Iron Fist 26: U.S., Japanese forces hold bilateral drills to increase readiness

CAMP HANSEN, Japan – U.S. and Japanese forces conducted large-scale amphibious exercises on the islands of Tanegashima and Okinawa on March 2 and March 4, as part of Iron Fist 26. In a significant display of integrated power, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and the 3rd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment planned and trained alongside U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The purpose of the bilateral amphibious training was to enhance the collective readiness and lethality of the combined force. By synchronizing planning, logistics and tactics in realistic scenarios, U.S. and Japanese forces ensured they can operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force. This high level of interoperability is critical for maintaining the ability to respond swiftly and decisively to any potential crisis.

Extensive bilateral staff work over several weeks led to the smooth execution of the complex ship-to-shore maneuvers.

"Excellence in execution is the result of detailed planning," said Brig. Gen. Ryan M. Hoyle, the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. "From the staff officers who developed the concept of operations to the individuals who conducted the landing, every member of our bilateral team demonstrated total resolve to achieve decisive results."

The training, led by the ARDB, demonstrated the seamless integration of the two forces. This year was the first time forces operated on Tanegashima during Iron Fist, a move that highlights the expanding scope of the exercise and a mutual commitment to bolster readiness under the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

"Expanding our training opportunities during Iron Fist, to include Tanegashima, is a clear signal of our shared commitment to regional security," Hoyle said. "The ability of U.S. and Japanese forces to respond rapidly and decisively to any contingency is the bedrock of stability in the Indo-Pacific and we have proven our ability to do so in this exercise."

A notable achievement during Iron Fist 26 was the final certification of the 3rd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment. Coupled with the 31st MEU, which achieved full certification last month, U.S. and Japanese forces now bring to bear multiple amphibious formations capable of rapidly deploying anywhere in the region. Such responsive capabilities send a clear signal that the U.S.-Japan Alliance continues to serve as a bulwark of deterrence against regional threats and ensures peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific.

Iron Fist is an annual exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationship between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This year marks the 20th iteration of the exercise.