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A U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages adversary forces during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 25, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded Amphibious Combat Vehicle that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

A U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages adversary forces during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 25, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded Amphibious Combat Vehicle that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit from a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to Charlie Company, BLT 1/7, 31st MEU, during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded ACV that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit from a U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle assigned to Charlie Company, BLT 1/7, 31st MEU, during a simulated force-on-force mechanized raid at Combat Town, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. The purpose of the exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment with the integration of the newly fielded ACV that produces combat-ready forces in urban terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assess a simulated casualty during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. VBSS is part of the maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assess a simulated casualty during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), Okinawa, Japan, April 24, 2025. VBSS is part of the maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Omar Cardoso, a fire support Marine with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, observes his surroundings in order to draw a range sketch during a forward observer competition at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. Marines are evaluated in a number of simulated events to enhance their readiness and lethality. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Cardoso is a native of Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Omar Cardoso, a fire support Marine with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, observes his surroundings in order to draw a range sketch during a forward observer competition at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. Marines are evaluated in a number of simulated events to enhance their readiness and lethality. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Cardoso is a native of Florida. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, board the vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the Military Sealift Command Oil/Chemical Tanker MT Haina Patriot, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. VBSS is part of the maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, board the vessel during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the Military Sealift Command Oil/Chemical Tanker MT Haina Patriot, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. VBSS is part of the maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Palovitz, left, and Lance Cpl. Joshua Beam, right, both infantry Marines and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class DylanAndre Ang, center, a hospital corpsman all with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, post security with various small fire arms while on a patrol during a jungle familiarization course at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2025. The jungle familiarization course allows Marines in navigating the harsh that is often found in jungle regions. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Palovitz is a native of Pennsylvania, Ang is a native of Washington, and Beam is a native of North Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Palovitz, left, and Lance Cpl. Joshua Beam, right, both infantry Marines and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class DylanAndre Ang, center, a hospital corpsman all with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, post security with various small fire arms while on a patrol during a jungle familiarization course at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2025. The jungle familiarization course allows Marines in navigating the harsh that is often found in jungle regions. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Palovitz is a native of Pennsylvania, Ang is a native of Washington, and Beam is a native of North Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-ropes from a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), during alternate insertion and extraction training on Landing Zone Swallow at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 18, 2025. The Marines conducted day and night alternate insertion and extraction training on land to enhance and sustain their ability to quickly insert onto a moving vessel. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-ropes from a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), during alternate insertion and extraction training on Landing Zone Swallow at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 18, 2025. The Marines conducted day and night alternate insertion and extraction training on land to enhance and sustain their ability to quickly insert onto a moving vessel. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Peter Ornelas, left, a transmissions system operator and Cpl. Osbaldo Lopez, a networks administrator both with Joint Task Force-Enabler, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, test an RT-2060 radio during a communication exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2025. The exercise was conducted in order to allow the Marines to maintain and test equipment ensure reliability and readiness. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Ornelas and Lopez are California natives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Peter Ornelas, left, a transmissions system operator and Cpl. Osbaldo Lopez, a networks administrator both with Joint Task Force-Enabler, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, test an RT-2060 radio during a communication exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2025. The exercise was conducted in order to allow the Marines to maintain and test equipment ensure reliability and readiness. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Ornelas and Lopez are California natives. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-rope from a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk assigned to 33rd Rescue Squadron, 18th Wing, during alternate insertion and extraction training on Landing Zone Swallow at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2025. The Marines conducted day and night alternate insertion and extraction training on land to enhance and sustain their ability to quickly insert onto a moving vessel. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast-rope from a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk assigned to 33rd Rescue Squadron, 18th Wing, during alternate insertion and extraction training on Landing Zone Swallow at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 16, 2025. The Marines conducted day and night alternate insertion and extraction training on land to enhance and sustain their ability to quickly insert onto a moving vessel. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

Photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Chandler Harmon, an infantry Marine with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures the rope during a Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System qualification at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2025. The FRIES, commonly known as fast-roping, is a method to insert Marines into a location where a helicopter or tiltrotor aircraft cannot land, using a specialized rope that Marines slide down with gloved hands while using their feet to manipulate speed. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Harmon is a native of Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Chandler Harmon, an infantry Marine with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures the rope during a Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System qualification at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2025. The FRIES, commonly known as fast-roping, is a method to insert Marines into a location where a helicopter or tiltrotor aircraft cannot land, using a specialized rope that Marines slide down with gloved hands while using their feet to manipulate speed. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Harmon is a native of Texas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse reaction to contact drills during a simulated patrol as part of a jungle field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2025. The purpose of the field exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces in a jungle environment. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse reaction to contact drills during a simulated patrol as part of a jungle field exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 15, 2025. The purpose of the field exercise was to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces in a jungle environment. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, gather together to observe Tactical Rope Suspension Techniques training at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, April 14, 2025. Tactical Rope Suspension Techniques is a specialized training where Marines learn how to operate using rope techniques in mountainous and jungle terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, gather together to observe Tactical Rope Suspension Techniques training at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, Japan, April 14, 2025. Tactical Rope Suspension Techniques is a specialized training where Marines learn how to operate using rope techniques in mountainous and jungle terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide-range of military operations across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins)

Photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, recovers an Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel during a cargo transfer at Kin Red Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Apr. 9, 2025. The ALPV is a semi-submersible autonomous logistics delivery system that has the ability to deliver multiple variations of supplies and equipment through contested maritime terrain. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose during a battalion field meet at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 26, 2025. The field meet brought Marines and Sailors together to participate and compete in various physical fitness events to boost esprit de corps and unit cohesion. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose during a battalion field meet at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 26, 2025. The field meet brought Marines and Sailors together to participate and compete in various physical fitness events to boost esprit de corps and unit cohesion. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), during parachute operations for a Reconnaissance and Surveillance exercise at Ie Shima Training Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 20, 2025. The Marines participated in day parachute operations to sustain their aerial insertion skills and enhance their low visibility capabilities. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

A U.S. Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), during parachute operations for a Reconnaissance and Surveillance exercise at Ie Shima Training Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 20, 2025. The Marines participated in day parachute operations to sustain their aerial insertion skills and enhance their low visibility capabilities. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Skilah Sanchez

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, approach the beach in amphibious assault vehicles during a bilateral amphibious landing display in support of Iron Fist 25, at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 1, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, approach the beach in amphibious assault vehicles during a bilateral amphibious landing display in support of Iron Fist 25, at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 1, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Sgt. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Chris Niedziocha, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives a gift as part of the closing ceremony for Iron Fist 25, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 7, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Niedziocha is a native of New Jersey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Chris Niedziocha, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives a gift as part of the closing ceremony for Iron Fist 25, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, March 7, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force, ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. Niedziocha is a native of New Jersey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Gerardo Mendez

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, insert onto the beach during a bilateral simulated boat raid part of Iron Fist 25 at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan on Mar. 1, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, insert onto the beach during a bilateral simulated boat raid part of Iron Fist 25 at Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa, Japan on Mar. 1, 2025. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicate with their squad during a simulated boat raid on Recon Beach, Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 17, 2025. This training was conducted in order for the Marines to increase their profiency conducting boat raids with the newly fielded enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, communicate with their squad during a simulated boat raid on Recon Beach, Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 17, 2025. This training was conducted in order for the Marines to increase their profiency conducting boat raids with the newly fielded enhanced combat rubber reconnaissance craft. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca)

Photo by Cpl. Angel Diaz Montes De Oca

U.S. Marines with 3rd Radio Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maritime sensing during a sensor expeditionary advanced base exercise at Kin Blue, Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 1-6, 2025. The exercise reinforced Marines’ abilities to gather maritime and airspace intelligence by employing radar and relaying the information back to commanders. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), compromising amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward- deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operated with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Victor Gurrola)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Radio Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct maritime sensing during a sensor expeditionary advanced base exercise at Kin Blue, Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 1-6, 2025. The exercise reinforced Marines’ abilities to gather maritime and airspace intelligence by employing radar and relaying the information back to commanders. The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), compromising amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward- deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operated with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Victor Gurrola)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola