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. - Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a range in South Korea during exercise Midori Guardian 17, which was held from September 5 to October 15, 2017. Midori Guardian, a Unit Level Training event aimed at enhancing squadron readiness while in a field environment, utilizes simulated real-world scenarios focused on Direct Air Support Center and an Air Support Element operations, live-fire ranges, and Marine Corps Common Skills training to prepare the unit for future operations. (courtesy photo)

An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial system with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), is launched during a training event at Landing Zone Westfield, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Oct. 13, 2017. The purpose of the event is to conduct UAS operations with a minimal amount of personnel and equipment after flying a system in by KC-130J in order to operate immediately within a short amount of time. - An RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial system with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), is launched during a training event at Landing Zone Westfield, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Oct. 13, 2017. The purpose of the event is to conduct UAS operations with a minimal amount of personnel and equipment after flying a system in by KC-130J in order to operate immediately within a short amount of time.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Yesterday III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific completed the process of removing the CH-53E Super Stallion that conducted an emergency landing on Okinawa, Japan. Our Marines worked closely with local officials and Japanese police to remove the debris and clear all military equipment from the site before 9:00 pm. The Marines plan to return to the site next week to conduct a walk-through to ensure nothing was missed during the deteriorating weather conditions caused by the pending Typhoon Lan. - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Yesterday III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific completed the process of removing the CH-53E Super Stallion that conducted an emergency landing on Okinawa, Japan. Our Marines worked closely with local officials and Japanese police to remove the debris and clear all military equipment from the site before 9:00 pm. The Marines plan to return to the site next week to conduct a walk-through to ensure nothing was missed during the deteriorating weather conditions caused by the pending Typhoon Lan.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan –CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters stationed here will resume normal flight operations Wed, Oct. 18, following government of Japan and Okinawa Prefectural Government leadership notification. - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan –CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters stationed here will resume normal flight operations Wed, Oct. 18, following government of Japan and Okinawa Prefectural Government leadership notification.

Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, directed a 96-hour operational pause this morning for all CH-53E Super Stallions helicopters stationed in Okinawa, Japan to ensure CH-53E readiness and the safe conduct of our aviation community. We will conduct a thorough investigation working closely with aircrew and maintenance experts to determine the cause of the incident. We will continue to share information with the government of Japan as details become available, while understanding that the investigation must be protected and cannot be released until complete. III MEF is working with Japanese agencies toward the cleanup and removal of the aircraft. We are in the process of conducting an initial survey at the location to determine the most viable platform and method of aircraft recovery, stressing the importance of safety and protection to the environment. “This is a regrettable incident, and after the investigation is complete, those with property damage as a result of this incident will be appropriately compensated,” said Nicholson. "I want to thank the local Japanese first responders who helped secure the scene quickly and safely, the members of 33rd Rescue Squadron who evacuated our crew members, and those moving the aircraft safely today. I also want to thank everyone for the concern shown for our pilots, the local community members, and their understanding of the risks both Japanese and U.S. military men and women take daily as part of our vital responsibility to provide for the defense of Japan." - Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, directed a 96-hour operational pause this morning for all CH-53E Super Stallions helicopters stationed in Okinawa, Japan to ensure CH-53E readiness and the safe conduct of our aviation community. We will conduct a thorough investigation working closely with aircrew and maintenance experts to determine the cause of the incident. We will continue to share information with the government of Japan as details become available, while understanding that the investigation must be protected and cannot be released until complete. III MEF is working with Japanese agencies toward the cleanup and removal of the aircraft. We are in the process of conducting an initial survey at the location to determine the most viable platform and method of aircraft recovery, stressing the importance of safety and protection to the environment. “This is a regrettable incident, and after the investigation is complete, those with property damage as a result of this incident will be appropriately compensated,” said Nicholson. "I want to thank the local Japanese first responders who helped secure the scene quickly and safely, the members of 33rd Rescue Squadron who evacuated our crew members, and those moving the aircraft safely today. I also want to thank everyone for the concern shown for our pilots, the local community members, and their understanding of the risks both Japanese and U.S. military men and women take daily as part of our vital responsibility to provide for the defense of Japan."

Two MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepare to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team. - Two MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 prepare to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, September 29, 2017, in support of exercise KAMANDAG. Bilateral exercises such as KAMANDAG increase the ability of the United States and the Philippines to rapidly respond and work together during real world terrorist or humanitarian crises, in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population and help mitigate human suffering. VMM-262 is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In preparation for KAMANDAG, the Ospreys served as transportation for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's joint humanitarian assistance survey team.

A CH-53 Super Stallion lands in a field at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., during a formation flight, Sept. 25, 2017. The formation flight allowed the Marines to showcase their ability to plan and execute an eight-aircraft formation. The Marines are with HMHT-302. (Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara) - A CH-53 Super Stallion lands in a field at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., during a formation flight, Sept. 25, 2017. The formation flight allowed the Marines to showcase their ability to plan and execute an eight-aircraft formation. The Marines are with HMHT-302. (Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas Guevara)

Exercise Kamoshika Wrath allows Marines to test mission performance and meet training requirements by placing them in real-world scenarios. Marines with MWSS-171 trained and practiced their marksmanship in an indoor range. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Callender, a supply administration operation clerk, shoots an M16 rifle during exercise Kamoshika Wrath in Haramura Maneuver Area, Japan, Oct. 2, 2017. The exercise allows Marines to test mission performance and meet training requirements by placing them in real-world scenarios. Marines shot three rounds at their targets to battle sight zero their rifles.

Exercise Kamoshika Wrath helps Marines test mission performance and prepare for real-world situation. - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Barber, a tactical switch operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, digs a ditch at Haramura, Japan, Sept. 30, 2017. MWSS-171, stationed out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, kicked off exercise Kamoshika Wrath. The exercise helps Marines test mission performance and prepare for real-world situation. The ditch helped cover wires to provide electricity to tents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Gabriela Garcia-Herrera)