Stories

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Delarosa, a utilitiesman with Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, saws plywood to build portable air conditioning unit stands during Operation Clean Sweep III at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 19, 2025. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Delarosa, a utilitiesman with Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, saws plywood to build portable air conditioning unit stands during Operation Clean Sweep III at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 19, 2025. OCS III, part of the ongoing Barracks 360 Reset initiative, demonstrates a collective commitment to improving living conditions through shared ownership, sustained accountability, and tangible improvements to the barracks. Delarosa is a native of Connecticut. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bryant Rodriguez)

Barracks improvements surge as OCS III concludes

I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations West–Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton concluded Operation Clean Sweep III on Sept. 26, 2025, after a two-week maintenance stand-down launched Sept. 15 to improve unaccompanied housing and operational readiness through self-help projects and facility refreshes.

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Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration - Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration

Marines set to showcase MAGTF power at Miramar Air Show

U.S. Marines and Sailors are preparing to demonstrate the full power of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force during the MCAS Miramar Air Show Sept. 26-28, 2025. The MAGTF Demo — one of the air show’s signature events — will bring together fighter jets, tiltrotors, attack and utility helicopters, heavy-lift aircraft, reconnaissance and infantry Marines,

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kaleb G. Butts, the 2025 Marine Corps Engineer Association Combat Engineer Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, poses for a portrait on Camp Pendleton California, Sept. 10, 2025. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kaleb G. Butts, the 2025 Marine Corps Engineer Association Combat Engineer Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, poses for a portrait on Camp Pendleton California, Sept. 10, 2025. Butts won the award for exemplifying the qualities every Marine Corps NCO should embody: dependability, dedication, and expertise in his craft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony Holstein)

Sgt. Butts Sets the Standard: 2025 Marine Corps Combat Engineer NCO of the Year

For Marines who are familiar with Sgt. Kaleb G. Butts, it is no surprise he was named the 2025 Marine Corps Engineer Association Combat Engineer Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Butts exemplifies the qualities every Marine Corps NCO should embody: dependability, dedication, and expertise in his craft as a combat engineer.

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An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 25.3, flies in a formation flight with CV-22 Ospreys assigned to 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, near Lal-lo, Philippines, during a foreign disaster relief operation, Aug. 3, 2025. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the MRF-D 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force is working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide foreign disaster relief to communities affected by consecutive storms and the southwest monsoon. The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitates rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara) - An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 25.3, flies in a formation flight with CV-22 Ospreys assigned to 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, near Lal-lo, Philippines, during a foreign disaster relief operation, Aug. 3, 2025. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the MRF-D 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force is working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide foreign disaster relief to communities affected by consecutive storms and the southwest monsoon. The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitates rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

MRF-D’s rapid response: From training to disaster relief and back again

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — At the close of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, the Indo-Pacific’s largest combined military exercise with over 40,000 service members, U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) began the mass retrograde from training areas across northern Australia. Aircraft, vehicles, and personnel returned to Darwin for recovery and consolidation — a familiar rhythm for the end of a months-long exercise.

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U.S. Marines and Navy Hospital Corpsmen with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, remove simulated casualties from a 7-ton truck while conducting a mass casualty drill during Talisman Sabre 25, in the Northern Territory, Australia, July 21, 2025. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey) - U.S. Marines and Navy Hospital Corpsmen with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, remove simulated casualties from a 7-ton truck while conducting a mass casualty drill during Talisman Sabre 25, in the Northern Territory, Australia, July 21, 2025. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Stippey)

A medical marvel: supporting the MRF-D MAGTF from Australia to the First Island Chain

When Marines and Sailors deploy to the Indo-Pacific as part of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), the mission isn’t just about combat readiness, deterrence, and multinational training. Sustaining that force — keeping more than 2,000 warfighters healthy, safe, and in the fight — depends on a medical capability that can operate anywhere, under any conditions, and alongside any partner. In 2025, MRF-D’s medical team is not only meeting that demand, but they are defining what forward-deployed Health Service Support (HSS) can achieve.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Treyton Cronk, a satellite transmissions systems operator with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, establishes services for an expeditionary network by using a ViaSat Multi-Mission Terminal during a sustainment exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 14, 2025. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Treyton Cronk, a satellite transmissions systems operator with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, establishes services for an expeditionary network by using a ViaSat Multi-Mission Terminal during a sustainment exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 14, 2025. 9th Communication Battalion is responsible for both establishing secure communication networks and defending them against cyber-attacks in support of I MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kristin Long)

Beyond the Strategic Corporal: 9th Communication Battalion extends Gen Krulak’s vision to information domain

The gentle ripple of hushed conversation and rustling papers in the expeditionary command operation center completely subsided in response to the watch chief’s baritone voice. Heads snapped from computer monitors to the sound of his voice, and pens scrawled shorthand notes, recording his description of enemy signal interference.

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3rd MAW Marines compete in rugby championship - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kendall Curtis, an aircraft ordnance technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, advances the ball during the 2025 Armed Forces Championship in Chula Vista, San Diego, Sept. 6, 2025. The Marine Corps Sports Program enables exceptional Marine athletes to compete in the AFC to promote goodwill through competitive sports across the service branches. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Nan Yang)

From the flight line to the try line

3rd MAW Marines compete in rugby championship in Chula Vista, Calif., Sept. 8, 2025.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, left, and Lance Cpl. Elijah Merino, a grenadier with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, repair a wall locker during Operation Clean Sweep III at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2025. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, left, and Lance Cpl. Elijah Merino, a grenadier with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, repair a wall locker during Operation Clean Sweep III at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2025. OCS III, part of the ongoing Barracks 360 Reset initiative, demonstrates a collective commitment to improving living conditions through shared ownership, sustained accountability, and tangible improvements to the barracks. Wortman is a native of Pennsylvania and Merino is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bryant Rodriguez)

Driving Momentum Forward: I MEF and MCIWEST execute OCS III to enhance Marines’ quality of life

I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations West–Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton launched Operation Clean Sweep III today, driving barracks improvements from across the Western region in the latest push to improve living spaces and boost readiness. The two-week surge mobilizes Marines, Sailors, and installation teams to complete critical self-help projects, upgrade common areas, and strengthen operational readiness.

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U.S. Marines, members of the San Diego Padres organization, and volunteers pose for a photo after assembling care packages to be shipped to Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, MAG-11, 3rd MAW at Petco Park, San Diego, Sept. 15, 2025. - U.S. Marines, members of the San Diego Padres organization, and volunteers pose for a photo after assembling care packages to be shipped to Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, MAG-11, 3rd MAW at Petco Park, San Diego, Sept. 15, 2025. VMFA-232 is currently attached to MAG-12, 1st MAW, as part of the unit deployment program, enhancing squadron readiness and providing flexible fighter attack capabilities to support U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The San Diego Padres demonstrate their commitment to U.S. service members and their families with over 30 years of support through donations, Military Sundays, and community programs via the Padres Foundation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

From Petco Park to the Pacific: San Diego Padres prepare care packages for VMFA-232

The San Diego Padres knocked it out of the park sending a morale boost across the Pacific by partnering with U.S. Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and local volunteers in building and sending care packages to deployed Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, MAG-11, 3rd MAW.

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U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Austin Washington, an aviation boatswain mate handler, directs an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, for landing aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 29, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara) - U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Austin Washington, an aviation boatswain mate handler, directs an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, for landing aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 29, 2025. For the first time in the rotation’s history, the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force's Aviation and Ground Combat Elements embarked aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to extend operational reach and provide flexible, combat-credible options across the Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is an annual six-month rotational deployment to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and allies and partners and provide a forward postured crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angelina Sara)

MRF-D surges forward as the stand-in MAGTF

U.S. Marines with the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 25.3 closed out the summer by operating alongside key allies and partners during Exercise Super Garuda Shield 25 in Indonesia and embarking combat-credible forces aboard the U.S. Navy’s expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) for the first time in the rotation’s history. These operations positioned distributed crisis response and combat credible forces across the First and Second Island Chains and demonstrated to combined and joint forces their ability to operate as a true stand-in force in the region.

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