CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii – The Force Chaplains Office, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, and Republic of Korea Army chaplains met for a key leader engagement on Camp H.M. Smith, Nov. 19, 2024.

During the meeting both nation’s chaplain representatives discussed their respective missions and goals over coffee and lunch. U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. James C. Ragain lll, chaplain, Headquarter & Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, delivered a brief outlining past efforts within South Korea and other partner nations as well as the mission of the Force Chaplain’s Office moving forward.

“Our mission as the chaplain’s office is to make sure we have chaplains in the right spaces,” said Ragain. “They need to be ready to deliver religious ministry during times of peace and war, and to make sure that they have what they need to do their jobs.”

The Force Chaplain’s Office implements the commander’s intent for religious ministry across MARFORPAC by fostering connections among religious leaders, engaging with partners and allies, and promoting spiritual resilience for U.S. and allied service members within the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific is the largest operational command in the Marine Corps. It comprises two-thirds of the Marine Corps’ active-duty combat forces, collectively known as the “Pacific Marines.” Pacific Marines serve as an expeditionary force-in-readiness. They operate as air-ground-logistics teams and are forward positioned and actively employed throughout the Indo-Pacific every day. Pacific Marines live and work alongside the joint force and like-minded allies and partners to prevent conflict, respond to crisis, and if the Nation calls, to fight and win.