U.S. Marines execute a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System was inserted into the Hachinohe training area during exercise Resolute Dragon 21 on Dec. 7, 2021. RD21 is the largest bilateral field training exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the JSDF in 2021. RD21 is designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kallahan Morris)
OKINAWA, Japan – The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade are taking part in Yama Sakura 81, an annual command post exercise, Dec. 7 to Dec. 13, 2021 at Camp Courtney, Okinawa and Camp Ainoura, Nagasaki, Japan. The 3D MEB’s and ARDB’s portion of the exercise is part of the largest command post exercise held between the U.S. Army and the JGSDF called Yama Sakura 81.
OKINAWA, Japan – The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade are taking part in Yama Sakura 81, an annual command post exercise, Dec. 7 to Dec. 13, 2021 at Camp Courtney, Okinawa and Camp Ainoura, Nagasaki, Japan. The 3D MEB’s and ARDB’s portion of the exercise is part of the largest command post exercise held between the U.S. Army and the JGSDF called Yama Sakura 81.
Gunnery Sgt. Michael Benson sits tall and quiet in his office chair. His eyes tell stories of
experience and leadership knowledge. Each crease on his face has a tale to tell of the last 18 years of
service Benson has provided to the U.S. Marine Corps as a combat engineer.
