A Marine looks through the scope of a weapon while kneeling behind a mound of snow. - Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Dakota Ford aims at a target in Japan, Dec. 16, 2020, during Forest Light, an annual bilateral exercise that strengthens the interoperability and readiness of U.S. and Japanese troops.

A Joint Terminal Attack Controller from 5th Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company embedded with Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade as U.S. Marines teamed up with the ARDB to conduct an amphibious assault on Gaja-Jima, a small uninhabited island off the coast of mainland Japan, as part of Keen Sword, Nov. 1, 2020. Japan Self-Defense Force CH-47JA Chinooks touched down delivering streams of ARDB troops while U.S. Marines hit the beach via small boats briskly navigating over the horizon from the USS Ashland. ARDB members took point alongside Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment arriving from the air and sea in the amphibious operation. This mission showcased a combined ability to seize territory threatened by an adversary, defend key maritime terrain, and establish expeditionary advanced bases for follow-on operations through swift, integrated, and lethal action. (JSDF Courtesy Photo). - A Joint Terminal Attack Controller from 5th Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company embedded with Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade as U.S. Marines teamed up with the ARDB to conduct an amphibious assault on Gaja-Jima, a small uninhabited island off the coast of mainland Japan, as part of Keen Sword, Nov. 1, 2020. Japan Self-Defense Force CH-47JA Chinooks touched down delivering streams of ARDB troops while U.S. Marines hit the beach via small boats briskly navigating over the horizon from the USS Ashland. ARDB members took point alongside Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment arriving from the air and sea in the amphibious operation. This mission showcased a combined ability to seize territory threatened by an adversary, defend key maritime terrain, and establish expeditionary advanced bases for follow-on operations through swift, integrated, and lethal action. (JSDF Courtesy Photo).

U.S. Marines with 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct a simulated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fire mission while demonstrating expeditionary advanced basing capabilities Oct. 7 to 8, 2020, as part of Exercise Noble Fury, from Okinawa to Ie Shima and across surrounding waters. The Marines rapidly inserted via an air assault, defeated simulated adversary forces, secured the airfield, and established defensive positions around the island to enable follow-on operations in support of the navy including a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration mission under the cover of darkness. This exercise showcased survivability and lethality of the Navy and Marine Corps while operating in a distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Josue Marquez) - U.S. Marines with 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct a simulated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fire mission while demonstrating expeditionary advanced basing capabilities Oct. 7 to 8, 2020, as part of Exercise Noble Fury, from Okinawa to Ie Shima and across surrounding waters. The Marines rapidly inserted via an air assault, defeated simulated adversary forces, secured the airfield, and established defensive positions around the island to enable follow-on operations in support of the navy including a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration mission under the cover of darkness. This exercise showcased survivability and lethality of the Navy and Marine Corps while operating in a distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Josue Marquez)

U.S. Marines with 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct a fire mission during a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System rapid infiltration exercise at Ie Shima, Japan, Sept. 24, 2020. The exercise represented a step forward in demonstrating how III Marine Expeditionary Force units can leverage the unique capabilities of joint partners in rapidly dispersing to and operating from key maritime terrain, sustain distributed positions, and quickly displace or withdraw as necessitated by the tactical situation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donovan Massieperez) - U.S. Marines with 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct a fire mission during a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System rapid infiltration exercise at Ie Shima, Japan, Sept. 24, 2020. The exercise represented a step forward in demonstrating how III Marine Expeditionary Force units can leverage the unique capabilities of joint partners in rapidly dispersing to and operating from key maritime terrain, sustain distributed positions, and quickly displace or withdraw as necessitated by the tactical situation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donovan Massieperez)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William M. Jurney, Commanding General, 3rd Marine Division, right, relinquished command to Maj. Gen. James Bierman at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 13, 2020. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Savannah Mesimer) - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William M. Jurney, Commanding General, 3rd Marine Division, right, relinquished command to Maj. Gen. James Bierman at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 13, 2020. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Savannah Mesimer)