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Source: United States Air Force
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) —
This week’s look Around the Air Force highlights the Department’s senior enlisted advisors plans to empower and equip Airmen and Guardians to prepare for Great Power Competition, and the Air Force reintroducing the rank of warrant officer for information technology and cyber career fields. (Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Eric Mann)
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For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
240219-N-HG389-1006 SINGAPORE (Feb. 19, 2024) Capt. Thomas Jenkins, Deputy Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73), right, meets with Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, deputy commander, Royal Canadian Air Force, left, during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Station (SNI), Feb. 19. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed naval forces along with regional allies and partners, to sustain patrols in the Indo-Pacific, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandon Parker/Released)
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2024 20:32 |
| Photo ID: | 8250834 |
| VIRIN: | 240219-N-HG389-1014 |
| Resolution: | 6250×4167 |
| Size: | 669.15 KB |
| Location: | SG |
| Web Views: | 0 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Deputy Commander of Royal Canadian Air Force Visits COMLOG WESTPAC [Image 2 of 2], by PO1 Brandon Parker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
240219-N-HG389-1006 SINGAPORE (Feb. 19, 2024) Capt. Thomas Jenkins, Deputy Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73), left, meets with Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, deputy commander, Royal Canadian Air Force, right, during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Station (SNI), Feb. 19. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed naval forces along with regional allies and partners, to sustain patrols in the Indo-Pacific, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandon Parker/Released)
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2024 20:32 |
| Photo ID: | 8250833 |
| VIRIN: | 240219-N-HG389-1006 |
| Resolution: | 6759×4828 |
| Size: | 943.77 KB |
| Location: | SG |
| Web Views: | 0 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Deputy Commander of Royal Canadian Air Force Visits COMLOG WESTPAC [Image 2 of 2], by PO1 Brandon Parker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Sailors aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) man the rails as Mercy pulls in to Naval Air Station North Island, California, following Pacific Partnership 2024-1 Feb. 12, 2024. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Celia Martin)
| Date Taken: | 02.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.12.2024 15:03 |
| Photo ID: | 8236630 |
| VIRIN: | 240212-N-GA297-1033 |
| Resolution: | 3841×3031 |
| Size: | 1.41 MB |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, US |
| Web Views: | 10 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, Pacific Partnership 2024-1: Return to Homeport [Image 14 of 14], by PO2 Celia Martin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
VISAKHAPATNAM, India (NNS) –
U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) joined ships, aircraft and personnel from India and numerous other navies to begin Exercise MILAN 2024 in the Bay of Bengal, Feb. 19.
This year marks the second time the U.S. has participated in the biennial exercise in order to build combined interoperability with regional allies and partners. MILAN in Hindi means “meeting.”
MILAN 2024 includes forces from more than 50 countries, the largest participation in the exercise. This year’s exercise focuses on strengthening military-to-military ties to contribute toward a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.
MILAN 2024 will include a harbor phase followed by a sea phase where ships will focus on high-end tactical training, maneuvering drills, air-defense exercises, submarine familiarization, multinational replenishment-at-sea, communications drills, gunnery exercises, and joint warfighting scenarios.
“We are grateful for the leadership of our Indian Navy partners in putting together exercise MILAN and providing us the opportunity to advance multilateral interoperability,” said Capt. Ryan Leary, commanding officer, USS Halsey. “India is a like-minded partner and leader in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, active in and connected to Southeast Asia, a driving force of regional fora, and an engine for regional growth and development.”
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.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
OKINAWA, Japan –
Just under four nautical miles from Motobu Peninsula, Okinawa, Japan U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, traveled from Camp Hansen to Ie Shima, a remote island off the coast of Okinawa.
Working alongside Marines from 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III MIG, the team conducted training exercise Rapid Tanto, which implemented concepts of the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, outlined in the Marine Corps’ modernization.
EABs use mobile, low-signature forces that can operate from austere locations, including areas within hostile engagement areas. EABs are often self-sustaining in nature and can facilitate sea control campaigns.
During the exercise, the Marines reinforced their ability gather and share information in a communications-degraded environment. As the Indo-pacific region becomes more contested, 5th ANGLICO is increasing stability by implementing EABO concepts. During Rapid Tanto, the Marines established an EAB capable of gathering and transmitting critical information to support dynamic targeting. 3rd Intel Bn’s MST Marines employed a commercial off-the-shelf radar which can locate distant maritime activity with precision.
“The ANGLICO detachment’s primary mission for Rapid Tanto is to insert onto Ie Shima with Maritime Surveillance Teams to assist in setting up radar systems and establishing an EAB to provide maritime domain awareness, utilizing commercial and tactical assets to disseminate track data”, says Capt. Yiannis Rizos, the team lead for Rapid Tanto.
Moving from Camp Hansen to Ie Shima is an opportunity for the Marines to sustain their ability to rapidly assemble and relocate from base to a contested maritime space. The smaller and more mobile units allow rapid deployment, and disaggregation in austere unsupported locations. This reduces logistical burdens and expands the range of communication that III MIG provides to other units leading to a lighter and more expeditionary force.
During Rapid Tanto, 5th ANGLICO and 3rd Intel Bn Marines conducted multiple communication drills during the days and nights with various high frequency radios and satellite internet. These drills involved casualty evacuation 9-lines, close air support 5-lines, and standard data sharing obtained from the radar.
“If a commercial means of passing data is compromised, I need to have a contingency plan. This exercise established alternate ways to transmit data. My data is useless if I’m the only one that knows it”, explains Sgt. Guy Tobin, the Maritime Surveillance Platoon team lead.
Rapid Tanto provided advanced training to 5th ANGLICO and 3rd Intel Bn in developing accurate maritime sensing capability. During this exercise the units demonstrated their ability to act as one integrated force, capable of supporting joint maritime campaigns, and operating in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.
Source: United States Air Force
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —
Make every day count.
As Chief Master Sgt. David A. Flosi departs his position as Command Chief of Air Force Materiel Command to take on the role of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, he leaves just a few words of advice to the Airmen across AFMC as they work to re-optimize the Department of the Air Force for Great Power Competition.
“Make every day count. Embrace the change; this is a time of consequence, and if everyone in our command can find a way to acknowledge the good in every day and every opportunity, we can successfully move in the right direction to meet the needs of today’s power competition,” Flosi said. “Embrace the changes that will enable our success.”
Flosi will move into his new role just as the Air Force is starting to implement some of the broadest, sweeping changes to the service in nearly 30 years, with initiatives affecting people, combat power, force readiness and capability delivery across the enterprise.
However, Flosi’s no stranger to change, having arrived at AFMC in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving first as Command Chief at the Air Force Sustainment Center prior moving to the position of AFMC Senior Enlisted Leader in Oct. 2021. He served the command throughout the pandemic and was part of the decisions and changes that emerged as the organization tackled return-to-work and the need to meet mission commitments to warfighters and customers across the enterprise.
“I was sitting in a commander’s conference the day the world changed back in 2020. It was a great opportunity to be part of the discussions and decision-making process. Our leaders made the changes and decisions they needed to make at that time for the enterprise, and later as we emerged from the pandemic, as part of the commitment to our customers,” Flosi said.
Content to work quietly behind the scenes to implement the commander’s vision while advocating and supporting Airmen working across all mission areas, the times when Flosi spoke loudly were during those opportunities he had to explain to others the critical role AFMC plays across the warfighting spectrum.
“I took it as a personal obligation that I needed to be able to go into a room of senior leaders from other commands and articulate what our Total Force Airmen do to contribute to the fight,” he said. “I worked pretty hard to articulate how what we do enables their success. Part of that was learning all the things we do, and it’s a lot. I feel we are in a better place there, and that learning across the force has occurred.”
Flosi’s time at AFMC paralleled a number of new initiatives, including tremendous advances in how the command takes care of its civilian population, from improved on-boarding and sponsorship, to supervisor training, resiliency initiatives and family care. As the largest employer of civilians in the Air Force, he sees opportunity for AFMC pilot programs to spread across the service.
“We are ahead of the Air Force in some areas, particularly with our civilian communities in terms of onboarding, supervisor development and more. We’ve become a new standard that the Air Force is chasing, and we’re proud to lead that change for the enterprise. Taking care of people is a priority, and we’ve learned a lot as we’ve implemented new programs and processes,” Flosi said.
During Flosi’s time at AFMC, the command took on a new role as Servicing Major Command for the U.S. Space Force, a unique construct that expanded its scope of responsibility and one in which he is proud to have helped champion as the command ensures Airmen serving in the USSF have the support they need.
“We have more than 8,500 Total Force Airmen supporting space, adding to the very complicated and technical support we do across the command,” Flosi said. “I could not be more thankful to have had the opportunity to support and serve with all of them.”
Flosi also served as AFMC leaned forward with the release of its 2023 Strategic Plan, in which the changes implemented have set the command up for success as it navigates the service-wide re-optimization ahead.
“Our strat plan is solid. The changes that are coming to our command are aligned to the direction we are already going. We are in a really good spot, and that’s great for the Air Force,” he said.
As Flosi departs for his new role with his family by his side — the sixteenth change in a long, exciting career, he looks fondly back at this time at AFMC and the relationships built over the past few years.
“Our journey brought us to AFMC with eyes wide open … never did we expect the sense of family this team brings to work with them each day,” he said.
He also offers some parting words of advice to the team as he bids farewell for new horizons.
“You only get one opportunity in this life to serve and to be an Airman. Take advantage of the opportunities you are given, and make every day count. Service to this Air Force and our nation is a worthwhile endeavor, we are the best, most capable flying force in the world, without a doubt.”
Source: United States AFRICOM
U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Michael Woods, Command Senior Enlisted Leader visited Morocco Feb. 20-21, 2024 on his third trip to the country since taking command.
During his official trip to Rabat, Morocco, Langley and U.S. Ambassador Puneet Talwar met with Mr. Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of the National Defense Administration and other senior Moroccan military leaders, to discuss shared security interests and future areas of potential cooperation. In addition, Langley was a guest speaker at Morocco’s military academy, Collège Royal de l’Enseignement Militaire Supérieur.
“Morocco is a key U.S. partner on a wide range of regional security issues. Our friendship dates to the very founding of the United States.” said U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco Puneet Talwar. “The United States is committed to our partnership with Morocco, whether on peacekeeping and efforts to achieve stability on the continent or support for secure, interoperable defense systems and joint exercises that advance readiness. Through visits like this, we continue to deepen our military cooperation that is critical to advancing peace and security in both our countries, in Africa, and globally.”
During a visit to the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces headquarters, Langley conducted an Honor Guard Pass and Review, followed by meetings with key officials, including General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces; General de Division Alaoui Bouhamid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Air Force; and Vice-Admiral Mostafa El Amai, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Navy and several others.
“The military partnership between the United States and Morocco is robust and poised for continued growth in the coming years.” said Langley. “This enduring collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to regional security, stability, and prosperity.”
Morocco plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional security and stability, contributing significantly to peace and prosperity in both the Middle East and across the African continent. The strategic bilateral partnership is anchored in shared interests, reflecting a mutual dedication to addressing common challenges.
“The relationship between Morocco and U.S. Africa Command is solidified through years of collaboration and combined security efforts.” said Langley. “Morocco has been a host to major U.S. military exercises, including exercises like African Lion, the largest joint military exercise in Africa.”
Morocco holds a crucial status as a key partner for the United States. The partnership is highly esteemed, with a particular appreciation for the active involvement of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in both bilateral and multinational exercises. These joint exercises serve as invaluable opportunities to boost the preparedness of our respective military forces and enhance overall interoperability.
The enduring partnership between the Utah National Guard and Morocco since 2003 underscores the depth of collaboration through the State Partnership Program. U.S. Africa Command remains steadfast in supporting its partners’ regional security efforts in North Africa, contributing to overall regional and global security and stability.
U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.
For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil
Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)
Feb. 22, 2024
Release Number 20240222-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), on Feb 22, U.S. aircraft and a coalition warship shot down six Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Red Sea. The OWA UAVs were identified by U.S. Central Command as likely targeting U.S. and coalition warships and were an imminent threat. Later, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles from southern Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. The missiles impacted MV Islander, a Palau-flagged, U.K.-owned, cargo carrier causing one minor injury and damage. The ship is continuing its voyage.
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Source: United States Navy (Medical)
ROTA, Spain – Sailors from the U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Rota continued their integration of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) curriculum into their physical fitness training regimen.
Led by Lt. Cmdr. Charlene Brew, the staff and education training officer, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Laquesha Jackson, the command fitness leader, the team identified fundamental TCCC skills suitable for incorporation into a fitness circuit. Together, they devised an annual Command PT schedule focusing on exercises that not only enhances physical fitness, but also sustains operational and clinical capabilities.
“Working in an (military treatment facility) can make it difficult to engage in TCCC training,” explained Brew. “By integrating TCCC into PT training, Sailors can easily sustain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a ready medical force.”
Jackson, a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, emphasized the collaboration with assistant fitness leaders in crafting a plan highlighting eight essential TCCC elements. “This is a critical part of Navy Medicine,” notes Jackson. “Military units with members trained in TCCC have documented the lowest incidence of preventable deaths among casualties in the history of modern warfare.”
These exercises build muscle and stamina that enable success when providing lifesaving care to an injured warfighter. Continuous education and physical training that is relative to the expectations of an operational platform will further enhance the readiness and effectiveness of our Sailors. Throughout the calendar year, our focus will remain on sustaining innovative activities that inspire sailorization and unit readiness.
NMRTC Rota serves as a force multiplier in Navy Medicine’s strategic global medical support mission throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East while also supporting operational readiness and maintaining a strategic repository of expertise at the Naval Hospital Rota MTF within the Iberian Peninsula.
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.