Marine Corps News Room

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit/ Released
Date Posted:03.03.2016 00:38

The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) pulls into port at Busan, Republic of Korea, March 3, 2016. The Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently embarked on Navy ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group as part of their spring deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.

Continue reading "Images: 31st MEU arrives in Republic of Korea" »

Posted by KC at 12:58 PM | Permalink

By Gunnery Sgt. Zachary Dyer, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
23 Feb 2016

OKINAWA, Japan -- “A ship without Marines is like a garment without buttons.”

Continue reading "SPRING DEPLOYMENT: MARINES, NAVY TAKE TO THE WATER DURING INTEGRATION TRAINING" »

Posted by KC at 8:39 AM | Permalink

by Cpl Thor Larson
Date Taken:02.10.2016 | Date Posted:02.20.2016 2:19AM

Royal Thai, Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines helocast from an MV-22B Osprey Feb. 10, 2016 during Cobra Gold 16 in Thailand. This was one of the first times an Osprey has conducted helocasting. CG16 increases cooperation, interoperability and collaboration among partner nations in order to achieve effective solutions to common challenges

Continue reading "Marines Helocast During Cobra Gold" »

Posted by KC at 10:45 AM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
8 Feb 2016

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif -- Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 took part in exercise Scorpion Fire 1-16 on and near Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, Jan. 25 to Feb. 5, 2016.

Continue reading "MARINES WITH HMLA-267 SUPPORT SCORPION FIRE" »

Posted by KC at 7:57 PM | Permalink

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Gunnery Sgt. Zachary Dyer/Released
Date Posted:02.06.2016 20:44

The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) pulls out of port at White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 6, 2016. The Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU and the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group are currently on their spring deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.

Continue reading "Images: 31st MEU, Bonhomme Richard depart Okinawa" »

Posted by KC at 8:02 AM | Permalink

By Jeff Schogol, Marine Corps Times 12:18 p.m. EST February 1, 2016

There’s training and then there’s recon training.

Continue reading "Shirtless Marines hit the snow in South Korea during sub-zero temps" »

Posted by KC at 6:27 PM | Permalink

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Gunnery Sergeant Ismael Pena/Released
Date Taken:01.29.2016 | Date Posted:01.30.2016 09:28

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, loaded their AAVs onto the USS Ashland (LSD 48) before departing for the MEU's spring deployment. The Spring Deployment is a regularly scheduled deployment designed to support PACOM's theater security cooperation initiatives to promote goodwill, and strengthen allied relationships.

Continue reading "Images: 31st MEU embarks aboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48)" »

Posted by KC at 7:29 AM | Permalink

By Cpl. Janessa Pon, II Marine Expeditionary Force
25 Jan 2016

COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, Japan -- For more than 239 years, Navy corpsmen have been known as the enlisted force which has supported Marine operations and training both garrison and the field.

Continue reading "NAVY CORPSMEN CONTINUE SUPPORT OF MARINE OPERATIONS, TRAINING" »

Posted by KC at 10:07 AM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Carl King, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
15 Jan 2016

CAMP HANSEN OKINAWA, Japan -- His bulky, brown pack soaked in rain water made it a challenge to walk up the already steep hills of the jungle. His shoulders ached in a constant, annoying pain from the weight of the pack. The mud under his feet made him slip and fall every 100 steps. Through all these tangible problems and an array of intangibles, the Marine kept his composure and focused on the mission at hand – to locate, close with and destroy his enemy.

Continue reading "MEU MARINES TRAIN FOR JUNGLE COMBAT" »

Posted by KC at 7:58 PM | Permalink

Marine Corps News | Dec 21, 2015

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Lt. Col. became the first U.S. Marine to fly the Corps’ CH-53K helicopter Dec. 18, 2015 at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Continue reading "Marine Corps Pilot Flies New King Stallion" »

Posted by KC at 7:22 AM | Permalink

by LCpl Levi Schultz
Date Taken:12.11.2015 | Date Posted:12.14.2015 16:41

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter personifies great strides in modern air dominance capability. Among its characteristics of radar-evading stealth, supersonic speeds, fighter agility and advanced logistical support comes the capability to perform vertical take-off and landings.

Continue reading "'Rhinos' support Steel Knight 2016" »

Posted by KC at 9:25 PM | Permalink

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released
Date Taken:11.18.2015 | Date Posted:11.20.2015 09:13

Marine students attending the 8th Engineer Support Battalion Medium Girder Bridge Master’s Course during a field exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 18, 2015.

Continue reading "Bridging the gap: 8th, 9th ESB concludes MGB Bridge Master’s Course " »

Posted by KC at 11:11 PM | Permalink

By Cpl. Abbey Perria, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
14 Nov 2015

CENTRAL TRAINING CENTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- “Did gunny or the lieutenant kill you?” a group of Marines casually ask each other after clearing a house at Snipe Mount, Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Red and blue chalk dots speckle the Marines’ uniforms; evidence of the recent simulated gunfight.

Continue reading "BREACH, CLEAR: MPS TRAIN IN COMBAT TOWN" »

Posted by KC at 9:43 PM | Permalink

By: Sam LaGrone
October 22, 2015 8:05 PM

The Marines have identified the pilot who died following a Wednesday fighter crash in England.

Continue reading "Marines Identify Maj. Taj Sareen as Pilot Killed in England Hornet Crash" »

Posted by KC at 8:28 PM | Permalink

Tuesday, October 20, 2015
by Elaina Sauber, Putnam County Reporter

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., on Tuesday applauded the Navy for its decision to name a ship after Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, seen here with Manchin in 2014 after addressing the Marine Corps League National Convention at Embassy Suites. Hershel is the last surviving veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima to have been awarded a Medal of Honor.

Continue reading "Navy to name ship after Medal of Honor recipient Hershel 'Woody' Williams" »

Posted by KC at 11:07 PM | Permalink

By Cpl. John Baker | I Marine Expeditionary Force | October 13, 2015

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Marines are known for their ability to stay calm under pressure and approach problems with a keen understanding of the dangers around them. For everything that could go wrong, no matter how unlikely, there is a plan in place that Marines are ready to execute at a moment’s notice.

The Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command’s Capt., a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 along with his crew, proved once again that there’s nothing they’re not ready for.

Continue reading "A ‘Cush’ Landing" »

Posted by KC at 10:57 PM | Permalink

By Cpl. Ryan Mains, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
24 Aug 2015

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands -- The western North Pacific has historically been one of the most active tropical cyclone areas in the world. Year after year, tropical storms devastate the many islands in the Pacific. In early August, Typhoon Soudelor, the most powerful storm of the year, rocked across the Pacific before finally blowing itself out over China. The first place the typhoon hit was the small island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, Aug. 2-3.

Continue reading "US MARINES AID SAIPAN WITH TYPHOON RELIEF EFFORTS" »

Posted by KC at 10:35 AM | Permalink

by Cpl Ryan Mains
Date Taken:08.20.2015 | Date Posted:08.22.2015 11:22

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands - The western North Pacific has historically been one of the most active tropical cyclone areas in the world. Year after year, tropical storms devastate the many islands in the Pacific. In early August, Typhoon Soudelor, the most powerful storm of the year, rocked across the Pacific before finally blowing itself out over China. The first place the typhoon hit was the small island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, Aug. 2-3.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines aid Saipan with typhoon relief efforts" »

Posted by KC at 5:39 PM | Permalink

Stars and Stripes | Aug 19, 2015 | by Matthew M. Burke

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa -- A mysterious commando has been spotted across Asia, accompanying U.S. Marines from Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, since they arrived in Okinawa on the Unit Deployment Program in February.

Continue reading "British Royal Marine First to Embed With US Marines in New Program" »

Posted by KC at 5:58 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Carlos Cruz Jr., Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
10 Aug 2015

COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, SHIZUOKA, Japan -- Combat Logistics Company 36 Marines and augments returned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 4, from Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan.

Continue reading "CLC-36 IMPROVES SERVICE MEMBERS’ COMBAT READINESS" »

Posted by KC at 1:32 PM | Permalink

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class David A. Cox, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs
Date Posted:08.08.2015 20:49

SAIPAN HARBOR, Northern Mariana Islands – The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Saipan on Aug. 9 and is providing disaster relief in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor.

Continue reading "31st MEU and Ashland transport water into Saipan" »

Posted by KC at 8:23 AM | Permalink

U.S. Marine Corps video by Staff Sgt. Jason W. Fudge // RELEASED
Date Posted:07.25.2015 8:12AM

U.S. Marines travel to Tarawa, Kiribati to participate in a repatriation ceremony July 25, 2015. During the ceremony the remains of approximately 36 U.S. Marines who had fallen during World War II at the Battle of Tarawa were loaded onto a Marine Corps C-130J Hercules aircraft for transport back to the U.S.

Continue reading "Tarawa Marines Return Home After 70 Years" »

Posted by KC at 12:21 AM | Permalink

by LCpl Carlos Cruz Jr.
Date Posted:07.19.2015 04:45

IWAKUNI, Japan - Out in the field where Marines may lack showers, laundry mats or even mess halls, Marine Corps Community Services’ Tactical Field Exchange comes through, bringing happiness like a glass of cold water in the summer.

Continue reading "MCCS supports Marines in Exercise Dragon Fire 2015" »

Posted by KC at 6:16 PM | Permalink

by SSgt Zachary Dyer
Date Taken:07.11.2015 | Date Posted:07.16.2015 08:50

FOG BAY, Australia - The Marine Corps has long been synonymous with ship to shore operations. From the Marines’ first amphibious landing at the Battle of Nassau in 1776 to now, the Marine Corp has established itself as the premier force in amphibious assaults.

Continue reading "U.S. Marines, Australians conduct amphibious assault for Talisman Sabre 2015" »

Posted by KC at 1:40 PM | Permalink

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek A. Harkins
Date Posted:07.15.2015 23:38

INDIAN OCEAN – There is a new player at Talisman Sabre 2015, and it comes in the innovative form of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20).

Continue reading "USS Green Bay, the newest LPD class supporting Talisman Sabre 2015" »

Posted by KC at 1:59 PM | Permalink

Photos by LCpl Brian Bekkala/Released
Date Posted:07.11.2015 03:55

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and members of the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment assault a beach using Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Crafts during an amphibious assault exercise as part of Talisman Sabre 15. Northern Territory, Australia, July 11. Talisman Sabre provides an invaluable opportunity to conduct operations in a combined, joint, and interagency environment that will increase the U.S and Australia’s ability to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian efforts.

Continue reading "31st MEU Marines and Australian Soldiers conduct boat raid for Talisman Sabre 2015 " »

Posted by KC at 6:22 PM | Permalink

U.S. Marine Corps photos by GySgt Ismael Pena/released
Date Posted:07.11.2015 11:07

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit along with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, in support of an amphibious assault during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary (LHD 6), at sea, Australia, July 11, 2015. Talisman Sabre is a major bilateral exercise that demonstrates the strong Australian-U.S. alliance and military relationship.

Continue reading "Images: 31st MEU Supports an Amphibious Assault during Talisman Sabre 15" »

Posted by KC at 6:14 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Ryan Mains
Date Taken:06.12.2015 | Date Posted:06.15.2015 10:15

AT SEA - Waking up to the sight of the sun rising on the distant horizon over the vast waters of the Pacific ocean might be a paradise for some, but for Marines embarked on a U.S. Navy vessel at sea, it is just another opportunity to sight in on their weapons and fire rounds down range.

Continue reading "Beyond the fundamentals: Battalion Landing Team Marines conduct weapons training at sea" »

Posted by KC at 3:20 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Video
Date Taken:06.10.2015 | Date Posted:06.10.2015 8:28PM

Marines with III Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force participate in the Highland Games June 5 at Camp Hansen. The Highland Games were inspired by traditional Scottish physical competitions consisting of various events including sheep toss, tug-of-war and the caber toss.

Continue reading "Video: Marines Compete in Strongman Competitions" »

Posted by KC at 8:15 AM | Permalink

Date Taken:06.6.2015 | Date Posted:06.8.2015 7:11PM

A military working dog handler, talks about the relationships formed between his fellow handlers and their dogs and the role of Provost Marshal's Office K9 units on military bases.

Continue reading "Video: See Why Marines and K9 Make the Best Team" »

Posted by KC at 7:50 AM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Tyler Ngiraswei
Date Posted:05.12.2015 06:30

CAMP HANSEN, Japan - U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit must transport thousands of pounds of equipment all throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Continue reading "The Muscle of the Marine Corps" »

Posted by KC at 10:21 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Ryan Mains
Date Taken:04.28.2015 | Date Posted:05.07.2015 03:14

KIN BLUE, OKINAWA, Japan – A day by the ocean for beachgoers means relaxing in the sand, swimming or enjoying the sound of the waves splashing onto the shore, but a normal beach day for U.S. Marines is much different

Continue reading "JGSDF comes together with U.S. Marines" »

Posted by KC at 6:52 AM | Permalink

By Seth Robson
Stars and Stripes
Published: May 2, 2015

KATHMANDU, Nepal — Four tilt-rotor V-22 Ospreys, other U.S. aircraft and 150 military personnel headed to Nepal to boost earthquake relief efforts have been delayed a day and are now expected to arrive Sunday.

Continue reading "US troops, aircraft heading to Nepal delayed a day" »

Posted by KC at 9:08 AM | Permalink

U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Ricardo Hurtado
Date Taken:04.20.2015 | Date Posted:04.24.2015 9:30PM

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 3rd and 4th Marine Regiments, visited Santa Juliana Elementary School in Crow Valley, Tarlac, Philippines, April 20, during exercise Balikatan 2015. The Marines played games and read with children at the school. Balikatan is an annual Philippines-U.S. military training exercise and humanitarian civic assistance engagement, which highlights the longstanding partnership between both nations. This year's iteration takes place from April 20-30.

Continue reading "Video: U.S. Marines Connect with Local School Children" »

Posted by KC at 11:24 AM | Permalink

Story by Kristen Wong
Date Posted:04.24.2015 21:51

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Combat Logistics Battalion 3 is the 2015 Volunteer Unit of the Year and had one of their own chosen as 2015 Volunteer of the Year at Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony in the Fairways Ballroom at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, April 16, 2015.

Continue reading "CLB-3 awarded unit, volunteer of year" »

Posted by KC at 11:18 AM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Tyler Ngiraswei
Date Taken:04.07.2015 | Date Posted:04.16.2015 14:37

OKINAWA, Japan - U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to Okinawa April 4 after completing a two-month patrol throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Continue reading "US Marines return to Okinawa after patrolling the Asia-Pacific" »

Posted by KC at 10:08 PM | Permalink

By Monica Garske
April 15, 2015

A U.S. Marine helicopter made an emergency landing on a beach in north San Diego Wednesday after receiving a low oil pressure indicator, U.S. Marine Corps officials confirmed.

Continue reading "Marine Helicopter Makes Emergency Beach Landing" »

Posted by KC at 6:28 PM | Permalink

Photos by Sgt. Jamean Berry/Released)
Date Taken:03.20.2015 | Date Posted:03.22.2015 22:33

Images of 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), San Clemente Island, Calif., March 20, 2015. COMPTUEX gives the Marines the opportunity to practice real-world scenarios and hone their skill sets.

Continue reading "Images: Greyhawks: 15th MEU Marines are cleared hot" »

Posted by KC at 7:11 AM | Permalink

by Cpl Michael Thorn
Date Posted:03.17.2015 6:03PM

MCAS Miramar and 3rd MAW commemorate Women's History Month through the accomplishments of female aviators in the military.

Continue reading "Video: Women's History Month 2015, milestones in female military aviation" »

Posted by KC at 10:13 PM | Permalink

By Hope Hodge Seck, Staff writer 10:07 a.m. EDT March 15, 2015

The Marine Corps' new plan for developing infantry squad leaders offers instant promotion, a handsome bonus and a chance to deploy — and some grunts are wondering if there's a catch.

Continue reading "Squad Leader Development Program: Your questions answered" »

Posted by KC at 6:53 PM | Permalink

by Lance Corporal Jonathan Smith
Date Taken:03.10.2015 | Date Posted:03.11.2015 12:42AM

Where does gear go when it no longer serves its perceived purpose?

Continue reading "Video: B-roll of DRMO: Where Gear Goes to Die" »

Posted by KC at 11:10 PM | Permalink

Courtesy story
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Edward Guttierrez III, USS Green Bay Public Affairs
Date Posted:02.19.2015 01:14

SASEBO, Japan - Sasebo, Japan –- USS Green Bay (LPD 20) arrived in Sasebo February 19 bringing the Navy’s latest technology to its largest numbered Fleet after transiting the Pacific Ocean from its former homeport of San Diego.

Continue reading "USS Green Bay arrives in Sasebo" »

Posted by KC at 11:55 PM | Permalink

By Ashley Rowland
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 9, 2014

SEOUL — The U.S. and South Korea announced plans Monday for two annual spring military exercises, which come amid questions of whether Seoul will assume wartime control of allied forces as planned next year.

Continue reading "Dates announced for spring US-South Korea exercises" »

Posted by KC at 10:13 PM | Permalink

Story by SSgt Joseph Digirolamo
Date Taken:02.06.2015 | Date Posted:02.07.2015 08:09

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At sea - A gymnasium, a boxing ring, a wrestling mat, an octagon, an indoor padded garage or an outdoor spot on the grass - there are many different types of places to practice and learn martial arts. The Japanese call it a Dojo. They are everywhere on Okinawa. But a U.S. Marine will likely tell you there is no better place to train in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program than inside the hull of an amphibious assault ship.

Continue reading "No Better Dojo – The Amphibious Assault Ship" »

Posted by KC at 9:54 PM | Permalink

By Jeanette Steele1:58 P.M.JAN. 26, 2015Updated9:34 A.M.JAN. 27, 2015

San Diego said goodbye to the amphibious ship Green Bay on Monday, as another local warship transfers to Japan.

Continue reading "USS Green Bay moves to Japan" »

Posted by KC at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Tony Simmons
Date Taken:01.11.2015 | Date Posted:01.19.2015 02:31

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY - The mission of the Marine Corps rifle squad is to locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or repel the enemy assault by fire and close combat; a lesson Marines are taught in boot camp that is carried throughout their entire career.

Continue reading "Locate, Close with and Destroy" »

Posted by KC at 6:24 PM | Permalink

by Cpl Tony Simmons
Date Taken:01.14.2015 | Date Posted:01.16.2015 01:26

Aviation ordnance technicians with VMA-211, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, inspect the ordnance of an AV-8B Harrier Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft before a flight in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the Central Command area of operations, Jan. 14, 2015.

Continue reading "Avengers Ordnance Marines Inspect What They Expect" »

Posted by KC at 7:18 PM | Permalink

by Cpl Carson Gramley
Date Taken:12.28.2014 | Date Posted:01.04.2015 02:48

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND -- Marines and working dogs with Law Enforcement Detachment, Command Element, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, conducted controlled aggression training in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Dec. 28, 2014.

Continue reading "Off the Leash: LE Detachment Conducts Controlled Aggression Training" »

Posted by KC at 6:31 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Photo
Date Taken:12.03.2014 | Date Posted:12.09.2014 02:44

Marines with 3rd Intelligence Battalion got the base in the holiday spirit where they donned Santa costumes, antlers and other festive accessories during the three kilometer run during the Jingle Bell Fun Run Dec. 3 on the parade field at Camp Hansen.

Continue reading "Holiday cheer runs through Camp Hansen" »

Posted by KC at 10:21 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Isaac Ibarra
Date Posted:11.27.2014 05:42

CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan —In the previous 14 years, more than 160 active shooter instances have occurred resulting in casualties in communities throughout the U.S. Military installations are also susceptible to these types of emergencies. As first responders, military police must remain ready to keep their community safe and respond to all types of emergencies.

Continue reading "To serve and protect: PMO trains to save lives" »

Posted by KC at 9:42 PM | Permalink

by SN Jonathan Nelson
Date Taken:10.24.2014 | Date Posted:10.25.2014 00:01

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON , Calif. - Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade participated in Navy-Marine Corps joint exercise Pacific Horizon 2015 from Oct. 20-28.

Continue reading "Navy, Marine Corps engage in exercise Pacific Horizon 2015" »

Posted by KC at 12:37 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Ryan Mains
Date Taken:10.07.2014 | Date Posted:10.20.2014 19:39

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – Military working dog handlers put a spin on the old adage, ‘teach an old dog new tricks,’ by participating in a fast-roping exercise with their dogs Oct. 7 at the Camp Hansen rappel tower.

Continue reading "Sit, stay, rappel: Dogs fast rope with their handlers" »

Posted by KC at 11:07 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Michael Thorn
Date Taken:10.18.2014 | Date Posted:10.20.2014 18:25

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Marines from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169 aid local volunteers by cleaning up a fire-damaged area, in Carlsbad, Calif., Oct. 18.

Continue reading "HMLA-169 Marines help Carlsbad community with post-fire cleanup" »

Posted by KC at 11:06 PM | Permalink

By Matthew M. Burke
Published: October 8, 2014

When Navy Lt. Cmdr. Joy Dierks arrived at work last month, she found 31 sick Marines waiting for her.

Continue reading "Sick Marines a medical whodunnit for Navy doctors" »

Posted by KC at 10:12 PM | Permalink

By Seth Robson | Stars and Stripes
Published: September 26, 2014

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Okinawa-based Marines and sailors are taking part in an exercise that is designed to boost the Philippine military’s amphibious capabilities.

Continue reading "PHIBLEX: Marines, Navy participating in Philippine amphibious exercise" »

Posted by KC at 9:48 AM | Permalink

Courtesy story by Lance Cpl. Luis Ramirez
Date Taken:09.10.2014Date Posted:09.16.2014 05:02

TINIAN, North Marianas Islands – Corpsmen with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 participating in Valiant Shield 2014 conducted a mass casualty (MASCAS) drill here Sept. 10 in anticipation of the commencement of the exercise.

Continue reading "Corpsmen conduct MASCAS exercise on Tinian" »

Posted by KC at 7:19 AM | Permalink

Story by Joshua Stewart
Sep. 18, 2014 - 02:30 PM

The next time Sgt. Jesse Phillips has to train in the swamp, he’ll be all too familiar with the type of beasts that might be slithering around his boots.

Continue reading "Marine sergeant and friends bag record-setting alligator" »

Posted by KC at 9:43 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Tyler Ngiraswei
Date Posted:09.18.2014 02:57

TINIAN, North Marianas Islands – It is argued that the weather cost the French the Battle of Agincourt as their horses struggled across the swampy land in pursuit of Henry V’s significantly smaller British Army.

Continue reading "Forecasters prepare for Valiant Shield 2014" »

Posted by KC at 10:45 AM | Permalink

Story by SSgt Joseph Digirolamo
Date Posted:09.11.2014 01:27

USS Peleliu (LHA-5) – It was the first day of liberty port in Darwin, Australia and Staff Sgt. James Roberts was enjoying a cold beverage at a local pub with his buddies. Suddenly, several shore-patrol Marines burst in frantically yelling to the service members inside to “Get out, get out… get back on ship… report to the ship!”

Continue reading "Marines share history aboard USS Peleliu before and after 9/11/2001" »

Posted by KC at 11:05 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl David Walters
Date Taken:08.31.2014Date Posted:09.11.2014 04:05

TINIAN, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands – Heavy equipment operators with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Combat Logistics Company 36 and 9th Engineer Support Battalion, clear a runway at West Field, Tinian, Aug. 31 during Exercise Valiant Shield 2014.

Continue reading "Heavy equipment operators get dirty to clear runway" »

Posted by KC at 7:04 AM | Permalink

by LCpl Alexander Pool
Date Taken:07.18.2014 | Date Posted:07.22.2014 7:21AM

US Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (BLT 3/5), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) conduct a vertical assault on a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) facility in Okinawa, Japan as part of MEU Exercise (MEUEX). The MEUEX is to prepare the unit for an upcoming amphibious deployment and practice it’s mission essential tasks while improving overall operational readiness. (Marine Corps Motion Imagery Provided by Lance Cpl. Alexander N. Pool 31st MEU Combat Camera/ Released)

Continue reading "MEUEX Vertical Assault MOUT" »

Posted by KC at 6:46 AM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Drew Tech | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | July 11, 2014

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, Japan -- Military working dogs and their Marine handlers executed improvised explosive device detection training July 2 in the Central Training Area.

Continue reading "Paw Patrol: Military working dogs execute explosive detection training" »

Posted by KC at 6:35 AM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Thor Larson
Date Taken:06.15.2014 | Date Posted:06.30.2014 03:58

WARRIOR BASE, MUNSAN, Republic of Korea – The hot sun beats down on Marines as they stand ready beside their weapon, anxiously waiting for a fire mission that will create a dust cloud which can block out the sun.

Continue reading "ROK, US Marines sync artillery techniques during KMEP 14-7" »

Posted by KC at 12:32 PM | Permalink

Stars and Stripes
Published: June 23, 2014

NORTHERN OKINAWA, Japan — Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion practiced their fast-roping skills during a training exercise in northern Okinawa last week.

Continue reading "Okinawa Marines practice the art of fast-roping" »

Posted by KC at 10:19 AM | Permalink

Carol Comegno, Courier-Post 10:36 p.m. EDT June 18, 2014

Dominic Evola worked a wad of dough, pressing it against a wooden counter with his hands, lifting and twirling it into a circle before plopping it onto a pizza pan.

Continue reading "Vet re-adjusts after two tours as a Marine in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 5:26 PM | Permalink

by Cpl Owen Kimbrel
Date Taken:06.7.2014 | Date Posted:06.10.2014 2:26PM

Marines and their families participated in a Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16 Junior Jarhead Day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 7. The event presented demonstrations from Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue along with multiple aircraft from various squadrons.

Continue reading "MAG-16 Hosts Junior Jarhead Day" »

Posted by KC at 4:28 PM | Permalink

By Gina Harkins
Jun. 2, 2014 - 06:00AM

When the Marine Corps unveiled its new 10-year road map — Expeditionary Force 21 — in April, one of its fundamental principles was that small teams of Marines must be ready to deploy to, and sustain themselves in, isolated, austere and hostile environments.

Continue reading "RIMPAC to include experiment on small-unit operations" »

Posted by KC at 10:31 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt Adam Miller
Date Taken:05.16.2014 | Date Posted:05.21.2014 02:44

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, Japan – Marines concluded a two-week Special Reaction Team certification course May16 in the Central Training Area.

Continue reading "Marines get one shot at elite sniper status" »

Posted by KC at 10:47 PM | Permalink

Base security beefed up at Marine headquarters after 2012 attack, drawdown

By Gretel C. Kovach
11:57 a.m.May 10, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — At night, the perimeter of the massive headquarters base for international forces in Helmand Province is ablaze with floodlights that could blind approaching enemy fighters.

Continue reading "Protecting troops at war's end" »

Posted by sr at 9:27 PM | Permalink

Afghans secure northern Helmand as NATO combat mission wanes

4:19 a.m. May 5, 2014

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The last U.S. Marines withdrew from northern Helmand early Monday morning, turning their two bases in the hard-fought Sangin district over to Afghan national security forces.

Continue reading "Marines withdraw from Sangin" »

Posted by sr at 9:51 AM | Permalink

By Cpl. Henry Antenor | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | April 28, 2014

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan -- Strip 1st Lt. Scott T. Wilson of rank, uniform, and the title of Marine. See him as a lean, tall gentleman in his thirties. Now imagine him being lit on fire, jumping out of a window 42 feet above water, hitting it and surviving. Is that something a Marine officer does on his weekends?

Continue reading "From spandex to Dress Blues" »

Posted by KC at 8:46 AM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Heins | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point | April 25, 2014

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --

Marines from across Cherry Point attended the career transition road show at Miller’s Landing April 15.

Continue reading "Marines explore Reserve options during road show" »

Posted by sr at 10:04 AM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Cedric R. Haller II | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | April 21, 2014

POHANG, GYEONGSANGBUGDO, Republic of Korea -- U.S. Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion offloaded vehicles and supplies in preparation for the Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-6 April 16 in Pohang, Republic of Korea.

Continue reading "9th ESB offloads, prepares for KMEP 14-6" »

Posted by sr at 8:16 AM | Permalink

By Ashley Rowland
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 16, 2014

SEOUL — A U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship headed to the site where a South Korean ferry sank Wednesday to help if needed, the U.S. Navy said.

Continue reading "USS Bonhomme Richard heading to capsized South Korea ferry" »

Posted by KC at 8:46 PM | Permalink

By Cpl. Henry Antenor | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | April 14, 2014

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea -- Marines and sailors gather around a dining table with plates of fresh food. They clack their glasses full of grape juice together and laugh out loud. Spirits fly high during the Passover Seder meal, part of a week-long religious celebration of multiple faiths.

Continue reading "High Tides, High Spirits for Holy Week" »

Posted by KC at 8:54 AM | Permalink

By Anja Niedringhaus, Associated Press
Friday, April 11, 2014 6:03pm

Editor's note: Anja Niedringhaus, 48, an internationally acclaimed German photojournalist, was shot and killed by an Afghan police officer earlier this month while on assignment for the Associated Press. In 2005, she was part of the AP team that won the Pulitzer Prize for coverage of Iraq, and she was awarded the Courage in Journalism Award from the International Women's Media Foundation. One of her bosses said "she truly believed in the need to bear witness." In years of reporting from war zones, the story that most haunted her was one about a Marine who was grievously wounded by a IED in Afghanistan in June 2011. This is what she wrote about it two days before Christmas 2011 — six months after the attack.

Inside the medevac helicopter in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Cpl. Burness Britt bleeds profusely from his neck. He and two other Marines have just been hit by shrapnel, with Britt's injuries the most serious. The medevac crew chief clutches one of Britt's blood-covered hands as he is given oxygen. I take hold of the other.

Continue reading " Anja Niedringhaus felt the need to bear witness" »

Posted by sr at 4:58 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Video HQMC Combat Camera
Date Posted: 04.7.2014 6:26PM

Ssang Yong 14 is the culmination of a multitude of training events and exercises between the U.S. and ROK forces, which take place across the Asia-Pacific region throughout the year. This year's evolution was the largest in its storied history and was comprised of three Expeditionary Units: two US and one ROK. The exercise was led by the 3rd MEB based in Okinawa Japan and showcased both interoperability and sea based operations in the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps motion media/Released) Available in high definition.

Continue reading "Video: Exercise Ssang Yong 14" »

Posted by KC at 10:25 AM | Permalink

Story by A1C Zade Vadnais
Date Posted:04.02.2014 22:23

OKINAWA, Japan - Airmen from Kadena's 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight traveled to Marine Corps Camp Hansen to participate in a field exercise with Marines from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion March 24 through 27.

Continue reading "Airmen participate in Marine exercise" »

Posted by KC at 11:43 AM | Permalink

By Staff Sgt. Joseph Digirolamo | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | March 28, 2014

CAMP MUJUK, Republic of Korea -- A multilateral combined arms and amphibious exercise known as Ssang Yong 2014 officially started at Pohang, Republic of Korea March 27.

Continue reading "‘Twin Dragons’ massive joint military exercise begins" »

Posted by KC at 11:22 PM | Permalink

By Sgt. Paul Robbins Jr. | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | March 28, 2014

USS Denver, At Sea -- Marines and Sailors of Company F. and Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, challenged their marksmanship skills by firing multiple weapons from the flight deck here, March 19.

Continue reading "Photo Essay: Firing while rocking on the USS Denver" »

Posted by KC at 7:53 PM | Permalink

By Pfc. Abbey Perria | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | March 26, 2014

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan --
Military working dog handlers with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion received improvised explosive device detection training March 24 at Camp Hansen.

Continue reading "Military working dog handlers build skills with EOD" »

Posted by KC at 9:18 AM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Matt Myers | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | March 13, 2014

GWANGYANG, South Korea -- The pained cries of simulated victims echo throughout the camp as corpsmen race to find and triage victims during a mass casualty evacuation drill during Freedom Banner 14 in Gwangyang, Republic of Korea March 6.

Continue reading "CLR-35 corpsmen hone emergency medical skills" »

Posted by KC at 7:53 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Matthew Manning
Date Posted:03.12.2014 23:10

POHANG, South Korea - With a foot of snow on the ground, freezing temperatures and less than a month before the start of Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 2014, 30 Marines arrive at Camp Mujuk Feb. 12 with the task of setting up living quarters for more than 1,200 Marines and a combined operations center to be used by the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the III MEF Command Element.

Continue reading "III MHG sets up MEFEX 14" »

Posted by KC at 8:32 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Pete Sanders | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | March 12, 2014

CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines with various units assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force boarded the USNS Sacagawea Feb. 17 at Tengan Pier, near Camp Courtney.

Continue reading "Marines board USNS Sacagawea for ROK exercises" »

Posted by KC at 8:19 PM | Permalink

Photos by LCpl Donald Peterson
Date Taken:02.28.2014 | Date Posted:03.12.2014 04:44

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4 compete in a fire team push-up competition Feb. 28 at the parade field on Camp Foster during a battalion field meet. Other activities consisted of several different competitions including a pull-up contest, fire team push-up contest, truck pull, tug of war and sumo wrestling matches. CLB-4 is part of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Continue reading "Images: 3rd Marine Logistics Group meets the challenge" »

Posted by KC at 7:30 PM | Permalink

By Ashley Rowland
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 11, 2014

SEOUL — Almost 10,000 U.S. troops will join the South Korean military later this month in the peninsula’s largest joint amphibious landing drill, South Korean media reported Tuesday.

Continue reading "Large US contingent to take part in South Korean exercise" »

Posted by sr at 10:44 PM | Permalink

By Cpl. Matthew Manning | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | March 11, 2014

POHANG, Republic of Korea -- In an age where technology enables rapid decision making, and information can be moved in seconds, the ability to communicate is an invaluable asset for all and can make or break a military operation.

Continue reading "7th Communications Battalion wires up MEFEX 14" »

Posted by KC at 8:10 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Stephen Himes | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 02.18.2014
Date Posted: 03.03.2014 20:24

OKINAWA, Japan – On the night of Feb. 18, three Marines reacted quickly and selflessly to provide aid to an injured man.

Continue reading "Marines rapidly respond to injured Okinawa resident" »

Posted by sr at 4:26 PM | Permalink

By Jennifer Hlad
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 20, 2014

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Forklifts, weapons, radios, tactical vehicles. Containers, trailers, air conditioners, generators. If the Marines brought it to Afghanistan, they need to get it out of Afghanistan, and it’s R4OG’s job to get it done.

Continue reading "Gear in, gear out: Marines on retrograde mission pack it up and ship it out" »

Posted by sr at 3:38 PM | Permalink

By Pfc. Donald T. Peterson | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | February 06, 2014

CAMP FOSTER -- Twenty-six corpsmen with various units within the III Marine Expeditionary Force participated in a forward resuscitative care course Jan. 27-30 at the Simulated Trauma Advanced Training Center on Camp Foster.

Continue reading "Corpsmen perfect lifesaving steps" »

Posted by sr at 10:12 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Pete Sanders | III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office | February 06, 2014

KIN BLUE, Okinawa -- Members of 3rd Maintenance Battalion participated in Maintenance Exercise 14-1 Jan. 27 to Feb. 1 at the Kin Blue Training Area near Camp Hansen.

Continue reading "3rd Maintenance Battalion completes exercise at Kin Blue" »

Posted by sr at 10:08 PM | Permalink

By Lisa Tourtelot
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 5, 2014

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa — The USS Denver made a brief stop at Okinawa on Wednesday to pick up members of the 3rd Marine Division and their gear before proceeding to Thailand in support of Exercise Cobra Gold 2014.

Continue reading "Marines board USS Denver at Okinawa, head for Cobra Gold" »

Posted by KC at 1:30 PM | Permalink

Top commanders discuss stakes, prospects in last year of NATO campaign

By Gretel C. Kovach
8:13 a.m.Jan. 11, 2014

SANGIN, Afghanistan — The NATO campaign in Afghanistan may be ending late this year, but the war is not. Insurgent strongholds will remain — 13 years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted a U.S. invasion — inspiring anxiety about prospects for long-term stability and a newfound urgency among Afghan national security forces.

Continue reading "Afghan war reaches endgame" »

Posted by sr at 7:54 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Brandon Suhr
Date Posted:01.09.2014 23:05

FUTENMA, Japan - Marines and sailors with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion departed Jan. 7 to Hawaii for Exercise Sandfisher 2014 to expand their capabilities, training and combat readiness.

Continue reading "Recon Marines depart for Sandfisher 2014" »

Posted by KC at 11:32 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Brian Stevens
Date Posted:01.08.2014 18:07

IWAKUNI, Japan - Marines interested in attending college or becoming a commissioned officer can look into taking a placement test.

Continue reading "SAT, ACT testing for success" »

Posted by KC at 12:56 PM | Permalink

By Gretel C. Kovach
2:50 p.m .Dec. 28, 2013

Aboard the USS Boxer — An MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor swooped over the Persian Gulf and dropped the commandant of the Marine Corps onto what military commanders like to refer to as four floating acres of diplomacy.

Continue reading "Marines in Persian Gulf stand ready for crisis" »

Posted by sr at 5:28 PM | Permalink

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing officer talks recent exercise, future

By Jeanette Steele
noon Dec. 21, 2013

As the U.S. military turns its attention to China and the Pacific, Marine Corps aviators are gearing up for their role.

Continue reading "Q&A;: Year ahead for Miramar aviation" »

Posted by sr at 10:26 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Matthew Bragg
Date Posted:12.20.2013 20:23

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Marines and sailors from two units recently returned to Marine Corps Base Hawaii just in time for the holidays.

Continue reading "America's Battalion,' 'Kings of Battle' return from unit deployment program" »

Posted by KC at 12:21 PM | Permalink

By Ashley Rowland
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 29, 2013

MANILA, Philippines — The last U.S. troops pulled out of storm-ravaged Tacloban on Wednesday, marking the end of the American military presence in areas demolished by Typhoon Haiyan.

Continue reading "Last US troops pull out of typhoon disaster zone in Philippines" »

Posted by KC at 8:12 PM | Permalink

By Seth Robson
Stars and Stripes
Published: November 27, 2013

GUIUAN, Philippines — Meals, Ready to Eat get boring pretty fast, so when a group of U.S. Marines got a chance to try out local cuisine while helping typhoon survivors in the Philippines, they chowed down.

Continue reading "Grateful Filipino troops serve up local cuisine for US Marines" »

Posted by KC at 9:02 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Kasey Peacock | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center | November 27, 2013

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Approximately 55 Marines with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 returned home to the Combat Center Nov. 22, 2013 after a nearly seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "'Watchdogs' return home" »

Posted by KC at 11:36 AM | Permalink

Story LCpl Natalie Rostran
Date Posted:11.21.2013 00:53

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa - The Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos’ recent letter to sergeants and corporals, “The Reawakening,” describes the noncommissioned officers as the backbone of the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "Single mom, NCO inspires others" »

Posted by KC at 2:40 PM | Permalink

Story by Capt. Caleb Eames | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 11.18.2013
Date Posted:11.19.2013 02:45

LEYTE, Philippines - A bilateral assessment team traveled to remote areas in and near Leyte using an MV-22B tiltrotor Osprey aircraft to assess the needs of people isolated by Typhoon Haiyan Nov. 18, as part of Operation Damayan.

Continue reading "31st MEU assesses remote sites with Osprey, delivers help" »

Posted by sr at 10:35 PM | Permalink

By Mike Morones
Staff photographer
Nov. 18, 2013 - 06:00AM

The KC-130, piloted by a crew from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, pulled to a stop on the runway at Guiuan well after sunset.

Continue reading "Photo Gallery: Embedded with U.S. Marines in the Philippines" »

Posted by sr at 11:44 PM | Permalink

Joint task force activated for disaster response in Philippines

By Gretel C. Kovach
6:42 p.m.Nov. 18, 2013

The U.S. military bumped up its typhoon relief effort in the Philippines Monday by activating a task force led by a three-star general.

Continue reading "Three-star general oversees typhoon relief" »

Posted by sr at 10:49 PM | Permalink

Nov 18, 2013
Stars and Stripes| by Ashley Rowland

SEOUL -- The USS George Washington will likely leave the Philippines in about three days, after the arrival of two amphibious ships that are better equipped to deal with a disaster such as Typhoon Haiyan, Navy officials said Monday.

Continue reading "Amphibs to Replace Carrier in Typhoon Relief" »

Posted by KC at 10:17 AM | Permalink

Bomb disposal techs were from close-knit community stunned by stateside loss

By Gretel C. Kovach
6:48 p.m.Nov. 14, 2013
Updated8:53 p.m.

The four Marines killed Wednesday while clearing unexploded ordnance from a training range at Camp Pendleton had volunteered for one of the most dangerous jobs in the military. Every bomb disposal technician does.

Continue reading "Fallen Marines sought dangerous job" »

Posted by sr at 3:50 PM | Permalink

November 14, 2013

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif --

Four Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines were killed in an explosion at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday during range maintenance operations to dispose of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Zulu impact area aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Continue reading "Press Release #13-043 Identification of Four Marines killed in accident aboard Camp Pendleton" »

Posted by sr at 9:30 AM | Permalink

By Courtesy Story | III MEF | November 13, 2013

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Four additional MV-22B Ospreys departed Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Nov. 13 to support Operation Damayan, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operation in the Republic of the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

Continue reading "Four additional Ospreys deploy to Philippines" »

Posted by KC at 10:35 AM | Permalink

Nov. 12, 2013 - 06:46PM
By Tony Lombardo

More sailors and Marines are on the way to lead relief efforts in the Philippines.

Continue reading "Two more ships en route to Philippines" »

Posted by KC at 9:02 PM | Permalink

Story by SSgt Kenneth Lewis
Date Posted:11.10.2013 08:54

OKINAWA, Japan - At the request of the Government of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed U.S. Pacific Command to support U.S. Government humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR) operations in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Continue reading "3rd MEB to provide humanitarian assistance to Philippines" »

Posted by KC at 7:26 PM | Permalink

Story Cpl Joseph Karwick
Date Posted:11.07.2013 07:54

IWAKUNI, Japan - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 assembled and operated a tactical water purification system at a beach area on Tinian Nov. 6, 2013, to provide clean water for Marines participating in exercise Forager Fury II.

Continue reading "Marines establish self-staining water purification system" »

Posted by KC at 11:39 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Antonio Rubio
Date Posted:11.07.2013 05:38

BAKER ISLAND - Approximately 100 Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, arrived Nov. 6, 2013, at Tinian’s West Field as part of exercise Forager Fury II.

Continue reading "Marines prepare for Forager Fury II" »

Posted by KC at 10:42 AM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Henry Antenor
Date Posted:11.01.2013 01:32

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa — Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific executed newly instituted combat pistol program qualifications with the M9A1 9 mm pistol Oct. 29 at Range 15 on Camp Hansen.

Continue reading "Combat pistol program reaches Okinawa" »

Posted by KC at 12:19 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Donald T. Peterson | Okinawa Marine | October 31, 2013

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan --
"I’m letting my dog go!” warned the dog handler to the fleeing suspect.

Continue reading "Military working dogs, handlers build relationship" »

Posted by KC at 12:38 PM | Permalink

by Sgt Jennifer Pirante
10.05.2013

CHANGI NAVA BASE, Singapore - U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, welcomed Cmdr. K.H. Chew, Singapore Navy EOD officer in charge, and 15 Singapore Navy EOD technicians and divers aboard the USS Boxer at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Oct. 4.

Continue reading "EOD conducts professional exchange with Singapore Navy" »

Posted by KC at 4:52 PM | Permalink

by LCpl Matthew Bragg
10.04.2013 | Date Posted:10.05.2013 01:29

KAHUKU TRAINING AREA, Hawaii — Marines and sailors with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment completed a weeklong exercise at Kahuku Training Area Oct. 4, 2013. The exercise focused on familiarizing new Marines with current training methods used within the company while helping seasoned Marines sustain knowledge they were already taught.

Continue reading "'Lava Dogs' instill squad-level tactics in new Marines" »

Posted by KC at 4:36 PM | Permalink

By Cpl. Matthew A. Callahan | Marine Corps Base Hawaii | October 04, 2013

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marines and sailors with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, returned from their deployment in Darwin, Australia, arriving at the 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines headquarters building Sept. 26, 2013.

Continue reading "Lima Company returns from Australia" »

Posted by KC at 10:59 AM | Permalink

By : TNN
Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Close to 800 personnel from the US armed forces are looking forward to a week of sun, surf and sand with a touch of Goan hospitality, as the USS Harpers Ferry has dropped anchor at the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).

Continue reading "US warship in Goa for strategies & fun" »

Posted by KC at 5:00 PM | Permalink

lBy Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | September 25, 2013

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa, Japan -- With the return of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and the offload of more than 1,000 Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the MEU’s regularly scheduled Fall Patrol ended here, Sept. 25.

Continue reading "31st MEU returns from Fall Patrol" »

Posted by KC at 1:00 AM | Permalink

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl | Amphibious Squadron 11 | Date: 09.21.2013

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa, Japan – Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan Sept. 21 to conduct an offload of the 31st MEU.

Continue reading "USS Denver arrives in White Beach, offloads 31st MEU" »

Posted by sr at 1:48 PM | Permalink

By Compiled by Cpl. Sarah Dietz | Marine Corps Base Hawaii | September 20, 2013

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIF. --
Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, hit the ground running after debarking CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters during a company-sized air assault course in the Quackenbush training area Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., as part of the Integrated Training Exercise, Sept. 11, 2013.

Continue reading "'War Chiefs' conduct air assault course" »

Posted by KC at 6:21 PM | Permalink

Heroics overlooked because officers were killed in battle

By Gretel C. Kovach
11:39 a.m.Sept. 20, 2013
Updated 7:22 p.m

A company of Marines fought up a hill near Khe Sanh, Vietnam, on April 30, 1967. Within two days, three-quarters of them left the bomb-cratered slopes of 881 South bloodied or dead.

Continue reading "Vietnam vets get stars, 46 years later" »

Posted by sr at 1:03 PM | Permalink

By Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | September 17, 2013

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea -- Carefully formed messages surged out of the portable communication device as the MV-22 Osprey circled the ship. Over the thunderous sounds of the rotor blades and the considerable distance, the men and women on the deck received the message loud and clear.

Continue reading "31st MEU tests LRAD for use on MV-22 Osprey" »

Posted by KC at 9:12 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Codey Underwood | Date Taken: 09.14.2013 | Date Posted:09.15.2013 13:45

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea – Hovering above five landing support Marines, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter slowly descends, dangling a charged hook underneath the hulking aircraft closer to the load sitting on the deck. As one Marine reaches up with a static wand to ground the 200,000 volts rushing through the hook, the other four scramble to secure the load.

Continue reading "CLB Marines, Super Stallions team up for heavy lifts" »

Posted by KC at 5:51 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt Jonathan Wright
09.14.2013

DILI, Timor-Leste - They arrived with very little in hand, but their impact was great. Smiles and exclamations were abundant as the young children threw themselves at the service members in an explosion of cheers and hugs.

Continue reading "Marines and sailors do more with less in Timor-Leste" »

Posted by KC at 6:29 PM | Permalink

By Sgt. Jonathan Wright | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | September 14, 2013

USS DENVER, At Sea -- Standing tall as the deck underneath him gently sways, he focuses on the commands being called to his left. The morning sun tries to foul his movements by rendering him blind, but he doesn’t need to see. His right hand flies across his hips and confidently clamps down on the pommel of a sword at the bark of “draw….”

Continue reading "Marines build leadership at sea" »

Posted by KC at 9:13 AM | Permalink

By Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | September 12, 2013

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea -- In the belly of an amphibious warship, squeezed between two aircraft, troops gather around a fight. Two Marines are going head-to-head, taking cues from instructors standing nearby as they struggle for dominance. Confined and challenging environments cannot stop the Marines from training.

Continue reading "Marines overcome challenges, improve close combat techniques on ship" »

Posted by KC at 8:52 AM | Permalink

By Sgt. Paul Robbins Jr. | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | September 04, 2013

BRADSHAW FIELD TRAINING AREA, Northern Territory, Australia -- Expeditionary operations sometimes require a military force to be hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital or emergency services. That’s why the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit brings their own

Continue reading "Expeditionary medicine for the Australian outback" »

Posted by KC at 8:23 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Ben Eberle
Date Posted:08.17.2013 19:00

FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, Mongolia – U.S. Marines and Mongolian Armed Forces service members were back on the parade deck here for the start of another training evolution Aug. 17, only a couple days after the closing ceremony for the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2013.

Continue reading "Mongolian troops, police begin non-lethal weapons exercise with US Marines" »

Posted by KC at 11:08 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl William Jackson
08.16.2013

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The flight line roars with the sounds of Whiskeys and Yankees, the different types of helicopters that Marine Light Attack Squadron 367 utilizes. Heat vapors rise and fits of dust blow through the desert as mechanics and crewman diligently work on the birds on the flight line during their shift.

Continue reading "HMLA-367 provides precise fire for TRAP" »

Posted by KC at 9:30 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Melissa Wenger | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 08.13.2013

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – It was a star-studded event as two commanding generals hosted a luncheon Aug. 12 to honor 70 Marines and spouses for their support of the Veterans Village of San Diego Stand Down last week, but if you ask the generals, the volunteers were the stars.

Continue reading "Generals honor MWSS-373 Marines for supporting homeless vets" »

Posted by sr at 10:17 PM | Permalink

Aug. 7, 2013 - 08:41AM
The Associated Press

HONOLULU — The Marine Corps in Hawaii is conducting an environmental assessment in anticipation of receiving additional surveillance drones.

Continue reading "Hawaii to become huge drone base for Marine Corps" »

Posted by sr at 8:50 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Sarah Fiocco | Marine Rotational Force Darwin | Date: 07.30.2013

ROBERTSON BARRACKS, Northern Territory, Australia – Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin competed for two spots in an Australian Combat Fitness Leadership Course during a barrier test at the Northern Gym, here, July 30.

Continue reading "MRF-D Marines break barriers in Aussie fitness test" »

Posted by sr at 5:08 PM | Permalink

Marines announce aerial lineup, after military flights grounded

By Gretel C. Kovach
2:44 p.m.July 29, 2013

Active duty military patriots are grounded for the 2013 Miramar Air Show. Instead, civilian ones will headline the annual air fest this fall, the Marine Corps said Monday, releasing its confirmed lineup of performances.

Continue reading "Civilians flying at Miramar Air Show" »

Posted by sr at 5:18 PM | Permalink

July 12, 2013 10:48 PM
By Chris McDaniel

After nearly seven decades of service, Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) was officially deactivated during a ceremony Friday morning at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

Continue reading "'Flying Nightmares' end service with pride" »

Posted by KC at 7:40 AM | Permalink

Story Number: NNS130704-03 Release Date: 7/4/2013 9:58:00
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- Dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in Darwin, Australia, July 4, prior to scheduled operations in the region.

Continue reading "USS Germantown Arrives in Darwin, Australia" »

Posted by KC at 10:50 AM | Permalink

By Sgt. Jonathan Wright | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | June 29, 2013

USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea -- It’s not unusual for Marines and Sailors assigned to Marine Expeditionary Units to find themselves embarked on naval vessels for a significant amount of time during scheduled patrols. But their time on these ships is not a cruise to their destination - the Marines are on a floating, functional base of operations

Continue reading "Marines keep skills, equipment fresh while at sea" »

Posted by KC at 9:06 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 06.17.2013

TANJUNG GELANG NAVAL BASE, Malaysia - U.S. Marines with Landing Force Company participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2013 (CARAT 2013) began land-based training and amphibious assault operations with Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) June 15.

Continue reading "Marines train in Malaysia during CARAT 2013" »

Posted by sr at 9:20 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Jonathan Wright | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 06.03.201

OKINAWA, Japan - A platoon-sized element of Japanese soldiers spent two days learning from the Marines and Sailors of Company F., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as they conducted small-boat training operations here, June 2 and 3.

Continue reading "31st MEU’s “Boat” Company shows Japanese soldiers their craft" »

Posted by sr at 10:53 PM | Permalink

Author: Roxanne Baker
06/01/2013

Tourists may know the Emerald Coast as a vacation destination with sugary white sands and tur­quoise waters. But the Marines based at Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 21 in Pensacola, Fla., aren’t looking toward the beach. They have their sights locked in on the sky.

Continue reading "Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21—The Crossroads of Marine Aviation " »

Posted by KC at 12:53 PM | Permalink

May 28, 2013
Marine Corps News| by Sgt. Ned Johnson

COMBAT OUTPOST NOW ZAD, Afghanistan -- A Marine climbs to the top of an Afghan National Police tower to provide security, more than three years since the last time he was in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine, Afghan Police Officer Reunite" »

Posted by KC at 1:38 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr | Marine Corps Installations Pacific | May 24, 2013

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, Japan -- Many Marines have served valiantly during combat operations in Afghanistan. The lessons learned are continuously passed from one generation of Marines to the next, laying the foundation for less experienced Marines to deploy to Afghanistan, complete the mission, and return home safely.
Marines with Company F, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, completed a field training exercise May 15-17 on Camps Hansen and Schwab, and the Central Training Area in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "9th Engineer Support Battalion prepares for deployment to Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 4:42 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 05.08.2013

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - In 2009, Camp Dwyer was a sprawling base which housed thousands of service members ready to fight. Most of them were the result of a 30,000 troop surge in Afghanistan introduced by President Barack Obama.

Continue reading "Retrograding Home: Redeployment a focus of effort as Afghanistan exit draws closer" »

Posted by sr at 5:20 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Joseph Karwick
Date Taken:05.02.2013 | Date Posted:05.08.2013 19:41

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan - Station military police with the Provost Marshall’s Office put themselves through a day of rigorous training May 2, 2013, in hopes of becoming part of the station's Special Reaction Team. An SRT is a specialized team or element within a military law enforcement unit.

Continue reading "PMO Marines endure SRT indoctrination" »

Posted by KC at 10:07 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Sarah Fiocco | Marine Rotational Force Darwin | Date: 04.21.2013
Date Posted:04.22.2013 02:39

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE DARWIN, Australia - Approximately 200 Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, arrived aboard RAAF Base Darwin from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, as part of the second iteration of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, April 21.

Posted by sr at 3:57 PM | Permalink

By Gretel C. Kovach12:01 a.m.April 2, 2013
Updated7:37 p.m.April 1, 2013

CAMP PENDLETON — Two Marines from a Camp Pendleton helicopter squadron who battled insurgents during the attack on Camp Bastion in Afghanistan last fall were honored with 2012 Marine Corps Aviation Awards.

Continue reading "TWO MARINES HONORED FOR ROLE IN AFGHAN FIGHT" »

Posted by sr at 10:29 AM | Permalink

By Hope Hodge - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 26, 2013 13:56:42 EDT

A Hawaii-based Marine has received the Bronze Star with combat “V” device for his accomplishments and leadership during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Hawaii 1st Sgt. receives Bronze Star" »

Posted by sr at 2:36 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | March 21, 2013

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa, Japan -- More than 2,000 Marines and Sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit offloaded from three ships of the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 here, March 21. The unit returned after spending nearly two months conducting its annual Spring Patrol.

Continue reading "31st MEU returns from annual Spring Patrol" »

Posted by sr at 9:19 PM | Permalink

Story by 1st Lt. Jean-Scott Dodd | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 03.11.2013

POHANG, South Korea - Four Marines rescued a Korean from a burning building after a fire broke out March 8 in Pohang, Republic of Korea.

Continue reading "Marines save life in Pohang" »

Posted by sr at 9:40 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | March 09, 2013

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea -- Standing over warm trays of food with a serving spoon in hand and a paper hat on his head, an infantry Marine serves his brothers and sisters their afternoon meal.

Continue reading "Feeding an “army”, 42,000 servings at a time" »

Posted by sr at 6:01 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Catherine Sinclair | 122nd Public Affairs Operations Center | Date: 02.21.2013

SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE, Kingdom of Thailand – Royal Thai and U.S. Marines and soldiers conducted a combined arms live-fire exercise Feb. 21 in Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Sukhothai province, Kingdom of Thailand, marking the conclusion of exercise Cobra Gold 2013.

Continue reading "Cobra Gold 2013 concludes with combined arms live-fire exercise" »

Posted by sr at 10:18 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 02.20.2013

HAT YAO, Thailand - Surrounded by thick jungle as far as the eye can see, a Marine separated from his unit must come to the realization that survival requires effort. Finding food, water and shelter is the difference between life and death. From the leaves on the trees to the bugs crawling across the ground, anything around you can either harm you or help you.

Continue reading "31st MEU learns jungle tricks from Thais" »

Posted by sr at 5:24 PM | Permalink

Vanessa Van Hyfte
Posted: 02/19/2013

SAN DIEGO - It was an emotional day on Monday for 240 Marines and sailors who returned home from Afghanistan after a yearlong deployment.

Continue reading "More than 200 Marines, sailors return home after yearlong deployment in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:47 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Jose Lujano
U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific
February 09, 2013

PHITSANULOK, Thailand --

Marines are men and women of diverse cultures and ethnicities who volunteer to serve in the armed forces for many different reasons. What varies even more are the life experiences each Marine brings with them to the Corps.

For Lance Cpl. Cuong V. Cao, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, the journey to the Ban Kuad Nam Man School in the Chat Trakarn district, Phitsanulok province, Kingdom of Thailand, is like a journey back in time, reminding him of his youth.

Continue reading "Marine’s journey puts smiles on faces of Thai children" »

Posted by JAA at 6:36 PM | Permalink

By Sgt. D.R. Cotton
U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific
January 30, 2013

AIEA, Hawaii -- A long line of men in uniform lunge from one end of a field to another, twisting their torsos with a “dynamic warm-up” in anticipation of physical exertion. Although this could be a scene from any Marine’s physical training session, these warriors were not preparing to take the field of battle, but the field of play at the 2013 NFL Pro Bowl.

Continue reading "Marines, NFL work mutual support at Pro Bowl" »

Posted by JAA at 11:23 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | January 30, 2013

White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan -- Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked on three ships of Amphibious Squadron 11 to begin their annual Spring Patrol and journey to the Kingdom of Thailand for exercise Cobra Gold 2013, Jan 30.

Continue reading "31st MEU embarks for 32nd iteration of exercise Cobra Gold 2013" »

Posted by sr at 3:29 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Codey Underwood
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
January 20, 2013

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan -- As the bowling ball slammed into the pins, the Japanese kids, surrounded by United States Marines, screeched with excitement while exchanging high fives and laughter.

Continue reading "31st MEU Marines and Sailors bowl with Japanese orphans" »

Posted by JAA at 9:27 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. James Sauter | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 01.18.2013

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII — The water of Kaneohe Bay remained calm as the sun broke through thick, grey clouds. The wind whistled gently and light sparkled off of the ocean’s surface while boaters cruised around the bay, enjoying the sunny, serene day.

Continue reading "Recon Marines dive Hawaiian depths, return to amphibious roots" »

Posted by sr at 10:48 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Jacob Barber | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 01.16.2013
Date posted: 01.18.2013

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii - Marines with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, employed the new Expeditionary Fire Support System M327 120-mm mortar weapon system at Landing Zone 216, Wednesday.

Continue reading "‘Kings of Battle’ Marines teach, learn, new firing system" »

Posted by sr at 7:49 PM | Permalink

By Lance Cpl. Donald T. Peterson
Marine Corps Installations Pacific
January 17, 2013

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Okinawa, Japan -- As Marines traverse through the dense jungle, they stumble upon a 70-foot-wide trench approximately 50-feet-deep. Without hesitation, the Marines pull out a 100-foot rope and lower a Marine down to cross the trench and start building a one-rope bridge.

Continue reading "Marines master bridge building" »

Posted by JAA at 9:44 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Raquel Barraza | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 01.16.2013
Date posted: 01.17.2013

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – On a winding narrow back road, a woman cries for help and through the rain she sees a glimpse of hope.

Continue reading "Marine becomes guardian angel" »

Posted by sr at 7:55 PM | Permalink

January 09, 2013 5:43 PM
BY JAMES GILBERT

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 has already received three of its F-35B Lightning IIs and will continue to get more planes, as well as newly-trained pilots and aircraft maintainers in the coming months. In fact, it's expected to have a full squadron of aircraft by the end of 2013.

Continue reading "MCAS Yuma to have full squadron of F-35B fighters by end of year" »

Posted by JAA at 12:03 AM | Permalink

By III MEF/MCIPAC CPAO
Jan 02 2013

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines (December 12, 2012) – Personnel and aircraft with III Marine Expeditionary Force began providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support Dec. 8 at the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha), which made landfall Dec. 4.

Continue reading "Marine Corps continues disaster efforts in Philippines" »

Posted by JAA at 10:01 AM | Permalink

By 1stLt David Baugh
DVIDS | Dec 28 2012

KADENA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan (December 2, 2012) – Between executing numerous beach assaults and lending a hand to a host of communities, the Marines and Sailors of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment left their mark in the Asia-Pacific as the battalion landing team of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Continue reading ""The Professionals" depart 31st MEU" »

Posted by JAA at 1:18 PM | Permalink

By David Jackson - USA Today
Posted : Wednesday Dec 26, 2012 16:00:03 EST

After spending most of Christmas Day with their family, President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama observed what has become one of their holiday traditions: Visiting troops and their families at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Continue reading "Obamas visited Marines in Hawaii on Christmas" »

Posted by JAA at 5:45 PM | Permalink

Christmas at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
12:01 a.m., Dec. 25, 2012
Updated 8:29 p.m. , Dec. 24, 2012

Quite a few Marines serving in Afghanistan would rather forget it’s Christmas. Not Sgt. Joseph Soileau, an air wing planner who deployed from Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. When carolers passed by his office at Camp Leatherneck recently, Soileau walked outside to enjoy the serenade.

Continue reading "Marines mark the holiday at war" »

Posted by sr at 4:12 PM | Permalink

By Sgt. John Jackson | Headquarters Marine Corps
December 18, 2012

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan -- In an effort to ensure Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 Marines remember why they are deployed, the squadron has adopted one of New York Fire Department’s most decorated ladder companies that was heavily involved during the rescue attempts at the World Trade Center, Sept. 11, 2001.

Continue reading "Tribute to New York Fire Department, ladder company patrols Afghan sky" »

Posted by JAA at 6:17 PM | Permalink

By Matthew M. Burke
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 13, 2012

SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — Apparently a few Marines can move a mountain — of supplies, that is.

Continue reading "Okinawa Marines helping with Philippines disaster relief" »

Posted by sr at 4:55 PM | Permalink

By Torsten Ove / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
December 11, 2012 12:09 am

A Marine who did what Marines are trained to do was presented with a medal for bravery Monday for his actions in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine Sgt. David Gerardi gets Silver Star at ceremony" »

Posted by sr at 10:42 AM | Permalink

By Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
December 08, 2012

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan -- Snipers have been the focus of envy and the personification of legends in the Marine Corps since men like Carlos Hathcock and Chuck Mawhinney looked down their scopes in the jungles of Vietnam. The recent exploits of Chris Kyle, the retired Navy SEAL who now has the most confirmed sniper kills in U.S. military history, modernized the mystique of the military sniper, but few have had what it takes to join the ranks.

Continue reading "Through the Scope: One sniper’s experiences, journey to the top" »

Posted by JAA at 2:39 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Garcia | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 11.26.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The drive to become a Marine and gain acceptance into the tight-knit family is what drove Staff Sgt. Monica Paz to enlist during July 2000.

Continue reading "Despite spinal cord surgery, Marine continues to push forward on third combat deployment" »

Posted by sr at 4:16 PM | Permalink

By Kristen Wong | Headquarters Marine Corps | November 15, 2012

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- On an August evening in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Cody Rhode and his fellow Marines were nearing the end of their deployment and anticipating the return home. Until then, they went about their normal routines.

Continue reading "1/12 Marine awarded Purple Heart Medal" »

Posted by sr at 1:04 PM | Permalink

Unannounced Marine tour comes amid tensions over Iranian nuclear program

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
10:14 a.m., Oct. 26, 2012

Amid mounting concern over Iran’s nuclear program and violence elsewhere in the region, U.S. Central Command quietly dispatched a Marine fighter jet squadron from San Diego to an undisclosed country in the Middle East, U-T San Diego has learned.

Continue reading "Miramar fighter jets deployed in secret to Mideast" »

Posted by sr at 11:48 PM | Permalink

By Bethany Crudele - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 21, 2012 10:12:14 EDT

As the war in Afghanistan continues to wind down, millions of pounds of combat equipment are being received and disposed of each week, according to officials with the Defense Logistics Agency, Disposition Services.

Continue reading "Equipment disposal a daunting job for military" »

Posted by sr at 11:22 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Ali Azimi | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms | Date: 10.19.2012

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The War on Terror is not always fought in the urban setting where food, supplies and ammunition can be provided through normal logistical means. Fighting the enemy takes Marines into regions where common modes of transportation, such as armored vehicles or aircraft, cannot reach.

Continue reading "Into the mountains" »

Posted by sr at 4:48 PM | Permalink

Marines tout hybrid tilt-rotor as Corps builds fleet at Miramar

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
8:24 p.m., Oct. 12, 2012

The Osprey MV-22, a hybrid tilt-rotor that takes off like a helicopter and flies like a plane, has been featured in the Miramar Air Show for years. Until now, the revolutionary aircraft with a notorious early development history merely played a supporting role in the simulated combat assault by the Marine Air Ground Task Force.

Continue reading "Osprey in the spotlight at air show" »

Posted by sr at 9:33 PM | Permalink

Q and A with Maj. Gen. (select) Steven Busby and Col. J.P. Farnam

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
7:02 p.m., Oct. 9, 2012

More than 500,000 people are expected to flock to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar this weekend for the annual three-day air show that begins Friday. The event billed as the nation’s largest is a chance for the Defense Department to wow the tax-paying public with full-throttle demonstrations of costly newer aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor performing this year.

Continue reading "New Miramar commanders talk air show, ops, family life" »

Posted by sr at 9:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 10.09.2012

CROW VALLEY, Philippines – Completely surrounded in thick vegetation, snipers encase themselves within a wall of camouflage, utilizing their natural surroundings to keep from being compromised.

Continue reading "US, Philippine Marines patrol, construct hide sites" »

Posted by sr at 4:37 PM | Permalink

October 5th, 2012 | Allies and training Blue-Green operations MEU operations The Pacific | Posted by Gidget Fuentes

Natural disasters like typhoons and heavy storms that lead to mudslides are no stranger to the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, which sees almost annual devastation from Mother Nature from heavy rains and winds. When that happens, the Marine Corps and the Navy sometimes get the call to respond and help in what’s been a long-running relationship well predating the so-called “pivot” to the Pacific.

Continue reading "At sea, 31st MEU and 15th MEU ready to help" »

Posted by sr at 5:46 PM | Permalink

By Marine Corps Sgt. James Mercure
Regional Command Southwest

AFGHANISTAN, Sept. 27, 2012 – “There was blood down my leg after I got shot,” recalled Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Burk, who was present during the Sept. 14 insurgent night attack on Camp Bastion here in Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marine Recalls Camp Bastion Attack" »

Posted by sr at 5:16 PM | Permalink

9/24/2012 By Cpl. Jacob D. Barber , 3rd Marine Regiment

MOUNT BUNDY TRAINING AREA, Northern Territory, Australia — Marines were positioned and camouflaged throughout a tree line. They waited patiently for their Australian partners to arrive before executing an assault at the urban operations training facility at Mount Bundy Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, Sept. 5.

Continue reading " Australian Army, US Marines combine arms during urban operations " »

Posted by sr at 10:56 AM | Permalink

By Ernesto Londoño, Published: September 22

Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible was heading home to video-chat with his wife after dinner when the first blasts rang out. The pops in the distance on Sept. 14 at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan were harbingers of the most audacious Taliban attack on a major NATO base in the decade-long war.

Continue reading " Slain Marine commander’s actions in Afghanistan called heroic" »

Posted by sr at 7:59 PM | Permalink

Last Updated on Friday, 14 September 2012 14:28 Written by News Release Friday, 14 September 2012 14:24

Guam - Approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, are scheduled to conduct readiness training on Guam from September 18 to 25.

Continue reading " 2,200 Marines Begin Readiness Training on and Around Guam Starting Next TUESDAY." »

Posted by sr at 12:46 PM | Permalink

By Gidget Fuentes
Posted : Friday Sep 14, 2012 17:49:55 EDT

OCEANSIDE, Calif. – Thirteen two-man teams from around the Marine Corps will tackle the surf, hills and shooting ranges of Camp Pendleton, Calif., tomorrow morning in a daylong timed competition to crown the fastest, if not toughest, reconnaissance team.

Continue reading "Annual ‘Recon Challenge’ underway" »

Posted by sr at 9:23 AM | Permalink

9/13/2012 By Lance Cpl. Daniel Valle , III MEF
CAMP HANSEN, Japan — Captains Aaron F. Fisher and Christopher M. Kaprielian were awarded Bronze Star medals during a ceremony at the 9th Engineer Support Battalion physical training field at Camp Hansen Sept. 5.

Continue reading " 9th Engineer Support Battalion Marines receive Bronze Star " »

Posted by sr at 3:39 PM | Permalink

9/7/2012 By Lance Cpl. D. J. Wu , Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. — Capt. Anthony Bariletti, ground combat element academic officer, Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, received a Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device during a ceremony at the MCTOG compound Aug. 31, 2012.

Continue reading " 3rd CEB Marine earns Bronze Star " »

Posted by sr at 11:19 PM | Permalink

By Gina Harkins - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Sep 5, 2012 13:20:00 EDT

Two Marines have received the nation’s third-highest award for combat valor in recognition of their heroic actions during separate battles last year in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines receive Silver Stars for Afghan heroics" »

Posted by sr at 5:54 PM | Permalink

By Marine Corps Cpl. Mark Garcia
Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Aug. 30, 2012 – During a deployment, most Marines are separated from their families. But for one married Marine Corps couple, a deployment is providing the opportunity to connect in a way most would not be able to experience.

Continue reading "Married Couple Serves Deployment Together" »

Posted by sr at 10:33 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Rebecca Eller | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 08.29.2012

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Nov. 6 is a day most people have marked on their calendar; Election Day is approaching and many Marines may not be aware on how to cast their vote.

Continue reading "Voting assistance officers here to help Marines" »

Posted by sr at 5:33 PM | Permalink

Story by Staff Sgt. Ken Melton | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 08.15.2012
Date Posted:08.23.2012 05:06

OKINAWA, Japan - Marines of 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion are the first on Okinawa to receive training on the mine-resistant ambush protected egress trainer, recently unveiled on the island.

Continue reading "Egress trainer provides insight from all angles" »

Posted by sr at 12:00 PM | Permalink

August 12, 2012 11:04 PM

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — A Long Island family that was waiting for their son to return home from Afghanistan must now plan a funeral.

Continue reading "Long Island Marine Among Those Killed When Afghan Police Officer Opened Fire On U.S. Troops" »

Posted by sr at 10:39 PM | Permalink

Written by
Drew Schmenner
The Desert Sun
1:09 AM, Aug 12, 2012

Every year, approximately 44,500 troops train in the stark, sweltering desert at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. Many have been Marines preparing for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines given tragic lessons on desert" »

Posted by sr at 5:57 PM | Permalink

8/3/2012 By Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP GONSALVES, Okinawa, Japan — As the wind drives down the valley making trees sway, the Jungle Warfare Training Center’s next students prepare to descend. Each has been trained and equipped for the task. Each, in turn, will go over the edge and test their mettle against gravity, rappelling in the Okinawa jungle.

Continue reading "Recon Marines prepare for MEU exercise" »

Posted by sr at 5:22 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Codey Underwood | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 07.30.2012

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan – With a firm grip on a thick rope, the Marines leap from the back of an aircraft hovering 40 feet above the ground. Within seconds, they are setting up security in the drop zone. Within minutes, the entire force of Marines is on the ground.

Continue reading "31st MEU Marines train in fast-rope insertion" »

Posted by sr at 9:20 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 07.26.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —“I remember the day I heard that America was going into Afghanistan,” said Lance Cpl. Behzad Razzada, a member of the Embedded Partnering Team, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “My parents were happy because it was a chance for Afghanistan to unite and fight for freedom. They said it was the only way that injustice in Afghanistan would be finished.”

Continue reading "Marine born in Afghanistan gives back to home nation" »

Posted by sr at 8:37 AM | Permalink

Kujo missing Afghani dog

July 21, 2012
By: Jerrie Dean

On Friday, a family in Texas has increased the reward for Kujo, their missing dog that was a U.S. Marine squadrons companion while in Afghanistan, reports KWTX news.

Continue reading "Family needs help finding missing dog rescued by Marines in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:46 PM | Permalink

7/20/2012 By Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning , Marine Corps Bases Japan

KIN BLUE, Okinawa, Japan — Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a mass-casualty decontamination training exercise at Kin Blue Beach training area July 11.

Continue reading " 31st MEU practices decontamination skills " »

Posted by sr at 8:39 AM | Permalink

By Suzan Clarke
Jul 18, 2012 7:16pm

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then “Call Me Maybe,” the catchy song from Carly Rae Jepsen, must have many admirers.

Continue reading "Marines in Afghanistan Perform ‘Call Me Maybe’" »

Posted by sr at 7:55 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Sean Dennison | Marine Corps Air Station Yuma | Date: 07.19.2012

YUMA, Ariz. - Twice a year, for seven weeks at a time, the station floods with Marines and service members from across the country and around the world. This magical time of congestion is called the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1.

Continue reading "MAWTS-1 Combat Camera provides vital assets to squadron, station, Corps" »

Posted by sr at 11:33 AM | Permalink

7/17/2012 By Cpl. Mark Stroud , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — “Communication is everything for what we do,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Morgan, personal security detachment chief, Personal Security Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “If you can’t communicate you don’t know what is happening, you can’t coordinate with other elements and you can’t reinforce yourself; your command and signal is gone.”

Continue reading "Radio Operator vital to Personal Security Detachment " »

Posted by sr at 10:32 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 07.16.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – “Flat tires, blown transmissions, and even vehicle accidents are common occurrences in the harsh environment and inherent danger of a war zone,” said Staff Sgt. Brendan H. Chamburs, company gunnery sergeant, Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “The wrecker section has the responsibility to maintain convoy momentum when things go wrong.”

Continue reading "“Duty Expert” keeps combat logistics patrols moving" »

Posted by sr at 9:30 AM | Permalink

July 9th, 2012 | Afghanistan Drawdown Infantry Marjah | Posted by Dan Lamothe

The Marine Corps’ footprint in Afghanistan is changing dramatically as a drawdown in forces continues throughout the summer.

Continue reading "Marine Corps footprint in Afghanistan shifting as drawdown continues" »

Posted by sr at 10:42 PM | Permalink

7/6/2012 By Cpl. Jonathan Wright , Marine Corps Bases Japan

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia — Marines hugged the walls inside buildings as they trained their eyes skyward from the edges of windows. The low hum that drove them to cover grew louder as high above the town hung the silhouette of an Australian unmanned aerial vehicle.

Continue reading "Marines train with Aussies" »

Posted by sr at 5:47 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jonathan Wright | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 07.02.2012

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia - The Marines hugged the walls inside the buildings as they trained their eyes skyward from the edges of the windows. The low hum that drove them to cover became louder and high above the town hung the silhouette of an Australian unmanned aerial vehicle.

Continue reading "Marines brace against Aussie advance during Exercise Hamel 2012" »

Posted by sr at 7:57 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 06.27.2012

ROBERTSON BARRACKS, NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia – Approximately 200 Marines with the Marine rotational force in Darwin returned to Australia June 26 and 27 to continue training with the Australian Defence Force. The Marines first arrived in Australia on April 3, 2012, following the force posture initiative announced by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and U.S. President Barack Obama on November 16, 2011.

Continue reading "Marine rotational force returns to Australia" »

Posted by sr at 8:51 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 06.25.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Flying over southwestern Afghanistan, a voice came over the radio, drawing the crew chiefs’ attention to a large truck and SUVs racing through the desert. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, “Vengeance,” were performing aerial reconnaissance in the area, looking for any suspicious vehicles or potential insurgent activity.

Continue reading "Fighting Irish: deployed crew chief fulfills dream" »

Posted by sr at 8:59 AM | Permalink

6/22/2012 By Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — More than 70 Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company returned to Camp Hansen from Afghanistan June 11.

Continue reading "5th ANGLICO returns home " »

Posted by sr at 5:38 PM | Permalink

6/22/2012 By Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — Marines and sailors with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company gathered in the Camp Hansen chapel June 14 to honor the life of Sgt. Julian C. Chase.

Continue reading "5th ANGLICO honors, remembers fallen brother " »

Posted by sr at 5:28 PM | Permalink

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 21, 2012 16:00:50 EDT

About 28,000 U.S. and coalition forces who fought a thriving insurgency in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010 under the command of a Marine expeditionary brigade will receive the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Times has learned.

Continue reading "MEB troops to get prestigious valor award" »

Posted by sr at 5:14 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 06.20.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan —“When you have a [mechanically inclined] mind and you are familiar with how an engine works and how a vehicle works, you can solve a lot of the problems and issues that come up on convoys, that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to [fix],” said Cpl. Jason K. Fricke.

Continue reading "Long Island native uses years of mechanical expertise to keep logistics Marines mission ready" »

Posted by sr at 7:45 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 06.18.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines and sailors with 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provided sustained logistics support to Regimental Combat Team 6, north of Musa Qal’ah, May 27-June 11, in support of Operation Branding Iron.

Continue reading "Combat Logistics Battalion 4 supports Operation Branding Iron" »

Posted by sr at 7:50 AM | Permalink

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jun 17, 2012 11:03:51 EDT

The U.S. military’s plan to shift as many as 2,700 Marines from Okinawa, Japan, to Hawaii raises a key question: Where will they work and live?

Continue reading "Where will Hawaii-bound Marines live and work?" »

Posted by sr at 4:55 PM | Permalink

6/15/2012 By Pfc. Codey Underwood , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — 9th Engineer Support Battalion returned home and were greeted by their friends and family at Camp Hansen June 5 after a seven-month deployment in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marines with 9th ESB return from Afghanistan " »

Posted by sr at 9:01 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Erik Brooks | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 06.11.2012
Date Posted:06.14.2012 19:53

CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa, Japan — Fourth Marine Regiment welcomed 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, June 11, as the first infantry battalion in the unit deployment program to deploy to Camp Schwab in several years.

Continue reading "Infantry battalion arrives at Schwab " »

Posted by sr at 9:05 AM | Permalink

By TINA REED Staff Writer
Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2012 6:00 am | Updated: 12:25 am, Sat Jun 2, 2012.

A 22-year-old Marine from Edgewater was killed on Memorial Day while serving in Afghanistan, the U.S. Department of Defense said this week.

Continue reading "Family mourns Marine killed in Afghanistan " »

Posted by sr at 8:28 AM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Isaac Lamberth | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 05.27.2012
Date Posted:05.30.2012 10:39

Navy Cmdr. Francis Foley, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) command chaplain, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Randall, a religious program specialist were at Combat Outpost Now Zad, Afghanistan, May 27. Foley and Randall delivered care packages to the Marines at the outpost.

Continue reading "Wing Chaplain provides spiritual help on the fly" »

Posted by sr at 5:41 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.26.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan ——“Maintenance is the lifeblood of the battalion,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Troy C. Havard, maintenance officer, Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward).

Continue reading "Maintenance Marines keep battalion rolling" »

Posted by sr at 8:34 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. John Jackson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.24.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – “Whenever anybody sees the PX truck, that is all you hear about – people saying ‘Oh, the PX truck is here,’” said Lance Cpl. Cody Turner, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion. “It’s definitely a morale booster for all the Marines at the [Forward Operating Bases].”

Continue reading "One stop morale shop: Warfighter Exchange Services Team travels throughout Helmand Province " »

Posted by sr at 8:30 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 05.23.2012

Sgt. Enrique Zamora, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 and Los Fresnos, Texas, native, keeps an unusual collection with him on flights: a selection of Chevrolet Hot Wheels cars.

Continue reading "From the couch to combat" »

Posted by sr at 2:16 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.22.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Belk, a motor vehicle mechanic with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), came up with a plan to help his battalion save money in a combat zone through recycling.

Continue reading "Marines implement recycling program, save battalion thousands of dollars" »

Posted by sr at 3:18 PM | Permalink

5/18/2012 By Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning , Marine Corps Bases Japan

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan — More than 100 Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37 gathered on Kadena Air Base to deploy to Afghanistan May 13.

Continue reading "CLR-37 deploys to Afghanistan " »

Posted by sr at 8:20 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 05.16.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Service members attached to 1st MLG (Fwd) provide tactical logistics support to adjacent units in Regional Command (Southwest) and assist in the Marine Corps’ reset and reconstitution effort. Whether it is engineering operations, maintaining vehicles, supplying units or identifying excess gear, 1st MLG (Fwd) Marines and sailors get the mission accomplished.

Continue reading "Combat Logistics Battalion 4 assists realigning Marine Corps forces in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.15.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — In the fall of 2004, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment began a challenging journey that took them to the Middle East and central Asia.

Continue reading "Future of Garmsir in Afghan hands, ‘America’s Battalion’ completes final Helmand tour" »

Posted by sr at 7:39 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.07.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Over the past seven months, I’ve seen and experienced progress in Afghanistan most Americans will never hear about from mainstream media.

Continue reading "A Marine’s perspective on progress in Helmand province" »

Posted by sr at 9:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Isaac Lamberth | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 05.06.2012

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan - On April 28, 1941 – 71 years ago today as I write this – Leo Morgenstern, my great grandfather, wrote a letter from Nazi-occupied France to his son in America, asking for bribe money to facilitate his escape. The letter arrived in January, 1944, having been held up by a British censor due to concerns over its origins behind enemy lines. If only he could have sent an e-mail, he might not have perished at Auschwitz.

Continue reading "V-mail and Gmail" »

Posted by sr at 10:21 PM | Permalink

5/4/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

Afghanistan — Marines with Company A, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, conducted a combat logistics patrol along Route Red-West for the first time recently.

Continue reading "CLB-4 expands patrols to new supply route " »

Posted by sr at 6:19 PM | Permalink

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 05.02.2012

On the final patrol of their seven-month deployment, the Marines toured the Durzay region of Helmand province's Garmsir district to disrupt possible insurgent activity. After arriving in Garmsir in October 2011, the Marines aided Afghan National Security Forces in assuming lead security responsibility of the district, developing and expanding legitimate Afghan governance by defeating insurgent forces and securing the people of Garmsir.

Continue reading "The Last Patrol: ‘America’s Battalion’ Marines near completion of Helmand tour" »

Posted by sr at 10:04 PM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.28.2012
Date Posted:05.01.2012

The 3/3 India Marines gave a battlefield tour of the Safar region to their replacements with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. After arriving in Helmand province's Garmsir district in October 2011, the 'America's Battalion' Marines are nearing the end of their seven-month deployment. During the deployment, they aided Afghan National Security Forces in assuming lead security responsibility of Garmsir, developing and expanding legitimate Afghan governance by defeating insurgent forces and securing the people of Garmsir.

Continue reading "'America's Battalion' Marines patrol Garmsir as district prepares for transition" »

Posted by sr at 10:50 PM | Permalink

5/1/2012 By Sgt. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan — After a 12-hour foot patrol in the baking heat of the Afghan desert, a shower to wash away the grime and the grit could be the one oasis the Marines and sailors here look forward to upon completing their arduous task.

Continue reading "For instant morale – just add water " »

Posted by sr at 7:27 AM | Permalink

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 30, 2012 17:26:03 EDT

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Afghanistan — Up on this cliffside base, Marines protect the landmark Kajaki Dam while surrounded by the remnants of another bloody war in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Dam has hosted Soviets, Brits and U.S. Marines" »

Posted by sr at 11:32 PM | Permalink

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter | Regimental Combat Team 6 | Date: 04.28.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan – Although the timeline for the complete withdrawal of combat troops in Afghanistan is still nearly two years away, Marines in southwest Afghanistan are already starting to close bases and consolidate people and equipment.

Continue reading "Marine truck convoys begin base closures" »

Posted by sr at 2:13 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz | 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.25.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan - When a big job calls for a big machine, the Marines call on the expertise of a heavy equipment operator to get the job done.

Continue reading " Nebraska Marine bears big burden on deployment" »

Posted by sr at 1:45 PM | Permalink

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 16, 2012 8:19:44 EDT

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines are running heliborne operations and other raids this spring to stem the flow of stored poppy out of the country ahead of the next harvest, said the two-star general overseeing ground operations here.

Continue reading "Raids, helo ops hit Afghan drug smugglers" »

Posted by sr at 11:44 AM | Permalink

4/16/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — “Pretty much everything anyone has out here came through supply at one point,” said Lance Cpl. Lud G. Romain, assistant warehouse chief, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “We have three lance corporals in the warehouse taking care of the entire battalion.”

Continue reading "Warehouse clerks band together in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:48 AM | Permalink

SARAH CRAWFORD | April 15th, 2012

CROSS-country competitors had to weave in and out of 150 US Marines who were running in formation at the annual Darwin long-distance race.

Continue reading "Marines set the pace for annual race" »

Posted by sr at 10:13 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.14.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Marines with Support Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) worked tirelessly toward the completion of a 12 kilometer stretch of road.

Continue reading "Marines continue infrastructure growth in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 2:20 PM | Permalink

By Tom Sileo
Published 04/13/12

Lance Cpl. Stuart Ferreri is just old enough to legally buy a beer in the United States. Yet the Marine, 21, is already on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "The Unknown Soldiers: A Marine Named Fancy" »

Posted by sr at 10:44 PM | Permalink

Story by 2nd Lt. Scott Murdock | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.12.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When he is on his family farm, Dana Brakke can be found driving a John Deere through the green fields of Comstock, Minn. These days, he can be found driving an armored truck through the sand of southwest Afghanistan

Continue reading "Comstock Marine drives forward" »

Posted by sr at 10:45 PM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.12.2012

During their visit to Helmand province’s Garmsir district, U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. David Berger and members of his staff surveyed positions manned by ‘America’s Battalion’ and Afghan National Security Forces. They discussed the progress made in Garmsir by the partnered forces, upcoming district community council elections and the nearing transition of lead security responsibility to Afghan forces.

Continue reading "Task Force Leatherneck commanding general visits Afghan, Marine forces in Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 9:10 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 04.11.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Over the past four years, seven U.S. Marine battalions have rotated through Helmand province’s Garmsir district.

Continue reading "Setting the Conditions: Motor Transport Marines prepare Garmsir for transition" »

Posted by sr at 9:39 AM | Permalink

Story by 2nd Lt. Scott Murdock | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 04.09.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - “When I was here last, we had a 12-year-old boy turn his father in for making [improvised explosive devices],” said Capt. Aaron Fisher, Support Company commander, 9th Engineer Support Battalion. “We asked him why he’d do that. He said he learned in school that IEDs are bad and that bad people make them.”

Continue reading "Engineers pave way for progress" »

Posted by sr at 9:23 AM | Permalink

Story by Anthony Ward | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.07.2012

SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan -- As Afghanistan continues to transition into a stronger, Afghan-led country, Marines continue to do their part by leaving things better than they found them.

Continue reading "Marine engineers improve road for local village" »

Posted by sr at 10:33 AM | Permalink

4/6/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

PATROL BASE MIRMANDAB, Afghanistan — Marines with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), assisted in demilitarizing Patrol Base Mirmandab, March 23-31.

Continue reading "Bravo Co. Marines take on new mission, demilitarize base " »

Posted by sr at 9:19 AM | Permalink

4/6/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan — Two corpsmen were recognized for saving the lives of mass-casualty victims during a ceremony here March 28.

Continue reading "Corpsmen save crash victims " »

Posted by sr at 9:12 AM | Permalink

4/6/2012 By Cpl. Isaac Lamberth , 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — A four-vehicle convoy travels along the barren desert when the first vehicle is suddenly struck by an improvised explosive device. A Marine in the first vehicle is hit in the face by shrapnel. A Navy Corpsman riding in the third vehicle jumps out and pulls the injured Marine from the vehicle and rushes to assess his injuries. The convoy commander immediately radios for a medical evacuation.

Continue reading "For Marines on the battlefield, urgent care is just a call away " »

Posted by sr at 9:00 AM | Permalink

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press
Apr 4, 6:32 AM EDT

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) -- The first detachment of 200 U.S. Marines has arrived in northern Australia, where a permanent joint training hub is taking shape as part of a U.S. shift of military strength in the Asia-Pacific region.

Continue reading "First 200 US Marines land at Aussie training hub" »

Posted by sr at 9:43 AM | Permalink

4/4/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marines with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), completed construction of a vehicle washrack at the battalion motor pool, March 27.

Continue reading "CLB-4 Marines innovate, clean vehicles efficiently " »

Posted by sr at 9:35 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. John Jackson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 04.03.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Operational tempo in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, continues at a high pace. Service members continue to conduct foot patrols, mounted patrols, resupply convoys and construction projects on a daily basis. Throughout these missions, the number one hostile threat to coalition forces continues to be improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Support Marines, sailors help EOD Company accomplish the mission" »

Posted by sr at 7:24 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.29.2012
Date Posted:04.01.2012 14:14

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Without the Marine’s watchful eyes and his dog’s trained nose, the round metal container packed with 40 pounds of homemade explosives could have wreaked destruction on their patrol.

Continue reading "Dogs of war: Friends and saviors of Marines in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 9:50 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Brian Tuthill | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 03.30.2012

MARINE CORP BASE, Hawaii - Nearly 100 Marines, sailors, family members and friends gathered today to honor six Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 who were killed Jan. 19 when their CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter went down in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine helicopter squadron honors six killed in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 9:23 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Sean Dennison | Marine Corps Air Station Yuma | Date: 03.29.2012

YUMA, Ariz. - MCAS Yuma opened up its flight line to special needs youth for them to get a taste of the annual Yuma Air Show during the Children's Expo, March 16.

Continue reading "Kids explore military life at MCAS' 2012 Children's Expo" »

Posted by sr at 10:16 AM | Permalink

3/30/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Company A, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, completed the largest combat logistics patrol to-date through Helmand province March 12-14.

Continue reading "Company hits stride, completes largest patrol to date " »

Posted by sr at 10:06 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.27.2012

This is the seventh installment in a series on U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. After laboring through training in the California desert in 2011, they are now supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Grueling days and the absence of home’s amenities here make their work exhausting and their down time precious. They labor with little and appreciate the simple. This is their deployment grind.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Afghanistan — The ragged dartboard nestled between camouflage uniform items and a giant American flag has seen better days.

Continue reading "Killing Time: Bragging Rights" »

Posted by sr at 8:56 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.21.2012
Date Posted:03.25.2012 11:43

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — The celebration of the Afghan New Year was outlawed while Helmand province’s Garmsir district was under insurgent rule prior to the arrival of coalition forces in 2005.

Continue reading "Afghan forces, ‘America’s Battalion’ Marines keep Garmsir safe during Afghan New Year" »

Posted by sr at 9:33 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Garry Welch | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 03.21.2012

USS ESSEX, At Sea — The ability to look at problems in a different way, and then solve them when no one else could is what earned him the nickname, “Rain Man.”

Continue reading "'Rain Man' keeps 31st MEU systems operating" »

Posted by sr at 10:18 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Garry Welch | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 03.21.2012

USS ESSEX, At Sea — Every Marine and sailor aboard the USS Essex serves a crucial role in the success of the mission, but Lance Cpl. Samantha A. Sabalboro serves two.

Continue reading "Marine serves two crucial roles for 31st MEU" »

Posted by sr at 9:52 AM | Permalink

3/13/2012 By Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright , 31st MEU

USS ESSEX, At Sea — One year ago on March 11, an undersea earthquake rocked the eastern coast of Japan, its 9.0 magnitude making it one of the five most powerful earthquakes in the world since 1900. Just 70 kilometers off the coast of Tohoku, the quake triggered a violent tsunami which damaged more than one hundred thousand buildings, killed or injured tens of thousands of people and caused meltdowns in reactors of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Continue reading "From tragedy comes Tomodachi, bonds built out of the Tohoku disaster " »

Posted by sr at 7:15 AM | Permalink

3/12/2012 By Sgt. John Jackson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Staff Sgt. Marcus Burleson, an explosive ordnance disposal technician and team leader with 2nd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) was awarded the General Kvinitadze medal, which is given to foreign service members who significantly contribute in the development of Republic of Georgia-foreign nation military cooperation, Feb. 3.

Continue reading "Wounded EOD Marine receives award from Georgian President " »

Posted by sr at 10:14 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.11.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Marines with Bravo Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), conducted a combat logistics patrol in support of counterinsurgency operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 4–7.

Continue reading "CLB-4 supports intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance operations with combat logistics patrol" »

Posted by sr at 9:33 AM | Permalink

3/9/2012 By Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — During entry-level training, Marines are taught the five stresses encountered during combat: extreme risk or fear, the fog of war, discomfort and fatigue, becoming or dealing with casualties and boredom.

Continue reading "CLB-4 overcomes mud, flooding to deliver supplies " »

Posted by sr at 9:43 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 03.07.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Afghanistan — Throughout Garmsir district’s developing city centers and sparsely populated desert areas, the familiar sight of Afghan National Security Forces is evidence of the growth in Afghan-led security operations.

Continue reading "Making Strides Behind the Scenes: Afghan forces, Marines serve Garmsir from operational coordination center" »

Posted by sr at 8:26 AM | Permalink

3/7/2012 By 2nd Lt. Tyler Morrison , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan — Combat Engineers with Bridge Platoon, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) completed construction on a non-standard bridge that will provide a long term solution for local traffic in the area here, Mar.6.

Continue reading "Marines heed locals’ call, provide long term bridge solution " »

Posted by sr at 8:13 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. James Sauter | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 02.28.2012
Date Posted:03.06.2012 16:23

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Marines of Amphibious Assault Vehicle platoon, Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, partnered with members of the Environmental Compliance and Protection Department during the 30th annual Mud Operations, here, Feb. 28 trough March 1.

Continue reading "Marines tear it up with 'Gator' steel" »

Posted by sr at 5:17 PM | Permalink

3/6/2012 By Cpl. Michele Watson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — It’s 7 o’clock on a Sunday night. The sky is pitch black, and it is starting to rain again. The gunner strains his eyes to look for any moving figures illuminated by the frequent flashes of lightning across the sky.

Continue reading "9th ESB Marines defy challenges, complete construction mission " »

Posted by sr at 7:29 AM | Permalink

3/6/2012 By Sgt. John Jackson , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Whether the Marines of 9th Engineer Support Battalion are building bridges or roads or constructing new structures on patrol bases throughout Helmand province, the Marines provide tactical logistics support so that other units have what they need to accomplish their mission. However, completing these tasks takes not only the hard work of combat engineers, motor transport operators and heavy equipment operators, but military police Marines to provide security to ensure the mission is accomplished in the safest environment possible.

Continue reading "Marine MPs provide security, keep engineering operations safe " »

Posted by sr at 7:23 AM | Permalink

3/4/2012 By Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright , 31st MEU

USS ESSEX, At Sea — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit has embarked Navy ships in order to conduct amphibious integration training and a follow on certification exercise before continuing the deployment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Continue reading "31st MEU embarks for AIT, CERTEX " »

Posted by sr at 12:25 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 03.03.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The Combat Logistics Battalion 4 motor pool hums with activity throughout the day, its frenetic bustle slowing only slightly as the sun sets, and a night-crew replaces their daytime counterparts.

Continue reading "CLB-4 maintains physical edge" »

Posted by sr at 10:41 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Mark Stroud | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 03.02.2012

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan - A Marine convoy delivered supplies to Forward Operating Bases Nolay and Whitehouse here during an operation Feb. 14-16.

Continue reading "CLB-4 conducts convoy" »

Posted by sr at 10:04 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.25.2012
Date Posted:02.29.2012 20:15

PATROL BASE BURY, Afghanistan — Their humble home is exceptionally primitive, but it’s all the deployed infantrymen need.

Continue reading "There's No Place Like A Patrol Base" »

Posted by sr at 5:13 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Michele Watson | 1st Marine Logistics Group | Date: 02.26.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – It’s 7 o’clock on a Sunday night. The sky is pitch black, and it is starting to rain again. The gunner strains his eyes to look for any moving figures illuminated by the frequent flashes of lightning across the sky.

Continue reading "9th ESB Marines defy challenges, complete construction mission" »

Posted by sr at 8:55 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 02.24.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - During the late afternoon hours of Jan. 30, Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), were working hard to take apart a medium girder bridge in the rural district of Garmsir, in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. During the disassembly, part of the bridge inadvertently gave way and landed on a Marine’s leg, sending him to the ground, writhing in pain.

Continue reading "Corpsman proves valuable to team in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 8:30 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.22.2012

SRE KALA, Helmand province, Afghanistan – A large plot of austere terrain in the southern portion of Khan-Neshin district is home to local farmers who make a living growing crops far from the more developed districts of southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Marines sweep uncharted areas of Khan-Neshin during Operation Highland Thunder" »

Posted by sr at 11:15 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 02.16.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The thunderous clap of low-flying helicopters reverberates off an endless desert landscape. Inside the mechanical fortress, rows of Afghan Border Police and U.S. Marines stare out the open back hatch, calmly watching the wilderness rapidly retract beneath them.

Continue reading "Operation Shahem Tofan: Afghan Border Police, Marines extend reach toward Helmand border" »

Posted by sr at 10:36 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Date: 02.15.2012

In Bangor, Maine there is a group of people that greets each flight carrying deploying or returning U.S. troops. I first met a few of them in March 2010 when, as a new second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, I passed through on my way to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "A Marine’s Journal – 1st Lt. David Morgenstern" »

Posted by sr at 10:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Bryan Nygaard | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 02.14.2012

GARMSIR, Afghanistan - During the last week of January, fifty-five Marines of Bridge Platoon, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) traveled nearly 80 miles through the central portion of Helmand province in order to reach Combat Outpost Rankel, a small base located in the district of Garmsir, Helmand province. Their mission consisted of removing a medium girder bridge and replacing it with a more permanent and cost-efficient structure that would increase the mobility of the Marines and Afghans in the area.

Continue reading "Never a Bridge Too Far: Combat Engineers increase mobility in Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 3:20 PM | Permalink

2/10/2012 By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

GARMSIR, Afghanistan — During the late afternoon hours of Jan. 30, Marines with Bridge Platoon, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), were working hard to take apart a medium girder bridge in the rural district of Garmsir, Helmand province. During the disassembly, part of the bridge inadvertently gave way and landed on a Marine’s leg, sending him to the ground, writhing in pain.

Continue reading "Illinois Corpsman works with Combat Engineers, proves his worth in Garmsir " »

Posted by sr at 9:24 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 02.09.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Extensive improvements in Nawa district and exceptional Afghan leadership has transformed the once improvised explosive device-laden area into a peaceful paragon of progress during the last year. Residents walk casually along roads and waterways, confident in local Afghan security forces to keep them safe. The growth of illegal drugs has been nearly eradicated as citizens have begun to see the benefits of growing legal crops. Interest in education is on the rise, ensuring a brighter future for the people of Nawa. The people are happy, healthy and hopeful.

Continue reading "Nawa: the essence of progress" »

Posted by sr at 4:48 PM | Permalink

Story by Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr. | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 02.03.2012

CAMP HANSEN, Japan - Elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit departed Okinawa en route to the Kingdom of Thailand Jan. 25 to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold.

Continue reading "31st MEU departs for CG 12" »

Posted by sr at 10:12 AM | Permalink

2/3/2012 By Cpl. Reece Lodder , Regimental Combat Team 5

BANADAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Situated in the southern portion of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Garmsir district has historically been a highway for insurgent movement from Pakistan.

Continue reading "Afghan Border Police, Marine partnership furthers governance in southern Helman " »

Posted by sr at 10:05 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 01.27.2012

Sporadic bursts of rifle fire cut through the still air, drawing an immediate response from the Marines staged on the opposite end of the clearing. Calls for maneuvers were made as groups of Marines took up defensive positions, returning fire in the direction of the enemy contact. Minutes later, three hostiles were either killed or captured, and a security perimeter was established around the cleared area.

Continue reading "31st MEU secures beach with amphibious assault" »

Posted by sr at 10:05 PM | Permalink

1/27/2012 By Cpl. Jonathan G. Wright , 31st MEU

OKINAWA, Japan — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit has kicked off the new year by departing for the multi-lateral training exercise Cobra Gold 2012.

Continue reading "The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit departs for Cobra Gold 2012 " »

Posted by sr at 10:02 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 01.27.2012

Marine combat engineers are known for being the first called when something needs to be repaired, improvised, built or even destroyed. These capabilities often earn them accolades from their fellow Marines.

Continue reading "9th ESB completes road construction in Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 9:59 PM | Permalink

CALEB HUTTON; THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Published: 01/25/12 5:01 pm | Updated: 01/26/12 9:18 am

A public motorcade is tentatively scheduled for Saturday afternoon, Jan. 28, in honor of a U.S. Marine from Ferndale who died last week in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Motorcade, public memorial this weekend for fallen Marine from Ferndale " »

Posted by sr at 5:09 PM | Permalink

McHone was inspiration to work hard, "always wanted to be the best he could"

By KATIE ANDERSON - [email protected]
Created: Sunday, January 22, 2012 5:30 a.m. CST

CRYSTAL LAKE – To his classmates and former coaches at Crystal Lake South High School, “Nate” McHone always will be an inspiration to work hard at whatever task sits before you.

Continue reading "Classmates, teachers remember Crystal Lake Marine killed in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 11:21 PM | Permalink

Photos by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau | Marine Forces Pacific Combat Camera | Date: 01.20.2012
Date Posted:01.21.2012 04:52

Lava Viper is a battalion-level combined-arms training exercise to better prepare Marines for upcoming deployments.

Continue reading "Lava Viper 2012" »

Posted by sr at 9:44 AM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.19.2012

Twelve permanent schools are currently under construction by local contractors in Garmsir district. U.S. Marines with the civil affairs team in support of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, visited several sites to inspect the structures and ensure compliance with the quality assurance standards of the Afghan government. The buildings are projected for mid-year completion.

Continue reading "Garmsir district eyes growth through ongoing school construction " »

Posted by sr at 1:04 PM | Permalink

Video by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.13.2012
Date posted: 01:19:2012

Afghan National Police patrolmen and U.S. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, stand post at Patrol Base Amir Agha and conduct a partnered vehicle checkpoint here, Jan. 13. Produced by Cpl. Reece Lodder

Continue reading "Marine Infantrymen Mentor Afghan Police force in Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 12:39 PM | Permalink

1/19/2012 By Cpl. Meredith Brown , 2nd Marine Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan — It is Saturday night. The moon is visible through the sandy haze. The sounds of Guitar Hero are heard outside a small tent. A group of Marines are gathered inside rocking out to the various bands. Lt. Bryan Davenport, the chaplain for 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), watches the Marines give their best shot before piping up from the back row and asking to get the next turn.

Continue reading "Poulsbo, Wash., native answers call as chaplain" »

Posted by sr at 10:22 AM | Permalink

Story by Master Gunnery Sgt. Phil Mehringer | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.18.2012

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Nearly 150 Marines from 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward)’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion converged in the open Helmand desert on a dry river bed known as a wadi. They needed to quickly build a land bridge through the wadi, rushing to complete the project before the seasonal, heavy monsoon rains began.

Continue reading "Combat engineers improve ‘Old Silk Road’" »

Posted by sr at 4:26 PM | Permalink

Video by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.17.2012

U.S Marine Cpl. Karl Winar, a 20-year-old motor transport operator with Trucks Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a native of Flemington, N.J., sends a shout out to his family. Produced by Cpl. Reece Lodder. Also available in high definition.

Continue reading "Cpl. Karl Winar" »

Posted by sr at 1:11 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Brian Jones | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 01.17.2012

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - A Marine Corps sergeant in Afghanistan who unearthed a never-before-seen maintenance issue in a UH-1Y Huey was recently awarded by the Marine Corps for his potentially lifesaving find.

Continue reading "Marine helicopter mechanic in Afghanistan saves lives with maintenance discovery" »

Posted by sr at 10:22 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.13.2012
Date posted: 01:16:2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — When U.S. Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, arrived here in early November, they met an Afghan National Police force primed for development.

Continue reading "Marine infantrymen mentor Afghan police force in Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 12:26 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installations Pacific | Date: 01.13.2012
By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard
2ND MARINE LOGISTICS GROUP (FWD)

FIREBASE SAENZ, Afghanistan Firebase Saenz has been destroyed. Its defenses have been torn down, and its walls have been completely leveled. This destruction was not caused by insurgents – it was the handiwork of Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion.

Continue reading "9th ESB combat engineers demilitarize Afghanistan firebase" »

Posted by sr at 8:48 PM | Permalink

Video by Lance Cpl. Robert Bush | Marine Forces Pacific Combat Camera | Date: 01.13.2012

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment are conducting a live hand grenade range during Lava Viper in Pohakuloa Training Area, Jan. 13, 2012.

Continue reading "EX LAVA VIPER B ROLL" »

Posted by sr at 5:43 PM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Demetrius Munnerlyn | Marine Forces Pacific Combat Camera | Date: 01.13.2012

Lava Viper is a battalion level combined arms training exercise to better prepare Marines for upcoming deployment.

Continue reading "Lava Viper" »

Posted by sr at 4:02 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.10.2012

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The heart of Garmsir district is safe.

Continue reading "Operation Tageer Shamal: Afghans, Marines extend presence west of Helmand River" »

Posted by sr at 8:52 PM | Permalink

January 10th, 2012 | Battle Rattle | Posted by James Sanborn

Third Battalion, 3rd Marines, is shifting the fight in Helmand province to the countryside in pursuit of fighters who have been driven to the region’s remote outer reaches over the past two years.

Continue reading "Marines pursue Taliban into Helmand’s outer reaches" »

Posted by sr at 4:12 PM | Permalink

Story by 2nd Lt. Chris Harper | Regimental Combat Team-5Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand, 1st Marine Division | Date: 01.08.2012
Date Posted:01.09.2012 15:02

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces with Regimental Combat Team 5 have launched Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds), a clearing operation focused on removing the final strains of the insurgency in southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 11:49 PM | Permalink

By Chris Harper, Regimental Combat Team 5

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan, (January 9th, 2012) — Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces with Regimental Combat Team 5 have launched Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds), a clearing operation focused on removing the final strains of the insurgency in southern Helmand province.

Continue reading "Afghan, Marine forces clear remnants of insurgency in southern Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 4:44 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.07.2012

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Nicholas Marchioni enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000 as an infantryman and like many, he completed his four-year contract and headed back home to start a new chapter in his life.

Continue reading "Detroit native draws on experience to lead Marines" »

Posted by sr at 4:30 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Meredith Brown | 2nd Marine Logistics Group | Date: 01.06.2012

SHIR GHAZAY, Afghanistan - Two Marines carefully stepped out of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and extended their metal detectors to full length during a route reconnaissance mission on Route Red, Jan. 1-3. The quick checks were conducted to calibrate the detectors and the Marines began the meticulous sweeping process, ensuring that the area was clear of improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Combat engineers perform route recon mission, paving the way for road improvements in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 8:28 AM | Permalink

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 2, 2012 10:26:48 EST

A routine Afghan-Marine foot patrol was thrown into chaos Dec. 2 when a car traveling more than 40 mph struck the point man, plunging both car and soldier violently into a nearby canal.

Continue reading "Marines save Afghans in daring canal rescue" »

Posted by sr at 10:55 AM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.30.2011
Date Posted:12.31.2011 07:34

. 'America's Battalion' is aiding the Afghan National Security Forces in assuming security responsibilities over Helmand province's Garmsir district. This interoperability is designed to further the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance of Afghanistan by defeating insurgent forces and helping secure the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers, Marines join forces to patrol southern Garmsir district" »

Posted by sr at 10:11 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.28.2011
Date Posted:12.31.2011 07:20

SAFAR BAZAAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Safar Bazaar was once a hotbed for insurgents, its shops teeming with illegal drugs and streets laden with improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "From insurgent hotbed to commercial hub: Afghans, Marines clear Safar Bazaar of remnants of illegal activity during Operation Sandman" »

Posted by sr at 9:53 AM | Permalink

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 12.25.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Capt. Jeff Barnes isn’t really Santa Claus, but don’t tell that to the Marines in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Operation Noel: Marine helicopters spread Christmas spirit in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 1:04 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.25.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — At work a world away from home, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment celebrated Christmas in Afghanistan, Dec. 25.

Continue reading "Marines, sailors of ‘America’s Battalion’ celebrate Christmas in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 12:54 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.21.2011
Date Posted:12.24.2011 02:31

COMBAT OUTPOST KOSHTAY, Helmand province, Afghanistan — A group of infantry Marines huddle around a Scrabble board, barely visible beneath filthy camouflage utilities and a mishmash of warming layers. Sheltered in the meager warmth of an unheated concrete room, they fill their down time by channeling boredom into a board game.

Continue reading "Killing Time: Channeling boredom into board games" »

Posted by sr at 10:24 PM | Permalink

Associated Press
By ANJA NIEDRINGHAUS
AP – Fri, Dec 23, 2011

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Inside the medevac helicopter in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Cpl. Burness Britt bleeds profusely from his neck. He and two other Marines have just been hit by shrapnel, with Britt's injuries the most serious. The medevac crew chief clutches one of Britt's blood-covered hands as he is given oxygen. I take hold of the other.

Continue reading "Wounded Marine inspires AP photographer's search" »

Posted by sr at 11:49 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Timothy Solano | Regional Command Southwest | Date: 12.23.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Maintaining an area of operations comparable to the size of New York City and neighboring boroughs is a full time job for the service members of Task Force Belleau Wood, who have held down Camp Leatherneck and its surrounding area since the unit arrived in early 2011.

Continue reading "What is Task Force Belleau Wood" »

Posted by sr at 8:37 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Justin Boling | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 12.23.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- Unmanned systems have revolutionized combat aviation, providing a colossal advantage in the fight against terror with surveillance and close-air support.

Continue reading "Unmanned helicopter makes first delivery for Marines in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 8:25 PM | Permalink

12/22/2011 By Cpl. Bryan Nygaard , 9th Engineer Support Battalion

FIREBASE SAENZ, Afghanistan — Firebase Saenz has been destroyed. Its defenses have been torn down and its walls have been completely leveled. This destruction was not caused by insurgents – it was the handiwork of Marines from the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward).

Continue reading "Combat engineers tear down patrol bases throughout Helmand province, paving way for Afghan pullout " »

Posted by sr at 9:25 AM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.19.2011

On the patrol, the ANA and Marines interacted with local citizens and conducted a vehicle checkpoint. The Marines of "America's Battalion" are aiding the Afghan National Security Forces in assuming security responsibilities over Helmand province's Garmsir district. Their interoperability is designed to further the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance of Afghanistan by defeating insurgent forces and helping secure the Afghan people.

Continue reading "With transition in sight, Afghan soldiers lead Marines in patrolling Garmsir district" »

Posted by sr at 9:44 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.15.2011
Date Posted:12.18.2011 07:15

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The clock has barely passed 4 a.m., and the base is asleep. Few souls aboard Forward Operating Base Delhi have stirred to brave the morning cold, a bitter chill that lingers until it’s been chased away by the mid-day sun.

Continue reading "Combat cooks feed 'America’s Battalion' in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 4:54 PM | Permalink

12/14/2011 By 2nd Lt. Dave Baugh , 31st MEU

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — Within seconds of being sprayed, my eyelids slammed shut, hornets stung at my eyes and molten steel was poured over my face. This was my experience with Oleoresin Capsicum, commonly known as Pepper Spray.

Continue reading "Eyes opened through pain, my experience with OC training " »

Posted by sr at 9:02 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.14.2011

KUCHINEY DARVISHAN, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Dimly illuminated by a sliver of moonlight, eight shadowy figures quietly patrolled a gravel road set against a swiftly flowing canal.

Continue reading "Marines plunge into frigid canal to save nine Afghans" »

Posted by sr at 8:58 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.11.2011

SAR BANADAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — A short distance off a dusty Afghan road, two U.S. Marines brave the chill of an early winter morning as they await a flood of local traffic.

Continue reading "Repetitive yet reliable, vehicle checkpoints protect Afghans and Marines" »

Posted by sr at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.07.2011

Photos of Afghan National Army soldiers and 3/3 Marines who met with local elders at a shura and built rapport with local children during the patrol. The Marines of “America’s Battalion” will continue to mentor Afghan National Security Forces as they assume security responsibility in Garmsir district. Their interoperability is designed to further the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance of Afghanistan by defeating insurgent forces and helping secure the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Progress through partnership: Afghan soldiers, Marines pair up to patrol Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 2:25 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.02.2011
Date Posted:12.05.2011 11:51

SAR BANADAR, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Nine months ago, a quiet 15-year-old Afghan boy had the last normal morning of his life.

Continue reading "US Marines save, heal Afghan IED victim" »

Posted by sr at 7:24 PM | Permalink

Grieving family gathers at McNary Field as their fallen Marine comes home

Written by
Capi Lynn
Statesman Journal
11:52 PM, Dec. 4, 2011

Marine Cpl. Adam Buyes was welcomed home Sunday during a somber but stately ceremony on a flag-lined tarmac at McNary Field, eight days after he was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Fallen Marine receives a hero's welcome" »

Posted by sr at 10:47 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.28.2011
Date Posted:12.04.2011 15:20

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Against the backdrop of a piercing mid-day sun, a squad of U.S. Marines quietly patrols along a Garmsir road. A slew of guests walk evenly within their ranks, following their escorts through the bazaar.

Continue reading "On post or patrol, Guard Force Platoon maintains security in Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 8:59 PM | Permalink

12/2/2011 By Cpl. Brian Adam Jones , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —

While deployed to Iraq, Robert Allen wrote a song for his wife, Carla. He sent it to her on Christmas Eve.

Continue reading "Marine’s Christmas song offers tribute to family back home" »

Posted by sr at 8:37 AM | Permalink

12/2/2011 By Lance Cpl. Daniel E. Valle , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan — More than 34 Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion’s advanced party returned to Okinawa Nov. 27, where they were met with open arms following a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "3rd Recon Marines, loved ones reunite " »

Posted by sr at 8:31 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 12.01.2011

PATROL BASE ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Most people do not think twice about the food they eat each day and come to assume three hot meals will be available. The Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion quickly realized the value of a hot meal after eating pre-packaged Meals-Ready-to-Eat for the first six weeks of their deployment. Fortunately for them, that has all changed.

Continue reading "Mess hall Marines maintain 3rd Recon morale" »

Posted by sr at 12:03 PM | Permalink

By Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Nov 30, 2011 17:33:50 EST

PUZEH, Afghanistan — In this dusty village in southern Afghanistan a small team of elite U.S. Marines is nudging Afghans toward rejection of the Taliban insurgency, a mission that is emerging as central to the U.S. and NATO exit strategy but is little known beyond the rugged brown hills of the upper Helmand River Valley.

Continue reading "Elite Marines crucial to 2014 Afghanistan exit" »

Posted by sr at 11:35 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Erica Disalvo | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | Date: 11.28.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRIMAR, Calif. -- Random police patrols have increased on East Miramar aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar due to encroachment by the public and acts of vandalism to historic sites located in the area.

Continue reading "Encroachment causes safety risks in East Miramar" »

Posted by sr at 4:58 PM | Permalink

Published: Monday, November 28, 2011, 7:37 PM
By Ray Whitehouse, The Oregonian

A 21-year-old Marine from Salem has died while fighting in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Salem Marine Cpl. Adam Buyes dies in combat in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 4:41 PM | Permalink

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.26.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The Upper Sangin Valley has been a hot bed of insurgent activity in the Sangin District with constant threats of improvised explosive devices and fire fights against Afghan National Army members and coalition forces. For the past five months, the Marines of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion have been working hard to secure the tiny villages north of Sangin as well as secure their portion of Route 611, a north-south highway running parallel to the Helmand River, and a major transportation route used for commerce in the area.

Continue reading "SURVIVAL" »

Posted by sr at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.22.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — In the furthest reaches of Garmsir district, nearly 70 kilometers from the district center, a mixture of local elders and farmers sat quietly around a collection of ornately woven Afghan rugs, awaiting discussion with their district governor and Marine leaders.

Continue reading "Bringing governance to ungoverned places: District governor, Marine leaders interact with citizens of southern Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 5:01 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.21.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — When Cpl. Axel Benitez joined the Marine Corps more than three years ago, he never thought his younger brother would follow in his footsteps.

Continue reading "Marine brothers meet in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:23 AM | Permalink

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 11.19.2011
Date Posted:11.20.2011 13:27

SANGIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Since the early days of their deployment to the Upper Sangin Valley of Afghanistan, the Marines of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion have been relentless in their pursuit of insurgents, often fighting a battle not traditionally suited for their expertise.

Continue reading "Recon COIN ops create change in Upper Sangin Valley" »

Posted by sr at 9:32 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder
Date Posted:11.20.2011 02:27

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Following the completion of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s successful seven-month deployment here, Lt. Col. Matthew J. Palma, 3/3 commanding officer, accepted responsibility of the district from Lt. Col. Sean Riordan, 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment commanding officer, during a relief in place and transfer of authority ceremony here, Nov. 17.

Continue reading "Transition in Garmsir: ‘America’s Battalion’ replaces ‘Lava Dogs’ in southern Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 10:29 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.18.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — When 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, nick-named the Lava Dogs, arrived here mid-April, expectations were of a deployment filled with improvised explosive devices and sporadic firefights.

Continue reading "Marines ready Garmsir for transition of authority" »

Posted by sr at 10:43 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Erik Brooks | III Marine Expeditionary Force / Marine Corps Installation Pacific | Date: 11.18.2011

CAMP FUJI, Japan - Immediately upon their arrival, wires spread out and antennas sprout from the ground like spring grass. These Marines set up critical communications assets to allow an artillery battalion to communicate.

Continue reading "Communication Marines facilitate 3/12’s command and control" »

Posted by sr at 9:52 PM | Permalink

11/18/2011 By Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe , Marine Corps Bases Japan
KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan — Marines and sailors with 9th Engineer Support Battalion boarded aircraft here Nov. 12 and departed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, signaling the start of a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "9th ESB deploys in support of OEF " »

Posted by sr at 9:39 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.13.2011
Date Posted:11.17.2011 11:57

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Spread out within a maze of concertina wire and concrete barriers at Garmsir’s district center, Afghan National Police members partnered with Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment to provide security for the funeral of District Chief of Police Lt. Col. Sayfullah Khan Rashidi here, Nov. 13.

Continue reading "Garmsir citizens, Marines honor fallen police chief" »

Posted by sr at 4:53 PM | Permalink

Story by Ruth Castillo, Reporter

MCAS Yuma, Arizona November 16, 2011 - Family and friends gathered at the VMA-513 hangar bay Wednesday night waited with eager anticipation for their Marines after being apart for half a year.

Continue reading "Yuma-based Marines with VMA-513 return from Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:33 PM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.15.2011

Headquarters and Service Company Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, patrol. They interacted with children and spoke with local leaders. “America’s Battalion” recently arrived in Garmsir. They’ll partner with the Afghan National Security Forces to establish a secure environment and develop district government to better meet the needs of the Afghan people.

Continue reading "Friendly faces: 3/3 Marines interact with Garmsir children " »

Posted by sr at 12:05 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.15.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Since 2006, coalition forces have fought to bring security and stability to the once insurgent-heavy Garmsir district. Five years later, coalition forces are near transitioning control of the district to the local government.

Continue reading "Lest we forget: remembrance service honors Garmsir fallen" »

Posted by sr at 7:40 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — Afghan National Security Forces and Marines from 1st and 3rd Battalions, 3rd Marine Regiment are putting the lock down on roads in Garmsir during operation gridlock here, Nov. 1 and 5.

Continue reading "Lock Down: Afghan National Security Forces, Marines interdict insurgent movement" »

Posted by sr at 2:45 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — For the second year in a row, “America’s Battalion” celebrated the Marine Corps birthday in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "America’s Battalion’ celebrates 236th Marine Corps birthday in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 9:45 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.10.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Around this time of the year, most Marines are shining their shoes, taking their ‘Blues’ to the cleaners and making sure they have their ticket and date to the ball.

Continue reading "RCT-5 command delivers birthday tradition to southern Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 8:24 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.07.2011

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Over seven months of training, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have become hardened for war.

Continue reading "‘America’s Battalion’ arrives in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 9:02 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Photos | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.07.2011

After departing from Hawaii from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1, “America’s Battalion” arrived in southern Helmand province to begin their seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In the coming weeks 3/3 will take control of operations in Garmsir District, relieving fellow Hawaii-based 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Images: ‘America’s Battalion’ arrives in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 8:58 AM | Permalink

Story by Christine Cabalo | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 11.04.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii — Retired Marine 2nd Lt. Don Downer is still serving the Corps by sending hundreds of care packages to the deployed, including 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "'Spam Czar' sends care packages to K-Bay Marines" »

Posted by sr at 3:35 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Two years ago, an improvised explosive device blew a hole in the Darvishan Bridge, a main bridge across the Helmand River here.

Continue reading "Bridging the way to Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 11:41 PM | Permalink

The public is invited to the service

Thursday, Nov 3, 2011

A memorial service has been planned in San Jose for a U.S. Marine from Milpitas who was killed in Afghanistan last week.

Continue reading "Funeral For South Bay Marine Open to Public" »

Posted by sr at 10:22 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 11.01.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — When 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment arrived in Garmsir, the Afghan National Army acted as augments to the infantry squads of the battalion. There were only a few un-partnered positions and 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps was spread throughout the district in groups of three or four soldiers

Continue reading "Afghan National Army maintains progress in Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 7:42 AM | Permalink

By Linda Goldston
[email protected]
Posted: 10/28/2011 08:03:53 PM PDT
Updated: 10/29/2011 04:31:06 AM PDT

Staff Sgt. Stephen Dunning tried to live a selfless life, a life that put him in danger to save the lives of others. He volunteered to be one of the Marines who dismantled the crude bombs insurgents laced along the treacherous trails of Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine Sgt. Stephen Dunning, of Milpitas, killed disarming bomb in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 10.27.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Home is where the heart is. In Afghanistan the heart of a Marine is usually a patrol base, an expeditionary camp made to house a no more than a squad-sized element of Marines.

Continue reading "Patrol base hustle" »

Posted by sr at 9:33 PM | Permalink

Operation Eastern Storm includes more than 2,000 troops

Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
5:48 p.m., Oct. 26, 2011

A major Marine-led offensive to seize Taliban-controlled territory surrounding a strategic hydroelectric dam in southwestern Afghanistan continued this week, as troops pushed out from the main road and dug in at a new patrol base, the Marines said.

Continue reading "Marine offensive to secure Afghan dam continues" »

Posted by sr at 10:13 PM | Permalink

By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 25, 2011 9:11:39 EDT

GARMSER, Afghanistan — Lt. Col. Sean Riordan used to consider himself chubby. It never kept him from meeting the Marine Corps’ height and weight standards or from scoring in the 280-plus echelon on his physical fitness test. He just chalked up his less-than-desirable physique to genetics.

Continue reading "War-zone Marines eating like cavemen" »

Posted by sr at 9:31 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.23.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- Howitzers recently fired over the mountains of Kajaki, striking targets they couldn't even see. United States Marines with Battery E, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, inserted themselves into an abandoned compound under the cover of night to establish Observation Post New York. The cannons rang out in support of the insertion, eliminating enemies holding positions against the Marines.

Continue reading "Cannons help gain territory in Operation Eastern Storm" »

Posted by sr at 10:19 PM | Permalink

10/19/2011 By Capt. Caleb Eames , 31st MEU
USS ESSEX, At Sea — Many Marines join the Marine Corps for a chance to travel the world and experience adventure. But for one Marine assigned with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Corps is just a continuation of a life of excitement and danger.

Continue reading "Missionary kid to Marine – Continuing a life of adventure with the Corps " »

Posted by sr at 9:05 AM | Permalink

10/16/2011 By Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Manning , 31st MEU

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in a disaster relief training exercise here Oct. 10.

Continue reading "CLB-31 trains for disaster relief " »

Posted by sr at 8:34 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.13.2011

FIRE BASE FIDDLERS GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The Marines of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, are always on call. At any moment coalition units in the area could call for fire support, and the artillerymen must be ready day and night.

Continue reading "A different fight in Helmand at Fiddlers Green" »

Posted by sr at 8:15 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Jeff Drew | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 10.13.2011

PATROL BASE MAHAFIZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan – The sparse encampment here consists of little more than sleeping tents, a meeting area and a bird’s nest sentry post standing as a defiant beacon to the insurgency.

Continue reading "Mahafiz Marines keep roads safe" »

Posted by sr at 8:10 AM | Permalink

October 12, 2011
Marine Corps News|by Cpl. Jeff Drew

FIRE BASE FIDDLERS GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan -- When Hurricane Katrina blew through New Orleans decimating homes and changing lives, it also set into motion the fate of one young man and ensured his destiny to become a United States Marine.

Continue reading "Hurricane Katrina Survivor Takes on Afghanistan" »

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10/12/2011 By Cpl. Lucas Vega , Marine Forces Central

MANAMA, Bahrain — Thirteen years ago, Maj. Jesse Sjoberg made a promise to spend the rest of his life with a woman named Jacquelyn “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,” as the famous wedding vow reads.

Continue reading "65 miles for 65 roses: Marcent Marine runs 65 consecutive miles to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis " »

Posted by sr at 10:23 AM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 10.09.2011

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - The Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 371’s fuel division are well acquainted with military aircraft.

Continue reading "Aviation support Marines fuel success in southwestern Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 5:18 PM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 10.05.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The gentle thump of helicopter blades wafts over a formation of Marines at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "West Coast Marines take over Afghanistan aviation support from East Coast Marines" »

Posted by sr at 10:51 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Jacob Barber | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 09.16.2011
Date Posted:10.04.2011 22:54

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii — The sound of bullets piercing targets echoed through the hills as Marines from 3rd Marine Regiment’s Combat Assault Company met at the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility to shoot and qualify with their .50-caliber machine guns and 40 mm. grenade launchers Sept. 16.

Continue reading "Combat Assault Company tears through targets" »

Posted by sr at 5:07 PM | Permalink

9/29/2011 By Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

WHITE BEACH, OKINAWA, Japan — With all cargo and personnel aboard, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit departed Okinawa, Japan, for its next patrol of the Asia-Pacific region, Sept. 27.

Continue reading "31st MEU departs Okinawa for patrol of Asia-Pacific region " »

Posted by sr at 9:54 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division | Date: 09.27.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Another clearing operation means another chance to pinpoint a different perspective on deployment through the eyes Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

Continue reading "Life on a swivel" »

Posted by sr at 7:29 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 09.24.2011

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Waist-deep in a row of fighting holes, teams of sweat-starched infantrymen labored without shelter from the unforgiving desert sun. Scoop by scoop, they slung rocks and dirt from their dusty chasms, hewing out defensive positions to prepare for the enemy’s inevitable night attack.

Continue reading "Functioning on flexibility: ‘America’s Battalion’ bolsters air-ground task force capabilities for Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 11:28 AM | Permalink

by Dave Franzman :: UPDATED: 23 September 2011

MARION – A Marine who was wounded in a blast in Afghanistan in late May still has a long way to go to meet his goal of returning to duty.

Continue reading "Wounded Marion Marine on road to recovery" »

Posted by sr at 2:54 PM | Permalink

9/23/2011 By Capt. Caleb Eames , 31st MEU
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — More than 2,200 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are preparing to board Navy ships of Amphibious Squadron 11, and depart within days to begin a patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.

Continue reading "31st MEU begins boarding for next deployment " »

Posted by sr at 8:14 AM | Permalink

9/21/2011 By Cpl. Justin M. Boling , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —

Sgt. Chad John spends 12 hours a day with an aerial view of Afghanistan, but he rarely leaves the ground.

Continue reading "UAV operator guides peers toward better operation " »

Posted by sr at 11:04 AM | Permalink

9/19/2011 By Cpl. Reece Lodder , 3rd Battalion (3/3)

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Storming through the desert on helicopters and tracked vehicles, the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, practiced counterinsurgency operations during Exercise Clear, Hold, Build 2 at Range 210 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Aug. 14 to 19.

Continue reading "Rehearsing for war: Marines of ‘America’s Battalion’ train for Afghan battlefield " »

Posted by sr at 10:22 PM | Permalink

By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Sep 18, 2011 9:31:27 EDT

Marines in Arizona will soon duke it out with a crop duster and a Russian helo in a new effort to understand enemy tactics and weaponry.

Continue reading "Marines train with Russian aircraft" »

Posted by sr at 1:24 PM | Permalink

Published: September 17, 2011

Last year the Marine Corps’ 3rd Aircraft Wing purchased 32 iPads in an effort to increase efficiency and gain an advance in aerial warfare. Now, iPads are being used in Afghanistan and save about 15 minutes of communication time during close-air missions, according to an article by DefenseNews.

Continue reading "iPads now helping Marines communicate, mark targets in battle" »

Posted by sr at 10:42 PM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 09.17.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - When Douglas Acero was turning his M-16A2 rifle to the armory at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., the world changed.

Continue reading "Towers and tours: Avionics Marine reflects on post-9/11 career" »

Posted by sr at 10:20 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Justin Boling | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 09.17.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - When supplies run thin at forward operating bases peppering the Helmand River valley, reassurance often comes with the strong hum of a Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules.

Continue reading "Lifeline: Marine KC-130Js resupply the fight in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 9:02 AM | Permalink

9/16/2011 By Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza , Marine Corps Bases Japan

KIN TOWN, OKINAWA, Japan — For almost two decades, Marines and sailors with 7th Communication Battalion have volunteered their time and energy at Hikarigaoka Nursing Home in Kin-Cho. From sweeping the parking lots, to mowing the grass or just spending the holidays with the residents of the nursing home, the service members have made a lasting impression on their local community.

Continue reading "Marines volunteer at local nursing home " »

Posted by sr at 9:01 AM | Permalink

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Erica DiSalvo
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif., Sept. 15, 2011 – Marine Corps Sgt. Colin M. Bell, an aviation supply specialist with Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 here, beat the competition during an episode of Discovery Channel’s “One Man Army” television show that aired Sept. 2.

Continue reading "Marine Becomes ‘One Man Army’" »

Posted by sr at 10:45 PM | Permalink

By Mandy Clark
September 12, 2011 8:32 PM

(CBS News)

SAFAR BAZAAR, Afghanistan - A year ago, Safaar Bazaar was so full of home-made bombs that U.S. forces used rocket propelled explosives to blast their way in.

Continue reading "Safar Bazaar's 'little mayor' a Marine on deadline" »

Posted by sr at 11:07 PM | Permalink

9/12/2011 By Cpl. Reece Lodder , Marine Corps Base Hawaii
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Silhouetted by a burnt orange sunrise, a platoon of Marines slapped magazines into their weapons as if fueling them with adrenaline.

Continue reading "Striking at sunrise: 3/3 Kilo Marines perform platoon attacks during Enhanced Mojave Viper exercise " »

Posted by sr at 7:31 PM | Permalink

9/12/2011 By Cpl. Reece Lodder , Marine Corps Base Hawaii
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Tucked behind a rocky mountainside, a company of Marines spread out by platoons along its base. After a countdown, an explosion growled beyond the thick shield of rocks. As vibrations coursed through the ground, the infantrymen rushed through a breached concertina wire obstacle to begin their assault.

Continue reading "Fueled by firepower: 3/3 India Marines perform company attack to prepare for Afghanistan deployment " »

Posted by sr at 6:48 PM | Permalink

9/12/2011 By Cpl. Reece Lodder , Marine Corps Base Hawaii
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Crammed on narrow benches within a 26-ton steel beast, a squad of Marines jostled around as their tracked vehicle powered through the desert toward its objective.

Continue reading "'Stress Training': 3/3 Lima Company Marines prepare for enemy by solidifying clearing skills " »

Posted by sr at 2:40 PM | Permalink

9/12/2011 By Cpl. Reece Lodder , Marine Corps Base Hawaii
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Cali. — Cloaked by darkness in a silent wilderness, two teams of anti-tank missilemen itched with anticipation to reign destruction from afar.

Continue reading "The art of anti-armor warfare: 3/3 ‘Missile Marines’ prepare for enemy by shooting TOW, Javelin missiles " »

Posted by sr at 2:36 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 09.09.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Translating communication into firepower from afar, Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, performed a fire support coordination exercise on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., from Aug. 5 through 7, 2011.

Continue reading "Symphony of fire: ‘America’s Battalion’ air, ground forces combine for fire support coordination exercise" »

Posted by sr at 8:41 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 09.09.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Silhouetted by a burnt orange sunrise, a platoon of Marines slapped magazines into their weapons as if fueling them with adrenaline.

Continue reading "Striking at sunrise: 3/3 Kilo Marines perform platoon attacks during Enhanced Mojave Viper exercise" »

Posted by sr at 8:37 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 09.08.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — With every partnered patrol or operation the Afghan National Army conducts, their soldiers gain valuable military experience.

Continue reading "Afghan soldiers and Lava Dogs clear Garmsir roads" »

Posted by sr at 4:35 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.08.2011

FIRE BASE FIDDLERS GREEN, Helmand province, Afghanistan – In 2008, a Newhall, Calif., native had a dream job in Hollywood’s entertainment industry. He worked as a color assistant, editing video footage for “Desperate Housewives” and was even able to meet the cast. He loved his job and saw it as something he could do long-term. Unfortunately, things change.

Continue reading "Newhall native trades Hollywood for Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 4:05 PM | Permalink

By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Sep 4, 2011 9:10:04 EDT

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – One enlisted Marine’s ingenuity is paying off. Sgt. Zachary Lucas, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, took lessons learned from the war zone and devised a seat upgrade for the Corps’ UH-1Y Huey.

Continue reading "Marine creates better seat for Huey helos" »

Posted by sr at 10:58 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 09.01.2011

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Marines patrol in full gear – a combat load of ammunition, flak jackets, helmets, rifles – and many must add communications radios, extra rounds or squad automatic weapons to their loads. These items get very heavy over the course of a three- or four-hour security patrol.

Continue reading "Marines push through scorching temps to provide security" »

Posted by sr at 11:02 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 08.30.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan —Sgt. LaJuanna Baker and Cpl. Andrea Moreira-Rios were in the right place at the right time on July 30.

Continue reading "Female Marines assist in delivery of local baby" »

Posted by sr at 7:34 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs | Date: 08.30.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Across the room from a Kevlar helmet and body armor, near an M-16 rifle and night vision goggles, sits a jug of whey protein. Outside the doorless entryway, resting against the wall, are a minesweeper and electronic countermeasure gear entangled by a recently used jump rope. Sweat-stained uniforms hang from corners of a well-used pull-up bar.

Continue reading "Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells, Oh My!" »

Posted by sr at 7:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 08.28.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Six months ago, Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, began their journey toward Afghanistan with pre-deployment training on-island in Hawaii.

Continue reading "Filling in the gaps: ‘America’s Battalion’ begins final pre-deployment training exercise" »

Posted by sr at 10:14 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 08.28.2011

Editor’s Note: This is the first installment in a series on Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. They are preparing for war by training in the California desert. Miserable heat, grueling training and the absence of home’s amenities here make their work exhausting and their downtime precious. They labor with little and appreciate the simple. This is the grunt grind, the life of the Marine infantryman.

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Amid a dusty city of tents, two Marines unwind after a long day of training. They leisurely toss a baseball back and forth, laughing and trading jabs as the evening sun dips under a colorful sky.

Continue reading "CAXscaping the grind of 3/3 grunt life during Enhanced Mojave Viper: All in a ball" »

Posted by sr at 10:09 AM | Permalink

By Audrewy McAvoy - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Aug 26, 2011 7:07:33 EDT

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii — Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday thanked service members in Hawaii for being among what he called “the greatest generation of warriors that the world has ever produced.”

Continue reading "At Hawaii base, Biden praises service members" »

Posted by sr at 8:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.21.2011

FIREBASE SAENZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan—The Marines with Alpha Battery are keeping a watchful eye out for their brothers-in-arms in a more literal sense than one would expect from an artillery battery. The Marines in the battery’s Fire Direction Center monitor electronic chat systems and radios for any unit that needs support from the big guns, but they are not the only Marines in the Hawaii-based battery looking out for their fellow Marines.

Continue reading "Alpha Battery has eyes on with overwatch" »

Posted by sr at 11:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 08.21.2011

FIREBASE SAENZ, Helmand province, Afghanistan—He’s mean, but kind at the same time; small in stature, but a bigger man then what meets the eyes. He is a softy for his daughters when they bat their angelic eyes pleading “please daddy” and a teacher for his Marines. This description, as simple it may be, depicts one of Alpha Battery’s more than capable Howitzer section chiefs: Sgt. Tyler J. Ledbetter.

Continue reading "Washington Native prepares Marines for future" »

Posted by sr at 5:20 PM | Permalink

Geoff Liesik, Vernal Express
8/5/11

Looking at the photo Tracy Beede held of her son Friday afternoon, it's hard to imagine that he was always a mama's boy.

Continue reading "Mother of fallen Vernal Marine proud of son's sacrifice" »

Posted by sr at 9:45 PM | Permalink

8/5/2011 By Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU
Australia — Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, in Brisbane for a multi-day port visit, brought smiles to elderly patients and children during a community relations event at the Maynor Children’s Hospital, August 4.

Continue reading "31st MEU brings smiles to Australian faces " »

Posted by sr at 3:57 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.04.2011

COMBAT OUTPOST RANKEL, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Every Tuesday, Marines aboard Combat Outpost Rankel wake up at 4 a.m. to beat thousands of Afghans to Safar Bazaar.

Continue reading "‘Bazaar Day’ a weekly milestone for Helmand Marines" »

Posted by sr at 9:19 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.03.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — It’s a 600-year-old holy place: a shrine where the local people come to pray, learn about the Quran and remember family members who passed away. The roof is missing, and parts of the outer walls have started to crumble into individual bricks scattered on the ground, but the local people revere it as one of the most holy places in the area.

Continue reading "Moving on up: Garmsir sees infrastructural growth as counterinsurgency expands" »

Posted by sr at 9:23 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 08.01.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — In hopes of countering insurgent dogma and improving local infrastructure, coalition forces have recently begun engaging local religious leaders to rally support for coalition forces and developmental projects in the district.

Continue reading "Marine, Mullah partnership contributes to counterinsurgency fight" »

Posted by sr at 9:41 AM | Permalink

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran, Saturday, July 30, 7:23 PM

Garmser, Afghanistan — This farming district along the Helmand River, once one of the most Taliban-saturated corners of southern Afghanistan, has turned so quiet over the past three months that some U.S. Marines here quietly wish for a gunfight. “Just to get off a few rounds,” said one, “so we can feel like Marines.”

Continue reading "As drawdown approaches, U.S. commanders in Afghanistan reluctant to leave" »

Posted by sr at 11:18 PM | Permalink

Story by Christine Cabalo | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 07.29.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - A total of 150 Marines in Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, are receiving pillows in the mail while deployed in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Rest your weary head: Pillows crafted for Echo Battery" »

Posted by sr at 10:44 PM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 07.27.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Singled out by their red helmets, ordnance Marines can be seen as the muscle of a squadron, the ones who provide weaponry and ensure each aircraft is battle ready.

Continue reading "Combat innovations multiply Marine Corps Harriers’ punch" »

Posted by sr at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.26.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Ramadan is just a few days away and local Afghanistan National Army soldiers and Marines are joining in the holiday buzz.

Continue reading "Marines, ANA give Garmsir Ramadan gift" »

Posted by sr at 4:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 07.25.2011

SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA, Australia – Behind every combat unit, there is logistic support. For the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, there is Combat Logistics Battalion 31.

Continue reading "CLB 31 supports BLT 2/7, 31st MEU during TS11" »

Posted by sr at 7:56 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.21.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — A soft pink-hued glow highlights Sgt. Garrett Farris’ eyebrows, nose, cheeks and chin as he lies in his cot with a laptop resting on his stomach. On the screen, an animated horned beast falls in love with an innocent beauty.

Continue reading "Through the Ranks: Sergeant" »

Posted by sr at 4:16 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.19.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — It looks like Sgt. Jose Hernandez is teaching an elementary level anatomy class, but he’s actually learning the local language. He points to a local boy’s arms, legs, ears and eyes -- naming each body part in Pashto.

Continue reading "LA Marine learns more than local language" »

Posted by sr at 7:21 AM | Permalink

800 pay tribute to Sgt. Trevor Cook at Medina service

Monday, July 18, 2011 12:00 am
By Tom Rivers

MEDINA — Trevor Cook, a skilled crew chief and marksman, was a leader in the Marine Corps, a soldier who already amassed many medals and promotions in his seven-year career.

Continue reading "A role model for Marines" »

Posted by sr at 2:36 PM | Permalink

7/18/2011 By Cpl. Rashaun X. James , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan — Until recently, if an injured Marine needed medical evacuation from the battlefield in the turbulent northeast of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, the air ambulance providing care might not be able to assist until Marine Corps attack helicopters were on scene.

Continue reading "Marine attack helicopters move north to aid air ambulances " »

Posted by sr at 8:43 AM | Permalink

7/18/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan —

Michael and Jessica Stedman recently celebrated their first anniversary. They also recently deployed to Afghanistan together.

Continue reading "6 Marines, 3 couples, 1 squadron: Married Marines deploy together to Afghanistan " »

Posted by sr at 8:38 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.16.2011

ORWARD OPERATING BASE FOB ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The image of most wars portrayed in the history books is that of battles in which sweaty, dirt-covered men storm beachheads and battlefields, while all that is left to read about are captivating dialogs of victory. Rarely do these books reflect on the human experience of what happens in the depths of counterinsurgency operations, in which these same men fight with their minds, guts and glory. One Baltimore native, however, has experienced this first hand and must now use all three to accomplish his mission once again.

Continue reading "Baltimore Marine leads Kajaki in positive direction" »

Posted by sr at 10:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.16.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The arrival of a new baby in any family inevitably causes parents and family members to huddle around the child, saying things like “Oh, he has your nose,” or “Those eyes are just like his mother’s,” or “I wonder what he’ll be when he grows up.” One Grandview, Mo., native never thought he’d grow up to be like his parents, but as fate would have it, he fell into formation right behind them

Continue reading "Missouri Marine follows in parents’ footsteps" »

Posted by sr at 10:42 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 07.16.2011

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FOB ZEEBRUGGE, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Separation from family members is arguably the hardest part of deployments for service members and their loved ones. A Moundsville, W.Va., native and his family know the strain of being apart all too well, yet they have found a way to balance their challenging lifestyle through resilience and understanding

Continue reading "West Virginia Marine, family man fosters pride, humility" »

Posted by sr at 8:34 PM | Permalink

7/13/2011 By Pfc. Sean Dennison , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Unsightly sweat stains mark another Afghan day for Lance Cpl. Joseph Gonzalez, but appearances are the farthest thing from his mind. Beneath the implacable sun, it’s his charge to ensure the AV-8B Harrier in front of him is ready for take-off.

Continue reading "Behind the scenes: Aircraft maintainers help Marine jets keep pressure on insurgents" »

Posted by sr at 8:17 AM | Permalink

7/13/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan —

Marine Corps unmanned aerial vehicles have a new home at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Marine Corps UAVs get new home in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 7:58 AM | Permalink

Story by Cmdr. Suzanne Lesko | Talisman Sabre 2011 | Date: 07.10.2011

ROCKHAMPTON, Australia - The start of joint United States and Australia military training exercise, Talisman Sabre 2011, was marked with a successful Open Day event at the Rockhampton showgrounds in central Queensland yesterday.

Continue reading "Exercise Talisman Sabre begins in northern Australia" »

Posted by sr at 10:24 AM | Permalink

Story by Mark Doran | Talisman Sabre 2011 | Date: 07.10.2011

ROCKHAMPTON, Queensland, Australia - FIRING the main gun of an M1 Abrams was an exciting highlight of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 for Pvt. Jodie Gilmour from the 8th Personnel Services Team.

Continue reading "Daily Grind. Read how our troops get their daily cup of joe" »

Posted by sr at 10:18 AM | Permalink

News | Saturday, July 9, 2011 7:04 am by Sue Austreng |
by Sue Austreng
Staff Writer

Back at Anoka High School, Justin Powers was a cross-country skier, a soccer player, a guy who attended the STEP program and was really good at working on mechanics.

Continue reading "Former Anoka Tornado serves in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 5:46 PM | Permalink

7/9/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

CAMP ROCKY, ROCKHAMPTON, Australia — Thousands of Australian citizens poured into Rockhampton Fairgrounds July 9 during the opening day for Talisman Sabre 2011.

Continue reading "31st MEU wows Aussies at Talisman Saber 2011 opening day" »

Posted by sr at 9:53 AM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Daniel Valle | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 07.08.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - Artillery Marines are known for receiving firing missions and supporting their fellow Marines on the front lines of battle

Continue reading "Marines, sailors volunteer time with local community" »

Posted by sr at 4:41 PM | Permalink

By Matthew M. Burke
Stars and Stripes
Published: July 8, 2011

SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — A “maintenance issue” forced the USS Essex back into port Thursday, meaning the ship, its crew and some members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit won’t be off the coast of Australia when Talisman Sabre 2011 kicks off Monday, Navy officials said Friday.

Continue reading "'Maintenance issue' forces USS Essex back to port en route to exercise" »

Posted by sr at 8:52 AM | Permalink

7/8/2011 By Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — In the mid-2000s, Marines’ and sailors’ vulnerabilities were being exploited in Iraq by enemy snipers and improvised-explosive device makers. Commanders began to consider the best ways to counter attack them using more intelligent tactics rather than more technologically-advanced combat systems. In 2006, the Marine Corps sought to increase offensive spirit and to become predators, not prey - the Combat Hunter program was born.

Continue reading "Marines hone skills, become combat hunters" »

Posted by sr at 8:17 AM | Permalink

July 7, 2011
Los Angeles Times

A Marine killed in Wednesday's helicopter crash at Camp Pendleton has been identified as Sgt. Trevor Cook, 25, a crew chief with Helicopter Squadron 369, the Marine Corps said Thursday.

Continue reading "Marine killed in Camp Pendleton helicopter crash identified" »

Posted by sr at 2:27 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Garry Welch | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 07.07.2011

AICHI, Japan - A 9th Engineer Support Battalion Marine was combat meritoriously promoted at Camp Hansen June 29 for actions performed during a recent deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

Continue reading "9th ESB Marines awarded, receive earned promotion" »

Posted by sr at 8:30 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 07.06.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Punching bags and jump rope help, but you don’t really learn how to fight until you set foot in the ring.

Continue reading "Helmand Marines loosen reigns on local soldiers" »

Posted by sr at 11:59 PM | Permalink

7/5/2011 By Pfc. Sean Dennison , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — US Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 513, deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Airz., celebrated Independence Day at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, July 4

Continue reading "Yuma Marines celebrate Independence Day in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 7:14 AM | Permalink

6/28/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

WHITE BEACH, OKINAWA, Japan — More than 1,800 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked the USS Essex (LHD 2), and USS Germantown (LSD 42), June 28, in preparation for exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 to be held in Australia.

Continue reading "31st MEU departs Okinawa headed to Australia" »

Posted by sr at 4:59 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 06.22.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Once you get past the humor of “ballistic underwear,” the threat it helps mitigate is real and the protection is necessary.

Continue reading "Ballistic Underwear Make Their Way to Marines in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 9:16 PM | Permalink

By Russell Korando > [email protected] STLtoday.com | Posted: Friday, June 17, 2011 4:16 pm

As a crew chief and door gunner on a UH-1Y (Huey), Bart Davis' life has literally flown by in the last eight years.

Continue reading "St. Charles County Marine awarded Distinguished Flying Cross" »

Posted by sr at 10:52 PM | Permalink

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 15, 2011 7:33:05 EDT

YUMA, Ariz. — Two new hangers and a flight simulator facility are to be built at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma to support the new F-35 joint strike fighter.

Continue reading "Yuma Marine base to get new F-35 facilities" »

Posted by sr at 9:20 AM | Permalink

6/15/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — Gen. James F. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps, visited Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, June 14.

Continue reading "Gen. Amos briefed by Marines of 31st MEU" »

Posted by sr at 8:56 AM | Permalink

By Matt Millham
Stars and Stripes
Published: June 9, 2011

KAJAKI, Afghanistan — Just about every GI who’s been on patrol experiences a close call.

Continue reading "Bomb tech's quick eye saves reporter's life" »

Posted by sr at 10:40 PM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 06.03.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - When Sgt. Judy Hunziker, a maintenance administration clerk with Marine Attack Squadron 513, last saw her brother, she was on pre-deployment leave in the comfort of her hometown of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Continue reading "Brother, sister in arms: Colorado Springs siblings reunite in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 2:42 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 06.02.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Lance Cpl. Robert Lemonte smiles as he patrols, at six in the morning, down the main street of the Safar Bazaar. He’s not smiling because someone told a joke; the Mansfield, Ind., native smiles because he recognizes the shop owners who are opening up for the day. He smiles because they smiled at him first.

Continue reading "Safar Bazaar’s ‘little mayor’ reaches Afghans" »

Posted by sr at 4:53 PM | Permalink

5/31/2011 By Pfc. Sean Dennison , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — There was a different sort of roar across the southwestern Afghan skies, May 21. For the past year, Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets reigned over the airspace, providing much needed close-air support to coalition forces below.

Continue reading "Marine Corps Hornets, Harriers team up for tandem operations in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 11:00 AM | Permalink

100 years of MAGTF history began in 1912

By Gretel C. Kovach
Originally published 2:50 p.m., May 27, 2011, updated 4:14 p.m., May 27, 2011

The theme for this year’s air show at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station salutes the 100 year-history of Naval aviation. Marine aviators may belong to the Navy Department, but they have their own heritage to celebrate, beginning with Alfred A. Cunningham’s first flight in 1912.

Continue reading "Marines celebrate centennial of aviation" »

Posted by sr at 10:09 PM | Permalink

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Pauline Franklin | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 05.27.2011

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – At 6:50 p.m., May 25, a Marion, Iowa, Marine struck an improvised explosive device while patrolling in southern Garmser district. The infantry point man with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, was wounded and needed care, but just as the communication lines began to light up to coordinate transportation for him, a sandstorm brought it all to a halt, putting the Marine in grave danger of bleeding to death before he reached medical assistance.

Continue reading "Americans Don’t Wait for Memorial Day to Unite in Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 5:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) | Date: 05.26.2011

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- If the heat was the only indication for 100 Marines crammed into a squad bay, May 16, they may have thought they were back home at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.

Continue reading "Yuma Harrier squadron starts Afghanistan combat operations" »

Posted by sr at 5:56 PM | Permalink

5/26/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — As Memorial Day nears, it is important to look back, and think about why Memorial Day is celebrated, and who it is celebrated for.

Continue reading "Memorial Day; A Tribute to Peralta and the 31st MEU" »

Posted by sr at 8:00 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Jennifer Pirante | Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni | Date: 05.25.2011

WAKUNI, Japan - Marine Aircraft Group 12’s Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 pilots launched four F/A-18D Hornet jets from the runway here May 19 to conduct ongoing simulated air-to-air combat training with elements of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. VMFA(AW)-242 wrapped up its third week of the newly implemented air to-air training with the Western Air Defense Force 8th Air Wing’s F-15J 304th and F-2A 6th JASDF Tactical Fighter Squadrons from Tsuiki Air Base.

Continue reading "Marines, JASDF implement enhanced simulated air-to-air combat training" »

Posted by sr at 9:42 AM | Permalink

5/24/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan —

One of the first Marine Corps Harrier squadrons to see action in Afghanistan has returned after nearly a decade.

Continue reading "Marine Corps Harriers return to Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 9:22 AM | Permalink

5/19/2011 By Lance Cpl. Mark Stroud , Marine Forces Pacific

PUCKAPUNYAL, Australia — Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, travelled here to participate in the 2011 Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting May 9 to 19.

Continue reading "3/3 Marines bring different experience to AASAM" »

Posted by sr at 10:12 PM | Permalink

By Gretel C. Kovach
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 5:37 p.m.

Massive dust storms rolled in from the desert, swallowing the entire province and grounding flights. Gummed-up engines had to be washed after each sortie, and replaced often. Pilots and crew broiled in triple-digit summer heat and froze during winter snows.

Continue reading "Marine air crews battled insurgents, terrain in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:41 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 05.12.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic Afghanistan — The insurgents are getting bulldozed out of Garmsir, and not just in a matter of speaking.

Continue reading "Civilian, military forces bulldoze insurgents out of Garmsir" »

Posted by sr at 8:05 AM | Permalink

5/9/2011 By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan —

A new Marine Corps unmanned aerial vehicle squadron took responsibility for supporting Marines and coalition troops in southwestern Afghanistan with aerial surveillance, May 7.

Continue reading "California UAV squadron takes over in southwestern Afghanistan as Carolina Marines head home" »

Posted by sr at 8:44 AM | Permalink

5/4/2011 By Cpl. Colby Brown , Regimental Combat Team 1

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Quiet, muffled conversation leaks from a guard tower, but only one Marine can be seen inside. His mouth moves in sync with both sides of the discussion. He has stood in almost the same place for an hour, but his eyes have been on the move, intensely scanning. He shifts his weight to a different leg, bringing the conversation to a resolution, and pinches smokeless tobacco into his bottom lip. He’s been standing post for two hours. Pfc. Clark Kirkley has four more before he gets to “hit the rack.”

Continue reading "Through the Ranks: Private First Class" »

Posted by sr at 4:46 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 05.01.2011

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - She has long brown hair, but it’s coiled into a tight bun. Her glare burns through tactical sunglasses but somehow doesn’t betray the femininity in her mahogany colored eyes. Her M-4 rifle is slung loosely over her shoulder, and a M-9 pistol hangs from her hip.

Continue reading "FET: The ladies’ side of the conversation" »

Posted by sr at 8:55 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Image | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 04.30.2011
Photo by Jody Lee Smith

Friends and family welcome home U.S. Marines and sailors attached to Combat Logistics Battalion 3 on Marine Corps Air Station, April 30, 2011.

Continue reading "Coming home" »

Posted by sr at 10:23 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece E. Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 04.29.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - On his deployment to Afghanistan last year, Cpl. Raymond P. Weeks found little sleep but plenty of purpose.

Continue reading "3/3 Marine translates experience into action, earns prestigious award for intelligence work in Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 5:32 PM | Permalink

4/29/2011 By Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

JUNGLE WARFARE TRAINING CETER, Okinawa, Japan — Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, engaged in jungle warfare training at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa April 12-27.

Continue reading "Recon Marines tackle jungle warfare training" »

Posted by sr at 5:22 PM | Permalink

4/29/2011 By Cpl. Reece E. Lodder , Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii — On a dusty road weaving through walls of dense brush, a squad of Marines silently pushes through another patrol. Their training is far from glamorous, but it’s their forte — they've been taught, practiced, made mistakes, succeeded and repeated the process. For these frequently deployed infantrymen, breaking in their boots during training is essential for their success overseas.

Continue reading "Prioritizing the prevalent threats: 3/3 Marines patrol to improve counter-IED measures" »

Posted by sr at 5:17 PM | Permalink

4/29/2011 By Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP RODREGUIZ, Republic of Korea — Approximately 400 U.S. Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Republic of Korea Marines from 22nd Battalion, 2nd Artillery Brigade, 2nd ROK Marine Division, integrated with each other to form two bilateral teams that competed during a field meet at Camp Rodriguez, Republic of Korea, April 23.

Continue reading "Brothers-in-arms face off in field meet" »

Posted by sr at 5:14 PM | Permalink

4/29/2011 By Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan — Approximately 400 Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, returned from Afghanistan over the course of the last several days.

Continue reading "CLB-3 Marines return home" »

Posted by sr at 9:16 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Steven Posy | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | Date: 04.28.2011

SAN DIEGO -- Whether hiking, fishing, exercising or just looking for a quiet place to observe the wilderness, the Miramar Fish Pond has all the amenities for a simple outdoor getaway.

Continue reading "Fish ponds receives Earth Day makeover" »

Posted by sr at 9:30 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece E. Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 04.26.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - Ceasing embraces with their loved ones for resolute grips on their rifles, approximately 550 Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, loaded buses from April 25-30, and departed on a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Missions change, goodbyes remain the same: 'Kings of Battle' Marines depart on first deployment to Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 5:48 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 04.23.2011

GARMSER DISTRICT, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment arrived here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom April 18 – 23. The Lava Dogs will be assuming responsibility of the Garmser District from 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, which is scheduled to return to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., in May.

Continue reading "Lava Dogs bring Aloha to Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:49 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece E. Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 04.21.2011

On a straight stretch of asphalt surrounded by still ponds, a lone runner quietly carves out his battleground. Though he has shed his camouflage utilities for a running uniform, the lighter set of armor morphs the quiet Marine into an aggressive athlete.

Continue reading "Catch me if you can: All-Marine runner switches uniforms, changes from humble Marine to hungry athlete" »

Posted by sr at 10:17 PM | Permalink

By Marine Corps Cpl. Juan D. Alfonso
Marine Forces Pacific

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii, April 20, 2011 – When people look at Master Sgt. Timothy D. Greenleaf, they see a 6-foot, bulky, tattooed Marine. What isn’t so obvious is he’s enjoyed working with children for more than 18 years.

Continue reading "Face of Defense: Marine Coaches Youth Wrestlers" »

Posted by sr at 8:49 AM | Permalink

Story Posted by Dan Lamothe
April 19th, 2011

It looks like the force laydown as we know it in Helmand province, Afghanistan, is evolving.

Continue reading "2/3 Marines now operating in northern Marjah" »

Posted by sr at 4:53 PM | Permalink

4/15/2011 By Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — An operations and training chief with 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force received an award April 7 at a ceremony here for conduct while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Continue reading "EOD Marines earn recognition for valor" »

Posted by sr at 10:33 PM | Permalink

Posted: Apr 14, 2011 4:08 AM CDT

KANEOHE (HawaiiNewsNow) - Nearly 300 bags lined the parking lot at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe on Wednesday. The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment packed up for a seven month deployment in Afghanistan.

Continue reading "Nearly 300 Marines ship out to Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 10:35 PM | Permalink

4/14/2011 By Cpl. Michael A. Bianco , 31st MEU

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, OKINAWA, Japan — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to Okinawa after its nearly three-month deployment of the Asia-Pacific Region, April 12.

Continue reading "31st MEU back in Okinawa after Cobra Gold, MAREX, Operation Tomodachi" »

Posted by sr at 9:39 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Earnest Barnes | 2nd Marine Division | Date: 04.11.2011

NAWA, Afghanistan -- Choosing a career path can be an agonizing process for some, with the most difficult questions being, “What do I want to do?” and “How do I get there?” Patrolmen with the Afghan Uniformed Police in Nawa know the answer to those questions: the AUP Academy here.

Continue reading "2/3 Police Advisory Team Hones AUP Skills" »

Posted by sr at 5:26 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece E. Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 04.08.2011

Marking the culmination of 30 years of service and the conclusion of his time at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sgt. Maj. James W. Sutton, outgoing base sergeant major, passed this NCO sword to Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Eriksson in a post and relief and retirement ceremony at Dewey Square on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 8, 2011.

Continue reading "Passing on the NCO sword: MCB Hawaii Sgt. Maj. says goodbye after final tour, 30 years of service" »

Posted by sr at 5:25 PM | Permalink

By Erik Slavin
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 8, 2011

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan – The last U.S. military ships aiding the tsunami-stricken area of Japan were preparing to leave the northern Honshu coast Friday, 7th Fleet officials said.

Continue reading "Last U.S. ships leave coast of disaster area" »

Posted by sr at 8:25 AM | Permalink

4/8/2011 By Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choate , Marine Corps Bases Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan — Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Forward), III MEF, traveled from Sendai, Japan, to Okinawa April 5 after assisting in relief efforts for Operation Tomodachi.

Continue reading "Marines remain ready to respond" »

Posted by sr at 7:26 AM | Permalink

4/8/2011 By Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

SENDAI, Miyagi, Japan — Cpl. Tori K. Tadehara was a passenger in the back of a 7-ton cargo truck headed back to temporary billeting where he would be able to catch a few hours of sleep before hitting the road again.

Continue reading "Marine ‘proud’ to help during Operation Tomodachi" »

Posted by sr at 7:23 AM | Permalink

Camp Pendleton-based troops push through piles of rubble to retrieve disaster victims’ family heirlooms

By Jeanette Steele
Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 9:09 p.m.

The Marines taught Cpl. Adam Shatarsky to use his field shovel to dig fighting holes.

Continue reading "Marines lend a hand in Japan" »

Posted by sr at 11:28 PM | Permalink

4/7/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

URANOHAMA PORT, OSHIMA ISLAND, Japan — More than 300 Marines and sailors with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, worked through rain, snow, and freezing temperatures cleaning Oshima Island during Operation “Field Day”, April 1-6.

Continue reading "31st MEU conducts Operation “Field Day”" »

Posted by sr at 9:16 AM | Permalink

By JOSHUA SUDOCK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
[email protected]
Published: April 6, 2011
Updated: April 7, 2011 3:08 p.m

Marines of Battery K, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, perform a fire mission with the M327 120mm Expeditionary Fire Support System during a live-fire exercise, March 28.

Continue reading "Pendleton Marines wield explosive new weapon system" »

Posted by sr at 10:33 PM | Permalink

29th Infantry soliders might be sent back to Afghanistan in 2013

By William Cole
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Apr 06, 2011

As the nation’s military and civilian leaders debate the size of a drawdown expected to start in Afghanistan in July, record numbers of Hawaii-based troops are projected to serve in the country for years to come.

Continue reading "More isle troops headed overseas" »

Posted by sr at 4:57 PM | Permalink

Apr. 5, 2011
Kentaro Nakajima and Koichi Nakamura / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer and Photographer

KESENNUMA, Miyagi--Restoration work on Oshima island, located off Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, has suffered significant setbacks because ships have struggled to dock at the island's completely devastated port.

Continue reading "U.S. friends dig deep for isolated island / Cut off after the tsunami tore up its port, Oshima gets lifeline from Operation Tomodachi" »

Posted by sr at 11:31 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 04.04.2011

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan - In the open desert outside the villages, Helmand province can be as dry as the desert Charlton Heston crawled through in "The Ten Commandments."

Continue reading "Marine bases burst with bottled water" »

Posted by sr at 4:23 PM | Permalink

4/3/2011 By Cpl. Megan Angel , III MEF

OSHIMA ISLAND, Japan — OSHIMA ISLAND, Japan – Three weeks after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Tokyo and set off a devastating tsunami March 11, affected Japanese citizens are still rummaging through the remains of their homes, neighborhoods and towns.

Continue reading "Japan's Road to Recovery: III MEF CG visits island of Oshima" »

Posted by sr at 9:14 AM | Permalink

4/3/2011 By Capt. Caleb Eames , 31st MEU

OSHIMA, Japan — Approximately 170 Marines and Sailors from Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit left the USS Essex (LHD 2) beginning Operation Field Day in support of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, April 1.

Continue reading "31st MEU helps aid isolated island of Oshima" »

Posted by sr at 8:17 AM | Permalink

By Travis J. Tritten
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 1, 2011

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The U.S. military will scale back participation in its annual joint exercise with the Philippines due to ongoing relief efforts in Japan, Marine Corps and Navy officials said Friday.

Continue reading "U.S. to scale back participation in annual exercise in Philippines" »

Posted by sr at 8:33 AM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 03.31.2011

As night descended, the desert turned cold, and silhouettes gathered within the walls of Patrol Base Husker. The light of a near full moon revealed brambles of concertina wire atop the walls, and gave the bulky rows of combat packs a thin, nocturnal lining. The Marines - tucked into sleeping bags along the rows -murmured premonitions about the coming days.

Continue reading "Operation Watchtower: Fox Company searches for insurgents, finds peace" »

Posted by sr at 5:18 PM | Permalink

Video by Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr. | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.31.2011

U.S. service members and their Japanese counterparts have been working around the clock to restore the Sendai airport after the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck the area in early March.

Continue reading "U.S., Japanese Counterparts Restore Devastated Airport in Sendai" »

Posted by sr at 9:00 AM | Permalink

Mar. 30, 2011 5:21 PM ET

HONOLULU (AP) — A Marine Corps helicopter crashed during an emergency landing in the shallow water of Hawaii's Kaneohe Bay, killing one Marine on board and injuring three others after they had set out on an evening training exercise, the military said Wednesday.

Continue reading "1 dead, 3 injured in Marine helicopter in Oahu bay" »

Posted by sr at 10:24 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | Date: 03.30.2011

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - They have names like “Isabelle Ringer,” “Steely Jan” and “Slamurai.” They don’t typically respond to their legal names.

Continue reading "Roller derby knocks ‘em out" »

Posted by sr at 5:22 PM | Permalink

Story by Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr. | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.30.2011

SENDAI AIRPORT, Japan – A few weeks ago, the third floor terminal of the Sendai International Airport was bustling with business. Now, nearly three weeks after the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck the area, it has become home for hundreds of service members working to clear debris and restore the airport as part of Operation Tomodachi.

Continue reading "Marines, Japanese counterparts work to restore Sendai Airport" »

Posted by sr at 10:58 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Matthew Denny | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.29.2011

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan -- Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group combined forces with III Marine Expeditionary Brigade Aviation Command Element as an Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group to support Operation Tomodachi, March 29.

Continue reading "3rd MLG supports Operation Tomodachi" »

Posted by sr at 10:47 PM | Permalink

By Rob Shikina and Gregg Kakesako
Star-Advertiser Staff
POSTED: 07:49 p.m. HST, Mar 29, 2011

Crews are working this afternoon to drain a fuel tank that detached from a Marine Corps helicopter that crashed in shallow water last night in Kaneohe Bay, killing one Marine and inijuring three others.

Continue reading "1 Marine dies, 3 injured in Kaneohe Bay crash" »

Posted by sr at 10:32 PM | Permalink

By Seth Robson
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 29, 2011

TOKYO, Japan — The U.S. military constantly is monitoring radiation levels in Sendai to ensure its troops are not receiving dangerous doses of radiation from the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, the commander of the American military effort said Monday night.

Continue reading "General: Military taking precautions to protect troops from radiation" »

Posted by sr at 7:09 AM | Permalink

3/28/2011 By Lance Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot , Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

SAN DIEGO — Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, helped Feeding America San Diego open its new warehouse March 25.

Continue reading "USMC spirit fills Feeding America" »

Posted by sr at 10:11 PM | Permalink

Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence | Regimental Combat Team 1 | Date: 03.28.2011

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Like tomb raiders, the Marines unearth the deadly treasures of those who no longer rule Helmand province. Scouring dry creek beds and abandoned compounds, they collect caches of AK-47s, Soviet era grenades and homemade explosives buried by the Taliban.

Continue reading "Relics of Defeat: Marines uncover insurgent caches" »

Posted by sr at 9:22 AM | Permalink

3/27/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

OSHIMA, Japan — Two U.S. Navy landing craft carrying Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11, as well as disaster relief supplies and Japanese electrical utility trucks, arrived in Oshima Island, March 27.

Continue reading "Isolated Island receives food, water, power with 31st MEU, PHIBRON 11 visit" »

Posted by sr at 10:17 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.27.2011

EAST MATSUSHIMA, Japan -Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force transported supplies to Oshima Island near the city of Sendai March 27 for use in Operation Field Day, a clean-up project led by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

Continue reading "Marines begin Operation Field Day" »

Posted by sr at 10:14 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Rashaun X. James | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs | Date: 03.26.2011

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - As part of Operation Rawhide II, an initiative intended to interdict and disrupt enemy activity along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 was tasked with building forward arming and refueling points near the city of Bahram Cha, Afghanistan.

Continue reading "MWSS-373, Royal Air Force celebrate coalition partnership" »

Posted by sr at 11:05 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.26.2011

EAST MATSUSHIMA, Japan - Marines and sailors attached to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Forward) moved equipment and personnel to the Ooshiro Community Center here today to install shower facilities for residents here who have been without heat and water in the aftermath of the devastating 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck mainland Japan on March 11.

Continue reading "Marines provide showers for displaced residents" »

Posted by sr at 10:35 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Megan Angel | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.26.2011

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – The Marine Corps is known for being uniquely trained, equipped and organized to maintain a constant state of global readiness and the ability to plan and mobilize for any ship-to-shore operation within a matter of hours.

Continue reading "3rd MarDiv exemplifies Corps’ readiness during Operation Tomodachi" »

Posted by sr at 10:30 AM | Permalink

By Travis J. Tritten
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 26, 2011

SENDAI, Japan — A group of excited young Japanese girls jumped and shouted to 1st Lt. Sean McMahon, “Sign it! Sign it!”

Continue reading "Marines in Sendai pushing for larger role in relief effort" »

Posted by sr at 10:12 AM | Permalink

3/26/2011 By Cpl. Michael A. Bianco , 31st MEU

USS ESSEX, Off the coast of Japan — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit continues relief efforts off the northeast coast of Honshu in support of Operation Tomodachi, March 25.

Continue reading "31st MEU continues relief efforts in Japan" »

Posted by sr at 10:09 AM | Permalink

3/26/2011 By Gunnery Sgt. Leo A. Salinas , Marine Corps Bases Japan

SENDAI, Japan — Japanese and U.S. military personnel have assembled a team to help coordinate relief and recovery efforts and better facilitate distribution of supplies to those affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Continue reading "Information cell coordinates relief efforts" »

Posted by sr at 10:07 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.25.2011

Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams, III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), are in Japan to assist in planning humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following the March 11 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

Continue reading "HASTs mission determines need" »

Posted by sr at 7:18 AM | Permalink

3/25/2011 By Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher , Marine Corps Bases Japan

OKINAWA, Japan — III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan are continuing to actively provide support to Operation Tomodachi on mainland Japan.

Continue reading "Operation Tomodachi continues III MEF, MCBJ supporting relief efforts" »

Posted by sr at 7:00 AM | Permalink

Residents Facing Freezing Temperatures

By Joshua Philipp
Epoch Times Staff
Created: Mar 24, 2011

Marine helicopters sweep along the coast of northern Japan in search of secluded towns and villages in need of aid. With residents lacking clean water and facing freezing temperatures at night, the Marine’s arrival in each area brings welcomed supplies to those left in the cold.

Continue reading "Marines Aid Secluded Japanese Towns" »

Posted by sr at 11:28 PM | Permalink

By Travis J. Tritten
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 24, 2011

SENDAI, Japan — Tsuyoshi Sato stood at the Sendai Airport fuel farm Thursday evening as a crew of Marines used heavy chains and a military tow truck to pull a car from a one-story pile of debris.

Continue reading "Marines help clear out Sendai Airport after tsunami" »

Posted by sr at 4:57 PM | Permalink

By Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher
Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP COURTNEY, Japan, March 24, 2011 – Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Yamile Brito is proving the truth of former President John F. Kennedy’s statement that “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”

Continue reading "Face of Defense: Marine Finds Way to Help Tsunami Victims" »

Posted by sr at 4:49 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.24.2011

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan - Marines assigned to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force provided much-needed support to Marines and sailors, as well as Japanese counterparts in Sendai March 23.

Continue reading "MWCS-18, HMM-265 support relief efforts" »

Posted by sr at 8:53 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Christopher O'Quin | 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 03.23.2011

USS GREEN BAY, At Sea – For more than 50 years, Marines and sailors with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) have proven they can operate in the far reaches of the globe, from the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan

Continue reading "'Evils Eyes' DET keeps birds flying high" »

Posted by sr at 6:08 PM | Permalink

March 22, 2011 8:30 AM
BY JAMES GILBERT - SUN STAFF WRITER

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the body of Cpl. Joshua Barron, who was reported missing last week, has been recovered from a canal.

Continue reading "Missing Marine found dead" »

Posted by sr at 5:42 PM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Sean Dennison
March 22, 2011

Sunlight covers the desert expanse while vehicle convoys create walls of dust in the distance. Marines carry energy drinks and chow in one hand while using the other to sling their rifles over their shoulder. The sky is littered with aircraft at most hours of the day, and things that go bump in the night are actually the sounds of far-off artillery blasts.

Continue reading "Mojave nightmare: VMA-513 completes final workup to Afghanistan" »

Posted by sr at 5:20 PM | Permalink

3/22/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

USS ESSEX AT SEA — As the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit helps conduct humanitarian assistance missions off the northeast coast of Japan as part of Operation Tomodachi, officials are careful to check equipment and personnel coming back to the ship for possible low-level radioactive contamination.

Continue reading "31st MEU stays safe during relief mission" »

Posted by sr at 8:50 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.22.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan – Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams made up of Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force conducted surveys in the city of Higashimatsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, March 22, to determine the extent of damages from a tsunami that struck after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake March 11.

Continue reading "III Marine Expeditionary Force supports Japan’s efforts to rebuild" »

Posted by sr at 7:35 AM | Permalink

3/22/2011 By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch , 31st MEU

MIYAKO, Japan — As a group of 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters made their way along the northeast Japanese coast March 21, the destruction caused by the recent 9.0 earthquake and following tsunami became apparent.

Continue reading "Marines deliver relief supplies to Japanese affected by earthquake and tsunami" »

Posted by sr at 7:31 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Main | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 03.14.2011
Date Posted: 03.21.2011 19:47

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii — In the black of night two teams of six Marines sprinted into the ocean in rubber boats. Their mission — paddle 1,500 meters against pounding waves and release two reconnaissance swimmers to scout out a landing point.

Continue reading "Radio to Recon: 3rd Radio Battalion stands up recon capabilities" »

Posted by sr at 5:09 PM | Permalink

3/21/2011 By Capt. Caleb Eames , 31st MEU

USS ESSEX, off the coast of Japan — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11, with a combined total of more than 4,000 Marines and Sailors, transited to the east coast of mainland Japan March 20.

Continue reading "31ST MEU moves to the east coast of Japan, delivers aid via helo" »

Posted by sr at 2:57 PM | Permalink

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.21.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - III Marine Expeditionary Force is continuing to actively provide support to Operation Tomodachi on mainland Japan.

Continue reading "Operation Tomodachi continues: III MEF Marines, sailors continue supporting relief efforts in Japan" »

Posted by sr at 9:48 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs | Date: 03.21.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan – Yesterday, Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Humanitaraian Assistance Survey Teams conducted patrols in Matsushima and the Ofunato Port to determine the extent of damages from a tsunami that struck after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake March 11.

Continue reading "III Marine Expeditionary Force continues bilateral survey mission" »

Posted by sr at 9:45 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.19.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan – III Marine Expeditionary Force aircraft and personnel continue to support relief efforts in Japan, moving personnel, supplies and equipment from Okinawa to mainland Japan, March 19.

Continue reading "III Marine Expeditionary Force continues to provide aid to mainland Japan" »

Posted by sr at 9:13 AM | Permalink

3/18/2011 By Capt. Caleb D. Eames , 31st MEU

USS ESSEX, off the coast of Japan — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11, with a combined total of more than 4,000 Marines and Sailors, arrived off of the west coast of mainland Japan March 18, after a major earthquake and following tsunami caused extensive destruction to northeast Japan one week ago.

Continue reading "31ST MEU ARRIVES OFF THE WEST COAST OF JAPAN" »

Posted by sr at 1:18 PM | Permalink

3/18/2011 By 1st Lt. John D. Norton , Marine Corps Bases Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa, Japan — Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has proven to be a critical asset in III Marine Expeditionary Force’s support to the humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts on mainland Japan following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami which took place March 11, according to the station’s commanding officer Col. Dale M. Smith.

Continue reading "MCAS Futenma proves critical during III MEF HA/DR effort" »

Posted by sr at 8:27 AM | Permalink

3/17/2011 By Cpl. Michael A. Bianco, 31st MEU

SEA OF JAPAN — Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit left the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2) to establish a forward command center for the unit, March 17.

Continue reading "31st MEU inserts to begin helping with Japan relief operations" »

Posted by sr at 10:12 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.17.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - Marines stationed at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, departed today bound for Yamagata, Japan, in support of Operation Tomodachi.

Continue reading "III Marine Expeditionary Force continues to support relief effort" »

Posted by sr at 9:29 AM | Permalink

By John Rabiroff
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 17, 2011

SEOUL — U.S. military personnel have delivered 40 tons of supplies to the hardest-hit areas of Japan, as humanitarian aid continues in the face of an ever-increasing threat from the failing Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant.

Continue reading "U.S. military delivers 40 tons of supplies to hardest-hit areas" »

Posted by sr at 9:15 AM | Permalink

By Charlie Reed
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 16, 2011

SENDAI, Japan — More than 4,000 tsunami survivors were still stranded along the pulverized coastline east of here Wednesday, and the region’s dwindling supply of gasoline began threatening rescue efforts and fueling a new sense of panic in the city.

Continue reading "Fuel shortage threatens to slow rescuers" »

Posted by sr at 11:18 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Vanessa American Horse | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 03.16.2011

A total of 40 signal intelligence and support Marines from Detachment 3 returned from their two-month deployment to the Republic of Korea in support of exercise Winter Surge March 16. This was the first time in 16 years a detachment from 3rd Radio Battalion has provided support to the Korean peninsula.

Continue reading "3rd RAD Det 3 returns from Korea" »

Posted by sr at 10:15 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.16.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan – Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams from III Marine Expeditionary Force surveyed heavily damaged areas today in Sendai, Japan, delivered much-needed water supplies and assisted the Government of Japan in coordinating relief efforts during Operation Tomodachi.

Continue reading "USMC survey teams deliver aid to Sendai" »

Posted by sr at 9:46 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Colby Brown | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 03.15.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — With noses to the ground and tails in the air in a combat zone, Marine bomb sniffing dogs bring yet another asset to the table in the fight against improvised explosive devices.

Continue reading "Lassie 2.0" »

Posted by sr at 5:18 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 03.15.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- “Marines do not bleed. They do not eat, they do not sleep. They are not human.”

Continue reading "‘Marines do not bleed’: Military operations change Afghan perception in southern Helmand" »

Posted by sr at 12:23 PM | Permalink

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 – In the wake of Japan’s massive earthquake and tsunami, Red Cross officials are encouraging U.S. service members and families posted there to register with an online resource intended to keep family and friends back home informed of their welfare.

Continue reading "Red Cross Website Links Japan-based Troops to Home" »

Posted by sr at 12:07 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.15.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan – The III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines continue to conduct coordination with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Northeastern Army at Camp Sendai that will enable resources to flow to the disaster area.

Continue reading "III Marine Expeditionary Force supports Japanese recovery efforts" »

Posted by sr at 7:20 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Daniel Woodall | 2nd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs | Date: 03.15.2011

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Nearly 30 days from redeploying, the Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) continue to conduct development projects and provide logistics support to various units operating in southwestern Afghanistan.

Continue reading "CLB-3 continues supporting, improving southern Helmand as redeployment draws near" »

Posted by sr at 7:15 AM | Permalink

3/14/2011 By Capt. Caleb D. Eames , 31st MEU

PHILIPPINE SEA — The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard three ships of Amphibious Squadron 11, is heading towards the coast of mainland Japan and is expected to arrive March 16 in support of Operation Tomodachi, after a major earthquake and following tsunami Friday.

Continue reading "31st MEU headed for Japan coast prepared to assist" »

Posted by sr at 4:57 PM | Permalink

Story by Lindsay Pirek | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.14.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan – Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force continue to provide support for foreign humanitarian assistance operations from Okinawa to mainland Japan. The operation, known as Tomodachi, means “friends” in Japanese, and was chosen by Japan.

Continue reading "III Marine Expeditionary Force provides support to those affected by tsunami" »

Posted by sr at 9:15 AM | Permalink

Staff report
Posted : Sunday Mar 13, 2011 13:32:56 EDT

Marine forces in Japan are delivering food, water and other supplies to assist in disaster-relief efforts following the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated the region Friday.

Continue reading "Marines assist after disaster strikes Japan" »

Posted by sr at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.13.2011

OKINAWA, Japan – Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force are actively providing support for foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in mainland Japan. The operation, known as Tomodachi, means “friends” in Japanese, and was chosen by Japan.

Continue reading "III Marine Expeditionary Force continues humanitarian assistance mission" »

Posted by sr at 10:08 AM | Permalink

By Erik Slavin
Stars and Stripes
Published: March 13, 2011

NAVAL AIR STATION ATSUGI, Japan — The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group delivered four drops of humanitarian supplies Sunday and began ongoing support of Japanese search-and-rescue helicopters, U.S. 7th Fleet officials said Sunday afternoon.

Continue reading "U.S. Navy steps up earthquake relief efforts in Japan" »

Posted by sr at 9:49 AM | Permalink

3/13/2011 By Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr. , III MEF

MARINE CORPS BASES, OKINAWA, Japan — Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) are supporting Government of Japan-led humanitarian aid/disaster relief operations in mainland Japan following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the subsequent tsunami that struck northern Japan March 11.

Continue reading "III MEF continues relief efforts in support of Operation Tomodachi" »

Posted by sr at 9:29 AM | Permalink

Staff report
Posted : Saturday Mar 12, 2011 11:26:25 EST

Marine forces in Japan are readying aircraft and supplies to assist in disaster-relief efforts following the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated the region Friday, officials said in a news release.

Continue reading "Japan-based Marines move to provide aid" »

Posted by sr at 12:38 PM | Permalink

Navy ships, Marine forces and non-governmental relief teams are being dispatched to the disaster-stricken areas of Japan to provide humanitarian assistance and to search for survivors.

By Ken Dilanian, Washington Bureau
March 12, 2011, 8:59 a.m.

Reporting from Washington --
U.S. Navy ships and aircraft were converging on disaster-stricken Japan Saturday, while the main U.S. aid agency dispatched two urban search-and-rescue teams to help look for trapped survivors.

Continue reading "U.S. military, aid teams headed for Japan" »

Posted by sr at 12:24 PM | Permalink

3/12/2011 By Sgt. Jesse Stence , Regimental Combat Team 1

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — Sgt. Meredith Burns has fielded numerous questions about females in combat since she deployed to Afghanistan as 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s Female Engagement team leader nearly six months ago.

Continue reading "Where Minds Meet: FET bridges gap between Western, Afghan culture" »

Posted by sr at 12:14 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | Date: 03.11.2011

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. - The radio reconnaissance Marines were sweat-drenched and hobbling by the time they disembarked the CH-53E “Super Stallion.” The Marines had good reason to be exhausted after more than four hours of fast-roping and repelling training.

Continue reading "‘Warhorses’ support fast-roping, medevac rehearsals" »

Posted by sr at 9:28 PM | Permalink

3/11/2011 By Lance Cpl. Sarah Anderson , Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Marines from 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, put their last three weeks’ worth of training to the test with a patrol accompanied by Afghan role players March 8, 2011. Their actions were assessed by members of the Advisor Training Group.

Continue reading "Patrols get 1/3 ready to work with ANA soldiers" »

Posted by sr at 5:16 PM | Permalink

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 – U.S. forces are swinging into action to assist Japan in the wake of a magnitude 8.9 earthquake that struck early this morning.

Continue reading "Military Gears Up to Help Japan" »

Posted by sr at 4:56 PM | Permalink

By Sam Fellman - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Mar 11, 2011 2:55:35 EST

Eight warships are headed to Japan to render disaster relief in the wake of a catastrophic magnitude 8.9 earthquake that left hundreds dead Friday. The quake unleashed a tsunami that is tearing across the Pacific. It unmoored two subs and is forcing other ships to get underway or ease their lines as the surge waters arrive, according to updates posted on official Navy Facebook pages across the region.

Continue reading "Navy sends 8 ships to provide tsunami relief" »

Posted by sr at 4:52 PM | Permalink

U.S. Forces prepare for humanitarian relief operations

By James K. Sanborn and Gidget Fuentes - Staff writers
Posted : Friday Mar 11, 2011 11:49:11 EST

What is being called Japan’s largest earthquake in 100 years struck the country’s main island Friday afternoon, but the effect on Marine installations was minimal, according to a Headquarters Marine Corps spokesman.

Continue reading "Marine Bases Japan spared by earthquake" »

Posted by sr at 1:00 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.11.2011

USS HARPERS FERRY – Elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the USS Harpers Ferry, are scheduled to participate in the Association of Southeastern Asian Nations Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise, March 14 – 18. The multilateral exercise will take place in Indonesian territorial waters.

Continue reading "31st MEU to participate in ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise" »

Posted by sr at 7:49 AM | Permalink

3/11/2011 By Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud , Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP COURTNEY, Okinawa, Japan — Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, trained with a new Combat Operations Center here March 1. The COC uses equipment standardized across the Marine Corps.

Continue reading "III MHG gets Combat Operations Center" »

Posted by sr at 7:05 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Rebekka Heite | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.10.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - Marines with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, recently returned from U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Republic of Korea, where they participated in Operation Winter Surge 2011, a combined, joint event conducted by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and ROK and U.S. Marines

Continue reading "3rd Intel supports Winter Surge" »

Posted by sr at 10:22 PM | Permalink

Story by Pfc. Mark Stroud | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.10.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - Terrorists concealed within a civilian population are a prevalent enemy of Operation Enduring Freedom. Veiled behind a cloak of anonymity, they strike and then recede back into the shadows disappearing once more into the local populace.

Continue reading "Biometrics becomes next battlefield in War on Terror" »

Posted by sr at 5:16 PM | Permalink

3/10/2011 By Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington , 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd.) accepted responsibility of coalition air combat efforts in the Regional Command Southwest area of operations from 3rd MAW (Fwd.) in a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 9.

Continue reading "2nd MAW (Fwd) assumes aviation combat responsibilities in Afghanistan from 3rd MAW (Fwd)" »

Posted by sr at 4:57 PM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | Date: 03.08.2011
Date Posted: 03.08.2011 13:16

VISTA, Calif. - Lance Cpl. Micheal Hollar patiently answered interview questions for young students. He told them his name, his job and even gave them his mailing address so they could be pen pals. The 2nd-grade students struggled to form the correct words in large block letters, but treated the interview with awe-struck reverence.

Continue reading "MAG-39 supports Read Across America" »

Posted by sr at 10:28 PM | Permalink

Story by Cpl. Reece E. Lodder | Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Kaneohe Bay | Date: 03.08.2011

Cramped in a decrepit room within the stark, gray halls of the aged 3rd Marines’ Regimental Aid Station, a quiet hospital corpsman diligently attends to his duties. Though the uncomfortable mid-day mugginess plagues his office, Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Jenkins works comfortably, his brow remaining untouched by sweat.

Continue reading "Golden on the green side: 1/3 corpsman named MARFORPAC Sailor of the Year" »

Posted by sr at 10:26 PM | Permalink

3/5/2011 By Capt. Caleb D. Eames , 31st MEU

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, OKINAWA, Japan — Elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit switched naval vessels as they disembarked from the USS Denver (LPD 9) and embarked aboard the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) in port, March 5.

Continue reading "SWAPPING SHIPS--MARINES TRANSFER MID-DEPLOYMENT" »

Posted by sr at 10:34 PM | Permalink

The Associated Press
Published: Friday, Mar. 4, 2011 - 1:38 pm

ATHENS, Greece -- Two vessels carrying 1,300 U.S. Marines docked Friday at an American base on Crete as part of a military build up around Libya, the U.S. Navy said.

Continue reading "US warships arrive at Crete in Libya buildup" »

Posted by SP at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.04.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - Nearly two dozen Marines from the Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, recently participated in the Lava Viper 2011 exercise here.

Continue reading "MASS-2 takes on Lava Viper" »

Posted by SP at 8:56 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Heather Choate | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.04.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, put the finishing touches on a memorial wall to honor members of the unit who lost their lives in combat five years ago

Continue reading "EOD Marines honor fallen comrades with memorial wall" »

Posted by SP at 8:52 AM | Permalink

Story by Lindsay Pirek | III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs | Date: 03.04.2011

OKINAWA, Japan - Approximately 750 Marines from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, manned their battle stations 24 hours a day, simulating the command and control of a large-scale conflict, during Exercise Key Resolve 2011 here Feb. 28.

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