III Marine Expeditionary Force | Marine Air Ground Task Force based in Okinawa, Japan. Likes and retweets are not endorsements. Instagram: iiimef_marines
Okinawa, Japan
Joined June 2015
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U.S. Marines with @1stMAW_Marines brief the mission and capabilities of a AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force leadership with 7th Anti-Air Defense Group during exercise Keen Sword 27, Miyakojima, Japan, Oct. 17, 2026.
U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Division load a Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System onto a Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130, Naha, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 17, 2026, during Exercise Keen Sword 27. @3d_Marine_Div
Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters over the East China Sea and off the coast of Okinawa, Oct. 15, 2026, during Exercise Keen Sword 27. @1stMAW_Marines
U.S. Service members, partners and allies participate in the opening ceremony for exercise Keen Sword 27 on Ishigaki, Japan, Oct. 17, 2026.
Today - Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson convened the Okinawa Area Coordinating Committee to review liberty and force-protection measures and identify additional actions to reinforce standards, discipline, accountability, and risk reduction across the force.
U.S. service members conducted joint patrols with Japanese law enforcement near U.S. installations and surrounding communities over the weekend. The patrols support ongoing efforts to reduce risk, reinforce accountability, and strengthen cooperation with Japanese authorities.
Over the past 48 hours, our leaders engaged in deliberate discussions with the force on standards, discipline, liberty, and our responsibilities while serving in Japan. Our personnel will now transition into a 30-day period of reflection directed by the Okinawa Area Coordinator.
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.
In his role as Okinawa Area Coordinator, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson joined by III MEF Sgt. Maj. Christopher Adams met with U.S. forces leaders on Okinawa to reinforce expectations for the operational pause, period of reflection, standards, discipline, and responsible liberty.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, Okinawa Area Coordinator and commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, issues the following message to all U.S. military personnel on Okinawa regarding standards, discipline, and our responsibilities while serving in Japan.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson addressed III MEF leaders today, reinforcing the Corps’ core values and his expectations for standards, discipline, and accountability. Every Marine and Sailor must uphold these standards on and off duty.
We are actively cooperating with Japanese authorities, in response to allegations of serious criminal actions by a Marine assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing conduct flight operations at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. @1stMAW_Marines
