United States Marine Corps

The bear skin hat might be the only uniform item cooler than the dress blues. Today, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band is performing in their 55th inauguration. The Marine Band is the only musical unit to perform in all three components of the inauguration and have supported every ceremony since Thomas Jefferson took office in 1801.

The Swarm Forms Approximately 2,500 III MEF Marines and sailors ran a division-wide motivational run for Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock's change of command at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Hastings Shepard)

Help select the "Corps Top Shot" by liking, commenting on or sharing your favorite image. The image with the most combined hits by the end of the day will be crowned as our photo of the week.

Today, the F-35 Lightning II landed at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The aircraft left from MCAS Yuma, Arizona flying over 6,000 miles. MCAS Iwakuni is the first overseas installation to possess the F-35B as part of its worldwide deployment capability.

Today, Lt. Gen. Martin L. Brandtner was laid to rest in Fernley, Nevada. Brandtner was awarded two Navy Crosses within eight days of each other during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1993 after 33 years of service, and two years as Director for Operations for the Joint Staff. Semper Fidelis, Sir.

Welcome home, VMA-542 Marines! A portion of Marine Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point from their deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Jan. 16, 2017. The Marines had been deployed since June 2016.

There's No Place Like Home VMA-542 Marines return home after a six month deployment. Semper Fi, Marines!

This is what #SendTheMarines looks like! We are excited to be on the ground in Norway and look forward to working with our Norwegian Allies!

The Marines have landed. U.S. Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force arrive in Norway to begin their six-month deployment.

Monday got you down? Give us 20 seconds and we'll give you all the motivation you need for the week ahead. Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting battle the heat.

Today we celebrate the life of an American hero. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Stay tuned to see the new Marine rotational force arrive in Norway next week. Any Clime, Any Place. #SendTheMarines

This month, Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force operating in U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa will begin a rotational force in Norway. During Exercise Cold Response 2016, Marines were in Norway training with their army in preparation for the upcoming move.

Recruits at MCRD PARRIS ISLAND, SC - OFFICIAL PAGE go through Basic Warrior Training, a 48-hour training evolution that covers land navigation, improvised explosive device, and fire and movement.

Fight or flight...why not both? Marine Aviation Weapons & Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) highlight the six functions of Marine Corps Aviation. Full Video: https://youtu.be/8NqWAN1Tncw

Go Down in Flames Marines with MARFORRES take cover as a fence charge is detonated during exercise Nordic Frost at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Jan. 7. 2017. The Marines were evaluated on their ability to successfully operate demolitions in a demanding cold-weather environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Melissa Martens)

Today, the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus recognized four Marines and one Sailor for their actions during the Global War on Terrorism at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Staff Sgt. Michael Mendoza received a Navy Cross, and Master Sgt. Steven Davis, HM1 Michael Atkinson, Sgt. Nicholas Brandau and Sgt. Edward Huth were each awarded a Silver Star. "We recognize these individuals for their outstanding actions in the face of incredible danger...you are the lifeblood, the legacy, and the history that is the United States Marine Corps." — Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jered T. Stone)

You voted and this week's Top Shot comes from Lance Cpl. Zachery C. Laning with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit He captured Marines attached to U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa fire their M777 Lightweight 155 mm howitzer.

There is pride in every Marine for what we do, for how we serve this Nation. Get a glimpse of your Marines training to ensure victory regardless of the task. The Makin Island ARG/11th MEU conducted Exercise Alligator Dagger in and off the coast of Djibouti, Africa, December 2016. They continue their deployment in U.S. Central Command.

The Pride of the Pacific take their skills to Djibouti, Africa during Exercise Alligator Dagger.

Help select the "Corps Top Shot" by liking, commenting on or sharing your favorite image. The image with the most combined hits by the end of the day will be crowned as our photo of the week.

Four Marines were traveling toward a Yokosuka train station on their way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, when they heard a call for help. Without hesitation, they sprinted toward the scene,

Marines are always on duty. Four III MEF Marines were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for their heroic actions on New Years Eve outside of Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.

10 Things You Need to Know About the Updated PFT/CFT Standards

Happy Birthday Sir! Today is our 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps' 150th birthday. "Leadership is the sum of those qualities of intellect, human understanding, and moral character that enables a person to inspire and control a group of people successfully." -Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps #Marines #LtGenJohnALejeune #happybirthday #Lejeune

To the "Greatest of All Leathernecks," we wish you a happy 150th birthday, Sir.

One death by suicide is too many. Marines, if you see something, say something. Marine Corps experts are on hand now to respond to your questions and comments below. If you need someone to talk to, contact the DSTRESS Line (www.dstressline.com). If you have questions about a sexual assault, contact your SAPR Victim Advocate or the DOD Safe Helpline (safehelpline.org).

Marines with Marine Aviation Weapons & Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) earn their wings during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-16 in Yuma, Arizona. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Daniel D. Kujanpaa) Check out the full video: https://youtu.be/ua-hwwF4LZM

Monday got you down? Here are some Tanks on Tanks on Tanks. You're Welcome.

After more than 43 years of service to our country, United States Marine Corps Col. Edmund J. Bowen retired during a solemn, ceremonial tribute hosted recently in Washington, D.C.

Impressive, sir, but Archibald Henderson is still the Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps. Col. Edmund J. Bowen retired after 43 years of service. First he was enlisted to a meritorious gunny, then went warrant officer to chief warrant officer and then got commissioned to first lieutenant to a colonel. Talk about moving up the ranks! Congratulations, sir, and Semper Fi!

Think your job is hard "corps"? Marine firefighters will extinguish that idea! Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/lDZA7vGouHk Follow I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) for more Hard Corps Jobs.