News Stories Archive

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies above U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters, April 28, 2023, in the Arabian Gulf during joint training. - A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies above U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters, April 28, 2023, in the Arabian Gulf during joint training.

Task Force 51/5 Joint Terminal Attack Controllers increase capability with U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy partners

Late last week Naval Amphibious Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Bridge Joint Terminal Attack Controllers embarked on Bahrain-based U.S. Coast Guard fast-response cutters to conduct joint training with both U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft in the Northern Arabian Gulf. The training involved five U.S. Coast Guard vessels and a group of Marine JTACs who sharpened their tactical skills by controlling U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft...

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U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conduct Range 400, a company-level combined arms training event, during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 9, 2023. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3rd MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3rd Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment. - U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conduct Range 400, a company-level combined arms training event, during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 9, 2023. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3rd MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3rd Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment.

Marine Littoral Regiment concludes historic exercise, set to join Stand-in Forces: ‘From this point forward, we are integrating them into our operations’

MLR-TE marked the first field training exercise featuring a MLR with all of its subordinate battalions integrated into a Marine Air-Ground Task Force operating as a Stand-in-Force. The 3rd Marine Division deployed its forward command element from Okinawa, Japan to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado where it functioned as an “intermediate headquarters” – a MAGTF headquarters providing command and control of the SiF, to include 3rd MLR and several other units, linking it to the U.S. Navy Fleet and other joint forces...

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The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews) - The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marines join Republic of Korea Marine Corps Allies for Exercise Freedom Shield 23

U.S. Marines deployed from Japan and the United States ahead of large-scale combined exercise with their Republic of Korea Marine Corps counterparts. Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan, and Marines from 1st Marine Division, I MEF, joined their ROK counterparts to form the Combined Marine Component Command during Exercise Freedom Shield 23. The annual exercise is intended to strengthen the combined defensive capabilities of both countries’ armed forces in a changing security environment...

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OKINAWA, JAPAN (Mar. 12, 2023) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sailors assigned the forward deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pose for a photo during the closing ceremony for Exercise Iron Fist aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force landing ship tank JS Osumi (LST-4001) while moored in Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 12. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strength the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shelby M. Tucker) - OKINAWA, JAPAN (Mar. 12, 2023) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sailors assigned the forward deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pose for a photo during the closing ceremony for Exercise Iron Fist aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force landing ship tank JS Osumi (LST-4001) while moored in Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 12. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strength the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shelby M. Tucker)

U.S. Marines, Japanese forces conclude first Japan-based Iron Fist Exercise

Today, members of the Japan Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit completed the first Japan-based Iron Fist exercise. Iron Fist is an annual exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This iteration of Iron Fist included ships from the JMSDF for the first time, which conducted rehearsals and integration with the 31st MEU and 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment throughout the exercise...

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The Marine Corps established the Marine Corps Software Factory pilot program to create a world-class Marine-led software development capability March 10, 2023. The future operating environment will require Marines to scope and implement software-based solutions at the edges of the battlefield without connectivity or assistance from centralized or contracted support. The MCSWF enhances Marine Corps modernization efforts by empowering Marines to develop applications for commanders at the speed of relevance. - The Marine Corps established the Marine Corps Software Factory pilot program to create a world-class Marine-led software development capability March 10, 2023. The future operating environment will require Marines to scope and implement software-based solutions at the edges of the battlefield without connectivity or assistance from centralized or contracted support. The MCSWF enhances Marine Corps modernization efforts by empowering Marines to develop applications for commanders at the speed of relevance.

Marine Corps Launches Software Factory

The Marine Corps established the Marine Corps Software Factory to create a world-class Marine-led software development capability on March 10, 2023. The future operating environment will require Marines to scope and implement software-based solutions at the edges of the battlefield without connectivity or assistance from centralized or contracted support...

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Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, and Marine Forces Reserve, right, and Master Sgt. Sergio Macias, theater security cooperation branch chief, left, welcome Brig. Gen. Jorge Federico Torres Mora, commandant of the Colombian Marine Corps, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Feb. 28, 2023. Torres, and the Colombian delegation, traveled to various locations within the United States to conduct key leadership engagements aimed at advancing institutional knowledge and processes. These engagements are critical elements to maintaining interoperability and to continue to strengthen the partnership between the two marine corps. - Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, and Marine Forces Reserve, right, and Master Sgt. Sergio Macias, theater security cooperation branch chief, left, welcome Brig. Gen. Jorge Federico Torres Mora, commandant of the Colombian Marine Corps, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Feb. 28, 2023. Torres, and the Colombian delegation, traveled to various locations within the United States to conduct key leadership engagements aimed at advancing institutional knowledge and processes. These engagements are critical elements to maintaining interoperability and to continue to strengthen the partnership between the two marine corps.

Commandant, Sergeant Major of the Colombian Marine Corps Visit US Marines to Increase Collaboration, Advance Partnership

The Commandant of the Infantería de Marina Colombiana [Colombian Marine Corps] and Sergeant Major of the Colombian Marine Corps completed a weeklong visit with the U.S. Marine Corps, starting in New Orleans, La., Feb. 28, 2023, and ending at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., March 3, 2023. Brig. Gen. Jorge Federico Torres Mora and Sgt. Maj. Julian Adolfo Medina traveled across continents to discuss key topics affecting both countries’ Marine Corps and to advance the elite fighting forces through an enduring friendship between individuals and their organizations...

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Marine Corps announces decision to establish the Scout Platoon to increase infantry battalion capabilities as part of Force Design 2030

In accordance with Force Design 2030, the Commandant of the Marine Corps has approved the establishment of a 26-Marine Scout Platoon, resident in the infantry battalion, to provide all-weather, timely information to the battalion commander.

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2d MARDIV’s Efforts to Support Talent Management 2030

In November 2021, the United States Marine Corps published Talent Management 2030 by U.S. Marine Corps General David H. Berger, commandant of the Marine Corps. The report outlined a way forward in providing skilled Marines new opportunities and benefits if they chose to continue service. One benefit that was identified was providing Marines the option to remain at the same duty station for longer periods of time, improving training and job credibility, increasing unit stability, and creating a better, more stable home life for the Marines and their families...

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Operational Range Clearance and Maintenance commenced for Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Pu’uloa Training Facility, Foxtrot Range, Feb. 23, 2023. The ORC serves to remove unexploded ordinance and range debris from the operational ranges and the mining of munitions from the impact berms on ranges. Routine clearance and maintenance ensure the safety and sustainability of Marine Corps ranges and training areas. - Operational Range Clearance and Maintenance commenced for Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Pu’uloa Training Facility, Foxtrot Range, Feb. 23, 2023. The ORC serves to remove unexploded ordinance and range debris from the operational ranges and the mining of munitions from the impact berms on ranges. Routine clearance and maintenance ensure the safety and sustainability of Marine Corps ranges and training areas.

Marine Corps begins process to move Foxtrot Range at Pu’uloa in-land

Marine Corps Base Hawaii intends to pursue the relocation of four short-distance firing ranges located at the Pu’uloa Range Training Facility in Ewa Beach, specifically those threatened by current and potential future coastal erosion. On Feb. 23, the initial steps in a process developed by MCBH staff to relocate Foxtrot Range, the short-distance pistol range located on the very eastern side of the facility, approximately 40 meters in-land from its current position began. Similar work is also being planned with the intention to relocate an additional three ranges, Charlie, Delta and Echo ranges, 40 meters in-land and directly adjacent to Foxtrot Range...

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A topping out ceremony was held to celebrate the finalization of the structure for the future auditorium on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 22, 2023. The 22,000-square-foot station academic facility is part of the recovery construction to rebuild and modernize structures damaged by Hurricane Florence. The topping out ceremony is a celebration of the facility structure being completed and the next stage of construction beginning. - A topping out ceremony was held to celebrate the finalization of the structure for the future auditorium on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 22, 2023. The 22,000-square-foot station academic facility is part of the recovery construction to rebuild and modernize structures damaged by Hurricane Florence. The topping out ceremony is a celebration of the facility structure being completed and the next stage of construction beginning.

Topping Out: Hurricane Florence Recovery Projects Progress at Cherry Point

The emplacement of a white, steel support member atop the new auditorium facility indicated an important milestone for the progress of Hurricane Florence Recovery projects at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Feb. 22, 2023. MCAS Cherry Point and the Resident Office In-Charge of Construction Florence personnel made their marks on the final steel beam before it was hoisted in ceremony to top out the structure of military construction project P-254...

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