Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands  –  

From Nov. 6 to 18, 2024, representatives from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and U.S. Coast Guard District 14 supported critical engagements with Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) partners, advancing maritime security and fostering collaboration under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).

During the visit, the team worked with key RMI agencies, including the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) and Sea Patrol, and also volunteered in the community.

“Our mission is rooted in action and partnership. Every flight, every discussion, and every engagement reflect our commitment to safeguarding lives, securing lawful seas, and empowering Pacific communities,” said Lt. Anna Maria Vaccaro, U.S. Coast Guard COFA liaison officer.

Key Activities and Accomplishments:
Enhanced Bilateral Maritime Law Enforcement Agreement Discussions
Building on discussion from the RMI Joint Committee Meeting in October, U.S. Coast Guard personnel met with RMI representatives to discuss an addendum to the existing bilateral maritime law enforcement (MLE) agreement. These discussions centered on clarifying operational procedures and addressing sovereignty concerns while ensuring the agreement reflects mutual interests and aligns with U.S. and RMI laws. The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to fostering a peaceful, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Pacific region.

Aerial Maritime Domain Awareness Operations
A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Hawaii conducted maritime domain awareness operations, temporarily basing out of Kwajalein Atoll. Over two days, the aircraft crew flew sorties totaling 15 hours, covering over 51,000 square nautical miles, sighting 23 vessels, and completing 100 percent of their assigned tasking. Their findings were shared with the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency, a regional organization that assists Pacific Island member countries in managing and developing their tuna fisheries. Although severe weather prevented the inclusion of RMI air riders, the mission underscored the U.S. Coast Guard’s adaptability and steadfast support for RMI maritime operations.

Local Outreach and Collaboration
Petty Officer 2nd Class Clayton Garcia, deployed as a U.S. Coast Guard operations specialist, engaged extensively with MIMRA and Sea Patrol, ensuring continuous U.S. Coast Guard presence and operational support and aiding the Hercules crew in their MDA effort. Garcia’s professionalism reinforced trust and cooperation with local partners.

“The U.S. Coast Guard remains committed to supporting the RMI in safeguarding its maritime sovereignty, promoting sustainable fisheries, and enhancing regional security,” said Vaccaro. “These efforts underscore our enduring partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.”

-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 RMI and emphasizes shared goals of regional stability, sustainable development, and prosperity. The Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau are also freely associated states under COFA.

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  –  

In a historic visit, Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, traveled to Vietnam for the delivery of five T6-C training aircraft to the Vietnamese Air Defence Air Force November 18-21, 2024.

Schneider landed in the first T6-C aircraft before providing remarks at the formal acquisition ceremony Nov. 20, hosted by the ADAF at Phan Thiet Air Base in Binh Thuan province.

“This event is not about reaching an endpoint in delivering these aircraft,” Schneider said. “It’s about achieving a modernized air force, advancing Vietnam’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensuring our common commitment to peace and the rule of law that governs the seas and skies.”

While in Vietnam, Schneider met with U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper and U.S. Consul General Susan Burns. He also toured the historic consulate grounds.

Schneider spent time at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City and met with the Vietnamese and U.S. Agency for International Development dioxin remediation team at Bien Hoa Air Base to discuss the ongoing clean-up project.

“The United States and Vietnam are working to bolster security through enhanced cooperation that will improve our collective air and maritime domain awareness,” Schneider said. “This is a moment of affirmation to the commitment we have made to each other, and a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when we are committed to mutual understanding and building a forward-looking path together.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

Enlisted leaders from air forces across the Indo-Pacific region gathered for the Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy training at the Binnicker Professional Military Education Center on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii from Nov. 11 – 22, 2024.

The training, which focuses on cross-cultural competency, resilience, leadership, and mission command, fosters multinational collaboration and strengthens partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Participants engage in tailored professional development activities designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for complex joint environments.

Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer Anita Godfrey, Pacific Air Forces IPAFA commandant, explained the origins of the program.

“The Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy is a collaborative endeavor,” Godfrey said. “It was conceptualized during the Senior Enlisted Leader International Summit in 2022 as a way forward to professionally develop the multinational enlisted cadre operating in the Indo-Pacific region together. In 2023, the inaugural IPAFA program was successfully delivered. This year, we designed and delivered IPAFA’s second program, the Inter-Pacific Combined Enlisted Leader Forum.”

Godfrey elaborated the forum enables enlisted leaders to share insights and experiences with one another, identifying commonalities and differences. In turn, enhancing leadership capabilities while building networks among multinational participants.

“IPAFA aims to provide professional development programs that adapt to both the needs of the region and the participants,” explained Godfrey.

Republic of Singapore Air Force 2nd Warrant Officer Yudhish Jayakumaran, 605 Squadron training warrant officer, shared his perspective as a participant, describing the program as an eye-opening opportunity to collaborate with multinational enlisted leaders.

“The bonds we’ve formed here will undoubtedly strengthen our military partnerships,” Yudhish said. “Sharing our experiences and gaining new insights has helped us build strong cross-cultural relationships, which will aid us in leading in complex and evolving environments.”

A key component of IPAFA is its focus on fostering trust and communication among participants, even when faced with challenges like language barriers. Jayakumaran reflected on how the program fosters bonds and emphasizes the importance of working together.

“At the end of the day, we are all people from the force, and that’s what binds us together,” he said. “More importantly, I also feel that the course promotes interoperability between our forces in the Pacific region, where you are learning more about someone’s culture.”

Godfrey expanded on how they don’t all speak the same language, but find other ways to communicate, mirroring a real-world multinational operation.

“Not everyone in the program has the same level of English comprehension, and that was done by design,” Godfrey said. “Because in the real world, you’re not going to all speak the same language.”

Activities like resilience-building exercises emphasized collaboration under pressure. Participants worked together to construct models while navigating real-world barriers, such as one team member being unable to speak, another unable to see, another only speaking their native language, and another providing opposing arguments.

“That scenario was my fondest memory, because it gave us a sense of the many challenges and differences,” Yudhish shared. “But if we work together and we recognize strengths and weaknesses, we can get things done.”

The camaraderie built during the program extended beyond the classroom. Participants stayed together in dormitories, simulating the conditions of a joint mission.

“When living together, spending the whole time together, and eating together, it brings us closer,” Yudhish said. “It made a difference. You learn to rely on each other in ways that prepare you for real-world operations.”

The program’s success lies in its ability to bring together leaders from diverse nations and foster mutual understanding, strengthening alliances and partnerships.

“We are all wearing different uniforms, we operate in different environments, but there’s always commonality,” Yudhish said. “We all have that same mission of leadership, taking care of people, caring for people, leading them, and developing them.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Carla Riner, Air National Guard advisor to the Pacific Air Forces Director of Air and Cyberspace Operations, led a Department of Defense delegation at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for an Aceh Tsunami Museum special exhibit honoring US disaster relief after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development, the 2^nd Global Tsunami Symposium sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and a bilateral engagement with the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Nov. 10-11.

A 9.0 magnitude quake in the Indian Ocean caused a tsunami that destroyed multiple cities in Aceh Province, killing more than 100,000 people in Aceh, and over 200,000 across the region, on Dec. 26, 2004. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command quickly responded by executing Operation Unified Assistance, deploying 16,000 personnel, 26 ships, 58 helicopters, and 43 fixed-wing aircraft to deliver 18 million pounds of relief supplies, 400,000 gallons of fresh water, and ferrying 8,000 people to safety.  The United States mobilized over $400 million in humanitarian aid and recovery efforts to support Indonesia’s response, benefiting over 580,000 people.

“It is a great honor to be with you as we commemorate both the power of human resilience and international partnership,” said Riner at the exhibit opening ceremony. “This exhibit is a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between like-minded nations such as Indonesia, the U.S., Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. It’s a reminder of the important work that we can accomplish when we come together.”

The second part of the trip focused on bilateral engagements with Indonesian partners including BNPB, Indonesia’s lead agency for disaster risk reduction and response. During the engagements, the U.S. delegation discussed the agency’s significant progress since its inception in 2008, its plans for future development, and areas where the U.S. military can cooperate with the Indonesian Armed Forces to provide cooperative disaster relief support.

“After seeing photos of the devastation from the tsunami, it feels surreal, yet also inspiring to be standing here 20 years later,” said Riner. “After the immediate life-saving relief efforts of the U.S. and other militaries, organizations like USAID devoted themselves to long-term reconstruction and resilience-building. The results of this partnership are clear to see as Aceh is once again a rapidly growing province with a bright future.”

Indonesia is a U.S. strategic partner located “in the heart” of the Indo-Pacific, together conducting over 220 annual joint exercises, engagements, exchanges, and more each year. The U.S.-Indonesian comprehensive strategic partnership continues to grow, as seen by an increase in exercise participation with 19 countries and more than 5,000 troops participating during the 2024 Super Garuda Shield exercise.  The U.S. remains committed to supporting Indonesia, and all partnered countries, in military and humanitarian support towards the goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.  –  

The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory is at the forefront of shaping future combat capabilities during Keen Sword 2025. Last month this biennial U.S.-Japan exercise provided MCWL a unique opportunity to advance its Campaign of Learning, showcasing cutting-edge technical demonstrations designed to elevate joint readiness, interoperability, and adaptability across coalition forces.

MCWL’s Campaign of Learning is central to its participation in KS25. The lab uses the exercise to implement advanced capabilities to refine operational tactics that align with the Joint Warfighting Concept. By assessing new and emerging technologies in real-world conditions, MCWL aims to optimize warfighting capabilities that will be critical for the U.S. and its allies to address emerging threats.
“KS25 provides an opportunity for MCWL to conduct technical demonstrations with concepts and technologies supporting force modernization initiatives,” said Lt.Col. Jason Hibler, MCWL concept development team lead, Experiment Division. “Lessons from past exercises like Steel Knight and Valiant Shield 24 inform MCWL’s approach, allowing the lab to iterate and improve based on real-time data and feedback from coalition partners.”

The primary goal of KS25 was to facilitate seamless joint operations between the U.S. Marine Corps, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and other allied forces. MCWL’s technical demonstrations this year place significant emphasis on achieving Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control – a capability that allows data to flow seamlessly across domains and platforms, providing real-time insights essential for decision-making in complex operational environments.
“Our ability to innovate, embrace, and operationalize rapid change continues to provide a competitive advantage in today’s complex national security environment,” said Colonel Michael J. Carroll, director, MCWL Experiment Division. “Technical demonstrations during KS25 aimed to create the conditions for follow-on experiments in both Service-level and Joint exercises to accelerate modernization and work toward better interoperability, agility, and resilience across the force.”

Other capabilities evaluated included advanced networking tools that strengthen joint-force connectivity. This technology is essential for maintaining a combat-ready force capable of withstanding and adapting to rapidly changing conditions. The exercise also enabled MCWL to gather data on innovative logistical solutions, which will enhance the sustainment of U.S. forces operating in contested environments.
MCWL’s technical demonstrations and assessments are integral steps in refining capabilities critical to the Marine Corps’ modernization initiatives. By building upon previous exercise insights, MCWL strengthens the Joint Force’s overall operational reach and resiliency.

Bi-lateral exercises like KS25 highlight the Marine Corps’ ongoing commitment to deepening operational ties and enhancing security with Japan and other regional allies. By sharing best practices, coordinating field exercises, and synchronizing technological advancements, MCWL ensures that joint forces remain adaptable, synchronized, and prepared for a broad spectrum of scenarios.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  

Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 returned to Yokosuka, Japan Nov. 22 following deployments aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS George Washington (CVN 73).

“After the completion of these patrols, DESRON 15 has reaffirmed our underway proficiency,” said Capt. Dave Huljack, deputy commodore and sea combat commander for DESRON 15. “We are thrilled to reintegrate with our team ashore and realign with our theater surface warfare responsibilities.”

DESRON 15 splits its staff between two distinct missions. In addition to serving as the Theater Surface Warfare Commander (TSUWC) for U.S. 7th Fleet from the shore, DESRON 15 embarks deployed aircraft carriers as the Sea Combat Commander (SCC).

Throughout patrols for the two carriers, DESRON 15 directed maritime strike operations and managed the anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations of the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers attached to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 as the SCC.

The SCC team, in concert with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, planned and executed numerous exercises to include Valiant Shield, Freedom Edge, and Keen Sword. The CSG and SCC teams operated alongside nations of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Canada to conduct routine security and stability operations.

“It is invaluable to lead a team that can operate on two fronts,” said Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, DESRON 15. “While half of our staff is ashore conducting independent theater surface operations with allies and partners, our other half is seamlessly integrating with the CSG to provide continuity underway.”

CTF 70 has operational control of Carrier Strike Group 5 from aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. It is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

NAVAL BASE GUAM  –  

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) arrived to its new homeport of Naval Base Guam, Nov. 26, as part of the U.S. Navy’s strategic laydown plan for naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minnesota arrives as the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to be forward deployed to Guam.

“The entire crew is thrilled to be in Guam,” said Cmdr. Isaac Pelt, commanding officer, USS Minnesota. “Minnesota is composed of exemplary individuals who represent some of our brightest Sailors in the Fleet. They’re eager to get out into the local community and stand ready to contribute to our strategic objectives and maintain warfighting readiness in the Pacific.”

Commissioned Sept. 7, 2013, in Norfolk, Virginia, Minnesota was the 10th Virginia-class submarine commissioned for service. Virginia-class submarines are the Navy’s next-generation attack submarines and are set to replace Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire. Minnesota has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors and is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable units forward. This posture allows flexibility for maritime and joint force operations, with forward-deployed units ready to rapidly respond to deter aggression and promote a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“I would like to personally extend a warm welcome to the Sailors and families of Minnesota,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “Guam serves as a strategic outpost in the Western Pacific, playing a vital role in maintaining stability across the region. With its motto, ‘From the North, Power,’ Minnesota embodies the strength and resolve that will make it an exceptional addition to our forward-deployed submarine force. Its presence will enhance our operational capabilities and further strengthen deterrence efforts throughout the Indo-Pacific. We are excited to have Minnesota as part of the team and look forward to the great accomplishments it will achieve while deployed forward.”

Minnesota joins four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed in the Pacific. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, helping to reaffirm the submarine forces’ forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

For more information about Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, visit www.csp.navy.mil/css15/

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ASAN, Guam  –  

A partnership between Joint Region Marianas (JRM) and the Dededo Mayor’s Office, to address the ongoing issue of abandoned vehicles and illegal dumping in the village, is proving successful.

Teams are working to clear debris, abandoned vehicles and waste from the intersection of Ukudu Street and West Santa Monica Avenue up past Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz.

To date, 250 vehicles, 60 appliances, 250 cubic yards of metallic debris, and 28 acres of green waste and refuse have been cleared in the village of Dededo, Guam. The abandoned vehicles and other metal items have been sent to recycling centers while the green waste and refuse has been sent to the Layon landfill.

“The cleared areas have definitely shown improvement and are safer as a result of joint cleanup efforts,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brian Holmes, assistant regional engineer with Joint Region Marianas.

The dumpsites pose significant threats to critical infrastructure, the environment and public safety. The areas most affected are along rural roads that are often poorly lit and in remote areas with little traffic, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify those responsible.

Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares described the situation as overwhelming, and explained that lax regulations and laws have led to individuals illegally disposing of their vehicles on both public and private property.

“There needs to be a stiffer fine for owners abandoning vehicles on government easements,” Savares said. She added that Guam’s Legislature is developing reforms to address this issue.

Abandoned vehicles pose serious environmental concerns as they could leak hazardous fluids that seep into the soil potentially polluting water sources. Stripped and burned vehicles release toxic fumes, contaminating the air, while trash left exposed is often carried by wind and rain into rivers and the ocean. These illegal dumping grounds are not only environmental threats but also obstruct essential access points for critical infrastructure. Some of the roads affected by illegal dumping run parallel to DoD property where there are critical infrastructure such as underground fuel pipelines. Accumulated debris has also hindered routine inspections, maintenance, and tests along the pipeline, said Holmes.

“Navy personnel require access to the impacted areas,” he said. “The debris can also create unsafe working environments for the personnel who maintain the fuel line. In an emergency, DoD personnel and local emergency services must also be able to easily and quickly access these areas. However, the unchecked debris can significantly impede operations leading to increased delays in response times.”

Local mayors, along with non-profit groups, spearhead most cleanup efforts, but resources are stretched thin. While Guam’s Environmental Protection Agency provides some funding to mayors for these cleanups, Savares said costs add up quickly and recycling options are limited.

“Nineteen village mayors trying to do this all at the same time can be challenging,” she said.

Persistent illegal dumping complicates cleanup efforts, with new debris often arriving at recently cleared locations. This cycle makes it difficult for the community to see visible progress, but it is also the driver for long-term solutions.

The Navy is working with the Dededo Mayor’s Office as well as other governmental and non- profit organizations to identify sustainable solutions.

“Enduring and sustainable solutions are definitely a whole-community effort,” said Holmes.

The Navy aims to continue the momentum and community partnership by informing the community of the regional attention to keep the areas clear and safe for both DoD operations and the surrounding communities. Holmes said he hopes the local government continues to work with the Navy to address and prevent the environmental and public safety harm that dumping activities may cause.

Savares emphasized the critical need to protect Guam’s environment. “Guam is paradise,” she said, but she also urged residents to take care of the island’s natural resources, especially the water and soil, for current and future generations. She calls on the community to work together to prevent further harm, saying, “I plead with our island people to be responsible residents. Take ownership and pride in our neighborhoods, our community, and our island.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DONGDUCHEON, South Korea  –  

On a cold winter morning, just one degree below zero, 20 Camp Casey volunteers delivered 2,000 coal briquettes to households on the neighborhood of Sangpae, Dongducheon city, South Korea, Nov. 23. The annual event has been supported by U.S. Army Soldiers in the area since 2007.

Early that morning, Dongducheon Volunteer Center and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) volunteers began to deliver the 2,000 briquettes to several homes in Sangpae-dong. The volunteers worked side-by-side in the frigid winter morning air, warmed by their generous hearts of friendship and cooperation.

“A philosopher said that volunteer service is the greatest thing,” said Hyong, Nam Sun, the Dongducheon Volunteer Center chief. “No matter how great or small the value of service, the service itself is great. This is because we reach out to those in need with a warm heart and encourage them to always live in a positive way in this world.”

A South Korean coal briquette, or “yeontan,” has been used as an affordable way to heat homes since the mid-1950s. There are still several homes in Sangpae-dong that haven’t been upgraded to more modern boiler heating systems.

A standard briquette weighs about 3.5 kilograms, or 7.7 pounds, and has 22 holes drilled into its topside to facilitate more efficient and steady burning with an average household burning one to three briquettes per day.

The group of Yongsan-Casey volunteers was comprised of U.S. Army Soldiers, Korean Augmentation To the U.S. Army (KATUSA) Soldiers, and civilians assigned to Camp Casey and Camp Hovey.

“Volunteer opportunities like this make me feel pretty good,” said Sgt. Andrew Greider, Area I BOSS president. “More often than not, Soldiers are usually very enthusiastic about being able to help the local community. Many express an eagerness and willingness to go out and do more volunteer work and are always looking for new ways to help wherever they can.”

The coal distribution event is just one of over 118 community relations events organized by the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey community relations office within the past 12 months to promote cross-cultural understanding and improve the quality of life for Soldiers, family members, and civilians.

“As a community relations officer of USAG Yongsan-Casey, it is a great honor to support U.S. Soldiers who want to help the local community and support those in need,” said Kim, Song Ae, the U.S. Army Yongsan-Casey community relations officer. “It is always a pleasure to participate in volunteer work that makes people happy and makes our community a better place.”

After the event, the volunteers were treated to a heartwarming bowl of jajangmyeon, a popular South Korean noodle dish topped with thick black bean sauce, diced pork, vegetables and spices. Several engaging conversations naturally occurred as the volunteers shared a meal with Sangpae-dong citizens, creating a unique and culturally immersive experience.

“A lot of the Soldiers stationed at Camp Casey are new to the Army, and it will be their first time not being with their families during the holidays,” said Greider. “Helping out during the holiday season gives Soldiers a safe place to go out and can relieve some of their stress and worries.”

The community relations event is an outstanding example of the Army value of selfless service and strengthened the bond between Yongsan-Casey Soldiers and the surrounding community.