Stories

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, take off for the first flight of the MRF-D 24.3 rotation at Port Darwin, Darwin, NT, Australia, May 11, 2024. The Ospreys were flown from Port Darwin to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, where they will be hosted for the duration of the rotation. VMM-268 (Rein.) makes up the Aviation Combat Element, out of Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, completing the structure of the MAGTF with the arrival of 10 MV-22B Ospreys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Colton Martin) - U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, take off for the first flight of the MRF-D 24.3 rotation at Port Darwin, Darwin, NT, Australia, May 11, 2024. The Ospreys were flown from Port Darwin to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, where they will be hosted for the duration of the rotation. VMM-268 (Rein.) makes up the Aviation Combat Element, out of Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, completing the structure of the MAGTF with the arrival of 10 MV-22B Ospreys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Colton Martin)

MV-22B Ospreys touch down in the top end for MRF-D 24.3

The rumble of U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys echoed across Port Darwin and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin as Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced) (VMM-268 (Rein.)) arrived as the Aviation Combat Element of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 (MRF-D) Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), finalizing the formation of the 13th rotation of MRF-D on May 11, 2024.

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A U.S. Marine Corps amphibious combat vehicle attached to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, splashes off the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during Exercise Balikatan 24 in Naval Detachment Oyster Bay, Palawan, Philippines, May 4, 2024. - A U.S. Marine Corps amphibious combat vehicle attached to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, splashes off the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during Exercise Balikatan 24 in Naval Detachment Oyster Bay, Palawan, Philippines, May 4, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Peyton Kahle)

Amphibious Combat Vehicles Mark Operational Debut in Pacific During Balikatan 24

OYSTER BAY, Philippines – The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Amphibious Combat Vehicles Platoon conducted a live-fire, waterborne gunnery range exercise in Oyster Bay, Philippines, May 4, 2024, marking the first overseas employment of the ACVs during their initial deployment. The ACV platoon launched from aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) before organizing into assault sections to close with and engage multiple shore-based targets, using their Remote Weapons Systems to control externally-mounted Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine guns. Section leaders within the ACV Platoon, which is part of Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, used the opportunity to coordinate and control the simultaneous fires of all of their section’s weapons while afloat to maximize the effect against the targets ashore. The ACV provides unique capabilities to the amphibious force, increasing command and control capability, mobility ashore, and a stabilized weapon system to support maneuver. “The hard work and dedication of our Marines is what made today’s training successful,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th MEU. “Today’s training is a proof of concept across the Marine Corps for successful ACV employment in its intended environment.” The ACVs fired 40 mm training rounds that mark targets with orange chalk upon impact, instead of using high explosives in Oyster Bay. Upon completion of the gunnery exercise, the ACV platoon and all ACVs reembarked aboard Harpers Ferry. This waterborne gunnery range took place while the 15th MEU continues to participate in other bilateral training events during Exercise Balikatan 24, which incorporates several combined joint all-domain operation events that increase U.S.-Philippine bilateral interoperability and lethality across land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace domains. The exercise is a tangible demonstration of U.S. and Philippine cooperation to strengthen the Alliance in an increasingly complex Indo-Pacific security environment. The ACV Platoon, along with Alpha Co. and other elements from across the 15th MEU, deployed from Southern California March 19 aboard Harpers Ferry. During this first deployment, 15th MEU will continue to provide insights for ACV employment, embarkation, maintenance requirements, logistics trains, and integration with our allies and partners. These insights are vital for the service to ensure we continue to provide our Marines with the most operationally ready and capable platforms. The 15th MEU is under the command and control of Combined Task Force 76/3, employed by U.S. 7th Fleet to operate with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. Please direct all Balikatan 2024 related questions to Capt. Josephine Rios at Josephine.rios.1@us.af.mil.

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U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, fire Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missiles as part of a counter landing live-fire exercise during Balikatan 24 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, May 6, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh) - U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, fire Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missiles as part of a counter landing live-fire exercise during Balikatan 24 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, May 6, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Huynh)

Philippine, US forces conduct counter-landing exercise

Combined forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. military rehearsed defending the coastline today during a Balikatan counter-landing live-fire exercise.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone Barrion, a force engineer with I Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photograph at the conclusion of a groundbreaking ceremony at Alannay Elementary School prior to the commencement of Exercise Balikatan 24 in Cagayan, Philippines, March 26, 2024. - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone Barrion, a force engineer with I Marine Expeditionary Force, poses for a photograph at the conclusion of a groundbreaking ceremony at Alannay Elementary School prior to the commencement of Exercise Balikatan 24 in Cagayan, Philippines, March 26, 2024. BK 24 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. Barrion is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Trent A. Henry)

Steel Connections: Filipino-American Marine Champions Classroom Construction

As he surveyed the crowd in front of him, United States Marine Corps LtCol. Tyrone Barrion revealed a personal insight during a groundbreaking ceremony in Lasam, Cagayan, Philippines on March 26, 2024: “I am a direct product of the Philippine-American alliance,” he stated. “I’m very proud to be Filipino-American.”

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U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 offload from a C-40A assigned to Marine Transport Squadron 1, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, in preparation for a humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, April 30, 2024. - U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 offload from a C-40A assigned to Marine Transport Squadron 1, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, in preparation for a humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, April 30, 2024. The HADR exercise will be conducted in coordination with the Papua New Guinea Defense Force and U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, with a focus on projecting select Role II medical, logistics, and Marine Air-Ground Task Force command and control capabilities off-continent, to validate HADR training and readiness. MRF-D 24.3 remains committed to maintaining readiness and fostering partnerships to ensure a swift and effective response to humanitarian crises wherever and whenever they may occur. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan Torres)

MRF-D 24.3 U.S. Marines, Sailors arrive in C-40A to Papua New Guinea for HADR exercise

In a demonstration of readiness and commitment to regional partnerships, U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 (MRF-D 24.3), reinforced by Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1), Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW), arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, April 30.

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U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Philip Anacta, the camp chief of Joint Task Force Headquarters for Exercise Balikatan 24, poses for a photo during an interview in Taguig, Philippines, April 25, 2024. - U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Philip Anacta, the camp chief of Joint Task Force Headquarters for Exercise Balikatan 24, poses for a photo during an interview in Taguig, Philippines, April 25, 2024. Anacta was interviewed to share his story of growing up in the Philippines and being able to return for the exercise for the 5th time. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Anacta is a native of Taguig, Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Cameron Hermanet)

Service, Sacrifice and Self-discovery

As he ran through the crowded markets and vibrant tapestry-lined streets of Taguig, Philippines, avoiding adolescent responsibilities, Philip Anacta never imagined himself joining the military, much less the United States Marine Corps.

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U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare CH-53E Super Stallions attached to VMM-165 (Rein.), 15th MEU, for flight operations aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the South China Sea April 11, 2024. Somerset and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aidan Hekker) - U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare CH-53E Super Stallions attached to VMM-165 (Rein.), 15th MEU, for flight operations aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the South China Sea April 11, 2024. Somerset and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aidan Hekker)

15th MEU Marines arrive for Balikatan embarked on USS Somerset, USS Harpers Ferry

Marines and Sailors assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked on the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), consolidated in the province of Palawan to participate in Exercise Balikatan 2024 on April 22.

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Philippine and U.S. government and military representatives conduct the “crossing of hands” during the opening ceremony to commence Balikatan 24 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 22, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences (U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Erica Stanke) - Philippine and U.S. government and military representatives conduct the “crossing of hands” during the opening ceremony to commence Balikatan 24 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 22, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences (U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Erica Stanke)

Exercise Balikatan 2024 kicks off with opening ceremony highlighting ironclad alliance

Exercise Balikatan 2024, the largest annual bilateral exercise conducted between the Philippines and the U.S., commenced with an opening ceremony at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters today.

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Philippine and U.S. service members pose for a photograph with barangay captains, religious leaders, San Fernando officials, La Union residents, San Agustin Elementary School faculty and staff, and students during a ‘Bundles of Joy’ event held before Exercise Balikatan 24 at San Agustin Elementary School in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines, April 13, 2024. The ‘Bundle of Joy’ delivery consisted of televisions, laptops, printers, and school supplies to improve the learning environment for students, staff, and San Agustin Elementary School faculty. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Trent A. Henry) - Philippine and U.S. service members pose for a photograph with barangay captains, religious leaders, San Fernando officials, La Union residents, San Agustin Elementary School faculty and staff, and students during a ‘Bundles of Joy’ event held before Exercise Balikatan 24 at San Agustin Elementary School in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines, April 13, 2024. The ‘Bundle of Joy’ delivery consisted of televisions, laptops, printers, and school supplies to improve the learning environment for students, staff, and San Agustin Elementary School faculty. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Trent A. Henry)

Tech for Teachers: AFP, U.S. Chaplains’ Initiative for La Union Elementary Education

In a showcase to strengthen local grade school learning, Philippine and U.S. Chaplains with the Combined Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force led an interfaith prayer service at San Agustin Elementary School on April 12, 2024, to deliver a "bundle of joy" to students, faculty, and staff as part of a pre-Balikatan 24 Exercise activity.

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj Brian Kimmins prepares to launch an F-35B from HMS Queen Elizabeth for a historic cross-deck operation with USS America in the Pacific Ocean on August 20, 2021. The operation highlighted the interoperability of the F-35B and the strategic importance of the joint integration between the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit. This mission was the first time in modern history the United States has cross-decked aircraft for a mission utilizing a foreign aircraft carrier, demonstrating naval partnerships in action. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj Brian Kimmins prepares to launch an F-35B from HMS Queen Elizabeth for a historic cross-deck operation with USS America in the Pacific Ocean on August 20, 2021. The operation highlighted the interoperability of the F-35B and the strategic importance of the joint integration between the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit. This mission was the first time in modern history the United States has cross-decked aircraft for a mission utilizing a foreign aircraft carrier, demonstrating naval partnerships in action.

Marine Major Innovates, Develops Mission-Critical F-35B Course

On March 13, 2003, a flight of three AV-8B Harriers launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) on a night combat sortie. Sometime after launch, the Operation Southern Watch mission was scrubbed due to a sandstorm that swept across Kuwait and over the Northern Arabian Gulf headed toward the ship. The Harriers were dangerously low on fuel and had failed attempts to break out of the weather to find the ship.

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