Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

During the trip, he met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, National Security Advisor Eduardo Año, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr, and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson to discuss shared security concerns, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster response, and counterterrorism.  He also met Secretary and Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, underscoring U.S. commitment to the AFP to enhance maritime domain awareness and capacity building in order to counter illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities.  

Paparo also met with U.S. and Filipino World War II veterans and gave a speech at the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila at Manila American Cemetery. Attended by U.S. and Philippine dignitaries and guests, the event recognized the service and sacrifice of more than 1,000 U.S. soldiers and more than 100,000 civilians who lost their lives during the fight to liberate the Philippine capital. 

“Our nations have stood together for decades, confronting common challenges and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region,” Paparo said during his remarks. “The liberation of Manila was a triumph for universal values of human dignity, self-determination, and the human spirit. As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of freedom and our enduring partnership. May the sacrifices of our forebears inspire us to stand firm in the face of challenges, and may our bonds of friendship and cooperation grow stronger in the years to come.”

The United States has supported the Philippines’ democratic institutions, responded to natural disasters, and worked together to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States remains committed to the defense and security of the Philippines and will continue working together to deter aggression and uphold international law.  

Since 1951, the U.S.-Philippines Alliance has upheld peace and security in the Indo-Pacific with a shared vision of transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The modernization of the relationship through training and joint all-domain operation events such as upcoming exercise Balikatan continue to enhance U.S.-Philippine bilateral interoperability and lethality across land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace domains.  

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 Marine Corps Shooting Team hosted the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Pacific at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, from January 23 to January 31, 2025. 

 Throughout the competition Pacific Marines, Sailors and officers with the Honolulu Police Department trained and competed for a week for the opportunity to be invited to the Marine Corps Marksmanship Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.  

While the event is a competition, the true goal of MCMC-PAC is to advance the lethality of the Corps and build camaraderie across a multitude of experience and backgrounds. 

“My favorite part is getting to see the shooters grow and develop as marksmen, as well as Marines,” said Sgt. Dylan Kelley, an instructor and competitor with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, “We’re giving the Marines an opportunity to come out here, compete against their peers, compete against fellow Marines and give them a chance to see where they are at.” 

Kelley instructed approximately 72 shooters throughout the competition. Those shooters ranged from first time competitors to veteran shooters, all with various capabilities with their weapon system.  

“It takes the ‘Every Marine a Rifleman’ and actually makes it a true statement,” says Master Gunnery Sgt. Derrick R. Stanfield, intelligence chief, G-2, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and competitor since 2012. “It applies a lethality factor.” 

Throughout the event, competitors participated in three training days, one individual pistol match, consisting of four stages, and two individual rifle matches, both consisting of two stages. Following the individual matches, the teams battled it out in a team pistol and rifle match. 

Winners of each match not only get invited to compete in championships but were awarded both trophies and medals for their accomplishments.  

“Two years ago, I was lucky enough to place bronze,” said Capt. Tyler Ashton, commander, Headquarters and Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, MARFORPAC, and team captain of MARFORPAC’s rifle team, “Getting a group of 22 Marines out of the office to come out and shoot is important for morale and skills, and I am happy to be a part of it.” 

After all the rounds were scored and the aroma of gunpowder floated towards the horizon, the Marine Corps Shooting Team awarded the victors.  

Staff Sgt. Christian Cachola, operations chief, Marine Corps Shooting team, won gold for rifle with an overall combined score of 188.24% 

Maj. Tanner Grover, Oceana planner, G-2, MARFORPAC, won gold for pistol with an overall score of 100% 

The first-place rifle team trophy was awarded to 1st Lt. Xavier Chido, aviation supply officer, Gunnery Sgt. Ger Lao, basic engineer equipment mechanic, Sgt. Isiah Crossguns, hygiene equipment operator, Sgt. Rodolfo Vergara, systems technician and Lance Cpl. Carlos Dowdney, systems technician, all with Marine Aircraft Group 24 with an overall score of 70.90%. 

 The first-place pistol team trophy was awarded to Maj. Tanner Grover, Capt. Tyler Ashton, Master Gunnery Sgt. Derrick Stanfield, Sgt. Ty Countryman, instrumentalist, and Cpl. Andrew Crume, Instrumentalist, all with MARFORPAC, with an overall score of 100%. 

“Even though I didn’t medal, I feel like I have improved exponentially as shooter.” said Cpl. Matthew Benfield, combat graphic specialists, MARFORPAC, and first-time competitor, “This is an amazing opportunity that all Marines should take to not only improve their shooting but learn from the very best.” 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The 18th Wing is expanding the critical command and control capabilities with the 18th Operations Support Squadron’s Airspace and Range Management Facility.

These new capabilities, such as communications and radar common operating picture, are scheduled for phased investments throughout 2025, further augmenting the facility’s ability to ensure critical access to training and operational spaces supporting joint force readiness.

The facility achieved initial operational capabilities in November of 2023, but these new changes further cement the increased regional airspace and range management capabilities the facility brings to bear.

The facility will play a central role in regional security by integrating with U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Japan Self-Defense Force range controls. The joint management facility helps oversee the complex airspace structure surrounding Okinawa and is a designated touch point for coordination among airspace users and adjacent air navigation service providers.

“The 18th Wing worked closely with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability office, or PMTEC,” said U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Danielle Michel, 18th Operations Support Squadron commander. “Allowing us to identify key operations toward bolstering our ability to achieve mission success in collaboration with our joint and host nation partners.”

The U.S.-led Kadena Radar Approach Control was officially decommissioned March 30, 2010, with its arrival control functions transferred to the Government of Japan, which is responsible for air traffic services to both civilian and military aircraft within the Okinawa area.

After a $52 million comprehensive redesign, the 18 OSS achieved targeted development milestones in 2024 via project alignment with U.S. Forces Japan, Pacific Air Forces, and the GOJ. Improvements include an increase in specialized personnel as well as critical infrastructure modernization to replace aging systems and networks.

Regional alignment will posture the facility for further development hosting mission-critical operations and future support of live, virtual, and constructive training integration, reinforcing the 18th Wing’s role as a center of tactical innovation.

Addressing Okinawa area’s increasing air traffic volume, the facility will contribute to a management continuum that ensures seamless access to airspace, increased flight safety, and real-time de-confliction with Japan air traffic and airspace authorities and others, including air traffic, meteorological, search and rescue, and aeronautical information service entities.

The development of this facility displays the 18th Wing’s commitment to advancing airspace and range management capabilities, furthering the base’s operational importance within the Indo-Pacific region.

As joint operations and collaboration across branches continue to evolve, the Airspace and Range Management Facility will remain a cornerstone of airspace management, range control, and contingency readiness for years to come.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

“I will keep them on their feet, so I’ll pull one of them out from a crowd and have them help me demonstrate something I explained. By the way they do it, I’ll give corrections.” explains Cpl. Trevon Williams a supply chain and material management specialist with 7th Comm. Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

During Stormbreaker 25.1, the 7th Comm. Bn. Marines not only worked on their transmission capabilities, but they also had the opportunity to be trained in close quarter combat tactics and room clearing by instructors and also by veterans who cleared buildings in the Middle East. This gave the Marines an opportunity to learn how to increase their lethality and survivability in a contested environment.

“Being at 7th Comm. Bn., we focus a lot on transmissions, networking and data systems.”, said Staff Sgt Lewis Molet-Clytus a transmissions chief with 7th Comm. Bn. “Being able to adapt to an environment and training that we don’t normally do in a communication battalion really sets the tone for other Marines to let them know that we too are able to adapt and have that skill set to have variable assets among us, not just using communications, but we can also strategically plan the clearing of rooms and hallways.”

Stormbreaker 25.1 also included a live grenade range where Marines learned to become familiar and comfortable with the procedures of throwing an M67 fragmentation grenade.

“When you think about holding something that has damage of a high capacity, you might expect that most people would panic, but with us as Marines, we learn to adapt in difficult challenges. That’s where I come in to facilitate that and let them understand that with good hands, there’s good measures and there’s a safe environment, which I put in place for those Marines to have the confidence to execute these exercises.” Said Staff Sgt. Molet-Clytus.

7th Comm. Bn. strives to mold well-rounded Marines who embody the spirit of ‘Every Marine is a rifleman’ by creating field exercises that include fast-paced tactical courses in conjunction with technical training. Each training iteration allowed Marines to work through stressful environments while learning how to work together as a team. Stormbreaker 25.1 increased Marines’ skills as rifleman and communication operators.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 25 is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia, with approximately 30 nations participating and over 3,200 U.S. personnel directly involved.

The team at Lop Buri is comprised of more than 50 U.S., Thai and Singaporean joint multi-national engineers working together to build a multipurpose room for the local community as part of the Engineering Civic Action Program. The project is estimated to take less than 35 days and aims to strengthen the community’s resources and enhance relationships with our allies and partners.

“This isn’t just a situation of U.S. Forces working with Royal Thai Forces— we’re here for the local people and making sure their needs are met as well,” said 1st Lt. Emily Schaum, the Site 5 officer-in-charge.

Despite language barriers, varying equipment, and a tight timeline, the multi-national engineering team persists in collaborating. They combine their diverse expertise to construct a multipurpose room equipped with electrical, air conditioning, and plumbing systems.

“The project is a unique opportunity for all of us,” said Senior Airman Jamie Canales, an engineer with 356 EPBS. “There are not many times you can say local people are interested in the work you’re doing. It’s unique, and it’s appreciated by us that they’re supportive of what we do. It’s also fun that we can have these memories to last a lifetime.”

Canales also mentioned that he was grateful to work in an environment where he could observe the operations of different militaries, appreciating the cohesion among U.S., Thai, and Singaporean forces.

The success of this project underscores the power of collaboration, demonstrating how our joint efforts can overcome challenges and leave a lasting impact. As the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore continue to work together, they not only strive to enhance local infrastructure but also strengthen the bonds built between them.

Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 25 – the 44th iteration of this exercise – directly exemplifies the long-lasting partnership and alliance with Thailand and reflects the shared commitment to preserving a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Through exercises like Cobra Gold 25, the enduring partnership between nations continues to foster security, prosperity, and mutual understanding in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The 434th ARW joined the Tanker Task Force to provide air refueling support to the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Australian Air Forces, and Japanese Air Self Defense Force during the annual exercise held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

“Grissom is playing a key role in support of PACAF’s role in defending the Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Brian Thompson, 434th Operations Support Squadron commander. “We have been absolutely pivotal in providing fuel to primary F-35s, as well as EA-18G Growlers, F-16 Wild Weasels and the fan favorite B-1 Lancer.”

The 434th ARW’s role in CN25 is to project airpower, execute the mission and win the fight, which takes a team, according to 1st Lieutenant Robert Grasmick, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer.

“If we can project Grissom air power to the Indo-Pacific and integrate with the joint force to execute our combined mission, then we make the joint force more robust and agile,” Grasmick said. “Thus, giving us the edge to win any engagement.”

The Heartland Warriors hit the ground running, integrating themselves with active duty troops and gaining realistic experience supporting large-force deployment operations.

“I have really enjoyed seeing so many career fields work together in order to make the mission possible,” said Senior Airman Ashlyn Hunter, 434th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician. “I think Cope North is a great training exercise and helps all career fields melt into one Air Force.”

As reservists, deploying to participate in Cope North, and similar exercises hones the warfighting ethos and gives an unparalleled advantage in the field. Grasmick also notes that by teaming up with their Japanese and Australian counterparts, Airmen build upon their existing knowledge and skill sets to become more adaptable and well-rounded fighting forces.

“By expanding our real-world training on an island in the Pacific,” said Grasmick, “It makes us that much more potent of an asset when called upon.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, ROK, four ROK Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs from the 17th Fighter Wing, Cheongju Air Base, ROK, and four U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning IIs from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, joined the bombers for simulated precision strike and air interdiction training, validating the two nations’ combined ability to conduct strikes and operated together in a contested environment.

“Advanced training like today’s event ensures we’re able to maintain the high levels of readiness necessary for our combined defense posture,” said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander. “Each time our aircrew plan, execute and debrief together, we build proficiency in our tactics, techniques and procedures to defend the Alliance, if required.”

The bombers, assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, are currently deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1. They were escorted into the Korean theater of operations by ROK Air Force F-15K Slam Eagles from the 11th Fighter Wing, Daegu Air Base, ROK.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai held an introductory call this morning to reaffirm our shared commitment to the long-standing U.S.-Thailand alliance and over 192 years of friendship between our nations. The leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen the bilateral defense alliance, including expanding military exercises and deepening cyber and defense industrial base cooperation. The Secretary conveyed his appreciation for Thailand’s support of U.S. presence in the region, and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Thailand’s military modernization and professional military education in the United States.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

During the visit, JGSDF Soldiers were provided an in-depth mission briefing on the sophisticated integrated air and missile defense systems of the brigade, which included insights into the capabilities of the mobile interceptor missile – 104 surface-to-air missile system Patriot and the terminal high altitude area defense systems. This knowledge-sharing initiative is pivotal to bolstering the interoperable defense architecture between the United States and Japan, showcasing a unified stance against a myriad of aerial threats.

As tensions and strategic interests heighten across the Indo-Pacific theater, such collaborations are pivotal to ensure shared understanding and interoperability among allies. The Co-Op Program, spanning nine compelling weeks, immerses JGSDF members in the nerve center of U.S. Army operations at Camp Zama, the heart of U.S. Army Japan’s mission to safeguard peace and security in the region.

During their stay, JGSDF soldiers did not only gain insights into the operational imperatives of the 38th ADA brigade but also engaged in intensive language training designed to facilitate seamless communication in mission-critical scenarios. Each participant is paired with a counterpart from a different unit at Camp Zama, who guides them through their daily responsibilities, promoting a hands-on experience of the U.S. Army’s rigorous duties and responsibilities.

This holistic approach to exchange and cooperation underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to deepening ties with its Japanese partners. By fostering such interpersonal and professional relationships, the 38th ADA brigade and USARJ are paving the way for a resilient and responsive integrated defense force, ready to confront the challenges of the 21st century.

The 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade is a key component of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, U.S. Army Pacific, strategically forward-deployed and tasked with the vital mission of integrated air and missile defense in Japan as well as across the Indo-Pacific region. With a focus on readiness, modernization, and integration, the brigade stands at the forefront of strategic defense operations, ensuring peace and stability through unwavering vigilance and strong alliances.