(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tucker Mocan)
U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Chris Niedziocha, left, the outgoing commander of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives a gift from Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Colonel Akinobu Hotta, the commanding officer of the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, after a change of command ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 4, 2026. The ceremony signified the official transfer of command and responsibilities within the unit. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Pacific region.
