Photos

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert Bunn, deputy commanding officer of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force for Exercise Balikatan 2026, Brig. Gen. Omar Randall, commanding general of the MAGTF for Exercise Balikatan 2026, Navy Command Master Chief Casey Wheeler, senior enlisted leader of the MAGTF for Exercise Balikatan 2026, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Rene Camarillo, senior enlisted leader of the MAGTF for Exercise Balikatan 2026 command element, pose for a photo with Marines and Sailors with the command element for the MAGTF for Exercise Balikatan 2026 on Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, May 7, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo by 1st Lt. Chase Colin)

Photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy

U.S. Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, supervise their units as they clear the flightline during an airfield seizure as a part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Balabac Island, Philippines, May 3, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Bryant Rodriguez)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Bryant Rodriguez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bryan Avalos, a section chief with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands post aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) while transiting the Surigao Strait, May 2, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Avery Wayland)

Photo by Cpl. Avery Wayland

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Noah Olmeda, left, a low altitude aerial defense gunner with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Cpl. Charden Djouomopate, a cannoneer with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th MEU, scan for vessels aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) while transiting the Surigao Strait, May 2, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Avery Wayland)

Photo by Cpl. Avery Wayland

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stage during flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, May 2, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)

Photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry

U.S. Sailors assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), render hand and arm signals to a U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, May 2, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)

Photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, hold the line against a simulated protestor as part of riot control training during a non-lethal weapons course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 30, 2026. This course trains Marines to employ non-lethal weapons and tactics, enabling them to de-escalate threats and control crowds with minimum force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlo SouzaDeluca)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Carlo SouzaDeluca

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. William Savory, left, a non-lethal weapons instructor with Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, sprays oleoresin capsicum into the eyes of Pfc. Christian TeruelSerrano, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during a non-lethal weapons course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2026. This course trains Marines to employ non-lethal weapons and tactics, enabling them to de-escalate threats and control crowds with minimum force. Savory is a native of Maryland, and TeruelSerrano is a native of Puerto Rico.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carlo SouzaDeluca)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Carlo SouzaDeluca

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Marco Torres, left, a data systems administrator and Washington native, and Pfc. Kalieah White, a network administrator and California native, both with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, establish computer network during an expeditionary field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2026. The exercise sets realistic conditions for 9th Comm Bn. to validate essential capabilities, requiring detachments to quickly deploy, maintain and defend communications networks and critical infrastructure in a simulated expeditionary environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Theresa Lizarde)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Theresa Lizarde

U.S. Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and Philippine marines stand by to engage during a counter-landing live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 in Aporawan, Philippines, April 27, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Caleb Goodwin)

Photo by Cpl. Caleb Goodwin

Philippine Nurse Corps 2nd Lt. Ronaldo Lucas, left, a nurse assigned to 2nd Technical Administrative Services Brigade and U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sheena Beltran, a corpsman assigned to 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, converse during a cooperative health engagement as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 in San Vicente, Philippines, April 21, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mia Ocampo

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert S. Bunn, center left, the incoming commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Col. Robb T. McDonald, the outgoing commanding officer of MRF-SEA, pose for a photo with Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez, left, the commanding general of Northern Luzon Command, and Brig. Gen. Cesar A. Molina, the deputy commander of NOLCOM, during a key leader engagement at Camp Aquino, Philippines, March 31, 2026. MRF-SEA serves as I MEF’s forward command element, supporting Task Force - Philippines and integrating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to strengthen interoperability and improve combined readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy)

Photo by Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific Ocean, March 28, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations demonstrating the United States’ long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Helms)

Photo by Sgt. Joseph Helms

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswains’ Mate (Handling) Chief Petty Officer Naval Francisco assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), signals a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to take off during deck landing qualifications in the Pacific Ocean, March 28, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations demonstrating the United States’ long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Oliver Nisbet)

Photo by Cpl. Oliver Nisbet

Australian Army soldiers with Gunnery Wing, School of Armor, conduct post-mission checks on their LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle during the final phase of the Bushmaster 26 Competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 27, 2026. The 2026 Bushmaster Competition, hosted by 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, is a multi-event challenge hosted annually by the U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Reconnaissance community that evaluates LAV-25 crews, including ally partners, on tactical proficiency, marksmanship, physical endurance, and reconnaissance skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sawyer Carleton)

Photo by Cpl. Sawyer Carleton

U.S. Marines with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, disembark an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of a deployment readiness air confidence operation conducted at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 24, 2026. DRACOs enable Marines to enhance combat readiness through aviation movement rehearsals, training, and sustainment, ensuring forces remain prepared to deploy and operate in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long)

Photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alexander Marquez, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observes flight operations from the back of an MV-22B Osprey in support of a deployment readiness air confidence operation conducted at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 24, 2026. DRACOs enable Marines to enhance combat readiness through aviation movement rehearsals, training, and sustainment, ensuring forces remain prepared to deploy and operate in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long)

Photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long

U.S. Marines with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a tactical combat casualty care training during a deployment readiness air confidence operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 24, 2026. DRACOs enable Marines to enhance combat readiness through aviation movement rehearsals, training, and sustainment, ensuring forces remain prepared to deploy and operate in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long)

Photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long

U.S. Marines with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, board an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a deployment readiness air confidence operation at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 23, 2026. DRACOs enable Marines to enhance combat readiness through aviation movement rehearsals, ensuring forces remain prepared to deploy and operate in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long)

Photo by Sgt. Kristin Louise Long

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, writes down a simulated casualty’s information during the annual 1st MARDIV squad competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 19, 2026. The 1st MARDIV squad competition is a four-day event that evaluates a Marine rifle squad’s infantry skills, fitness, toughness, and small unit tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Vincent Needham)

Photo by Sgt. Vincent Needham