Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

 “Would you like to make a difference?” This question could be heard coming from U.S. Marines clad in dress blues amidst a lively display of service members, civilians, and families lining up in multiple stores to prepare for the holidays. As many bought the latest gifts for their families, many more stopped before a single scarlet table labeled “Gifts for Hope” to support a cause helmed by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea, on U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, South Korea, Nov.29-30, 2024.

In partnership with the Seoul Welfare Children Committee, MARFORK created the “Gifts for Hope” initiative where, for two days, U.S. Marines collect, package, and distribute donations to disadvantaged orphans in South Korea. Marines with MARFORK took the time to give back to the local community by donating a gift or working to collect donations near the merchandise mart section of the main postal exchange at USAG Humphreys. In the early afternoon, Marines dressed in their dress blue bravos, set up a donation table, and prepared a small tree decorated with small tags. The tags indicated the type of gift a potential donator could purchase for a child, and who the gift would go to.

“This is the second year we’re doing something like this… there’s community involvement opportunities all the time, but something like [Gifts for Hope] on this scale is something else because it’s the entire Humphreys community coming together to support the local South Korean community for the holidays,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hemme, a career planner at MARFORK and lead planner for Gifts for Hope.

Maj. Gen. William E. Souza III, Commander of MARFORK, and Sgt. Maj. Ismael G. Bamba, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of MARFORK, also stood alongside their Marines and participated by garnering interest for the initiative.

“It was an incredible opportunity for us to reach out to a community that have not seen this before. It wasn’t just Marines offering support, it was Americans. The outreach was incredible to see,” said Maj. Gen. Souza III.

As service members and civilians alike gathered to donate, they also took the time to sign their names on the tree tags that were placed on the donated gifts. Many donators delivered heartfelt messages to the children their gift would go to as part of the initiative to directly contribute to providing holiday cheer for children at locations such as the Eden I. Vill Orphanage in Seongdong Gu, Seoul, South Korea.

“It is always great to be a part of a group of Marines who aim to make a difference in the world…If you give a Marine an opportunity, we will make a difference, it doesn’t matter how big or small. Being part of a unit that not only cares for its service members but also cares about citizens of South Korea that may need more hope than most was a touching, honorable, and memorable moment for me. It was meaningful to impact a child’s life,” said Sgt. Maj. Bamba.

MARFORK’s newfound holiday tradition of delivering joy to less fortunate youth stand as a testament to one of many ways U.S. Marines seek to serve their community and make a difference in any clime and place.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

VISAKHAPTNAM, India  –  

U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) completed a military-to-military engagement training during the special operations phase of MALABAR 24 on Oct. 14, 2024.

The engagement reinforced and expanded combined special operations forces interoperability with partner nation militaries in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

“We value the opportunity to train with our counterparts from India and Japan,” said an NSW operator. “It’s the continued collaboration like this that sharpens our tactics and strengthens our bond with our partners in the region.”

The training encompassed a variety of critical skills, including iterations on beach insertion, maritime interdiction, close-quarters combat, and tactical casualty care. Participants engaged in realistic scenarios culminating in a comprehensive capstone exercise featuring maritime interdiction operations and rehearsals for visit, board, search, and seizure techniques.

“After sharing procedures and establishing standards, our combined forces developed realistic special operations scenarios,” said another NSW operator. “This training improved our readiness and interoperability, preparing us to effectively plan and carry out modern missions.”

High-quality, realistic training is essential to maintaining and demonstrating the United States’ commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Our partners in the Japan Self-Defense Forces and Indian Navy Marine Commandos are incredibly capable allies, and we continue to train and exercise together to improve interoperability and strengthen our capabilities.

NSW is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach. Additionally, U.S. Special Operations Forces provide flexible responses to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific. Integral to this capability is a forward-deployed posture and continuous engagement with partner and ally forces, heightening mutual interoperability and regional expertise.

Malabar 24 is a combined field training exercise with the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy participants. The exercise is designed to support achievement of strategic objectives by strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and promoting interoperability in the conduct of complex warfighting operations.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BOISE, Idaho  –  

The U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), along with partners from the Indian Army’s Special Operations Forces and the Idaho National Guard’s 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, participated in Exercise Vajra Prahar Nov. 2-22.

The exercise on Orchard Combat Training Center ranges and facilities enhanced relationships between the elite units, focusing on realistic training scenarios that challenge participants in complex environments.

The 124th ASOS provided the Indian soldiers with joint terminal attack controller and close air support instruction to enhance interoperability between Indian and U.S. special operations forces.

“We helped build stronger relationships with the partner force by demonstrating the tactical air control party’s commitment to their success and providing them with valuable training and resources,” said Master Sgt. Douglas K. Brock, a JTAC with 124th ASOS. “In the end, the 124th ASOS showcased their ability to work with anyone, anywhere, at any time to achieve mission success by maintaining a high level of readiness while also building a foundation for future training and development opportunities.”

Vajra Prahar is an annual exercise, now in its 15th year, and changes locations annually between U.S. and Indian training facilities to improve the special operators’ ability to work together in a variety of terrain and climate conditions. It was the first time the exercise was in Idaho.

“The airspace and training facilities have been awesome at the OCTC,” said a member of 1st SFG(A). “They’ve given us the ability to run CH-47 Chinook missions, live talk on JTAC training, conduct sniper training and make direct-action assaults on multiple urban objectives.”

The realistic training environment and integration of skills from participating units fostered tactical improvements and stronger relationships among the partner-nation forces, according to the 1sgt SFG(A) Soldier.

“By engaging in this rigorous training, participants develop their skills, improve communication and foster a spirit of collaboration that is essential for successful operations in real-world situations,” he said. “Working alongside our partners across the Indo-Pacific region increases security capacity and interoperability among our forces.”

The OCTC is a 173,000-acre joint combined arms training site 18 miles south of Boise. It provides world-class training facilities for warfighters from all U.S. armed forces and partner nations.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia  –  

The U.S. Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, security, and stewardship during the recent Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Joint Committee Meeting (JCM), held in Chuuk from Nov. 13 to 16, 2024.

The event brought together FSM leaders, U.S. government officials, and regional stakeholders to address shared priorities under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).

Capt. Jessica Worst, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, underscored the importance of collaboration between the United States and FSM, “The JCM is vital to maintaining our shared commitment to maritime safety, security, stewardship, and prosperity. These engagements allow us to address challenges together and build pathways for a stronger, safer maritime domain.”

During the JCM, Lt. Cmdr. Derek Wallin and Lt. Anna-Maria Vaccaro presented a comprehensive update on U.S. Coast Guard activities in the FSM since May 2024. The presentation highlighted efforts across maritime safety, security, and stewardship, showcasing progress in areas such as fisheries enforcement and capacity building.

FSM Maritime Wing commander highlighted the ongoing efforts and challenges his team encounters in patrolling the nation’s expansive exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which spans over one million square miles. The Maritime Wing aims to increase their patrol days in the coming year to further enhance efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU-F) and other maritime threats, which also provides more opportunities for combined operations.

Wallin reiterated the U.S. Coast Guard’s dedication to addressing resource gaps. “We’re committed to strengthening maritime domain awareness, working with partners to enhance bilateral maritime law enforcement (MLE) agreements, and provide essential tools and training to the extent possible to help FSM protect its EEZ from illegal activities,” he said.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Coast Guard and FSM partners outlined several priorities for future collaboration. These include formalizing requests for aids to navigation (ATON) support in Kosrae and increasing shiprider operations, under the bilateral MLE agreement, to improve fisheries enforcement and SAR capabilities. Additionally, discussions focused on FSM’s interest in acquiring new patrol assets and integrating advanced technologies such as thermal imaging and weatherproof drones to enhance maritime response.

The U.S. delegation also participated in community-building events, including a camaraderie boat tour and barbecue hosted by the FSM delegation in Chuuk Lagoon. “These moments of connection underscore the strong bonds between our teams and our shared commitment to advancing maritime resilience,” said Capt. Worst.

The JCM concluded with a continued shared vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of partnership in addressing environmental concerns, enhancing enforcement capabilities, and strengthening the region’s maritime domain. The next JCM is tentatively scheduled for mid-2025 in Guam, where stakeholders will evaluate progress and refine their collective goals.

-USCG-

About the Compact of Free Association (COFA)

The COFA is a mutually beneficial agreement promoting cooperation and security in the Pacific. It provides unique provisions for defense, economic assistance, and access between the U.S. and the Freely Associated States, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

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.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau, the ancient fishpond next to McGrew Point Navy housing that is being restored, was the inspiration for Hoʻoponopono is Harmony, a children’s book written by Thao “Kale‘a ” Le, PhD, MPH in collaboration with Bruce Keaulani, founder and CEO of Living Life Source Foundation.

The story is about a boy who helps restore a 400-year-old fishpond and, in the process, finds healing and harmony within himself. Although written to teach children about the practice of aloha and mindfulness, adults can also learn meaningful lessons about healing and forgiveness.

The central theme of the book is hoʻoponopono, which has many meanings including, “to make amends, forgiveness, to make right, to rectify, to begin anew,” explained Le, a professor in the Human Development and Family Studies program in the Family Consumer Sciences Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

“You first need to do ho’oponopono within yourself, so this act of letting go of everything that you carry throughout your life, you need to let it go before you can have harmony, which is why we say hoʻoponopono is harmony,” Le added, citing the tenets of Keaulani, fondly known as Uncle Bruce, and Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, who was recognized as a kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau (healer) and Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi. Uncle Bruce trained under Simeona, known by many as Aunty Morrnah.

Aunty Morrnah developed a modern version of the practice of hoʻponopono, a method for individual problem solving.

“Hoʻoponopono is the practice of making everything into alignment: human, land, divinity. It’s the belief that in the Hawaiian view when you have disharmony, it’s because those are not in alignment, so there are many ways of practicing,” said Kehaulani Lum, fondly known as Aunty Kehau, who studies Hawaiian spiritual practice under Uncle Bruce and is actively involved as a steward of Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau. “In Aunty Morrnah’s case, essentially, her practice is one of the individual asking Divinity to cleanse and bring everything back to peace.”

Aunty Kehau, who is also president of the Aliʻi Pauʻahi Hawaiian Civic Club, explained the significance of the fishpond as the setting for the book.

“What’s special about this one is that it was the home and pond of the highest sovereign of Oʻahu who governed for over 60 years from this place in peace and there was no war,” said Aunty Kehau. “That sovereign is Mōʻī Wahine Kalanimanuʻia, who built two other royal fishponds and ruled with aloha, benevolence, and abundance.”

Uncle Bruce explained that growing up, he studied Hawaiian culture daily and that the fishpond is an excellent place to restore cultural practices like hoʻoponopono. He said when visitors come to the fishpond, they experience something unique.

“When they come here, the spirit flows through them to bring that memory back of culture,” he said.

Aunty Kehau described how hoʻoponopono and other Hawaiian practices were part of the fishpond restoration and preservation plan developed in partnership with the Navy in 2014. The plan also stated that Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau would be an active cultural site instead of something akin to a museum.

“We actually find that in the healing of the land, we heal ourselves and when you do that, what you’re giving to the land is so much aloha,” she said.

On Nov. 18, 2023, the Navy along with leaders from Living Life Source Foundation, Ali‘i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, Nā Lima No‘eau and affiliated native Hawaiian organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to solidify and continue efforts to preserve, restore, and maintain Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau. The MOU has no end date which means the partnership will provide lasting benefits to the community.

Two thousand copies of Hoʻoponopono is Harmony have been distributed across the state by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and Human Services. The book is Le’s fourth and like the other three, was influenced by ALOHA, also known as the “Aloha Spirit Law,” HRS §5-7.5.

This law was written by Aunty Pilahi Paki, a native Hawaiian Native Hawaiian poet and philosopher who wrote about the importance of aligning the mind and heart in each person. She emphasized five major values of aloha: akahai meaning kindness, lōkahi meaning unity, ‘oluʻolu meaning agreeableness, haʻahaʻa meaning humility, and ahonui meaning patience. The symbolic Hawaiʻi state law, established in 1986, requires that all people in Hawaiʻi show consideration and kindness.

Le is optimistic about the future of the fishpond and believes that individuals can overcome their personal struggles by following the wisdom of Hawaiian values.

Aunty Kehau expressed her gratitude for the book as well as the Navy’s ongoing partnership, which honors the legacy of Kalanimanuʻia through the restoration of the fishpond and provides a place where all are welcome to learn about Hawaiian culture.

“I only know that through this work that the Navy started, her name is being lifted,” said Aunty Kehau. “Her story is being told. She was almost lost to history because there is so little known about her. She ruled when we didn’t have good records. Two hundred more years before we’d be writing pen to paper, so stories were transferred orally … but you can come here, learn, and help create new stories.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

INDIAN, OCEAN  –  

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and USS Spruance (DDG 111) conducted a port visit in Phuket, Thailand, Nov. 22-26, and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) in Sembawang, Singapore, Nov. 23-27.

These port visits highlight the strong relationships the United States has with Thailand and Singapore. In addition to fostering camaraderie and cooperation between nations, Sailors were afforded the opportunity to experience the stunning beaches, rich cultures, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local life during their stay.

“The officers and crew of USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. are honored for the opportunity to visit Singapore. Engagements such as these strengthen the bonds between both nations and our mutual goals of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Kevin Louis, commanding officer, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. “This port visit demonstrates the U.S. commitment to regional partnerships, helps foster growing relationships, and offers Sailors the opportunity to relax and enjoy Singapore’s tremendous culture, cuisine and attractions.”

While in port, Sailors also contributed by participating in community relations projects. Frank E. Petersen Jr. Sailors volunteered for the ‘Child at Street 11’ program, which educates and helps young children, and Michael Murphy and Spruance Sailors volunteered at the Soi Dog Foundation, a prominent animal rescue shelter.

“The crew of the USS Michael Murphy would like to extend our warmest regards to the country of Thailand for hosting us during our recent port visit. We also had the chance to volunteer with a local organization, give a tour of our ship, and share the story of our namesake, LT Michael Murphy,” said Cmdr. Jonathan B. Greenwald, commanding officer, USS Michael Murphy. “We look forward to continuing to grow the bond between our two nations in the years to come.”

These opportunities to connect are essential for strengthening the partnerships between the United States, Thailand and Singapore nations.

“This port visit was definitely a morale boost and opportunity for our Sailors,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, USS Spruance. “We are thankful to our Thai hosts for allowing the opportunity to participate in local community volunteer events, explore the beautiful country of Thailand and get some well-deserved rest and recovery before we return out to sea.”

Following their respective port visits, the three destroyers will continue their deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Three and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine, integrated air and missile defense Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and Destroyer Squadron 21’s USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations 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-3, http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72#

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ZAMA, Japan  –  

U.S. Army Garrison Japan leadership attended a neighboring city’s festival here Nov. 17, which helped enhance the partnership between the Army and its host nation, the garrison commander said.

The city of Zama’s 39th annual Hometown Festival gave Col. Marcus Hunter and Command Sgt. Maj. David A. Rio, along with Hunter’s family, the chance to experience the food and wares of local vendors, as well as traditional Japanese performances.

Kazumi Naito, chairman of the Zama City Chamber of Commerce, said the festival is a showcase for the city’s locally produced vegetables, cuisine and other goods. The live entertainment also highlights Zama’s connection to Japan’s history, he said.

Showcasing the festival to garrison leadership and encouraging Camp Zama families to attend the event helps bring the two communities together, Naito said.

“Zama City and the Camp Zama community have a great partnership as neighbors,” he said. “Experiencing each other’s cultures at open-post events and local festivals like this one is a great opportunity for both sides to get to know each other better and build a stronger relationship.”

Hunter echoed the comments, adding that getting to interact at the event with people like Zama Mayor Mito Sato, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and other city personnel was a great opportunity to come together and share in one of the many fun activities the city offers.

“We are essentially adopted members of the community of Zama City,” Hunter said. “In every way, it means a lot to be able to get back and share [in events] with the city.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP ZAMA, Japan  –  

U.S. Army Soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members here worked together Nov. 19 to beautify a piece of history on the installation that dates to World War II.

The effort marked the first time both groups partnered to clean the large, hand-etched stone, known as the “Sobudai” monument, which sits near the Camp Zama Chapel.

The Soldiers, assigned to the 765th Transportation (Terminal) Battalion, and the JGSDF members, stationed on Camp Zama, also raked leaves and neatened the area around the monument.

The monument has been on the site where Camp Zama now sits for more than 80 years, going back to when it was formerly the home of the Japanese Imperial Military Academy. It is inscribed on the front with the word “Soubudai.” Then-Emperor Hirohito gave the campus the same name, which means “military training heights in Sagami,” when he attended the academy’s first graduation ceremony held there in 1937.

Command Sgt. Maj. David A. Rio, the U.S. Army Garrison Japan garrison senior enlisted leader, said the Soldiers here regularly work with the JGSDF to clean the installation and its neighboring areas outside the gate. Their first effort cleaning the monument was notable because of its importance to the installation, Rio said. Before the group began, the command sergeant major explained to the Soldiers the monument’s history and its significance.

“It’s important for them to know [about the monument],” Rio said. “It’s a representation of the alliance between our two nations.”

JGSDF Capt. Michiko Mukaiyama, assigned to the 441st Finance Unit, said that joining the cleanup effort gave her some unique insight about the history of the monument. When it was first erected, she said, the United States and Japan were on different sides of the war. But today, she said, the two nations have come together and are now allies.

“This monument watched time go through,” Mukaiyama said. “It tells us something, and we all need to share that.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SASEBO, Japan  –  

Capt. Michael Fontaine, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), Command Master Chief Alan Benavidez and 12 other CFAS personnel along with citizens of Isahaya, Japan and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Fleet Air Wing 22 attended a memorial ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the loss of the 11-man crew of the U.S. Army Air Force B-29 Super Fortress heavy bomber “Acid Test” and four Imperial Japanese Navy fighter pilots Nov. 21, 2024. The Japan-America Friendship Memorial Service Society comprised of local citizens organized the commemoration for the crews of a B-29 heavy bomber, the Japanese fighter which rammed it and three other pilots who gave their lives during a battle over Isahaya City, located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan in World War II.

80 years ago, on Nov. 21, 1944, the U.S. Army Air Force 462nd Bombardment Group was sent to attack targets in Omura City, Japan. During their return flight, they were set upon by Japanese fighter planes. In the battle that ensued, three Japanese fighters were shot down and Capt. Joseph Killebrew’s B-29, nicknamed “Acid Test”, was rammed over Isahaya City by a Japanese fighter plane piloted by Imperial Japanese Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mikihiko Sakamoto. Which resulted in both aircraft crashing in the Isahaya area, killing the pilots and crew of both aircraft.

“May they rest in peace and find comfort in the fact that the United States and Japan today are stalwart allies,” said Fontaine. “The U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces are partners dedicated to peace and Americans and Japanese live in harmony bound by the bonds of friendship and family.”

In 1992 and 1993, Isahaya residents erected a memorial for Sakamoto and the B-29 Crew, at each crash site respectively, and have held a memorial ceremony approximately every ten years to remember the sacrifices of service members and civilians on both sides who gave their life during the war. This year, three additional Imperial Japanese Navy pilots who had been confirmed to have been killed in action during the air battle were included in the memorial ceremony for the first time.

“When I stand in front of this monument, I still feel deep sadness for those who died in the war in distant lands, wishing for peace and development of our country and for their loved ones,” said Isahaya City Vice Mayor Naoko Ishibashi, on behalf of Mayor Yukishige Ookubo.

At each of the memorial sites, ceremony attendees poured alcohol on the cenotaphs, a Japanese religious ritual that offers a drink to the souls of the deceased. On the Japanese monument, Japanese sake from Sakamoto’s hometown of Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture was used. Having found a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey in the crashed B-29, the local community members brought the same brand of whiskey to be used in place of sake to honor them with a drink they preferred. Additionally, they laid flowers at a table with photos of the deceased and offered words of condolence.

“When I think of the heroes of Japan and the U.S. who died for their country and their families with no personal grudge,” said Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Katsuya Suzuki, Commander, Fleet Air Wing 22. “I cannot help but feel the tragedy of war once again. We must not forget that the peace and prosperity of the United States and Japan today is built on the sacrifices of these heroes.”

The ceremony was also live streamed and viewed remotely from the United States by Emily Link Miller (Killebrew), the 80 year-old daughter of Capt. Killebrew. Miller, who never met her father, was born while Killebrew was deployed: five months prior to his death in 1944.

During the ceremony, Fontaine read aloud from a letter Miller had written to the people of Isahaya City, “The kindness and respect shown by the Japanese people to my father and his crew is so incredible that I hardly know what to say except thank you. That you continue to honor my father, his crew, and Mikihiko Sakamoto with memorial gardens and events is a monument to the peace and friendship between our two nations.”

Those remembered were Imperial Japanese Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mikihiko Sakamoto, Ens. Masaaki Kawahara, Warrant Officer Yukio Sawada, Warrant Officer Sadaharu Shimizu and U.S. Army Air Force Capt. Joseph Killebrew, 1st Lt. Paul Meeks, 1st Lt. Emsley Eggers, 1st Lt. Earl Heins, 2nd Lt. Spirito Ovial, Staff Sgt. John Normand Jr., Staff Sgt. Edward Morrow, Staff Sgt. Vincent Sheridan, Staff Sgt. Luther Young, Sgt. Gail Cornelius and Sgt. Gordon Chard.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke yesterday and today with several service members from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving.

During the conversations, Secretary Austin expressed his deep gratitude to the service members and their families for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in defense of the nation. He commended their critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States, as well as their continued commitment to supporting America’s allies and partners around the globe. Secretary Austin acknowledged the professionalism and integrity with which they carry out their duties, recognizing the vital contributions they make every day in service to the country.

Secretary Austin spoke with service members from the following units:

• 2^nd Battalion, 12^th Cavalry Regiment. Soldiers from this unit are deployed in Poland to deter Russian aggression and support NATO allies in the U.S. European Command.
• Combat Logistics Battalion 31. This Marine Corps unit is deployed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, supporting combat logistics within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
• USS Stockdale (DDG 106). This Navy unit is deployed in the Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility supporting operations in U.S. Central Command.
• 379^th Expeditionary Medical Squadron. These airmen are deployed at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, delivering care to service members in U.S. Central Command.
• 4^th Space Operations Squadron. This unit is stationed at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, operating the U.S. Space Force’s protected Military Satellite Communications system.