Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jaye Townsend, left, a combat videographer with 1st Marine Division, and Sgt. Jack Townsend, a squad leader with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, pose for a photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 23, 2024. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jaye Townsend, left, a combat videographer with 1st Marine Division, and Sgt. Jack Townsend, a squad leader with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, pose for a photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 23, 2024. Jaye and Jack are twins who joined the Marine Corps weeks apart and are both stationed on the West Coast. The Townsends are natives of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Willow Marshall)

Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, Koku-Jieitai Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Chief of Staff and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, the Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and the Deputy Theater Air Component Commander to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visit Palau National Airport, Airai, Palau, June 14, 2024. The United States and Japan alliance remains postured and ready to ensure the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele) - Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, Koku-Jieitai Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Chief of Staff and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, the Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and the Deputy Theater Air Component Commander to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visit Palau National Airport, Airai, Palau, June 14, 2024. The United States and Japan alliance remains postured and ready to ensure the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele)

Sgt. Colby Pedersen, an air traffic controller with the Marine Air Control Squadron 1 Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team (MMT), Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, controls an F-22 Raptor with the U.S. Air Force 27th Fighter Squadron, as it conducts a low approach onto Runway 09 at Palau International Airport, Arai, Palau, June 12, 2024. Marines with the MMT provided Federal Aviation Administration certified tower and ground control to Palau International Airport in support of exercise Valiant Shield 24, June 7-18, 2024, providing air traffic control services to 214 military and civilian aircraft. - Sgt. Colby Pedersen, an air traffic controller with the Marine Air Control Squadron 1 Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team (MMT), Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, controls an F-22 Raptor with the U.S. Air Force 27th Fighter Squadron, as it conducts a low approach onto Runway 09 at Palau International Airport, Arai, Palau, June 12, 2024. Marines with the MMT provided Federal Aviation Administration certified tower and ground control to Palau International Airport in support of exercise Valiant Shield 24, June 7-18, 2024, providing air traffic control services to 214 military and civilian aircraft.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Mulvey, left, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, presents a challenge coin to Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Palau’s paramount high chief, and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran during exercise Valiant Shield 24 at Koror, Palau, June 17, 2024. Marine Corps leaders participating in Valiant Shield 24 met with Ngirmang on the final day of the exercise to express gratitude for Palau’s support and hospitality. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Mulvey, left, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, presents a challenge coin to Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Palau’s paramount high chief, and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran during exercise Valiant Shield 24 at Koror, Palau, June 17, 2024. Marine Corps leaders participating in Valiant Shield 24 met with Ngirmang on the final day of the exercise to express gratitude for Palau’s support and hospitality. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele)

U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicles attached to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct an amphibious landing after waterborne operations at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2024. Harpers Ferry 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 Lance Cpl. Peyton Kahle) - U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicles attached to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct an amphibious landing after waterborne operations at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2024. Harpers Ferry 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 Lance Cpl. Peyton Kahle)

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), and Philippine Marines pose for a photo during the littoral live-fire exercise for Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 at San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The LLFX showcased the integrated command and control capabilities of the U.S. and Philippine armed forces in a territorial defense scenario featuring a coordinated bilateral surface and maritime strike. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo) - U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), and Philippine Marines pose for a photo during the littoral live-fire exercise for Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 at San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The LLFX showcased the integrated command and control capabilities of the U.S. and Philippine armed forces in a territorial defense scenario featuring a coordinated bilateral surface and maritime strike. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Sailors run a fuel line after refueling a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, during forward arming and refueling point operations at Laoag International Airport, Laoag, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The FARP supported aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, and 1st Special Operations Squadron during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft) - U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Sailors run a fuel line after refueling a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, during forward arming and refueling point operations at Laoag International Airport, Laoag, Philippines, June 15, 2024. The FARP supported aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW, and 1st Special Operations Squadron during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with 1st Marine Air Wing, lands on a newly designated airstrip on the island of Peleliu, Republic of Palau, June 22, 2024. For the first time since its recertification in June, a military fixed-wing aircraft has touched down on the historic Peleliu airstrip, marking a significant and triumphant return to this iconic World War II site. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hollerud) - A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with 1st Marine Air Wing, lands on a newly designated airstrip on the island of Peleliu, Republic of Palau, June 22, 2024. For the first time since its recertification in June, a military fixed-wing aircraft has touched down on the historic Peleliu airstrip, marking a significant and triumphant return to this iconic World War II site. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hollerud)

U.S. Marine Corps 1stLt Francisderick Corpuz, center, an air intelligence officer with Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines, June 18, 2024. Corpuz’s background as a Filipino native enabled him to deploy as a cultural liaison during MASA 24, bridging communication gaps and providing mutual cooperation between U.S. Marine Corps and Philippine Marines. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez) - U.S. Marine Corps 1stLt Francisderick Corpuz, center, an air intelligence officer with Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo during Marine Aviation Support Activity 24 at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines, June 18, 2024. Corpuz’s background as a Filipino native enabled him to deploy as a cultural liaison during MASA 24, bridging communication gaps and providing mutual cooperation between U.S. Marine Corps and Philippine Marines. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Sanchez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Folly Amouzougan, an automotive maintenance technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assists a child out of a U.S. Marine Corps wrecker vehicle during a military equipment exposition as part of exercise Valiant Shield 24 at Palau International Airport, Airai, Palau, June 13, 2024. U.S. joint forcesconducting exercise Valiant Shield 24 held a military equipment exposition to offer insight into military operations and build relationships with the Palauan community. I Marine Expeditionary Force conducts exercises like Valiant Shield to enhance interoperability with allied and partner forces and expand theoperational capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hollerud) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Folly Amouzougan, an automotive maintenance technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assists a child out of a U.S. Marine Corps wrecker vehicle during a military equipment exposition as part of exercise Valiant Shield 24 at Palau International Airport, Airai, Palau, June 13, 2024. U.S. joint forces conducting exercise Valiant Shield 24 held a military equipment exposition to offer insight into military operations and build relationships with the Palauan community. I Marine Expeditionary Force conducts exercises like Valiant Shield to enhance interoperability with allied and partner forces and expand the operational capability of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hollerud)