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POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, HAWAII – Lt. Gen. David Berger, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, tours the forward arming and refueling point for Exercise Bougainville II at Pohakuloa Training Area, Aug. 21, 2017. Berger and a party of senior leadership met with junior Marines and leadership from various units taking part in the exercise, and observed day-to-day operations. Exercise Bougainville II prepares 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment for service as a forward deployed force in the Pacific by training them to fight as a ground combat element in a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen) - POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, HAWAII – Lt. Gen. David Berger, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, tours the forward arming and refueling point for Exercise Bougainville II at Pohakuloa Training Area, Aug. 21, 2017. Berger and a party of senior leadership met with junior Marines and leadership from various units taking part in the exercise, and observed day-to-day operations. Exercise Bougainville II prepares 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment for service as a forward deployed force in the Pacific by training them to fight as a ground combat element in a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen)

Four U.S. Marines and two Sailors instinctively responded alongside local residents when a vehicle with five passengers fell from the fifth story of a parking garage in Yokosuka, a city in the Greater Tokyo area, Dec. 31, 2016. Once the Marines arrived on scene, the group flipped the car in order to remove the passengers prior to Japanese Emergency Medical Services arriving. The Marines are assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and forward-deployed to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Okinawa, Japan. The Sailors are assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Pictured left to right: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Garrett Osborne, Marine Corps Lance Cpls. James Flores and Manaure Arellano, Marine Corps Pfc. Jacob Boerner, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Raheem Gilliam and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Derhon Finch. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Richard Gourley) - Four U.S. Marines and two Sailors instinctively responded alongside local residents when a vehicle with five passengers fell from the fifth story of a parking garage in Yokosuka, a city in the Greater Tokyo area, Dec. 31, 2016. Once the Marines arrived on scene, the group flipped the car in order to remove the passengers prior to Japanese Emergency Medical Services arriving. The Marines are assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment and forward-deployed to 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Okinawa, Japan. The Sailors are assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Pictured left to right: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Garrett Osborne, Marine Corps Lance Cpls. James Flores and Manaure Arellano, Marine Corps Pfc. Jacob Boerner, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Raheem Gilliam and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Derhon Finch. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Richard Gourley)

Capt. Christopher L. Curry developed the winning phone app for the “war fighting” category in the Commandant’s Innovation Challenge. The award's announcement was made Dec. 14, 2016. The challenge required the participants to develop an app for the following categories: war fighting, lifestyle and physical fitness. His app, “Blue Order,” includes an iPhone global positioning system to provide real-time satellite and topographic imagery. It also includes maps and charts to allow users to develop combat-related scenarios for practical application during exercises. Curry is a part of Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue) - Capt. Christopher L. Curry developed the winning phone app for the “war fighting” category in the Commandant’s Innovation Challenge. The award's announcement was made Dec. 14, 2016. The challenge required the participants to develop an app for the following categories: war fighting, lifestyle and physical fitness. His app, “Blue Order,” includes an iPhone global positioning system to provide real-time satellite and topographic imagery. It also includes maps and charts to allow users to develop combat-related scenarios for practical application during exercises. Curry is a part of Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Amaia Unanue)

U.S. Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, exit an Assault Amphibious Vehicle to assault a beach during Rim of the Pacific 2016. The assault was launched from USS San Diego and commanded by III Marine Expeditionary Force units aboard USS America.Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Casbarro) - U.S. Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, exit an Assault Amphibious Vehicle to assault a beach during Rim of the Pacific 2016. The assault was launched from USS San Diego and commanded by III Marine Expeditionary Force units aboard USS America.Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Casbarro)

Lt. Gen. Tim Keating, center, takes a photo with the graduating class of the Defence Force Command and Staff College, Wellington, New Zealand, Nov. 19, 2015. Sgt. Maj. Christian L. Charkowski, in the second row, third from left, was the first U.S. Marine and second U.S. service member to graduate from the course. He attended the Joint Warrant Officers’ Advanced Course, where the objectives were to prepare senior level leaders for senior strategic advisory positions, increase the students’ knowledge of regional security for the Pacific Southwest, and provide insight into the workings of the government. Charkowski, from Madison, Wisconsin, is the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Keating is the chief of defence for the New Zealand Defence Force. (Marine Corps. photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released) - Lt. Gen. Tim Keating, center, takes a photo with the graduating class of the Defence Force Command and Staff College, Wellington, New Zealand, Nov. 19, 2015. Sgt. Maj. Christian L. Charkowski, in the second row, third from left, was the first U.S. Marine and second U.S. service member to graduate from the course. He attended the Joint Warrant Officers’ Advanced Course, where the objectives were to prepare senior level leaders for senior strategic advisory positions, increase the students’ knowledge of regional security for the Pacific Southwest, and provide insight into the workings of the government. Charkowski, from Madison, Wisconsin, is the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Keating is the chief of defence for the New Zealand Defence Force. (Marine Corps. photo by Cpl. Tyler S. Giguere/Released)

Two hundred newly promoted or selected-to-be Marine staff sergeants participate in an open discussion with (from left to right) Sergeants Maj. Vincent Santiago, Mario Marquez, Michael Hendges and Robert Williamson at the end of III Marine Expeditionary Force's Staff Sergeant Indoctrination Course at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Oct. 28, 2015. The course provided the attendees a place to learn from centuries of cumulative experience of the senior enlisted leaders within III MEF. Santiago is the sergeant major for 3rd Marine Division. Marquez is the sergeant major for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Hendges is the sergeant major for 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Williamson is the sergeant major for Marine Corps Installations Pacific. - Two hundred newly promoted or selected-to-be Marine staff sergeants participate in an open discussion with (from left to right) Sergeants Maj. Vincent Santiago, Mario Marquez, Michael Hendges and Robert Williamson at the end of III Marine Expeditionary Force's Staff Sergeant Indoctrination Course at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Oct. 28, 2015. The course provided the attendees a place to learn from centuries of cumulative experience of the senior enlisted leaders within III MEF. Santiago is the sergeant major for 3rd Marine Division. Marquez is the sergeant major for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Hendges is the sergeant major for 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Williamson is the sergeant major for Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Flares from a C-130 Hercules transportation aircraft illuminate the landing zone for an incoming CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a fire support coordination exercise that kicked off Blue Chromite 2016, at Okinawa, Japan, today. Blue Chromite is large-scale air-ground training exercise that builds upon the Marine Corps’ sea-borne, rapid-reaction capabilities while maintaining the Corps’ strategic presence in the Pacific. The principle units involved in the ongoing exercise are 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, all subordinate commands of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Led by a Republic of Korea Marine Corps instructor, U.S. and ROK Marines paddle to shore during inflatable boat training as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-13 at Baengnyeongdo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 7, 2015. Marines trained as integrated units paddling the boats and learning to work as a team. KMEP is a regularly scheduled training event which highlights the invaluable opportunities for ROK and U.S. Marines to train and learn from each other. The U.S. Marines are assigned to 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force, through the Unit Deployment Program. The ROK Marines are with 11th Company, 63rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st Regiment, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps. - Led by a Republic of Korea Marine Corps instructor, U.S. and ROK Marines paddle to shore during inflatable boat training as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-13 at Baengnyeongdo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 7, 2015. Marines trained as integrated units paddling the boats and learning to work as a team. KMEP is a regularly scheduled training event which highlights the invaluable opportunities for ROK and U.S. Marines to train and learn from each other. The U.S. Marines are assigned to 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force, through the Unit Deployment Program. The ROK Marines are with 11th Company, 63rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st Regiment, 2nd ROK Marine Corps Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Matt Shibata, center, directs gunfire during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Rodriguez Landing Zone, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2015. Alongside their ROK counterparts, the Marines took over a fortified enemy hill to provide security for other Marines to press forward. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shibata, from Honolulu, Hawaii, is with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Matt Shibata, center, directs gunfire during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Rodriguez Landing Zone, Republic of Korea, Sept. 25, 2015. Alongside their ROK counterparts, the Marines took over a fortified enemy hill to provide security for other Marines to press forward. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shibata, from Honolulu, Hawaii, is with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward Jones teaches Marines about the Outpatient Crisis Prevention Program during the Warrior Tournament at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 25, 2015. The program is a five-day psycho-educational training course designed to enhance coping skills and interpersonal effectiveness of active duty personnel suffering from severe anxiety and depression. According to Jones, the mission of the program is to strengthen the resilience and readiness of participants in coping with personal and professional challenges. Jones, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an OSCAR Team corpsman with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward Jones teaches Marines about the Outpatient Crisis Prevention Program during the Warrior Tournament at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 25, 2015. The program is a five-day psycho-educational training course designed to enhance coping skills and interpersonal effectiveness of active duty personnel suffering from severe anxiety and depression. According to Jones, the mission of the program is to strengthen the resilience and readiness of participants in coping with personal and professional challenges. Jones, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an OSCAR Team corpsman with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines and ROK Marines breach a building under smoke concealment during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Gimpo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. The ROK Marines are with 1st Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - U.S. Marines and ROK Marines breach a building under smoke concealment during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Gimpo, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. The ROK Marines are with 1st Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Brian P. Coyne, center left, celebrates the successful completion of sports day with Republic of Korea Lt. Col. Yoo Hogeun, right center, during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Chung Ryong, Republic of Korea, Sept. 12, 2015. The Marines participated in a number of events, including a weighted pack run, soccer, basketball and tug of war. KMEP 15-12 is a continuous bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Coyne, from Long Island, New York, is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the Unit Deployment Program. Hogeun, from Kangwondo, ROK, is the commanding officer of 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Brian P. Coyne, center left, celebrates the successful completion of sports day with Republic of Korea Lt. Col. Yoo Hogeun, right center, during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Chung Ryong, Republic of Korea, Sept. 12, 2015. The Marines participated in a number of events, including a weighted pack run, soccer, basketball and tug of war. KMEP 15-12 is a continuous bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Coyne, from Long Island, New York, is the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force through the Unit Deployment Program. Hogeun, from Kangwondo, ROK, is the commanding officer of 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.

Philippine Marine Corps Cpl. Elmer Addatu, right, grabs a fish of the line of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lucas Fernandez’s improvised fishing pole during jungle survival training at Ternate, Philippines, Sept. 30, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. The Marines learned basic jungle survival skills, such as building a fire, finding sources of fresh water and catching food. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief to complex expeditionary operations. Addatu is a reconnaissance man with 64th Force Recon Company, Marine Special Operations Group. Fernandez from Greenwich, Connecticut, is a reconnaissance man with 3rd Recon Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Philippine Marine Corps Cpl. Elmer Addatu, right, grabs a fish of the line of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Lucas Fernandez’s improvised fishing pole during jungle survival training at Ternate, Philippines, Sept. 30, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2015. The Marines learned basic jungle survival skills, such as building a fire, finding sources of fresh water and catching food. PHIBLEX 15 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to strengthen our interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations — from disaster relief to complex expeditionary operations. Addatu is a reconnaissance man with 64th Force Recon Company, Marine Special Operations Group. Fernandez from Greenwich, Connecticut, is a reconnaissance man with 3rd Recon Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Republic of Korea Marine Lance Cpl. Jun Shin puts on his gas mask during a gas attack scenario as part of Korea Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines practiced quickly putting on their gas mask and carrying the wounded to safety. KMEP 15-12 is an exercise in a series of continuous bilateral training exercises that enhance the ROK and U.S. alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Ulsan, ROK, is with 2nd Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps. - Republic of Korea Marine Lance Cpl. Jun Shin puts on his gas mask during a gas attack scenario as part of Korea Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Gunha-Rhi, Republic of Korea, Sept. 17, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines practiced quickly putting on their gas mask and carrying the wounded to safety. KMEP 15-12 is an exercise in a series of continuous bilateral training exercises that enhance the ROK and U.S. alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Shin, from Ulsan, ROK, is with 2nd Company, 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi attaches vegetation to his sniper rifle while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade. - Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt. Akito Yagi attaches vegetation to his sniper rifle while performing stalking drills during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 10, 2015. The Marines sat up on a high embankment, trying to catch the JGSDF stalking the target with binoculars. Forest Light is a semiannual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events, conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Yagi is a sniper with 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade.

Cpl. Brandon Crain yells fire to Lance Cpl. Clayton Baker while demonstrating the capabilities of the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon to the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015. The JGSDF and U.S. Marines took turns sharing knowledge about different anti-tank missile systems. After giving specifications of their respective weapon systems, the two forces used practice rounds to demonstrate how well the weapon systems work. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points training, helicopter borne skills and combined arms procedures. Crain is from Leander, Texas and Baker is from Huntington, Indiana. Both Marines are assaultmen with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Cpl. Brandon Crain yells fire to Lance Cpl. Clayton Baker while demonstrating the capabilities of the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon to the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 7, 2015. The JGSDF and U.S. Marines took turns sharing knowledge about different anti-tank missile systems. After giving specifications of their respective weapon systems, the two forces used practice rounds to demonstrate how well the weapon systems work. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points training, helicopter borne skills and combined arms procedures. Crain is from Leander, Texas and Baker is from Huntington, Indiana. Both Marines are assaultmen with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Lance Cpl. Riley Deforest stabilizes the legs on the 81mm mortar system after Lance Cpl. Nicholas Seelhammer dropped a projectile in the tube Sept. 6, 2015 during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan. The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marines took turns calling fire missions, prepping the mortar for fire, and firing the mortar during the training. Forest Light is a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Deforest is from Norwich, New York, and is a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. Seelhammer is from Dawsonville, Georgia, and is a mortarman with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines. - Lance Cpl. Riley Deforest stabilizes the legs on the 81mm mortar system after Lance Cpl. Nicholas Seelhammer dropped a projectile in the tube Sept. 6, 2015 during Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan. The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marines took turns calling fire missions, prepping the mortar for fire, and firing the mortar during the training. Forest Light is a semi-annual, bilateral exercise consisting of a command post exercise and multiple field training events conducted by elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. Deforest is from Norwich, New York, and is a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. Seelhammer is from Dawsonville, Georgia, and is a mortarman with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines.

U.S. Marines and Japanese Ground Self Defense Force members salute as each nations’ national anthem plays marking the beginning of Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 6, 2015. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of combined mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points, combined helicopter borne skills and combined-arms training. The JGSDF members are from 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - U.S. Marines and Japanese Ground Self Defense Force members salute as each nations’ national anthem plays marking the beginning of Forest Light 16-1 at Camp Imazu, Takashima, Japan, Sept. 6, 2015. Forest Light will take place Sept. 7-18 with approximately 240 Marines working next to 350 JGSDF members. The exercise will consist of combined mortar live fire, establishing forward arming and refueling points, combined helicopter borne skills and combined-arms training. The JGSDF members are from 50th Infantry Regiment, 14th Brigade. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marines don Mission Oriented Protective Posture suits before a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance and decontamination demonstration with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. The troops participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with CBRN Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program. The JGSDF soldiers are with Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade. - Marines don Mission Oriented Protective Posture suits before a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance and decontamination demonstration with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, July 30, 2015. The troops participated in a combined integrated capabilities demonstration to identify how both units can benefit each other. The Marines are with CBRN Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, under the Unit Deployment Program. The JGSDF soldiers are with Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Unit, 15th Brigade.

Marines enjoy a meal with cake served at the 12th Marines Mess Hall March 5 after being nominated for the Major General William Pendleton Thomas Hill Award at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The inspection for the award was conducted by a three member team. The team included Jack L. Kleckner, Lt. Col. Richard D. Kohler and Master Gunnery Sgt. Brian M. Velloza. Steele, a native of Mt. Gilead, North Carolina is a mess manager with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Kleckner, a native of Richfield, Minnesota, is an evaluator for the National Restaurant Association. Kohler, a native of Marion, Ohio, is the director of food services with Marine Corps Installations Command, Headquarters Marine Corps. Velloza, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is the food services occupational field specialist with Marine Corps Installations Command, Headquarters Marine Corps. - Marines enjoy a meal with cake served at the 12th Marines Mess Hall March 5 after being nominated for the Major General William Pendleton Thomas Hill Award at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The inspection for the award was conducted by a three member team. The team included Jack L. Kleckner, Lt. Col. Richard D. Kohler and Master Gunnery Sgt. Brian M. Velloza. Steele, a native of Mt. Gilead, North Carolina is a mess manager with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Kleckner, a native of Richfield, Minnesota, is an evaluator for the National Restaurant Association. Kohler, a native of Marion, Ohio, is the director of food services with Marine Corps Installations Command, Headquarters Marine Corps. Velloza, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is the food services occupational field specialist with Marine Corps Installations Command, Headquarters Marine Corps.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps Artillery and went to Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan. - Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps Artillery and went to Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan.

Infantry Marines move to counter-attack the enemy’s attack in the later stage of the battalion assault course Feb. 10 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Infantry Marines use amphibious assault vehicles to move across the battle space faster and safer than on foot. The infantry Marines are with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. The AAV operators are with Company D, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Infantry Marines move to counter-attack the enemy’s attack in the later stage of the battalion assault course Feb. 10 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Infantry Marines use amphibious assault vehicles to move across the battle space faster and safer than on foot. The infantry Marines are with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. The AAV operators are with Company D, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Staff Sgt. Absalon A. Cabrera uses a radio to communicate with the 4th Marine Regiment’s combat operations center while transporting the commanding officer across the battle space Feb. 12 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “I am very proud of all of my Marines,” said Cabrera. “They have accomplished a lot and it has been seen at different levels out here.” ITX 2-15 is designed to integrate combined arms and improve war fighting capabilities. Cabrera, a Los Angeles, California, native and an infantry unit leader, is the jump team commander for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Four with Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Staff Sgt. Absalon A. Cabrera uses a radio to communicate with the 4th Marine Regiment’s combat operations center while transporting the commanding officer across the battle space Feb. 12 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, during the battalion assault course as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “I am very proud of all of my Marines,” said Cabrera. “They have accomplished a lot and it has been seen at different levels out here.” ITX 2-15 is designed to integrate combined arms and improve war fighting capabilities. Cabrera, a Los Angeles, California, native and an infantry unit leader, is the jump team commander for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Four with Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines clear a building during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-17 Feb. 9 at the Cham Sae Mi Close-Quarters Battle Training Facility in Pohang, Republic of Korea. KMEP 15-17 is a regularly-scheduled, bilateral, small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. The ROK Marines are with Company 5, 32nd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines clear a building during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-17 Feb. 9 at the Cham Sae Mi Close-Quarters Battle Training Facility in Pohang, Republic of Korea. KMEP 15-17 is a regularly-scheduled, bilateral, small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. The ROK Marines are with Company 5, 32nd Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. The U.S. Marines are with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

U.S. Marine Pfc. Kris L. Williams, left, picks up trash alongside Republic of Korea Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-17 Feb. 12 in Pohang, ROK. The Marines were tasked with cleaning sidewalks, alleyways, dried-up riverbeds and other places where trash accumulates in the city. The overarching goal of KMEP is to enhance and improve the interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. Williams, from Columbia, South Carolina, is a field radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The ROK Marines are with the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. - U.S. Marine Pfc. Kris L. Williams, left, picks up trash alongside Republic of Korea Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-17 Feb. 12 in Pohang, ROK. The Marines were tasked with cleaning sidewalks, alleyways, dried-up riverbeds and other places where trash accumulates in the city. The overarching goal of KMEP is to enhance and improve the interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. Williams, from Columbia, South Carolina, is a field radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The ROK Marines are with the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division.

Gunnery Sgt. Kevin D. Pirtle (right) and Capt. Jim C. Wang pose for a photo Jan. 8 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercsie 2-15. Pirtle and Wang spend a lot of time working together in Headquarters and Service Company. Pirtle, a Somerville, Tennessee, native, is an infantry unit leader and the company gunnery sergeant, and Wang, a Fayetteville, North Carolina native, is an infantry officer and company commander, both with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Gunnery Sgt. Kevin D. Pirtle (right) and Capt. Jim C. Wang pose for a photo Jan. 8 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercsie 2-15. Pirtle and Wang spend a lot of time working together in Headquarters and Service Company. Pirtle, a Somerville, Tennessee, native, is an infantry unit leader and the company gunnery sergeant, and Wang, a Fayetteville, North Carolina native, is an infantry officer and company commander, both with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Alex S. Rankin, center, digs a hiding position alongside Republic of Korea Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-4 Feb. 4 at the Pyeongchang Winter Training Facility, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. The ROK recon Marines specialize in stealth and scouting, so this training teaches the Marines how to survive without getting caught and still accomplishing the mission. This exercise highlights the two countries’ combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and peace and security in the region. Rankin, a Secane, Pennsylvania, native, is an intelligence specialist with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The ROK Marines are with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Alex S. Rankin, center, digs a hiding position alongside Republic of Korea Marines during Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-4 Feb. 4 at the Pyeongchang Winter Training Facility, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. The ROK recon Marines specialize in stealth and scouting, so this training teaches the Marines how to survive without getting caught and still accomplishing the mission. This exercise highlights the two countries’ combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and peace and security in the region. Rankin, a Secane, Pennsylvania, native, is an intelligence specialist with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. The ROK Marines are with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Marine Division.

Smoke explodes out of the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer as Marines from Alpha Battery provide indirect fire to units engaged in the mechanized assault course Jan. 31 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Artillery is used to provide suppressive, indirect fire to ground and air units on the battlefield. The Marines are with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force as part of the ground combat element for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 4 for ITX 2-15. - Smoke explodes out of the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer as Marines from Alpha Battery provide indirect fire to units engaged in the mechanized assault course Jan. 31 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Artillery is used to provide suppressive, indirect fire to ground and air units on the battlefield. The Marines are with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force as part of the ground combat element for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 4 for ITX 2-15.

Shosuke Kokuba, right, swings as Cpl. Eric D. Chrivia catches during a friendly softball game between the Henoko Young Men’s Association and U.S. Marines Jan. 25 on Camp Schwab. The Young Men’s Association played the Marines in a nine-inning game. Kokuba, from Henoko, Okinawa, is a member of the Henoko Young Men’s Association. Chrivia, from Hale, Michigan, is a mortarman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - Shosuke Kokuba, right, swings as Cpl. Eric D. Chrivia catches during a friendly softball game between the Henoko Young Men’s Association and U.S. Marines Jan. 25 on Camp Schwab. The Young Men’s Association played the Marines in a nine-inning game. Kokuba, from Henoko, Okinawa, is a member of the Henoko Young Men’s Association. Chrivia, from Hale, Michigan, is a mortarman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

Marines extend the legs of a canopy-style tent as part of the combat operations center for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15 Jan. 16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. It is important to set up the camouflage netting before putting up the tents because it makes the process a lot faster, according to Staff Sgt. Absalon A. Cabrera, an operations assistant with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Los Angeles, California, native. Marines working on the tent are also with 4th Marines. - Marines extend the legs of a canopy-style tent as part of the combat operations center for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15 Jan. 16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. It is important to set up the camouflage netting before putting up the tents because it makes the process a lot faster, according to Staff Sgt. Absalon A. Cabrera, an operations assistant with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Los Angeles, California, native. Marines working on the tent are also with 4th Marines.

Cpl. Clinton E. Ransom uses his PVS-14 night vision device to see an infrared light marking his target Jan. 23 to fire table three bravo (rifle course) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Table three emphasizes combat marksmanship to hone Marines’ skills as riflemen. Table three bravo is the same course of fire as table three alpha, except it is at night with night vision gear. Ransom, a Clovis, New Mexico, native, is a motor vehicle operator with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Cpl. Clinton E. Ransom uses his PVS-14 night vision device to see an infrared light marking his target Jan. 23 to fire table three bravo (rifle course) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, as part of Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Table three emphasizes combat marksmanship to hone Marines’ skills as riflemen. Table three bravo is the same course of fire as table three alpha, except it is at night with night vision gear. Ransom, a Clovis, New Mexico, native, is a motor vehicle operator with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Col. Lance A. McDaniel, left, congratulates Sgt. Jacob J. Baumann Jan. 14 on receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for potentially saving the life of a local Japanese gentleman. “Heroism often involves an ordinary man doing extraordinary things for others,” said McDaniel from Waco, Texas. “Recently Sgt. Baumann saw the opportunity and didn’t spend time thinking; he acted on behalf of someone else.” McDaniel is the commanding officer of 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Baumann is from Junction City, Kansas, and a fire support man with Headquarter Battery, 12th Marine Regiment. - Col. Lance A. McDaniel, left, congratulates Sgt. Jacob J. Baumann Jan. 14 on receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for potentially saving the life of a local Japanese gentleman. “Heroism often involves an ordinary man doing extraordinary things for others,” said McDaniel from Waco, Texas. “Recently Sgt. Baumann saw the opportunity and didn’t spend time thinking; he acted on behalf of someone else.” McDaniel is the commanding officer of 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Baumann is from Junction City, Kansas, and a fire support man with Headquarter Battery, 12th Marine Regiment.

Donald W. Christensen, right, learns to disarm a weapon from Cpl. Ryan T. Starr Oct. 25 during Junglefest 2014 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa, Japan. The festival allowed Okinawa community members and U.S. service members to see and experience some of the military training techniques that the instructors at the JWTC teach during the jungle survival training course. Christensen is a student and child of an active duty service member on Okinawa. Starr, from Waldron, Arkansas, is an instructor at the Jungle Warfare Training Center. - Donald W. Christensen, right, learns to disarm a weapon from Cpl. Ryan T. Starr Oct. 25 during Junglefest 2014 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa, Japan. The festival allowed Okinawa community members and U.S. service members to see and experience some of the military training techniques that the instructors at the JWTC teach during the jungle survival training course. Christensen is a student and child of an active duty service member on Okinawa. Starr, from Waldron, Arkansas, is an instructor at the Jungle Warfare Training Center.

Seaman Courtney M. Perdue, left, maneuvers, Seaman Aidan Rispens up a cliff as part of a practical application exercise during the Jungle Medicine Combat Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves. During the exercise, the corpsmen maneuvered a sked stretcher up the cliff using the hasty technique that was taught during the course. Perdue is a Columbus, Ohio, native and Rispens is a Puyallup, Washington, native. Both are corpsmen with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James/released) - Seaman Courtney M. Perdue, left, maneuvers, Seaman Aidan Rispens up a cliff as part of a practical application exercise during the Jungle Medicine Combat Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves. During the exercise, the corpsmen maneuvered a sked stretcher up the cliff using the hasty technique that was taught during the course. Perdue is a Columbus, Ohio, native and Rispens is a Puyallup, Washington, native. Both are corpsmen with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James/released)

Marines lift a mock casualty using a field-expedient stretcher during an endurance course April 17 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves. By this point in the course, the Marines carried the casualty close to a mile over steep hills and harsh jungle terrain, according to Maj. Tim Kao. The Marines are with various units assigned to Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Kao is the camp commander for Camp Gonsalves, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released) - Marines lift a mock casualty using a field-expedient stretcher during an endurance course April 17 at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves. By this point in the course, the Marines carried the casualty close to a mile over steep hills and harsh jungle terrain, according to Maj. Tim Kao. The Marines are with various units assigned to Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Kao is the camp commander for Camp Gonsalves, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Stephen D. Himes/Released)