Lance Cpl. Brandon T. Pickens, right, fires a MK19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher July 11 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, during the biannual Fuji Warrior training exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to familiarize Marines with weapons systems and combat tactics in order to build their confidence. Pickens is a landing support specialist with Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Lance Cpl. Brandon T. Pickens, right, fires a MK19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher July 11 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, during the biannual Fuji Warrior training exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to familiarize Marines with weapons systems and combat tactics in order to build their confidence. Pickens is a landing support specialist with Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Lance Cpl. Zachary A. Chastain operates an assault amphibious vehicle during a training exercise July 15 near Camp Schwab. CAB provides 3rd Marine Division with engineers, assault amphibious vehicle support, and light-armored reconnaissance, motor transportation, heavy-equipment and communications capabilities, as well as, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense assets all within one unit. Chastain is an assault amphibious vehicle crewman with AAV Company, CAB, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. - Lance Cpl. Zachary A. Chastain operates an assault amphibious vehicle during a training exercise July 15 near Camp Schwab. CAB provides 3rd Marine Division with engineers, assault amphibious vehicle support, and light-armored reconnaissance, motor transportation, heavy-equipment and communications capabilities, as well as, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense assets all within one unit. Chastain is an assault amphibious vehicle crewman with AAV Company, CAB, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.
Lance Cpl. Joshua W. Nickson, right, shares a laugh with Masumi Oshiro July 15 during the Aqua Social Fes 2013 “Vitamin Sea.” “Community engagements such as volunteering at a nursing home or participating in a beach cleanup not only helps the local community, but also provides us the opportunity to visit different sites of the island and the chance to interact with the community,” said Nickson, a finance technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Lance Cpl. Joshua W. Nickson, right, shares a laugh with Masumi Oshiro July 15 during the Aqua Social Fes 2013 “Vitamin Sea.” “Community engagements such as volunteering at a nursing home or participating in a beach cleanup not only helps the local community, but also provides us the opportunity to visit different sites of the island and the chance to interact with the community,” said Nickson, a finance technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., right, passes the III Marine Expeditionary Force organizational colors to Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler during the III MEF change of command ceremony July 19 on Camp Foster. “To our Marines and sailors, you are a certain force in an uncertain world,” said Glueck during his farewell address. “Thanks to your unfailing leadership and commitment, III MEF will remain our nation's force of choice in the Pacific. It has been my distinct honor to serve as your commanding general and be part of this tremendous team.” (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Marion/Released) - Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., right, passes the III Marine Expeditionary Force organizational colors to Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler during the III MEF change of command ceremony July 19 on Camp Foster. “To our Marines and sailors, you are a certain force in an uncertain world,” said Glueck during his farewell address. “Thanks to your unfailing leadership and commitment, III MEF will remain our nation's force of choice in the Pacific. It has been my distinct honor to serve as your commanding general and be part of this tremendous team.” (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brian A. Marion/Released)
Sgt. Maj. Tamara L. Fode addresses Marine Corps leaders of commands across Okinawa during the 2013 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Leadership Summit July 15 at the Butler Officers’ Club. The summit focused on how commanders and senior enlisted advisors should foster a positive command climate to combat sexual assault. Fode is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Photo by Lance Cpl. Lena Wakayama - Sgt. Maj. Tamara L. Fode addresses Marine Corps leaders of commands across Okinawa during the 2013 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Leadership Summit July 15 at the Butler Officers’ Club. The summit focused on how commanders and senior enlisted advisors should foster a positive command climate to combat sexual assault. Fode is the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Photo by Lance Cpl. Lena Wakayama
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officers observe a static display of assault amphibious vehicles July 12 at Camp Schwab as part of the Japan observer exchange program. “The JOEP members came here to inquire about the capabilities of the AAV platform,” said U.S. Marine Capt. John S. Kim “They want to know how the vehicles are employed and what its capabilities are in oceanic and land-based exercises.” Kim is the company commander of AAV Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officers observe a static display of assault amphibious vehicles July 12 at Camp Schwab as part of the Japan observer exchange program. “The JOEP members came here to inquire about the capabilities of the AAV platform,” said U.S. Marine Capt. John S. Kim “They want to know how the vehicles are employed and what its capabilities are in oceanic and land-based exercises.” Kim is the company commander of AAV Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Maj. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy III speaks to gathered Japanese officials and U.S. Marines and sailors during his assumption of command at the 3rd Marine Division change of command ceremony July 12 at the Camp Courtney theater. “I am so honored and humble to have this opportunity. To get the chance to come here, to this inspiring division, and take over for a good friend of mine is quite an honor for me,” said Clardy. “I very much look forward to serving with the finest division in the Marine Corps, and I look forward to the challenges ahead.” Clardy’s previous assignment was at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps where he served as the Director of Operations with Plans, Policies and Operations. Padilla’s next command will be at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps where he will serve as the Director of Operations with Plans, Policies and Operations. The division is part of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr/Released) - Maj. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy III speaks to gathered Japanese officials and U.S. Marines and sailors during his assumption of command at the 3rd Marine Division change of command ceremony July 12 at the Camp Courtney theater. “I am so honored and humble to have this opportunity. To get the chance to come here, to this inspiring division, and take over for a good friend of mine is quite an honor for me,” said Clardy. “I very much look forward to serving with the finest division in the Marine Corps, and I look forward to the challenges ahead.” Clardy’s previous assignment was at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps where he served as the Director of Operations with Plans, Policies and Operations. Padilla’s next command will be at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps where he will serve as the Director of Operations with Plans, Policies and Operations. The division is part of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr/Released)
Col. Michael W. Taylor, left, speaks to community members during the opening ceremony of the 2013 Okinawa Drive Safety Campaign July 9 at the Uruma City Police Station. “This drive safe campaign is important because any time someone gets behind the wheel while distracted or impaired, they are running the risk of seriously injuring themselves or others,” said Taylor. Senior leaders from Camps Courtney and McTureous attended the opening ceremony to represent U.S. service members’ commitment to safe driving. Taylor is the camp commander of Camps Courtney and McTureous. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr/Released) - Col. Michael W. Taylor, left, speaks to community members during the opening ceremony of the 2013 Okinawa Drive Safety Campaign July 9 at the Uruma City Police Station. “This drive safe campaign is important because any time someone gets behind the wheel while distracted or impaired, they are running the risk of seriously injuring themselves or others,” said Taylor. Senior leaders from Camps Courtney and McTureous attended the opening ceremony to represent U.S. service members’ commitment to safe driving. Taylor is the camp commander of Camps Courtney and McTureous. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon C. Suhr/Released)
A basic rider course motorcyclist practices maneuvering drills set up by rider coach candidates July 11 at Kadena Air Base. Service members stationed on Okinawa participated in the rider coach preparation course in hopes of becoming certified instructors. Photo by Lance Cpl. Lena Wakayama - A basic rider course motorcyclist practices maneuvering drills set up by rider coach candidates July 11 at Kadena Air Base. Service members stationed on Okinawa participated in the rider coach preparation course in hopes of becoming certified instructors. Photo by Lance Cpl. Lena Wakayama