U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea

MajGen. Robert F. Hedelund and his wife Alicia send a holiday greeting to the Marine Corps Forces serving on the Korean Penninsula during the holiday season this year. Link to the video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/493639/maj-gen-robert-f-hedelund-holiday-greeting

Marines observe a soccer game between U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines during Korean Marine Exercise Program 17-1 November 21, 2016 at Camp Mujuk, South Korea. KMEP highlights the two countries’ combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and our shared commitment to peace and security in the region. The U.S. Marines are assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, which is forward deployed from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaac Ibarra/Released)

USAG Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea - Major General Robert Hedelund, commander of U. S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, oversees the reenlistment of Gunnery Sergeant Jose D. Rincon Jr., an Administrative Chief with USFK, J-5.

A cake ceremony is also an integral part of the Birthday Ball and includes a tradition of presenting the first piece of cake to the oldest Marine in attendance and then passed to the youngest Marine, representing the passing of tradition from one generation to another. This year, MARFORK Commander MajGen Hedelund cut the cake, and the eldest attending Marine, MARFORK SgtMaj, SgtMaj Moran, passed his cake to the youngest attending Marine, LCpl Colin Read, who took the first bite.

Hundreds gathered at the Sheraton Walker Hill Vista Hall on Thursday, 10 November, for the U. S. Marine Corps Forces Korea 241st “Marine Corps Birthday Ball,” a tradition steeped in history that included a message that was read to all Marine commands throughout the world. The guest of honor was Army General Vincent K. Brooks, commander of United States Forces Korea, United Nations Command and ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command. The Marine Corps' birthday is a day of pride and respect, and its celebration is one of the most revered traditions in the Corps. Each year, on November 10th, Marines around the world celebrate what they see as their "second" birthday, the day the United States Marine Corps was born.

Courageous Channel NEO Exercise 2016. Noncombatant evacuation operations, or NEO, gets family members to safety during times of combat. In the event of a crisis family members will evacuate to a safe place possibly outside the country.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller speaks to Marines at U.S. Forces Korea Headquarters, South Korea, Oct. 14, 2016. Neller spoke about leadership expectations, readiness, and the future of the U.S. Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha K. Braun)

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller poses for a photo with U.S. Marines and Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines at the ROK Marine Corps Headquarters, Baran, South Korea, Oct. 15, 2016. Neller visited Baran to meet with ROK Marine Corps leadership. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Samantha K. Braun)

Headquarters: Yongsan, Korea