As the Eastern Hemisphere’s sole musical representative of the United States Marine Corps, the III MEF Band enjoys a busy schedule filled with performances across Okinawa and throughout the Far East each year. The band capitalizes on this unique position by making it a priority to present community outreach performances and participating in international military band festivals.
On October 1, 1978, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Band of Iwakuni, Japan merged with the 3rd Marine Division Band of Okinawa to create the III Marine Amphibious Force Band. It was assigned to Camp Foster on December 1, 1978, and later re-designated as the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Band – the only Expeditionary Force Band and permanently deployed musical unit in the Marine Corps. This distinction represents the band's unique mission: to serve as both a professional military organization and a cultural ambassador representing the United States across the globe. The band proudly serves III Marine Expeditionary Force and its subordinate commands, performing on Marine Corps installations and at public events for millions of people throughout the Indo-Pacific region. From Japan and South Korea to Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, the III MEF Band shares the traditions and spirit of the United States Marine Corps with the world, strengthening international relationships through the universal language of music.
Capt. Randel Metzinger currently serves as director of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he serves as the officer in charge and principal conductor. He manages, administers, and coordinates musical performances, develops budgets and annual operation plans, directs internal operations and training, and supervises the employment of a Marine Corps fleet band.
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Master Sgt. James Holt serves as the enlisted bandleader and senior enlisted advisor for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. He oversees all training, operations, and administrative functions, while also advising the director on musical development. As the Staff Noncomissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC), he is the primary contact for performance requests and inquiries.
Staff Sgt. Peter M. Yurkovich currently serves as the drum major of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he directs, trains, and manages the musical performance of the ceremonial band while on the march and instructs band personnel in drill specific to Marine bands. Staff Sgt. Yurkovich also manages the band’s administration and operations sections.
Gunnery Sgt. Martin Arreola Jr. currently serves as the enlisted conductor of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he assists the director in the musical development of the band and directs, trains, and manages the musical performances of the full band. Gunnery Sgt. Arreola supervises the management and development of the band’s various small ensembles and manages the music library and historical records of the band
Gunnery Sgt. Mathew Medina currently serves as the instrument repair technician of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he inspects, maintains, and repairs musical equipment. Gunnery Sgt. Medina also manages the band’s supply, safety, and fiscal sections.
Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Waldie currently serves as the production manager of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he is the chief sound engineer, responsible for the recording and sound reinforcement of the band. Gunnery Sgt. Waldie also serves as the band’s digital marketing and communication lead.
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