Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aaron Duran, left, and Lance Cpl. Juan Hilario, both machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, fire on simulated adversary forces with an M240B machine gun while conducting platoon attacks in an urban environment during Korea Viper 26.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025. Korea Viper is a recurring exercise series that demonstrates the Republic of Korea and U.S. Marine Corps' ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Duran is a native of California, and Hilario is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John Simpson) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aaron Duran, left, and Lance Cpl. Juan Hilario, both machine gunners with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, fire on simulated adversary forces with an M240B machine gun while conducting platoon attacks in an urban environment during Korea Viper 26.1 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025. Korea Viper is a recurring exercise series that demonstrates the Republic of Korea and U.S. Marine Corps' ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Duran is a native of California, and Hilario is a native of Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John Simpson)

V16 sharpens skills in South Korea during Unit Deployment Program

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, honed warfighting skills while training across South Korea, from Nov. 29, 2025 to Jan. 10, 2026.

Read More

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea, and Ismael G. Bamba, command senior enlisted leader of MARFORK, pose for a photo to wish all Marines, Sailor, Soldier, civilians and family members with MARFORK a happy holidays, on USAG Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2025. MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps' service component for United States Forces Korea (USFK) and United Nations Command (UNC). It commands all U.S. Marine forces assigned to USFK and UNC; advises USFK and UNC on the capabilities, support, and proper employment of Marine forces in defense of the Republic of Korea (ROK); and serves as the U.S. Marine Corps’ representative to the Commandant of the ROK Marine Corps. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea, and Ismael G. Bamba, command senior enlisted leader of MARFORK, pose for a photo to wish all Marines, Sailor, Soldier, civilians and family members with MARFORK a happy holidays, on USAG Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2025. MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps' service component for United States Forces Korea (USFK) and United Nations Command (UNC). It commands all U.S. Marine forces assigned to USFK and UNC; advises USFK and UNC on the capabilities, support, and proper employment of Marine forces in defense of the Republic of Korea (ROK); and serves as the U.S. Marine Corps’ representative to the Commandant of the ROK Marine Corps.

Holiday Message from Your Leadership

As we embrace this holiday season, Sergeant Major Bamba and I want to take a moment to offer our deepest gratitude for each and every one of you. This time of year affords us the opportunity to celebrate faith traditions and to appreciate the people that mean the most to us. This season is more than just a celebration; it is a profound opportunity to reflect on our shared journey, the challenges we’ve faced together, and the unbreakable bonds we’ve forged as a community.

Read More

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea, shakes hands with Republic of Korea Marine Corps Capt. Jeong Sang Jin, liaison officer to MARFORK from the ROKMC, during a farewell ceremony on USAG Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2025. From Jan. 13 to Dec. 23, 2025, Jeong worked as a critical link in the planning and execution of bilateral ROKMC and MARFORK events. To succeed, he was required to coordinate with staff, balance schedules, and transcend language barriers across warfighting functions and with key leaders in both commands. - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea, shakes hands with Republic of Korea Marine Corps Capt. Jeong Sang Jin, liaison officer to MARFORK from the ROKMC, during a farewell ceremony on USAG Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2025. From Jan. 13 to Dec. 23, 2025, Jeong worked as a critical link in the planning and execution of bilateral ROKMC and MARFORK events. To succeed, he was required to coordinate with staff, balance schedules, and transcend language barriers across warfighting functions and with key leaders in both commands.

MARFORK bids farewell to their LNO from the ROKMC

Throughout his year of service in the billet, he served as a key enabler to many high-profile events, including several staff talks, multiple change of command ceremonies, a memorial ceremony for the bombardment of Yeonpyeong, and MARFORK’s 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Jeong’s proficiency and dedication to his work was essential to enhancing relationships between the U.S. and ROK Marine Corps, which bolsters the two nations’ alliance writ large.

Read More

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Kuan C. Huang, a communications chief with United States Marine Corps Forces Korea, hands his daughter rank insignia to pin on to his collar during his promotion ceremony to Master Sergeant in Quantico, Virginia, May 1, 2023. Huang was recently recognized by the Camp Humphreys Army Education Center during the Joint College Recognition Ceremony for his recent college graduation alongside other service members and civilians. MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps' service component for United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command. (Courtesy photo). - U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Kuan C. Huang, a communications chief with United States Marine Corps Forces Korea, hands his daughter rank insignia to pin on to his collar during his promotion ceremony to Master Sergeant in Quantico, Virginia, May 1, 2023. Huang was recently recognized by the Camp Humphreys Army Education Center during the Joint College Recognition Ceremony for his recent college graduation alongside other service members and civilians. MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps' service component for United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command. (Courtesy photo).

Marines in Uniform, Students at Heart: Earning a Degree While Serving

U.S. Marines with United States Marine Corps Forces Korea recently celebrated a major milestone, earning their college degrees while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and were recognized at the Joint College Recognition Ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Sept. 27. Their journeys reflect discipline, sacrifice, and a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives both inside and outside the military.

Read More

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Russel Gannard, a data systems administrator, and Sgt. Gabriel Gonzalez an operations clerk, both with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, place flowers down in honor of the fallen during a floral tribute event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the landing at Incheon, in Incheon, South Korea, Sept. 15, 2025. The commemoration honored the strategic success of the landing, which turned the tide of the Korean War, and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Republic of Korea and United Nations Command Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Simon Saravia) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Russel Gannard, a data systems administrator, and Sgt. Gabriel Gonzalez an operations clerk, both with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, place flowers down in honor of the fallen during a floral tribute event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the landing at Incheon, in Incheon, South Korea, Sept. 15, 2025. The commemoration honored the strategic success of the landing, which turned the tide of the Korean War, and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Republic of Korea and United Nations Command Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Simon Saravia)

75 Years Later: Remembering the Incheon Landing

Bold. Brilliant. Daring. Seemingly impossible. 75 years ago, U.S. Marines, alongside UNC and ROK forces, were defeating the enemy on the same terrain that civilians and service members gathered for the commemoration. All those years later, their indomitable spirit still coursed through the city of Incheon - you saw it in the smiles, heard it in the stories, and felt it in the moment of this weekend’s events. The legacy of Incheon is alive and well, this year, the next, and for another 75.

Read More

U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea establish a communication node during training in support of Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 on the Korean Peninsula, Aug. 19, 2025. This training exercises an aspect of the MARFORK mission to support U.S. and ROK Marine Corps units in the defense of the Republic of Korea and to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific. UFS is an annual joint military exercise conducted by the Republic of Korea and the United States to enhance combined defense posture and response capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Simon Saravia) - U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea establish a communication node during training in support of Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 on the Korean Peninsula, Aug. 19, 2025. This training exercises an aspect of the MARFORK mission to support U.S. and ROK Marine Corps units in the defense of the Republic of Korea and to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific. UFS is an annual joint military exercise conducted by the Republic of Korea and the United States to enhance combined defense posture and response capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Simon Saravia)

‘Comms are up!’: MARFORK Marines train in support of Ulchi Freedom Shield 25

A detachment of U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea tested and validated their ability to rapidly establish an expeditionary communication node to communicate with their higher headquarters in support of Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 on the Korean Peninsula, Aug. 19.

Read More

A Republic of Korea Marine clears a room during military operations in urban terrain training during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 25.2 in Pocheon, South Korea, July 22, 2025. KMEP is conducted regularly between the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps to increase their combined capabilities through realistic training geared towards deterring threats and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang) - A Republic of Korea Marine clears a room during military operations in urban terrain training during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 25.2 in Pocheon, South Korea, July 22, 2025. KMEP is conducted regularly between the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps to increase their combined capabilities through realistic training geared towards deterring threats and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)

ROK and U.S. Marines Train Together During Ulchi Freedom Shield 25

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – United States Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), 3d Marine Division, and other subordinate units are now deployed in support of combined training with their Republic of Korea (ROK) counterparts for the annual exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 (UFS 25). As the Marine Corps commemorates 250 years of service, the U.S.-ROK Alliance continues to exemplify the strength of shared sacrifice and the enduring pursuit of peace. UFS 25 is a command post exercise led by United States Forces Korea and the Combined Forces Command based in South Korea. For this exercise, ROK and U.S. Marines integrate to form the Combined Marine Component Command (CMCC), a cohesive command structure designed to defend South Korea should the need arise. Through virtual defensive exercises, the CMCC ensures the alliance remains prepared for any emerging threats in the region. Korea Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) 25.2, semi-annual unit-level training concurrent with UFS 25, consists of live training between ROK and U.S. Marine Corps units. These training events include live-fire ranges, explosive ordinance disposal training, tactical combat casualty care, and a culminating large-scale force-on-force to conclude KMEP 25.2. "III MEF and the ROK Marine Corps stand prepared to respond swiftly to any threat in the region," stated Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of III MEF and commander of the Combined Marine Component Command. "These exercises strengthen our partnership and demonstrate our commitment to regional security." “These continuous training initiatives are vital to maintaining the strength and readiness of our combined forces," said Lt. Gen. Ju Il-seok, commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. "Through these exercises, we ensure our Marines are prepared to defend our shared interests." UFS 25 and KMEP 25.2 serve as powerful demonstrations of the enduring ROK-U.S. military partnership. These virtual and field training events represent the latest advancements in combined training programs and reaffirm the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to defense with their ROK counterparts.

Read More

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William E. Souza III, right, the outgoing commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, passes the organizational colors to the incoming commander, Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson, during a change of command ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, June 5, 2025. The ceremony represented the official passing of authority from the outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. William E. Souza III, to the incoming commander, Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson. MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps service component for United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft) - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William E. Souza III, right, the outgoing commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, passes the organizational colors to the incoming commander, Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson, during a change of command ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, June 5, 2025. The ceremony represented the official passing of authority from the outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. William E. Souza III, to the incoming commander, Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson. MARFORK is the U.S. Marine Corps service component for United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

MARFORK Change of Command

Maj. Gen. William E. Souza relinquished command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea to Maj. Gen. Valerie A. Jackson at 9 a.m. on June 5, 2025, at Barker Field, Camp Humphreys. The change of command was presided over by Gen. Brunson, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea. “Today is more than a ceremonial passing of colors, it is a visible reminder that the joint combined initiative in Korea continues,” said Gen. Brunson. Maj. Gen. Souza's tenure as the MARFORK Commander was marked by significant advancements in readiness and cooperation with Allies. Under his leadership, MARFORK set conditions for the successful execution of U.S. Marine Corps forces in numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises throughout the Republic of Korea including Ulchi Freedom Shield, Korean Marine Exchange Program and SSang Yong. These efforts were key in contributing to deterrence efforts and strengthening partnerships through diverse operations and exercises. “This isn’t a steady state mission, it is a forward position of deterrence in the region that is always moving. It demands leaders who can read the terrain anticipate threats and never wait for the ideal conditions to come about,” said Gen. Brunson. “Maj. Gen. Souza has done just that, and Maj. Gen. Jackson is just the right leader to carry it forward.” Maj. Gen. Jackson most recently served as the commanding general of 4th Marine Logistics Group and previously assumed her first general officer position as deputy commander at II Marine Expeditionary Force in March 2022, and deployed to Combined-Joint Task Force Horn of Africa as the Deputy Commanding General in January of 2023. “Our partnership is grounded in strength and is underscored by our commitment to each other, to our shared values and to regional stability,” Maj. Gen. Jackson said. “Together, our shared vision will undoubtedly yield remarkable achievements.” Relinquishing command, Maj. Gen. Souza thanked everyone not only for attending the ceremony but also for the lasting friendships that have been developed through the strength of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. He ended his remarks with the time-tested motto “Katchi Kapshida” and “Semper Fidelis.” U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea was established in 1995 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, MARFORK serves as the U.S. Marine Corps service component to United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command with the mission of overseeing and ensuring the readiness of Marine Corps forces on the Korean Peninsula, strengthening interoperability with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and supporting combined and joint exercises.

Read More

U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea present the colors during the MARFORK 30th anniversary and colors and rededication ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, May 29, 2025. MARFORK was activated on June 1, 1995, at Seoul, Republic of Korea to support U.S. Marine Corps operations, strengthen interoperability with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and serve as the U.S. Marine Corps service component for United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft) - U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea present the colors during the MARFORK 30th anniversary and colors and rededication ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, May 29, 2025. MARFORK was activated on June 1, 1995, at Seoul, Republic of Korea to support U.S. Marine Corps operations, strengthen interoperability with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and serve as the U.S. Marine Corps service component for United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nikolas Mascroft)

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea Celebrates 30th Anniversary

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea commemorated its 30th anniversary with a colors rededication ceremony held ahead of its official anniversary on June 1, 2025. Established in 1995 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, MARFORK serves as the U.S. Marine Corps service component to United States Forces Korea with the mission of ensuring the readiness of Marine Corps forces on the Korean Peninsula, strengthening interoperability with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and supporting combined and joint exercises.

Read More

Members of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea pose in front of the stage following the 73rd Commemoration of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. The commemoration was held in order to remember those who fought during the battle, the sacrifices they made, and the alliance that was forged in the battle's aftermath. - Members of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea pose in front of the stage following the 73rd Commemoration of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. The commemoration was held in order to remember those who fought during the battle, the sacrifices they made, and the alliance that was forged in the battle's aftermath.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea attends 73rd Commemoration Ceremony of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

U.S. Marines with U.S Marine Corps Forces Korea attended the 73rd Anniversary of the Chosin Reservoir on October 12, 2023. The Commemoration Ceremony was held at the National War Museum of Korea. This ceremony has been held every year since 1951 to remember and honor those who gave their lives in the defense of the Republic of Korea and their freedom.

Read More