Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

This is the 44th iteration of CG25, and the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia. It takes place Feb. 26 to Mar. 8, 2025, in the Kingdom of Thailand, highlighting the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand, the United States, and other participating nations.

“The goal of sharing our technological capabilities with our allies is to show them how important the space domain really is and get them invested in helping us contest it,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Cornell, 53rd Space Operations Squadron Detachment E mission assurance flight chief from Fort. Buckner, Japan. “The more allies we have assisting in the space domain, the more capabilities we will be able to provide our warfighters.”

According to Capt. Jarrett Jordan, USSPACEFORCES exercise planner from Indo-Pacific Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, the United States Indo-Pacific Command supports space integration with Allies and Partners through Combined Joint All Domain Operations mission rehearsals that are put together by the Pacific Multi-Domain Training & Experimentation Capability. In CG25, PMTEC helped coordinate the integration of two electromagnetic spectrum awareness systems from the Hawaii Air National Guard in support of Space Force sharing efforts.

Some of the technology that was displayed was the Honey Badger system. It is composed of an antenna and modem.

“The purpose of the Honey Badger is to monitor the downlink of satellite communications,” Cornell said. “Doing so can provide us with early warnings that can allow us to better defend ourselves and our allies.”
Another tech that was displayed was the Kraken. A portable device that detects signals associated with unmanned aerial systems.

“Honey Badger and Kraken both support electromagnetic spectrum operations,” Jordan said. “Honey Badger performs overwatch of critical signals in case of electromagnetic interference, while Kraken searches for signals associated with unmanned aerial systems.

CG25 is an exercise that demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements, advancing common interests and a commitment to our allies and partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“This unique opportunity to work with our multinational partners is highly rewarding and worthwhile to the global space community,” Jordan said. “As a Guardian getting to come out to this event, it has been great getting to learn alongside and teach our Thai partners and the Combined Force how space impacts operations.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pilots and aircrew from the participating countries will coordinate to build plans and discuss tactics incorporating their respective capabilities and equipment for ASW. The exercise will culminate in a final battle problem in the vicinity of Guam, during which participants will track a live U.S. Navy submarine.

“I am eager for the opportunity to further develop our partnerships with Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Korea during Sea Dragon 2025,” said LT Marshad Huq, officer-in-charge for the U.S. Navy (USN) detachment from VP 16. “The continued growth and increasing complexity of this exercise affords an opportunity to practice ASW tactics, techniques, and procedures with allies and partners.”

Each event in the exercise will be assessed and graded, and the nation that scores the most points will receive the coveted Dragon Belt award. JMSDF began a three-year winning streak in 2022 and brought the belt back to Sea Dragon 2025 to defend the title once again.

Exercise Sea Dragon has been held annually since 2019.

The “War Eagles” of VP 16, part of CTF 72, are stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, and are currently forward-deployed to Misawa Air Base in Misawa, Japan. The “Golden Swordsmen” of VP 47, also a part of CTF 72, are stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington, and are currently forward-deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. While deployed, both squadrons will conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Cobra Gold is taking place from Feb. 26 – Mar. 8, 2025, with this year marking the 44th iteration of the exercise. As the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia, Cobra Gold brings together multinational armed forces and multiple civilian agencies in the exchange of knowledge involving training events and discourse with subject matter experts.

In the combat marksmanship training event, U.S. Marines instructed Thai and ROK Marines in close combat scenarios utilizing a 50 meter rifle range.

Col. Stuart Glenn, commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, was there to witness the cooperative training environment.

“We’re exchanging knowledge,” said Glenn. “We’re exchanging skills. We’re exchanging best practices and things that we have learned in our collective training. And what makes this particular event unique is that we’re also receiving all of that from our international partners here today.”

One such partner present, Petty Officer 1st Class Suttiwat Susing of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, has extensive experience with the collaborative training mission, having participated in over four Cobra Gold exercises in the past.

“I have learned many things from the U.S. Marine Corps in all the Cobra Golds I have been a part of,” said Susing. “Even today on the range, they taught new practices related to safety on the range.”

In addition to the technical expertise exchanged between service members, Susing has seen many lasting friendships result from the exercises. This fact is not lost on Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Isaiah Gutierrez, a U.S. Navy Sailor attached to the 1st LAR.

“Training like this on a range is important for our readiness, but it’s also like a bonding time for these guys,” said Gutierrez. “A lot of these guys like to shoot – American, Korean and Thai. So doing it all together gives a sense of camaraderie between them. And, of course, it helps us all understand how we operate our weapon systems.”

Lance Cpl. Ryan Bernard, team leader in the 1st LAR, participated in the combat marksmanship training and welcomed the opportunity to learn from marines of other nations.

“Training with our partners like this, in their own country and with other armed forces, is crucial to our mission,” said Bernard.

According to Bernard, a day on the range with partners and allies goes a long way toward operational familiarity and camaraderie among service members.

Republic of Korea Navy Capt. Kim Kyung-ho, commander of the ROK Navy Cobra Gold Exercise Squadron, observed for himself the marines instructing each other in techniques and safety procedures on the range.

“Through active and practical training like today with our allies and partners, we will be able to enhance the ability to conduct multinational joint operations and contribute to strengthening interoperability and military cooperation while promoting friendship among the participating forces,” said Kyung-ho.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The purpose of Indo-Pacific Motorized Forum 25, is for senior leaders and multinational partners to discuss, plan, and prepare to enhance modernized war fighting functions among the Indo-Pacific region.

The Forum began with a conference held at the Le Méridien, with 91 participants, including 42 U.S. personnel and 49 allied and partnered nation representatives from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and the Kingdom Thailand.

I Corps subordinate units, 7th Infantry Division, 5th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, and many others, joined the discussion in regards to the Indo-Pacific Motorized Forum becoming a key platform for force modernization, operational integration, and strategic discussions.

Participants shared their thoughts on modernization and future motorized operations, and discussed strategic methods to enhance security cooperation through training. The Indo-Pacific Motorized Forum 25 has become a cornerstone for multinational collaboration, allowing partners to refine doctrines, tactics, and operational strategies for motorized formations.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general of America’s First Corps, expressed the importance and his appreciation for U.S. Army service members, and multinational partners working together to maintain effectiveness and cohesion within the military.

“The Indo-Pacific Motorized Forum 25 represents the continued commitment of the U.S. and its allies to enhancing regional security and interoperability,” said McFarlane. “Through collaboration, modernization, and shared operational experiences, we strengthen our collective ability to meet evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.”

On Feb. 27, The Royal Thai Army held a visit at the 112th Stryker RegimentCombat Team Headquarters in Chon Buri, Thailand. Discussions were made on behalf of maintaining sufficient military tactical vehicles for operations, and displayed a scenario based training utilizing a terrain model in a tactical environment.

Leaders from all participating nations spoke on behalf of their military history. They emphasized their common goal of defense and security being an essential aspect between nations when working together and enhancing interoperability. Future Indo-Pacific Motorized Forums will continue to push these goals forward.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Following an overview of USINDOPACOM strategy, Paparo answered questions from the CSC participants regarding regional security, highlighting allies and partners. 

CSC is a five-week course attended by more than 80 mid-level military, government and non-government professionals from 33 nations in the Indo-Pacific to enhance security collaboration and strategic dialogue. After providing an overview, participants seek to develop resilient solutions to real organizational and regional security issues.

DKI APCSS is a DoD institute that addresses regional and global security issues, inviting military and civilian representatives of the U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations to its comprehensive program of executive education and workshops, both in Hawaii and throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The instream offload is part of the overarching Maritime Prepositioning Force strategy, which sees these supplies transported by ship and offloaded and distributed to III Marine Expeditionary Forces in-country prior to the Korean Marine Exchange Program. The instream variation of an MPF offload is designed to be conducted without routine logistical support systems.

“This operation simulates an offload of equipment from a United States Naval Ship vessel directly to the shore and providing that equipment quickly to the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) commander on the ground in locations where docking pierside for offload is untenable,” said 1st Lt. Rafael Almodovar Sanabria, assistant current operations officer with 3rd MLG. “This sealift capability allows equipment to flow in a non-permissive environment, where the ship anchors in a safe haven to provide that gear to shore in a rapid manner without use of a pier to dock at.”

Off the coast of Dogu Beach outside ROKMC Base Pohang sat the USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), one of four MPF ships as part of the USN’s Military Sealift Command, designed to sustain a MAGTF for up to 30 days. The USNS Dahl transferred the vehicles and equipment by crane onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System, a mobile platform used as the transportation asset between ship and shore. The INLS sails as close to the beach as possible before the equipment is taken off and staged for follow-on actions.

However, the beach must be prepared beforehand, or as much as the conditions of operations can allow. ROK Marines with the ROKMC MLG laid expeditious roadway mats from the nearest road down to the edge of the surf, providing a cleared path for the equipment to exfiltrate the beach as quickly as possible.

In addition to the instream offload refining the MLG’s ability to transport equipment in a contested environment, nearly 900 additional Marines and Sailors and additional vehicles and equipment was concurrently offloaded at Pohang Port via a High-Speed Transport vessel. The dual operations, both in support of upcoming III MEF bilateral training evolutions alongside the ROKMC forces, flexed the MLG’s ability to logistically support such a large force.

“It’s been a significant exercise for us so far, conducting offload both pierside and instream of one of our MPF vessels, then transporting the equipment to multiple sites throughout the country,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Collins, commanding general of 3rd MLG. “It’s important to demonstrate we can get our equipment to the peninsula, create a composite combat-credible force, and employ those forces and assets in a field training exercise.”

The ability to conduct an instream offload is critical to logistical operations during a contingency or disaster relief event. Rather than being forced to rely on preexisting infrastructure to support the movement of warfighting or lifesaving equipment and supplies, the capability to execute sealift operations provides the ability to offload at virtually any feasible coastal location, rallying ashore, and moving inland where required. Coupled with the HST offload, MLG logisticians facilitated the doubling of III MEF forces and equipment in South Korea in a single day.

“Most MEF level deployments require you to marshal hundreds of troops and cargo at some point, but never have I ever expected to marshal and stage almost 1,000 personnel plus cargo in a single rotation,” said Cpl. Matthew Mulherin, Jr., embarkation chief with G3, 3rd MLG. “We have reached a milestone with these offloads, raising the bar for future iterations of the exercise.”

Freedom Banner is the validation and improvement of the MLG’s expeditious sealift capability and integrated logistics operations. This training strengthens the MLG’s ability to embark, offload and distribute gear and equipment across a contested environment in support of combat or humanitarian events alongside the command and support structure of the ROKMC MLG.

“This is not just a relationship of warriors, but one of friends,” said Collins. “The ROK Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps are very close, but our MLGs are even closer.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The visit to Busan exemplifies the U.S. commitment to the region, further enhancing relationships with ROK leaders and the local population.

“An aircraft carrier port visit demonstrates our commitment to the alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, CSG-1. “Our alliance remains the linchpin of peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula, and we are dedicated to working with our ROK Navy counterparts to ensure stability in the region.”

For 250 years, the U.S. Navy has forged enduring alliances that are essential to its maritime warfighting capabilities. These partnerships have allowed us to project power, protect sea lanes, and safeguard global security.

Additionally, the visit provides the opportunity for strike group Sailors and civilians to rest and recharge while being able to experience the city of Busan. During the port visit, Vinson is scheduled to host ship tours for several U.S. and ROK leaders, conduct multiple key leader engagements ashore, and participate in community relations and sporting events.

“We are excited to pay another visit to the Republic of Korea, and we are grateful to the people of Busan for such a warm welcome,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of Vinson. “Our Sailors look forward to participating in professional engagements and community service projects while meeting and engaging with the local community of South Korea.”

Prior to their Busan port call, CSG-1 participated in Pacific Steller 2025, a multi-large deck event in the Philippine Sea. The exercise provided the strike group the opportunity to work and train alongside allies and partners to include the French Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, fostering the alliance and maritime security in support of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

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

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The Guard units are here to train alongside partner nations, showcasing the crucial role of space in modern military operations and highlighting the DoD’s commitment to peace through strength.

“The whole point of this is to show them what the Space Force can do for commanders,” said Lt. Gabrielle Zamojski, 216 EWS, space operator. “When we come out to exercises and show them different space systems, they can see what the electromagnetic warfare spectrum is and what the space link can look like.”

The Guard units brought two systems to Cobra Gold: Honey Badger and Kraken. These systems passively observe and characterize signals in the space domain.
“This is the first time my unit has supported this exercise and we’re slowly getting more Space Force integrated into it this and other exercises as well,” said Zamojski. “We’re a new branch, and we’re plugging into more exercises to highlight our strategic value to our allies and partners.”

This training enhances interoperability with ally and partner nations and demonstrates the Space Force’s dedication to working as part of the Joint force.

The countries involved in the space joint multinational component command for the exercise are the U.S., Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and Japan.

“I am learning a lot about the space environment out here and this exercise is a great learning opportunity for space operators to go out and integrate with different nations while working on different types of missions from what we normally do at our home units,” said Senior Airman Michael Caravalho, 150 EWS, space operator. “Once they see what we can do, I can explain in detail the type of work I am doing and how the systems work together to accomplish the overall mission.”

Joint Exercise Cobra Gold demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements, advancing common interests, and a commitment to our allies and partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. DoD’s participation in Cobra Gold showcases the critical role of Joint Force space professionals in supporting global security objectives, demonstrating the value of their unique skills and experience in the space domain.