Marine Updates
News from the Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, shared with the Foundation by the battalion.
November 2026
The Chromite Chronicle
Two months into their Indo‑Pacific deployment, the Marines and Sailors of BLT 1/1 are training hard across Okinawa and mainland Japan, honoring the history of the island, and building friendships with the local community.
October took them from the jungles of Okinawa to ship to shore work with the USS San Diego, and to live fire training at Camp Fuji. They also visited Battle of Okinawa sites and volunteered at local schools.
“To our families and loved ones back home, thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we move forward as One Heartbeat!”
LtCol Clark Smith, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines
Company highlights
H&S Company, “Hades”
Hades supported both the battalion and the MEU, toured Hacksaw Ridge where Sgt Coston read the Medal of Honor citation for Desmond Doss, and ran the first small drone fly days in Okinawa to keep operators sharp.
Alpha Company, “Red Death”
Red Death conquered the rappel tower, finished a three day jungle land navigation course by day and night, held the first Red Death fitness test, and celebrated new promotions and graduates of Jungle Leaders Course and Corporals Course.
Bravo Company, “Raiders”
The Raiders ran small boat refresher training with the USS San Diego, moved on to live fire ranges, and their fire support team trained at Camp Fuji with a 4 mile ruck run in the shadow of Mt Fuji.
Charlie Company, “Chosin”
Chosin recertified on Amphibious Combat Vehicles, zeroed its weapons, completed a three day jungle patrol exercise, and toured landmarks from the Battle of Okinawa.
Weapons Company, “Whiskey”
Whiskey flew to Camp Fuji on C‑130s for live fire training with machine guns, 81mm mortars and sniper rifles, working alongside Japanese counterparts. Marines remain in high spirits and focused.
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