IWO TO, Japan – Hundreds of U.S. Marines landed on the remote island of Iwo Jima on Tuesday to prepare for the 65th anniversary of one of World War II's bloodiest and most iconic battles.
Continue reading "US Marines land on Iwo Jima to mark anniversary" »
NEW YORK — For a civilian it's a source of inspiration. For a photographer it's a dynamic study of composition and structure. For a historian it inspires debates on amphibious tactics and whether an island a third the size of Manhattan should have been bypassed in favor of other objectives.
Continue reading "The picture of Marines: past and present" »
TOKYO (AP) — A magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit off Japan's southern coast early Saturday, shaking Okinawa and nearby islands, where a tsunami warning was briefly issued, Japan's Meteorological Agency said.
Continue reading "Magnitude 6.9 earthquake shakes southern Japan, tsunami warning issued" »
WASHINGTON — Military members serving overseas will have to resubmit their voter registration this year if they hope to cast a ballot in the November midterm elections.
Continue reading "Overseas military will have to register again to get ballots this year" »
8,600 Marines to come from Okinawa
Navy officials have outlined their plans to build a Marine Corps base in Guam and expeditionary field training sites on the nearby island of Tinian, measures meant to support the relocation of 8,600 Marines from Okinawa beginning in 2014.
The Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a combination of exercises and operations during its 2009 patrols of the Asia-Pacific region.
Sometimes the best way to win hearts and minds is to take care of the teeth.
Continue reading "In East Timor, teeth are a military mission for Camp Pendleton forces" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan (October 6, 2009) -- In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ketsana that struck the Republic of the Philippines Sept. 25, U.S. Marines and Sailors based in Japan have come to the aid of the Philippine people.
Continue reading "Full Steam Ahead for Humanitarian Assistance Operations in Pacific Region" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Japan, Oct. 2, 2009 – The U.S. military is providing critically needed disaster-relief supplies to mitigate suffering and prevent further loss of life in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana, which struck the Philippines on Sept. 25.
Continue reading "Marines, Sailors Bring Aid to Philippines" »
Thousands could go. What you need to know.
CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa — Tears as well as chuckles filled the small chapel here Friday during a memorial service for Sgt. Michael H. Ferschke Jr.
Continue reading "Marines and family gather to recall sergeant who saved comrade’s lives" »
OKINAWA, Japan (Jan. 26, 2009) -- — The commandant of the Republic of Korea’s Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. Lee Hong-Hee visited the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Hansen Jan. 23.
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — The BLT, currently the ground combat element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, focused the training on mastering basic tactics and skills of an infantry unit to better prepare them to handle combat and humanitarian operations.
Continue reading "BLT 3/1 patrols on Hansen, works on skill sustainment" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan (Feb. 8, 2008) -- After Cpl. Tom Saba, a crew chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, died in a CH-46 Sea Knight crash Feb. 7, 2007 in Iraq, his parents found a photo on his computer.
Continue reading "Web site allows Okinawa Marines to share stories with fallen Marine’s parents" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan (Feb. 8, 2008) -- After Cpl. Tom Saba, a crew chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, died in a CH-46 Sea Knight crash Feb. 7, 2007 in Iraq, his parents found a photo on his computer.
Continue reading "Web site allows Okinawa Marines to share stories with fallen Marine’s parents" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Dec. 7, 2007) -- The throaty rumble of more than 130 motorcycles paraded through the air station with toys fastened to their storage racks to be delivered at the 60th annual Toys for Tots campaign kickoff at the Hornet’s Nest here Sunday morning.
Continue reading "60th Toys for Tots campaign takes spin in Iwakuni" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 26, 2007) -- The street in front of the Vehicle Registration Office on Camp Foster was dedicated as Captain Brock Road during a ceremony Nov. 16.
Continue reading "Camp Foster road renamed in honor of fallen Marine" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 2, 2007) -- Coordinators and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program on Okinawa will be working overtime during the holiday season to extend the reach of the 60-year-old charity in the region.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots program expands giving boundaries" »
KURMITOLA AIR BASE, Bangladesh (November 2, 2007) -- Morning mist rose above a jungle-bound airfield in Bangladesh Oct. 25 as aircraft from Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 314 and the Bangladesh Air Force revved to life to start a day of flight operations during Exercise Sumo Tiger 2007.
Continue reading "MAG-12 Marines kick off Sumo Tiger in Bangladesh" »
CAMP FOSTER, Japan – Lance Cpl. Alexander Karman is waiting around the barracks for his friends to finish up so they can head to the gym and a karaoke joint just outside the gates. This is Karman's last payday on Okinawa, and he has to report back for duty at 3 a.m.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Aug. 8, 2007) -- Last week station residents braced for Typhoon Usagi, which made landfall early Friday, bringing rain and wind to the station.
Continue reading "Station residents dodge second storm of season" »
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marines in Japan are under new leadership after a change-of-command ceremony here Wednesday evening.
Continue reading "Marines based in Japan, Okinawa get new leader" »
CAMP LESTER, Okinawa (June 15, 2007) -- Officials with the Armed Service Blood Program are looking for donors to contribute blood to bolster their depleting supply.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (May 18, 2007) -- To help better serve the Marines on Okinawa, the Marine Corps Base Headquarters and Service Battalion Installation Personnel Administration Center has extended its hours.
Continue reading "IPAC's extended hours help Marines on tight timelines" »
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa — It’s been six months since the Marine Corps implemented new yearly rifle range training standards, and according to a range officer here, the service is right on target.
Continue reading "Changes to annual rifle training put Marines on target" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan(Feb. 23, 2007) -- The element of surprise can be a key factor in making a training scenario realistic. To maintain this element, members of Marine Air Control Group 18 established the White Cell to plot against participants in a Tactical Air Command Center drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Feb. 8-9.
Continue reading " White Cell keeps MACG-18 Marines on their toes" »
More than 100 Marines and sailors from Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, departed the Combat Center for a six-month deployment to Okinawa, Japan, Monday.
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (July 28, 2006) -- Hospital Corpsmen with B Company, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, overcame whatever fear they had of hurdling themselves off the edge of a 60-foot rappel tower during Helicopter Rope Suspension Training on Camp Hansen July 19.
CAMP FOSTER — Okinawa is a haven for outdoor activities during summer, but also a place where some dangerous land and sea critters can put a serious crimp in the fun.
Take poisonous habu snakes, for example.
Continue reading "List of summer dangers on Okinawa includes poisonous habu snakes" »
NAHA CITY, OKINAWA, Japan (June 23, 2006) -- The Japan Good Conduct Association recognized Marines, sailors and Okinawans for their contributions to the Okinawan community at the Japan Agriculture Mawashi Center June 17.
Continue reading "Marines receive Japan Good Conduct Award" »
KIN RED PORT, OKINAWA, Japan (May 12, 2006) -- More than 150 Marines and sailors with K Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, and Combat Logistics Platoon 3 departed for Thailand aboard the high-speed vessel Westpac Express May 8 to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold 2006.
Continue reading "Division Marines depart for Cobra Gold aboard HSV" »
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — A former Japan Self-Defense Force leader has cautioned against any deep cuts in the number of Marines stationed on Okinawa.
Continue reading "Ex-JSDF chief warns against moving Marines off Okinawa" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan(Nov. 30, 2005) -- Service members with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 hosted 33 Okinawan children for a Thanksgiving celebration in Hangar 533 Nov. 23.
Continue reading "Aviation Marines break Thanksgiving bread with family, local children" »
SHINKIARI, Pakistan(Nov. 30, 2005) -- It’s 4:30 a.m. and while the rest of the camp is asleep, the cooks and food service specialists awaken in their pitch-dark tents, grab flashlights and step out into the piercing 40-degree weather.
Continue reading "Four Okinawa Marines prepare meals for hundreds in Pakistan" »
CAMP KINSER, Okinawa — Marines here are the best administrative team in the Pacific.
Continue reading "Camp Kinser Marines ace administration inspection" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan(Nov. 22, 2005) -- Fifteen turkeys, 10 hams, 560 dinner rolls, 32 pies and heaps of side dishes, drinks and other desserts might seem like a lot of food, but for one Provost Marshal’s Office Marine, it’s just enough.
Continue reading "PMO Marine goes above and beyond for Thanksgiving" »
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — It threatened to rain during Thursday’s celebration of the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday. But that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
Continue reading "Marines on Okinawa mark Corps' 230th birthday" »
Lance Cpl. Marco N. Adams joins other Marines from Camp Hansen and Kin Town Chamber of Commerce members in tilling soil around a topiary during a highway beautification project.
Continue reading "Camp Hansen Marines help spruce up Kin Town" »
ARLINGTON, Va. — Under a plan to realign U.S. and Japanese forces, 7,000 Marines would move from Okinawa to Guam and carrier jets and E-2 Hawkeye aircraft would move from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, top U.S. and Japanese officials announced Saturday.
Withdrawal follows years of complaints from local residents
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan(Oct. 25, 2005) -- Brig. Gen. Frank A. Panter, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, presents the Bronze Star to Master Gunnery Sgt. Robert J. Williams in front of the MLG headquarters building Oct. 24.
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 25, 2005) -- Fifty-seven sailors on seven eight-man island-wide teams met here Oct. 17 for a five-day competition that evaluated their field capabilities under varying degrees of physical and mental stress.
Continue reading "Battle Skills Competition calls for teamwork" »
KIN TOWN, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 25, 2005) -- A local nursing home shared an ancient Japanese tradition with a Marine Corps unit Oct. 15, showing them gratitude for their help.
Continue reading "Marines get first-hand view of Okinawan culture" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI,Japan (Oct. 14, 2005) -- When one thinks of the term gladiator, ancient barbaric fighters in Rome usually come to mind. The violent fighters engaged in mortal combat within public arenas, entertaining thousands. They were occasionally known to fight to the death, and were pitted against their peers, wild animals and slaves.
Continue reading "President's Challenge brings "pt" to new level - gladiator style" »
CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 20, 2005) -- Marines from the Camp Butler Provost Marshal’s Office have been battered, bruised, waterlogged and caked in mud and sand every Tuesday for the past month.
Continue reading "PMO negotiates Schwab obstacle courses, learn weapons systems" »
CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan(Oct. 20, 2005) -- Spending months in numerous locations across the Pacific may sound like vacation paradise for some people, but for the Marines and civilians who work for the Tactical Exercise Control Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, travel is part of the job.
CAMP HANSEN (Oct 20, 2005) -- Thirty Marines and sailors attended the Tactical Combat Causality Care Course given by III Marine Expeditionary Force's Special Operation Training Group at Camp Hansen Oct. 11-14.
Continue reading "First responders learn to save lives in heat of battle" »
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 20, 2005) -- Third Marine Logistics Group’s Tactics Readiness Training section welcomed members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) to use their indoor simulated marksmanship trainer (ISMT) Oct. 6.
Continue reading "JGSDF gets marksmanship training from Marines" »
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 18, 2005) -- At first glance he might not seem like the most approachable man with his cauliflower ears, brutish build and aggressive nature on the wrestling mat, but Sgt. Jacob A. Clark has devoted a large amount of his free time to helping others.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Athlete of the Year stands out in crowd" »
Three elements of the 12th Marines — Company B, 1st Battalion; Company L, 3rd Battalion; and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion — will take part in an exercise called Fuji Combined Arms Operation, according to Marine Corps public affairs. (3/11)
Continue reading "12th Marines engage in live-fire training at Fuji" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI,Japan (Oct. 14, 2005) -- Andrew Clark, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialists and native of Lakeville Minn., Steven G. Lightsey, ARFF and native of Birmingham, Ala., Daniel L. Kline, ARFF and native of Lewisburg, Pa., Lee H. Crowell, ARFF and native of Houston, paddle their way through the pool on a raft during the Marine Corps Community Services' Gladiator Ultimate Unit Physical Training Challenge, Oct. 14. (Pics on website)
Continue reading "Marines paddle to first place in Presidential Challenge" »
CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 11, 2005) -- Cpl. Martinez Gregory drinks water from a canteen attached to his M40 chemical/biological protective mask during nuclear, biological and chemical confidence training...
Continue reading "Okinawa Marines wear heavy 'suits' during chemical training" »
Japan and the United States has agreed in principle on a string of measures concerning the relocation of US troops and facilities in Japan, including moving the headquarters of a Marine force in the Okinawa prefecture to Guam, a Japanese newspaper reported Sunday.
Continue reading "US to move Marine HQ in Okinawa to Guam: report" »
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 7, 2005) -- Every Marine is a trained rifleman, something the Corps takes a lot of pride in. However, in order to accomplish the Marine Corps’ mission, there are countless jobs that require Marines trained in many different military occupational specialties. A Marine Corps welder is one unique example.
Continue reading "Marine welders example of Corps’ diversity, versatility" »
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 5, 2005) -- For performing their duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, three members of 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, were awarded Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals at Roberts Field on Camp Kinser Sept. 30.
Continue reading "Marines, sailor save fellow devil dog’s life" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan (Sep. 30, 2005) -- More than 40 corpsmen and nurses from units all over Okinawa spent Sept. 26-28 learning about the En Route Care System (ERCS) during the 26-hour Naval En Route Care (NERC) course.
Continue reading "Corpsmen, nurses take to the sky, treat fallen Marines" »
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 28, 2005) -- Students from Kinser Elementary School show off some of the money they have collected to support the ongoing relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, the most destructive tropical storm in recorded U.S. history, in the school’s lunchroom Sept. 28.
Continue reading "Kinser students donate money for Katrina assistance" »
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 29, 2005) -- More than 130 Japanese officer candidates visited an artillery battery to learn about Marine artillery Sept. 27.
The Marines with L Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, hosted cadets with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force as part of the Japanese Observer Program. The candidates were taught the functional areas of an artillery battery including a M-198 155mm Medium Towed Howitzer demonstration, and Marine Corps crew-served and personal weapons familiarization.
Continue reading "Japanese officer candidates get to the ‘Corps’ of artillery" »
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 29, 2005) -- Service members and their families shared a day of sunshine with members of the Urasoe City Chamber of Commerce to experience food, fun and games during the 3rd Kinser Family Friendship Day Sept. 24 at Roberts Field pavilion.
Continue reading "Americans, Okinawans come together to enjoy food, family" »
PYONGTAEK, South Korea(Sept. 29, 2005) -- Leaving Okinawa for a few weeks or months and traveling to another exotic southeast Asian country sounds like a great vacation, but not if you are going on a deployment and sleeping on cots in the jungle.
Continue reading "Supporting the warfighter: MCCS deploys with Okinawa Marines" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan(Sept. 28, 2005) -- Firefighters have a common enemy, regardless of the color of their uniform. Marines recently assisted airmen in order to maximize training against this dangerous foe.
Continue reading "Marines turn up the heat for airmen on Okinawa" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Sept. 28, 2005) -- As you all may already know, the Torii Teller, your devoted, weekly reading material, is bidding its last hand, as this is the final hard-copy issue.
Continue reading "Out with the old...Torii Teller turns final page, transitions to Internet" »
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii(Sept. 28, 2005) -- The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Security Augmentation Force conducted their first quarterly training exercise at the combat pistol course, Puuloa range, Sep. 23.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Bases Okinawa, will host the 230-mile USMC Birthday Commemorative Run this year to honor the Marine Corps’ birthday.
Continue reading " Marines plan two-day, 230-mile run on Okinawa" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan(Sept. 25, 2005) -- Soaring through the clouds at nearly 25,000 feet off the ground and traveling more than 400 mph can give life a different look to life. Something different is exactly what one Marine stationed with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, wanted when he signed his enlistment papers.
Continue reading "Okinawa Marine shows maturity and professionalism in instructor billet" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 25, 2005) -- Soaring through the clouds at nearly 25,000 feet off the ground and traveling more than 400 mph can give life a different look. Something different is exactly what one Marine stationed with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, wanted when he signed his enlistment papers.
Continue reading "Marine's career soars high, keeps birds in the sky" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan(Sept. 25, 2005) -- Marines scheduled for the rifle range will see big changes to the marksmanship training program beginning Oct. 1.
Continue reading "New marksmanship training on Okinawa sets sights on combat readiness" »
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 23, 2005) -- The senior leaders of 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, recently announced to their Marines and sailors the success of their new mentorship program.
Continue reading "Okinawa Marine battalion implements new leadership style" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 23, 2005) -- Fists flew fast and furious during the Open Karate Tournament at the Camp Foster Field House Sept. 11.
Continue reading "Martial artists break through language barrier in open karate tournament" »
NAHA, OKINAWA, Japan(Sept. 23, 2005) -- The feeling a batter gets when he hits a ball out of the park, and the crowd goes wild is more than words can describe. When more than 100 children stepped onto the field Saturday to start what would surely be a great day of hits, slides, dives and saves, no one really noticed that they spoke two different languages; baseball was speaking to everyone.
Continue reading "Marines, Okinawan ballplayers ‘hit it off’ in friendship game" »
KIN BLUE, OKINAWA, Japan(Sept. 23, 2005) -- Pacific Ocean waves tossed and flipped 17 Marines in their Zodiac boats as they participate in the Basic Coxswain Skills Course Sept. 8-28. (2/4)
GINOWAN CITY, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines from Camp Foster and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Provost Marshal's Offices took part in martial arts training with Ginowan police officers at the Ginowan Police Department Sept. 7.
Continue reading "Marines, local police officers train together" »
NAHA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan (Sep. 23, 2005) -- Eight Japan Air Self-Defense Force pilots and four Marine Corps pilots flew skirmishes together for the first time Sept. 7-9 in the skies above Okinawa.
Continue reading "Okinawa Marines, JASDF pilots take to the skies" »
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Members of the Camp Kinser Young Marines showed their compassionate side recently as they raised more than $1,000 for the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Continue reading "Camp Kinser Young Marines raise $1,155 for Katrina relief" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Sept. 21, 2005) -- A cry of cheers filled the stands as Kyle H. Ditto and his team ran on the field at their high school championship soccer game, one of the many memories from Ditto's younger years.
Continue reading "Pro soccer player follows father's footsteps" »
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Dan Hicks is seeking a few good men.
Continue reading "Marines wrestling coach scouring Corps for new recruits" »
OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 16, 2005) -- Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit recently concluded a series of training exercises including its MEU Exercise 05 which ended Sep. 16, enabling the MEU to move closer to its goal of receiving its special operations capable designation.
The Pacific Ocean became the battleground for American service members during a mock conflict where they boarded and reclaimed a hijacked ship Sept. 9-11.
Continue reading "Marines, sailors siege ship in mock conflict training" »