Category: Defense

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa   –  

The Amphibious Ready Group-Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) forms a cohesive Navy and Marine Corps combined-arms team, ready to respond across a range of military operations. The Navy and Marine Corps team delivers decisive, integrated American naval power.

The America ARG is based out of Sasebo, Japan, and is comprised of the staff of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and its three ships: the amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). The 31st MEU, headquartered out of Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, consists of a command element, an aviation combat element with F-35B Lightning II aircraft, a combat logistics battalion and a ground combat element.

“We’re looking at a pretty large chunk of INDOPACOM’s ‘ready now’ combat power,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Chris Niedziocha, the commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “Here in the first island chain, the ARG/MEU team competes every day with our opponent. It’s exhilarating to be this far forward, embarked aboard warships – deterring the adversary, reassuring our partners, and signaling resolve.”

The ARG/MEU, which consists of more than 5,000 Marines and Sailors, is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed number fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP MAKOMANAI, Japan  –  

U.S. Army Japan begins North Wind 25, a bilateral cold-weather field training exercise designed to enhance combat readiness and promote interoperability with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force running through February 9, 2025, at Camp Makomanai and the Hokudai-en Hokkaido Large Training Area in Hokkaido, in northern Japan.

The exercise is comprised of approximately 190 U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment and approximately 400 members of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, Northern Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force.

“The U.S.-Japan alliance, an alliance spanning 60 years, is the foundation of a regional peace and stability,” said Col. Matthew Hall, U.S. Army Japan Chief of Operations and Deputy Chief of Staff. “North Wind is an important piece out of many exercises that build and maintain a stronger alliance and stability in the region.”

North Wind 25 is a routine exercise that is conducted annually, to enhance bilateral tactical operations at the squad through company level and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan against external aggression.

“Our training objectives are improving bilateral operational capability, tactical skills and interoperability in the Arctic environment,” said Major General Yoshiki Adachi, commanding general, 11th Brigade, Northern Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force.

During the exercise, U.S. Soldiers and JGSDF members will exchange tactics, techniques, produces and fieldcraft for an extreme cold weather and develop cross country ski and snowshoe mobility and maneuver proficiency over uneven terrain and mountainous environment.

Bilateral training exercises like North Wind strengthen our relationships and increase interoperability with allies and partners through shared experiences and tough, realistic activities.This enduring alliance highlights not only the strength of our partnership, but also our continued ability to meet new challenges together.

JGSDF and the U.S Army are proud of their history of staying trained and ready.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines  –  

On Feb. 1, 2025, American and Filipino dignitaries, military leaders, and local officials gathered at the Cabanatuan American Memorial to honor the 80th anniversary of the Cabanatuan Raid. This daring World War II rescue mission saved 511 Allied prisoners of war. The event commemorated the courage, sacrifice, and partnership that defined this historic operation.

The Cabanatuan Raid, also known as “The Great Raid,” demonstrated the unmatched coordination and bravery of the United States Army 6th Ranger Battalion, Filipino guerrillas and local resistance fighters. Conducted on Jan. 30, 1945, this was the first combat mission for the 6th Ranger Battalion after rigorous training under Lt. Col. Henry Mucci and led by Capt. Robert Prince.

“The raid on Cabanatuan was a resounding success. Over 500 Allied prisoners were liberated, brought back from the brink of death to the embrace of freedom. It was a victory not just for the soldiers rescued but for the ideals of liberty and human dignity that our nations hold dear,” said Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. “This was not just a military operation; it was a testament to the strength of the partnership between U.S. and Philippine forces, a symbol of hope in the darkest days of war, and a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.”

The ceremony included a wreath-laying to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, a historical account delivered by Dr. Mike Krivdo, U.S. Army Pacific historian, and remarks from representatives of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, the modern-day successors of the 6th Ranger Battalion.

Dr. Mike Krivdo provided historical context and noted, “In all the annals of military history, the Raid at Cabanatuan is on the short list to be studied by military leaders, exciting the imagination with its near flawless execution and impact. The Raid exemplified ingenuity, determination and collaboration.”

“It is a shining example of how U.S. and Filipino forces came together in wartime to overcome insurmountable odds for the most noble of causes. This legacy will forever inspire generations of Soldiers and leaders.”
The raid’s success was rooted in meticulous planning, precision, and an unbreakable commitment to never leave a fallen comrade. These ideals laid the foundation for the Ranger Creed, which was later written in 1974 by Command Sgt. Maj. Neal R. Gentry, the first command sergeant major of the reactivated 1st Ranger Battalion. Today, Rangers uphold these values in their missions worldwide.

“As we reflect on their heroism, let us also remember the lessons they left behind,” said Capt. David Bryan, a Ranger with 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. “The Raid at Cabanatuan teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, unity and determination can achieve the extraordinary. It reminds us that the fight for justice and liberty is a collective effort, requiring the collaboration of nations, the strength of communities, and the resolve of individuals.”

The Cabanatuan Raid would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Filipino guerrillas, whose local knowledge and determination were crucial to the mission’s success. This partnership ensured the operation’s success and solidified a bond between the U.S. and the Philippines that remains strong today.

As the U.S. Army commemorates 80 years since the end of World War II, it remains focused on meeting the challenges of the 21st century. The Army’s presence in the Indo-Pacific remains vital, fostering peace and stability through strong alliances and unwavering readiness to address emerging threats. By honoring its past and strengthening its partnerships, the U.S. Army continues to serve as a powerful deterrent in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  –  

Red Flag 25-1 takes flight at Nellis Air Force Base uniting U.S. forces with allies from the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force in a combined exercise to enhance combat readiness and strengthen partnerships.

This iteration of Red Flag marks 50 years of high-end training, highlighting Red Flag’s enduring legacy of preparing its participants to be combat-ready and mission-effective in the face of evolving threats. 

For half a century, Red Flag has provided warfighters with realistic training to prepare for combat against evolving adversaries. What began in 1975 to address lessons learned in Vietnam has grown into an international training ground with participants from 29 nations honing their skills in joint and allied operations. This year, the RAF and RAAF bring critical expertise to the fight.

“Integrating combat capability is what Red Flag is all about and being ready for integrated combat operations with our Allies is key to success in any potential future conflict,” said Col. Eric Winterbottom, commander of the 414th Combat Training Squadron. “The Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force bring not only advanced capabilities but also a wealth of operational experience that enriches everyone’s experience in this exercise. Red Flag is where we come together as one team to sharpen our edge, build trust, and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges today.”

Red Flag continues to focus on overcoming the complexities of Great Power Competition, with an emphasis on integrating air, space, and cyber capabilities to counter advanced threats. Training scenarios push participants to operate in contested and degraded environments, forcing rapid decision-making and teamwork under pressure. The RAF and RAAF play key roles in these scenarios, demonstrating their ability to seamlessly integrate with U.S. forces in highly dynamic combat situations.

With over 500,000 military personnel trained and more than 420,000 sorties flown since its inception, Red Flag’s legacy continues to evolve. Allied participation is a cornerstone of that legacy ensuring that joint and partner forces are ready to respond to threats anywhere in the world.

Red Flag 25-1 highlights the enduring importance of allied partnerships demonstrating that the U.S., RAF, and RAAF are stronger together in facing the challenges of the future.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan  –  

Brigadier General Kevin Collins, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, completed today a multinational visit of U.S., Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Republic of Korea self-defense and military commands ahead of scheduled bilateral exercises in Japan and Korea, Jan. 27 through Feb. 4, 2025.

With multiple bilateral exercises on the horizon for 3rd MLG, Collins and his command staff visited multiple units to better understand their capabilities and to discuss better integration with the MLG for upcoming bilateral exercises and preparedness training for any humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. As the logistics arm of III Marine Expeditionary Force, 3rd MLG’s understanding of the housing and distribution of allied forces’ equipment and how to further train the blending of respective countries’ logistics systems is crucial for supporting the Marine Corps mission in the Pacific, in either contested environments or areas impacted by natural disasters.

In Japan, Collins met with the director of logistics for the Western Army at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, followed by a tour of the Kyushu District Depot and its Western Army Logistics Support Unit, visits timed concurrently with planning conferences about the upcoming exercise Resolute Dragon, a training evolution hosted by III MEF and the Western Army that rehearses operations over maritime terrain to strengthen bilateral command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities. Additionally, he visited 3rd MLG Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, as the MLG has personnel dispersed across mainland Japan and Okinawa as logistical liaisons at sister units. Further, he toured U.S. ordnance and other supply facilities at MCAS Iwakuni, the Kure Ammunition Depot, and Yokohama North Dock on CFAY.

In Korea, Collins met with both U.S. and ROK leadership at United States Forces Korea before visiting Marine Corps Forces, Korea, where they discussed the upcoming Korea Theater of Operations training package, which includes exercises Freedom Banner, Freedom Shield, and the Korean Marine Exchange Program. Freedom Banner is the maritime offload, dispersal, and retrograde of equipment in support of follow-on training events; Freedom Shield strengthens the combined defensive capabilities of both countries’ armed forces in a changing security environment; and KMEP focuses on bolstering ROK and U.S. Marine Corps interoperability as a unified, regional littoral force.

With these shared exercises ahead of 3rd MLG, such command visits and planning iterations further codifies the alliances built upon by previous training events. 3rd MLG is focused on enhancing cooperation with partner nations, strengthening partnerships, and demonstrating its role as a critical element in maintaining a ready and capable force to deter adversary actions to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

On 28 January, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted an honorable carry ceremony to honor service members from World War II at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

An honorable carry ceremony is a tradition that honors unknown service members as they return to American soil for the first time in over 80 years.

The 18 U.S. flag-draped transfer cases contained the potential remains of 36 unknown World War II service members who were interred at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. The cases were repatriated to the DPAA’s laboratory in Hawaii for identification and analysis.

“Thirty-five of these brave individuals perished in captivity at the Cabanatuan prison camp, while one gave their life in the Tokyo Prison Fire during World War II,” said John M. Figuerres, the DPAA’s acting deputy director for operations.

These service members were among those who fought bravely at the battles of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. With no supplies, reinforcements or hope of relief, they held their ground longer than any Allied force against the Imperial Japanese army’s initial attacks.

“After being forced to surrender, many of these service members suffered through the brutal 65-mile Bataan Death March and lost their lives while being held as prisoners,” Figuerres explained.

The DPAA launched the Cabanatuan Project in 2014 and has since accounted for more than 90 personnel. However, more than 900 individuals remain unaccounted for.
“As part of its ongoing efforts, the agency’s annual goal is to conduct two Philippine disinterments and repatriate about 70 transfer cases”, said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jordan Underwood, DPAA team leader for the disinterment.

Additionally, the DPAA continues working to identify service members who perished in the Tokyo Military Prison in May 1945, initiating the Tokyo Prison Fire Project in 2022. Dozens of American Airmen who were being held in the Tokyo Military Prison died during the Allied firebombing of the Japanese capitol in March 1945, trapped amidst the blaze engulfing the city.

The agency identifies potential remains using a wide variety of methods, some examples include anthropological testing, dental analysis and DNA testing in partnership with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System.

“The DPAA’s mission is to account for missing personnel from past conflicts. We hope to identify these service members and return them home. One family member once told me that it’s not about providing closure, but about closing a chapter of their family history, and I think that’s a great way to describe it”, said Dr. Carrie LeGarde, a DPAA scientific recovery expert. “We cannot achieve this without bringing these remains back to the DPAA laboratory.”

For the men and women of the DPAA, an honorable carry is both a solemn occasion, and a triumph.

“Today, after more than 84 years away from their homeland, we honor their return to the United States,” Figuerres said. “Their sacrifice stands as a testament to the extraordinary courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation. Our mission to identify these heroes continues, ensuring their legacy is preserved and their sacrifice to our nation is never forgotten.”

For more information about the DPAA’s efforts to recover POW/MIA remains, visit https://www.dpaa.mil.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

On 28 January, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted an honorable carry ceremony to honor service members from World War II at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

An honorable carry ceremony is a tradition that honors unknown service members as they return to American soil for the first time in over 80 years.

The 18 U.S. flag-draped transfer cases contained the potential remains of 36 unknown World War II service members who were interred at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. The cases were repatriated to the DPAA’s laboratory in Hawaii for identification and analysis.

“Thirty-five of these brave individuals perished in captivity at the Cabanatuan prison camp, while one gave their life in the Tokyo Prison Fire during World War II,” said John M. Figuerres, the DPAA’s acting deputy director for operations.

These service members were among those who fought bravely at the battles of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. With no supplies, reinforcements or hope of relief, they held their ground longer than any Allied force against the Imperial Japanese army’s initial attacks.

“After being forced to surrender, many of these service members suffered through the brutal 65-mile Bataan Death March and lost their lives while being held as prisoners,” Figuerres explained.

The DPAA launched the Cabanatuan Project in 2014 and has since accounted for more than 90 personnel. However, more than 900 individuals remain unaccounted for.
“As part of its ongoing efforts, the agency’s annual goal is to conduct two Philippine disinterments and repatriate about 70 transfer cases”, said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jordan Underwood, DPAA team leader for the disinterment.

Additionally, the DPAA continues working to identify service members who perished in the Tokyo Military Prison in May 1945, initiating the Tokyo Prison Fire Project in 2022. Dozens of American Airmen who were being held in the Tokyo Military Prison died during the Allied firebombing of the Japanese capitol in March 1945, trapped amidst the blaze engulfing the city.

The agency identifies potential remains using a wide variety of methods, some examples include anthropological testing, dental analysis and DNA testing in partnership with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System.

“The DPAA’s mission is to account for missing personnel from past conflicts. We hope to identify these service members and return them home. One family member once told me that it’s not about providing closure, but about closing a chapter of their family history, and I think that’s a great way to describe it”, said Dr. Carrie LeGarde, a DPAA scientific recovery expert. “We cannot achieve this without bringing these remains back to the DPAA laboratory.”

For the men and women of the DPAA, an honorable carry is both a solemn occasion, and a triumph.

“Today, after more than 84 years away from their homeland, we honor their return to the United States,” Figuerres said. “Their sacrifice stands as a testament to the extraordinary courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation. Our mission to identify these heroes continues, ensuring their legacy is preserved and their sacrifice to our nation is never forgotten.”

For more information about the DPAA’s efforts to recover POW/MIA remains, visit https://www.dpaa.mil.