Stories

From Left; U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, Royal Australian Air Force Wing Cmdr. Lauren Guest, the senior Australian Defence Force officer of RAAF Base Darwin, Royal Australian Navy Capt. Mitchell Livingstone, the commanding officer of Headquarters Northern Command, and Australian Army Brigadier Douglas Pashley, the commander of 1st Brigade, stand at attention during the 82nd Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative service at the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin, NT, Australia, May 4, 2024. MRF-D 24.3 Marines paid their respects alongside their Australian Allies during the ceremony. The ceremony commemorated U.S. and Australian service members who lost their lives in the Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place from May 4-8, 1942, during WWII. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Manuel Rivera) - From Left; U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, Royal Australian Air Force Wing Cmdr. Lauren Guest, the senior Australian Defence Force officer of RAAF Base Darwin, Royal Australian Navy Capt. Mitchell Livingstone, the commanding officer of Headquarters Northern Command, and Australian Army Brigadier Douglas Pashley, the commander of 1st Brigade, stand at attention during the 82nd Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative service at the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin, NT, Australia, May 4, 2024. MRF-D 24.3 Marines paid their respects alongside their Australian Allies during the ceremony. The ceremony commemorated U.S. and Australian service members who lost their lives in the Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place from May 4-8, 1942, during WWII. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Manuel Rivera)

A Philippine Marine with 4th Marine Brigade conducts a humanitarian aid and disaster relief demonstration during KAMANDAG 8 at Camp Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Philippines, Oct. 20, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter) - A Philippine Marine with 4th Marine Brigade conducts a humanitarian aid and disaster relief demonstration during KAMANDAG 8 at Camp Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Philippines, Oct. 20, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter)

U.S. Marines assigned to Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Philippine Marines and special operations forces coast guardsmen, and Republic of Korea special reconnaissance Marines ride combat rubber raiding craft in formation during training as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Marine Base Gregorio Lim, Ternate, Philippines, Oct. 20, 2024. - U.S. Marines assigned to Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Philippine Marines and special operations forces coast guardsmen, and Republic of Korea special reconnaissance Marines ride combat rubber raiding craft in formation during training as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Marine Base Gregorio Lim, Ternate, Philippines, Oct. 20, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Helms)

A Philippine Marine assigned to Force Reconnaissance Group prepares to enter a concealed fighting position during a live-fire coastal defense as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Apurawan Beach, Palawan Province, Philippines, Oct. 22, 2024. - A Philippine Marine assigned to Force Reconnaissance Group prepares to enter a concealed fighting position during a live-fire coastal defense as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Apurawan Beach, Palawan Province, Philippines, Oct. 22, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Luis Agostini)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Will Thomas, a joint terminal attack controller with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, conducts a flight rehearsal for a humanitarian and disaster relief training event during KAMANDAG 8 at Camp Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Philippines, Oct. 19, 2024. - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Will Thomas, a joint terminal attack controller with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, conducts a flight rehearsal for a humanitarian and disaster relief training event during KAMANDAG 8 at Camp Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Philippines, Oct. 19, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. MRF-SEA is a rotational unit derived from elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allied and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF presence west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter)

Capt. James Kang, right, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives a patch from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force chief petty officer with the Air Antisubmarine Warfare Helicopter Squadron 22, embarked onboard the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. - Capt. James Kang, right, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives a patch from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force chief petty officer with the Air Antisubmarine Warfare Helicopter Squadron 22, embarked onboard the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. The squadron is providing search and rescue support during ongoing sea trials. The CH-53E aircrew transported a Mobile Cleaning Recovery Recycle System, a specialized cleaning system for restoring friction on flight deck non-skid surfaces, to the JS Kaga in support of F-35B Lightning II developmental testing.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David Doyle, a preventative medical technician with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, and members of the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection, carry a simulated casualty while conducting a humanitarian aid and disaster relief demonstration during KAMANDAG 8 at Camp Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Philippines, Oct. 20, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. MRF-SEA is a rotational unit derived from elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allied and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF presence west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter) - U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David Doyle, a preventative medical technician with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, and members of the Philippine Bureau of Fire Protection, carry a simulated casualty while conducting a humanitarian aid and disaster relief demonstration during KAMANDAG 8 at Camp Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Philippines, Oct. 20, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. MRF-SEA is a rotational unit derived from elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allied and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF presence west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter)

U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Philippine Marines assigned to Intelligence Company, 3rd Marine Brigade, pose for a photo during a counter-unmanned aircraft system subject matter expert exchange as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Tarumpitao Point, Palawan Province, Philippines, Oct. 18, 2024. - U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Philippine Marines assigned to Intelligence Company, 3rd Marine Brigade, pose for a photo during a counter-unmanned aircraft system subject matter expert exchange as part of exercise KAMANDAG 8 at Tarumpitao Point, Palawan Province, Philippines, Oct. 18, 2024. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense and humanitarian capabilities by providing valuable training in combined operations with foreign militaries in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the eighth iteration of this exercise and includes participants from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Marine Corps; including continued participation from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Amelia Kang)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 28, 2024) A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 28, 2024. - PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 28, 2024) A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 28, 2024. Elements of the 15th MEU are embarked aboard Miguel Keith conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. ESB-class ships, like Miguel Keith, enable sea-based expeditionary forces, such as the 15th MEU, to maintain forward presence with the capability to quickly deploy forces, supplies and warfighting capabilities. 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Staci Morris)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen James Wellons, left, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) awards Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bevan, right, airframes mechanic, MALS-13, 3rd MAW at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 9, 2024. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen James Wellons, left, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) awards Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bevan, right, airframes mechanic, MALS-13, 3rd MAW at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 9, 2024. Bevan received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) for designing a 3D printable maintenance tool that will be used to help maintain aircrafts for years to come. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elizabeth Gallagher)