Nirai, a dragon boat racing team, celebrate after winning the men’s bracket during the Ojima Island Dragon Boat Race in Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan, June 21, 2023. Dragon boat racing was first introduced to Okinawa from China around 600 years ago and was popularized in southern cities. Dragon boat races are held every year on the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. Ojima Island’s dragon boat race has three teams per heat, and 11 members per team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng) - Nirai, a dragon boat racing team, celebrate after winning the men’s bracket during the Ojima Island Dragon Boat Race in Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan, June 21, 2023. Dragon boat racing was first introduced to Okinawa from China around 600 years ago and was popularized in southern cities. Dragon boat races are held every year on the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. Ojima Island’s dragon boat race has three teams per heat, and 11 members per team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter Bellagamba, a religious program specialist with 3rd Medical Battalion, paints during a Single Marine Program (SMP) paint and pizza event at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2021. The SMP strives to help single and unaccompanied Marines by hosting recreation and volunteer events. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter Bellagamba, a religious program specialist with 3rd Medical Battalion, paints during a Single Marine Program (SMP) paint and pizza event at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2021. The SMP strives to help single and unaccompanied Marines by hosting recreation and volunteer events. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Larsen)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Spencer E. Scott, center, sergeant major, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, pulls hijiki from the ocean during the Hijiki Harvest at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 22, 2020. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Spencer E. Scott, center, sergeant major, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, pulls hijiki from the ocean during the Hijiki Harvest at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 22, 2020. Because the base is the main location on the island where hijiki grows, U.S. and Japanese officials work together to protect it from being overharvested by harvesting only once a year. Hijiki is a type of seaweed that plays an important part of Okinawan culture and is used in many Japanese cuisines. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Kayla V. Staten)
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)
Senior leaders of III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific stand at attention during the conclusion of a change of command ceremony June 12 at Camp Courtney. Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake (2nd from the right), relinquished command to Col. John A. Ostrowski. Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy will assume command later this summer. Timberlake will be the deputy commanding general, Regional Command North, International Security Assisstance Force, Afghanistan. - Senior leaders of III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific stand at attention during the conclusion of a change of command ceremony June 12 at Camp Courtney. Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake (2nd from the right), relinquished command to Col. John A. Ostrowski. Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy will assume command later this summer. Timberlake will be the deputy commanding general, Regional Command North, International Security Assisstance Force, Afghanistan.