Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, right, the offgoing commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, holds the command colors before passing them on to Brig. Gen. Ryan Hoyle, the oncoming commanding general of 3rd MEB, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2026. 3rd MEB hosted the change of command ceremony to formally recognize the total transfer of authority from Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie to Brig. Gen. Ryan Hoyle. The unit conducts combined operations, exercises, and training in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force to strengthen alliance relationships and enhance regional security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Shannon Doherty) - U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, right, the offgoing commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, holds the command colors before passing them on to Brig. Gen. Ryan Hoyle, the oncoming commanding general of 3rd MEB, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2026. 3rd MEB hosted the change of command ceremony to formally recognize the total transfer of authority from Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie to Brig. Gen. Ryan Hoyle. The unit conducts combined operations, exercises, and training in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force to strengthen alliance relationships and enhance regional security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Shannon Doherty)

3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Change of Command Ceremony

The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade held a change of command ceremony Feb. 6 at Camp Courtney, marking the transition from Brig. Gen. Robert B. “BAMS” Brodie to Brig. Gen. Ryan M. Hoyle. During Brodie’s tenure, the brigade supported major exercises such as Resolute Dragon, planned for Iron Fist 26, and executed a short-notice disaster relief deployment to the Philippines. Hoyle assumes command bringing extensive operational and multinational experience, as 3rd MEB continues its role as a forward-deployed, rapidly deployable force supporting III MEF operations across the Indo-Pacific.

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Codi Mullen, center right, company commander of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, dismisses the formation during an activation ceremony for 3rd MEB at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 13, 2026. The 3rd MEB established a new headquarters company to enhance their lethality by centralizing command and synchronizing readiness efforts across warfighting functions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Justin Cledera) - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Codi Mullen, center right, company commander of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, dismisses the formation during an activation ceremony for 3rd MEB at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 13, 2026. The 3rd MEB established a new headquarters company to enhance their lethality by centralizing command and synchronizing readiness efforts across warfighting functions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Justin Cledera)

Major Mullen Assumes Command of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Headquarters Company

Maj. Codi Anne Mullen assumed command of Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during a ceremony at Camp Courtney on Jan. 13, 2026. The activation of the new headquarters company strengthens the brigade’s ability to support command-and-control functions in a forward-deployed environment. Mullen brings operational, logistics, and planning experience to the role, having previously served in command and staff assignments across the Marine Corps. The designation supports 3rd MEB’s mission to maintain readiness and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

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U.S. Marines with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade unload cargo from a KC-130J Super Hercules during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) drill in preparation for exercise Resolute Dragon 25 at Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan, Sept. 11, 2025. An ACM drill is a rapid-reaction training exercise to maintain a ready force that can deploy immediately in response to crisis. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicholas A. Cox) - U.S. Marines with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade unload cargo from a KC-130J Super Hercules during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) drill in preparation for exercise Resolute Dragon 25 at Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan, Sept. 11, 2025. An ACM drill is a rapid-reaction training exercise to maintain a ready force that can deploy immediately in response to crisis. Resolute Dragon is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and allied Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicholas A. Cox)

3d MEB: Resolute Dragon 25

Marines and Sailors with 3d MEB partnered with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during Exercise Resolute Dragon 25 in Kumamoto, Japan. The exercise validated rapid deployment, forward command-and-control, and combined operations, reinforcing the U.S.-Japan alliance as a key deterrent in the Indo-Pacific.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jarett Legg explains the egress procedures for the MV-22 Osprey during an Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force (ACM) drill on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 15, 2025. The ACM exercise is a simulated crisis response drill that must be executed within 24 hours to prepare Marines to mitigate emergencies, provide humanitarian aid, or counter threats to U.S. national interests within the Indo-Pacific region. Legg, a native of Vermont, is an MV-22 tiltrotor mechanic with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Pruett) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jarett Legg explains the egress procedures for the MV-22 Osprey during an Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force (ACM) drill on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 15, 2025. The ACM exercise is a simulated crisis response drill that must be executed within 24 hours to prepare Marines to mitigate emergencies, provide humanitarian aid, or counter threats to U.S. national interests within the Indo-Pacific region. Legg, a native of Vermont, is an MV-22 tiltrotor mechanic with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Pruett)

3D MEB Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force Capabilities

Marines and Sailors with 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade executed a simulated Alert Contingency MAGTF drill on Okinawa, July 14–18, 2025, testing their ability to rapidly mobilize, complete deployment preparations, and sustain operations in support of crisis and humanitarian missions across the Indo-Pacific.

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A graphic highlighting Month of the Military Child. - This graphic was designed to kickstart the Month of the Military Child, created using Canva, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, March 15, 2025. Month of the Military Child, celebrated in April, honors the resilience and sacrifices of children in military families, recognizing their unique challenges and contributions to the armed forces community. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Tori Haudenschild)

Celebrating the resilience of military families: The Month of the Military Child

In a recent message recognizing the Month of the Military Child, John C. Phelan, secretary of the navy, emphasized, “This month, let us go beyond words to show our appreciation and support for the remarkable children at every opportunity. We realize that the strength of our military comes from the families that stand behind them.” Echoing that

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CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan (April 9, 2025) — Brig. Gen. Trevor Hall performs a troop welfare check following the completion of the 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s 10K conditioning hike, ensuring the well-being of the Marines after the rigorous event. The hike enhances physical fitness and prepares the unit for rapid crisis response, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Giovanni A. Jimenez) - CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan (April 9, 2025) — Brig. Gen. Trevor Hall performs a troop welfare check following the completion of the 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s 10K conditioning hike, ensuring the well-being of the Marines after the rigorous event. The hike enhances physical fitness and prepares the unit for rapid crisis response, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Giovanni A. Jimenez)

3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade conducts 10-kilometer conditioning hike aboard Camp Hansen

The Marines and Sailors of the 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade completed a challenging 10-kilometer conditioning hike April 9, aimed at enhancing physical readiness and preparing the unit for rapid deployment in response to crises, natural disasters and humanitarian missions across the Indo-Pacific region.The day began early aboard Camp Courtney

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Lt. Col. Scott Blyleven, an operational planner with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and Lt. Col. Melissa Blyleven, a logistics planner with the III Marine Expeditionary Force, walk with their daughter, Hanna, at Camp Courtney Beach, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2024. The Month of the Military Child, celebrated annually in April, recognizes military children for the daily sacrifices and challenges they overcome. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Samuel H. Barge) - Lt. Col. Scott Blyleven, an operational planner with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and Lt. Col. Melissa Blyleven, a logistics planner with the III Marine Expeditionary Force, walk with their daughter, Hanna, at Camp Courtney Beach, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2024. The Month of the Military Child, celebrated annually in April, recognizes military children for the daily sacrifices and challenges they overcome. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Samuel H. Barge)

Spirit of Steel: Celebrating the Youngest Heroes of 3rd MEB

The head coach paused like a conductor catching an off-key clarinet. He fixed his eyes on a face flushed firetruck-red, streaming with tears. With a heavy mist across their faces, eleven eager preteens just watched their soccer coach instruct the next drill: the mechanics of the long ball. While scanning for distracted gazes, it was the all too

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Japanese, U.S. Troops Hone Bilateral Capability in Exercise Keen Edge 2024

The Western Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), and U.S. Task Force 76/3 (TF 76/3) completed simulated operations in a bilateral coordination node here as a part of exercise Keen Edge 24, February 8.

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Courtney Rugby Club host Tomodachi Rugby Day with local teams

U.S. service members with the Camp Courtney Rugby Club Jagers, hosted the Okinawa Rugby School Bulls, and other local rugby teams for a tomodachi, friendship in Japanese, rugby day, here, July 1.

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CTF 76/3 Conducts Exercise Katana Strike

Air, ground and sea-based units from U.S. 7th Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Army demonstrated proficiency in joint-force planning, coordination and execution of dynamic targeting in littoral environments throughout Exercise Katana Strike.

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