3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

07/10/2026

In response to questions received across social media and other channels regarding the Okinawa Area Coordinator’s message on standards and discipline, the following frequently asked questions and answers are provided for clarification.

Answers are drawn from the 6 October 2026 letter and subsequent clarifying guidance. A formal order is expected. Personnel with individual circumstances not addressed here should consult their chain of command.

22/07/2026

Welcome home to the Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit following the completion of a six-month deployment across the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, the 31st MEU now returns to Okinawa ready to continue serving alongside our allies and partners as a flexible, sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force ready to respond to crises across the region and beyond.

Welcome home, 31st MEU!

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Danilo Reynoso

04/06/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY | 3D MEB

Revisiting the legacy, readiness, and Marines who built the foundation.

In November 2013, U.S. Marines and Sailors with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade supported Operation Damayan in the Republic of the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Working alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allied and partner nations, government agencies, and international organizations, 3d MEB helped deliver critical aid, transport supplies, and support relief efforts for affected communities.

These images highlight the teamwork, compassion, and multinational cooperation that defined the operation and continue to reflect 3d MEB's commitment to remaining ready to respond across the Indo-Pacific.

(Photos by Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Knauth, Lance Cpl. Luis Rodriguez, Chief Petty Officer Mark Schultz, Pfc. Brian Bekkala, and Courtesy Photos)

27/05/2026

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s intelligence section and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade intelligence team pose for a photo following a gift exchange on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, May 21, 2026. The engagement strengthened bilateral relationships and reinforced continued cooperation between 3d MEB and ARDB intelligence professionals.

(U.S. Marine Corps Photos by 1stLt Giovanni Jimenez)

29/04/2026

3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade conducted an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill from April 20–23, validating the unit’s ability to rapidly deploy and respond to crises across the Indo-Pacific.

Beginning with a no-notice alert scenario, Marines and sailors executed planning, marshalling, accountability, and movement operations to demonstrate speed, readiness, and logistical coordination. The drill also reinforced 3rd MEB’s command and control capabilities, ensuring the brigade remains prepared to deter adversaries and respond decisively to regional contingencies.

Read more here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/563860/3d-meb-flexes-rapid-response-capability-indopacom-contingency-drill

(U.S. Marine Corps images captured by Sgt. Cox)

09/04/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY | 3D MEB

Revisiting the legacy, readiness, and Marines who built the foundation.

U.S. Marines and joint partners supported multinational humanitarian relief efforts in Nepal following the devastating earthquakes in 2015, delivering aid and assisting those in need in remote areas. These images capture the dedication and compassion of those involved during a time of crisis.

These are the final photographs taken by Cpl. Sara A. Medina before she was tragically killed in a helicopter crash while supporting rescue operations on May 12, 2015.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sara A. Medina)

12/03/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY | 3D MEB

Revisiting the legacy, readiness, and Marines who built the foundation.

Remembering Operation Tomodachi: In March 2011, At the request of the Japanese governemnt, U.S. Marines of the 31st MEU provided critical humanitarian assistance following a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. From clearing debris to supporting local communities, Marines stood ready alongside our Japanese partners to assist in a time of need.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brennan O’Lowney and Lance Cpl. Alex Fairchild

11/03/2026

27/02/2026

Leaders from the United States and Japan participate in the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2026 aboard Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Feb. 23, 2026. Ryan Hoyle, commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and Toshikatsu Musha, commanding general of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, engaged with media and delivered remarks highlighting the importance of bilateral training and combined readiness.

Iron Fist is an annual exercise designed to strengthen interoperability and reinforce the enduring partnership between U.S. and Japan forces in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Navy photos by Danilo Reynoso.

10/02/2026

The 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade held a change of command ceremony Feb. 6 at Camp Courtney, marking the transition from Brig. Gen. Robert B. “BAMS” Brodie to Brig. Gen. Ryan M. Hoyle. 3d MEB conducts combined operations, exercises, and training in support of the III Marine Expeditionary Force to strengthen alliances and enhance regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Shannon Doherty)

Read more here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/557797/3rd-marine-expeditionary-brigade-change-command-ceremony