Category: Defense Intelligence

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP ASAKA , Japan  –  

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with military leaders from the U.S., Japan, and Australia and recognized service members from each of the Allied and partner nations for their service and sacrifice to a free and open Indo-Pacific region at Camp Asaka, Japan, as part of his three-day official visit to the nation, December 11, 2024.

Austin’s visit to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force base reinforced the enduring strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Additionally, the secretary witnessed the participation of the Australian Defence Force as part of the trilateral exercise dubbed Yama Sakura 87 aimed to foster relationships, and the importance of military readiness and interoperability across the Indo-Pacific region.

Yama Sakura is a command post exercise that emphasizes trilateral operations between the U.S. Army, JGSDF, and the ADF.

Established in 1982, the Yama Sakura exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability, honing crisis-response capabilities, and reinforcing regional stability. The exercise brings together thousands of personnel from all three nations, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and realistic scenarios playing a vital role in ensuring collective security.

This year’s iteration ran concurrently with the U.S. Army’s command post exercise, Warfighter 25-02, executed by America’s First Corps, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. This makes it the largest Yama Sakura exercise in its over 40-year history.

Following a series of senior leader engagements and briefings, Austin spoke with several service members from each respective nation and thanked them for their dedication, service, and continued sacrifice to their nations and the Alliance.

“This is how we ought to be operating,” said Austin. “It’s really good to see. We have the right people. It’s all about the people. It’s not about the platforms necessarily alone. It’s about the people who are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty.”

Austin concluded his visit by expressing his appreciation for the scope of the trilateral Yama Sakura and Warfighter exercises and taking a group photo with the collective group of U.S., Japanese and Australian personnel.

“It truly is impressive,” he said. “I challenge you to continue to do the great work that you are doing and learn from what you are doing. Thanks for letting me stand in the ranks with you today.”

The visit to Camp Asaka capped off a three-day visit across Japan where he engaged with both Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo.

During his visit earlier this week, Austin took the opportunity to visit Yokohama North Dock to meet U.S. service members with the U.S. Army’s 5th Composite Watercraft Company and leaders of U.S. Army Japan and addressed U.S. Navy Sailors with the USS George Washington.

In each engagement, the secretary thanked them for their service and for their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SAGAMI ARMY DEPOT, Japan  –  

Military leaders from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Eastern Army, U.S. Army Japan (USARJ), U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC) gathered at Sagami Army Depot to recognize the strategic importance of Yama Sakura 87, and the concurrent Warfighter exercises as testaments to the adapting, enduring alliance, December 8, 2024.

This year’s exercises, which combines trans-Pacific logistics movements, advanced networks, and integrated simulation technologies, underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to enhancing cross and multi-domain readiness in the region.

These exercises aim to increase the speed and duration these Allied nations can operate together, while ensuring enhanced coordination through a range of potential real-world scenarios.

The senior leader engagement included:
• Japanese Lt. Gen. Yuichi Togashi, Eastern Army commanding general, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
• U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Womack, USARJ commanding general
• Australian Maj. Gen. Scott Winter, Deputy Commanding General – Strategy and Plans for USARPAC
• U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Cotman, the 593rd ESC commander

The leaders discussed the importance of Yama Sakura and the concurrent Warfighter 25-2 exercise and recognized the occasion as a strategic milestone.

The visit focused on observing the JGSDF and U.S. Soldiers participating in the training and discussing the important role Sagami Army Depot plays as a logistical hub, both in the exercise and across a spectrum of potential contingencies in the region.

“The success of this exercise is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in modern military operations,” said Cotman. “Trilateral exercises like Yama Sakura, and training alongside great Allies, allows us to set new standards for multinational collaboration in the region. We are a stronger and more capable force when we train together.”

Yama Sakura 87 fosters interoperability between Japan, the United States, and Australia, by integrating cutting-edge simulations within a traditional field exercise framework and pushing the boundaries of operational readiness in the region.

Discussing how the exercise tests and showcases the strength of the collective partnership, Winter highlighted that “effective partner integration is not defined by boundaries on a map,” but that “It is everyone at every echelon working together.”

Across three nations, six unique locations, 17 time zones, servicemembers from Japan, the U.S., and Australia are training side-by-side in a dynamic scenario to enhance cross and multi-domain interoperability.

The largest Yama Sakura in history, the exercise includes 5,000 JGSDF, 1,500 U.S. servicemembers across all components, and 250 servicemembers from the Australian Defense Force, demonstrating a tangible commitment from these nations to multinational collaboration.

As part of Operation Pathways, Yama Sakura 87 is the largest joint, bilateral, and trilateral command post exercise (CPX) co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the JGSDF aimed to regularly experiment, test, and validate sustainment capabilities.

In addition to observing key operations, the commanders emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges and trust-building among Allied forces.

Activities at Sagami Army Depot provide an opportunity for servicemembers from Japan and the U.S. to share experiences, exchange tactical insights, and build camaraderie through the weeks-long exercise.

As the trilateral exercise progresses, its outcomes are expected to shape future joint training activities and reinforce the shared commitment to regional stability.

This visit by senior leaders to Sagami Army Depot highlight not only the operational advancements of the exercise but also the unwavering dedication to fostering a unified approach to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MUIRA, Japan  –  

U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) delivered the spirit of the holidays to Miura Shiratori-en, a local institution for the mentally and physically challenged, Dec. 5, 2024, with a Christmas themed-party complete with Christmas music, presents, cake, ice cream, and a visit from Santa Claus.

“This is the 59th year we have celebrated the holidays with our friends at Miura Shiratori-en; thank you very much for having us here today. We merrily share the Christmas spirit with you, celebrating the friendship between our two countries,” said SRF-JRMC Executive Officer Cmdr. Tim Emge said in his opening remarks. “We hope the holiday music, gifts, and refreshments will bring joy to each of you on this special day. On behalf of the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center, we wish you great health, happiness, and peace now and in the coming year. From our hearts to yours, Merry Christmas, and Yoi otoshi wo omukae Kudasai.”

The Christmas party and its support of Miura Shiratori-en is a tradition the command has maintained for over 60-years.

“This year marks the 61st anniversary since the establishment of Miura Shiratori-en. There are no other people than the members of the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center who have supported Shiratori-en for such a long time,” said Shiratori-en director Kazushi Asai. “Not only the residents and children who stay at this institution but also their families and our staff are sincerely grateful to you. I hope that we will be able to spend more wonderful time together in the future.”

The party is a joint effort of the SRF-JRMC Friendly Society of Japanese Master Labor Contract (MLC) employees and volunteers from the U.S. military and civilian personnel at SRF-JRMC.

“The day of this year’s SRF Christmas party, which we all have been looking forward to, has come,” said the Treasurer of the Shiratori-en Family Association, Mr. Saito. “Thank you to everyone who has took care of us so kindly. The residents love the delicious cake and refreshments and what makes us most happy are the gifts given to each dormitory. We are always impressed by the gifts which are tailored to the desires of each resident. We can feel and sense your heartfulness. I am truly grateful.”

Shiratori-en was established in 1963 as Nagasawa Gakuen, a public institution for the mentally and physically challenged. Throughout its history, different public and private organizations have been responsible for its operation. True to its tradition, however, SRF-JRMC has unwaveringly continued its support of the facility, residents, outpatients, their families, staff members, and the community.

For over 75-years, U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) has been the linchpin of U.S. naval operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by providing intermediate-level and depot-level repair for the ships of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.  –  

Key leadership from Space Systems Command (SSC) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) – U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific (SFI) team converged on October 29-30, 2024, for the first-ever Space Warfighter Days (SWFD) conference hosted by The Aerospace Corporation at its El Segundo campus.
 
The two-day event paired USINDOPACOM, the nation’s largest and oldest combatant command, with the U.S. Space Force, the nation’s newest – and smallest – military branch, for the purpose of bringing game-changing capabilities to bear in defense of our Nation, Allies, and strategic interests.
 
More than one hundred military, government civilian, and contractor personnel from USINDOPACOM, SSC Program Executive Offices (PEOs), and other DoD and government agencies attended the conference, making it the broadest reaching combatant command engagement with Space Systems Command to date.
 
USSF Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Mastalir, commander of U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific, opened the event by underscoring the size and scope of USINDOPACOM’s mission and area of responsibility (AOR), and the criticality of rapid deployment of space capabilities to offset America’s adversaries. He then highlighted “protecting the joint force from space-enabled attack” as a key tenet for Space Force and USINDOPACOM teaming.
 
Mastalir went on to describe the collaboration between SFI and SSC as a bridge for continuing the Nation’s defense in an increasingly complex technological future, stating “The post-World War II construct that lasted 80 years is at risk and needs Guardians to answer the Nation’s call, just as generations of Americans before us answered the call to protect and serve.”
 
USSF Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, SSC commander, spoke on the second day, describing key advancements in space command and control (C2) systems and the delivery timelines required to meet the needs of combatant commanders.
 
Garrant discussed SSC’s role in context with the guiding principles for USINDOPACOM laid out by Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of USINDOPACOM, placing special emphasis on Paparo’s third guiding principle: “Enable the Warfighter,” which ensures fielded warriors are enabled to “lead, plan, and execute successfully at the operational level…[with] capstone guidance, facilitated decision-making processes, and…effective command and control.”
 
SSC team leaders from the Space Sensing (SN), Space Domain Awareness & Combat Power (SDACP), and Battle Management, Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) Program Executive Offices provided updates on current and evolving capabilities as well as future space architectures critical to the Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific AOR.
 
 
 
The conference discussions ranged from operational and campaign-level planning to space capabilities and concepts, key requirements, commercial services integration and international affairs considerations. Besides critical teaming and cross-mission understanding, the engagements laid the groundwork for capability prioritization, future system integration, and joint exercising/wargaming.
 
At the end of each day, the SFI team had the opportunity to discuss priority issues with PEO teams from SN, SDACP, and BMC3 to gain insight on future C2 and effects capabilities relevant to their most pressing mission areas.
 
Also attending was Dr. Claire Leon, director of SSC’s Space Systems Integration Office with responsibility for uniting the Systems-of-Systems integration effort across all SSC PEO portfolios and mission partners in the National Security Space enterprise. After the event, Dr. Leon noted that the SWFD conference “was an outstanding opportunity to establish relationships and align priorities in order to deliver capabilities and innovative approaches to outpace the threat.”
 
“Aerospace is a full partner across all of the SSC Program Offices and elements…our combined team looks forward to the next SSC-Combatant Command conferences to focus our support on the warfighter,” said Mike Baxter, Aerospace principal director of Enterprise Interoperability.
 
SSC’s Warfighter Integration Office Team will be looking to host similar events with other combatant commands in the next calendar year to help bringing future space capabilities in addressing the nation’s global security challenges.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

High above the Pacific, Santa’s grey sleighs roared to life Dec. 8 as C-130 Hercules aircrews from five allied nations began dropping humanitarian-like aid bundles as part of Operation Christmas Drop 2024.

The annual mission, now in its 73rd year, brings together aircrews from the United States, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Canada to deliver supplies and holiday cheer to remote Pacific islands while providing airlift training and enhancing multinational interoperability through combined airlift operations. The mission’s commemorative “Push Ceremony,” held Dec. 9, symbolically marked the start of the airdrop operations already underway.

With OCD 2024 now in full swing, Capt. Miranda Bapty, mission commander, emphasized the importance of teamwork and international cooperation in making such a large-scale operation a success.

“This mission works because of the incredible teamwork between so many different groups,” Bapty said. “You’ve got aircrews from five countries, volunteers packing bundles, and people behind the scenes making it all happen. It’s inspiring to see everyone come together for a shared purpose, and seeing those first bundles drop really makes all the hard work worth it.”

During the ceremony, Vincent Mut-Tracy, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia, emphasized how the mission fosters regional unity and delivers tangible support to those in need.

“Operation Christmas Drop truly captures the Christmas spirit,” he said. “There are many reasons why Operation Christmas Drop is the longest-running humanitarian airlift operation for the Department of Defense…this is a special opportunity that unites everyone in the region and strengthens our partnerships, and it makes a huge difference to those living in the other islands. From our friends in the federal states of Micronesia and Palau, to our military leaders and allies in Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Canada…thank you all for your contribution to not only conduct this operation, but also increase our preparedness and readiness to respond in event of a natural disaster or crisis.”

Bruce Best, more commonly known locally as “Brother Bruce,” also spoke at the ceremony and has been a longstanding figure within OCD circles for nearly 40 years. Best serves as a liaison between Guam and the remote island communities that benefit from the operation to ensure that they receive supplies each year.

“It’s great to be alive every year and to see this amazing 73rd year of Operation Christmas Drop,” he said. “It’s always wonderful to see our partners coming together to ensure the success of this mission. From Palau to the Federated States of Micronesia, everyone is thrilled by the generosity and dedication that makes this mission possible.”

Having been part of multiple iterations of the operation, Bapty said the heart of OCD is about more than delivering supplies — it’s about sending a message to people who live in some of the most remote communities within the Indo-Pacific theater.

“I hope every islander who gets a bundle knows how much love goes into every one,” she said. “People from all over the world came together to make this happen because we care. For so many of us, the highlight of our year is seeing the islander’s messages and hearing them on the radio! We are so incredibly proud and honored to be a part of this mission.”