Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

B-52 Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, landed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam at the end of January as part of a Bomber Task Force to support strategic deterrence missions aimed at reinforcing the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

While forward deployed to Guam, B-52 operations and support personnel are designated to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron. The 23rd EBS will integrate alongside Allies and partners to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to security and stability throughout the region.

Designed to showcase the U.S.’s ability to deter, deny and dominate, BTF missions aim to influence and dissuade aggression from adversaries or competitors.

Reacting to the arrival of the aircraft, Capt. Zachary “Smash” Holmes, 23rd EBS weapons officer, said it was great to “finally have some iron on the ground.”

“It’s great to finally receive our crews so we’re ready to go out and take part in the mission as well as get our maintenance personnel ready to support where they’re needed,” Holmes said. “We’re ready to go.”

Aircrews and support personnel look for every opportunity to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PHILIPPINE SEA  –  

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Theodore Roosevelt CSG and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted a Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 31.

MLDE provided the two maritime forces an opportunity to engage in joint operations to include enhanced maritime communication operations, air warfare operations and cross-deck flight operations to strengthen maritime integrated-at-sea operations and combat readiness.

The event, conducted in accordance with international law in international waters, saw the participation of U.S. Navy CSGs, led by their flagships USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) of CSG-1, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) of CSG-9, and JMSDF’s Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182).

“The U.S. and Japan are uniquely capable of rapidly assembling multiple large-deck naval forces in support of mutual security interests in the Indo Pacific. Our ability to rapidly aggregate and work collectively alongside the JMSDF and the Theodore Roosevelt strike group is positive proof,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, CSG-1. “Events like these are not new. The Vinson strike group has conducted similar operations since 2001, and most recently in November 2023 along with the Ronald Reagan CSG and the JMSDF in the Philippine Sea.”

During this multi-day event, ships and aircraft from the allied forces flew and sailed in accordance with international law in international waters while conducting air defense drills, sea surveillance, cross-deck exercises and tactical maneuvers to advance unique high-end warfighting capability.

“The purpose of this training is to improve the tactical skill and interoperability with the U.S. Navy,” said JMSDF Rear Adm. SHIMIZU Hitoshi, commander of Escort Flotilla 2. “Our relationship is committed to regional peace and stability.”

Coordinated maritime engagements and operations in the Philippine Sea are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. naval forces, with our network of partners and alliances, are indispensable to ensuring maritime security and the flow of unimpeded lawful commerce in the region.

“The sailors of Carrier Strike Group Nine are proud to be operating forward, and to integrate with their teammates from the Vinson Strike Group and JMSDF. We are more capable when we work together to address shared maritime security challenges.” said Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander, CSG-9. “Being able to consistently conduct complex operations such as this demonstrates the inherent flexibility of the U.S. Navy to operate whenever and wherever we choose, giving our nation and allies flexible options for deterrence and defense.”

November 2023 is the most recent time CSG-1 participated in a large deck event in the Philippine Sea with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group alongside JMSDF.

Participating CSG-1 assets consisted of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1, which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS John Finn (DDG 113).

Participating CSG-9 assets consisted of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70), nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, including USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Daniel K. Inouye (DDG 118) and USS Halsey (DDG 97).

Both CSG-1 and CSG-9 are made up of a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response. CSG-1 and CSG-9 are currently deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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, visit http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1

For more news from CSG-9, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSTR-CVN71

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – The U.S. military and the Japan Self Defense Forces began conducting a bilateral command post exercise Keen Edge 24, with the participation of Australian Defence Force beginning Feb. 1, 2024.

The exercise, which will run until Feb. 8, is the latest in a series of joint/multilateral command post exercises designed to increase our integrated joint operational capability, refine command and control procedures, and enhance interoperability of all participants.

This year’s iteration of Keen Edge will also include greater synchronization with the U.S. Space Command and U.S. Cyber Command, expanding the multi-domain collaboration that is incumbent on any large-scale exercise or operation.

Keen Edge is part of the annual U.S.-Japan exercise series that alternates between field training exercises (Keen Sword) and command post exercises. During Keen Edge 24, Japanese, U.S. and Australian headquarters staffs will employ computer simulations to practice responses in the event of a crisis or contingency.

For more information, contact the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Public Affairs Office at pacom.pao.duty@navy.mil, (808) 477-1341.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, Singapore  –  

Two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Jan. 18-24, as part of the United States Air Force’s regular training and engagements with key partners in the region.

“Events like these are really important for us to get out and interact with different countries, see how they operate and ensure that we’re working under the standard operating procedures,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Barnard, 345th EBS director of operations.

Aircrews focused on three separate missions: the Republic of Singapore Air Force A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport conducting air-to-air refueling, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15J during bilateral training and joint U.S. Operations.

Barnard described how flying over 24 hours across the Pacific Ocean inside the B-1B is difficult, emphasizing the physical demands on the aircrew with multiple integrations and air refuelings to execute on such a high level over such a prolonged duration.

“One of the risks we took during the sortie was linking with so many different players and organizing multiple tankers in the right space at the right time,” said Barnard. “If any of those pieces fell out, we’d have had to divert aircraft to different locations.”

The 345th EBS successfully completed three missions through proper planning while building bridges with key partners and providing valuable professional exchanges and training opportunities with different aircraft and aircrews.

“During our trip, we bridged gaps with our key partners, allowing both of us to gain new valuable experiences,” said Barnard. “I’m proud of what we did; we accomplished a lot in a very short period.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Today, the Department of Defense released an update to the names of “Chinese military companies” operating directly or indirectly in the United States in accordance with the statutory requirement of Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

Updating the Section 1260H list of “Chinese military companies” is an important continuing effort in highlighting and countering the PRC’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy. The PRC’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy supports the modernization goals of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) by ensuring it can acquire advanced technologies and expertise developed by PRC companies, universities, and research programs that appear to be civilian entities. Section 1260H directs the Department to begin identifying, among other things, Military-Civil Fusion contributors operating directly or indirectly in the United States.

The Department will continue to update the list with additional entities as appropriate. The United States Government reserves the right to take additional actions on these entities under authorities other than section 1260H. The list is available here.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

The 2nd Infantry Division / ROK-US Combined Division held a ‘Combined Training Conference’ to discuss over 130 combined trainings scheduled for this year. The conference took place at the War Room of Freeman Hall at Camp Humphreys on the 30th.

The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate the combined training schedule and detailed plans for the year and to establish a cooperation system through systematic discussions from the planning stage. By doing so, the aim was to minimize friction that may occur during training and to maximize training results by implementing, coordinating, and controlling combined training.

Hosted by the 2ID/RUCD, the conference included representatives from the 2nd Brigade 4th Infantry Division (Rotational Stryker Brigade Combat Team), 210th Fire Artillery Brigade, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, ROK Army Headquarters, Combined Forces Command, and 2nd Fleet Command. Approximately 80 education and training officials from the ROK and the U.S. attended.

They discussed major combined training for the second quarter, such as E3B qualification assessment, KCTC, NTC training, and joint tank/striker movement exercise. Over 130 events were discussed.

The 2ID/RUCD has regularly held combined training conferences every quarter since 2019, to increase improve interoperability and improve wartime operational capabilities. This enabled a mutual understanding of tactics, equipment, organization, and force operation.

Brigadier General Kim Jeong-hyuk, Deputy Commander General – ROK of the 2ID/RUCD, said, “The division is playing a pivotal role in ROK-U.S. combined training and making every effort to improve combined combat readiness and cultivate combined operational capabilities.”

Lt. Col. Brennan Speaks, the operational staff in charge of U.S. military operations, emphasized, “The strength of the 2ID/RUCD is our combined nature and it is inherent in our daily operations. We conduct practical combined training to better understand each other’s operations process and verify our mission set. Our constant collaboration ensures readiness, interoperability and mutual trust.”

With the 2ID/RUCD based on the 2nd Infantry Division and integrating ROK Army staff, the division is focused on operational planning, doctrine development, combined exercises, and training to strengthen combined operational capabilities. It was first activated in 2015, and this year marks its 9th anniversary.

Looking ahead, the 2ID/RUCD is committed to continuing its efforts to maintain a strong ROK-U.S. defense posture and further develop the ROK-U.S. alliance.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan   –  

From February 1 to 8, 2024, Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Marines and Sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force will simulate a large-scale theater-level command post exercise, Keen Edge 24, across the southwest islands.

Approximately 1,350 Marines, Sailors, and Self-Defense Forces from III MEF and Western Army, JGSDF, will rehearse distributed combined joint command and control of maritime terrain in the first island chain. The purpose of the training is to increase bilateral coordination and rehearse stand-in-force concepts for territorial defense.

The Western Army and III MEF will employ bilateral coordination nodes in the prefecture of Okinawa and mainland Japan to synchronize logistics, fires, and maneuver as part of a stand-in-force.

“The Western Army and III MEF’s bilateral relationship sets the benchmark for mutual defense,” said Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the commanding general of III MEF. “This exercise will enhance our joint coordination for complex multi-domain operations as part of the stand-in-force.”

Keen Edge 24 is Lt. Gen. Turner’s first bilateral exercise working alongside Lt. Gen. Toshikazu Yamane, commanding general of Western Army, JGSDF, since his assumption of command in January 2024. The exercise will provide both generals the opportunity to enhance bilateral relationships.

Exercise Keen Edge 24 is a biannual, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed, and Indo-Pacific Command and Japan Joint Staff-led exercise designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of the JSDF and U.S. forces.

For more information regarding exercise Keen Edge, contact the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command public affairs office at pacom.pao.duty@navy.mil.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout:

Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner met with Australia’s First Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip at the Pentagon today to discuss growing defense and security cooperation between the United States and Australia.

The two officials emphasized their commitment to further deepen defense cooperation across several key priority areas for the U.S.-Australia alliance, including defense industrial base collaboration through Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise, and bilateral force posture initiatives that focus on implementing last year’s announcements of priority locations for build-out in Australia. They also discussed a range of regional security issues, including the importance of operational safety in the East and South China Seas, and they reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and across the Indo-Pacific region.

Both officials affirmed their countries’ commitment to advancing a shared regional vision for peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific, including through enhanced cooperation with regional allies and partners like Japan, as the “Unbreakable Alliance” between the United States and Australia continues to strengthen.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division announces the arrival of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment to the Republic of Korea as the next Korea Rotational Force, continuing the longstanding commitment to regional security and stability.

Transitioning from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment assumes its role as the newest rotational force in Korea, enhancing readiness and interoperability with allies and partners in the region. This is the first time 3CR has been deployed to Korea.

The Commanding General of 2ID/RUCD, Maj. Gen. Willian “Hank” Taylor expressed his confidence in the regiment’s ability to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and readiness while serving as the Korea Rotational Force.

“The 3rd Cavalry Regiment is a historically battle-hardened organization and I look forward to seeing them train alongside our 2ID/RUCD Soldiers and ROK allies,” said Taylor. “I am excited to welcome 3CR in their very first deployment to Korea as they replace 2/4 Styker Brigade.”

“Stryker brigade combat teams provide the mobility and flexibility needed to meet a range of contingency requirements. 2/4 Stryker Brigade elevated the combined arms readiness of our division and ROK partners,” Taylor explained. “We are better because of their professionalism and dedication during the nine-month rotation.”

An official Transfer of Authority ceremony between 2/4 Stryker Brigade and 3CR will be held at the end of February.

For more information about the 2nd Infantry- ROK/U.S. Combined Division, visit: https://www.2id.korea.army.mil