U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 11, 2026. Marines and Sailors conducted flight operations in order to expand mission capabilities in support of the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Reyes)
CAMP HANSEN, Japan – U.S. Marines and sailors with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit joined members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 26 on Feb. 23, 2026.
