Auto Added by WPeMatico
Source: United States Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/31/2025 08:15 PM EST
01/31/2025 07:49 PM EST
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:
On January 30, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held an introductory call with the Republic of Korea (ROK)’s Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho. The Acting Minister congratulated the Secretary on his appointment and the two leaders discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defending the ROK under President Trump’s leadership and both leaders also reiterated their shared focus on maintaining a strong combined U.S.-ROK defense posture. Both the Secretary and the Minister agreed to remain in close contact moving forward.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:
On January 30, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen held an introductory call to discuss the U.S.-Japan Alliance, the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Nakatani congratulated the Secretary on his appointment and reaffirmed his desire to work together to advance Alliance priorities. The two officials reiterated the importance of deepening defense cooperation to strengthen deterrence and to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to advance ongoing work to modernize Alliance command and control and expand bilateral presence in Japan’s Southwest Islands. Both the Secretary and the Minister agreed to remain in close contact on areas of mutual security interest.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
GULF OF THAILAND –
The U.S. relationship with Thailand is one of the oldest in the Indo-Pacific region. The countries have shared friendly and diplomatic relations for over 190 years. Thailand is one of five treaty allies of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific Region and continues to be a longstanding security partner and leader in Southeast Asia.
“We are incredibly grateful to Thailand for hosting the Carrier Strike Group ONE team,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE. “Port visits like this are a testament to the vital importance of the U.S.-Thailand Alliance and Partnership that contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We have shared history, shared interests, and common values that will continue to unite us for the good of both of our countries.”
The U.S. remains committed to the Kingdom of Thailand, promoting military-to-military relations, as well as advancing interoperability and coordination with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, to promote regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Thank you, Rear Admiral Michael Wosje and the captains and crew of the USS Carl Vinson and other ships of Carrier Strike Group ONE, for your visit to Thailand! Your time here reinforced the excellent relations between Thailand and the United States and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. We look forward to future visits,” said U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec.
During their stay in Thailand, the nearly 7,500 Sailors from Carrier Strike Group ONE participated in cultural exchanges, community relations events, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored tours to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
“I know I can speak for all of the Carl Vinson crew when I say how grateful we are to the people of Laem Chabang and Pattaya City for welcoming our Sailors with such kindness and hospitality,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). “This port visit allowed our Sailors the opportunity to recharge and prepare to approach the next stretch of our time at sea maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. We are committed to the U.S.-Thai friendship and look forward to future opportunities that strengthen this bond.”
The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group ONE and Destroyer Squadron one, Carrier Air Wing Two, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). Carrier Air Wing Two is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks.
The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating 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 Carrier Strike Group ONE and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70
Source: United States Air Force
Air Force senior leaders conducted one of their first stops of a recently launched roadshow at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 24, 2025, to prepare Airmen as the service transitions into Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings as part of the ongoing U.S. Air Force Re-Optimization.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii –
Forty Sailors from six Navy public affairs reserve units supporting Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) attended a reserve public affairs summit Jan. 9 to 11, 2025, focused on rapidly developing and sustaining their warfighting readiness skills.
The summit supported Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Navigation Plan 2024, which directs the Navy to be more ready for the possibility of sustained high-end conflict with the People’s Republic of China by 2027.
Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, underscored the critical role of public affairs in his approach at the operational level of war – to deny, defend, and dominate. When speaking to the group of professional communicators, Koehler emphasized that effects within the information environment are considered at the start of the planning cycle.
During the training, reserve Sailors received briefings on honing their communications skills to deliver a key strategic advantage in the Pacific. This effort aligns with Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore’s strategic guidance for the Reserve Force – to put more ready players on the field as the Navy Reserve integrates with the Navy Total Force to deter, defend and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries.
According to Vice Adm. Lacore, the global security environment demands our urgent preparations and readiness to respond to the call, when needed, by posturing the Reserve Force for warfighting by accelerating the pace of organizational development and strengthening our warfighters to be ready on day one.
Leaders from COMPACFLT, to include Koehler and Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg, Reserve deputy COMPACFLT, as well as those from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, discussed how public affairs missions within the information environment enable strategic and operational success and reinforced the importance of engaging in truthful communication activities to counter adversaries’ increasing use of misinformation.
Rear Adm. John Robinson, Navy Vice Chief of Information, highlighted the importance of the CNO’s “Project 33” initiative, which prioritizes operational readiness including a key target of fighting from maritime operations centers, or MOCs.
Capt. Rebecca Rebarich, USINDOPACOM director of Public Affairs and Outreach, echoed Koehler’s message on integrating information forces into maritime planning. She stressed the vital role USINDOPACOM places on the information domain, ensuring warfighters are prepared to support fleet operations in the event of a high-intensity conflict with a peer competitor.
With increased tensions and escalating threats in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Navy needs to make accurate assessments and share information in real time. For Sailors in public affairs, being warfighting-ready requires a commitment to developing and sustaining world-class public affairs capabilities to support operations across the Indo-Pacific.
“Being able to witness firsthand how reservists contribute to the warfighting effort was certainly a highlight of the training,” said Lt. j.g. Justin Truong, assigned to Navy Public Affairs Support Element West. “It was critical to see how reservists integrate with our active-duty counterparts to provide strategic depth.”
Attendees included many junior public affairs officers and mass communication specialists. The summit gave them a first look at the mobilization training location and requirements.
“Ultimately, our goal was for Sailors to walk away with a renewed confidence that the U.S. Navy, of which they are an integral part of, is capable and ready to address emerging threats in the INDOPACOM region,” said Capt. Christopher Lopez, commanding officer, Reserve COMPACFLT Public Affairs, “and leave with a sense of pride knowing that the reserve public affairs community remains an indispensable part of America’s warfighting Navy.”
Source: United States Air Force
The Department Level Exercise series, part of the DAF’s Reoptimization for GPC, is the integration of several disparate major command exercises, intended to synchronize and evolve operations to deter competitor aggression where able, and to defeat threats to national security when necessary.
Source: United States Coast Guard
01/30/2025 07:59 PM EST
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)
TAMPA, Fla. – On Jan. 30, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing Muhammad Salah al-Za’bir, a senior operative in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Source: United States Navy (Medical)
Story by: Lieutenant Julius C. Wiseman III, DBA, MBA, MPS, USNMRTC Sigonella
SIGONELLA, Sicily – In a remarkable testament to dedication and service, Petty Officers Samantha and Albert Richmond recently celebrated a significant milestone in their military careers. Last November, they were both promoted, earning the distinguished title of Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1). This achievement is not merely a rank; it symbolizes their unwavering commitment to the Navy and their pivotal roles in enhancing Navy Medicine.
The story of the Richmonds is one of serendipity and shared purpose. Both Petty Officers arrived at the United States Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella, in Sicily, Italy, in 2022, drawn by their respective duties within the Navy. Although their paths diverged before this point, it was in this picturesque Mediterranean locale that their lives intertwined. In 2023, they not only solidified their bond through marriage but also welcomed their daughter, Danielle, into the world, marking a new chapter in their family’s journey.
Samantha Richmond, hailing from the small, close-knit town of Saint Marys, Georgia, has been a beacon of resilience and service since enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 2013. Her career has taken her to various esteemed commands, including Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola, the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and the USS PORT ROYAL (CG-73). During her tenure aboard the USS PORT ROYAL, she completed a notable Fifth Fleet deployment and two Seventh Fleet deployments in the Western Pacific, experiences that have enriched her medical expertise and honed her leadership skills. Currently, HM1 Samantha Richmond serves in the Multi-Service Ward, where she has taken on the critical role of Leading Petty Officer. In this capacity, she not only oversees the day-to-day operations of the ward but also ensures that her team is well-coordinated and prepared to meet the diverse medical needs of service members from various branches. Her leadership extends beyond patient care; she also serves as the Assistant Security Manager for the Command, which underscores her versatility and commitment to maintaining the safety and security of her fellow personnel.
When asked about her favorite aspect of her job, Samantha responded with heartfelt sincerity, “My favorite part of the job has always been helping people, in all aspects, administratively and through patient care.” This statement reflects her deep-rooted passion for service and her belief in the importance of compassion and support in the healthcare environment. Whether she is managing administrative tasks or providing direct patient care, her goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
Samantha also shared her perspective on what serving in the Navy means to her personally. “Serving to me means embracing a lifestyle that sometimes requires long periods away from home and committing to defend national security,” she explained. This sentiment captures the essence of military life, where personal sacrifice is often required in the name of a greater cause. For Samantha, the challenges of military service are balanced by the profound sense of purpose that comes from contributing to the safety and well-being of her country.
In reflecting on her journey, she identifies the birth of their daughter, Danielle, and being promoted alongside her husband, Albert, as her most noteworthy accomplishments. These milestones not only represent personal triumphs but also signify the strength of their partnership as they navigate the complexities of military life together.
HM1 Albert Richmond, a dedicated member of the U.S. Navy, was born and raised in the vibrant and diverse urban environment of Southeast San Diego, California. Growing up in such a dynamic city, he was surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that shaped his outlook on life and his aspirations for the future. Albert cites his upbringing as a significant motivator in his decision to enlist in the Navy. “Lessons that I learned from my hometown that have stuck with me to this day are that we can choose whether to be products of our environment or representations of something greater. I chose to be a representation as a United States Sailor,” HM1 Richmond reflected. This powerful statement encapsulates his commitment to rise above challenges and embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment that define the Navy.
In just eight years of service, Petty Officer Albert Richmond has already made an impressive mark on his military career. He has completed three deployments, including significant contributions to Operation Inherent Resolve, a mission aimed at combating terrorism in the Middle East, and Cobra Gold, a multinational military exercise conducted annually in Thailand that enhances interoperability among allied forces. His experience with a Special Marine Group Task Force during these missions has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge and skills, further solidifying his role as a competent and reliable service member.
Albert’s previous command at the 1st Marine Division allowed him to hone his skills in a fast-paced and demanding environment, preparing him for the challenges he would face in subsequent roles. Now stationed at USNMRTC Sigonella, he has taken on a pivotal role as the Command’s Career Counselor. In this capacity, he plays an essential part in shaping the futures of his fellow sailors. His mentorship has had a direct and positive impact on retention rates, as he works diligently to help sailors navigate their career paths, set goals, and develop visions for their futures. Albert’s commitment to fostering professional growth within the ranks exemplifies his dedication to the Navy and its personnel.
Simultaneously, he also serves as the Leading Petty Officer of the Flight Line Clinic, where he oversees operations and ensures that the medical needs of personnel are met efficiently and effectively. This dual role showcases his ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining a high standard of care and leadership. Albert’s contributions to both the Career Counseling program and the Flight Line Clinic illustrate his unwavering commitment to the Navy’s mission and the well-being of his fellow sailors.
The Richmonds are just one example of the many co-spouses who serve within the ranks of the United States Navy, embodying the unique challenges and rewards that come with dual-military careers. As they embark on their next adventure, they are en route to Japan, where they will be stationed on the beautiful and strategically significant Island of Okinawa. This move represents not only a new chapter in their professional lives but also an opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich cultural environment that is steeped in history and tradition.
HM1 Samantha Richmond will continue her mission at United States Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Okinawa, where she will apply her extensive experience and dedication to enhancing medical readiness and patient care. Meanwhile, HM1 Albert Richmond will be returning to his roots with the Marine Corps at the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF). This assignment is particularly meaningful for him, as it allows him to reconnect with the Marine Corps legacy that has shaped his military journey.
Together, the Richmonds stand as a guiding light of inspiration to many within the military community. Their journey exemplifies the resilience and adaptability required of dual military families, showcasing how they can successfully navigate the complexities of service while maintaining their family bond. Their experiences serve as a testament to how the Navy actively supports dual military families, offering resources and programs designed to help them thrive both personally and professionally.
As they look toward the future, the Richmonds undoubtedly have bright prospects ahead of them in the United States Navy. Their dedication to service, commitment to one another, and willingness to embrace new challenges will continue to inspire those around them. In a world where military families often face unique hurdles, the Richmond story highlights the strength found in partnership, shared values, and a common mission, reinforcing the idea that together, they can achieve great things both in their careers and as a family.