Agency for International Development, will continue to support Nepal as needed. HMLA-469 and VMM-262 are attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A UH-1Y Huey flies over Charikot, Nepal, May 5. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 and Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 262 carried supplies in a UH-1Y Huey and MV-22 Ospreys to Charikot, Nepal. The supplies will provide Nepalese people with shelter after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Nepal, April 25, causing fatalities, injuries and significant damage. The government of Nepal declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance. The U.S. military, at the direction of the U.S. Agency for International Development, will continue to support Nepal as needed. HMLA-469 and VMM-262 are attached to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines contain a leaking ordnance round during leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to safely contain the leaking ordnance and prepare the package for transport out of the affected area before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in the safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines contain a leaking ordnance round during leak, seal, package and decontamination training April 21 at the gas chamber on Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense specialists placed a leaking ordnance package in the gas chamber, using chlorobenzylidene malonitrile, also known as tear gas, to simulate the emission of harmful gases. The EOD technicians and CBRN defense specialists used protective equipment to safely contain the leaking ordnance and prepare the package for transport out of the affected area before completing the decontamination process. The training instilled the Marines’ confidence in the safety equipment and procedures used to mitigate CBRN-related hazards. The Marines are with 9th Engineer Support Battalion and Marine Logistics Group Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Pfc. Zach C. Hagestad, right, looks downrange through a Vector optics system as U.S. Marine Cpl. Viktor I. Cadiente coordinates fire via radio with troops on the ground March 24 at Susungri Range in Pohang, South Korea. The Marines completed a week of fire support coordination training with Republic of Korea Marines as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-14.2, a small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of the two forces. Hagestad, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a fire support man with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. Cadiente, from Honolulu, Hawaii, is a fire support man with the company. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Zach C. Hagestad, right, looks downrange through a Vector optics system as U.S. Marine Cpl. Viktor I. Cadiente coordinates fire via radio with troops on the ground March 24 at Susungri Range in Pohang, South Korea. The Marines completed a week of fire support coordination training with Republic of Korea Marines as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-14.2, a small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of the two forces. Hagestad, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a fire support man with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. Cadiente, from Honolulu, Hawaii, is a fire support man with the company.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green speaks to Okinawa-based personnel at a town hall meeting in Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262’s Hangar 525 March 26 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Green and the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., spoke about about Dunford’s planning guidance and the future of the Corps at various installations across Okinawa. The CMC also answered questions on topics such as women in the infantry and international crisis response. Other questions dealt with the growing field of cyber warfare and the Corps’ tattoo policy. - Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald L. Green speaks to Okinawa-based personnel at a town hall meeting in Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262’s Hangar 525 March 26 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Green and the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., spoke about about Dunford’s planning guidance and the future of the Corps at various installations across Okinawa. The CMC also answered questions on topics such as women in the infantry and international crisis response. Other questions dealt with the growing field of cyber warfare and the Corps’ tattoo policy.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Anthony N. Ventresca helps his Marines pack equipment to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. The forward command element allows for continuous operation, and for the main command element to maneuver around the battlefield. Ventresca, a Cedar Point, North Carolina, native, is a communications chief for Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Master Gunnery Sgt. Anthony N. Ventresca helps his Marines pack equipment to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. The forward command element allows for continuous operation, and for the main command element to maneuver around the battlefield. Ventresca, a Cedar Point, North Carolina, native, is a communications chief for Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Monreal, speaks to Marines and sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific to discuss the importance of saving energy in the work place and at home during an interactive briefing Feb. 26 at the Camp Foster Theater on Okinawa. “We have got to be able to translate this energy-saving ethos when we’re going forward and when we are in garrison,” said Monreal. “It’s a way of thinking about conserving energy to keep the water and energy flowing.” Marines are encouraged to create energy-friendly habits, such as unplugging electronic devices not in use and turning off a vehicle while waiting for the command to move forward. Monreal is the assistant chief of staff, and director of facilities, GF, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. - U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Monreal, speaks to Marines and sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific to discuss the importance of saving energy in the work place and at home during an interactive briefing Feb. 26 at the Camp Foster Theater on Okinawa. “We have got to be able to translate this energy-saving ethos when we’re going forward and when we are in garrison,” said Monreal. “It’s a way of thinking about conserving energy to keep the water and energy flowing.” Marines are encouraged to create energy-friendly habits, such as unplugging electronic devices not in use and turning off a vehicle while waiting for the command to move forward. Monreal is the assistant chief of staff, and director of facilities, GF, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan.

Marines fire at objectives to repel a simulated enemy assault Feb. 9 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course at Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks fire a 120 mm cannon to provide direct and indirect fire to allow ground forces to assault an objective. The Marines operating the Abrams are with Company D, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines fire at objectives to repel a simulated enemy assault Feb. 9 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course at Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks fire a 120 mm cannon to provide direct and indirect fire to allow ground forces to assault an objective. The Marines operating the Abrams are with Company D, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lance Cpl. James Hutsell, from Fayetteville, N.C., drinks coconut water Feb. 8 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand, during exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The Royal Thai Marines shared several of their native fruits found in the jungle with U.S. Marines. Hutsell is a radio operator with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment under the unit deployment program. - Lance Cpl. James Hutsell, from Fayetteville, N.C., drinks coconut water Feb. 8 at Ban Chan Krem, Thailand, during exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The Royal Thai Marines shared several of their native fruits found in the jungle with U.S. Marines. Hutsell is a radio operator with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment under the unit deployment program.

The Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, is loaded with equipment to support the various missions of the Marine Corps, such as training exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The MPF enables a rapid response to assemble and deploy a Marine Air-Ground Task Force or individual Marine units forward deployed anywhere in the world to execute a mission. - The Maritime Prepositioning Force ship, USNS Pililaau, is loaded with equipment to support the various missions of the Marine Corps, such as training exercise Cobra Gold 2015. The MPF enables a rapid response to assemble and deploy a Marine Air-Ground Task Force or individual Marine units forward deployed anywhere in the world to execute a mission.

Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released) - Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released)

Lance Cpl. Ronald Summerlin adjusts flight line equipment during arrested landing safety training Jan. 9 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Arrested landings are the use of equipment, such as a safety barrier or an arresting wire, to rapidly decelerate an aircraft and ensure the landing path is straight and clear. During the training, Marines demonstrated proficiency in the use of arresting equipment while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment on the airstrip. Summerlin is a Virginia Beach, Virginia, native and an expeditionary airfield systems technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. - Lance Cpl. Ronald Summerlin adjusts flight line equipment during arrested landing safety training Jan. 9 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Arrested landings are the use of equipment, such as a safety barrier or an arresting wire, to rapidly decelerate an aircraft and ensure the landing path is straight and clear. During the training, Marines demonstrated proficiency in the use of arresting equipment while ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment on the airstrip. Summerlin is a Virginia Beach, Virginia, native and an expeditionary airfield systems technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan.

Lance Cpl. Spencer A. Gonsalvez moves a crate of field cans as part of an inventory count Jan 6 on Camp Kinser. Having up-to-date counts of all inventory plays a vital role in unit readiness. Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force held a maintenance readiness level more than 90 percent throughout fiscal year 2014, according to Lt. Mollie B. Hebda. Gonsalvez, from Alexandria, Virginia, is a warehouse clerk with Headquarters Regiment. Hebda, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the regiment’s logistics officer. - Lance Cpl. Spencer A. Gonsalvez moves a crate of field cans as part of an inventory count Jan 6 on Camp Kinser. Having up-to-date counts of all inventory plays a vital role in unit readiness. Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force held a maintenance readiness level more than 90 percent throughout fiscal year 2014, according to Lt. Mollie B. Hebda. Gonsalvez, from Alexandria, Virginia, is a warehouse clerk with Headquarters Regiment. Hebda, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the regiment’s logistics officer.

Marines provide security near their objective as their team breaches a doorway Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three Situational Training Exercises that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF and ensure they are ready to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility. - Marines provide security near their objective as their team breaches a doorway Jan. 10 on Camp Courtney in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force took part in a night raid as the first of three Situational Training Exercises that make up the Realistic Urban Training Exercise. Expeditionary Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF designed the training to test the MRF and ensure they are ready to respond to any contingency or crisis in the United States Pacific Command’s area of responsibility.

A target stands littered with impact points from Marines qualifying with their weapons Jan. 8 on Camp Hansen. The Marines are with Special Reaction Team, Camp Foster Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The SRT qualified on a number of different weapons, including shotguns, service rifles and pistols. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams. - A target stands littered with impact points from Marines qualifying with their weapons Jan. 8 on Camp Hansen. The Marines are with Special Reaction Team, Camp Foster Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. The SRT qualified on a number of different weapons, including shotguns, service rifles and pistols. The team is the military equivalent of Special Weapons and Tactics teams.

Marines navigate a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, also known as the 7-Ton, through a set of zig-zag cones Dec. 9 as part of a Truck Rodeo on Camp Kinser. The rodeo had multiple events designed to test motor transport units, which came from different bases on Okinawa. It was also a good opportunity to build camaraderie among the motor transport community. The Marines are with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines navigate a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, also known as the 7-Ton, through a set of zig-zag cones Dec. 9 as part of a Truck Rodeo on Camp Kinser. The rodeo had multiple events designed to test motor transport units, which came from different bases on Okinawa. It was also a good opportunity to build camaraderie among the motor transport community. The Marines are with Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Camp Kinser Provost Marshal’s Office Military Policeman Lance Cpl. Justin C. McCormack with the III Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Isa Manabu, a Japanese security guard with the Camp Kinser PMO question the suspect during the anti-terrorism force protection training Dec. 24. The police officers, with the Urasoe Police Department, and the Marines and Japanese security guards with the Camp Kinser PMO coordinated during a mock scenario in which they worked together to apprehend suspicious persons and vehicles attempting to access Camp Kinser. - Camp Kinser Provost Marshal’s Office Military Policeman Lance Cpl. Justin C. McCormack with the III Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Isa Manabu, a Japanese security guard with the Camp Kinser PMO question the suspect during the anti-terrorism force protection training Dec. 24. The police officers, with the Urasoe Police Department, and the Marines and Japanese security guards with the Camp Kinser PMO coordinated during a mock scenario in which they worked together to apprehend suspicious persons and vehicles attempting to access Camp Kinser.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Nicholas Davis, left, presents Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Hiroji Yamashita with a plaque, Dec. 12, during the closing ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at Camp Kita Kumamoto in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Davis is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Yamashita is the commanding officer of the 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maj. Tomohito Urakawa, left, speaks with U.S. Marine Capt. Stephen L. Walker during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Urakawa is the company commander of 3rd Company, 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Walker, from Morganton, North Carolina, is a field artillery officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maj. Tomohito Urakawa, left, speaks with U.S. Marine Capt. Stephen L. Walker during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan Dec. 9. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. Urakawa is the company commander of 3rd Company, 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. Walker, from Morganton, North Carolina, is a field artillery officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members provide forward security Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army. - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members provide forward security Dec. 9 during Forest Light 15-1 at the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a routine, semi-annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members and U.S. Marines prepare and plan reconnaissance of a simulated contamination zone with casualties Dec. 1 at Camp Naha, Okinawa. The demonstration consisted of reconnaissance, casualty packaging and extraction, victim care, and immediate decontamination. The Marines are chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists with CBRN Unit, Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The JGSDF members are with the Nuclear Biological Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade. - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members and U.S. Marines prepare and plan reconnaissance of a simulated contamination zone with casualties Dec. 1 at Camp Naha, Okinawa. The demonstration consisted of reconnaissance, casualty packaging and extraction, victim care, and immediate decontamination. The Marines are chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists with CBRN Unit, Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The JGSDF members are with the Nuclear Biological Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade.

Lance Cpl. Johnathan Dowden, from Wichita Falls, cleans a spindle from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer during a command post exercise Oct. 30 for Artillery Training Relocation Program 14-3 at Camp Fuji. The exercise focused on communications between the fire direction center and teams manning the howitzers. ARTP prepared artillery batteries for a smooth execution of training in the North Fuji Maneuver Area by affording teams a chance to troubleshoot any problems with their weapons before moving to the live-fire training. Dowden is an artilleryman with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, based out of Twentynine Palms, Calif., and is currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Lance Cpl. Johnathan Dowden, from Wichita Falls, cleans a spindle from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer during a command post exercise Oct. 30 for Artillery Training Relocation Program 14-3 at Camp Fuji. The exercise focused on communications between the fire direction center and teams manning the howitzers. ARTP prepared artillery batteries for a smooth execution of training in the North Fuji Maneuver Area by affording teams a chance to troubleshoot any problems with their weapons before moving to the live-fire training. Dowden is an artilleryman with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, based out of Twentynine Palms, Calif., and is currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Marines helocast from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter Nov. 5 at White Beach Naval Facility during the scout swimmers course. Helocasting requires the Marines to hover 10 feet above the water in an aircraft and jump out with all their gear. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft is assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - Marines helocast from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter Nov. 5 at White Beach Naval Facility during the scout swimmers course. Helocasting requires the Marines to hover 10 feet above the water in an aircraft and jump out with all their gear. The Marines are with various units across III Marine Expeditionary Force. The aircraft is assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The U.S. and Japan national colors fly Dec. 1 during the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oya-nohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training event conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. The U.S. Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - The U.S. and Japan national colors fly Dec. 1 during the opening ceremony for Forest Light 15-1 at the Oya-nohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Forest Light is a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training event conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The JGSDF members are with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. The U.S. Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member low crawls toward an objective Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The stalk lane training was part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF member is a scout sniper with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released) - A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member low crawls toward an objective Dec. 2 in the Oyanohara Training Area in Yamato, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. The stalk lane training was part of Forest Light 15-1, a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF to enhance the U.S. and Japan military partnership, solidify regional security agreements and improve individual and unit-level skills. The JGSDF member is a scout sniper with 42nd Regiment, 8th Division, Western Army, JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Drew Tech/Released)

Lance Cpl. Austin Nelson, front, races, Sgt. Joshua Houck to reassemble a MK 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher Nov. 14 while participating in the weapons relay during the Shanghai Commanders’ Cup at Camp Schwab. The weapons relay tested teams of Marines to disassemble and reassemble six weapons ranging from the smallest, M9A1 9 mm service pistol, and progressing to the largest, MK 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Nelson is from West Jordan, Utah, and a machine-gunner with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Houck is from Rochester, New York, and a machine-gunner with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, currently assigned to 4th Marines. - Lance Cpl. Austin Nelson, front, races, Sgt. Joshua Houck to reassemble a MK 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher Nov. 14 while participating in the weapons relay during the Shanghai Commanders’ Cup at Camp Schwab. The weapons relay tested teams of Marines to disassemble and reassemble six weapons ranging from the smallest, M9A1 9 mm service pistol, and progressing to the largest, MK 19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Nelson is from West Jordan, Utah, and a machine-gunner with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. Houck is from Rochester, New York, and a machine-gunner with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, currently assigned to 4th Marines.

Marines cheer on their teammates during a pugil stick bout Nov. 14 on Camp Hansen’s Parade Field during a 3rd Intelligence Battalion field meet. The pugil stick competition served as the main event of the field meet, which drew a lot of excitement from a loud crowd. The Marines are with 3rd Intel. Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. - Marines cheer on their teammates during a pugil stick bout Nov. 14 on Camp Hansen’s Parade Field during a 3rd Intelligence Battalion field meet. The pugil stick competition served as the main event of the field meet, which drew a lot of excitement from a loud crowd. The Marines are with 3rd Intel. Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

A CH-53E Super Stallion prepares to land Nov. 5 during a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise as part of exercise Blue Chromite 15 at LZ Dodo in the Central Training Area. The landing zone was near combat town, the last known location of the downed aircraft crew members. Upon arriving in combat town, the Marines had to engage opposing forces and track the crew members’ location. The CH-53E is with HMH-XXX, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A CH-53E Super Stallion prepares to land Nov. 5 during a simulated tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise as part of exercise Blue Chromite 15 at LZ Dodo in the Central Training Area. The landing zone was near combat town, the last known location of the downed aircraft crew members. Upon arriving in combat town, the Marines had to engage opposing forces and track the crew members’ location. The CH-53E is with HMH-XXX, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines read a tombstone memorial while visiting the Bataan Death March Memorial at Capas National Shrine during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15, Oct. 8, 2014. More than 100 Marines visited the memorial over two days to learn more about the events of World War II that occurred in the Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces focused on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. - U.S. Marines read a tombstone memorial while visiting the Bataan Death March Memorial at Capas National Shrine during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15, Oct. 8, 2014. More than 100 Marines visited the memorial over two days to learn more about the events of World War II that occurred in the Philippines. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alongside U.S. Marine and Navy Forces focused on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off from Andersen Air Force Base Oct. 1 during Forager Fury III. The overarching training exercise,which emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability while training within the Marianas Island range complex. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - An F/A-18 Hornet takes off from Andersen Air Force Base Oct. 1 during Forager Fury III. The overarching training exercise,which emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability while training within the Marianas Island range complex. The aircraft is with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

Marines with Combat Logistics Detachment 379 march in the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu ceremony Sept. 15 at Peleliu Elementary School in the Republic of Palau. The event brought together members of the Palau community, World War II veterans who served in the Battle of Peleliu, elected officials of Palau and representatives the U.S. military to remember the landing that took place 70 years earlier. The Marines with CLD-379 came to the Republic of Palau aboard the USNS Sacagawea as part of T-AKE 14-2, a maritime pre-positioned force, multi-country theater security cooperation event that deploys from Okinawa to conduct training exercises and TSC events. The Marines are from CLD-379, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines with Combat Logistics Detachment 379 march in the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu ceremony Sept. 15 at Peleliu Elementary School in the Republic of Palau. The event brought together members of the Palau community, World War II veterans who served in the Battle of Peleliu, elected officials of Palau and representatives the U.S. military to remember the landing that took place 70 years earlier. The Marines with CLD-379 came to the Republic of Palau aboard the USNS Sacagawea as part of T-AKE 14-2, a maritime pre-positioned force, multi-country theater security cooperation event that deploys from Okinawa to conduct training exercises and TSC events. The Marines are from CLD-379, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets are parked during Forager Fury III on Andersen Air Force Base Sept. 30. The aircraft are from multiple squadrons and were used in close air support, forward air controller training, air interdiction, air-to-air missions, defensive counter-air and offensive counter-air training events. The overarching training exercise involving 1,300 personnel emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground support on a unit level to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability within the Marianas Island range complex. - Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets are parked during Forager Fury III on Andersen Air Force Base Sept. 30. The aircraft are from multiple squadrons and were used in close air support, forward air controller training, air interdiction, air-to-air missions, defensive counter-air and offensive counter-air training events. The overarching training exercise involving 1,300 personnel emphasizes tactical aviation and aviation ground support on a unit level to further develop a distributed, expeditionary combat capability within the Marianas Island range complex.

Two Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific land on Echo Field, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, during the first day of Forager Fury III on Sept. 24, 2014. Echo Field is a 7,000 by 500 foot runway cleared by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment operators. An estimated 1300 personnel are participating in FF III, which is a Marine Corps led exercise involving a full spectrum of fixed wing and rotary aircraft operations between Guam and Tinian. FF III began Sept. 24, and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 6. - Two Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopters with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific land on Echo Field, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, during the first day of Forager Fury III on Sept. 24, 2014. Echo Field is a 7,000 by 500 foot runway cleared by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 heavy equipment operators. An estimated 1300 personnel are participating in FF III, which is a Marine Corps led exercise involving a full spectrum of fixed wing and rotary aircraft operations between Guam and Tinian. FF III began Sept. 24, and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 6.

Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei) - Marines purchase food and drinks from a local vendor Sept. 20 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 at a compound near Tinian’s North Field, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Ngiraswei)