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An Indonesian marine with 7th Infantry Battalion, 4th Marine Brigade, simulates a call for fire during Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 23 at 7th Infantry Battalion Base, Lampung, Indonesia, Nov. 23, 2022. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Indonesian National Military between the Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia and U.S. Marine Corps focused on promoting military interoperability, maritime domain awareness, strengthening relationships, and expanding capabilities among participating forces. Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia is an operational model developed by Marine Corps Forces Pacific that postures scalable I Marine Expeditionary Forces west of the International Date Line, conducts a series of planned subject matter expert exchanges and enablers, and advances security objectives shared with our Allies and Partners. - An Indonesian marine with 7th Infantry Battalion, 4th Marine Brigade, simulates a call for fire during Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 23 at 7th Infantry Battalion Base, Lampung, Indonesia, Nov. 23, 2022. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Indonesian National Military between the Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia and U.S. Marine Corps focused on promoting military interoperability, maritime domain awareness, strengthening relationships, and expanding capabilities among participating forces. Marine Rotational Force Southeast Asia is an operational model developed by Marine Corps Forces Pacific that postures scalable I Marine Expeditionary Forces west of the International Date Line, conducts a series of planned subject matter expert exchanges and enablers, and advances security objectives shared with our Allies and Partners.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is offloaded by U.S. Marines and Filipino citizens during relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Egay, international name Typhoon Doksuri, on Fuga Island, Philippines, Aug. 3, 2023. At the request of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines are providing relief and lifesaving capabilities to remote regions of the Philippines. The forward presence and ready posture of I Marine Expeditionary Force assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating U.S. commitment to Allies and partners. During the three days of relief efforts, VMM-163 delivered approximately 64,000 pounds of food and water, provided by the Government of the Philippines, to remote, affected communities. - A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is offloaded by U.S. Marines and Filipino citizens during relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Egay, international name Typhoon Doksuri, on Fuga Island, Philippines, Aug. 3, 2023. At the request of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines are providing relief and lifesaving capabilities to remote regions of the Philippines. The forward presence and ready posture of I Marine Expeditionary Force assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating U.S. commitment to Allies and partners. During the three days of relief efforts, VMM-163 delivered approximately 64,000 pounds of food and water, provided by the Government of the Philippines, to remote, affected communities.

Philippine Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade and U.S. Marines from across the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, share laughs positioning for a photo following the opening ceremony for Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, July 6, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities. - Philippine Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade and U.S. Marines from across the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, share laughs positioning for a photo following the opening ceremony for Marine Aviation Support Activity 23 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, July 6, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. During MASA 23, Filipino and U.S. Marines conduct approximately twenty different training evolutions, including live-fire, air assaults, and subject matter expert exchanges across aviation, ground, and logistics capabilities.

A U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires during a littoral live fire event during Balikatan 23 at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippines, April 26, 2023. Balikatan 2023 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. - A U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fires during a littoral live fire event during Balikatan 23 at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippines, April 26, 2023. Balikatan 2023 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, a surveillance sensor operator with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up software for a SIMRAD Halo-24 radar during Exercise Balikatan 23 in Antique, Philippines, April 14, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, a surveillance sensor operator with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up software for a SIMRAD Halo-24 radar during Exercise Balikatan 23 in Antique, Philippines, April 14, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force are part of a group of U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. - U.S. Marines and Sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force are part of a group of U.S. Marines and Sailors that provided emergency medical aid to locals involved in a traffic accident Oct. 7, 2022 in Luzon, Philippines. These service members are deployed in support of KAMANDAG, an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Division board a KC-130J Super Hercules during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill on Okinawa, Japan, initiating the deployment of the division’s Forward Command Element participating in KAMANDAG 6 in the Philippines, Sept. 27, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Division board a KC-130J Super Hercules during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill on Okinawa, Japan, initiating the deployment of the division’s Forward Command Element participating in KAMANDAG 6 in the Philippines, Sept. 27, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Philippine Marines with Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 and U.S Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a bilateral beach defense exercise during Balikatan 22, at Aparri Beach, Cagayan, Philippines, March 31. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for ‘shoulder-to-shoulder,’ is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation. - Philippine Marines with Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 and U.S Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a bilateral beach defense exercise during Balikatan 22, at Aparri Beach, Cagayan, Philippines, March 31. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for ‘shoulder-to-shoulder,’ is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

U.S. Marine Capt. Shane Kim, Logistics Officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division conducts a Beach Landing Site survey alongside Maj. Laurence Medina, Operations Officer for the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense Regiment as part of Exercise KAMANDAG 5-21 in Claveria, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2021. BLS surveys provide vital information in support of amphibious operations, enabling rapid, bilateral response to crisis when required. - U.S. Marine Capt. Shane Kim, Logistics Officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division conducts a Beach Landing Site survey alongside Maj. Laurence Medina, Operations Officer for the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense Regiment as part of Exercise KAMANDAG 5-21 in Claveria, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2021. BLS surveys provide vital information in support of amphibious operations, enabling rapid, bilateral response to crisis when required.

U.S. Marines and Philippine Airmen compare different methods on how to set up a range card during a subject matter expert exchange as part of exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Colonel Ernesto P. Ravina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 9. - U.S. Marines and Philippine Airmen compare different methods on how to set up a range card during a subject matter expert exchange as part of exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Colonel Ernesto P. Ravina Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 9.

U.S. Marines and Philippine Marines conduct an amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 2 in Naval Education Training Command, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2018. KAMANDAG helps maintain a high level of readiness and enhances bilateral military-to-military relations and capabilities. - U.S. Marines and Philippine Marines conduct an amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 2 in Naval Education Training Command, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2018. KAMANDAG helps maintain a high level of readiness and enhances bilateral military-to-military relations and capabilities.

U.S. Marines with 4th Marine Regiment pose for a photo with the Honorable Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, after a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the fall of Corregidor to the Japanese during World War II on Corregidor, Cavite, May 6, 2017. The ceremony was held to commemorate the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Filipinos who fought and sacrificed to defend the Philippines during World War II. - U.S. Marines with 4th Marine Regiment pose for a photo with the Honorable Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, after a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the fall of Corregidor to the Japanese during World War II on Corregidor, Cavite, May 6, 2017. The ceremony was held to commemorate the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Filipinos who fought and sacrificed to defend the Philippines during World War II.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Alexander Davis adjusts a satellite communication antenna during Balikatan 2017 at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu, April 25, 2017. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Pettis) - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Alexander Davis adjusts a satellite communication antenna during Balikatan 2017 at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu, April 25, 2017. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Pettis)

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen speaks during the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 closing ceremony at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 11, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. Jansen is the commanding general of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. - U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen speaks during the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 closing ceremony at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 11, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. Jansen is the commanding general of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Cpl. Wesley McCulloch, left, and Cpl. Jake Morales troubleshoot a Hawkeye III Lite satellite at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Communication Marines are a vital link to the command and provided 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade with communications throughout Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX 2015 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. Morales from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a data network specialist with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. McCulloch, from Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a field radio operator with 7th Comm Bn., III MHG, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released) - Cpl. Wesley McCulloch, left, and Cpl. Jake Morales troubleshoot a Hawkeye III Lite satellite at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2015. Communication Marines are a vital link to the command and provided 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade with communications throughout Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX 2015 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. Morales from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a data network specialist with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. McCulloch, from Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a field radio operator with 7th Comm Bn., III MHG, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)

Philippine Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Bimbo R. Busico explains how to make a snare out of the surrounding environment during jungle survival training at Ternate, Philippines, Sept. 29, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. The Marines learned basic jungle survival skills, such as building a fire, finding sources of fresh water and catching food. - Philippine Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Bimbo R. Busico explains how to make a snare out of the surrounding environment during jungle survival training at Ternate, Philippines, Sept. 29, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. The Marines learned basic jungle survival skills, such as building a fire, finding sources of fresh water and catching food.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, commanding general, left, speaks with Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Alexander F. Balutan, Armed Force Philippines, Naval Inspector General, during the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (PHIBLEX 15) at the Philippine Marine Corps Base in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 1, 2015. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, commanding general, left, speaks with Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Alexander F. Balutan, Armed Force Philippines, Naval Inspector General, during the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015 (PHIBLEX 15) at the Philippine Marine Corps Base in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 1, 2015. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brent Maholy supervises a group of Philippine airmen as they climb a 40-foot tower to begin fast roping during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Maholy is a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine airmen are with Ground Special Operations Unit, 710th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brent Maholy supervises a group of Philippine airmen as they climb a 40-foot tower to begin fast roping during Air Assault Support Exercise 2015-2 on Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, July 15, 2015. The exercise is a bilateral training event focused on strengthening the alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Maholy is a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and is attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Philippine airmen are with Ground Special Operations Unit, 710th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force.

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Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. - Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers, from the 552nd Engineer Construction Battalion, U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, and U.S. Marine engineers, from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, are ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ as they pass buckets filled with concrete for placement at Don Joaquin Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines, during Balikatan 2015, April 9. The engineers, part of the Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force located on the island of Panay, are constructing two classrooms at the school. Balikatan, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise aimed at improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released). - A Philippine Marine posts security after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Jan. 22 at Basa Air Field. Fast-roping is just one of the multiple training events conducted during Aviation Assault Support Exercise 15.1. AASE expands and promotes cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness. The Philippine Marines are with various units and the U.S. Marines are with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released).

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region. - Marine Corps 1st Lt. Sy Poggemeyer stands in front of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) in port, Oct. 21, 2014. Poggemeyer’s stepfather, Navy Capt. Michael Krieger, served on the USS Peleliu 20 years ago, the same ship that Poggemeyer is currently deployed on with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU/Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 in the Philippines as part of a regularly-scheduled Fall Patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

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U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Howard Kreamer, right, talks with Philippine Marine Sgt. Maj. Jamie Ardiente in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Sept. 29 after the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities, including disaster relief and contingency operations. Kreamer is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 3rd MEB, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Ardiente is the 3rd Marine Brigade Sergeant Major, Armed Forces of the Philippines. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Howard Kreamer, right, talks with Philippine Marine Sgt. Maj. Jamie Ardiente in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Sept. 29 after the opening ceremony for Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Marines and Navy to strengthen interoperability across a range of capabilities, including disaster relief and contingency operations. Kreamer is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 3rd MEB, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Ardiente is the 3rd Marine Brigade Sergeant Major, Armed Forces of the Philippines.