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Marines

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U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, set up concertina wire in preparation for Balikatan 23 at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, April 6, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, set up concertina wire in preparation for Balikatan 23 at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, April 6, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division demonstrate the capabilities of a Skydio X2 small unmanned aircraft system to Philippine Marines from Battalion Landing Team 10 during Balikatan 23 at Naval Base Camilo Osias, Philippines, April 11, 2023. Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division demonstrate the capabilities of a Skydio X2 small unmanned aircraft system to Philippine Marines from Battalion Landing Team 10 during Balikatan 23 at Naval Base Camilo Osias, Philippines, April 11, 2023. Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule.

Photo by Sgt. Patrick King

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Nathaniel Jackson, a mortarman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, demonstrates the setup of an M252 81mm mortar system during bilateral weapons familiarization alongside members of the Philippine Marine Corps during Balikatan 23 in Santa Juliana, Philippines, April 10, 2023. Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Nathaniel Jackson, a mortarman with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, demonstrates the setup of an M252 81mm mortar system during bilateral weapons familiarization alongside members of the Philippine Marine Corps during Balikatan 23 in Santa Juliana, Philippines, April 10, 2023. Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise includes three weeks of training focused on amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations and counterterrorism skills throughout northern and western Luzon. Coastal defense training figures prominently in the Balikatan 23 training schedule.

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, right, commanding general of 3d Marine Division, prepares to pass the sword of office to U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Ben Hodges, center, oncoming Command Master Chief Petty Officer of 3d Marine Division, at a combined relief and appointment and change of charge ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, April 12, 2023. The ceremony commemorates the transfer of responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Michael Martinet to Sgt. Maj. Robert Schieler, and from U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Donald Leppert to Hodges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, right, commanding general of 3d Marine Division, prepares to pass the sword of office to U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Ben Hodges, center, oncoming Command Master Chief Petty Officer of 3d Marine Division, at a combined relief and appointment and change of charge ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, April 12, 2023. The ceremony commemorates the transfer of responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Michael Martinet to Sgt. Maj. Robert Schieler, and from U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Donald Leppert to Hodges. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diana Jimenez

Depot, Parris Island, SC, in December 2002 and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class before transferring to Marine Combat Training in Jacksonville, NC. Upon Graduation he was then assigned to Pensacola, FL, for Aviation Maintenance School obtaining the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 6153, Airframes Mechanic on CH-53E Helicopters. In September 2003, Private First Class Minter was assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH)-464 and promoted to Lance Corporal.

Depot, Parris Island, SC, in December 2002 and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class before transferring to Marine Combat Training in Jacksonville, NC. Upon Graduation he was then assigned to Pensacola, FL, for Aviation Maintenance School obtaining the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 6153, Airframes Mechanic on CH-53E Helicopters. In September 2003, Private First Class Minter was assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH)-464 and promoted to Lance Corporal.

Photo by Curtesy Photo

Sergeant Major Minter enlisted in the Marine Corps on 18 September 2002. He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, in December 2002 and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class before transferring to Marine Combat Training in Jacksonville, NC. Upon Graduation he was then assigned to Pensacola, FL, for Aviation Maintenance School obtaining the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 6153, Airframes Mechanic on CH-53E Helicopters. In September 2003, Private First Class Minter was assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH)-464 and promoted to Lance Corporal.

Sergeant Major Minter enlisted in the Marine Corps on 18 September 2002. He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, in December 2002 and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class before transferring to Marine Combat Training in Jacksonville, NC. Upon Graduation he was then assigned to Pensacola, FL, for Aviation Maintenance School obtaining the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 6153, Airframes Mechanic on CH-53E Helicopters. In September 2003, Private First Class Minter was assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH)-464 and promoted to Lance Corporal.

Photo by Curtesy Photo

Command Master Chief Ben
Hodges, a native of Nebraska, enlisted
in the U.S. Navy in August 1999. Following basic training, he completed
Hospital Corpsmen School and Field
Medical Service School. His academic
achievements include Marine Corps
Corporal’s Course, Sergeant’s Course,
Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class
165 Blue, and Command Master Chief
(CMC)/Chief of the Boat (COB) Capstone course.

Command Master Chief Ben Hodges, a native of Nebraska, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1999. Following basic training, he completed Hospital Corpsmen School and Field Medical Service School. His academic achievements include Marine Corps Corporal’s Course, Sergeant’s Course, Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 165 Blue, and Command Master Chief (CMC)/Chief of the Boat (COB) Capstone course.

Photo by Curtesy Photo

Sergeant Major Robert W. Schieler enlisted in the Marine
Corps in April 1998 and completed recruit training at
MCRD Parris Island, SC. He was a student at the Infantry
Training Battalion, School of Infantry, Camp Geiger,
NC from July to August 1998, and assigned the Military
Occupational Specialty of 0311 He attended Marine Corps
Security Force Training Company, Chesapeake, VA from
September to October 1998.

Sergeant Major Robert W. Schieler enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1998 and completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, SC. He was a student at the Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, NC from July to August 1998, and assigned the Military Occupational Specialty of 0311 He attended Marine Corps Security Force Training Company, Chesapeake, VA from September to October 1998.

Photo by Curtesy Photo

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Larry Irsik, left, a manpower officer and deputy G-1 for 3d Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Crystal Thornock, career planner for 3d Marine Division, pose for a photo before their island-long trek at Cape Kyan, Okinawa, Japan, March 30, 2023. Irsik and Thornock ran from the southernmost to northernmost tips of the island of Okinawa, running 84 miles over a course of 23 hours. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Larry Irsik, left, a manpower officer and deputy G-1 for 3d Marine Division, and Master Sgt. Crystal Thornock, career planner for 3d Marine Division, pose for a photo before their island-long trek at Cape Kyan, Okinawa, Japan, March 30, 2023. Irsik and Thornock ran from the southernmost to northernmost tips of the island of Okinawa, running 84 miles over a course of 23 hours. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines were enjoying recreational skiing and snowboarding before providing first aide to an injured Japanese teen in Nagano, Japan Feb. 11, 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines were enjoying recreational skiing and snowboarding before providing first aide to an injured Japanese teen in Nagano, Japan Feb. 11, 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

Photo by Curtesy Photo

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct call-for-fire missions during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR-TE) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 5, 2023. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3d MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3d Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct call-for-fire missions during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR-TE) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 5, 2023. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3d MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3d Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)

Photo by Sgt. Patrick King

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and a Republic of Korea Marine with 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division participate in a combined patrol during Korean Marine Exercise Program 23.3 at Rodriguez Live-fire Complex, Republic of Korea, March 28, 2023. KMEP is a series of continuous-combined training exercises designed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthen combined military capabilities and interoperability. 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mario A. Ramirez)

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and a Republic of Korea Marine with 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division participate in a combined patrol during Korean Marine Exercise Program 23.3 at Rodriguez Live-fire Complex, Republic of Korea, March 28, 2023. KMEP is a series of continuous-combined training exercises designed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthen combined military capabilities and interoperability. 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mario A. Ramirez)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mario Ramirez

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division board a combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) during helocast training at Kin Blue, Okinawa, April 6, 2023. Helocasting is an airborne, low signature technique used by small unit, special operations forces to insert into a military area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty)

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division board a combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) during helocast training at Kin Blue, Okinawa, April 6, 2023. Helocasting is an airborne, low signature technique used by small unit, special operations forces to insert into a military area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl Evelyn Doherty

A U.S. Marine with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, rappels into a cave during the culminating event of a rope rescue technician certification course at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, March 23, 2023. The course, taught by U.S. Air Force firefighters, prepares Marines to respond to disaster situations and builds interoperability between joint forces for crisis response operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty)

A U.S. Marine with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, rappels into a cave during the culminating event of a rope rescue technician certification course at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, March 23, 2023. The course, taught by U.S. Air Force firefighters, prepares Marines to respond to disaster situations and builds interoperability between joint forces for crisis response operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Evelyn Doherty)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl Evelyn Doherty

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines conduct a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, April 4, 2023. The ceremony commemorates the transfer of responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Glenn Ray to Sgt. Maj. Joshua Minter. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Lorenzo Ducato)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines conduct a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, April 4, 2023. The ceremony commemorates the transfer of responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Glenn Ray to Sgt. Maj. Joshua Minter. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Lorenzo Ducato)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lorenzo Ducato

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, participate in an opening ceremony marking the beginning of training for Korean Marine Exercise Program 23.3 at Rodriguez Live-fire Complex, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. KMEP is a series of continuous-combined training exercises designed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthen combined military capabilities and interoperability. 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mario A. Ramirez)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, participate in an opening ceremony marking the beginning of training for Korean Marine Exercise Program 23.3 at Rodriguez Live-fire Complex, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. KMEP is a series of continuous-combined training exercises designed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthen combined military capabilities and interoperability. 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mario A. Ramirez)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mario Ramirez

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines provides security during Jungle Warfare Exercise 23 in the Central Training Area in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 15, 2023. JWX 23 is a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Noah Masog)

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines provides security during Jungle Warfare Exercise 23 in the Central Training Area in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 15, 2023. JWX 23 is a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Noah Masog)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Noah Masog

U.S. Marines Corps Sergeants Tyler Rallo (left) and Ryan Cartwright (right), with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, smile with Reichi Sekiguchi during a dinner at a local restaurant in Kyoto, Japan Feb. 25, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps Sergeants Ryan Cartwright, Tyler Rallo, and Scott Dike provided first aide to Reichi Sekiguchi, a Japanese teen, immediately after he suffered a serious head injury during a snowboarding accident in Nagano Feb. 11. Cartwright is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Rallo is a native of Galloway, New Jersey. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S. Marines Corps Sergeants Tyler Rallo (left) and Ryan Cartwright (right), with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, smile with Reichi Sekiguchi during a dinner at a local restaurant in Kyoto, Japan Feb. 25, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps Sergeants Ryan Cartwright, Tyler Rallo, and Scott Dike provided first aide to Reichi Sekiguchi, a Japanese teen, immediately after he suffered a serious head injury during a snowboarding accident in Nagano Feb. 11. Cartwright is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Rallo is a native of Galloway, New Jersey. (Courtesy Photo)

Photo by Curtesy Photo

Jamin Davis, a linebacker for the Washington Commanders, runs with U.S. Marines from 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 10, 2023. Davis’ visit with the Marines included a physical training session and a tour of the regiment's facilities. Davis said the experience deepened his appreciation of our country's service members. “Marines go through so much on a daily basis. It just makes you respect them that much more. Every chance I get I’m going to step up and say, ‘thank you.’” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade)

Jamin Davis, a linebacker for the Washington Commanders, runs with U.S. Marines from 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 10, 2023. Davis’ visit with the Marines included a physical training session and a tour of the regiment's facilities. Davis said the experience deepened his appreciation of our country's service members. “Marines go through so much on a daily basis. It just makes you respect them that much more. Every chance I get I’m going to step up and say, ‘thank you.’” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade)

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Andrade

U.S. Marines assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, and U.S. Airmen with the 353rd Special Operations Wing load an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System onto a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan for a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration in support of exercise Freedom Shield in the Republic of Korea, March 19, 2023. Freedom Shield 23 is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Abrey D. Liggins)

U.S. Marines assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, and U.S. Airmen with the 353rd Special Operations Wing load an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System onto a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan for a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration in support of exercise Freedom Shield in the Republic of Korea, March 19, 2023. Freedom Shield 23 is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Abrey D. Liggins)

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Abrey Liggins

3rd Marine Division