News Stories Archive

Princeton, N.J., native Pfc. Trey Rasmussen, machine gunner, Company W, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, provides security during a training exercise at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows May 26. The battalion executed the weeklong evolution in preparation for their upcoming winter 2010 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. - Princeton, N.J., native Pfc. Trey Rasmussen, machine gunner, Company W, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, provides security during a training exercise at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows May 26. The battalion executed the weeklong evolution in preparation for their upcoming winter 2010 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Practice Makes Perfect: 2/3 Company W Marines prepare for successful OEF deployment

Bellowing through the small security outpost, 1st Lt. Derek McVay, heavy machine gun platoon commander, 1st platoon, Company W, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, summons his trusted platoon sergeant and a salty squad leader to a dimly lit room in the back. He begins the mission brief with another mission close on the horizon. The mission is part of 2/3’s

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Former Japanese Imperial Navy Lt. j.g. Kaname Harada (blue cap) places a carnation lei on a memorial to fallen Japanese pilot Lt. Fusata Iida during his visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii June 3. Harada toured the base with several members of the Unabarakai Association of Tokyo, comprised of surviving Japanese Zero fighter pilots. - Former Japanese Imperial Navy Lt. j.g. Kaname Harada (blue cap) places a carnation lei on a memorial to fallen Japanese pilot Lt. Fusata Iida during his visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii June 3. Harada toured the base with several members of the Unabarakai Association of Tokyo, comprised of surviving Japanese Zero fighter pilots.

WWII Japanese pilots tour crash site - Former Japanese zero aviator visits memorial of crashed pilot

Bowing his head, former Japanese Imperial Navy Zero pilot Lt. j.g. Kaname Harada led a moment of silence for a fallen colleague while touring Marine Corps Base Hawaii June 3.Harada stood along Reed Road near the Olina Child Development Center, visiting the believed crash site of Japanese Imperial Navy Lt. Fusata Iida, commander, 3rd Aircraft

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An Indonesian Marine runs out the back of an amphibious assault vehicle during a bilateral assault May 29. Marines from the Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2010 bilaterally assaulted the beach here with the Indonesia Marine Corps May 29. Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown) - An Indonesian Marine runs out the back of an amphibious assault vehicle during a bilateral assault May 29. Marines from the Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2010 bilaterally assaulted the beach here with the Indonesia Marine Corps May 29. Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown)

LF CARAT-2010 train with KorMar

More than 160 Marines and sailors from the Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2010 arrived here May 28 to bilaterally train with the Indonesia Marine Corps (KorMar) May 29 through June. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to

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A Marine assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, and an Afghan National Police role player sight in following an improvised explosive device attack at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows May 20. “DTS #2 is an excellent [counterinsurgency operations] training tool,” Houston said. “It puts Marines in the warrior mindset. Killing the enemy isn’t hard — finding them is. This training helps us find them.” - A Marine assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, and an Afghan National Police role player sight in following an improvised explosive device attack at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows May 20. “DTS #2 is an excellent [counterinsurgency operations] training tool,” Houston said. “It puts Marines in the warrior mindset. Killing the enemy isn’t hard — finding them is. This training helps us find them.”

Engaging with more than rounds: "Island Warriors" prepare for OEF deployment

Marines assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, participated in predeployment training requirements at MCTAB, May 20 to 27. In coordination with contractor Defense Training Systems, the Island Warriors executed the weeklong training evolution for the second time in recent months. They are slated to support I Marine Expeditionary Force on an

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Lance Cpl. Blake Lilly, field wireman, Command Element, stands at parade rest while manning the rails of USS Tortuga (LSD-46) May 26. The Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2010 arrived here May 26 to conduct bilateral training with the Indonesia Marine Corps. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown) - Lance Cpl. Blake Lilly, field wireman, Command Element, stands at parade rest while manning the rails of USS Tortuga (LSD-46) May 26. The Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2010 arrived here May 26 to conduct bilateral training with the Indonesia Marine Corps. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown)

LF CARAT-2010 trains with Indonesia Marine Corps

The Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2010 arrived here May 26 to conduct bilateral training with the Indonesia Marine Corps (KorMar). This training evolution is part of CARAT, which is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance

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20100519-M-4896B-015 (May 19, 2010) HAT YAO BEACH, Thailand – Marines from the Landing Force quietly wait in the back of an amphibious assault vehicle during a bilateral amphibious assault with the Royal Thai Marine Corps May 19. Marines from the Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2010 bilaterally assaulted the beach here with the RTMC May 19-20. Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown) - 20100519-M-4896B-015 (May 19, 2010) HAT YAO BEACH, Thailand – Marines from the Landing Force quietly wait in the back of an amphibious assault vehicle during a bilateral amphibious assault with the Royal Thai Marine Corps May 19. Marines from the Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2010 bilaterally assaulted the beach here with the RTMC May 19-20. Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown)

2. LF CARAT-2010 amphibious assaults with the RTMC

One by one, Marines climb into their respective amphibious assault vehicles (AAV). Each AAV is filled with a squad of Marines, around 13, who will soon get out to assault an enemy position. The AAV’s are parked in the belly of amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD-46), which opens aft with huge steel doors. The vehicles debark by

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CAMP SAMAESAN, Thailand – Lance Cpl. Kent Tatroe, machine gunner, 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company A, a native form Kalamazoo Mich., slowly demonstrates a basic Mui Thai move to a Royal Thai Marine to ensure the move is executed correctly. The LF is in Thailand to conduct multiple bilateral training exercises with the Royal Thai Marine Corps. Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown). - CAMP SAMAESAN, Thailand – Lance Cpl. Kent Tatroe, machine gunner, 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company A, a native form Kalamazoo Mich., slowly demonstrates a basic Mui Thai move to a Royal Thai Marine to ensure the move is executed correctly. The LF is in Thailand to conduct multiple bilateral training exercises with the Royal Thai Marine Corps. Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colby W. Brown).

1. LF CARAT-2010 Marines train with Royal Thai Marine Corps

The language is different, the customs are different and the climate is different, but there is still the familiar sound of cadence being called at 6 a.m., the guard posted at the front gate and the eagle, globe and anchor sewn into his uniform. It may be in Thailand and it may be a foreign force, but the Royal Thai Marine Corps has many

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Musicians from each of the military’s services make magnificent music during the 2010 Combined Military Band Concert at the Hawaii Theatre Center Saturday. Featuring Hawaii-stationed musicians from each military service, the concert was open to the public and performed for the 29th consecutive year, said Charlie Ota, vice president for military affairs, The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. - Musicians from each of the military’s services make magnificent music during the 2010 Combined Military Band Concert at the Hawaii Theatre Center Saturday. Featuring Hawaii-stationed musicians from each military service, the concert was open to the public and performed for the 29th consecutive year, said Charlie Ota, vice president for military affairs, The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.

Making magnificent music

In celebration of Armed Forces Day and Hawaii Military Appreciation Month, Honolulu's Hawaii Theatre was the venue for the 2010 Combined Military Concert Saturday.Featuring Hawaii-assigned musicians from each military service, the concert was open to the public and performed for the 29th consecutive year, said Charlie Ota, vice president for

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The view from a different porthole: Marine life aboard USS Tortuga

A constant swaying motion may cause nausea, known more formally as sea sickness. Walking from the head (the bathroom) to berthing (sleeping racks and troop living quarters) is similar to the effects of being intoxicated. Bumping from wall-to-wall, unstable footing and a foreign environment can make this simple task of walking 10 feet one of the

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Tisa’s was founded on one goal: to protect the natural environment. “Our approach to advertisement clearly defined our purpose to make a difference since marketing was strictly passed around the world by word of mouth,” restaurant owner Tisa Fa‘amuli said. - Tisa’s was founded on one goal: to protect the natural environment. “Our approach to advertisement clearly defined our purpose to make a difference since marketing was strictly passed around the world by word of mouth,” restaurant owner Tisa Fa‘amuli said.

Barefoot Beauty

In American Samoa, a retreat exists where tourists can seek out relaxation and enjoy the natural setting of the lightly developed island. Tisa’s Barefoot Bar is in a village 15 minutes past the city of Tutuila on the family owned Alegra Bay Beach. Tisa Fa‘amuli owns and operates the hot spot.American Samoa has an extensive military population and

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A U.S. Marine providing security on a company attack range in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 21. - A U.S. Marine providing security on a company attack range in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 21.

Marine Corps begins widespread fielding of suppressors

Marines risk their lives to protect others. Many are trained to locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat. They engage adversaries in any clime and place, no matter how arduous the conditions. Marine Corps Systems Command is tasked not only with enhancing the lethality of warfighters. The command also strives to protect them. MCSC has taken another step toward increasing lethality and protection for Marines. In December, the command began the process of fielding thousands of suppressors to infantry, reconnaissance and special operation units for employment on the M27, M4 and M4A1 rifles...

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A San Diego Sheriff Bell 205 A1 fire and rescue helicopter drops water in an effort to extinguish the Creek Fire on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 24. - A San Diego Sheriff Bell 205 A1 fire and rescue helicopter drops water in an effort to extinguish the Creek Fire on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 24.

CPFD and local agencies battle Creek Fire

Camp Pendleton Fire Department and Cal Fire worked together to fight the Creek Fire that blazed in Fallbrook and the installation beginning Thursday, December 24. By Saturday evening, the fire was 90 percent contained and over 4,200 acres. The fire initially posed a threat to eastern areas of base. However, through firefighting strategies of back burns and control lines, by 5 p.m. on December 24, the fire no longer posed any threat to structures. Residents living in the Lake O’Neill Campground, O’Neill Heights, Wounded Warrior Battalion, and De Luz base housing areas were ordered to evacuate early Thursday morning. They gathered at Paige Fieldhouse where they awaited updates and heard from Brig. Gen. Dan Conley, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton...

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A member of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force looks out the back of a CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army at Camp Soumagahara, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 9. - A member of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force looks out the back of a CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during exercise Forest Light Eastern Army at Camp Soumagahara, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 9.

Forest Light 21

To end the crazy year that is 2020 strong, the U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the bilateral exercise Forest Light with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force December 3 to December 21, 2020. Forest Light is an exercise that occurs annually or semi-annually between the Marines and JGSDF that rotates through the five JGSDF Army units to strengthen cooperation and bilateral operations. This iteration of Forest Light was designed to increase the partnership between the Marines and the JGSDF Eastern Army, with focus on offensive and defensive air mobile field training...

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A U.S. Marine operates the legacy Circuit Card Assembly Test Station, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 30. - A U.S. Marine operates the legacy Circuit Card Assembly Test Station, aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 30.

Corps to field electronic tech designed to fix circuit cards

Marine Corps Systems Command intends to field an upgraded maintenance system capable of repairing circuit cards within electronic, communication and many other systems employed by Marines. The Circuit Card Assembly Test Station is a shelter-mountable unit that Marines can use to diagnose and repair circuit cards for any system comprising one. A circuit card, or electronic module, refers to replaceable units that comprise a given system. “CCATS enables electronic module repairs to be accomplished at the lowest practical maintenance level,” said Jorge Ruiz, the project officer for CCATS...

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MCAS New River makes airfield updates to enhance mission readiness and increase safety for Marines

To enhance mission capabilities and ensure the highest safety standards for mission readiness, Marine Corps Air Station New River is in the final stages of completing significant upgrades and renovations to its airfield. According to Pat Edwards, airfield operations officer and manager on MCAS New River, the base is finishing up an eight-month project that included milling and repaving roughly 4,790 feet of runway and installing 25, 4x4 Light Emitting Diode panels to the hangars as a part of an enhanced Lightning Warning system...

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U.S. Marines and troops from the 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are briefed on upcoming integrated defensive tactics training during exercise Forest Light 21 in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 10. - U.S. Marines and troops from the 30th Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are briefed on upcoming integrated defensive tactics training during exercise Forest Light 21 in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Dec. 10.

Seizing and defending islands: U.S. Marines, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force strengthen integrated capabilities during exercise Forest Light

With MV-22 Ospreys and CH-47 aircraft operating overhead, U.S. Marines and Japanese soldiers manned machine guns, managed interlinked sensor screens, and provided targeting information for long-range fires assets in preparation to defend against an amphibious assault and enable a fast-hitting counterattack into enemy-held territory. The soaring mountains, chilling snow, and thick mud of northwest Niigata Prefecture played host to countless iterations on these scenes from December 7 through 17 as part of exercise Forest Light Eastern Army, the latest in the long-running bilateral exercise...

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U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, brace for an explosion on range Golf-36, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 12, 2020. Range G-36 is the newest addition to the Camp Lejeune training environment. This range is designed to accommodate company-size assaults and evolutions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacqueline Parsons) - U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, brace for an explosion on range Golf-36, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 12, 2020. Range G-36 is the newest addition to the Camp Lejeune training environment. This range is designed to accommodate company-size assaults and evolutions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacqueline Parsons)

Opening Day of Golf-36

In a time of mass foreclosures and setbacks, 2nd Marine Division’s drive to remain America’s force in readiness has not wavered. On December 12, Marines and Sailors of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division conducted a live-fire company battle course for the opening of range Golf-36. G-36 is Camp Lejeune’s newest and most challenging range to date, and the first of it’s kind on the installation. The range allows for myriad capabilities of conventional infantry units; indirect fire, breaching and unmanned aerial surveillance. In addition to requiring these assets in the scheme of maneuver, the range demands more of the mental and physical stamina of the individual Marines and Sailors...

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The tri-service maritime strategy by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard provides guidance on how the sea services will prevail over the next decade. - The tri-service maritime strategy by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard provides guidance on how the sea services will prevail over the next decade.

Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Release Maritime Strategy

The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard released a new tri-Service maritime strategy December 17, entitled Advantage at Sea. The document provides strategic guidance on how the sea services will prevail in day-to-day competition, crisis and conflict over the next decade. It also directs the services to deepen tri-service integration, aggressively pursue force modernization, and continue robust cooperation with allies and partners...

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III Marine Expeditionary Force Band performs during the “Holiday Extravaganza” parade on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12. - III Marine Expeditionary Force Band performs during the “Holiday Extravaganza” parade on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12.

MCCS hosts a weekend of holiday festivities

U.S. Marines, sailors and families participated in a “Holiday Extravaganza” on Camp Foster, December 12-13. The event was open to service members and their families to enjoy a traditional holiday activity less than two weeks before Christmas Day. Marine Corps Community Services along with Headquarters and Support Battalion leadership, Col. Jeffrey L. Hammond and Sgt. Maj. Brian R. Drechsler, hosted the Holiday Extravaganza as an opportunity for service members to enjoy the holidays away from home. “I think the easiest thing to do is nothing – but I don’t think that is what the families deserve.” said Hammond...

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First in, last out: Marines from 7th Communication Battalion participate in Yama Sakura 79

U.S. Marines from 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group participated in Yama Sakura 79 with Marines from 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade as well as soldiers from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, December 9 to December 14 at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. During Yama Sakura 79, 7th Comm Bn supported nearly 200 users on several network enclaves. Prior to the start date, 7th Comm Bn performed a week long Communication Exercise to test the equipment and the configurations that were planned for the exercise. This allowed the detachment to identify any shortfalls of equipment and for the Communication-Electronics Maintenance Marines to inspect equipment for operability and serviceability prior to the operation date...

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