Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific is taking a giant leap forward in multi-domain integration, leading U.S. space participation in Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 24 in Thailand, Feb. 27 – Mar. 8.

For the first time, over 33 nations worked and trained together in the space domain, as well as air and land, establishing a new standard for multinational space operations.

“Four years ago, Cobra Gold had no space participation,” said Capt. Jarrett Jordan, a SPACEFOR-INDOPAC exercise planner.  “This year, it became one of the most robust multinational space exercises in the world.”

Space Force Guardians leveraged longstanding relationships with Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to elevate one of Asia’s most premiere military exercises.  Now in its 43rd iteration, Cobra Gold brings in experts and leaders from across the region to learn from each other and grow through overcoming challenging scenarios.

Of course, having a concentrated presence of the region’s best operators and strategists offers unique opportunities.

“Cobra Gold gives us the chance to learn from our partners and to develop new skills through combined integration,” Jordan said.  “These commitments pay huge dividends when it comes to developing individual talent, and the relationships we build foster a lasting spirit of cooperation.”

While Thailand and the U.S. have a long history of working together as Allies, modern challenges to the Indo-Pacific security environment require new ways of addressing those issues.  Extreme weather, the distances inherent to the region, and challenges to the rules-based international order are becoming more prevalent.  Exercises like Cobra Gold prepare operators for integrating with domains they never had to consider before.

“By practicing in exercises like Cobra Gold, participants can work through the challenges they may not have the opportunity to see on a daily basis,” Jordan said, “By establishing this new space play, Cobra Gold has become an even better venue for joint and combined partnership that recognizes space as contested domain.”

As more regional players recognize the importance of space, efforts like these in Cobra Gold will only grow in importance.  SPACEFOR-INDOPAC continues to expand its outreach efforts to Allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific, and plans are already underway for additional space integration in other combined events.  Each one advances Guardian skills, forges stronger relationships with Allies and partners, and helps support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Though this was the first time SPACEFOR-INDOPAC played in Cobra Gold, the experience had a profound effect on the Guardians involved.

“Participating in Cobra Gold for the first time was a powerful reminder of the importance of our Allies and partners,” Jordan said.  “Integrating space into the exercise as part of an incredible multinational team was a big task, but it was one worth doing and one we were able to succeed at together.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

The 2nd Infantry/ROK-U.S. Combined Division completes a large-scale joint air assault training operation in conjunction with the ROK 2nd Rapid Response Division, Army Aviation Command, Air Force’s 5th Air Mobility Wing during Freedom Shield 24 in the Republic of Korea, March 11-15, 2024.

The exercise involved approximately 40 large-scale joint aviation assets, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, Air Force C130H transport aircraft, as well as 1,400 ROK and U.S. Soldiers. The goal of the training was to master mission performance and combined joint operational capabilities.

“Combined training with our ROK allies gives us the opportunity to build trust and learn from each other’s processes which improves our capabilities to fight alongside each other,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dave Sherwood, CH-47 pilot, 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Infantry/ROK-U.S. Combined Division. “This has been a unique training exercise that has increased mission readiness and communication with our ROK partners.”

The training commenced on the 11th, with the 2nd Rapid Response Division and the 5th Air Mobility Wing infiltrating the target area. On the 12th, follow-up troops secured a landing site through a group descent via a transport aircraft (C-130H) and conducted dropping supplies and equipment.

The multi-day training event involved target area infiltration, securing landing zones, supply delivery, and rapid troop movement for successful air assaults. Each unit and airframe conducted thorough planning and communication to work through language and process differences to improve combined readiness.

“Through the training I was able to re-realize the importance of combined and joint operations,” said Lt. Col. Jung Kyung-Kook, battalion commander of the ROK 201st Rapid Response Brigade. “Even if a battle breaks out tomorrow, I will continue my readiness.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

POCHEON, South Korea  –  

As part of Freedom Shield 2024, the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division (2ID/RUCD) and the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division (CMID) of the Republic of Korea army, demonstrated combined combat capabilities through various joint maneuvers and gunnery exercises at Seung-Jin Range in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, March 8-14, 2024.

Elements of the ROK CMID and 2ID/RUCD conducted a Combined Live Fire Exercise (CFLX) aimed at improving interoperability in command and control, maneuver, and firepower operations, and to enhance combined operational performance capabilities.

Approximately 300 U.S. and ROK Soldiers from seven units, including the tank, engineer, air defense, and armored reconnaissance battalion under CMID, CBRN units of the ROK 7th Corps, and the 11th Engineer Battalion and 3rd Cavalry Regiment, conducted integrated firepower and route clearance training.

The training involved various military vehicles of the ROK and the U.S., including the ROK K1A2, K21, K30, and U.S. M1150 Assault Breaching Vehicle. The exercise began with the K30 cover fire, followed by dozens of K1A2 tanks and K21 armored vehicles pouring concentrated fire. U.S. Army 3rd Cavalry Regiment Raven RQ-11 Unmanned Aircraft Systems provided aerial surveillance and reconnaissance to ground forces increasing lethality and verifying the interoperability of the combined forces.

“Through the training, we were able to fully equip ourselves with combined combat capabilities to overwhelm the enemy,” said Lt. Col. Cho Seung-Jae, battalion commander, CMID. “Above all, members of the unit gained confidence that if the Republic of Korea and the United States work together, we can fight the enemy and win!”

Freedom Shield 2024 provided a rigorous environment to enhance readiness, interoperability and response capabilities in realistic scenarios.

“Working together with our ROK counterparts always makes us better and helps improve interoperability so we are always ready to respond if called upon,” said Lt. Col. Brent Kinney, battalion Commander, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division. “We continue to work to strengthen our combined readiness.”

In support of the Armistice Agreement, Freedom Shield 24 underscores the enduring military partnership between the ROK and the U.S. It reinforces the role of the Alliance as the linchpin for regional peace and security, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the United States to defend the Republic of Korea.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

As dawn approached on the brisk morning of March 7, relentless winds echoed over the flightline of Yokota Air Base, Japan. The stage was set for Airborne 24, as nearly half of the 374th Airlift Wing’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet, U.S. Army jumpmasters and approximately 300 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers geared up to execute the world’s largest bilateral static-line jump exercise.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Manila, PHILIPPINES — Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited the Philippines March 10-14, 2024, where he met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., along with other senior government and military leaders.  

He also met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and engaged with business leaders as part of the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines with U.S. Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce Gina Raimondo. The first mission of its kind, the PTIM is aimed at enhancing U.S. companies’ investment in the Philippine innovation economy, to include clean energy, food security and critical minerals, and follows the introduction of new arrangements and initiatives to expand on the historic momentum in U.S.-Philippine relations.   

Aquilino and military leaders also discussed opportunities for increased multilateral cooperation, maritime security initiatives, and the upcoming exercise Balikatan. The largest annual U.S.-Philippines bilateral exercise, the 39th iteration of Balikatan will feature service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S., along with other regional partner nations, training shoulder-to-shoulder to build the strength and readiness of the joint force.  

As the oldest ally in the region, the U.S.-Philippines Alliance has advanced peace, prosperity and security since 1951. Aquilino’s visit highlights efforts to modernize the alliance, and deepen cooperation to meet emerging challenges, improve interoperability and integrate joint planning efforts as part of the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a call today with Japan’s Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru.

The two officials welcomed ongoing and close coordination between the United States and Japan on the resumption of flight operations of V-22 Osprey aircraft by U.S. Forces Japan and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Secretary Austin underscored that the safety of U.S. servicemembers and Japanese communities remains a top priority for the Department as V-22 aircraft in Japan prepare to return to flight.

The two officials also reaffirmed their commitment to further defense cooperation between the United States and Japan at a time of historic progress toward shared Alliance priorities for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Austin expressed his hope that the two officials would have an opportunity to meet again in person soon.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP WITHYCOMBE, Oregon  –  

More than 450 security cooperation stakeholders and international partners gathered at Camp Withycombe, OR, for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s (USINDOPACOM) combined Capabilities Development Working Group (CDWG) and Security Cooperation Education and Training Working Group (SCETWG) from Feb. 26-March 1, 2024.

Hosted by the USINDOPACOM J5 Strategic Policy and Planning Directorate, CDWG aims to identify and develop specific partner nation military capabilities, while SCETWG focuses on education and training opportunities for partner nation military members. The two events work in concert to further security cooperation initiatives in the region through numerous plenary and small group working sessions.

Representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, returned to participate in CDWG. Delegations from Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) attended this year’s event for the first time, to further integrate and synchronize security cooperation efforts. The U.S. team hosted Bilateral Regional Capacity Building forums with both Japanese and ROK delegations to collaborate on current and future security cooperation initiatives and map out approaches to security cooperation in the region.

USINDOPACOM’s Deputy Director for Policy, British Commodore Jonathan Lett, chaired bilateral sessions and a trilateral luncheon with Japan and ROK to foster informal dialogue.

“The United States cannot and should not act alone in ensuring regional security,” Lett said. “For many years, our partners have been the missing piece in the puzzle in security cooperation planning. Your attendance at this event is a testament of what truly is a multinational effort to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

As the largest milestone event of its kind, this year’s CDWG gave in-country security cooperation officers the opportunity to interface directly with representatives from across the enterprise to include Department of Defense (DoD) organizations, component commands, and other U.S. government agencies, all with a role in taking a security cooperation initiative from ideation to implementation.

“Your untiring efforts over the past two years have advanced our goals to operationalize security cooperation and take a more proactive approach to achieving top U.S. defense and security objectives in the priority theater,” said David Jensen, USINDOPACOM’s Security Cooperation Division Chief, in his closing remarks.

The directorate will host its next event in the security cooperation planning cycle, Capability Development and Exercises (CAPEX) Workshop, in fall 2024.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

USS Annapolis (SSN 760) arrived in HMAS Stirling in Perth, Western Australia Sunday.

This marks the second visit by a U.S. fast-attack submarine to HMAS Stirling since the announcement of the AUKUS [Australia, United Kingdom, United States] Optimal Pathway in March 2023. The Optimal Pathway is designed to deliver a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarine capability to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

“Historically, we’ve had allied SSNs visit Australian ports for many decades totaling more than 1,800 days,” said Rear Adm. Matt Buckley, Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability at the Australian Submarine Agency. “Starting with USS North Carolina (SSN 777) last August, these visits are taking on a more important meaning for the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Submarine Agency as we build the infrastructure, knowledge, and stewardship needed to establish SRF-West in 2027.”

Increasing the number of SSN visits to Australia and the establishment of SRF-W comprise the first of three Optimal Pathway phases. As early as 2027, the United States will begin rotational presence in the Western Australia facility as a way to grow the RAN’s ability to operate and maintain a fleet of SSNs. Ultimately, there will be up to four U.S. Virginia-class submarines and one United Kingdom Astute-class submarine at HMAS Stirling.

The second phase of the Optimal Pathway begins in the early 2030s, with the United States selling Australia three Virginia-class submarines, with the potential to sell up to two more if needed. Phase Three sees the combination of a base British submarine design and advanced United States technology to deliver SSN-AUKUS, the future attack submarine for both Australia and the United Kingdom. Australia plans to deliver the first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS in the early 2040s.

“Having our submarines rotating through HMAS Stirling is critical to building Australia’s sovereign capability to safely and competently operate SSNs,” shared Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, the U.S. AUKUS Pillar One Program Manager. “Each visit will build upon the previous one and allow the RAN team to grow its capabilities. This visit will see Australians take a more active role in the execution of a voyage repair period.”

“For decades, the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Navy have trained and operated together,” said Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Group (CSG) 7. “AUKUS is a natural extension of our already close relationship, building unprecedented capability and interoperability that will pay dividends for generations.”

“It’s an honor to be here and the team looks forward to working with the Australians and furthering our relationship,” said Cmdr. James Tuthill, Commanding Officer, USS Annapolis. “The enthusiasm and professionalism of the HMAS Stirling team is apparent, and we look forward to making this visit as productive as possible.”

Initially announced in September 2021, the AUKUS trilateral agreement is a strategic endeavor aimed at strengthening the security and defense capabilities of the three nations that also promotes stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia will acquire conventionally armed SSNs for the Royal Australian Navy under Pillar I of AUKUS via the Optimal Pathway announced by the heads of the three partner nations on March 13, 2023.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JINHAE, South Korea  –  

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade (2-2 CAB) conducted deck landings with U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters on prepositioning ship USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), March 7.

Six aircraft crews from Assault Helicopter Battalion 2-2 CAB practiced single-spot deck landings aboard USNS Dahl, about five miles off the coast of Jinhae, South Korea, to certify air crew members and pilots in landing on a ship.

The DLQs were conducted through coordination between Military Sealift Command Office-Korea, USNS Dahl, and crews from Assault Helicopter Battalion 2-2 CAB to qualify or reset their crew on single-spot DLQ currency.

The training environment was also an opportunity for Army aircrews to ensure maritime air movement capability and readiness.

As a secondary training objective, MSCO-K and USNS Dahl aimed to further develop interoperability and joint relationship with 2-2 CAB during ship flight operations.

This training event for the Army also proved to be equally valuable to the crew of USNS Dahl. While mariners’ conduct regular training on ship flight operations, the training environment is usually limited to classroom or computer simulations, which can sometimes not accurately reflect the challenges the crew may face at sea.

In preparation for the event, Dahl conducted a complete inventory and inspection of all flight deck equipment that included testing of all flight deck systems. In addition, Dahl conducted simulated flight deck operations, helicopter crash and fire drills in the days before the operation.

“All flight deck operations are inherently dangerous but DLQs add the wild card of potentially novice crews who are not familiar with either the vessel or ship flight operations in general,” said contracted mariner Capt. Deatra Thompson, ship’s master, USNS Dahl. “Additionally, unlike many USNS vessels, Dahl does not conduct flight operations often and many of the crew, while having received training and simulated operation, some have never been involved in real-life flight operations.”

To reduce danger, Dahl requested that the aircraft’s crew chief depart during the train-the-trainer initial landings to provide hands-on instruction to the Dahl Chock and Chain teams to ensure they were familiar with the methods and placement of the fastening equipment.

The event was executed safely and without incident and resulted in six single-spot deck-landing qualified crews across 2-2 CAB.

“This event demonstrated effective joint coordination and was a great chance for MSCO-K and USNS Dahl to support a valuable training opportunity for our U.S. Army partners stationed here in Korea,” said Cmdr. Patrick J. Moore, commanding officer, MSCO-K. “Overall, there was great collaboration between MSCO-K, USNS Dahl, and the soldiers of 2-2 CAB.”

Maritime prepositioning ship USNS Dahl is a Watson-class large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off ship and is part of Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3.

Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 supports warfighters from all the U.S. Armed Forces by prepositioning Military Sealift Command ships throughout the Indo-Pacific Region, ensuring Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps vehicles, heavy equipment, personnel and supplies are strategically positioned to support the full range of military operations.

Commander, Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and Reserve military personnel.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SANTA RITA, Guam  –  

On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) effectively evacuated a Coast Guard member from the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10), 100 nautical miles south of Guam, in a joint effort.

“We’re incredibly grateful to HSC-25 for jumping in quickly and skillfully to help evacuate our crew member. Their professionalism and dedication made all the difference in ensuring a successful outcome. This operation truly showcases how our service members look out for each other’s safety and well-being at sea,” said Capt. Keith Ropella, commanding officer of Polar Star.

The incident began on March 5, 2024, when the Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam received a communication from the Polar Star crew regarding a 43-year-old man aboard experiencing severe abdominal pain. Recognizing the need for urgent medical attention beyond the capabilities available on ship, watchstanders directed the cutter to reroute closer to Guam and initiate a medical evacuation.

In a swift response, JRSC Guam assumed mission coordination duties. Working with the cutter command, the medical officer aboard Polar Star, and the HSC-25 duty flight surgeon (DFS), the watchstanders seamlessly facilitated communications between all involved parties, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities and effective mission planning.

On the evening of March 6, an HSC-25 aircrew rendezvoused with the Polar Star, successfully hoisted the ill member from the cutter, and airlifted him safely to Guam. The crew transferred him to awaiting personnel at U.S. Naval Hospital Guam in stable condition.

“This operation stands as a testament to the seamless collaboration and unparalleled skill of our U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy personnel. The swift and efficient evacuation of our crew members underlines our unwavering commitment to the health and safety of every service member. I am deeply proud of our teams and thankful for HSC-25’s immediate response and expertise, which were critical in ensuring the well-being of our personnel at sea,” said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.

Homeported in Seattle, the Polar Star is the United States’ only heavy icebreaker. The cutter is returning from their annual mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, for Operation Deep Freeze, breaking miles of ice up to 21 feet thick to allow for the resupply of the base.

This is HSC-25s fourth medical mission since early February. Over the weekend, they responded to a short-fuse request for a non-maritime medical transfer from Saipan to Guam, facilitating essential medical care for a community member.

-USCG-

About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam

The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam team focuses on maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania. With a primary presence in Guam and Saipan and around 300 members across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the team maintains a strong U.S. presence in the Micronesia sub-region and adjacent areas, closely tied to local communities.

About U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25

U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, known as the “Island Knights,” is a critical MH-60S Knighthawk expeditionary helicopter squadron based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. As the island’s sole permanently stationed naval aviation and rotary wing asset, HSC-25 is vital in supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet. The squadron provides combat-ready crews and aircraft for various operations, including combat logistics, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance.