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3D MARINE EXPEDITIONARY BRIGADE

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Okinawa, Japan – The 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade wrapped up Yama Sakura 81in multiple locations Dec. 12, 2021. Yama Sakura is an annual training exercise that focuses on the defense of Japan with bilateral planning, coordination, and interoperability between the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force and U.S. military units, including 3d MEB and the U.S. Army’s I Corps. The exercise highlights the continued commitment by both the United States and Japan to enhance American and Japanese combat readiness and integration while strengthening bilateral relationships.

Okinawa, Japan – The 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade wrapped up Yama Sakura 81in multiple locations Dec. 12, 2021. Yama Sakura is an annual training exercise that focuses on the defense of Japan with bilateral planning, coordination, and interoperability between the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force and U.S. military units, including 3d MEB and the U.S. Army’s I Corps. The exercise highlights the continued commitment by both the United States and Japan to enhance American and Japanese combat readiness and integration while strengthening bilateral relationships.

Photo by Courtesy Photo

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Madison Hamby, an air support control officer with Marine Corps Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2, @1stmaw_marines is currently reinforcing 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s (MEB) exercise Yama Sakura 81. Hamby works in the air coordination cell where her primary function is to source aircraft to support logistics, casualty evacuation, and close air support.

"There is a huge learning curve when it comes to this exercise," Hamby said. "It requires a higher level of thinking than usual, and you get to learn about the different joint forces and agencies involved.”

Hamby, a native of Purlear, NC, has only been stationed in Okinawa for two months but has already found herself to be an important asset for Yama Sakura (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Cameron Carawan).

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Madison Hamby, an air support control officer with Marine Corps Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2, @1stmaw_marines is currently reinforcing 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s (MEB) exercise Yama Sakura 81. Hamby works in the air coordination cell where her primary function is to source aircraft to support logistics, casualty evacuation, and close air support. "There is a huge learning curve when it comes to this exercise," Hamby said. "It requires a higher level of thinking than usual, and you get to learn about the different joint forces and agencies involved.” Hamby, a native of Purlear, NC, has only been stationed in Okinawa for two months but has already found herself to be an important asset for Yama Sakura (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Cameron Carawan).

Photo by Cpl. Cameron Carawan

U.S. Marine Cpl. Brendan Terrible (foreground), a radio operator, and Lance Cpl. Levii Khalfaoui McLeod, (background), a data systems administrator with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, adjust a horizontal dipole field expedient antenna while reinforcing 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade during exercise Yama Sakura 81 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 10, 2021. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest joint and bilateral command post exercise (CPX) co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the JGSDF designed to increase joint force lethality, enhance design and posture, and strengthen alliances and partnerships (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Andrew Ochoa).

U.S. Marine Cpl. Brendan Terrible (foreground), a radio operator, and Lance Cpl. Levii Khalfaoui McLeod, (background), a data systems administrator with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, adjust a horizontal dipole field expedient antenna while reinforcing 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade during exercise Yama Sakura 81 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 10, 2021. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest joint and bilateral command post exercise (CPX) co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the JGSDF designed to increase joint force lethality, enhance design and posture, and strengthen alliances and partnerships (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Andrew Ochoa).

Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Ochoa

Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, along with reinforcements from Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade - SFAB, board a KC-130J aircraft from 1st Marine Air Wing in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura from Okinawa, Japan, to Camp Ainoura, Nagasaki, Japan, Dec. 1, 2021. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura (U.S. Marine Corps photo by First Lieutenant Stephanie Murphy).

Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, along with reinforcements from Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade - SFAB, board a KC-130J aircraft from 1st Marine Air Wing in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura from Okinawa, Japan, to Camp Ainoura, Nagasaki, Japan, Dec. 1, 2021. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura (U.S. Marine Corps photo by First Lieutenant Stephanie Murphy).

Photo by First Lieutenant Stephanie Murphy

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Lt. James Christie, left, a signals observer from the ADF’s 1st Division, Japan Ground Self Defense Force Maj. Masaru Kanai, middle, communications chief for the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Verrier, right, a radio operator from All-Domain Effects Team 1-1, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), reinforcing 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, discuss communication techniques after setting up a high frequency field expedient antenna during exercise Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Stephanie Murphy)

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Lt. James Christie, left, a signals observer from the ADF’s 1st Division, Japan Ground Self Defense Force Maj. Masaru Kanai, middle, communications chief for the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Verrier, right, a radio operator from All-Domain Effects Team 1-1, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), reinforcing 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, discuss communication techniques after setting up a high frequency field expedient antenna during exercise Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Stephanie Murphy)

Photo by 1st Lt. Stephanie Murphy

U.S. Marines assigned to or reinforcing 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and members of the U.S. Army's 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade unload gear with Japan Ground Self Defense Force members of the Amphibious Ready Deployment Brigade in preparation for exercise Yama Sakura 81 aboard Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Japan, Dec. 1, 2021. Yama Sakura is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines assigned to or reinforcing 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and members of the U.S. Army's 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade unload gear with Japan Ground Self Defense Force members of the Amphibious Ready Deployment Brigade in preparation for exercise Yama Sakura 81 aboard Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Japan, Dec. 1, 2021. Yama Sakura is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Photo by 1st Lt. Stephanie Murphy

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), addresses Marines and Sailors at the rehearsal of concept brief for Yama Sakura 81 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 4, 2021. Yama Sakura is the largest joint and bilateral command post exercise conducted by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force designed to increase joint force lethality, enhance design and posture, and strengthen alliances and partnerships (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Andrew Ochoa).

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), addresses Marines and Sailors at the rehearsal of concept brief for Yama Sakura 81 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 4, 2021. Yama Sakura is the largest joint and bilateral command post exercise conducted by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force designed to increase joint force lethality, enhance design and posture, and strengthen alliances and partnerships (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Andrew Ochoa).

Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Ochoa

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), addresses Marines and Sailors at the rehearsal of concept brief for Yama Sakura 81 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 4, 2021. Yama Sakura is the largest joint and bilateral command post exercise conducted by by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force designed to increase joint force lethality, enhance design and posture, and strengthen alliances and partnerships (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Andrew Ochoa).

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), addresses Marines and Sailors at the rehearsal of concept brief for Yama Sakura 81 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 4, 2021. Yama Sakura is the largest joint and bilateral command post exercise conducted by by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force designed to increase joint force lethality, enhance design and posture, and strengthen alliances and partnerships (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Andrew Ochoa).

Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Ochoa

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Caleb Eames)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Caleb Eames)

Photo by Lt. Col. Caleb Eames

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura.

Photo by Lt. Col. Caleb Eames

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Caleb Eames)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Caleb Eames)

Photo by Lt. Col. Caleb Eames

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Caleb Eames)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alex Butta, Future Operations Planner, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, briefs members with Maneuver Advisor Team 5310, Force Package 22-1, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as well as other MEB planning staff aboard Camp Courtney, in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2021 in preparation for participation in Yama Sakura 81. Yama Sakura 81 is the largest U.S.-Japan bilateral and joint command post exercise which enables participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the Japan-U.S. security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s exercise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Yama Sakura. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Caleb Eames)

Photo by Lt. Col. Caleb Eames

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force, load into a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle during an ACM drill at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 22, 2021. 3d MEB is III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Fire Brigade, ready to respond to a wide range of crisis events throughout the Indo-Pacific region as a command-and-control node or as the nucleus of a Joint Task Force, from delivering humanitarian assistance during natural disasters to combat operations. This successful ACM drill showcased the 3d MEB’s readiness and validated 3d MEB’s ability to rapidly activate and deploy a Forward Command Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force, load into a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle during an ACM drill at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 22, 2021. 3d MEB is III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Fire Brigade, ready to respond to a wide range of crisis events throughout the Indo-Pacific region as a command-and-control node or as the nucleus of a Joint Task Force, from delivering humanitarian assistance during natural disasters to combat operations. This successful ACM drill showcased the 3d MEB’s readiness and validated 3d MEB’s ability to rapidly activate and deploy a Forward Command Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Fosun

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force, load into a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle during an ACM drill at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 22, 2021. 3d MEB is III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Fire Brigade, ready to respond to a wide range of crisis events throughout the Indo-Pacific region as a command-and-control node or as the nucleus of a Joint Task Force, from delivering humanitarian assistance during natural disasters to combat operations. This successful ACM drill showcased the 3d MEB’s readiness and validated 3d MEB’s ability to rapidly activate and deploy a Forward Command Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force, load into a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle during an ACM drill at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 22, 2021. 3d MEB is III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Fire Brigade, ready to respond to a wide range of crisis events throughout the Indo-Pacific region as a command-and-control node or as the nucleus of a Joint Task Force, from delivering humanitarian assistance during natural disasters to combat operations. This successful ACM drill showcased the 3d MEB’s readiness and validated 3d MEB’s ability to rapidly activate and deploy a Forward Command Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force, load into a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle during an ACM drill at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 22, 2021. 3d MEB is III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Fire Brigade, ready to respond to a wide range of crisis events throughout the Indo-Pacific region as a command-and-control node or as the nucleus of a Joint Task Force, from delivering humanitarian assistance during natural disasters to combat operations. This successful ACM drill showcased the 3d MEB’s readiness and validated 3d MEB’s ability to rapidly activate and deploy a Forward Command Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force, load into a 7-ton medium tactical vehicle during an ACM drill at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 22, 2021. 3d MEB is III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Fire Brigade, ready to respond to a wide range of crisis events throughout the Indo-Pacific region as a command-and-control node or as the nucleus of a Joint Task Force, from delivering humanitarian assistance during natural disasters to combat operations. This successful ACM drill showcased the 3d MEB’s readiness and validated 3d MEB’s ability to rapidly activate and deploy a Forward Command Element. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ujian Gosun

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade conduct a command and control exercise in the Combat Operations Center on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021. The exercise was conducted with the help of reinforcements from other units across Okinawa to maintain and improve mission readiness. 3D MEB is a ‘Fire Brigade’ force, ready to deploy quickly to respond to crises and contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nickolas Beamish)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade conduct a command and control exercise in the Combat Operations Center on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021. The exercise was conducted with the help of reinforcements from other units across Okinawa to maintain and improve mission readiness. 3D MEB is a ‘Fire Brigade’ force, ready to deploy quickly to respond to crises and contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nickolas Beamish)

Photo by Cpl Nickolas Beamish

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade conduct a command and control exercise in the Combat Operations Center on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021. The exercise was conducted with the help of reinforcements from other units across Okinawa to maintain and improve mission readiness. 3D MEB is a ‘Fire Brigade’ force, ready to deploy quickly to respond to crises and contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nickolas Beamish)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade conduct a command and control exercise in the Combat Operations Center on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021. The exercise was conducted with the help of reinforcements from other units across Okinawa to maintain and improve mission readiness. 3D MEB is a ‘Fire Brigade’ force, ready to deploy quickly to respond to crises and contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nickolas Beamish)

Photo by Cpl Nickolas Beamish

Japan Self Defense Force Defense Cooperation Awards 2nd Class are displayed prior to a virtual award ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, July 7, 2021. During the ceremony three U.S. Marines and a sailor with 3rd Expeditionary Brigade received the medal for their hard work in cooperation with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Sarvey)

Japan Self Defense Force Defense Cooperation Awards 2nd Class are displayed prior to a virtual award ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, July 7, 2021. During the ceremony three U.S. Marines and a sailor with 3rd Expeditionary Brigade received the medal for their hard work in cooperation with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Sarvey)

Photo by LCpl Zachary Sarvey

Three U.S. Marines and a sailor with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade were awarded the Defense Cooperation Award 2nd Class virtually by Maj. Gen. Takanori Hirata, commanding general, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during an award ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, July 7, 2021. The award was in recognition of their hard work in cooperation with the ARDB. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Sarvey)

Three U.S. Marines and a sailor with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade were awarded the Defense Cooperation Award 2nd Class virtually by Maj. Gen. Takanori Hirata, commanding general, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during an award ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, July 7, 2021. The award was in recognition of their hard work in cooperation with the ARDB. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Sarvey)

Photo by LCpl Zachary Sarvey

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cory Trott, the chemical biological, radiological, and nuclear defense chief with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, gives remarks during the 3rd MEB’s Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force Exercise on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June, 30, 2021. The exercise consisted of rapidly mobilizing a Forward Command Element which was supplemented by scalable follow-on forces from other elements of III MEF. 3rd MEB conducted the exercise as a no-notice, integrated, rapid-response event to demonstrate ability to deploy rapidly and assist in maintaining regional stability as required. The ACMEX enhanced the MEB staff and augment’s ability to conduct command and control during a crisis or contingency response in the Indo-Pacific region. 3rd MEB is a “fight now” force, forward-deployed and forward-postured, always ready to rapidly deploy throughout the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah Marshall)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cory Trott, the chemical biological, radiological, and nuclear defense chief with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, gives remarks during the 3rd MEB’s Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force Exercise on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June, 30, 2021. The exercise consisted of rapidly mobilizing a Forward Command Element which was supplemented by scalable follow-on forces from other elements of III MEF. 3rd MEB conducted the exercise as a no-notice, integrated, rapid-response event to demonstrate ability to deploy rapidly and assist in maintaining regional stability as required. The ACMEX enhanced the MEB staff and augment’s ability to conduct command and control during a crisis or contingency response in the Indo-Pacific region. 3rd MEB is a “fight now” force, forward-deployed and forward-postured, always ready to rapidly deploy throughout the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah Marshall)

Photo by Cpl. Sarah Marshall

3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade