Photo By Lance Cpl. Marcus Henson | U.S. Marines, Sailors and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force members pose for a photo...... read more read more
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CAMP ISHIGAKI, Japan – For the first time, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) invited U.S. Marine Corps forces to participate in Japan Joint Exercise 2025 (07JX) October 25-26, 2025, at Camp Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan.
The core objective of 07JX was to strengthen Japan-U.S. capabilities for HADR operations, particularly in areas where isolation could occur due to natural disasters or other emergencies. The exercise simulated medical disaster relief and humanitarian response scenarios, with a focus on bilateral cooperation, command and control, and rapid treatment to ensure readiness in the face of unforeseen crises.
Sailors with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, alongside 3rd MLG Marines, served as the lead U.S. unit for the exercise, demonstrating the Marine Corps' medical readiness and ability to support both U.S., JSDF, and civilian personnel during humanitarian operations. The exercise tested the battalion’s ability to quickly establish medical facilities, treat casualties, and coordinate with local and international partners to ensure a rapid response to medical emergencies.
“This is the first time that we are actually putting into action a patient staging ward [in Ishigaki]. This is a very new, unique thing for both sides,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Noyes, the officer-in-charge of the 3rd Medical Battalion detachment participating in 07JX.
As part of their efforts, 3rd Medical Battalion engaged in medical scenarios alongside JSDF personnel, including patient intake, trauma care, and emergency medical evacuations. The exercise also emphasized the integration of medical technology from both sides to enhance the efficiency of providing care during large-scale disasters, allowing for both sides to become familiar with the usage of each other's medical equipment.
In addition to the medical support provided by 3rd Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing also participated, primarily by establishing a Forward Arming and Refueling Point on Yonaguni Island. This support extended the operational reach of both U.S. and JSDF forces by allowing aircraft to refuel without returning to an already established U.S. or JSDF military base, ensuring that they could quickly respond to disaster zones, even in the most isolated regions.
“Working with our friends and allies, the Japanese in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command specifically, is hugely beneficial and getting to know how they work and then getting to know how we work I think will benefit us in the long run for for years to come,” said Hospitalman George Hamilton, a preventive medicine technician with 3rd Medical Battalion.
The participation of 3rd Medical Battalion in JX07 showcased the Marine Corps' medical readiness and ability to provide essential care in challenging environments alongside partner and allied forces. With the medical capabilities provided by 3d MLG and the transportation capabilities of 1st MAW, the exercise further strengthened the U.S.-Japan partnership, ensuring a robust, rapid-response framework for future crises.
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2025 18:57 |
| Story ID: | 551670 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USMC Conducts Medical Exercise Alongside Japanese Forces in Ishigaki for First Time, by 1LT Taiyo Tatara, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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