III Marine Expeditionary Force | |
---|---|
III Marine Expeditionary Force insignia
|
|
Active | 1942–46, 1965 – present |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Marine Corps |
Type | Marine Air-Ground Task Force |
Role | Forward-deployed expeditionary force |
Size | ~27,000 |
Part of | Marine Forces Pacific |
Garrison/HQ | Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan |
Engagements |
World War II Operation Provide Comfort Operation Tomodachi Operation Damayan |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson |
Notable commanders |
Alexander Vandegrift |
World War II
Vietnam War
Persian Gulf War
Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Sea Angel
Operation Fiery Vigil
Operation Restore Hope
Global War on Terrorism
III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) is a formation of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force of the United States Marine Corps. It is forward-deployed and able to deploy rapidly conduct operations across the spectrum from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) to amphibious assault and high-intensity combat.
It maintains a forward presence in Japan and Asia to support the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan (1960) and other alliance relationships of the United States. III MEF also conducts combined operations and training throughout the region in support of the National Security Strategy for Theater Security Cooperation.
The Marines and sailors of III MEF engage in more than 65 combined, bilateral and multi-lateral training exercises annually throughout the Asia-Pacific region, in countries including treaty allies Japan, Thailand, South Korea, The Philippines, and Australia. These exercises build partner capacity, develop and maintain strong regional alliances and military-to-military contacts. These exercises prepare III MEF to conduct operations ranging from major combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.