Category: Defense

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Philippines, U.S. Partner in Maritime Cooperative Activity in South China Sea

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH CHINA SEA  –  

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Navy conducted a bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the South China Sea, Jan. 17-18, 2025.

MCAs demonstrate a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This MCA is designed to emphasize our longstanding partnership between the two militaries in the maritime domain.

“Professional engagement with allies, partners, and friends in the region allows us to build upon our existing, strong relationships and continue to learn from each other,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1). “The U.S. and the Philippines are ironclad allies. As fellow maritime nations, we share the common goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific, assuring access to the seas.”

Each subsequent MCA builds upon the last, enabling added levels of complexity and interoperability which advance and strengthen combined capabilities, tactics, techniques and procedures.

“Bilateral exercises in the region have grown in scale, scope and complexity, and we are proud to participate in combined operations that maintain stability in the region and reinforce deterrence,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). “As the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 1, Carl Vinson is both excited and honored to conduct maritime exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states.

Participating units include the U.S. Navy Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and a U.S. Navy P-8A assigned to Commander, Task Force 72, alongside Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel BRP Andrés Bonifacio (PS 17) and Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151) from the Philippine Navy.

CSG-1 consists of Carl Vinson, embarked staffs of CSG-1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) one, Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), 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).

CVW-2 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 CSG-1 and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70

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Coast Guard interdicts 26 migrants near Oceanside Harbor

Source: United States Coast Guard

 

01/21/2025 12:20 PM EST

U.S. Coast Guard crews interdicted a panga-style vessel carrying 26 individuals approximately one mile off shore from Oceanside Harbor on Monday morning. At around 10:30 a.m., Oceanside lifeguards reported a disabled vessel with multiple people aboard that had run out of fuel. Assessing no immediate safety concerns, lifeguards notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center and remained on scene.

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U.S. Army South partner nation liaison officer builds the future of U.S., Brazil defense cooperation

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas  –  

Brazilian army Col. Sergio Reis Matos serves as one of four U.S. Army South’s partner nation liaison officers at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Since July 2023, Matos has worked to strengthen the historic partnership between Brazil and the U.S., focusing on enhancing military collaboration and interoperability.

Matos’ journey into the military began with two key influences: his father, a decorated non-commissioned officer in the Brazilian navy, and his own early experience at a military middle school.

“My father earned the rank of sergeant major and was able to travel the world to 23 countries,” Matos said. “He was a brilliant example of the opportunities to be had by serving my homeland.”

In 1987, he was accepted into a military middle school which was overseen by the Brazilian army, which Matos said is very similar to the junior reserve officers’ training corps. His experience there laid the foundation for values and discipline needed for a career in the army.

Matos began his military career in 1993 at the Brazilian Army Cadets’ Preparatory School in São Paulo. Over nearly 32 years, he has held several distinguished roles, including commanding a border detachment in the Amazon, securing military venues during the 2016 Olympic Games, and leading an infantry battalion steeped in historical ties to the U.S. Fifth Army.

“The most memorable period of my career was when I commanded the 11th Mountain Infantry Battalion,” he reflected. “It was one of the units that integrated with U.S. forces during World War II.”

His assignment as the Brazilian PNLO at USARSOUTH is not his first encounter with the U.S Army. In 2007, he attended the Captain’s Career Course at Fort Moore, Georgia, where he earned the Distinguished International Honor Graduate award for excellence in academics and the Order of Saint Maurice Medallion in the rank of Peregrinus, for his notable contributions to the U.S. infantry.

During his tenure at USARSOUTH, he facilitated military coordination between the Brazilian and U.S. armies, focusing on combined operations, joint exercises, and strategic engagements. His efforts as the Brazilian PNLO have been central to enhancing interoperability and fostering deeper collaboration.

“It is imperative to acknowledge the 200-year diplomatic relationship between Brazil and the U.S., which was established in 1824 when the U.S. was among the first countries to recognize Brazil’s independence,” Matos said. “Thus, my position at USARSOUTH shows the commitment to improving this historical relationship and increasing interoperability between our armies.”

Matos assists in implementing almost 100 agreed-to-actions between the U.S. and Brazilian armies each year, covering areas such as training, exercises, cyber operations, engineering, public affairs, and much more.

Complex multidimensional combined exercises like SOUTHERN VANGUARD (Combined Operations Rotation Exercise), PANAMAX and TRADEWINDS build the U.S. Southern Command’s integrated deterrence strategy by building mutual capabilities at all levels of leadership.

“These initiatives not only strengthen operational capabilities but also build mutual confidence and understanding,” said Matos.

To orchestrate the plethora of activities the two armies partake in, Matos worked closely with members of the USARSOUTH team, including foreign area officer Maj. Eric Torrescarcovich, and past FAOs who have been instrumental in his integration into the unit and the shared success of PNLO and FAO missions.

“[Torrescarcovich] has provided substantial assistance in managing the requests from the Brazilian army, while I have been supporting the U.S. Army’s requests from him,” Matos said, expressing gratitude for the collaborative spirit of his colleagues. “The professionalism and friendship of everyone I have worked with has made even the hardest tasks easier.”

Matos said this unique experience was expanded by the ability to interact with the three other PNLOs from Chile, Colombia and Peru and the USARSOUTH Deputy Commanding General of Interoperability, Peruvian army Maj. Gen. Marco Marin Saldana.

“The endeavor was arduous, yet the outcomes, particularly in the realm of interoperability and relationship development, were profoundly gratifying,” Matos said. “Our success is a testament to the profound collaboration and cohesion among my brothers in arms.”

Matos’ impact extended far beyond his official duties. Through his work, he sought to strengthen the relationship between Brazil and the United States, ensuring a collaborative future rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

“As the largest militaries in North and South America, respective to our regions, our collaboration promotes integrated deterrence and hemispheric security,” Matos said. “Together, we are stronger.”

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COMLOG WESTPAC Sailors take E-7 Navy-wide advancement exam. [Image 1 of 5]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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SINGAPORE (Jan. 16, 2025) Navy Counselor 1st Class Ebony Stewart participates in the E-7 Navy-wide advancement exam at Sembawang Naval Installation, Jan. 16, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in Naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings/Released)

Date Taken: 01.16.2025
Date Posted: 01.21.2025 03:35
Photo ID: 8836745
VIRIN: 250116-N-YV347-1049
Resolution: 8256×5504
Size: 7.94 MB
Location: SG
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Deputy Commander, Military Sealift Command Visits COMLOG WESTPAC, December 12, 2024 [Image 5 of 8]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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SINGAPORE (Dec. 12, 2024) Rear Adm. Mark F. Haigis, center, Deputy Commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC), speaks with Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, left, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73), and Capt. Robert Williams, Commodore of MSC Far East, during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation, Dec. 12, 2024. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 12.11.2024
Date Posted: 12.17.2024 21:16
Photo ID: 8806537
VIRIN: 241212-N-ED646-1026
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BH 25-1: Kadena’s fighter presence remains unwavering

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors and F-15C Eagle fly training missions during a routine readiness exercise, Jan. 15, 2025.

A Kadena Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron and deployed Raptors assigned to the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, continued to provide forward fighter capabilities and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region during a large-scale, base-wide exercise.

“Kadena is one of the bases that has so many different airframes that make it the Keystone of the Pacific,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Benjamin Alesse, 67th Fighter Squadron production superintendent. “It’s a great opportunity to work alongside the fourth and fifth generation fighters as Kadena continues modernization.”

While deployed to Kadena, the transitional fighter squadrons work in conjunction with additional heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.

F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, are also currently at Kadena ensuring there’s no gap in fighter coverage while the F-15C/D Eagles return to the United States.

“There’s definitely advantages to having different types of airframes here,” said Alesse U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Benjamin Alesse, 67th Fighter Squadron production superintendent. “Recently with the F-16 being here, we went through hot-pit training in order to get our crew chiefs certified on hot-pit refueling F-16s.”

Together the diverse array of fighters, alongside joint and allied forces strengthen operational readiness to defend Japan while ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific through a robust presence of dynamic fighter aircraft. 

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Navy Bloodborne Infection Management Center Supports Force Health Protection Through Managing HIV Testing Contract

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Leadership staff with the Navy Bloodborne Infection Management Center (NBIMC) visited the Center for Disease Detection (CDD) laboratory in San Antonio, Texas, for a quarterly inspection on Dec. 11, 2024. The team from NBIMC, which manages the HIV testing contract for the Department of the Navy, examined the laboratory’s processes for specimen shipping and retrieval, processing, testing, result transmission, and turnaround times, ensuring compliance with the contracted work performance statement.

Upon examining CDD’s collection and processing of laboratory specimens drawn from across the world, Ryan Torres, NBIMC supervisory program analyst, stated, “Seeing the proficiency with which CDD received laboratory samples was impressive. Watching the CDD staff move the high volume of samples from station to station was remarkable. Each section was fast and thorough, and seeing this inspired confidence in the ability of CDD to provide a top-notch service for the U.S. armed forces service men and women.”

NBIMC team members also evaluated CDD staff training, competency records, standard operating procedures, proficiency scorecards from accrediting agencies, and strategies for maintaining operations during both planned and unplanned downtimes, as well as quality improvement measures and the integration of lab order systems.

CDD, a subsidiary of Labcorp, receives and tests for HIV an average of 50,000 samples per month from Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard sites and ensures a timely turnaround of results to guarantee service member’s medical readiness. “CDD efficiently manages large volumes of samples, ensuring easy retrieval and enhanced traceability to streamline the force testing process for NBIMC,” said Denise Chambers, a health science specialist at NBIMC.

“The quarterly inspections of the Center of Disease Detection reaffirms the critical role of the HIV testing contract in ensuring rapid and accurate HIV diagnostics for military readiness,” explained Vanessa Santiago-Miranda, NBIMC supervisory health science specialist. “By managing this contract, NBIMC is strengthening the ability to detect, respond to, and track HIV, ensuring a healthier future for military readiness and operational fitness in the Navy and Marine Corps.”

In the future, NBIMC staff members will continue to complete quarterly visits to CDD, as the knowledge learned and shared during these meetings is vital to both organizations, streamlining the importance of their work.

The Department of the Navy’s HIV testing contract currently awarded to CDD is crucial in supporting force health protection by providing high-volume HIV screening services for the entire Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, thereby enhancing the mission readiness of service members. “The Navy Bloodborne Infection Management Center plays a critical role in supporting force medical readiness of the Navy and Marine Corps by overseeing the HIV force testing contract to fulfill the required biannual HIV testing requirement for service members,” concluded Cmdr. Marshall Hoffman, NBIMC officer in charge. “The high volume of tests necessitates complex coordination from our staff with military labs worldwide that draw the HIV tests. Additionally, we work closely with commands, local medical teams, and Navy HIV Evaluation and Treatment Units to ensure appropriate diagnosis and care for service members with positive HIV test results identified during these screenings.”

Through the service members’ command contacts, NBIMC coordinates the delivery of new HIV diagnoses and the creation of appropriate treatment plans. NBIMC follows all Sailors and Marines living with HIV throughout their time in the military, improving their medical readiness and ability to fully serve.

Navy Bloodborne Infection Management Center, a field activity of the Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command, supports medical readiness and blood supply protection for the Navy and Marine Corps through central management of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

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Singapore Army and US Army Talks Vital to Growing Partnership

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  –  

The Singapore Army-U.S. Army Staff Talks, held at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, on January 8-9, 2025, reaffirm the enduring partnership between the United States and Singapore. This collaboration underscores our nation’s commitment to advancing defense cooperation and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

As the 13th iteration of this pivotal dialogue, the talks reinforced the shared vision for a secure, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

The annual talks between the U.S. Army Pacific and the Singapore Army serve as a dynamic platform to deepen interoperability, strengthen mutual trust, and fortify enduring partnerships. 

USARPAC Deputy Commanding General Lt. Gen. Joel B. Vowell underscored the importance of achieving interoperability across human, technical, and procedural domains. He emphasized that seamless collaboration is the cornerstone of mission success.

Transparent and proactive conversations during the talks further strengthen the foundation of trust between our two armies, enabling smoother coordination across all levels of engagement.

These talks also served as a platform to establish shared objectives and align priorities, solidifying a framework for future success.

“This 13th annual Staff Talks highlights the vital and growing partnership between Singapore and the United States,” said Maj. Michael Neu of the Security Cooperation Division. “It reflects our steadfast commitment to enhancing the relationship between our nations and ensuring our armies remain aligned.”

The significance of the talks cannot be overstated. They are a testament to the shared commitment and collective resilience of the U.S. Armed Forces and Singaporean Armed Forces.