Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ROCKINGHAM, Australia  –  

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

RAYONG PROVINCE, THAILAND  –  

This year’s Cobra Gold, the paramount joint multinational military exercise in Southeast Asia, successfully concluded after two weeks of intensive training, humanitarian efforts and cultural exchanges.

This 43rd iteration of Cobra Gold, co-hosted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, brought together over 9,000 military personnel, including 4,500 from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, marking a significant milestone in the exercise’s storied history.

From February 27 to March 8, participants engaged in various activities to enhance interoperability and foster strong international partnerships. This year’s exercise focused on combined joint all-domain training, humanitarian assistance, disaster response operations and cultural and civic action programs benefiting local Thai communities.

During the opening ceremony, Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commanding general for I Corps, highlighted the significance of Cobra Gold, stating, “This exercise is a decades-long example of the enduring partnerships that bind our nations together. As we train and learn from one another, we symbolize the strength that comes from unity, shared goals, and commitment to regional stability.”

Cobra Gold 2024 witnessed unprecedented participation, with 30 nations either observing or actively engaging in various key training events. Seven countries, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea, fully participated in training activities ranging from combined live fire drills and airborne operations to an amphibious exercise. This collaborative effort aimed at enhancing human and procedural interoperability across multiple domains, including cyber and space, drew participation from more than 20 other nations in various capacities.

“Cobra Gold is a positive example of multilateral cooperation, as is demonstrated by the continued increase in participating nations; everyone walks away from this better and able to solve problems together,” said Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, deputy commanding general for I Corps.

The three main components of the exercise consisted of a command and control exercise, humanitarian civic assistance projects, and several field training events, each designed to test and strengthen the individual and collective capabilities of the participating forces.

The multinational command post-exercise simulated a large-scale combat operation, challenging international leaders and staff to coordinate effectively in a complex, multilingual and procedurally diverse environment.

Field training events, overseen by a joint task force, included a noncombatant evacuation operation, an amphibious exercise, a strategic airborne operation and a combined live fire exercise.

These events were complemented by cultural exchanges and humanitarian projects, such as the Engineer Civic Assistance Program, which saw service members from the U.S, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and India contribute to improving several schools in central and southeastern Thailand.

During his remarks at the opening ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec reflected on the significance of the relationships forged through the Cobra Gold exercise.

“Just as important as the training during Cobra Gold are the relationships forged between countries, between leaders, and among our service members at every level,” Godec said. “The exercise helps to foster a spirit of cooperation and goodwill that transcends language, cultures, and borders.”

The exercise culminated in a closing ceremony on March 8 at the Naval Training Field in Lop Buri, Thailand, attended by military leaders, including the Royal Thai Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Air Chief Marshal Chanon Muangthanya, and Maj. Gen. Michelle Schmidt, commanding general for 7th Infantry Division.

“Cobra Gold is an annual event where we work together to build interoperability between the United States, Thailand and our allies and partners in the region,” said Schmidt during an interview with local media following the ceremony. “Today was a great representation of the training and collaboration that has happened over the past two weeks here.”

Since its inception in 1982, Cobra Gold has evolved from a bilateral maritime exercise between the U.S. and Thailand into the world’s longest-running multinational military exercise, embodying decades of cooperation and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SINGAPORE — Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Singapore on an overseas trip from March 6 to 10, to increase shared understanding of regional challenges and strengthen the expansive and enduring U.S.-Singapore relationship.

During the visit, Aquilino met with Singapore Minister of Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Chief of Defence Force Vice Adm. Aaron Beng, and U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Jonathan Kaplan, and discussed bilateral efforts in maritime security and commitment to increased training and cooperation opportunities.

Aquilino spoke with officers during a distinguished speaker dialogue at Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC), the top officer training institute of the Singapore Armed Forces. He credited the facilities there as an example of Singapore’s dedication to fostering a capable armed forces through rigorous education and training, and he highlighted the importance of relationships and accountability toward safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations.

“What we believe is sovereignty for all nations, no matter the size, with an equal voice to settle disputes peacefully through the international rules of law,” Aquilino said. “That’s what we are fighting for.”

Aquilino also spoke with thought leaders in a special lecture, titled “Navigating Tides: Unity Amidst Complexity,” held by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Formerly known as the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, ISEAS holds conferences, lectures and seminars dedicated to socio-political, security, and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia amid the wider geostrategic and economic environment. 

The U.S. and Singapore recognize the crucial role of education, training, and cross-cultural ties toward strengthening their bilateral relationship, and have increased opportunities for interaction and exchange in the last several years. In recognition of this, Aquilino was presented the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military), signed by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and presented by Minister of Defence Hen. The award was given for “substantive contributions toward enhancing the strong and longstanding defence relationship between the United States and Singapore” and highlighted Aquilino’s role in increasing regional capacity building efforts, deepening people-to-people ties through inclusivity, and expanding cooperation in the digital domain.

Singapore is one of the United States’ strongest bilateral partners in Southeast Asia and has worked as a close partner for more than 55 years, supporting the rules-based economic and security order in the region. The U.S. is committed to our partnership with Singapore and other like-minded countries to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

USAG Humphreys, Republic of Korea  –  

The ROK and U.S. are conducting Freedom Shield 2024, an 11-day exercise set to reflect the Korea Theater of Operations – a combined, joint, multi-domain, and interagency operating environment. The exercise began March 4 and continues through March 14, 2024.

This annual exercise aims to build understanding between Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, the United Nations Command, and ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, ensuring their ability to fortify the combined defense posture and enhance Alliance response capabilities against a spectrum of security threats. It will feature live, virtual, constructive and field-based training, engaging personnel from the military services and other federal agencies.

One key aspect of the training event focuses on conducting multi-domain operations leveraging land, sea, air, cyber, and space assets with emphasis on counter nuclear operations and non-kinetic effects.

Exercise participates includes service members from 12 United Nations Command Member States, (i.e., Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, and the U.S.), all contributing additional personnel. Furthermore, the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission will observe and conduct third-party observations of the exercise, adhering to responsibilities outlined in the Armistice Agreement.

Conducted in the spirit of the Oct. 1, 1953, ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and in support of the Armistice Agreement, FS24 underscores the enduring military partnership between the ROK and the U.S. It reinforces the role of the Alliance as a linchpin for regional peace and security, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the U.S. to defend the ROK.

In conjunction with FS24, ROK-led and U.S.-led units will conduct several large-scale, combined training sessions, enhancing interoperability and elevating combat readiness. These exercises aim to bolster security and stability not only on the Korean peninsula but also across Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii  –  

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) hosted the Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council (DSELC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, March 4-6, 2024.

The three-day event led by Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Sgt. Maj. Troy Black brought military service and combatant command senior enlisted leaders to Hawaii to visit operational commands around the island and lead discussions centered on warfighting, people, readiness and culture.

The event served as an open forum for senior enlisted leaders to cross-talk and share information affecting the force, including Joint Enlisted Talent Management.  The 18 senior enlisted leaders, representing all of the U.S. Armed Services, including the U.S. Coast Guard, hosted an All-Hands Call on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam to speak with Hawaii-based service members and address their questions and concerns.

“It was an honor to engage with the enlisted leadership representing INDOPACOM,” said the SEAC. “In this first-of event taking the DSELC out of the National Capital Region, the most senior enlisted leaders of the Joint Force were able to interact and discuss a range of topics from pay and compensation, professional development, education and, most importantly, warfighting and war winning. I am confident that our military and our partner and allied nations are capable, competent, and resolute in deterring aggression. This event is also reassurance that our strategic advantage lies in the enlisted force as well as our officers and continued investment in training, education and particular attention to compensation must remain priorities as we modernize and prepare for great power competition”

During the week, the council members discussed the function of the DSELC, Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (EJPME), and the Joint Command Senior Enlisted Leader Nominative Process.  The forum maintained a focus on training and education to continue the development of warfighters who will drive this unmatched enlisted community into the future.

“DSELC focuses on the development of the joint warfighter,” said Fleet Master Chief David Isom, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “Bringing leaders from every combatant command and service to this priority theater reinforces our nations commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Our ability to seamlessly work together as a joint force, across all domains, with partners and allies, that is our asymmetric advantage.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

RAYONG PROVINCE, Kingdom of Thailand  –  

The Indo-Pacific, named for two oceans spanning from the Arctic to the jungles of the equator, is a massive region comprising megacities and hundreds of island chains and is home to 60 percent of the world’s population. Across these 40 countries, this region is dynamic in cultures, beliefs, resources, and is the geostrategic weight of the world. In recognition of the importance of this region and to prepare the joint force for the enduring and emerging challenges across such a diverse area, America’s First Corps established an effort to study friction points, identify solutions, and share best practices across the force. The effort to share this knowledge across the Department of Defense includes sponsoring officers and senior NCOs through joint and multinational exchanges throughout the Indo-Pacific during Operation Pathways. The Pacific Exchange Program (PEP) is an innovative approach that shares valuable knowledge and builds upon critical experiences across the force and dynamic region.

During Exercise Cobra Gold 24 – a multi-service and multi-national exercise in the Kingdom of Thailand – 10 service members representing students from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) embedded in staff sections across I Corps forward in Thailand. These PEP participants joined in corps activities spanning various critical topics, including logistics, protection, and combined interoperability. The I Corps Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, who initiated the program, directed PEP participants to have unparalleled access from the strategic to tactical level with which to make observations and offer recommendations and lessons learned.

“I Corps maintains a persistent presence west of the international dateline because it’s important that we can assist our partners and allies as challenges emerge. Inviting these service member-scholars to embed within this corps during Operation Pathways exercises reinforces that commitment,” said Brunson.

“The Pacific Exchange Program is just one way we are employing unique solutions to solve complex challenges across the Indo-Pacific, both to enhance the effectiveness of the joint force in this region and assure our friends that we are a committed and dependable partner and ally. I’m excited these participants are here to learn, but more excited to see their recommendations to enhance the joint force.”

Participants across the cohort shared equal excitement in the opportunity to learn from I Corps staff during such a dynamic joint multinational exercise.

U.S. Army Maj. Christopher Boss, an NPS student and PEP participant, shared, “While our professors excel at conveying the latest advancements in their respective fields, the Pacific Exchange Program offers invaluable insights into the practical implementation, or lack thereof, of these advancements…I view this program as indispensable for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Indo-Pacific region.”

Part of the unique value of the PEP is its combination with formal education opportunities like the Naval Post Graduate School with the on-the-ground experiences these students receive when embedded in I Corps.

“The combination of participating in the PEP alongside our studies at NPS holds significant importance,” said Boss. “As students, we have the opportunity to reflect deeply on present challenges, but once we graduate, the demands of our roles can consume us to the extent that it becomes difficult to divert our attention to other critical matters, such as addressing issues surrounding contested logistics and sustainability.”

With eligible candidates representing officers and NCOs, strategists, fellows, innovators, and influencers throughout the Indo-Pacific, the program seeks to pull creative and unconventional ideas and observations to best prepare the joint force for the emerging challenges of the future.

“The majority of key takeaways I hope to take from Cobra Gold 24 are insightful observations of interoperability opportunities with our partners and allies within this area of responsibility,” shared U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Gessica Lillich. Representing the first cohort of NCOs participating in PEP, Lillich brings a new and valuable perspective to the program.

“I am looking forward to capturing those observations that will stand as a legacy to our time spent here” while also being “part of creating solutions to the challenges of this area of responsibility.”

This sentiment was shared across the cohort.

“Partnership between PEP and NPS is hugely beneficial for I Corps and students,” said U.S. Army Maj. Cody Chick, a student at the Naval Post-Graduate School.

Through this partnership, “I Corps is able to effectively dedicate graduate students to invest time and research to consider the challenges and potential opportunities present within the Indo-Pacific and can broaden the Commanding General’s understanding of the problem set…I believe it is exactly what NPS wants for students by having operationally-related research, as it says in its motto, ‘Where Science Meets the Art of Warfare.’”

As the operational headquarters of the U.S. Army Pacific Command’s regionally aligned theater Army, I Corps is the ideal organization to lead this exchange of ideas and observations. I Corps maintains a persistent presence beyond the international date line, employing Army forces throughout the region to rapidly respond to crises, support U.S. allies and partners, and protect America’s interests through exercises and activities across 21 countries in the Indo-Pacific.

“Getting the opportunity to spend two weeks embedded with I Corps staff and tactical units certainly helped in understanding their focus, issues, and approach to regional threats in the area,” Chick shared. “I might be able to read about the larger problem-sets that operational units deal with, but there is a gap of information that can only be met with being physically present.”

I Corps’ persistent presence west of the international dateline ensures that exchange opportunities for students participating in the Pacific Exchange Program are varied across nations, cultures, and geography.

While the program offers an excellent opportunity for students to learn from units in the field and gain experience to take back to the classroom to apply to their lessons, many shared the sentiment that the Pacific Exchange Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve their knowledge while also improving the wider joint force.

“It’s the kind of experience where you strive to soak in every aspect and glean as much knowledge as possible,” said Boss.

Though named for two oceans consisting of islands and archipelagos, the Indo-Pacific is more than a maritime theater; it is a joint theatre requiring the joint force to work together to meet and overcome enduring and emerging challenges throughout the region. Programs like the Pacific Exchange Program are one way I Corps incorporates unique talent across the Indo-Pacific to consolidate lessons learned, share knowledge, build experience, and prepare the force for the future.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Department of Defense Spokesman LTC Marty Meiners provided the following readout:

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner met today at the Pentagon with Papua New Guinea’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, and his senior delegation. 

The two officials discussed how the United States and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have deepened their defense and security ties to further advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, including peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific Islands region. They welcomed recent milestones in the U.S.-Papua New Guinea bilateral relationship, including the 2023 signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), as well as Secretary Austin’s historic trip in July 2023 as the first U.S. Secretary of Defense to visit Papua New Guinea. Both officials also committed to a robust agenda to deepen U.S.-PNG cooperation under the new DCA in the coming year.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PAYA LEBAR AIR BASE, Singapore  –  

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs participated in bilateral training with Republic of Singapore Air Force at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore for the first time March 4 – 7.

The F-35s from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and RSAF F-15SGs and F-16C/D+ Fighting Falcons conducted various training scenarios to enhance trust and increase interoperability between the forces.

“We are working with them, seeing how they fly and operate, and then how we can work together,” said Capt. Nicholas Villanueva, 356th Fighter Squadron pilot. “It’s actually a pretty easy transition to combine how they do things and how we do things, and working together to increase our interoperability.”

The training provided an opportunity to practice integrating the two air forces in order to enhance lethality, capabilities and competitiveness. While the components of the training are not new, participants added an element to make it original.

“We’ve been doing some [basic fighter manuevers] with them, as well as working with their tankers to get gas and doing a full integration with them,” said Lt. Col. Erik Gonsalves, 356th Fighter Squadron director of operations and F-35 pilot. “We’re doing our standard tactics, techniques and procedures that we would use to fight BFM here with the RSAF. What’s new for us is that this is the first time the 356th Fighter Squadron has conducted day-to-day operations at Paya Lebar, flying with the RSAF out to the [RSAF] airspace.”

Events like this develop ready and capable combat forces that serve as a deterrent to aggressors by emphasizing resolve to work together and promote regional stability.

“The F-16 is a really good platform especially when they’re flown by such talented pilots that the RSAF has,” Gonsalves said. “So, it’s been unique to show them some of the differences in terms of how the F-16 fights BFM versus the F-35. But then, in terms of the actual platform itself, it’s been good to have that crosstalk.”

Villanueva said that this opportunity has allowed him to get to know the RSAF pilots he is flying with both inside and outside of the jet.

“These are the guys who shook our hands. Going up there and knowing when I look at the jet next to me, I know that guy, I’ve talked to him and know how they operate, and know that they’re the professionals that they are,” Villanueva continued. “Our partnership activities enhance trust and increase global stability, security, and prosperity.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TAIWAN STRAIT  –  

The Arleigh-Burke guided missile class destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) conducted a routine south-to-north Taiwan Strait transit on March 5, 2024. U.S. ships transit between the South China Sea and the East China Sea via the Taiwan Strait and have done so for many years. The transit occurred through a corridor in the Taiwan Strait that is beyond any coastal state’s territorial seas. Within this corridor all nations enjoy high-seas freedoms of navigation, overflight, and other internationally lawful uses of the sea related to these freedoms.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DHAKA, Bangladesh  –  

Nearly 80 U.S. Air Force service members and two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (EAS) integrated with Bangladesh for the bilateral tactical airlift exercise, Cope South 2024 (CS24) at Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Bangabandhu Cantonment, Dhaka and Operating Location-Alpha, Sylhet, Bangladesh, Feb. 19 to 28.

Airmen from Yokota Air Base and Kadena Air Base, Japan; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, came together to participate in subject-matter expert exchanges (SMEE) and six tactical airlift sorties alongside BAF, which involved 77 personnel jumps and five cargo bundle airdrops.

Cope South 2024 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored bilateral tactical airlift exercise and provides an opportunity to strengthen the interoperability between U.S. and Bangladesh Air Forces, which directly impacts the ability to address shared security concerns.

“Cope South focuses on developing closer relationships with our BAF partners so we are better-equipped to operate together in the future,” said Capt. Jason Bentley, 36th EAS mission commander.

“We are building skills that assist in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations (HADR), which encompass a wide-range of areas including crew resource management, aircraft formation, airdrop operations, aircraft maintenance and aeromedical evacuation,” he added.

Throughout the exercise, both U.S. and Bangladesh Air Force service members exchanged best practices-or SMEEs-in the operations, maintenance, medical and rigging career fields to strengthen relations and support the Bangladesh Armed Forces’ long-term modernization effort to maintain regional stability.

Relationships built with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific through exercises like CS24, civil-military operations and military exchanges are vital in HADR efforts and preserving stability in the region. CS24 has helped cultivate these common bonds, fostered goodwill and enhanced the mission readiness and interoperability between members of the Bangladesh and U.S. Air Forces.

“The BAF loadmasters were kind and made our interactions and SME exchanges feel like we’re simply talking to old friends and sharing lessons learned as aviators,” said Master Sgt. Tonisha Odom, 36th EAS senior enlisted leader. “In the short time we were there, we developed a warm relationship and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the BAF, knowing we share a common commitment to protecting the sovereignty of free nations.”

Through bilateral exercises like Cope South 2024, the U.S. Air Force and involved regional partners strengthen human relationships under the common goal of stabilizing the region and ultimately safeguarding the security of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“The Pacific Air Forces’ participation in Cope South 2024 has indeed reaffirmed the strong bond of frivolity, friendship and cooperation between our two air forces,” said BAF Air Vice Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Air Headquarters assistant Chief of Air Staff operations during the closing ceremony.

“Exercise Cope South has not only been about military events and strategic exercise, but has embodied the spirit of partnership amongst missions,” he concluded. “This exercise has surely paved the way for newer optimism in forming our existing bond and commitment to uphold the calls of humanity.”