Category: Defense Intelligence

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP ASAKA , Japan  –  

In a groundbreaking advancement of interoperability and cooperation, military forces from Japan, Australia and the United States will strengthen their Alliance when the military exercise, Yama Sakura 87, takes place from December 6 through December 14.

This iteration of YS87 also marks a historic milestone with the execution of the Warfighter command post exercise, held for the first time in Japan, and a significant event in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s history.

For the first time in the exercise’s 40 years history, YS87 will run simultaneously with the U.S. Army’s Warfighter exercise, creating an unprecedented opportunity to validate joint operational capabilities across the Pacific theater.

YS 87 also features the first-ever full participation from the U.S. III Marine Expeditionary Force alongside an expanded Australian Defense Force participation for the second consecutive year.

The concurrent execution of YS87 and the Warfighter exercise demonstrates multilateral partnership to conduct complex, multi-echelon operations across vast distances across multiple location to strengthen international partnerships.

Key highlights of the combined exercises include:
• Simultaneous execution of Yama Sakura 87 and U.S. Army warfighter exercise scenarios
• Integration of cutting-edge multi-domain operations across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains
• Synchronized operations spanning Alaska, Hawaii, and Australia
• Enhanced focus on expeditionary advanced base operations
• Joint training in outlying island defense scenarios

Led by General Yasunori Morishita, Chief of Staff, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the exercise brings together elite units including the U.S. Army’s First Corps under Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane; III Marine Expeditionary Force under Marine Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner; and the Australian Army’s 1st Division under Maj. Gen. Ash Collingburn.

Since its first iteration in 1982, Yama Sakura has demonstrated a continued commitment by both the United States and Japan to work together as dedicated Allies in support of the U.S.-Japan security treaty and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Building on this legacy, YS87 showcases the evolution of this now trilateral defense cooperation exercise by incorporating advanced military concepts including Cross-Domain Operations (CDO), Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO).

The exercise serves as a cornerstone of Operation Pathways, the U.S. Army Pacific’s premier series of exercises demonstrating America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo.  –  

The U.S. Space Force officially turns five years old Dec. 20, 2024.

The sixth branch of the U.S Armed Forces was established on Dec. 20, 2019, when President Donald J. Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Under this act, Air Force Space Command, headquartered at then-Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, ceased space operations, was inactivated and the USSF assumed operational control of the space units previously commanded by AFSPC. From there, the Space Force pressed forward with building and defining the new service while simultaneously maintaining legacy missions and infrastructure.

In the intervening years since its creation, the USSF has built a space-focused cadre, pulling together ideas and expertise from sister services and promoting the transfer of enlisted and officers experienced in space operations, cyber, intelligence, acquisition and engineering.

But what have these years looked like from an installation perspective?

Looking Back Through Space and Time

On July 24, 2020, the USSF inactivated the 21st Space Wing at Peterson AFB and the 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colorado. On that same day, consolidating the installations under one command, Peterson-Schriever Garrison was activated with former 50th Space Wing commander, then-Col. James E. Smith, taking charge of the garrison.

P-S GAR expanded its command responsibilities of real property at six installations to include Peterson AFB; Schriever AFB; Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado; Thule Air Base, Greenland; New Boston AFS, New Hampshire; and Ka’ena Point AFS, Hawaii.

“Many command staff functions transferred to the Peterson-Schriever Garrison staff at Peterson AFB,” said Brad Helton, Space Base Delta 1 historian. “However, the support functions such as contracting, security forces, civil engineering, logistics and force support remained under the 21st and 50th Mission Support Groups, which remained active.”

To provide better mission oversight, the USSF activated Space Operations Command at Peterson AFB Oct. 21, 2020, becoming the first field command for the service and the higher headquarters for space operations units at to P-S GAR. On July 14, 2021, Air Force Material Command and Air Force Research Laboratory transferred control and support of the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, Hawaii, from Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, to Peterson AFB — making P-S GAR responsible for a total of seven installations.

In recognition of the critical role Peterson AFB and Schriever AFB play in supporting various space-focused missions, the Department of the Air Force redesignated both bases as Space Force Bases on July 28, 2021.

However, a new change to the command name was on the horizon.

Space Base Delta 1

On May 23, 2022, Space Operations Command redesignated P-S GAR as Space Base Delta 1.

“The new name brings our Colorado Front Range installations into greater alignment with the U.S. Space Force’s operational Space Deltas and Space Launch Deltas,” according to a quote by then-USSF Col. Shay Warakomski in an article published on May 24, 2022.

However, the newly established SBD 1 was not just a name change but a further fine-tuning of the command’s structure.

“On that day, the 21st and 50th Mission Support Groups inactivated at Peterson and Schriever SFBs and all squadrons transferred under SBD 1,” Helton said. “Looking at geographically separated units such as the 821st Air Base Group at Thule Air Base, Greenland, they were redesignated as the 821st Space Base Group. Eventually, that installation would be renamed on April 6, 2023, from Thule AB to Pituffik Space Base — the traditional Greenlandic name of the region where the base is located.

“Change is the only constant… SBD 1 has constantly been making adjustments ever since to optimize its performance under the new organizational concept within the newly established service.”

Today, SBD 1 enables U.S. Space Force operations for 10 of the service’s Space Deltas that are headquartered in Colorado Springs and more than 111 other mission partners across 23 world-wide operating locations by providing integrated Base Operating Support (e.g., directly assisting, maintaining, supplying and distributing support of forces at the operating locations), Combat Service Support (e.g., the essential capabilities, functions, activities and tasks necessary to sustain all elements of all operating forces at the operating locations) and Delta Staff Agency services (e.g., providing legal, financial and other administrative services to Guardians and Airmen).

Looking Ahead

Taking command of SBD 1 on July 11, 2024, USSF Col. Kenneth Klock, Space Base Delta 1 commander, now oversees the delta and its day-to-day operations.

“To describe Space Base Delta 1 in the simplest terms, think of us as a platform from which the space mission deltas project power,” Klock said. “Water, power, facilities, HVAC, communications, security, etc., all the critical infrastructure and resources necessary to sustain the basic functions our warfighters need to carry out the mission are provided by us.

“But it’s not just about the infrastructure, it’s also about the people. Many of our Guardians, Airmen and civilians are parents. Think of all the effort required to ensure that installation Child Development Centers are adequately equipped to take care of the children. Think of other mission support functions such as issuing ID cards and getting paid on time. SBD 1 delivers resilient and readily available support for space superiority.”

In plotting a course for the command, Klock is looking into the years ahead and seeing how the command needs to adapt to meet future needs and challenges head on.

“The space domain is ever-changing, and, by extension, so is the Space Force,” Klock said. “Turning five years old this year, we still have a lot to figure out and define, but we are moving forward in a way that ensures we can fight today, if called upon. We are also still innovating and growing to be even more ready for the fight tomorrow. It’s a challenging and exciting time, but we are making all the critical moves that matter.”

“Supporting our missions, growing our people, engaging with our civic community leaders and modernizing our systems and infrastructures — all of that will need to continue. We always have to be prepared for the worst and ensure our capabilities are survivable, flexible and responsive to meet tomorrow’s demands. We are doing that now and we will continue to do that into the future.”

To learn more, visit www.petersonschriever.spaceforce.mil/SpaceBaseDelta1/.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, landed at Misawa Air Base, Japan in preparation for flight operations as part of the Aviation Training Relocation program, Nov. 29, 2024.

While in Japan, VMFA-312 is temporarily augmenting Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, under the Unit Deployment Program, which aims to provide squadrons stationed in the continental U.S.with experience training in the Indo-Pacific. During their participation in the ATR, VMFA-312 will reduce local noise pollution, work alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel, and increase partner nation collaboration through bilateral flight operations.

“We’re excited to be out here doing flight [operations] with the Japanese.” said Capt. Russel Keating, an F/A-18 pilot, “We’re looking forward to the integrated training and expeditionary ops that we’re going to do.”

In addition to facilitating joint collaboration between U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy personnel, Misawa Air Base provides valuable experience with operating in low to freezing temperatures due to its location in the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Japan’s largest island.

“Misawa is a great base to operate out of, not only because it’s giving us experience with cold weather preparation, but it’s also very close to the Air Force and Navy, so we’re getting familiar with how to work with them as well as the JASDF,” said Capt. Bryan Torres, an F/A-18 pilot.

Operations such as the ATR facilitate necessary training to bolster cohesion between both U.S. and Japanese forces.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BATAM, Indonesia  –  

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, attached to Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, alongside Indonesian marines with 10th Marine Infantry Battalion, Indonesian Korps Marinir, conduct a battlesight-zero, jungle survival and patrol subject matter expert exchanges, machine gun, mortar, and intermediate marksmanship live fire ranges as well as the coastal defense final mission profile during Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2024 on Batam and Singkep Island, Indonesia, Nov. 6-19, 2024. Keris MAREX is a bilateral exercise conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps and Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia, or Indonesian Marine Corps, to strengthen relationships as military partners and increase interoperability among participating forces in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. MRF-SEA is a rotational unit derived from elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allied and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF presence west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter)

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  –  

446^th Airlift Wing leadership recently returned from Christchurch, New Zealand, where they connected with Airmen from the 446th and 62d Airlift Wings to recognize the Airmen and gain further insight into the critical role of Team McChord in Operation Deep Freeze.

Operation Deep Freeze supports the National Science Foundation by transporting equipment and personnel to Antarctica, enabling groundbreaking scientific research on the continent.

McChord’s commitment to ODF spans an impressive 26 years, during which the 446th and 62d AW have served as the primary airlift provider for resupply missions and personnel transport in Antarctica. The crews come together to form the 304^th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

“Witnessing the absolutely amazing relationship between the 62d AW and the 446th AW airmen execute and maintain the ODF mission over the years is one of the truest examples of Total Force Integration I have ever seen,” said, Col. Joseph Vanoni, 446^th AW wing commander.

During their visit, Vanoni and Chief Master Sgt. James Bolling, 446^th AW command chief, spent valuable time learning the responsibilities and challenges of operating in the coldest, windiest, most inhospitable continent on the globe. As such, each trip down to the frozen continent requires careful planning and coordination as weather changes quickly at the bottom of the world.

Leadership gained first-hand experience of those operations as Vanoni flew two missions into Antarctica, often referred to as “The Ice.”

“As a C-17 pilot, the Ice Mission is something I watched from afar for years and never thought I would be a part of,” said Vanoni. “Watching this team execute flawlessly and getting to be on Antarctica is something that ranks near the top of all of my C-17 experiences.”

Bolling, after receiving training from the maintenance team, marshalled Vanoni’s C-17 Globemaster III out onto the taxiway, demonstrating collaboration and teamwork.

The visit highlighted the dedication and expertise of the Airmen who efforts are essential to the success of the unique and demanding mission.

“The work these Airmen do in support of the National Science Foundation is remarkable,” said Bolling. “It’s an honor to witness their professionalism and commitment.”

Vanoni echoed Bolling’s thoughts.

“Their complete professionalism and total drive to execute the mission is second to none,” he exclaimed. “I have flown combat airdrops, conducted missions around the world, and participated in large joint exercises. The pilots, loadmasters, and maintainers work as one team to execute a complicated mission; and they make it look easy.”

Operation Deep Freeze continues to demonstrate the Air Force’s readiness and capability to support scientific exploration in some of the harshest conditions on Earth and is a prime example of how the 446^th AW produces ready Airmen to project power into the Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

Against a backdrop of swirling dust and brisk island winds aboard Andersen Air Force Base, the inaugural Battle of the Branches combat marksmanship competition united military and civilian forces in a show of skill, discipline, and camaraderie. Hosted by the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing and Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske, the event featured seven teams representing branches stationed on Guam and the Guam Police Department on Nov. 22, 2024.

“This competition went really well. It tested our capabilities and pushed us out of our comfort zone because we don’t often shoot at varying distances like this,” said Ensign Thomas Forames-Su, the Forces Micronesia Sector Guam Sector Boarding Team supervisor. “The added variation to our basic qualifications was challenging but rewarding. Shooting while stressed, tired, and uncomfortable was a real learning experience, and it gave us a new appreciation for our training.”

The U.S. Coast Guard placed fourth overall, competing with a combined team of two maritime enforcement specialists from the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Sector Boarding Team and two Port Security Unit 311 members currently deployed to Guam.

Forames-Su also highlighted the logistical and interagency support that made the U.S. Coast Guard’s participation possible. “The armory provided excellent support facilitating our exchange with local partners along with possibilities to use different ranges on island alongside other agencies. It was a lot of fun, and we walked away with skills and lessons we can apply moving forward.”

Armed with M4 carbines and Glock handguns, U.S. Coast Guard members navigated multiple stations designed to test speed, precision, and endurance with distances ranging from 10 to 150 meters and multiple shooting positions. The timed courses of fire began and ended with a run, with participants donning helmets and 30-pound plate carriers.

“The support we had out there was incredible,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Trenton Jones from the Sector Boarding Team. “Our entire team and folks from so many other departments showed up just to cheer us on and be part of the day. It really speaks to our camaraderie—not just within the Coast Guard but across all the branches and agencies here on Guam. Events like this remind us that even in competition, we’re all on the same team.”

The Coast Guard also performed well during the final event, the Commander’s Shoot, where senior leaders from all participating organizations faced off on a Texas Star—a rotating target rig firing ten rounds at ten targets. The Coast Guard team claimed victory in the shoot-off, a highlight of the day.

The overall trophy went to the Guam Police Department, which demonstrated exceptional marksmanship and teamwork. The U.S. Air Force took second place, first among the military branches. This competition was more than a test of skill; it was a testament to inter-service cooperation and mutual respect. For the Coast Guard, it showcased the seamless collaboration between its Sector Boarding Team and Port Security Unit 307, made possible by support from the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Armory.

“This competition was more than just hitting targets; it was about testing our readiness under unknown conditions. Our team effort exemplifies how we integrate across units to achieve success,” said Forames-Su. “This event reinforced our capabilities and the bonds we share with other services.”

Organizers hope to make the Battle of the Branches an annual tradition, fostering both friendly rivalry and preparedness. “I would echo Brigadier General Palenske’s sentiments that this is about building relationships as much as refining skills. Together, we’re stronger and deliver for America and the Pacific,” said Cmdr. Patton Epperson, the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam response department head.

-USCG-

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. The Sector Boarding Team enforces maritime laws, ensures vessel safety, and protects ports and waterways through inspections and security operations.

About Port Security Unit 311
Port Security Unit 311 is a deployable U.S. Coast Guard unit specializing in maritime security operations, providing force protection, and safeguarding critical infrastructure in high-threat environments worldwide. They are based in San Pedro, California, out of U.S. Coast Guard Base Long Angeles/Long Beach. Each PSU is staffed with around 140 reservists and six active-duty personnel.