51st Fighter Wing completes readiness exercise, ACE dispersal despite heavy snowfall

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Despite historical snowfall during Korea’s Lunar New Year holiday, the 51st Fighter Wing completed its first wing readiness exercise of 2025, Beverly Herd 25-2, generating combat airpower from both Osan and Kunsan Air Bases, Jan. 26 – 31.

Wing exercises like BH 25-2 are a necessary and recurring requirement in Korea, where continuous robust readiness is vital to deterring aggression and maintaining stability in the region. Throughout the week, base personnel strengthen their skills in multiple areas, practicing everything from proper protective gear wear, weapons handling, and small unit tactics; to defending the base and rapidly launching combat aircraft in response to threats.

In addition to base-specific scenarios, the 51st FW also executed an Agile Combat Employment deployment in support of the exercise, sending F-16 Fighting Falcons and a detachment of supporting personnel to operate out of Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

“It’s vital that we exercise our ability to generate airpower from any location,” said Col. William McKibban, 51st FW commander. “Partnering with our wingmen at Kunsan strengthens readiness across the peninsula and lets us refine how we rapidly deploy airpower from outside our home base.”

“The relationship between the Kunsan and Osan is rock solid,” said Col. Peter Kasarskis, 8th FW commander. “Being able to synchronize on readiness exercises like this only makes us stronger and gives Kunsan vital training on our ability to receive follow-on forces.”

Large force exercises like BH 25-2 often involve multiple units and simulate enemy threats across a variety of contingency scenarios. This iteration, however, Mother Nature herself decided to become an exercise player, bringing realistic scenarios to the wing in the form of record snowfall across the Republic of Korea.

According to the 51st and 8th Operational Support Squadron Weather Flights, Osan Air Base experienced a total of 9 inches of snow, while Kunsan received approximately 5 inches, stressing and validating exercise player’s abilities to continue contingency operations in unplanned weather conditions.

During the week, personnel across the base worked to keep walkways and facilities clear while 51st CES personnel worked 24-hour operations to keep roadways and the airfield open, supporting both exercise and real-world operations.

“Without the ‘dirt boys’ specialized skill set on snow removal and Rapid Airfield Damage Repair, the flying mission would not be possible,” explained Master Sgt. Walter Urbina Hernandez, 51st CES horizontal repair section chief. “We must project airpower effectively while ensuring seamless launch and recovery operations for critical cargo and personnel aircraft moving to and from the port.”

Simultaneously at Kunsan, ACE-deployed 51st FW Airmen battled similar weather conditions while working out of unfamiliar facilities, working with minimal personnel and equipment to generate F-16 airpower in response to BH 25-2 training scenarios.

“Even though Kunsan is another U.S. Air Base, it poses different challenges for our Osan personnel,” said Capt Terrell Willis, 51st FW Mission Assurance Officer. “Exercising our ability to rapidly deploy aircraft, personnel, and cargo from Osan to different locations across the peninsula increases the survivability and lethality of our forces.”

Korean weather officials cited the 2025 Lunar New Year week as having had a heavier than normal snowfall in relation to previous years, making it one of the snowiest Lunar Near Years in 30 years. Despite this, Osan Air Base suffered no damage or degradation to its facilities or aircraft.

“In many ways, inclement weather actually enhances our training,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Myers, 51st CES Commander and BH 25-2 Wartime Operations Center Defensive Director. “Learning to adapt operations to unpredictable events is an essential skill, so exercising our tactics, techniques and procedures during heavy snow is extremely valuable to reinforcing our agile mindset.”

The 51st FW concluded the exercise on Friday, Jan. 31; metaphorically, and in some cases, literally clearing the way for the remaining planned exercises this year.

“The whole point of exercises like this is to prepare our airmen to generate combat airpower under any conditions, including when under attack, snowed in by weather, or both,” said McKibban. “We will continue to regularly practice and stress-test our readiness, and a little bit of bad weather isn’t going to stop us. Team Osan is ready to fight tonight to defend the peninsula and our nation, no matter what.”

Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Phone Call with Algerian Minister Delegate to the Ministry of National Defense and Chief of Staff Gen. Said Chanegriha

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

February 3, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., spoke with Algerian Minister Delegate to the Ministry of National Defense and Chief of Staff Gen. Said Chanegriha today by phone.

Gen. Brown and Gen. Chanegriha discussed the recent signing of the first-ever Security Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Algeria, which sets the stage for future security cooperation activities and agreements.

Additionally, the military leaders conferred about the instability of the Sahel region. Gen. Brown commended Algeria’s counterterrorism cooperation and encouraged Gen. Chanegriha to continue coordinating with U.S. Africa Command to further enhance this vital relationship.

A stable, prosperous African continent is important to global security, and the U.S. will continue to build military capabilities with Algeria and other regional countries through security force assistance programs, exercises, key leader engagements and operations.

For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
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Deputy Commandant for Aviation Unveils 2025 Aviation Plan, Reinforcing Future Readiness and Technological Integration

Source: United States Marines

Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation released the 2025 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, outlining a strategic framework that balances responding to today’s crises with modernizing Marine Aviation to ensure the Corps is prepared for tomorrow’s fight. The plan focuses on key areas of transformation, including technological advancements, expeditionary mobility, sustainment, and total force integration. This plan is a roadmap to enhancing operational readiness and ensuring Marine Aviation remains a lethal force in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) throughout the spectrum from competition to conflict.

The Aviation Plan introduces Project Eagle, a modernization strategy that prioritizes Distributed Aviation Operations (DAO) and Decision-Centric Aviation Operations (DCAO) to maintain operational effectiveness in contested environments. By fully embracing cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven decision-making software, autonomous systems, advanced digital command and control capabilities, unmanned systems, and manned-unmanned teaming, the Marine Corps will be better positioned to operate in increasingly complex and dynamic theaters of operation.

“We are committed to shaping a future aviation force that is ready, resilient, and capable of rapidly responding to emerging threats, wherever they may arise,” said Col. Derek Brannon, Branch Head for the Cunningham Group, Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation. “Project Eagle builds on the progress we’ve made, and it prepares us to embrace technological innovation while ensuring we can deliver combat power across all domains.”

The 2025 plan underscores additional key priorities, including:

  • Aviation Readiness:  Ensuring Marine Aviation remains poised to respond to any crisis at a moment’s notice, with the readiness to deploy rapidly and provide immediate support when the nation calls.

  • Enhanced Expeditionary Mobility: Strengthening the Marine Corps’ ability to operate from austere, distributed locations through the modernization of platforms like the MV-22B Osprey, CH-53K King Stallion, and KC-130J Hercules, ensuring agile mobility and support for maritime and littoral operations.

  • Modernizing Aviation Logistics: Modernizing sustainment practices to ensure readiness in contested environments through the creation of Maintenance Operations Centers, streamlined supply chain reforms, and enhanced aviation logistics packages. These innovations will better support DAO and MAGTF operations while improving sustainment across the force.

  • Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) Modernization: Transforming air command and control capabilities with advanced technologies like the TPS-80 radar and Ground-Based Air Defense Systems. The integration of regional air defense concepts will support Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) and enhance digital interoperability for joint and coalition operations.

  • Total Force Integration: Strengthening collaboration between active-duty and reserve forces, particularly through the integration of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, to enhance operational flexibility, sustainment, and warfighting readiness across the total force.

These advancements solidify Marine Aviation’s role as an indispensable force within the MAGTF, ensuring it remains agile, lethal, and fully integrated with the Joint Force, partners, and allies.

“Through continued modernization and an unwavering commitment to current readiness, Marine Aviation is prepared to support the MAGTF through competition to conflict,” said Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation. “The 2025 Aviation Plan demonstrates our resolute dedication to maintaining operational superiority and ensuring we are always ready to project force, wherever and whenever needed.”

As Marine Aviation transitions into a new era, the 2025 Aviation Plan is a bold declaration of the Corps’ commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and unmatched warfighting capability.

To learn more about the 2025 Marine Corps Aviation Plan: https://www.aviation.marines.mil/

USNMRTC Sigonella Expands Trauma Readiness with ATLS Certification

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

USNMRTC Sigonella Expands Trauma Readiness with ATLS Certification

By: CDR Radhames E. Lizardo
January 29, 2025

Sigonella, Italy – In a major step toward enhancing medical readiness, U.S. Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella partnered with Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) to bring the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course to its medical personnel. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the small overseas command, equipping its healthcare professionals with critical trauma management skills.

Over two intensive 12-hour days, nine students completed rigorous academic and practical training in ATLS. The course covered life-saving techniques, including chest tube placement, cricothyrotomy procedures, Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exams, and pelvic binder application. The training culminated in the certification of all nine participants and the development of a new ATLS instructor, further strengthening the command’s ability to sustain and expand this vital program.

“This training is a game-changer for our medical team,” said Lieutenant Kristen Shafer [ER Physician & ATLS Instructor]. “By enhancing our trauma management capabilities, we are not only improving our confidence but also ensuring that we are prepared to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.”

The introduction of ATLS at USNMRTC Sigonella aligns with the command’s commitment to support the U.S. Navy Surgeon General’s Line of Effort 3 to “Provide Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Programs Across the Naval Force.” Looking ahead, the command aims to continue offering this program, fostering a culture of excellence and preparedness in trauma care.

As a forward-deployed medical facility, USNMRTC Sigonella plays a crucial role in supporting service members and their families in the region. By integrating ATLS training into its readiness efforts, the command reaffirms its dedication to providing high-quality, immediate care when it matters most.

USNMRTC Sigonella is one of The Defense Health Agency’s Overseas Military Treatment Facilities (MTF). The staff are comprised of active duty service members, General Service (GS), contractors, and Local Nationals. It ensures maximum readiness by providing high-quality, safe patient and family-centered care to maximize force health protection for all beneficiaries, to included NATO and transient DoD forces in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet areas of operation.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2025.

 

The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed. U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian harm. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.

 

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operations security.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With Republic of Korea Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

On January 30, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held an introductory call with the Republic of Korea (ROK)’s Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho. The Acting Minister congratulated the Secretary on his appointment and the two leaders discussed the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.  Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defending the ROK under President Trump’s leadership and both leaders also reiterated their shared focus on maintaining a strong combined U.S.-ROK defense posture. Both the Secretary and the Minister agreed to remain in close contact moving forward.  

Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

On January 30, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen held an introductory call to discuss the U.S.-Japan Alliance, the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Nakatani congratulated the Secretary on his appointment and reaffirmed his desire to work together to advance Alliance priorities.  The two officials reiterated the importance of deepening defense cooperation to strengthen deterrence and to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.  

The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to advance ongoing work to modernize Alliance command and control and expand bilateral presence in Japan’s Southwest Islands.  Both the Secretary and the Minister agreed to remain in close contact on areas of mutual security interest.

Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Departs Thailand

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The U.S. relationship with Thailand is one of the oldest in the Indo-Pacific region. The countries have shared friendly and diplomatic relations for over 190 years. Thailand is one of five treaty allies of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific Region and continues to be a longstanding security partner and leader in Southeast Asia.

“We are incredibly grateful to Thailand for hosting the Carrier Strike Group ONE team,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE. “Port visits like this are a testament to the vital importance of the U.S.-Thailand Alliance and Partnership that contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We have shared history, shared interests, and common values that will continue to unite us for the good of both of our countries.”

The U.S. remains committed to the Kingdom of Thailand, promoting military-to-military relations, as well as advancing interoperability and coordination with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, to promote regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Thank you, Rear Admiral Michael Wosje and the captains and crew of the USS Carl Vinson and other ships of Carrier Strike Group ONE, for your visit to Thailand! Your time here reinforced the excellent relations between Thailand and the United States and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. We look forward to future visits,” said U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec.

During their stay in Thailand, the nearly 7,500 Sailors from Carrier Strike Group ONE participated in cultural exchanges, community relations events, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored tours to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

“I know I can speak for all of the Carl Vinson crew when I say how grateful we are to the people of Laem Chabang and Pattaya City for welcoming our Sailors with such kindness and hospitality,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). “This port visit allowed our Sailors the opportunity to recharge and prepare to approach the next stretch of our time at sea maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. We are committed to the U.S.-Thai friendship and look forward to future opportunities that strengthen this bond.”

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group ONE and Destroyer Squadron one, Carrier Air Wing Two, 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). Carrier Air Wing Two 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 Carrier Strike Group ONE and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70

U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy Reserve Public Affairs Summit: Training to be the Strategic Advantage and Enabling Effective Communication in the Indo-Pacific Region

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Forty Sailors from six Navy public affairs reserve units supporting Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) attended a reserve public affairs summit Jan. 9 to 11, 2025, focused on rapidly developing and sustaining their warfighting readiness skills.

The summit supported Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Navigation Plan 2024, which directs the Navy to be more ready for the possibility of sustained high-end conflict with the People’s Republic of China by 2027.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, underscored the critical role of public affairs in his approach at the operational level of war – to deny, defend, and dominate. When speaking to the group of professional communicators, Koehler emphasized that effects within the information environment are considered at the start of the planning cycle.

During the training, reserve Sailors received briefings on honing their communications skills to deliver a key strategic advantage in the Pacific. This effort aligns with Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore’s strategic guidance for the Reserve Force – to put more ready players on the field as the Navy Reserve integrates with the Navy Total Force to deter, defend and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries.

According to Vice Adm. Lacore, the global security environment demands our urgent preparations and readiness to respond to the call, when needed, by posturing the Reserve Force for warfighting by accelerating the pace of organizational development and strengthening our warfighters to be ready on day one.

Leaders from COMPACFLT, to include Koehler and Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg, Reserve deputy COMPACFLT, as well as those from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, discussed how public affairs missions within the information environment enable strategic and operational success and reinforced the importance of engaging in truthful communication activities to counter adversaries’ increasing use of misinformation.

Rear Adm. John Robinson, Navy Vice Chief of Information, highlighted the importance of the CNO’s “Project 33” initiative, which prioritizes operational readiness including a key target of fighting from maritime operations centers, or MOCs.

Capt. Rebecca Rebarich, USINDOPACOM director of Public Affairs and Outreach, echoed Koehler’s message on integrating information forces into maritime planning. She stressed the vital role USINDOPACOM places on the information domain, ensuring warfighters are prepared to support fleet operations in the event of a high-intensity conflict with a peer competitor.

With increased tensions and escalating threats in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Navy needs to make accurate assessments and share information in real time. For Sailors in public affairs, being warfighting-ready requires a commitment to developing and sustaining world-class public affairs capabilities to support operations across the Indo-Pacific.

“Being able to witness firsthand how reservists contribute to the warfighting effort was certainly a highlight of the training,” said Lt. j.g. Justin Truong, assigned to Navy Public Affairs Support Element West. “It was critical to see how reservists integrate with our active-duty counterparts to provide strategic depth.”

Attendees included many junior public affairs officers and mass communication specialists. The summit gave them a first look at the mobilization training location and requirements.

“Ultimately, our goal was for Sailors to walk away with a renewed confidence that the U.S. Navy, of which they are an integral part of, is capable and ready to address emerging threats in the INDOPACOM region,” said Capt. Christopher Lopez, commanding officer, Reserve COMPACFLT Public Affairs, “and leave with a sense of pride knowing that the reserve public affairs community remains an indispensable part of America’s warfighting Navy.”