Marines

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3D MARINE EXPEDITIONARY BRIGADE

RESILIENT. READY. RELEVANT.

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Ships of the America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups, and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, sail in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during exercise Noble Fusion, led by Combined Task Force 79 (3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade) and CTF 76. Front row: Landing craft, utility from USS Essex (LHD 2). Second row, left to right: USS America (LHA 6), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Essex. Third row, left to right: USS Dewey (DDG 105), JS Kongō (DDG 173), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Spruance (DDG 111). Back row, left to right: USS Ashland (LSD 48), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5). Noble Fusion highlights that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo)

Ships of the America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups, and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, sail in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during exercise Noble Fusion, led by Combined Task Force 79 (3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade) and CTF 76. Front row: Landing craft, utility from USS Essex (LHD 2). Second row, left to right: USS America (LHA 6), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Essex. Third row, left to right: USS Dewey (DDG 105), JS Kongō (DDG 173), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Spruance (DDG 111). Back row, left to right: USS Ashland (LSD 48), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5). Noble Fusion highlights that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo)

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Cavenaile

U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 fly in formation during Exercise Noble Fusion near Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. U.S. Marine Corps squadrons conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain a high level of readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Ulibarri)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 fly in formation during Exercise Noble Fusion near Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. U.S. Marine Corps squadrons conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain a high level of readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Ulibarri)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Ulibarri

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), cuts into a makeshift wall using a power saw aboard the USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) to begin a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) mission during operation Noble Fusion in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 5, 2022. VBSS training reinforces the Marine Corps’ presence within ocean waters by having a team at the ready to act in a moment’s notice. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, joint forces and allies in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon)

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), cuts into a makeshift wall using a power saw aboard the USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) to begin a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) mission during operation Noble Fusion in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 5, 2022. VBSS training reinforces the Marine Corps’ presence within ocean waters by having a team at the ready to act in a moment’s notice. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, joint forces and allies in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 6, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Shelby Mann, from Udall, Kan., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals a CH-47J Chinook helicopter from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to take off from the ship’s flight deck during Exercise Noble Fusion. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vincent E. Zline)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 6, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Shelby Mann, from Udall, Kan., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals a CH-47J Chinook helicopter from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to take off from the ship’s flight deck during Exercise Noble Fusion. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vincent E. Zline)

Photo by 2nd Class Vincent E. Zline

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

3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade