Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH CHINA SEA  –  

On May 10, USS Halsey (DDG 97) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law.

At the conclusion of the operation, USS Halsey exited the excessive claim and continued operations in the South China Sea. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging the restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Vietnam and also by challenging the PRC’s claim to straight baselines enclosing the Paracel Islands.

Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations.

The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. Customary international law reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention protects certain rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea enjoyed by all nations. The international community has an enduring role in preserving the freedom of the seas, which is critical to global security, stability, and prosperity.

The United States upholds freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle. As long as some countries continue to claim and assert limits on rights that exceed their authority under international law, the United States will continue to defend the rights and freedoms of the sea guaranteed to all. No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms.

The PRC, Taiwan, and Vietnam each claim sovereignty over the Paracel Islands. In violation of international law, all three claimants require either permission or advance notification before a military vessel or warship engages in “innocent passage” through the territorial sea. Under customary international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all States­­­ – including their warships – enjoy the right of innocent pass through the territorial sea. The unilateral imposition of any authorization or advance-notification requirement for innocent passage is unlawful. By engaging in innocent passage without giving prior notification to or asking permission from any of the claimants, the United States challenged these unlawful restrictions imposed by the PRC, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The United States demonstrated that innocent passage is not subject to such restrictions.

The United States also challenged the PRC’s 1996 declaration of straight baselines encompassing the Paracel Islands. Regardless of which claimant has sovereignty over these islands, it is unlawful to draw straight baselines around the Paracel Islands in their entirety. Customary international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention is both clear and comprehensive regarding the circumstances under which States can depart from “normal” baselines. The PRC-claimed straight baselines violate customary international law reflected in Article 7 of the Law of the Sea Convention. Furthermore, international law does not permit continental State, like the PRC, to establish baselines around entire dispersed island groups. With these baselines, the PRC has attempted to claim more internal waters, territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf than it is entitled to under international law.

U.S. forces operate in the South China Sea on a daily basis, as they have for more than a century. They routinely operate in close coordination with like-minded allies and partners that share our commitment to uphold a free and open international order that promotes security and prosperity. All of our operations are conducted safely, professionally, and in accordance with customary international law. The operations demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows-regardless of the location of excessive maritime claims and regardless of current events.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Technology and National Security Tarun Chhabra and Department of State Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies Seth Center will lead an interagency U.S. delegation to Geneva, Switzerland on May 14, for talks on artificial intelligence (AI) risk and safety with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).  These talks follow the November 2023 Woodside Summit between President Biden and President Xi Jinping, where both leaders noted the need to address the risks of advanced AI systems and improve AI safety.

The United States and the PRC will exchange views on how the two governments understand and seek to address the risks of advanced AI systems.  The delegation includes officials from the White House, the Department of State, and the Department of Commerce.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Fort Shafter, Hawaii  –  

A U.S. Army national security law attorney conducted Defense Institute of International Legal Studies training with Papua New Guinea Defence Force officers in an effort to enhance their legal expertise April 4, 2024, in Tunmon Guam.

Over three days, U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Lillard, a national security law attorney with the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, in collaboration with U.S. Air Force trainers, covered a wide range of topics crucial to the legal aspects of detainee operations, law of armed conflict, and legal considerations in conflict zones to four PNGDF officers re-introducing aircraft to their air wing.

“This (training) was part of a larger training program to help them conduct maritime domain operations,” said Lillard. “We give other nations legal training so that they can at least understand the laws and how we do things and enforce UCMJ (Uniformed Code of Military Justice) in the hope that they may adopt some of our practices and maybe even improve upon them.”

DIILS training falls under the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s Institute for Security Governance and is intended to promote accountable resource allocation, build maritime legal expertise, and develop networks for regional coordination.

“I think it was received very well,” said Lillard. “It was a good opportunity for us to learn about the PNGDF as well and how they do things.”

The legal training Lillard provided was a companion to training the PNDGF received on aviation and maintenance, as they re-introduce air capabilities to their maritime and border security operations. The equipment they received through this training is valued at nearly $5 million.

“Through providing face-to-face legal education and training, the DIILS program is the DOD’s premiere security cooperation means for building legal capacity and leveraging global legal engagements,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Carter, 8th TSC’s chief of national security law. “Possessing a common understanding of customarily international law greatly enhances our strategic partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific and provides a framework for dealing with challenging legal issues during complex operations.”

The collaboration between the United States and the PNGDF underscores the importance of international cooperation in building capacity and expertise in military forces around the world.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Indonesia  –  

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps began Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2024 with the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) and Marine Corps (KORMAR RI) in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, May 13.

This year marks the 30th iteration of CARAT, and 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United States.

CARAT Indonesia is a joint, bilateral maritime exercise taking place ashore in Bandar Lampung and in the Java Sea, May 13-20. The exercise kicked off with an opening ceremony led by U.S. Navy Capt. Tate Robinson, commodore, Amphibious Squadron Five, and TNI-AL Captain Ludfy, commander First Fleet Escort Squadron.

“CARAT contributes to regional maritime security by enhancing our ability to work side-by-side at sea across a wide range of naval competencies,” said Robinson. “The U.S. Navy has been operating in the Indo-Pacific for more than 75 years, and 2024 marks 30 years of the CARAT series, underscoring the U.S. Navy’s enduring commitment to the region, and partners like Indonesia.”

The exercise will feature three major components over the next week. The shore phase will comprise of a series of subject matter expert exchanges, jungle training, and community relations. American and Indonesian medical forces will conduct a wide range of joint training including public health promotion and education, as well as tactical combat casualty care and casualty evacuation practical application. The sea phase will include amphibious operations, or as referred to by Indonesian partners as a “full-mission profile.”

The overarching goals of the CARAT maritime exercise series are to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance interoperability among participating forces.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to test our capabilities across the spectrum of military operations with our Indonesian partners,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “Training side-by-side across a variety of skill areas makes us a stronger, integrated force, better prepared to provide multi-national response to any natural disaster or crisis.”

Amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and elements of the 15th MEU are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DARWIN, NT, Australia  –  

The rumble of U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys echoed across Port Darwin and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin as Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced) (VMM-268 (Rein.)) arrived as the Aviation Combat Element of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 (MRF-D) Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), finalizing the formation of the 13th rotation of MRF-D on May 11, 2024.

For the Marines and Sailors of VMM-268 (Rein.), this arrival represents more than just another mission. It symbolizes the steadfast commitment of the U.S. Marine Corps to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region through MRF-D.

“The arrival of the Ospreys to Darwin brings together the full capabilities of the MAGTF and amplifies our interoperability opportunities with the Australian Defence Force,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of MRF-D 24.3. “As a MAGTF, the Ospreys give us an over-the-horizon capability that, alongside our Australian Allies, enhances security in the region.”

VMM-268 (Rein.) dedicated itself to maintaining the readiness and morale of the Osprey community. Through town halls, leadership engagements, and direct interactions with squadron personnel, they ensured that every Marine remained informed and confident in their abilities, equipment, and the aircraft.

“I have the utmost confidence in the reliability of the aircrafts and the capabilities of our pilots and crews,” Mulvihill affirmed. “The well-being of our Marines and Sailors is always a priority, and we have spared no effort in ensuring that they are prepared for the missions ahead.”

Marines and Sailors with VMM-268 (Rein.) underwent rigorous training, utilizing simulators and conducting maintenance activities to enhance aircraft material readiness and pilot skillsets.

“The Marines and Sailors of VMM-268 (Rein.) have invested months of hard work and training preparing for this deployment in support of the MRF-D MAGTF,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brandon S. Pope, the commanding officer of VMM-268 (Rein.).

The MV-22B Osprey, with its unparalleled speed and versatility, serves as the backbone of MRF-D’s air support capabilities. Its deployment underscores the importance of MRF-D 24.3 in facilitating rapid response and enhancing regional security efforts.

“While the Ospreys are the visible front of the ACE capabilities, the true strength lies in the resiliency of the individual Marines who tirelessly work to ensure we are ready to support the mission alongside the Australian Defence Force,” stated Pope.

As the Marines of VMM-268 (Rein.) integrate into the operational tempo of MRF-D 24.3, they do so with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing that their efforts contribute to a safer and more secure Indo-Pacific region.

“We are honored to return to Darwin for this rotation to work alongside our Allies and partners building the relationships critical to a free and secure Indo-pacific,” remarked Pope.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

The 51st Fighter Wing took charge as the lead wing in Red Flag-Alaska 24-1 hosted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, from April 18 – May 3, 2024.

RF-A 24-1 is a multi-service, combat operations training event aimed to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while enhancing interoperability. Some of the allies and partners who participated in the training event included service members from Italy and the Netherlands as well as the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron, 51st Operation Support Squadron and 51st FW augmentees trained alongside sister services and allied nations.

“It’s important for us to integrate with other services and countries because there is not a single fight we go to in modern day where only U.S. Air Force assets are present,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Laurence D’agostino, 36th Fighter Squadron operation project officer for RF-A 24-1, “Working with other services and partners allows us to learn how they operate overall to improve our lethality as a force.”

During this iteration of RF-A, pilots were tasked with mission sets that were made to simulate realistic combat scenarios such as suppression of enemy air defenses, offensive counter air and defensive counter air. A total of 14 U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th FS took part in RF-A 24-1.

“I thought the training was a fantastic experience for myself and all of our pilots overall,” said D’agostino. “Red Flag-Alaska 24-1 allowed us to be more proficient from a planning perspective due to the complexity of having more than 45 airborne aircraft fighting at the same time.”

RF-A 24-1 was conducted at Eielson AFB on the Joint Pacific Alaska Air Range Complex. This training can be adapted to integrate various forces into a realistic threat environment using more than 77,000 square miles of airspace. During this iteration of the training event, approximately 2,000 service members flew, maintained and supported more than 60 aircraft from 15 units during this iteration of the training exercise.

The 51st FW plans to participate in RF-A 24-2, from May 30 – June 14, 2024.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines  –  

The Armed Forces of the Philippines hosted the closing ceremony of Exercise Balikatan 2024, marking the successful conclusion of the largest annual combined military exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America.

Over the past three weeks, Filipino, American, Australian, and French servicemembers trained shoulder-to-shoulder at locations throughout the Philippines to increase proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, combined arms, aviation operations, and information and cyberspace operations.

“It’s no coincidence that as democratic nations, the values we share are enshrined in our respective national anthems,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, U.S. Exercise Joint Task Force commander. “Those anthems talk about heroes, those that are brave, about defending freedom, and defending our respective shores from external attackers. I could not be prouder of the men and women in the field, the operational planning staffs, and all the enablers; they have truly made Balikatan 24 an incredible success.”

In addition to field training events, humanitarian civic assistance teams built schools and medical centers at four locations while training medical providers, gifting education supplies, and building relationships with local communities. All told, the HCA efforts injected nearly $50 million into locations throughout the country.

Service members from each of the participating countries and military services were in attendance, including representatives from 14 countries taking part in the exercise’s international observer program.

“Every Balikatan is increasingly more complex. This year has produced several new collaborations considering dynamic challenges across all domains,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines Maj. Gen. Marvin Licudine, Philippine exercise director.

This year’s exercises emphasized quality over quantity, with intentional focus on the complexity of concepts from planning to execution. The growing modernization of both the AFP and the U.S. military was evident throughout. Balikatan prepared the combined forces for potential contingencies and disasters and increased each country’s ability to work together to protect Philippine sovereignty and preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“Exercise Balikatan stands as proof of our collective commitment to enhancing interoperability in support of long-term prosperity. Not only for participating nations, but for the world,” said Hon. MaryKay Los Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines.

Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. This year’s exercise marks the 39th iteration of the annual event, showcasing the ironclad Alliance and enduring friendship between the two nations. Approximately 16,000 Philippine and U.S. military personnel are participating.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Official in Guam and Micronesia Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, Federated States of Micronesia Vice President Aren Palik and U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Jennifer Johnson hosted another bilateral FSM-Joint Committee Meeting from May 1-2 at the Joint Region Marianas headquarters in Nimitz Hill.