Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), spoke today via video teleconference.

The two officials discussed U.S.-PRC defense relations and regional and global security issues. Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of continuing to open lines of military-to-military communication between the United States and the PRC, following the 17th U.S.-PRC Defense Policy Coordination Talks (DPCTs) in January 2024 and a round of working-level Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) talks in early April 2024. He reaffirmed the announcement by President Biden and PRC President Xi Jinping in November 2023 that both sides will resume telephone conversations between theater commanders. The Secretary also reiterated that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows.

Secretary Austin underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law, especially in the South China Sea. He also discussed Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine and expressed concerns about recent provocations from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The Secretary also reiterated that the United States remains committed to our longstanding one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances, and he reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Strait.

Today’s call follows President Biden’s November 15, 2023 meeting with PRC President Xi Jinping, as well as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s call via video teleconference with his People’s Liberation Army counterpart on December 21, 2023. The Department will continue to engage in active discussions with PRC counterparts about future engagements between defense and military officials at multiple levels.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MANILA, Philippines  –  

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military will conduct the 39th iteration of Balikatan, the largest annual bilateral training exercise between the two Allies, from April 22 to May 10. The exercise directly supports the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty by enhancing military cooperation and readiness between the two militaries.

More than 16,000 members of the AFP and U.S. military will train together this year. Contingents from the Australian Defence Force and, for the first time in Balikatan’s history, the French Navy, will also join the exercise as participants. Meanwhile, 14 nations will participate as part of the AFP-hosted international observer program: Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

During Balikatan 2024, participants will execute a range of complex missions across domains, including maritime security, sensing and targeting, air and missile defense, dynamic missile strikes, cyber defense, and information operations. The Philippine Navy, U.S. Navy, and the French Navy will also conduct a Multilateral Maritime Exercise in the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone.

“This year’s Balikatan Exercise underscores our steadfast dedication to amplify interoperability and readiness by collaborating with our friends, partners, and ally,” said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. “Together, we speed up our march towards enhancing our military capabilities for maritime security alongside honing other competencies in order to effectively address the dynamic challenges across all nations.”

“Each year, we work closely with AFP senior leaders to make Balikatan more challenging. This year, we’ve increased the scope, scale, and complexity across all domains,” said Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and the U.S. military officer responsible for designing, planning and conducting the exercise. “We’re building military readiness across the full range of combined and joint operations. It’s our most expansive Balikatan yet.”

Balikatan 2024 is organized into three main components. The command-and-control exercise includes a cyber defense exercise to strengthen bilateral cyber defense capabilities that protect critical military and civilian cyber infrastructure against simulated threats; a staff planning exercise to increase bilateral planning proficiency by developing the plan for next year’s iteration of Balikatan; and the inaugural information warfare exercise where Philippine and U.S. forces engaged in a week-long wargame on April 1 to synchronize information-related capabilities and advance both nations’ information operations skills.

The field training exercise features four combined joint all-domain operations. This includes exercises in protecting key terrain in Luzon and Palawan in support of territorial defense; rapidly moving long range, precision strike capabilities and using them in targeting simulated threats; tracking simulated air threats and targeting them with multiple air and missile defense systems; and integrating multilateral air and land platforms to increase awareness of the maritime security situation. Exercise forces will conclude by targeting simulated enemy forces and sinking an “enemy” ship.

Lastly, the AFP and the U.S. civil-military operations task force have been conducting humanitarian civic assistance activities at five locations in the western and northern Philippines since late March, with projects expected to be completed by the end of Balikatan 2024. Together, military personnel are building and improving local infrastructure; sharing lifesaving medical skills; and strengthening military ties with local communities.

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog phrase that means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” describing the spirit of the annual exercise and the close friendship between the Philippines and the United States.

“Balikatan is more than an exercise; it’s a tangible demonstration of our shared commitment to each other. It matters for regional peace, it matters for regional stability,” Lt. Gen. Jurney said. “When we increase our mutual response and defense capabilities, we strengthen our ability to promote regional security and protect our shared interests.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands  –  

The remote island of Tinian, located in the western Pacific Ocean, represents a vital chapter in military and world history. The island once was home to the U.S. military’s largest B-29 Superfortress fleet, which launched the two bombers carrying the atomic bombs “Little Boy” and “Fat Man” that brought an end to World War II in 1945. Today, the U.S. Air Force is employing the location for the next generation of air power projection.

The 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, is conducting Exercise Agile Reaper 24-1, utilizing a hub-and-spoke concept of operations, with an operations center, or hub, located at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and five disaggregated locations serving as the spokes, collectively projecting power across the Indo-Pacific Region.

One of the spokes is an austere environment next to Tinian International Airport, and while it began as a baren patch of grass, in less than 24 hours, a few dozen Airmen stood up and are now operating it as a fully mission-capable forward operating site comprised of approximately 100 Airmen with all the necessary military support functions to service and launch military aircraft, namely JBER’s F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron.

“Operating from Tinian offers great training for all of us,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clayton Cruickshank, Tinian spoke commander and F-22 Raptor pilot. “We’re developing the skills that will be required to operate from austere locations in the future, and we’re developing our junior leaders so they can step into roles that have recently been held by higher ranking and more experienced people. Everything we learn here should inform how we can prepare for future conflicts and how we will need to fight in this environment.”

One of the first Airmen on site was U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Taylor Howe, an explosive ordnance disposal flight commander from the 673d Civil Engineer Group. Stepping into a new role as the Tinian camp “mayor,” Howe directed the integration of Airmen from all support functions in order to build the base, to include on-boarding personnel and cargo, cross-flow of information with the hub, constructing shelters, and providing overall wellness support of the deployed forces, such as food, water, safety, and medical.

The expeditious build-up of the Tinian site was made possible through the employment of the Air Force concept of Mission-Ready Airmen. MRA optimizes wartime operational mission generation through Airmen working side-by-side with Airmen outside their Air Force Specialty Code and applying those core skills when needed, in order to make the mission happen. In a wartime environment, ensuring redundancies with Airmen understanding and being able to act outside their core specialty will increase the survivability of forces in the Pacific.

Serving in another position vital to success was U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Beau Burton, a contracting officer from the 673d Contracting Squadron, who was one of the first Airmen on ground and tackled fulfilling key contracts with local vendors for support of the team, such as acquisition of shelter for personnel, transportation, water, fuel, safety equipment, and other necessary requirements to ensure the operational capability of the spoke location.

“Standing up this base takes coordination from everybody,” Burton said. “It takes being ready and willing to ‘dual hat’ or ‘triple hat’ roles and responsibilities. Everyone here owns a piece or multiple pieces of the puzzle, and each member being proactive and motivated allows for the puzzle pieces to come together and everything to fall into place so the mission can get rolling.”

AR 24-1 acts as an Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) certifying training event for the 3rd AEW, a requirement for the deployment of forces. AFFORGEN is an evolving concept that allows the Air Force to ensure force presentation and force generation models are aligned to the way the service intends to operate in the future high-end fight.

The exercise facilitates better readiness and performance in the high-end fight and preserves forces as the Air Force moves away from the hardened and entrenched physical and logistical structures of the past toward a more sustainable model where force packages are light and lean in personnel and cargo requirements.

“‘Spoking out’ is a much more intense environment than home station, both situationally and the essential aspect of maintaining mutually beneficial local partnerships, while keeping forces healthy and motivated,” Howe said. “Our overall mission here is to survive and operate, and if needed, we will engage, fight and win in order to preserve the survivability of our forces and defend the homeland.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  

Rear Adm. Pat Hannifin turned command of Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5 over to Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk during a ceremony at U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka Friday morning, April 12.

The guest speaker at the event was Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, while the presiding officer was Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, Commander of U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka.

“I am confident that the leadership of the United States Navy is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead, safeguarding our way of life for future generations,” said Aquilino. “With a commitment to freedom, peace, security, prosperity, and stability, alongside our allies and partners worldwide, the Navy remains steadfast. Today, as two distinguished warriors transition, the Navy continues to deploy its finest warfighters to address our most formidable challenges.”

Task Force 70 controls the preponderance of forward-deployed air and surface maneuver and striking forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, overseeing Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, as well as the ships and aircraft operating under Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.

“I’m incredibly proud of this team and their accomplishments over the past year,” said Hannifin, completing his third Forward-Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) tour. “The men and women of Task Force 70 are our nation’s front line: 11,000 Sailors across 23 commands and staffs – each demonstrating America’s firm commitment to freedom of navigation and rule of law in the Indo-Pacific, just as their predecessors have done for over 70 years.

“Our mission is clear and our cause is just,” he continued. “We are the leading edge of a powerful joint and combined force – ready, lethal and confident to deter, fight and win alongside our allies and partners in the region. I am incredibly honored to have stood among them, and know Admiral Newkirk is exactly the man needed to lead them in the coming year.”

Following his tour as commander of Task Force 70 and CSG 5, Hannifin, a San Diego native, will go on to serve as the director of operations for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

“Command at any level is one of life’s most distinct honors and most sacred privileges,” said Newkirk. “To command at any time and place of such great global consequence alongside great teams that include our friends here in Japan – the honor becomes even higher.”

Newkirk, from Medina, Ohio, becomes the 79th commander of Task Force 70 and takes over the dual-hatted position after serving as a deputy director of operations for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C.

Newkirk previously served as the commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 and as commander of Carrier Air Wing 2, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

Task Force 70 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 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.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

NORTHERN LUZON, Philippines  –  

In a historic first, the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force successfully deployed the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system to Northern Luzon, Philippines, on April 11, 2024, as part of Exercise Salaknib 24. This landmark deployment marks a significant milestone for the new capability while enhancing interoperability, readiness, and defense capabilities in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Covering a journey of more than 8,000 miles in over 15 hours, the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) reached the Philippines aboard the C-17 Globemaster III airframe. The historic deployment, undertaken in part with the pilots and flight crew of the U.S. Air Force’s 62nd Airlift Wing from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, showcases the extensive reach and logistical precision of the Joint Force and represents a significant achievement for the Air Force, marking the first time the service has flown the exquisite capability.

“This is a significant step in our partnership with the Philippines, our oldest treaty ally in the region. We’re grateful to our partners in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and we’re excited to expand our security cooperation as we bring this new capability to Luzon. This creates several new collaboration opportunities for our bilateral training and readiness, we look forward to growing together,” said Brig. Gen. Bernard Harrington, commanding general of the 1MDTF.

The 1MDTF’s MRC is a land-based, ground-launched system that enhances multi-domain fires. A versatile capability, the MRC Launcher can fire the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM). The full configuration of MRC comprises a battery operations center, four launchers, prime movers, and modified trailers.

Salaknib 24 directly supports the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Army Pacific efforts in enhancing bilateral U.S. land power capacity and capabilities for joint operations. By bolstering our collective readiness with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Salaknib improves our operational capabilities and strengthens the longstanding and strong U.S.-Philippine Alliance, displaying our dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

More information on Exercise Salaknib at https://www.usarpac.army.mil/Our-Story/Our-News/Article-Display/Article/3728554/us-philippine-armies-enhance-interoperability-and-defense-capabilities-during-s/

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Philippines on the occasion of the inaugural U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Meeting.

Begin text:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año in Washington, DC today. The meeting followed President Biden’s bilateral meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the historic Japan-Philippines-United States Trilateral Leaders’ Summit on April 11.

The parties reaffirmed their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and discussed ways to deepen coordination regarding shared challenges in the South China Sea, including repeated harassment of lawful Philippine operations by the People’s Republic of China. Secretary Blinken, Secretary of Defense Austin, and National Security Advisor Sullivan reiterated the United States’ ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippine Alliance and recalled that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea. The parties underscored their determination to increase U.S. support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to improve interoperability and to achieve our shared security objectives. The parties further decided to explore additional opportunities to strengthen global support for upholding the international law of the sea.

End text.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Participating ships include USS Theodore Roosevelt, Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), and USS Howard (DDG 83); Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake (DD-109) of the JMSDF; Sejong the Great-class guided missile destroyer ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993) of the ROKN. 

During the 2-day event, the three maritime forces sailed together, conducted advanced maritime communication operations, maritime interdiction operations training, air warfare exercises, staff exchanges and integration. The allied forces last trained together in January 2024. 

“Trilateral exercises such as this demonstrate our ability to integrate and operate with our allies. Together, the U.S. Navy, ROK, and JMSDF are ready to respond to any contingency,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander, CSG-9. “We are all committed to shared maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific.” 

The U.S. Navy regularly conducts exercises like these to strengthen ties among allied and partner countries.  

“This exercise was a great opportunity to increase our abilities to respond to DPRK’s advancing nuclear and WMD threats and to provide humanitarian support to ships in distress through close cooperation between the participating forces of the three nations.” said Captain Baek Jun-cheol, Commanding Officer of ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong.  

In August 2023, at the Camp David Summit, the three nations agreed to multi-domain trilateral exercises on a regular basis to enhance our coordinated capabilities and cooperation, a commitment to pursuing enhanced ballistic missile defense cooperation to counter DPRK nuclear and missile threats and deepening our security partnership. These exercises also enhance combined readiness and capabilities and support peace and stability in the region. The event was conducted in accordance with international law in international waters. 

“Through this trilateral exercise, we were able to strengthen our cooperation with the U.S. Navy and ROK Navy. The exercise also promoted cooperation among the three countries to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and demonstrated the three countries’ commitment to safeguarding common security and prosperity as well as maintaining a rule-based international order,” said Commander, Escort Division 5, Capt. GOTO Masahiro. 

This year marks over 70 years of U.S partnership with the Republic of Korea marked by their Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953, as well as the U.S. partnership with Japan since the 1951 Security Treaty between the U.S. and Japan.  

“Everything we do is about maintaining deterrence and ensuring that seas remain free and open.” said Capt. Brian Shrum. “All of this is achieved through cooperation and the strength of our combined allied forces.” 

CSG-9 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, Jan. 12. Since entering U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the strike group participated in Multi-Large Deck Event with the Carl Vinson Strike Group and JMSDF and conducted port calls in Guam and the Republic of Singapore.   

CSG-9 is 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. The strike group is comprised of CSG-9 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 staff, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN) 71, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and DESRON 23 ships; Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Daniel K. Inouye (DDG118). 

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 information about Carrier Strike Group Nine, please visit:  
Website: https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ccsg9/  
DVIDS: www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSTR-CVN71 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.  –  

Marines from the Philippine Marine Corps and the U.S. Marine Corps will conduct the second iteration of the Philippine Marine Exercise from April 8-19, 2024, at Camp Iranun, Mindanao, Philippines.

MAREX PHL is a bilateral exercise led by the Philippine Marine Corps intended to promote military interoperability and maritime domain awareness capabilities, strengthen relationships and expand military capabilities among participating forces.

In 2022, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in the inaugural iteration of MAREX PHL. This year, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, will participate in the combined field training exercise with the Philippine Marine Corps focusing on maritime security operations, amphibious assault operations, counterterrorism, and special operations to include air and surface force insertion.

During this year’s MAREX PHL approximately 40 U.S. Marines and 350 Filipino Marines will train together to enhance coastal defense, combined fires, amphibious assault operations, and small unmanned aerial system combined capabilities. Participants will also conduct cultural exchanges and community relations days to include a visit to the Siddique Elementary School in Barira, Mindanao, and subject matter expert exchanges to further our combined commitment to global security and regional cooperation.

“We must continue to conduct relevant trainings that will improve our individual and collective capabilities. MAREX is joined by our foreign counterpart and our major ally, the United States Marine Corps, that has long been training with us and sharing with us the duty to preserve regional peace and security,” said Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Ariel R. Caculitan, 33rd Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.

MAREX PHL 24 is one of several I Marine Expeditionary Force exercises hosted in the Philippines in 2024. This year’s exercise will conclude with platoon-level infantry rehearsals to showcase and further the collective combat capabilities and camaraderie between the Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ST. LOUIS, Mo.   –  

A dynamic team of Air Force personnel stationed in the Indo-Pacific region unveiled an innovative solution known as Rays to Jet Power at the Logistics Officer Association symposium in St. Louis, Missouri, March 27.

As part of the Air Force Logistics Directorate’s Aether Sprint initiative under the Tesseract Office of Innovation, the team successfully addressed a critical challenge hindering Agile Combat Employment, or ACE operations: the limitations of traditional fuel generators.

Aether Sprint serves as an annual platform for frontline Airmen to directly collaborate with Tesseract and Air Force Logistics senior leaders, addressing critical logistical challenges.

Master Sgt. Jet Nesle, project lead and ACE resource manager for the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, explained that Rays to Jet Power is a resilient energy source capable of providing 60 kilowatt-hours of power continuously. It signifies a significant advancement with far-reaching implications for sustainability, cost efficiency, and environmental impact.

“Unlike traditional generators reliant on diesel combustion, Rays to Jet Power harnesses solar energy through roll-out fabric solar panels, providing an immediate, resilient, and eco-friendly power source,” said Nesle. “Its adaptability is remarkable, as it can replace nearly all diesel fuel consumption in various settings, from military bases to remote communities.”

The urgent need for a sustainable alternative was underscored by the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar’s impact in 2023.

“Our response teams grappled with the immense challenge of deploying and maintaining 78 generators, each draining $2,000-$4,000 daily to sustain critical services. This scenario highlighted the urgent need for a sustainable alternative,” said Tech. Sgt. Manny Rivero, an electrical power production instructor stationed at Andersen Air Base, Guam. “With Rays to Jet Power, the outcome could have been different.”

The team’s efforts were recognized with $1.9 million in additional funding and acknowledgment, including finalist status in Tesseract’s Aether Sprint.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to showcase this innovation on a larger stage and compete for the chance to deploy this technology to the field and to the warfighter as quickly as possible,” said Maj. Ray Hill, a data scientist and the Pacific Air Forces innovation lead at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

From conceptualization to the integration of battery storage systems, each milestone along Rays to Jet Power’s development journey propelled the team closer to its objective of providing sustainable energy solutions for the military and beyond.

“With every innovation project, there are challenges – and that’s the fun part about it. We’ve overcome a lot of those, and the team has done a phenomenal job with that,” said Hill.

Moreover, the team’s participation in Air University’s Project Mercury further refined Rays to Jet Power. Project Mercury empowers individuals to tackle critical challenges faced by the Air Force and Space Force. Established in 2019, this part-time, virtual 90-day program fosters a culture of collaborative innovation and graduates become certified innovators through the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering.

“Project Mercury offered a unique platform to collaborate with a diverse group of innovators across the Air Force,” said Tech Sgt. Cameron Olson, a Rays to Jet Power team member and NCOIC, Material Control, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan. “The program’s curriculum and mentorship opportunities were instrumental in helping us refine our approach and secure additional funding for Rays to Jet Power ‘s development.”

The enthusiastic reception from military units and international partners underscores Rays to Jet Power’s potential impact, not only in contingency response scenarios but also in garrison settings and humanitarian efforts. “The potential to provide power to local communities, especially in remote areas, presents a significant opportunity for positive impact,” said Hill.

The team is actively seeking partners to expedite Rays to Jet Power’s adoption across the Air Force and Department of Defense, turning it into a joint effort toward a sustainable future.

“Working with this dedicated team has been truly inspiring,” Nesle said. “Each member brought unique expertise and passion, enriching our project with diverse perspectives. I especially want to highlight Cameron because his exceptional leadership and attention-to-detail have been invaluable. Our team achieved remarkable milestones, a testament to our collective commitment to driving change.”

The team is comprised of:

Col. Steve Marshall

Maj. Ray Hill

Maj. Stacie Shafran

Master Sgt. Jet Nesle

Tech. Sgt. Cameron Olson

Tech. Sgt. Manny Rivero

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense (MND) held the 24th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) on April 11, 2024 in Washington.

Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Dr. Ely Ratner, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for East Asia, Mr. Andrew Winternitz, led the U.S. delegation. Deputy Minister (DEPMIN) for National Defense Policy, Mr. Cho Chang-rae, led the ROK delegation. Key senior U.S. and ROK defense and foreign affairs officials also participated in the dialogue.

In a plenary session, both sides had an in-depth discussion focusing on the three key pillars of the ‘Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance’ agreed to by the ROK and the United States at the 55th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM): enhancing extended deterrence efforts against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), modernizing Alliance capabilities by evolving into a science and technology alliance, and strengthening solidarity and regional security cooperation with like-minded partners. Both sides agreed the KIDD was the primary forum to review and report on implementation of specific tasks in accordance with the Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance to the SCM. They committed to continue assessing ways to synchronize and align U.S.-ROK bilateral defense mechanisms and engagements to effectively and efficiently support discussions on strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance and the combined defense posture.

First of all, the two sides expressed concerns that the DPRK’s continued provocations and advancing nuclear and missile capabilities are destabilizing the Korean Peninsula and the region, and shared their assessments of the security environment. Both sides committed to demonstrating the strength of the Alliance through close and coordinated bilateral responses to DPRK provocations, threats, and activities that undermine regional peace and stability.

In that vein, the U.S. side affirmed its ironclad commitment to extended deterrence through regularly visible U.S. strategic asset deployments, and to support the establishment of the ROK Strategic Command to enhance deterrence against the DPRK nuclear and missile threats.

In addition, the U.S. side reaffirmed its enduring and ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK, leveraging the full range of U.S. military capabilities — including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities — and reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the United States or its Allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime.

The two delegations discussed the DPRK’s expanding military cooperation with Russia, which violates United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs). Both agreed that expanded DPRK-Russian military cooperation, particularly the transfer of weapons and high-technology, undermined peace and stability in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region including the Korean Peninsula and pledged to respond in a close coordination with the international community. The two sides also acknowledged the importance of full implementation of UNSCRs by the entire international community, including Russia and other members of the Security Council, and reaffirmed that these efforts supported the denuclearization of the DPRK.

Both sides assessed that the recent FREEDOM SHIELD exercise 24 (FS 24), which applied a new concept of operations, enhanced the Alliance’s crisis management, and strengthened deterrence and defense against advancing DPRK threats. In addition, the two sides affirmed the plan to execute a TTX reflecting a DPRK nuclear use scenario, consistent with the Washington Declaration and as agreed by the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), and pledged that U.S.-ROK combined exercises would stay responsive to the rapidly changing security environment on the Korean Peninsula. They also agreed that it was imperative for the Alliance to conduct practical combined exercises and trainings, and acknowledged the need to improve realistic training conditions for U.S. and South Korean troops, including through the joint use of ROK facilities and airspace for mutually-agreed training.

The two sides agreed to further modernize Alliance capabilities by leveraging their science and technology to bring cutting-edge technologies to the warfighter, in accordance with the Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. They commended the accomplishments of the Cyber Cooperation Working Group (CCWG) including the U.S.-ROK Cyber Alliance exercise in January 2024. In addition, both sides noted that the ROK’s recently launched military reconnaissance satellite is an important asset and contribution to extending the U.S.-ROK combined capabilities for surveillance and reconnaissance. The two sides pledged to continue cooperation through the Space Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) to strengthen the Alliance’s space capabilities. In addition, both sides urged the working groups to focus on initiatives to enhance mission assurance and resilience against evolving threats. The leaders agreed that science and technology (S&T) cooperation needs to be strengthened in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous technology and next-generation communications, and that fields of S&T cooperation should contribute to Alliance policy established by the SCM. In that vein, the two sides discussed the way forward to establish a ROK-U.S. senior-level committee to enable science and technology cooperation and reviewed a ROK proposal to organize a U.S.-ROK joint defense science and technology conference.

The two sides agreed that cooperation to develop advanced technologies also supports shared efforts to enhance the defense industrial base of both the United States and ROK, respectively. The two delegations had an in-depth discussion on the Defense Department’s progress to develop a Regional Sustainment Framework to facilitate logistics in a contested environment as well as cooperation to distribute Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. side noted the ROK’s efforts to collaborate on MRO initiatives, and affirmed that such cooperation is in accordance with the direction of enhancing the Alliance’s posture and capabilities. The two leaders also agreed to enhance progress on development of a Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement to provide reciprocal market access, which will enhance supply chain resiliency and strengthen defense cooperation between the United States and the ROK.

The two sides reaffirmed the long-standing contribution made by the United Nations Command (UNC) to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and committed to strengthening UNC. Both sides appreciated that the results of the ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Seoul in November 2023 demonstrated the commitment and resolve of UNC Member States to implement, manage, and enforce the observation of the Armistice Agreement and to be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. side expressed its appreciation for ROK’s efforts to continue strengthening cooperation between the ROK, UNC, and UNC Member States by regularizing meetings, and both sides agreed to work closely together.

The KIDD delegations applauded the efforts of the Conditions-based Operational Control (OPCON) Transition Working Group, noting progress towards the transition of wartime OPCON to the Future Combined Forces Command. In particular, the two sides reviewed the progress on this year’s bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems, and exchanged views on OPCON issues including the transition of Combined Component Commands to standing component commands. In addition, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to meeting the three conditions under the bilaterally approved Conditions-based OPCON Transition Plan (COTP) in a systematic and stable manner to strengthen the Alliance combined defense capabilities.

During an Executive Session, ASD Ratner and DEPMIN Cho emphasized the important contribution of the Tailored Deterrence Strategy to deter and respond to advancing DPRK nuclear and missile threats, and welcomed the ongoing efforts of the NCG that contribute to this effect. DEPMIN Cho stressed the importance of ROK-U.S. integrated extended deterrence to the combined posture. The two leaders agreed that the consultation process enabled by the SCM provides the necessary oversight and guidance for combined plans and operations executed in defense of the Alliance.

The two leaders also stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan, and reviewed the unprecedented progress achieved since the historic Camp David Summit. The U.S. and ROK leaders shared the view that trilateral cooperation with Japan is critical to achieve shared security goals on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides welcomed the successful activation of a three-way data sharing mechanism for early missile warning information against DPRK threats, as well as the regularization of trilateral exercises. The two sides pledged to work through the Defense Trilateral Talks to deepen cooperation in response to the regional security environment, with a focus on operations in various domains.

The U.S. and ROK sides also reviewed the development of the Alliance into a globally comprehensive strategic relationship grounded in shared values and interests. Both sides concurred that it is important to make joint efforts to promote defense and security cooperation in the region. In that vein, reviewing progress from the Regional Cooperation Working Group, the two sides agreed to continue pursuit of security cooperation initiatives that promote regional peace and stability. In addition, both sides concurred on the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as reflected in the April 2023 “Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.”

ASD Ratner and DEPMIN Cho agreed that the 24th KIDD provided guidance to continue deep and transformative Alliance cooperation in support of our shared values and interests. In particular, both sides assessed that the KIDD laid a foundation for a practical implementation of the Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance and emphasized the Alliance’s decisive and overwhelming combined defense posture. The two leaders commended the U.S. and ROK military and civilian personnel that worked to strengthen the bond of the Alliance, and expressed appreciation for their shared commitment and sacrifice.