Marine Corps reactivates 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

Courtesy Photo | Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake addresses those attending the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade reactivation ceremony here Dec. 13. The MEB provides supported combat commanders with a scalable warfighting capability across the range of military operations. The Okinawa-based MEB is responsible for providing this capability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Timberlake is the commanding general of the 3rd MEB and deputy commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patricia D. Lockhart/Released)  

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

12.13.2011

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, Japan - The Marine Corps reactivated 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake, today during a ceremony on Camp Courtney.

The re-establishment of the permanent command element strengthens the Marine Corps' ability to prepare for and take action in numerous contingency operations that may occur in the Asian-Pacific region.

3rd MEB provides a scalable, standing, joint capable, forward deployed headquarters oriented on the Pacific Command area of operation that is capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow on forces, and theater security cooperation in order to strengthen alliance relationships and support III MEF operational requirements. The permanent command element will have 95 dedicated personnel.

3rd MEB has recently participated in numerous operations and exercises to include Operation Tomodachi, Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand, and Amphibious Landing Exercise in the Republic of the Philippines.

The Asia-Pacific region is prone to severe weather conditions and natural disasters. The re-establishment of a command element enables rapid response and the ability to execute any mission when a situation arises. The presence of 3rd MEB in the region is beneficial to maintaining theater security and strengthening relationships with partner countries through participation in exercises and scheduled training.

The 3rd MEB has played a significant role in maintaining stability within the Asian-Pacific region in the past, and will continue to do so in the future.

• Date Taken: 12.13.2011
• Date Posted: 12.13.2011 03:10
• Story ID: 81268
• Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, JP