3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines
Public Affairs Stories

BACK HOME, BACK HOME
Cpl. Colby W. Brown, Hawaii Marine

Lance Cpl. Kyle Gorecki, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, native of Buffalo, N.Y., greets his wife at Hangar 105 Sunday after returning from his deployment to Afghanistan. Gorecki and more than 120 other Marines and sailors returned from Afghanistan as part of 3/3’s advance party, where they conducted ground operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 12 November 2010 (page A-1)

Construction projects in Nawa District Governance Center provide hundreds of Afghans with job opportunities
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 1

NAWA, Afghanistan — Do as much good for as many people possible.
That’s been a driving force behind the planning of dozens of construction projects taking place at the Nawa District Governance Center in Nawa, Afghanistan.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 5 Novmeber 2010 (page A-6)

Afghan government holds shura in Nawa promoting alternative crops to poppy
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 1

NAWA, Afghanistan – Hundreds of farmers attended a shura in Nawa, Afghanistan, to listen to government officials address concerns about the Helmand province Food Zone Program, Oct. 17.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 29 October 2010 (page A-6)

America’s Battalion Conducts Operation Black Tip
Clearing operation yields possible enemy KIA, detainees, weapons caches removed
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 1

NAWA, Afghanistan — The men of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have spent enough time in Trek Nawa, Afghanistan, to understand some of the workings of the Taliban presence there.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 29 October 2010 (page A-4/5)

For mechanics in Afghanistan: filthy hands means finished repairs
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 1

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan – Grease covered palms, black dirt caked under the fingernails and oil tracing his fingerprints … his identity.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 22 October 2010 (page A-1/A-6)

Marines and Afghan Army Soldiers Clear the Way: 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines conducts clearing operations in Afghanistan
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 1

GOWRAGI, Afghanistan — The 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Combined Action Company, conducted a clearing operation in Gowragi, Afghanistan, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 15 October 2010 (page A-4/5)

America’s Battalion honors Fallen Marine
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 1

PATROL BASE JAKER, Afghanistan – A memorial service honoring the life of 1st Lt. Scott J. Fleming took place at Patrol Base Jaker, Afghanistan, Sept. 25. He was remembered for his selflessness and leadership.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 8 October 2010 (page A-1)

Looing for a Fight: Marines, Afghan Army conduct clearing mission in Trek Nawa during Operation Mako
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 1

TREK NAWA, Afghanistan – The men of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, were looking for a fight, but it wasn’t a single battle they were interested in; they were hoping to affect future conflicts by upsetting the enemy’s operations and removing weapons caches.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 8 October 2010 (page A-4/5)

THE FORCE OF QUICK REACTION
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

Cpl. Jean Faurestal, a warehouseman with Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a Brooklyn, N.Y. native, moves through corn fields in Atsakzay, Afghanistan, as part of a quick reaction force searching for enemy fighters responsible for small-arms fire near Patrol Base Luy Jolah, Sept. 18. The Marines were preparing for another mission before becoming a quick reaction force to the fire, talking with local Afghans and finding traces of enemy activity.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 1 October 2010 (page A-1)

Afghan farmer uses Marine program in hopes of becoming teacher
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In the morning sunlight, Mohamed Nadar was building his house in Nawa, Afghanistan. The work was slow going. It was Ramadan, and the farmer didn’t exert himself as he was observing the tradition of fasting during daylight.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 1 October 2010 (page A-6)

Marines and Afghan soldiers keep Nawa schools safe
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

NAWA, Afghanistan — Since the school year began Sept. 5, each day Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and their Afghan counterparts have conducted patrols near and security sweeps through the schools in 3/3’s tactical area of responsibility in Nawa District.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 17 September 2010 (page A-4/5)

Marines, Nawa government distribute food to needy families in time for Eid al-Fitr
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

PATROL BASE JAKER, Afghanistan — As Ramadan draws to an end, Afghans in Nawa prepare to mark the occasion by celebrating the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a celebratory feast marking the end of Ramadan.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 17 September 2010 (page A-7)

A glimpse of things to come: Afghan police take charge of security at Nawa bazaar
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

NAWA, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Sooner, rather than later, the Marine presence in Nawa will dwindle down as Afghan police and soldiers take over complete responsibility for the security and stability of the region.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 10 September 2010 (page A-1)

Insurgency Disrupted: Marines, Afghan Army disrupt enemy supply routes during Operation Big Wave
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

KHANAGAWR, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — In an effort to disrupt enemy supply lines Marines and sailors from Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, partnered with the Afghan National Army to complete Operation Big Wave.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 3 September 2010 (page A-1)

Different languages, same reaction: Afghan soldiers worked with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment Marines to build warrior skill set and add mortars to repertoire
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 3 September 2010 (page A-6)

RANGE JUAREZ, Afghanistan — The U.S. Marine and the Afghan soldier may speak different languages, but as 60-mm high-explosive mortar rounds sailed through air eventually reaching their fiery conclusion a few hundred meters away, the men reacted the same way — with awe and motivation, brothers in a warrior culture.

Marine gives life trying to save Afghan policeman
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

PATROL BASE JAKER, Afghanistan — Cpl. Joe L. Wrightsman gave his life trying to save an Afghan policeman drowning in Afghanistan’s Helmand River July 18. And while the two would ultimately become victims of the powerful currents, Wrightsman’s actions weren’t in vain.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 27 August 2010 (page A-3)

School's in Session: In Helmand province, volunteers do what they can to make sure it happens
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan — Wali Muhammad doesn’t want to be a farmer. This is a recent revelation for the 8-year-old Afghan boy. Wali’s father wished this for his son much earlier, which is why months ago he began ordering him to “go to school and learn something.”
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 13 August 2010 (page A-4/5)

3/3 HONORS FALLEN BROTHER
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

Marines pay tribute to fallen 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment rifleman Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman at a memorial service at Patrol Base Jaker, Afghanistan, July 30.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 6 August 2010 (page A-1)

Regional stability shura allows leadership throughout Helmand to address challenges together
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan — Afghan, coalition, military and civilian leadership from throughout Helmand province gathered together for a regional stability shura at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, Afghanistan, July 26.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 6 August 2010 (page A-2)

Family members of Afghan police thanked for sacrifice
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

NAWA, Afghanistan — During a brief meeting at the Nawa District Center Police Station, Afghanistan, Marine representatives thanked and offered condolence payments July 17, to family members of three Afghanistan National Police officers killed in the past two weeks.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 6 August 2010 (page A-6)

Marines, Corpsmen provide medical support so Afghans can help Afghans
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — As squads of Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers marched their way past the line of small Afghan stores, shopkeeper Mohammad Wali wondered what was happening.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 6 August 2010 (page A-6)

3/3 Silkies
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

SOUTHERN SHORSURAK, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Cpl. Matt Garst should be dead.
Few people survive stepping on an improvised explosive device. Even fewer walk away the same day after directly absorbing the force of the blast, but Garst did just that.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 16 July 2010 (page A-2)

Operation New Dawn patrols lead to cache finds
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

SOUTHERN SHORSHORK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — It became the catchphrase of the day — “I might as well be god d---ed Sherlock Holmes.”
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 9 July 2010 (page A-4/5)

Marines, Afghanistan National Army address local water concerns during recent Operation New Dawn
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

SOUTHERN SHORSURAK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — The relationship between the Marines and Afghanistan National Army, and the Afghans in Southern Shorsurak, Afghanistan, reached a new level when more than a dozen men met with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and ANA leadership for a shura to discuss concerns, as well as determine what type of civil affairs projects the area would benefi t most from as part of Operation New Dawn, June 26.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 9 July 2010 (page A-1)

‘America’s Battalion,’ Afghan Army complete first task in Operation Cobra
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

SOUTHERN SHORSHORK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Marines from Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, in partnership with the Afghanistan National Army, successfully completed their first task of establishing an observation post in support of Operation Cobra in Southern Shorshork, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 17.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 25 June 2010 (page A-4/5)

Changing of the Guard: 3/3 takes over 1/3’s AO in Helmand
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — As Col. Randall P. Newman spoke during the transfer of authority ceremony from the “Lava Dogs” 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, June 6, he had to raise his voice to be heard over the hum of a nearby generator.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper 18 June 2010 (page A-1)

Birth of a Motto
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — The phrase, “every Marine a rifleman” is so overused it’s gone from motto to cliché, but if Cpl. Eric Ramirez has his way, a new battle cry will emerge — every Marine an infantryman.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper 11 June 2010 (page A-4/5)

A Brave Choice In Nawa
A step toward peace: Nawa leaders, Marines reintegrate former Taliban commander back into community
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — A main goal in the overseas contingency operations has been to hunt down leaders of enemy forces, but during an Afghanistan National Army-led reintegration shura, a former Taliban commander was released from custody and welcomed back into Nawa, June 1.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper 11 June 2010 (page A-1)

3/3 in Afghanistan
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

Soldiers assigned to 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, prepare for a short patrol to Range Juarez near Forward Operating Base Geronimo May 25. The Afghan soldiers worked on their marksmanship at the range with the help of Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and Embedded Partnering Team 1-1-215.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper 4 June 2010 (page A-1)

3/3 Marine dies in Afghanistan
Press Release, Hawaii Marine

Pfc. Jake W. Suter, 18, of Stevenson Ranch, Calif., died May 29 while supporting combat operations as part of Regimental Combat Team 7 in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper 4 June 2010 (page A-1)

While He’s Gone: How life goes on for deployed father-to-be
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, Regimental Combat Team 7

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — She will miss him.
She will miss his laugh and bright smile … his presence. She will miss how, when he walks into a room, their two boys light up and run to him yelling, “Daddy!”
Hawaii Marine Newspaper 4 June 2010 (page A-2)

Farewell America’s Battalion: 3/3 leaves in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
Lance Cpl. Vanessa M. American Horse, Combat Correspondent

Family members and friends attended the send off of more than 380 America’s Battalion Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment in the commissary parking lot May 14.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper 21 May 2010 (page A-1)

Late Night Rendevouz
Sgt. Mark A. Fayloga, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment

Members of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s advanced party wait to load buses at the Annex Parking Lot Wednesday night. The Marines were taken to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to be flown to Afghanistan to begin America’s Battalion’s deployment.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 7 May 2010 (page A-6)

Marines sweep through new counter-IED training lane
Lance Cpl. M. C. Nerl, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.— The Combat Center opened its newest training venue here Feb. 18 when the Tactical Training Exercise Control Group ran one of the very first units through Op Barma in an effort to prepare Marines and sailors deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 5 March 2010 (page A-3)

Lie on it: India Company proves there’s no ‘I’ in team during company assault
Sgt. Mark A. Fayloga, Combat Correspondent

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — It’s about teamwork.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 5 March 2010 (page A-5)

Bloody good Training: 3/3 Marines, sailors refine medical skills during Corps’ most realistic lifesaver scenarios
Sgt. Mark A. Fayloga, Combat Correspondent

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — She can remember her first day on the job.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 26 February 2010 (page A-5)

A CRITICAL SACRIFICE
Sgt. Mark A. Fayloga, Combat Correspondent

Brig. Gen. James B. Laster, commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, speaks to members of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment during a visit to Camp Wilson at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. Thursday.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 26 February 2010 (page A-1)

The Last Stepping Stone: America’s Battalion begins Enhanced Mojave Viper exercise,look toward success in Afghanistan
Sgt. Mark A. Fayloga, Combat Correspondent

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Eastern Afghanistan was the home of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s debut in the War on Terror. Thursday — the first training day in the Enhanced Mojave Viper Exercise here — America’s Battalion began its final step in returning to help grow the governance and bring stability to the region.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 19 February 2010 (page A-5)

Aiming Ahead: 3/3 set sights on Mojave Viper, Afghanistan
Cpl. Danny H. Woodall, Combat Correspondent

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii — More than three weeks after arriving at Lava Viper to conduct a series of pre-deployment training exercises, nearly 1,000 Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment are scheduled to return to Marine Corps Base Hawaii this week.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 5 February 2010 (page A-1)

Helping Haiti: America’s Battalion joins in Haitian relief effort
Kristen Wong, Photojournalist

Yvon Loiseau was dining with his daughter outside his Port-au-Prince house in Haiti Jan. 12, when an earthquake sent buildings crashing to the ground in the city. Loiseau remembers running out into the streets, asking what happened.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 5 February 2010 (page A-1)

‘America’s Battalion’ arrives at Lava Viper
Cpl. Danny H. Woodall, Combat Correspondent

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii — A mere three months since returning from Iraq, members of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment are training to take on another challenge: Afghanistan.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 22 January 2010 (page A-6)

MCB Hawaii units arrive at PTA
Cpl. Danny H. Woodall, Combat Correspondent

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii — Despite the old adage “keep your head out of the clouds,” many Marines and sailors will do just that, spending their January thousands of feet above sea level.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 15 January 2010 (page A-2)

3/3 Change of Command
Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer, Combat Correspondent

Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Goff, relinquished his command to Lt. Col. Jeffery C. Holt by passing on 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment's battle colors during the battalion's change of command ceremony at Dewey Square Dec. 11.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 18 December 2009 (page A-1)

3/3 returns from Iraq
Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer, Combat Correspondent

From the first flight that landed Oct. 13 until the last flight which touched down Tuesday, relieved families and friends of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have shed tears and opened their arms upon the battalion’s return from its most recent deployment to Iraq.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 23 October 2009 (page A-1)

BACK HOME: 3/3 returns from Iraq deployment
Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Beebe Jr., Combat Correspondent

Tears filled the eyes of family members and friends of Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Thursday outside of the base chapel here.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 11 September 2009 (page A-1)

Shared hardships mold reserve Marines into company
By Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Multi National Force - West

CAMP ALTAQADDUM, Iraq – For the entirety of its deployment, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, is reinforced by a reserve company in order to augment their role as Task Force Military Police. Company A, 3/3 is comprised of Marines from Co. A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, 4th Marine Division, from Rochester, New York, and the Military Police Company, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division, located in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.
http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/3mar/3dbn/Alpha Com .pdf

Marines take on Shamrock Drill during instructor course
By Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Multi National Force - West

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — The morning of Aug. 8 started out like previous days for Marines participating in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course at the Regional Detainment Facility here. They started the day with the usual body hardening techniques, but then, their day changed.
http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/__852571150047CCBC.nsf/rssNews/FD1692D3E0F500D885257616003843FE?OpenDocument

Father’s Day Fishing -- 3/3 families come together for fishing trip
By Lance Cpl. Cassandra Yoho, Combat Correspondent

Rain clouds and showers didn’t stop the families of deployed Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, from coming out for an afternoon of fishing. Fishermen grabbed their bamboo poles and made their way through the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens to a fresh water pond Sunday.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 26 June 2009 (page C-4)

CBRN Marines train to stay ahead of hazardous material threats
6/7/2009 By Lance Cpl. Brian Marion, Multi National Force - West

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Marines from various units recently completed a grueling, week-long advanced CBRN Defense course conducted aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.
http://www.marines.mil/units/marforcom/iimef/iimef-fwd/Pages/CBRNMarinestraintostayaheadofhazardousmaterialthreats.aspx

Supporting TFMP, four paws at a time
By Lance Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Combat Correspondent

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Since the Revolutionary War, the United States has used dogs in the military as scouts, mine detectors and explosive detectors. Currently, military working dogs deployed to Iraq support and protect service members on patrols and through explosive detection.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 22 May 2009 (page A-3)

TFMP mechanics keep vehicles rolling in Iraq
By Lance Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Combat Correspondent

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- From six- and four-wheeled Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected Vehicles and up-armored 7-ton trucks, to uparmored humvees with mine rollers, motor transport Marines with Task Force Military Police keep the unit’s fleet of vehicles running so service members can complete their missions.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 22 May 2009 (page A-3)

Flare for care
MCB Hawaii mom receives national home child care provider certification
By Christine Cabalo, Photojournalist

Every day is an adventure in learning something new for Erica Soto Rodriguez.
It’s a belief she encourages in children as a Family Child Care home provider at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and a lesson she takes to heart. This dedication to studying has spurred her to be the first at MCB Hawaii to become accredited for home care by the National Association for Family Child Care.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 15 March 2009 (page C-3)

Marine, soldier in Iraq more than ‘brothers-in-arms’
5/11/2009 By Cpl. M. M. Bravo, 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- Deployments usually mean saying goodbye to the ones you love for a long time. But for two brothers from Rochester, N.Y., it meant saying hello.
http://www.marines.mil/units/marforcom/iimef/2ndmlg/hq/Pages/Marine,soldierinIraqmorethan%E2%80%98brothers-in-arms%E2%80%99.aspx

Training with 3/3.  3/3 completes MRX
By Lance Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Combat Correspondent

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, 29 Palms, Calif -- Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment conducted the Marine Rehearsal Exercise, their final training exercise of Exercise Mojave Viper, Feb. 24 through 26, allowing them to finish their pre-deployment training here.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 13 March 2009 (page A-3)

Clearing the way.  America’s Battalion clears town in exercise
By Lance Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Combat Correspondent

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- For the past week, Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, fought alongside tanks and amphibious assault vehicles to roust enemies from mock towns during the Clear, Hold and Build Exercise II at Range 210.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 20 February 2009 (page A-3)

HELP! Jump Platoon, Corpsman Participate in Simulated Casualty Training
By Lance Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Combat Correspondent

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- The sound of explosions and the screams of agony met the platoon as they approached the downed vehicle where their comrades lay.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 13 February 2009 (page A-6)

On the Range with Lima
Lima Co., 3/3, finishes Ranges 400, 410A during Exercise Mojave Viper
By Lance Cpl. Brian A. Marion, Combat Correspondent

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Marines and Sailors with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, completed platoon and company size exercises at Ranges 410A and 400 during Exercise Mojave Viper Feb. 6 and 7.
Hawaii Marine Newspaper, 13 February 2009 (page A-3)

Aikahi Elementary welcomes Marines for fundraiser
By Advertiser Staff, The Honolulu Advertiser

More than 40 Marines from Marine Corps Base Hawaii this morning helped with Aikahi Elementary's Turkey Trot fundraising event.
Aikahi students, who obtained pledges earlier, ran a simple obstacle course assisted by the Marines. The event has been held annually for the last 40 years.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881126055

Island Marines go MRAP
By William Cole, The Honolulu Advertiser

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS - Maj. Alan Crouch, a spokesman for Marine Corps Base Hawaii, said at least six MRAPs are being used regularly for training on O'ahu. The vehicles arrived around May.
Lance Cpl. Graham Davis, 20, was getting some behind-the-wheel time recently at Bellows during exercise "Bellows Viper." About 50 Iraqi nationals added realism to the training that included patrols through mock Middle Eastern villages.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/NEWS08/809090339/1001/LOCALNEWSFRONT