 On 21 September 2007, the 31st MEU Command Element dedicated its headquarters building at Camp Hansen, Okinawa to Sergeant Rafael Peralta, who died in Iraq during Operation Phantom Fury while assigned to the 31st MEU BLT 1/3 Alpha Company 1st Platoon.Sgt Peralta received the Navy Cross for his actions in Fallujah.In May and June 2008, the MEU participated in Operation Caring Response after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar.