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U.S. Marines display the American and Japanese flag attached to the M777’s for the Friendship Festival May 11, 2019, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan. The local community, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and U.S. service members experience a day dedicated to Japanese and Marine Corps tradition and culture events. - U.S. Marines display the American and Japanese flag attached to the M777’s for the Friendship Festival May 11, 2019, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan. The local community, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and U.S. service members experience a day dedicated to Japanese and Marine Corps tradition and culture events.

U.S. Marine Col. Eric M. Mellinger, right, receives a certificate of appreciation and a Defense Cooperation Medal from Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Shusei Hotta on behalf of Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, June 13, 2016, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Mellinger was awarded for significantly contributing to increased training opportunities for the JGSDF by advancing co-use of Marine Corps training facilities on Okinawa and expanding III Marine Expeditionary Force efforts to participate in alliance/bilateral exercises. Hotta is the deputy chief of Policy and Programs Division, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF. Iwata is JGSDF chief of staff. Mellinger is III MEF chief of staff. - U.S. Marine Col. Eric M. Mellinger, right, receives a certificate of appreciation and a Defense Cooperation Medal from Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Col. Shusei Hotta on behalf of Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata, June 13, 2016, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. Mellinger was awarded for significantly contributing to increased training opportunities for the JGSDF by advancing co-use of Marine Corps training facilities on Okinawa and expanding III Marine Expeditionary Force efforts to participate in alliance/bilateral exercises. Hotta is the deputy chief of Policy and Programs Division, Ground Staff Office, JGSDF. Iwata is JGSDF chief of staff. Mellinger is III MEF chief of staff.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force scout swimmers emerge out of the water and sight in on their rifles during the Japanese Observer Exchange Program April 28, 2015 at Kin Blue. JOEP is a III Marine Expeditionary Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and JGSDF coordinated program designed to increase regional security, maintain unit readiness and enhance overall cooperation. This is the fourth iteration of JOEP for the 31st MEU after the initial partnership in September 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released) - Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force scout swimmers emerge out of the water and sight in on their rifles during the Japanese Observer Exchange Program April 28, 2015 at Kin Blue. JOEP is a III Marine Expeditionary Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and JGSDF coordinated program designed to increase regional security, maintain unit readiness and enhance overall cooperation. This is the fourth iteration of JOEP for the 31st MEU after the initial partnership in September 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan C. Mains/Released)

A Japanese volunteer from the Oshima Fire Department and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert C. Austin quickly offload humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies from an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Nov. 8 during Tomodachi relief exercise 15.2 near Izu Oshima Island, Tokyo Metropolis Prefecture, Japan. TREX 15.2 is an annual, bilateral training exercise that simulates humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Japan while strengthening U.S. and Japanese alliance. During the offload, approximately 600 pounds of food, water, blankets, and medical supplies were transported from the Osprey to a waiting truck in less than eight minutes. Austin, from Grand Ledge, Michigan, is an Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - A Japanese volunteer from the Oshima Fire Department and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert C. Austin quickly offload humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies from an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Nov. 8 during Tomodachi relief exercise 15.2 near Izu Oshima Island, Tokyo Metropolis Prefecture, Japan. TREX 15.2 is an annual, bilateral training exercise that simulates humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Japan while strengthening U.S. and Japanese alliance. During the offload, approximately 600 pounds of food, water, blankets, and medical supplies were transported from the Osprey to a waiting truck in less than eight minutes. Austin, from Grand Ledge, Michigan, is an Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.