News Stories Archive

Tag: USMC

Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, speaks about his experience at the Las Vegas shooting during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulvedatorres) - Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, speaks about his experience at the Las Vegas shooting during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesus Sepulvedatorres)

Courage under fire: Hawaii Marine’s reaction during Las Vegas shooting

Following the Las Vegas concert shooting Oct. 1, 2017 that left 58 dead and 546 injured, stories of quick-minded courage and heroism continue to surface. Cpt. Derek Apitz, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, spoke about his own experience and how he handled the tragic event during an interview Oct. 18, 2017, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

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Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting. - Lance Cpl. Nicholas Powell, a Marine with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw the Unmanned Aerial System at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. The UAS is mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and can also be used for observation, local security, targeting, and prosecuting.

Ready, set, take off; 1/12 tests UAS

Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment tested an Unmanned Aerial System, also known as the RQ-20 Puma, at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, March 8, 2017.

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Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100. - Lance Cpl. Sean Taylor, a radio operator with Headquarters Battalion, catches his breathe after finishing a 3-mile run during a Physical Fitness Test at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 14, 2017. The PFT is an evaluation conducted throughout the Marine Corps annually to assess the level of fitness. For more information on the PFT updates, utilize Marine Corps Bulletin 6100.

New PFT; More pull-ups, more crunches, shorter run time

“America expects its Marine Corps to be the most ready when the Nation is least ready,” said General Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps. “There are significant adjustments to the Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test scoring tables, requiring most Marines to demonstrate greater performance to meet the new minimum and maximum standards. We will monitor the effects of these adjustments for two years and then adjust if required to ensure our standards continue to contribute to the effectiveness of our force and enhance our ability to respond when our Nation calls.”

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Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts. - Marines with Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 conduct external lift training at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017. This training improves proficiency for the pilots when moving supplies while Marines on the ground conditioned themselves to safely prepare dual and single load lifts.

"Pegasus" lifts, CLB-3 puts on the weight

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, also known as "Pegasus," utilized CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters for external lift training with support from Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, at Landing Zone West Field at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 8, 2017.

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Sgt. Mark Berger, a cyber network operator with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a Sulligent, Ala., native, fireman carries a simulated casualty during Sergeants Course aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii Aug 19, 2015. The squad Berger was in was ambushed resulting in a Marine becaming a simulated casualty in the scenario. Sergeants Course is a vital part of professional military education for any Marine and helps to maintain the standards amongst the NCOs of the Marine Corps. The course supports MCB Hawaii’s mission, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross/Released) - Sgt. Mark Berger, a cyber network operator with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a Sulligent, Ala., native, fireman carries a simulated casualty during Sergeants Course aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii Aug 19, 2015. The squad Berger was in was ambushed resulting in a Marine becaming a simulated casualty in the scenario. Sergeants Course is a vital part of professional military education for any Marine and helps to maintain the standards amongst the NCOs of the Marine Corps. The course supports MCB Hawaii’s mission, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross/Released)

Building the backbone of the Corps

A wounded man lies in a vast open field while a cool breeze plays over the grass and flowers. One Marine enters the field, followed by a second, then a third. The Marines walk heel to toe creating the illusion of gliding. Even with rifles and gear they hardly make a sound. As the Marines enter the field their heads swivel to and fro, always watching, scanning the area. Gunshots ring through the air and the Marines drop to their knees, each of them focused on where the sound is coming from. “Bang, Bang!” they yell, advancing on the targets while some provide cover to the wounded man.

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NOAA, UH explore sunken WWII-era PBY

Beneath the waters of Kaneohe Bay lay a large structure, covered in sea life. Ryan Harismendy, a 26-year-old graduate of the University of Hawaii, described the water as “murky,” and the mound like a “giant rock.”

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Amphibious assault vehicles, launched from the USS Rushmore, demonstrated amphibious landings as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s joint sea-basing exercise, Culebra Koa 15, May 19, 2015. Observed by local-based military and representatives from 22 countries within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the landing was made in conjunction with the inaugural U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific-hosted U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittney Vella/Released) - Amphibious assault vehicles, launched from the USS Rushmore, demonstrated amphibious landings as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s joint sea-basing exercise, Culebra Koa 15, May 19, 2015. Observed by local-based military and representatives from 22 countries within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the landing was made in conjunction with the inaugural U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific-hosted U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brittney Vella/Released)

PALS-15 unites Pacific

Local-based military members, as well as representatives from 22 countries within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, gathered to observe amphibious landings by the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, May 19, 2015.

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Lance Cpl. Matthew Whitfield, a machine gunner with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, pays respects to his fallen comrade by clutching his dog tags in his hand at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, May 19, 2015. Whitfield gave his personal reflection in the ceremony as well. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross/Released) - Lance Cpl. Matthew Whitfield, a machine gunner with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, pays respects to his fallen comrade by clutching his dog tags in his hand at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, May 19, 2015. Whitfield gave his personal reflection in the ceremony as well. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross/Released)

15th MEU holds memorial service for one of their own

A memorial service was held for Lance Cpl. Jared R. Johnson, a Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, at building 700 aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, May 19, 2015.

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Brock Pulliam, a Waiahole, Hawaii, native, paints one of the rooms in the Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, May 16, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The volunteers dedicated a portion of their weekend in honor of National Painting Week, a time spent focusing on giving back to the community and supporting community development. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Thomas/Released) - Brock Pulliam, a Waiahole, Hawaii, native, paints one of the rooms in the Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii, May 16, 2015, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The volunteers dedicated a portion of their weekend in honor of National Painting Week, a time spent focusing on giving back to the community and supporting community development. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Harley Thomas/Released)

Volunteers make small sacrifice for wounded warriors

As a part of National Painting Week, volunteers from a local painting company spent their time on May 16, 2015, repainting rooms at the Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Detachment Hawaii aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

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Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrence Montoya, an aviation electronics technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, soars throught the air as he conducts a standing long jump for distance May 18, 2015, at Pop Warner Field. Lawrence attempted the jump three times and used the longest jump of the three as his assessment score. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross/Released) - Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrence Montoya, an aviation electronics technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24, soars throught the air as he conducts a standing long jump for distance May 18, 2015, at Pop Warner Field. Lawrence attempted the jump three times and used the longest jump of the three as his assessment score. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Khalil Ross/Released)

Semper Fit 5k training kicks off

A workout session for anyone interested in bettering their 5-kilometer time began the evening of May 18, 2015, at Pop Warner Field aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

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Tag: USMC

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment prepare for an ambush during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 5, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon) - U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment prepare for an ambush during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 5, 2023. SIFEX 24 is a division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)

MAGTF Stand-In Force Exercise Empowers Small-Unit Leaders

The Marines of 3d Marine Division demonstrated their tactical proficiency and readiness while conducting Stand-in Force Operations in the first island chain during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Stand-In Force Exercise 24, Nov. 15 - Dec. 15. 2023.

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U.S. Marines and Civilians with Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group and Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion participate in Cyber Flag 23-2 at an undisclosed location, Aug. 7, 2023. The purpose of the exercise was to enhance readiness and cyber warfare capabilities. Each team was strategically positioned in an offensive or defensive role, engaging with various cyber-attack and defense scenarios. - U.S. Marines and Civilians with Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group and Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion participate in Cyber Flag 23-2 at an undisclosed location, Aug. 7, 2023. The purpose of the exercise was to enhance readiness and cyber warfare capabilities. Each team was strategically positioned in an offensive or defensive role, engaging with various cyber-attack and defense scenarios.

Digital Frontlines: The Marines' Battle in the Virtual Trenches of Cyber Flag 23-2

To safeguard virtual spaces that house national secrets, power our daily lives, and influence global interactions, the United States Marine Corps remains proactive by being at the forefront of this battle. This was highlighted by the Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group and Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion's participation in this year's Cyber Flag event...

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Mr. Jim Dietz, a hall of fame coach, presents a practical application brief to his fellow coaches at the coaches workshop on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va, May 10, 2023. Coaches from across the nation travelled here to learn about the Marine Corps' officer programs. The purpose of the workshop is to create a mutually beneficial relationship between coaches and the Corps, where coaches share knowledge based on first-hand experience with colleagues, students and athletes. - Mr. Jim Dietz, a hall of fame coach, presents a practical application brief to his fellow coaches at the coaches workshop on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va, May 10, 2023. Coaches from across the nation travelled here to learn about the Marine Corps' officer programs. The purpose of the workshop is to create a mutually beneficial relationship between coaches and the Corps, where coaches share knowledge based on first-hand experience with colleagues, students and athletes.

A Few Good Lawyers: The Marine Corps’ Mission to Recruit Judge Advocates

Legend has it that U.S. Marine Capt. William Jones illustrated a request in 1799: “The Continental ship Providence, now lying at Boston, is bound on a short cruise, immediately; a few good men are wanted to make up her complement.” Since then, “A Few Good Men,” has been seen on posters, in commercials and as the title of movies. The Marine Corps is still searching for a few good men to join its illustrious ranks; moreover, in recent years there has been an emphasis on recruiting judge advocates...

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U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct air-to-air refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during a trans-Pacific flight en route to Marine Aviation Support Activity 23, at sea, July 8, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities. - U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct air-to-air refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during a trans-Pacific flight en route to Marine Aviation Support Activity 23, at sea, July 8, 2023. MASA is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination focused on aviation-related capabilities.

I MEF Heavily Engaged in the Western Pacific in July

Throughout the month of July, approximately 6,000 U.S. Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force are dispersed across Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Republic of Palau as they participate in a wide range of exercises, community projects, key leader engagements, and subject matter expert exchanges. These deployments collectively demonstrate I MEF’s commitment to fostering interoperability and relationships with allies and partners in the Western Pacific, refining and validating forward deployment capabilities, and testing emerging service and unit-level concepts...

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A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company Central leads a team during close-quarters battle training at the U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia Maritime Engagement Team training facility aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 03. FASTCENT provides expeditionary anti-terrorism and security forces to embassies, consulates, and other vital national assets throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. - A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company Central leads a team during close-quarters battle training at the U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia Maritime Engagement Team training facility aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 03. FASTCENT provides expeditionary anti-terrorism and security forces to embassies, consulates, and other vital national assets throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

FASCENT conducts joint CQB training

Earlier this week, Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company Central facilitated a Close-Quarters Battle Subject Matter Expert Exchange with Sailors and Soldiers aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain. U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia Maritime Engagement Team hosted the exchange in their “ship-in-the-box” training facility aboard the installation. U.S Navy Sailors assigned to Naval Security Force Bahrain, and U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Blackjack, U.S. Army Central Command’s Crisis Response Task Force worked together with FASTCENT Marines to individually display how different obstacles encountered in a CQB environment can be overcome.

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An aerial view of Lunga Park, a Marine Corps Community Services Outdoor Recreation site on the west side of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Lunga Park, a portion of the original Lunga Recreation Area, is scheduled to reopen May 26 after being closed since 2012 due to the discovery of unexploded ordnance. - An aerial view of Lunga Park, a Marine Corps Community Services Outdoor Recreation site on the west side of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Lunga Park, a portion of the original Lunga Recreation Area, is scheduled to reopen May 26 after being closed since 2012 due to the discovery of unexploded ordnance.

Welcome Back Lunga Park, We Missed You!

Morale has been an important part of the Marine Corps since its founding and as all good leaders will attest, it’s also a key to the success of Marines and their families wherever they serve. Morale comes in different shapes and sizes. It may look like campfires, boats, fishing, cabins and maybe even a lake or, in the case of Quantico, a reservoir. For decades, Lunga Recreation area and Reservoir was a favorite location for locals to relax, fish, camp, host command events, and even celebrate holidays like the fourth of July. In February 2012, after partially exposed mortar fins were found in the recreational area, Lunga was temporarily closed while Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and the Marine Corps explosives safety authority conducted an area survey to determine if the park was safe for continued use...

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U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct boat patrols during a littoral movement as part of MEU Exercise III on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 11, 2023. BLT 1/6 continues to enhance rigid-hulled inflatable boat readiness through conducting on and off and shore to shore drills prior to deployment. The 11m RHIBs provide a high-speed, long –range, low-signature combatant craft capable of projecting and recovering Marines for a variety of missions - U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct boat patrols during a littoral movement as part of MEU Exercise III on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 11, 2023. BLT 1/6 continues to enhance rigid-hulled inflatable boat readiness through conducting on and off and shore to shore drills prior to deployment. The 11m RHIBs provide a high-speed, long –range, low-signature combatant craft capable of projecting and recovering Marines for a variety of missions.

Small Boat Detachment Maneuvers

Submerged waist-deep in frigid, murky water, a raiding party makes their way to shore against a surging current, weighed down by their rifles and a combat load...

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr and Sgt. Maj. Rodney E. Nevinger, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer and sergeant major, unveil the 3d MLR unit colors during the redesignation ceremony of 3d Marines to 3d MLR aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 3, 2022. The 3d MLR will serve as a key enabler for joint, allied, and partnered forces, will integrate with naval forces, and will enable multi-domain maneuver and fires within contested spaces. The transition of 3d Marines to 3d MLR is in accordance with Force Design 2030 and one of the first major steps to facilitating a shift as the Marine Corps divests in legacy capabilities and builds a force that is optimized for operations envisioned within the Commandant’s Planning Guidance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr and Sgt. Maj. Rodney E. Nevinger, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer and sergeant major, unveil the 3d MLR unit colors during the redesignation ceremony of 3d Marines to 3d MLR aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 3, 2022. The 3d MLR will serve as a key enabler for joint, allied, and partnered forces, will integrate with naval forces, and will enable multi-domain maneuver and fires within contested spaces. The transition of 3d Marines to 3d MLR is in accordance with Force Design 2030 and one of the first major steps to facilitating a shift as the Marine Corps divests in legacy capabilities and builds a force that is optimized for operations envisioned within the Commandant’s Planning Guidance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR)

A Marine Littoral Regiment will be a self-deployable, multi-domain force optimized for the contact and blunt layers. It will persistently operate across the competition continuum to support the Joint Force’s role in assuring allies and partners, deterring adversaries, conducting and enabling Joint Force contact, blunt, and surge activities.

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U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. George Kiernan, a financial management officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 15, 2022. Kiernan played for the All-Marine Men's basketball team in the 2022 Armed Forces Men's and Women’s Basketball Championship. The tournament was hosted at Admiral Prout Fieldhouse, Naval Base San Diego, in order to promote friendly competition and unity between services. - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. George Kiernan, a financial management officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 15, 2022. Kiernan played for the All-Marine Men's basketball team in the 2022 Armed Forces Men's and Women’s Basketball Championship. The tournament was hosted at Admiral Prout Fieldhouse, Naval Base San Diego, in order to promote friendly competition and unity between services.

More than a Marine

1st Lt. George Kiernan, a financial management officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, was one of the few afforded the privilege to be part of the 2022 U.S. Marine Corps Men’s basketball team...

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A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command takes care of a young girl awaiting processing at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint (ECC) during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021. - A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command takes care of a young girl awaiting processing at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint (ECC) during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021. U.S. service members are assisting the Department of State with a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla)

FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE 2021 KABUL AIRPORT ATTACK

One year ago, on August 26, 2021, our Nation lost thirteen brave service members—eleven United States Marines, a Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman, and a United States Army Soldier. In an act of supreme devotion to mission, they gave their lives so that others may be free of oppression under a brutal regime. Confronted with a dishonorable attack against our allies and civilians, our Marines kept their honor clean.

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