Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SAGAMIHARA, KANAGAWA, Japan  –  

U.S. Army military police (MP) with the 382nd Military Police Detachment and 422nd Military Police Company, both with 96th Military Police Battalion, 11th Military Police Brigade, flew halfway across the globe this December to support Yama Sakura 87, an annual trilateral training exercise involving U.S. Joint Forces, the Japan Self-Defense Force and the Australian Defence Force.

Members of the MPs provided law and order and security for the military service members training on Sagami General Depot, a U.S. Army post located in the city of Sagamihara, Japan. They deployed not only to support this exercise, but also to validate their own unit’s capabilities and prepare for future deployments.

“Building cohesiveness with a local force is truly a great task,” said 1st Sgt. Brian Reaber, a military police officer assigned to the 422nd MP Company. “Our primary job is going out into the field and doing missions that require training other entities, such as local governments or countries. Right now, we are working the roads as a law enforcement entity; it’s our first mission for future potential deployment going overseas.”

Reaber filled the role of provost sergeant during this exercise, the overall senior enlisted advisor to the commander and provost marshal. As a first sergeant, Reaber is also responsible for the overall training of the company.

The MPs conducted patrols and other related law enforcement duties while collaborating with gate guards, local nationals, Japanese contractors and the Japanese National Police during the Yama Sakura 87 exercise, said Reaber.

According to Sgt. Austin Thom, a military police officer assigned to the 382nd MP Detachment, MPs at Sagami General Depot worked with the Japanese National Police (JNP) to investigate a traffic collision that took place just outside the front gate. He found the JNP to be very thorough and well trained.

“Community relations is a very big thing – understanding the people you are working with,” said Spc. Bailey Rethaber, a military police officer assigned to the 422nd MP Company. “Not only military members, but (also) civilians.”

On patrol, MPs regularly return baseballs, softballs, soccer balls that have been hit over base fences to local national children playing sports at a bordering community park.

“It feels good to not always be in the headspace of: ‘I’m just here for law and order’ but helping the community in standard ways with anything they need is really nice,” said Rethaber.

According to Captain Alexander Lopez, the commander of the 422nd MP Company, in-country MPs from the 88th and 901st Military Police Detachments brought stun gun training, military working dog handling training and upcoming oleoresin capsicum (also known as pepper) spray training to the MPs stationed at Sagami General Depot. Training in Japan is a great opportunity because it allows the MPs experience working with local nationals in an area different from the United States.

Spc. Samiya Soutien, a military working dog handler assigned to the 901st MP Detachment, and her military working dog Malna, a Belgian Malinois, conducted a controlled drug and explosives detection exercise on several vehicles at Sagami General Depot.

“Canines can be utilized for multiple things… (Such as) either patrol or detention. We have two different types of canines: explosives or drugs,” said Spc. Soutien. “We are also tracker certified with our dogs, so we can do tracking, scouting and building searches.”

Regularly training military working dogs for explosive hazard detection in different environments is key to prepare them for explosive detection, as repeated training in similar environments may train them to only search for specific stimuli. Because of this, training in as many new environments as possible leads to a higher hazard detection success rate.

“Doing this exercise builds a whole new understanding of how to do law enforcement in a whole different environment,” said Lopez. “Especially when it’s not your country of origin, it gives you an understanding of what the community relies on and what they believe is right or wrong. Being able to respect other people’s customs and courtesies, as well as making sure you do your job and enforce the law and keep order, is extremely important.”

Spc. Christopher Herrera, a military police officer assigned to the 382nd MP Detachment, has been able to meet people from different backgrounds here in Japan. The level of respect and politeness the local nationals had for everyone around them was different from what he’s experienced in the states.

“You’re on an American base, in a foreign country,” said Herrera. “We have to understand that there is a different set of laws and agreements between the two countries and they have to be observed in a certain way while you’re on assignment here on the base, and also when you’re off duty, outside the base.”

From going on patrols, conducting military police training, and interacting with both military members and civilian entities, military police at Sagami Depot have earned respect and trust in the community, which is the foundation of establishing law and order.

“Our role is to build a sustainable bond between us and the Japanese,” said Reaber. “We want to make sure that we have good connections and leadership today and maintain connections in the future.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP ASAKA, Japan  –  

Yama Sakura 87 comes to an end with service members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Australian Defence Force, and America’s First Corps gathering to take part in the event’s closing ceremony held at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 14.

Following the ceremony, a trilateral statement commemorating the success of the exercise among the three nations stated:

“We have just concluded another successful trilateral Yama Sakura exercise involving service members from Japan, the United States of America and Australia. This exercise allows us to improve our joint human, procedural and technical interoperability and enhance our collaboration among Cross-Domain Operations and Multi-Domain Operations. Yama Sakura’s greatest achievement is its longevity, a legacy of growth and relationships forged over 40 years between our countries. We look forward to all the exercises to come rekindling these friendships and applying the lessons learned together.” Yama Sakura, One Team!

The trilateral command post exercise is the cornerstone event of the U.S. Army’s Pacific’s Operation Pathways series, demonstrating America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The exercise saw a lot of firsts for the exercise including the first-ever U.S. Army Warfighter held in Japan, and the first Warfighter concurrent with Yama Sakura.

More than 7,000 service members from the three Allied and partnered nations participated in the 10-day exercise. The trilateral exercise spread across three nations, six locations and 17 time zones.

Additionally, the exercise saw the following nations invited as observers for future participate in exercises like Yama Sakura to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific: The Philippines, India, Singapore, France, The United Kingdom and Canada.

The exercise leveraged new concepts and ideas to enhance the interoperability and combined readiness among the Allied and partnered nations.

The closing ceremony ended with a recognition ceremony for service members from each nation. Commanders from each nation presented coins of excellence to the service members followed by a gift exchange between the Allied and partnered nations.

Since its first iteration in 1982, Yama Sakura has demonstrated a continued commitment by both the United States and Japan to work together as dedicated Allies in support of the U.S.-Japan security treaty and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash.  –  

Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133), assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW) 9, returned from the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s (ABECSG) five-month deployment to the Middle East and Eastern Pacific to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in time for the holidays, Dec. 14, 2024.

The 153 Sailors, 18 aircrew, and seven EA-18G Growlers of the “Wizards” of VAQ 133 departed Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, July 13, 2024.
The Wizard’s deployment marked a historic milestone, as the squadron became the first in the Navy to deploy with the ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer (NGJ). Throughout their rigorous training and deployment, the Wizards demonstrated the future of Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) by developing new tactics, achieving the first NGJ arrested landing, and tactically employing the system.

“This deployment showcased the cutting-edge capabilities of the NGJ and reinforced the critical role of the Growler community in modern warfare,” said Cmdr. Erik Dente, commanding officer, VAQ-133. “More importantly, it demonstrated the skill, dedication, and perseverance of every VAQ-133 Sailor and the families, friends, and loved ones who supported them at home. I could not be more proud of the Sailors, aircrew, and support teams who made this deployment an overwhelming success.”

The Wizards began and concluded their deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet, executing key training missions in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and participating in a Multi-Large Deck Exercise (MLDE) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group and conducting operations in the South China Sea to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The strike group was ordered to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility to bolster U.S. military force posture in the Middle East, deter regional escalation, degrade Iranian-backed Houthi capabilities, defend U.S. forces to promote security, stability and prosperity.

While operating in the Middle East, the Wizards played a key role in supporting CENTCOM objectives, participating in dual-carrier operations with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), flying critical combat missions to ensure the safety of deployed U.S. Forces, and aiding in strikes to degrade Iranian-backed Houthi weapons storage capabilities.

“This deployment will go down in history,” said Command Master Chief Frederick Tuiel command master chief, VAQ-133, summing up the deployment. “While it wasn’t filled with port visits, it was defined by impactful combat operations—experiences our Sailors will share for years to come. Bringing everyone home safely makes the accomplishment even sweeter.”

The squadron earned the Commander Electronic Attack Wing Pacific (CVWP) Golden Wrench Award for maintenance excellence demonstrating the Wizard’s dedication to excellence. Wizard maintainers sustained 100% Growler mission-readiness throughout the deployment enabling the successful completion of all assigned missions.

“The dedication of the sailors of VAQ-133 was second to none,” said Dente. “Their hard work kept our Growlers fully mission capable and ensured every mission was a success. Whether from administration, operations, safety, maintenance, intelligence, or food service and support divisions – it took every sailor to build and maintain the combat power required during our operations.”

In addition to operational accomplishments, the deployment included port calls to Guam in August and Kuala Lumpur in November, offering Sailors a chance to recharge and experience diverse cultures while supporting U.S. partner nations.

Returning home before the holidays, VAQ-133 is looking forward to reuniting with their families and friends, reflecting on their achievements and continuing to embody the squadron catch phrase to “Push it up!”
ABECSG completed more than 11,600 flight hours comprised of 5,500 sorties and over 4.400 fixed-wing aircraft launches and arrestments throughout its five-month deployment. The embarked CVW-9 is next-generation, multiplatform capable that enables advance mobile projection of naval air power and forward operational presence.

CVW 9 consists of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Hawkeye, C-2A Greyhound, and MH-60R/S Sea Hawk. The squadrons are the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, the “Black Aces” of VFA 41, the “Vigilantes” of VFA 151, the “Black Knights” of VMFA 314, the “Wallbangers” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117, the “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, the “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

ABECSG consists of the flagship 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 DESRON 21’s USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SAGAMIHARA, Japan  –  

The 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade hit the ground running during Yama Sakura 87, providing air defense expertise through new lines of communication and areas of operation during the exercise.

“The Brigade staff is learning about growth,” said Lt. Col. RaShaun Warren, the deputy commander of the 38th ADA Brigade. “We are learning about what it takes to get outside the confines of who we are as a pure, air defense element. From our team in Okinawa, our team in Guam, and our team at the missile defense batteries, we’re actually getting a chance to work with people at the higher echelon with us.”
During this iteration of the Yama Sakura exercise, the 38th ADA Brigade trained directly with I Corps, the Army’s Operational Headquarters for the Indo-Pacific, during a concurrent, simulated event known as a Warfighter exercise – a first in Yama Sakura history.

“For the 38th ADA, our role [in the exercise] is a little special,” said Staff Sgt. Skyler Ashe, an air defense early warning systems operator serving as the brigade’s night assistant battle captain for the exercise. “We’re acting as a different air defense artillery brigade, a SHORAD unit, a short-range air defense unit. So we’re all learning new roles and new equipment as we help support I Corps and our trilateral partners.”

SHORAD systems are often designed to be very mobile, such as the Avenger, which is intended to be a shoot-on-the-move air defense weapon. An Avenger is capable of engaging aerial threats whether the system is stationary or moving – even if it is driving over 50 miles per hour.

The 38th ADA Brigade, however, typically operates from static locations and at a strategic level, utilizing Patriot missile defense systems, terminal high-altitude area defense (THAAD) systems, and X-band radar systems to defend airspaces from high-altitude aerial threats.

“Typically, as Patriot folks, we are protecting maneuver elements, defending them from aerial threats, from a static location,” said Warren. “Now we’re learning how to move things around the battlefield, from Sentinel Radars to Avenger systems, to keep up with the maneuver force as they move.”

During the exercise, the 38th ADA Brigade had to shift gears from long-range to short-range air defense and learn how to maneuver at a ground-based, tactical level to support I Corps.

“Our Soldiers are learning about interoperability, learning about things that we don’t typically do, and working with our different allies,” said Warren.

Yama Sakura 87 and the concurrent Warfighter exercise tested the 38th ADA Brigade’s ability to adapt and learn new ways to conduct air defense operations.

“Everyone’s learning every day,” said Warren. “The environment is never perfect. So we go into the environment understanding that there will be challenges… If you never go through those challenges, you never figure out – hey, this is something I need to work on. If you’re going to learn those lessons, you want to learn them during a Warfighter rehearsal, during the exercise,” said Warren.

By experiencing another unit’s areas of responsibility, the 38th ADA Brigade improved its ability to understand and work with its partner allies, increasing its operational effectiveness.

“You want those people who’ve been able to operate in multiple environments and do multiple things, in multiple systems, with multiple people,” said Warren. “You want those people because they can help on many fronts.”

By working with new units and engaging in new roles during Yama Sakura 87, the 38th ADA Brigade gained the experience needed to enhance its readiness and operate more effectively to help secure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, Japan  –  

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Japan from Dec. 8-11, meeting with defense officials, senior U.S. and Japanese leaders to reaffirm the two nations’ alliance and discuss regional security concerns.

The Japan trip included an office call with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, a visit to U.S. Forces Japan headquarters at Yokota Air Base, and a troop call aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Austin’s visit to the region comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen military ties in the Indo-pacific region, while maintaining the United States’ commitment to its strategic alliances amidst growing regional challenges.

During the visit, Austin highlighted several milestones achieved under the U.S.-Japan alliance, including the establishment of the U.S.-Japan Defense Industrial Forum, which enhances bilateral defense production capabilities and strengthens deterrence. He pointed to the expansion of military collaborations with other key regional allies, including the Republic of Korea, Philippines and Australia.

Austin also noted the transformation of USFJ into a joint force headquarters, a move that optimizes U.S.-Japan military interoperability and operational readiness.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to deepen multilateral defense ties and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“The U.S.-Japan alliance is a cornerstone of our Indo-Pacific strategy, and critical to a free and open region,” said Austin. “I can confidently say that the U.S.-Japan alliance is stronger today than ever.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Mr. Ueda Koji, Deputy Director General, Defense Policy Bureau, Japan Ministry of Defense, and Mr. Richard Johnson, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy, held a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Policy Dialogue in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 11.

Both sides deepened common understanding of the CBRN challenges to the regional security environment and discussed ways to improve CBRN defense capabilities. They confirmed that they will continue to strengthen cooperation in CBRN defense and reinforce capabilities to deter, mitigate, and respond to CBRN threats.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following statement:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his thirteenth official visit to the Indo-Pacific this week. 

Secretary Austin began his trip in California, where he provided the keynote address at the Reagan National Defense Forum. During his address, Secretary Austin noted the historic progress this administration has made to renew alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and upgrade U.S. force posture in the region.

As part of his fourth official visit to Japan since becoming Secretary of Defense, the Secretary took stock of major efforts to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance. He also met with service members deployed at multiple locations in Japan.

On December 9, Secretary Austin visited USS George Washington at Yokosuka, welcoming the crew to Japan following the ship’s arrival last month. The GW is the only permanently forward-deployed U.S. aircraft carrier worldwide and marks a significant milestone for U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific.  

On December 10, the Secretary first stopped at Yokota Air Base to meet with United States Forces Japan (USFJ) Commander Lieutenant General Stephen Jost. While there, the Secretary received a briefing on ongoing efforts to upgrade USFJ to a Joint Force Headquarters. He then visited Yokohama to meet with soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army’s 5th Composite Watercraft Company – the first formation of its kind forward deployed outside the United States. He also met with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen to thank them for the Government of Japan’s strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration.  

On December 11, the Secretary observed the 87th iteration of bilateral Exercise Yama Sakura and met with participating U.S., Japanese, and Australian forces at Camp Asaka. This was the first iteration of the exercise that formally incorporated Australian participation following the announcement from the Australia-Japan-U.S. Trilateral Defense Ministers’ Meeting in November 2024.

Secretary Austin’s trip came as the Department of Defense continues to achieve historic results with U.S. allies and partners to strengthen peace, stability, and deterrence in support of a shared regional vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan  –  

Over 4,000 Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) personnel, service members, and local Japanese residents participated in Comic Con Okinawa 2024 at Camp Foster from Dec. 7-8. The two-day comic convention featured voice actor panels, booths, merchandise vendors, cosplay competitions, costume workshops, and video game tournaments.

“I worked in the coordination and recruitment of our volunteer operation today with the Single Marine Program at check-ins,” said Kiana Lewis, a staff member of the SMP. “It was so amazing getting to meet so many wonderful people excited to jump in wherever needed to create a memorable experience for others.”

Volunteers came from all over the island, with the largest groups coming from Camp Schwab, Torii Station, Camp Kinser, and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

“I love Comic Con, and I love volunteering. Volunteering for an event is a great opportunity to see everything that goes on behind the scenes,” said Jessi Stegall, a combat graphic specialist with Communication Strategy and Operations, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. “We started on Saturday, the 7th, at 9 a.m. and worked until 7 p.m., and then on Sunday we worked from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.”

This year, over 150 volunteers helped organize security, check-ins, set-up, facilitation, and clean-up for the event.

“Volunteering for Comic Con is a great opportunity to see what other people can’t,” said Stegall, a native of California. “You can see the setup of the event, meet the actors after the event while they’re cleaning up, and have more one-on-one time than you would while waiting in line.”

Some of the special guests included Veronica Taylor, known for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon series, and Keone Young, a voice actor best known for his work on Avatar: The Last Airbender and World of Warcraft. Among the actors and artists were professional cosplayers, such as the members of the 501st Legion, an international costuming organization that specializes in Star Wars cosplay.

“I thought it was really cool seeing all of the handmade cosplays, and I was really interested in how they made them,” said Stegall. “I was talking to the person wearing a Darth Vader costume, and he told me it took him two years to make it.”

Kiana said that running large events can be daunting, but the volunteers brought such positivity and passion that it matched the energy of the Comic Con attendees.

“My favorite part of this event was seeing how much love and joy went into it,” said Kiana. “It was everywhere – from our talented cosplayers to our dedicated volunteers to the variety of vendors. I look forward to making it even better next year.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

AIEA, Hawaii  –  

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted 36 senior U.S. and international military and civilian officials at USINDOPACOM for the Daniel K. Inouye-Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies’ Transnational Security Cooperation Course 24-2, Dec. 12, 2024.

Paparo spoke with the fellows, all executive-grade security practitioners with a focus on the Indo-Pacific from 25 countries within the region. The TSC course provides an opportunity to enhance understanding of both emergent and on-the-horizon transnational security issues, including Indo-Pacific strategy, geopolitical competition, cybersecurity, climate change, maritime domain awareness, economic disruptions, global pandemics, irregular warfare and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

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, fighting to win.