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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Republic of Korea Marine Cpl. Andrew Kim poses for a photo in front of the ROK Marine Corps emblem at Camp Baran, Republic of Korea Marine Corps Headquarters during Exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 23. Kim, a Daegu, South Korea native, served as a translator on the watch floor of the operations center during UFS 23. Ulchi Freedom Shield is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the combined defense posture and Alliance response capabilities based on scenarios that reflect diverse threats within the security environment. This creates an opportunity for ROK and III MEF Marines to train together while conducting the live, virtual, and constructive exercise events that reaffirming the U.S.’s ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Gabriel Adibe) - Republic of Korea Marine Cpl. Andrew Kim poses for a photo in front of the ROK Marine Corps emblem at Camp Baran, Republic of Korea Marine Corps Headquarters during Exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 23. Kim, a Daegu, South Korea native, served as a translator on the watch floor of the operations center during UFS 23. Ulchi Freedom Shield is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the combined defense posture and Alliance response capabilities based on scenarios that reflect diverse threats within the security environment. This creates an opportunity for ROK and III MEF Marines to train together while conducting the live, virtual, and constructive exercise events that reaffirming the U.S.’s ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Gabriel Adibe)

The Power of NCOs: Supporting Ulchi Freedom Shield 23

“Attention in the COC! Attention in the COC.” This a common command, a verbal warning order, that members of the Combined Marine Corps Component Command who work on the operations center watch floor became familiar with during exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 23.

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Martinmar enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves out of Asheville, North Carolina in February, 2015 after graduating from Pisgah high school in Canton, N.C. U.S. 7th Fleet’s flagship USS Blue Ridge is in port at Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Yokosuka, Japan. Ulchi Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. Martinmar is a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Julian Martinmar, an administrative specialist with III Marine Expeditionary Force, enters data into a manning document in the Landing Force Operations Center aboard the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in support of Ulchi Freedom Shield 23, August 28, 2023. Martinmar enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves out of Asheville, North Carolina in February, 2015 after graduating from Pisgah high school in Canton, N.C. U.S. 7th Fleet’s flagship USS Blue Ridge is in port at Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Yokosuka, Japan. Ulchi Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. Martinmar is a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Ulchi Freedom Shield 23: Sgt. Julian Martinmar

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Yokosuka, Japan-- “The ship life has always been something that piqued my interest,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Julian Martinmar, a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and an administrative specialist with III Marine Expeditionary Force.

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The Japan and U.S. flags hang on display from M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers during the Friendship Festival May 11, 2019, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan. - The Japan and U.S. flags hang on display from M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers during the Friendship Festival May 11, 2019, on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan. Festival attendees were able to tour static displays, interact with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. service members, and enjoy live entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Karis Mattingly)

Camp Fuji opens gate for Friendship Festival

Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji opened its gates to the local community for the annual Friendship Festival May 11.

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190425-N-TB148-0096 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (April 25, 2019) Vice Adm. Phil J. Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, presents Rear Adm. Michael E. Boyle, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK), the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony aboard the Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet base in Busan. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Michael P. Donnelly relieved Boyle to become the 37th CNFK. - 190425-N-TB148-0096 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (April 25, 2019) Vice Adm. Phil J. Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, presents Rear Adm. Michael E. Boyle, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK), the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony aboard the Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet base in Busan. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Michael P. Donnelly relieved Boyle to become the 37th CNFK.

US Naval Forces Korea Changes Command

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Michael P. Donnelly relieved Michael E. Boyle as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) and commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea (CNRK) during a change of command ceremony at the Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet base in Busan, April 25.The ceremony marked the 36th time CNFK has changed command since its

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A Good Neighbor Designate Offering for April 2019

A series of unprecedented wildfire engulfed eastern part of Korea in April of 2019 and caused catastrophic damages to the Gangwon Providence. The president of the Republic of Korea declared the affected area as the disaster area and began the recovery process. However, it will be a long and painful journey for those who lost their loved ones and properties.

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