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Marines

PHOTOS

Forward Deployed. Forward Engaged.

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Children play in the snow during the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band’s Holiday Concert performance on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2023. The band’s Holiday Concert Series was a free, two-day event that featured popular songs: Santa Baby, Let it Snow, Sleigh, Ride, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Children play in the snow during the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band’s Holiday Concert performance on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15, 2023. The band’s Holiday Concert Series was a free, two-day event that featured popular songs: Santa Baby, Let it Snow, Sleigh, Ride, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng

U.S Marines with 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, grapple during the culminating event of a Martial Arts Instructor Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 14, 2023. The MAI course is a three-week course that implements physical training and academic instruction for instructor trainees. The demanding physical intensity prepares trainees to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques through the different elements of war. Coursework evaluations ensure that all newly graduated instructors have more than enough knowledge to carefully supervise and instruct Marines who are looking to make MCMAP belt advancements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

U.S Marines with 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and 3rd Marine Logistics Group, grapple during the culminating event of a Martial Arts Instructor Course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 14, 2023. The MAI course is a three-week course that implements physical training and academic instruction for instructor trainees. The demanding physical intensity prepares trainees to perform Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques through the different elements of war. Coursework evaluations ensure that all newly graduated instructors have more than enough knowledge to carefully supervise and instruct Marines who are looking to make MCMAP belt advancements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kaleb Burrell, a religious program specialist with the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Program, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, races to throw groceries in his shopping cart during the Camp Foster Commissary Shopping Spree Contest at the commissary on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 13, 2023. Camp Foster Commissary partnered with Military AutoSource to grant 4 individuals a total of $1,000 to spend in a time limit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kaleb Burrell, a religious program specialist with the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Program, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, races to throw groceries in his shopping cart during the Camp Foster Commissary Shopping Spree Contest at the commissary on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 13, 2023. Camp Foster Commissary partnered with Military AutoSource to grant 4 individuals a total of $1,000 to spend in a time limit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Payton Garcia, a member of the Marine Corps Shooting Team, teaches the fundamentals of holding an M18 pistol during the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Far East on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 11, 2023. MCMC-Far East is an annual two week event held to improve Marines’ marksmanship, combat readiness and weapon proficiency. Marines utilize the first week to learn various techniques and fundamentals from members of the Marine Corps Shooting Team, and compete the following week as individuals and teams. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Vincent Pham)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Payton Garcia, a member of the Marine Corps Shooting Team, teaches the fundamentals of holding an M18 pistol during the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Far East on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 11, 2023. MCMC-Far East is an annual two week event held to improve Marines’ marksmanship, combat readiness and weapon proficiency. Marines utilize the first week to learn various techniques and fundamentals from members of the Marine Corps Shooting Team, and compete the following week as individuals and teams. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Vincent Pham)

Photo by Cpl. Vincent Pham

Santa Claus waves from a firefighter truck, from the Camp Schwab fire department, during the 42nd annual Camp Schwab & USO Christmas Children's Party at Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. The event is hosted every year for local children from the Henoko community to play games, eat food and receive presents as a token of appreciation for decades of friendship between the on and off base communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Martha Linares)

Santa Claus waves from a firefighter truck, from the Camp Schwab fire department, during the 42nd annual Camp Schwab & USO Christmas Children's Party at Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. The event is hosted every year for local children from the Henoko community to play games, eat food and receive presents as a token of appreciation for decades of friendship between the on and off base communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Martha Linares)

Photo by Cpl. Martha Linares

Volunteers with Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa hand out candy during a holiday parade before a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. MCCS Okinawa hosted the Christmas tree lighting to give U.S. Marines and their families an opportunity to enjoy holidays away from home. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kree Laing)

Volunteers with Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa hand out candy during a holiday parade before a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2023. MCCS Okinawa hosted the Christmas tree lighting to give U.S. Marines and their families an opportunity to enjoy holidays away from home. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kree Laing)

Photo by Sgt. Kree Laing

U.S. Air Force, Marine, and Navy senior leaders pose for a group photo during a distinguished visitor tour of U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2023. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, and Chief Master Sgt. Leon Calloway, command senior enlisted leader of U.S. Forces Japan, visited the hospital to take a tour, and discuss current and future operational changes to the hospital. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

U.S. Air Force, Marine, and Navy senior leaders pose for a group photo during a distinguished visitor tour of U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 8, 2023. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, and Chief Master Sgt. Leon Calloway, command senior enlisted leader of U.S. Forces Japan, visited the hospital to take a tour, and discuss current and future operational changes to the hospital. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma officials and Andrew Winternitz, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, look at renovations during a tour of MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. MCAS Futenma leadership hosted a visit by several members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense to discuss current and future operations for the air station in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ricardo Deseanogomez)

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma officials and Andrew Winternitz, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, look at renovations during a tour of MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 4, 2023. MCAS Futenma leadership hosted a visit by several members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense to discuss current and future operations for the air station in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ricardo Deseanogomez)

Photo by Cpl. Ricardo Deseanogomez

A master labor contractor with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, serves cake for attendees during the 248th Marine Corps’ Birthday Meal on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 9, 2023. U.S. Marines with MCIPAC prepared a full course meal for all visitors that included lobster, steak, cake, and a variety of other special menu items. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

A master labor contractor with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, serves cake for attendees during the 248th Marine Corps’ Birthday Meal on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 9, 2023. U.S. Marines with MCIPAC prepared a full course meal for all visitors that included lobster, steak, cake, and a variety of other special menu items. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng

U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for a group photo after conducting a five-kilometer hike on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 9, 2023. The hike was conducted in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 248th birthday, as well as to increase morale and readiness within the unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, pose for a group photo after conducting a five-kilometer hike on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 9, 2023. The hike was conducted in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 248th birthday, as well as to increase morale and readiness within the unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

Photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild

U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, escort members of the Ginowan Police Department through the tsunami evacuation route during an emergency tsunami evacuation drill on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 8, 2023. U.S. Marines with the PMO, H&S Battalion, MCIPAC, and members of the Ginowan Police Department participated in a tsunami evacuation drill to exercise agreements between MCAS Futenma and the city of Ginowan. The drill helped to build trust and relationships within the community, which will ensure readiness and accessibility to the base in the event of a natural disaster. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, escort members of the Ginowan Police Department through the tsunami evacuation route during an emergency tsunami evacuation drill on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 8, 2023. U.S. Marines with the PMO, H&S Battalion, MCIPAC, and members of the Ginowan Police Department participated in a tsunami evacuation drill to exercise agreements between MCAS Futenma and the city of Ginowan. The drill helped to build trust and relationships within the community, which will ensure readiness and accessibility to the base in the event of a natural disaster. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

Photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild

A sign is displayed outside during the opening day of the Neighborhood Pantry at the Camp Foster Chapel on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 7, 2023. The Neighborhood Pantry is a program that gives service members and their families temporary relief by providing food, cleaning supplies, and other household essentials during difficult times. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

A sign is displayed outside during the opening day of the Neighborhood Pantry at the Camp Foster Chapel on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 7, 2023. The Neighborhood Pantry is a program that gives service members and their families temporary relief by providing food, cleaning supplies, and other household essentials during difficult times. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng

Volunteers with the United Service Organization pose for a photo during a trunk-or-treat event hosted on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 27, 2023. The event allowed service members and their families to celebrate Halloween and create a positive community while stationed outside the continental United States. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Martha Linares)

Volunteers with the United Service Organization pose for a photo during a trunk-or-treat event hosted on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 27, 2023. The event allowed service members and their families to celebrate Halloween and create a positive community while stationed outside the continental United States. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Martha Linares)

Photo by Cpl. Martha Linares

The Honorable Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero, front, the governor of Guam, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Stephen Liszewski, back, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, observe a short-bay range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 15, 2023. The Honorable Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero visited Marine Corps Base Camp Butler to speak with key leaders and tour various facilities that included a short-bay range, the Camp Hansen USO, base housing, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, child development centers, and others. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

The Honorable Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero, front, the governor of Guam, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Stephen Liszewski, back, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, observe a short-bay range on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 15, 2023. The Honorable Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero visited Marine Corps Base Camp Butler to speak with key leaders and tour various facilities that included a short-bay range, the Camp Hansen USO, base housing, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, child development centers, and others. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

Photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeffrey Hammond, deputy commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks to competitors during a food service specialist of the quarter competition on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 14, 2023. The quarterly competition is a long-standing tradition within the Marine Corps food service community and is designed to showcase and recognize competitors’ culinary skills and to inspire creativity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeffrey Hammond, deputy commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks to competitors during a food service specialist of the quarter competition on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 14, 2023. The quarterly competition is a long-standing tradition within the Marine Corps food service community and is designed to showcase and recognize competitors’ culinary skills and to inspire creativity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild

Photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild

Susanne Wall, a music teacher at Kubasaki High School, plays the drums during a Ringing of the Bell ceremony at Kubasaki High School on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 21, 2023. To welcome back students on the first day of school, Kubasaki High School held a ceremony that featured Taiko drums that were donated by Yoshinori Arakaki.

“I donated these drums as a gift because I heard that Kubasaki High School has a drum class, and I wanted them to learn more about Japanese culture,” said Arakaki. “I was so thrilled to see so many students appreciate the Taiko drums and welcome me to their school on such a large scale.”

Arakaki was born in Yomitan Village, Okinawa in 1941. From 1962 to 1972 he worked at White Beach for ten years as a bartender. Since 1978, he has run a Sanshin shop and owns a factory in Vietnam where he stores Taiko drums.

Susanne Wall, a music teacher at Kubasaki High School, plays the drums during a Ringing of the Bell ceremony at Kubasaki High School on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 21, 2023. To welcome back students on the first day of school, Kubasaki High School held a ceremony that featured Taiko drums that were donated by Yoshinori Arakaki. “I donated these drums as a gift because I heard that Kubasaki High School has a drum class, and I wanted them to learn more about Japanese culture,” said Arakaki. “I was so thrilled to see so many students appreciate the Taiko drums and welcome me to their school on such a large scale.” Arakaki was born in Yomitan Village, Okinawa in 1941. From 1962 to 1972 he worked at White Beach for ten years as a bartender. Since 1978, he has run a Sanshin shop and owns a factory in Vietnam where he stores Taiko drums.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng

Customized Honda Civics on display during the Camp Foster Food Truck Fair and Car Show on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug 19. 2023. Camp Foster hosted food trucks, musical performances and a car show for civilians and Status of Forces Agreement personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary Sarvey)

Customized Honda Civics on display during the Camp Foster Food Truck Fair and Car Show on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug 19. 2023. Camp Foster hosted food trucks, musical performances and a car show for civilians and Status of Forces Agreement personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Zachary Sarvey)

Photo by Cpl. Zachary Sarvey

U.S. Marines shovel sand on Kin Sunrise Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 17, 2023. Marines across several units aboard Okinawa assisted with typhoon recovery efforts on Kin Sunrise Beach, which was flooded with sand and debris. Typhoon Khanun moved through Okinawa as a category 4 storm, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and high seas, marking one of the strongest storms to affect the island in recent years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

U.S. Marines shovel sand on Kin Sunrise Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 17, 2023. Marines across several units aboard Okinawa assisted with typhoon recovery efforts on Kin Sunrise Beach, which was flooded with sand and debris. Typhoon Khanun moved through Okinawa as a category 4 storm, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and high seas, marking one of the strongest storms to affect the island in recent years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

Photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Laiqa Hitt, center, staff non-commissioned officer in charge and operations chief of Communication Strategy and Operations, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks to an attendee after the premiere of the short documentary “Panacea” at the Oncenter, Downtown Syracuse, New York, April 23, 2023. “Panacea” is an award winning, 25-minute, short documentary directed by Hitt that follows a dancer from Syracuse City Ballet and the hardships endured through the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Laiqa Hitt, center, staff non-commissioned officer in charge and operations chief of Communication Strategy and Operations, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks to an attendee after the premiere of the short documentary “Panacea” at the Oncenter, Downtown Syracuse, New York, April 23, 2023. “Panacea” is an award winning, 25-minute, short documentary directed by Hitt that follows a dancer from Syracuse City Ballet and the hardships endured through the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Laiqa Hitt, center, staff non-commissioned officer in charge and operations chief of Communication Strategy and Operations, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks to an attendee after the premiere of the short documentary “Panacea” at the Oncenter, Downtown Syracuse, New York, April 23, 2023. “Panacea” is an award winning, 25-minute, short documentary directed by Hitt that follows a dancer from Syracuse City Ballet and the hardships endured through the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Laiqa Hitt, center, staff non-commissioned officer in charge and operations chief of Communication Strategy and Operations, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, speaks to an attendee after the premiere of the short documentary “Panacea” at the Oncenter, Downtown Syracuse, New York, April 23, 2023. “Panacea” is an award winning, 25-minute, short documentary directed by Hitt that follows a dancer from Syracuse City Ballet and the hardships endured through the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas Sheng

Marine Corps Base Camp Butler