Category: United States Defense

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

NAMRU INDO PACIFIC Furthers Research Partnerships in Vietnam

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

HANOI, Vietnam – Representatives with Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) INDO PACIFIC accompanied Office of Naval Research (ONR) leadership on a visit with several research partners from November 18-19 to support and further collaboration efforts between the U.S. and Vietnam.

Lt. Cmdr. Jose Garcia, NAMRU INDO PACIFIC’s Vietnam detachment director, and Capt. Robert Carpenter provided their expertise in Navy Medicine Research and Development’s (NMR&D) capabilities to Rear. Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus, the ONR chief of Naval Research, for multiple meetings with Vietnamese partners, including researchers and government, military and academia representatives.

“Working closely with Vietnamese government and academic partners has been of tremendous value,” said Garcia. “These meetings underscore the value of collaboration in Navy Research and Development, where shared expertise helps address pressing health and security challenges in the region.”

U.S. visitors met with the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Ministry of National Defense’s Department of Military Sciences, among others. MOST representatives presented on areas of research interest, and Discussions with the Department of Military Sciences led to scheduling future meetings to explore research collaboration opportunities between the U.S. and Vietnam.

NAMRU INDO PACIFIC also facilitated meetings with Hanoi University of Sciences and Technology and VinUniversity. Discussions with academic partners involved talks on future research opportunities of interest to both nations.

The growing collaboration between the U.S. and Vietnam in military medicine is intended to benefit both nations’ armed forces and contribute to regional stability and global health initiatives.

NAMRU INDO PACIFIC conducts research in cooperation with host nations in Australia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to improve global health, ensure military force health protection, and address infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever virus and gastro-intestinal pathogens.

Posted on

Update 2: Coast Guard, partners responding to aground cargo ship in Philadelphia

Source: United States Coast Guard

01/11/2025 04:09 PM EST

The motor vessel Algoma Verity was refloated and is now moored at Tioga Marine Terminal approximately two miles north of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on the Delaware River, Saturday.

For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Posted on

1 ASOG participates in Yama Sakura 87

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska  –  

Airmen assigned to the 1st Air Operations Group participated in exercise Yama Sakura 87 in locations spanning the Indo-Pacific including Alaska, Japan and Hawaii, from Dec. 1-14, 2024.

This year marked the 43 iteration of the multinational exercise and was the first-time during Yama Sakura the U.S. Air Force was incorporated into the Army Joint Air-Ground Integration Cell.

“[The] 11 Airborne just stood up as a new division. So, this was their first exercise using fires and incorporating the Air Force component in their Army Joint Air-Ground Integration Cell,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. William Lambert, 5 Air Support Operations Squadron command and control flight commander.

This year was also the first time YS was executed alongside a U.S. computer-based simulation known as exercise Warfighter. Warfighter simulates a dynamic, multi-day scenario that tests the readiness of units focused on the Indo-Pacific region.

“The exercise saw many firsts, including the first-ever U.S. Army Warfighter held in Japan, and the first Warfighter concurrent with Yama Sakura,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Schonbachler, 1 ASOG deputy commander.

Together, YS and Warfighter aim to build operational readiness, enhance interoperability, and strengthen deployment capabilities among allied forces.

YS 87 brought the U.S., Japan, and Australia together to participate in simulated scenarios refining their abilities to communicate effectively, coordinate operations and navigate complex challenges.

“The importance of U.S., Japan and Australia working together lies in our shared common resolve and mutual trust in each other’s ability as an allied force, which enables us to provide cross-boundary, multi domain capabilities to each other in times of crisis or conflict,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Adams, 3 ASOS director of operations.

YS 87 is a demonstration of U.S., Japan, and Australian dedication to fortifying a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise honed skills and emphasized the crucial role of interoperability among the participating nations.

“Exercising interoperability among Japanese, Australian and U.S. forces helps to identify our similarities and overcome our differences across our three countries’ warfighting concepts and strategies in the Pacific. We demonstrated that we can share common networks and communication methods to synchronize and integrate diverse weapon systems into a common operational approach,” Adams said.

Posted on

UPDATE: U.S. Coast Guard announces availability for the Draft Environmental Assessment on the Special Purpose Craft- Heavy Weather II Acquisition Program

Source: United States Coast Guard

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District PA Detachment Astoria
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
Office: (503) 861-6380
After Hours: (206) 220-7237
PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

 

01/10/2025 04:51 PM EST

(Editor’s note: The comment period has been extended from Jan. 20 to Feb. 15) SEATTLE – The Coast Guard announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) / Overseas Environmental Assessment (OEA) for its proposal to acquire up to six, second generation Special Purpose Craft- Heavy Weather II (SPC-HWX II) vessels. Of these vessels, four would be placed in operation and training status, and two would serve as maintenance relief hulls, each with a service design life of 25 years.

Posted on

Eighth Army Band Harmonizes Strength and Unity across South Korea

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

Often the heart of community celebrations, the Eighth Army Band is the heartbeat of strong relationships throughout the Republic of Korea. The only U.S. Army band stationed in Asia, their packed year-round positive impacts are critical to the joint, combined, and international spirit of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

For decades, the band has been a symbol of the enduring friendship between the U.S. and South Korea. Koreans often recall fond memories of the U.S. military through Eighth Army Band performances, which served as a bridge to American culture. Through music, they demonstrate the soft power of military-to-military and military-to-civilian connections, embodying shared values and building trust with audience and the U.S. Army.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Richard Chapman, the band’s commander, shared a moving encounter: “After one performance, an elderly Korean approached me and said a U.S. Soldier—who looked just like me—had given him food and sent him to safety during the Korean War. He believed he wouldn’t have survived without the U.S. Army.”

The band’s role extends beyond music, evoking memories of hope and recovery during Korea’s post-war years. Many Koreans learned English by listening to the band’s performances and forged friendships with Americans during the reconstruction era. Maj. Kook Ju-ho, Commander of the ROK Army Ground Operations Command Military Band, fondly remembered how his connection to the U.S. military began 30 years ago when he accompanied his parents to a church choir at Camp Red Cloud. “I remember how fascinating the base was, how delicious the American food was, and how I learned simple English phrases and even bowling from U.S. soldiers. Now, as a military band commander, I am creating new memories with the U.S. military that remind me of those joyful childhood experiences,” he said.

The Eighth Army Band performs approximately 240 times a year. Their mission spans all branches of the U.S. and ROK military, as well as the United Nations Command. As the only U.S. military band in Korea, the unit supports key U.S. commands such as 7th Air Force, Marine Forces Korea, and U.S. Naval Forces Korea. Their presence ensures seamless collaboration across all military branches and strengthens the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

Chief Chapman highlighted the band’s impact beyond entertainment: “Our presence often makes community or government leaders more receptive to enabling Army training in their towns. Musicians can access places and audiences that others cannot.”

The band plays a vital role during key moments—whether celebrating new leadership at change-of-command ceremonies or honoring fallen heroes at memorials and historic battle
commemorations. Their music unites communities and pays homage to sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Holidays are especially busy, bringing joy to service members, civilians, and families stationed far from home. Their efforts align with U.S. Forces Korea’s vision of making Korea “The Assignment of Choice,” with a focus on safety and quality of life for all personnel.

Even as their public performances slow in January and February, the band remains active. “We concentrate on receptions, military balls, and collective training on our ‘Fight Tonight’ mission skills,” Chapman explained. They will prepare for their wartime mission of theater casualty reporting—a task expected to become mission-essential for all Army bands.

Ultimately, the Eighth Army Band reflects the Eighth Army’s broader mission of fostering strong alliances and partnerships in the defense of two homelands.

“Our team takes pride in representing the U.S. community and showcasing the Eighth Army mission in Korea,” Chapman said. “It’s an honor to be part of something that resonates with people across generations.”

Posted on

Update 1: Coast Guard, partners responding to aground cargo ship in Philadelphia 

Source: United States Coast Guard

01/10/2025 01:59 PM EST

PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Coast Guard and partners are continuing to respond to the aground 623-foot motor vessel Algoma Verity approximately a mile north of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the Delaware River, Friday. 

For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Posted on

Sigonella Local National Committed to Service While Honoring Family Lineage

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

United States Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Sigonella is honored to recognize Beth Archer as the Fiscal Year 2024 Command Civilian of the Year. Originally from York, United Kingdom, Beth has dedicated the past five years to serving as a Local National within the Defense Health Agency. She holds a master’s degree in Psychological Studies from Brunel University and bachelor’s degrees in both Music and Voice from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. When asked about Ms. Archer’s contributions within the Human Resources Department, USNMRTC Sigonella’s Executive Officer, Capt. Michael Mercado said, “Ms. Archer has made substantial contributions to our Command in her role within the Human Resources team. She consistently and willingly goes above and beyond to assist the team, from facilitating an Awards Board to assisting a member with pay issues, she understands the importance of taking care of our staff so that they can take of our patients.”

In her current position as an Administrative Support Assistant in the Human Resources Department (HRD), Beth is responsible for managing and processing correspondence for over 500 local national and government civilian staff members across three geographical command locations. Her contributions resulted in a 95% increase in updating staff Position Descriptions and she accelerated the completion of the project ahead of the fiscal year-end deadline. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Beth is an engaged member of the Naval Hospital Sigonella Choir, where she regularly performs at various instillation events. She has performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Navy Ball, the Tactical Operations Center Commissioning Ceremony, the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) Calibration Lab Retirement Ceremony, the Navy Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Change of Command, the USNMRTC Sigonella Change of Command, the Task Force 67 Change of Command, the Chief’s Pinning Ceremony, and the USNMRTC Sigonella Holiday Party.
When asked about her hobbies, Ms. Archer expressed, “I love spending as much time as possible outdoors, engaging in activities such as hiking, surfing, skiing, and paddleboarding. At home, I enjoy singing and drawing or painting.” Regarding her decision to pursue a career within the Defense Health Agency, she shared, “I applied for a job at USNMRTC Sigonella because I wanted to continue working in an English-speaking environment that mirrored the work ethic I was accustomed to back home in the UK. Additionally, my grandfather, LT John Archer, was a British Navy veteran, which inspired my interest in serving in this capacity.”

Beth embodies the hallmarks of a consummate professional and serves as an impeccable ambassador for the country. The Director for Administration, Cdr. Joseph Fromknecht said this about working with Beth, “I have had the pleasure to work with Beth for the last 2+ years. Her dedicated commitment to both the staff and mission is second to none. She successfully navigated the Commands Human Resources functions through the DHA transition, she is a staunch advocate to ensure that Civilian staff are submitted for the Quarterly and Yearly awards, and she truly cares about her Sailors in HRD. Beth is the heartbeat within HRD! I am very excited to see what the future holds for her! Keep up the strong work!”

US NMRTC 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.

Written by: LT Julius C. Wiseman III, MSC, USN

Posted on

FEATURE: Coast Guard Sector Virginia: A year of secure waterways

Source: United States Coast Guard

01/10/2025 10:23 AM EST

In 2024, crews assigned to Coast Guard Sector Virginia conducted over 250 maritime security and response operations consisting of patrols, fixed security zone enforcements, security boardings, security facility operations, and vessel escorts. Here and across the country, the Coast Guard’s mission of Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS) is vital for maintaining the safety and security of the nation’s waterways.

For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Posted on

Nashville native name Sailor of the Year for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Beaufort

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class John Thompson, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, was recently named Sailor of the Year (SOY), for fiscal year 2024, while serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Beaufort.

SOY is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-6. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.

Thompson, a 2002 Whites Creek High School graduate, joined the Navy 20 years ago.

“I was originally in Air Force Junior ROTC in high school and was almost talked into joining the Army or the National Guard, but I decided not to pursue it,” said Thompson. “After a year of balancing college and working at UPS, the U.S. Navy began pursuing me. I was drawn to the obvious benefits since I wanted to take care of my family one day. I’ve been married for 18 years now and we have three beautiful girls. It feels good knowing that they are taken care of.”

The skills and values needed to succeed are similar to those found in Nashville.

“The biggest thing that I had leaving home was my faith in Christ,” said Thompson. “I grew up in what is normally called the ‘Bible Belt.’ Most of the disciplinary requirements of the U.S. Navy align with what I had been taught growing up in the scripture.”

Today, Thompson serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.

According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC serves as the single point of contact in support of installation and operational commanders, providing medical information, support and over medical cognizance of the active duty and reserve force.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Thompson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Thompson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m humbled to admit that I was happy just to make it to first class in 2020, right at the edge of the 16-year higher tenure limit,” said Thompson. “I am now able to get to the 20-year retirement mark because of it.”

Thompson can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy is a privilege,” said Thompson. “I speak to many who wish to serve but weren’t able to. It’s an opportunity to fight evil and aid the weak and it’s a blessing because of the wide range of resources for military families.”

Thompson offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy.

“Surviving in the U.S. Navy is as simple as breathing A.I.R. (Accountability, Integrity and Respect),” added Thompson. “We shouldn’t tolerate things that are wrong, and we should hold ourselves and others accountable for their actions. We also must have the integrity to do right at all times as ambassadors of the U.S. Navy. Lastly, we give everyone around respect. ‘And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them’- Luke 6:31.”

Posted on

TOPS Holds Graduation Ceremony for Class 24010

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

The Tri-Service Optician School (TOPS), a directorate of the Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command (NMLPDC), held its graduation ceremony for class 24010 in Yorktown, Virginia on Dec. 13th, 2024.

The graduating class was comprised of 13 Sailors and Soldiers from both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army.

“It was a great experience getting to know all of them and working with them,” said Cmdr. Joshua Keil, Dean, TOPS. “They were an exceptionally talented and disciplined group”

The ceremony included opening remarks from Capt. Katharine Shobe, commanding officer of NMLPDC, followed by closing remarks from Keil, as this was his first graduating class as the dean.

“My first class as Dean was a real treat,” said Keil. “Class 24-010 performed exceptionally well.”

Keil, Shobe and NMLPDC Command Master Chief Owen Hondorf presented each graduate with their certificates of completion as Opticians.

Hospitalman Apprentice Kevin Sadler
U.S. Army Specialist Jean Tobanda-Barragan
Hospitalman Andrew Boylan
Hospitalman Arthur Kim
Hospitalman Natalee Solis
Hospital Corpsman Third Class Lamartia Thompson
Hospitalman Apprentice Lukas Torres-Zawistowski
U.S. Army Private Second Class Clarence Brown
Hospitalman Apprentice Zack Hudson
U.S. Army Private Second Class Dani Lopez-Gomez
Hospitalman LaTavia Miller
U.S. Army Private Second Class Christopher Msezane
U.S. Army Private Elizabeth Saunders

“For the students, it wasn’t just about learning to fabricate and dispense eyewear or assist in treating ocular disorders,” said Shobe. “It was about sharpening skills that will save lives, boost mission readiness, and enhance the human weapon system. They now hold 29 of the 30 credit hours required for an Associate’s Degree from the Uniformed Services University’s College of Allied Health Sciences, a testament to the invaluable partnership between NMLPDC and USU, ensuring that their training is recognized both within the military and in the civilian world.”

Since its founding in 1995, TOPS has developed opticians to support clinics on sea and shore as well as the force preservation mission by supplying eyewear to the fleet as they bring sight to the fight. TOPS trains U.S. Army and Navy servicemembers in a rigorous 24-week program, ensuring the respective services have the technical expertise gained through optician studies.

TOPS is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupation Education and the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation and holds two iterations of training per year with a maximum of 30 students per class who earn degree credits through the Uniformed Services University.