Category: Defence Intelligence

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

VISAKHAPTNAM, India  –  

U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) completed a military-to-military engagement training during the special operations phase of MALABAR 24 on Oct. 14, 2024.

The engagement reinforced and expanded combined special operations forces interoperability with partner nation militaries in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

“We value the opportunity to train with our counterparts from India and Japan,” said an NSW operator. “It’s the continued collaboration like this that sharpens our tactics and strengthens our bond with our partners in the region.”

The training encompassed a variety of critical skills, including iterations on beach insertion, maritime interdiction, close-quarters combat, and tactical casualty care. Participants engaged in realistic scenarios culminating in a comprehensive capstone exercise featuring maritime interdiction operations and rehearsals for visit, board, search, and seizure techniques.

“After sharing procedures and establishing standards, our combined forces developed realistic special operations scenarios,” said another NSW operator. “This training improved our readiness and interoperability, preparing us to effectively plan and carry out modern missions.”

High-quality, realistic training is essential to maintaining and demonstrating the United States’ commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Our partners in the Japan Self-Defense Forces and Indian Navy Marine Commandos are incredibly capable allies, and we continue to train and exercise together to improve interoperability and strengthen our capabilities.

NSW is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach. Additionally, U.S. Special Operations Forces provide flexible responses to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific. Integral to this capability is a forward-deployed posture and continuous engagement with partner and ally forces, heightening mutual interoperability and regional expertise.

Malabar 24 is a combined field training exercise with the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy participants. The exercise is designed to support achievement of strategic objectives by strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and promoting interoperability in the conduct of complex warfighting operations.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BOISE, Idaho  –  

The U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), along with partners from the Indian Army’s Special Operations Forces and the Idaho National Guard’s 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, participated in Exercise Vajra Prahar Nov. 2-22.

The exercise on Orchard Combat Training Center ranges and facilities enhanced relationships between the elite units, focusing on realistic training scenarios that challenge participants in complex environments.

The 124th ASOS provided the Indian soldiers with joint terminal attack controller and close air support instruction to enhance interoperability between Indian and U.S. special operations forces.

“We helped build stronger relationships with the partner force by demonstrating the tactical air control party’s commitment to their success and providing them with valuable training and resources,” said Master Sgt. Douglas K. Brock, a JTAC with 124th ASOS. “In the end, the 124th ASOS showcased their ability to work with anyone, anywhere, at any time to achieve mission success by maintaining a high level of readiness while also building a foundation for future training and development opportunities.”

Vajra Prahar is an annual exercise, now in its 15th year, and changes locations annually between U.S. and Indian training facilities to improve the special operators’ ability to work together in a variety of terrain and climate conditions. It was the first time the exercise was in Idaho.

“The airspace and training facilities have been awesome at the OCTC,” said a member of 1st SFG(A). “They’ve given us the ability to run CH-47 Chinook missions, live talk on JTAC training, conduct sniper training and make direct-action assaults on multiple urban objectives.”

The realistic training environment and integration of skills from participating units fostered tactical improvements and stronger relationships among the partner-nation forces, according to the 1sgt SFG(A) Soldier.

“By engaging in this rigorous training, participants develop their skills, improve communication and foster a spirit of collaboration that is essential for successful operations in real-world situations,” he said. “Working alongside our partners across the Indo-Pacific region increases security capacity and interoperability among our forces.”

The OCTC is a 173,000-acre joint combined arms training site 18 miles south of Boise. It provides world-class training facilities for warfighters from all U.S. armed forces and partner nations.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia  –  

The U.S. Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, security, and stewardship during the recent Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Joint Committee Meeting (JCM), held in Chuuk from Nov. 13 to 16, 2024.

The event brought together FSM leaders, U.S. government officials, and regional stakeholders to address shared priorities under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).

Capt. Jessica Worst, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, underscored the importance of collaboration between the United States and FSM, “The JCM is vital to maintaining our shared commitment to maritime safety, security, stewardship, and prosperity. These engagements allow us to address challenges together and build pathways for a stronger, safer maritime domain.”

During the JCM, Lt. Cmdr. Derek Wallin and Lt. Anna-Maria Vaccaro presented a comprehensive update on U.S. Coast Guard activities in the FSM since May 2024. The presentation highlighted efforts across maritime safety, security, and stewardship, showcasing progress in areas such as fisheries enforcement and capacity building.

FSM Maritime Wing commander highlighted the ongoing efforts and challenges his team encounters in patrolling the nation’s expansive exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which spans over one million square miles. The Maritime Wing aims to increase their patrol days in the coming year to further enhance efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU-F) and other maritime threats, which also provides more opportunities for combined operations.

Wallin reiterated the U.S. Coast Guard’s dedication to addressing resource gaps. “We’re committed to strengthening maritime domain awareness, working with partners to enhance bilateral maritime law enforcement (MLE) agreements, and provide essential tools and training to the extent possible to help FSM protect its EEZ from illegal activities,” he said.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Coast Guard and FSM partners outlined several priorities for future collaboration. These include formalizing requests for aids to navigation (ATON) support in Kosrae and increasing shiprider operations, under the bilateral MLE agreement, to improve fisheries enforcement and SAR capabilities. Additionally, discussions focused on FSM’s interest in acquiring new patrol assets and integrating advanced technologies such as thermal imaging and weatherproof drones to enhance maritime response.

The U.S. delegation also participated in community-building events, including a camaraderie boat tour and barbecue hosted by the FSM delegation in Chuuk Lagoon. “These moments of connection underscore the strong bonds between our teams and our shared commitment to advancing maritime resilience,” said Capt. Worst.

The JCM concluded with a continued shared vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of partnership in addressing environmental concerns, enhancing enforcement capabilities, and strengthening the region’s maritime domain. The next JCM is tentatively scheduled for mid-2025 in Guam, where stakeholders will evaluate progress and refine their collective goals.

-USCG-

About the Compact of Free Association (COFA)

The COFA is a mutually beneficial agreement promoting cooperation and security in the Pacific. It provides unique provisions for defense, economic assistance, and access between the U.S. and the Freely Associated States, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam supports the Coast Guard’s missions of ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship in the Pacific. Through search and rescue, law enforcement, and partnership-building efforts, the FM/SG team enhances the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau, the ancient fishpond next to McGrew Point Navy housing that is being restored, was the inspiration for Hoʻoponopono is Harmony, a children’s book written by Thao “Kale‘a ” Le, PhD, MPH in collaboration with Bruce Keaulani, founder and CEO of Living Life Source Foundation.

The story is about a boy who helps restore a 400-year-old fishpond and, in the process, finds healing and harmony within himself. Although written to teach children about the practice of aloha and mindfulness, adults can also learn meaningful lessons about healing and forgiveness.

The central theme of the book is hoʻoponopono, which has many meanings including, “to make amends, forgiveness, to make right, to rectify, to begin anew,” explained Le, a professor in the Human Development and Family Studies program in the Family Consumer Sciences Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

“You first need to do ho’oponopono within yourself, so this act of letting go of everything that you carry throughout your life, you need to let it go before you can have harmony, which is why we say hoʻoponopono is harmony,” Le added, citing the tenets of Keaulani, fondly known as Uncle Bruce, and Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, who was recognized as a kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau (healer) and Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi. Uncle Bruce trained under Simeona, known by many as Aunty Morrnah.

Aunty Morrnah developed a modern version of the practice of hoʻponopono, a method for individual problem solving.

“Hoʻoponopono is the practice of making everything into alignment: human, land, divinity. It’s the belief that in the Hawaiian view when you have disharmony, it’s because those are not in alignment, so there are many ways of practicing,” said Kehaulani Lum, fondly known as Aunty Kehau, who studies Hawaiian spiritual practice under Uncle Bruce and is actively involved as a steward of Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau. “In Aunty Morrnah’s case, essentially, her practice is one of the individual asking Divinity to cleanse and bring everything back to peace.”

Aunty Kehau, who is also president of the Aliʻi Pauʻahi Hawaiian Civic Club, explained the significance of the fishpond as the setting for the book.

“What’s special about this one is that it was the home and pond of the highest sovereign of Oʻahu who governed for over 60 years from this place in peace and there was no war,” said Aunty Kehau. “That sovereign is Mōʻī Wahine Kalanimanuʻia, who built two other royal fishponds and ruled with aloha, benevolence, and abundance.”

Uncle Bruce explained that growing up, he studied Hawaiian culture daily and that the fishpond is an excellent place to restore cultural practices like hoʻoponopono. He said when visitors come to the fishpond, they experience something unique.

“When they come here, the spirit flows through them to bring that memory back of culture,” he said.

Aunty Kehau described how hoʻoponopono and other Hawaiian practices were part of the fishpond restoration and preservation plan developed in partnership with the Navy in 2014. The plan also stated that Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau would be an active cultural site instead of something akin to a museum.

“We actually find that in the healing of the land, we heal ourselves and when you do that, what you’re giving to the land is so much aloha,” she said.

On Nov. 18, 2023, the Navy along with leaders from Living Life Source Foundation, Ali‘i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, Nā Lima No‘eau and affiliated native Hawaiian organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to solidify and continue efforts to preserve, restore, and maintain Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau. The MOU has no end date which means the partnership will provide lasting benefits to the community.

Two thousand copies of Hoʻoponopono is Harmony have been distributed across the state by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and Human Services. The book is Le’s fourth and like the other three, was influenced by ALOHA, also known as the “Aloha Spirit Law,” HRS §5-7.5.

This law was written by Aunty Pilahi Paki, a native Hawaiian Native Hawaiian poet and philosopher who wrote about the importance of aligning the mind and heart in each person. She emphasized five major values of aloha: akahai meaning kindness, lōkahi meaning unity, ‘oluʻolu meaning agreeableness, haʻahaʻa meaning humility, and ahonui meaning patience. The symbolic Hawaiʻi state law, established in 1986, requires that all people in Hawaiʻi show consideration and kindness.

Le is optimistic about the future of the fishpond and believes that individuals can overcome their personal struggles by following the wisdom of Hawaiian values.

Aunty Kehau expressed her gratitude for the book as well as the Navy’s ongoing partnership, which honors the legacy of Kalanimanuʻia through the restoration of the fishpond and provides a place where all are welcome to learn about Hawaiian culture.

“I only know that through this work that the Navy started, her name is being lifted,” said Aunty Kehau. “Her story is being told. She was almost lost to history because there is so little known about her. She ruled when we didn’t have good records. Two hundred more years before we’d be writing pen to paper, so stories were transferred orally … but you can come here, learn, and help create new stories.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

INDIAN, OCEAN  –  

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and USS Spruance (DDG 111) conducted a port visit in Phuket, Thailand, Nov. 22-26, and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) in Sembawang, Singapore, Nov. 23-27.

These port visits highlight the strong relationships the United States has with Thailand and Singapore. In addition to fostering camaraderie and cooperation between nations, Sailors were afforded the opportunity to experience the stunning beaches, rich cultures, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local life during their stay.

“The officers and crew of USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. are honored for the opportunity to visit Singapore. Engagements such as these strengthen the bonds between both nations and our mutual goals of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Kevin Louis, commanding officer, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. “This port visit demonstrates the U.S. commitment to regional partnerships, helps foster growing relationships, and offers Sailors the opportunity to relax and enjoy Singapore’s tremendous culture, cuisine and attractions.”

While in port, Sailors also contributed by participating in community relations projects. Frank E. Petersen Jr. Sailors volunteered for the ‘Child at Street 11’ program, which educates and helps young children, and Michael Murphy and Spruance Sailors volunteered at the Soi Dog Foundation, a prominent animal rescue shelter.

“The crew of the USS Michael Murphy would like to extend our warmest regards to the country of Thailand for hosting us during our recent port visit. We also had the chance to volunteer with a local organization, give a tour of our ship, and share the story of our namesake, LT Michael Murphy,” said Cmdr. Jonathan B. Greenwald, commanding officer, USS Michael Murphy. “We look forward to continuing to grow the bond between our two nations in the years to come.”

These opportunities to connect are essential for strengthening the partnerships between the United States, Thailand and Singapore nations.

“This port visit was definitely a morale boost and opportunity for our Sailors,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, USS Spruance. “We are thankful to our Thai hosts for allowing the opportunity to participate in local community volunteer events, explore the beautiful country of Thailand and get some well-deserved rest and recovery before we return out to sea.”

Following their respective port visits, the three destroyers will continue their deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Three and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine, integrated air and missile defense Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and Destroyer Squadron 21’s USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from CSG-3, http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72#