Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP ZAMA, Japan  –  

The commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan joined members of a local organization in harvesting bamboo stalks that will be used to construct a giant kite to be flown next year during a large festival.

Col. Marcus Hunter welcomed representatives from the Sagami Giant Kite Preservation Association, Kassaka District, and Sagamihara City’s Minami Ward director to Camp Zama Nov. 15 to cut down bamboo in what has become an annual tradition.

Every year, a USAG Japan representative — typically the garrison commander — helps harvest about 200 bamboo stalks from an area on the installation. The bamboo is dried and later used to build the frame of a large kite. The kite is one of several prepared for two giant kite festivals the neighboring cities of Sagamihara and Zama host in May at the nearby Sagami River.

Hunter said he enjoyed the opportunity to host the city officials and kite association members as they prepare for the festival.

“This is a great opportunity, both with the kite association and with the city officials to be able to share what is a great resource that we have, and it supports the wonderful festival,” Hunter said.

Hiromi Kato, Minami Ward director, has been participating in the bamboo harvesting since last year. She learned after taking the position of director about the history of both organizations coming onto Camp Zama, and she is excited to be part of the continuing tradition.

“We are grateful that Sagamihara City can continue to carry on the culture of our world-class giant kites with the support of Camp Zama while also strengthening our partnership.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea  –  

American and Korean families gathered Nov. 16 to participate in a thousand-year-old tradition that continues to remain relevant today.

Kimjang, a communal gathering to make and preserve large amounts of kimchi for the winter, is considered to be as old as the fermented dish itself.

This weekend at Pyeongtaek University, the Korean-American Children’s Cultural Exchange Association hosted its 7th annual US-ROK Kimchi-Making Festival, which drew more than 40 U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys community members and 100 local Korean residents.

Together, the group turned 300 heads of cabbage into “baechu” kimchi that will be donated to less-fortunate members of the community.

Local Pyeongtaek civic leaders, including Mayor Jung Jang-seon and Council Chairman Kang Jeong-gu, along with U.S. Army Col. Ryan Workman, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys commander, opened the event with words of gratitude, encouragement and highlighted its significance.

“Today, we are not just making kimchi, we are also building bridges of friendship and cultural understanding between our people,” Workman said. “This experience will not only enrich their memories and understanding of Korean culture, but create lasting memories and friendships.”

Participants donned brightly colored aprons, elbow-length pink rubber gloves and huddled around three sections of 40-foot-long tables, massaging red sauce between cabbage leaves.

U.S. Army Maj. Jeremy Larson, operations officer in charge, 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment-Korea, Osan Airbase, was all smiles as he worked efficiently alongside with his wife, Challis, and five children.

“This is awesome,” he said. “I’m enjoying it.”

“It’s neat for my kids to experience this event,” said Challis, whose family is now on its third multi-year tour in Korea since 2011. “It’s not just the food – it’s the culture.”

Although the family was attending the event for the first time, their second youngest, Rayce, 8, had made kimchi in a Korean kindergarten class during their last tour from 2018-2022.

“My favorite is the cucumber kimchi,” he added.

The familial atmosphere permeated the courtyard where the event was being held.

Smiling aunts, mothers and grandmothers – seasoned veterans of the kimjang – wrapped kimchi around bite-size slabs of pork and fed them to participants as they worked.

Across the table from the Larson family, Staff Sgt. Tonga Tukumoe’atu, a trombone player with the Eighth U.S. Army Band, his wife, Sharlene, and their three children appeared to have the process down to a science.

Now into their fifth year in Korea, this was the family’s fourth kimchi-making event.

“It’s a tradition now,” Sharlene said.

More photos from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usaghumphreys/albums/72177720322005745

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DEDEDO, Guam  –  

Serianthes nelsonii is a tree species found only on Guam and Rota. The CHamoru name for the Serianthes tree on Guam is Håyun lågu, meaning “wood of the north” or “foreign wood,” and in Rota, Trongkon guåfi, meaning “fire tree.” Specimens were first collected in the late 1800s and again in 1918 by Peter Nelson, from whom the species was described by Elmer D. Merrill. Although there is no remaining knowledge of traditional uses of the tree in CHamoru culture, early navigator Louis Claude de Freycinet listed Håyun lågu as a tree suitable for timber in his travel journals in the 1800s. Given the tree’s full stature and strength, it would have been suitable for shelter construction or canoe-building. In 1987, Serianthes nelsonii was listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service due to its rarity and threats to its survival.

Serianthes trees occur in limestone forest habitats and also on clay soils of southern Guam. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, Serianthes is a large canopy tree that can reach heights of over 90 feet. The current population is estimated at 48 mature wild trees and 74 outplanted trees on Rota, and 383 seedlings on Guam. The single mature tree on Guam, located at Ritidian Point (also known as Litekyan in CHamoru), succumbed to severe damage sustained during Typhoon Mawar in May of 2023. By September of 2024, there was no living tissue observed on the decomposing remains of the tree. Leading up to the typhoon, the Ritidian tree was already in very poor condition due to a split trunk that led to heart rot (a type of fungal infection) that worsened over two decades and had insect infestations.

Aside from typhoons, major threats to Serianthes trees include introduced insect predators and herbivores. Sucking insects can defoliate young trees within 24 hours. Deer eat the seedlings, and pigs can uproot or disturb the seedlings, causing them to dry up and die. Loss of habitat through urban growth and habitat degradation by ungulates (pigs and deer), fire, forest fragmentation, and human activities all contribute risks to the Serianthes tree’s long-term viability.

Since the 1990s, management projects have been carried out through the collaboration of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Department of Lands and Natural Resources, the Department of the Navy, the Government of Guam Department of Agriculture, the University of Guam, and the USFWS. These efforts include barriers to keep ungulates away, maintenance/monitoring of the Ritidian mature tree and its surrounding seedlings, seed collection and storage, development of propagation techniques, and the outplanting and maintenance of propagated seedlings.

More recent management efforts include collecting 176 seedlings at the Ritidian site, stabilizing these collected plants at UOG’s Guam Plant Extinction Prevention Program nursery, followed by the outplanting of healthy seedlings at the Forest Enhancement Site on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. To preserve the genetics of the last mature tree on Guam, Joint Region Marianas will continue maintenance of young trees that originated from the Ritidian mother tree: 99 saplings growing at the MCB Camp Blaz Mason Live Fire Training Range Complex, eight saplings growing at Andersen Air Force Base, and 100 saplings outplanted in the MCB Camp Blaz Caiguat Forest Enhancement Site. Through the collection and specialized storage of seeds since 2014, the future propagation of the 4,007 seeds from the Ritidian tree lineage will be utilized to continue the outplanting of trees on Guam in ungulate-free fenced areas.

While not all of the young plants are guaranteed to reach maturity, continued federal and local investment, advances in propagation techniques, and strong stakeholder support offer hope for the species’ recovery on lands under both civilian and military management. Thanks to the efforts of Guam’s conservation managers, plant specialists, and community members, there is hope that Serianthes trees will thrive once again across the island’s forests—standing tall as living symbols of resilience, rooted in the enduring memory of the fallen but unconquered mother tree at Ritidian.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OSAN AIR BASE, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], South Korea  –  

U.S. Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force chaplain corps members gathered at Osan Air Base, ROK, for the ROKAF and U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps Readiness Symposium on Nov. 14, 2024.

The symposium, hosted by the 51st Fighter Wing, allowed for chaplains from 8th FW, 607th Air Support Operations Group, 694th Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Group, Air Force Operations Command and U.S. Forces Korea to build and improve partnerships in peacetime while enhancing readiness.

“I think today is the start of something that should have been going on all along across the peninsula,” said Lt. Col. Jason Raines, 8th FW wing chaplain. “Working through the strategic picture of how we will operate in a contested environment has been the source of a lot of questions throughout my experience over several years in the Republic of Korea.”

While the 51st FW frequently conducts routine training events regarding base security, logistics and maintaining airpower in the event of a contingency, the purpose of this symposium is to ensure all Airmen across the peninsula are cared for..

“How can we be truly interoperable in the event of a crisis,” asked Lt. Col. James Galyon, 51st FW wing chaplain. “We’re really discussing: what are our differences, what are our similarities and what can we learn from each other?”

This event allowed the different units to work together to address common obstacles faced during a tour in Korea, including briefings and discussion on contingency and bilateral operations. There are also plans for the units involved to invite their counterparts to observe during readiness exercises.

“This symposium was about how we can improve our roles and responsibilities during peacetime and wartime,” said ROKAF Maj. Kong, Joon Suk, AFOC directorate chaplain, through an interpreter. “It was so meaningful to attend, I feel grateful. This will be a great chance to strengthen the ROK and US alliance.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO, Japan  –  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) attended a technical forum held at the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo, November 21st, 2024, marking a significant step in the continued strengthening of U.S.-Japan defense cooperations.

This event, hosted by the MoD’s Facilities Engineering, Facilities Construction, and Procurement Division offices, marked the first in-person meeting in nearly five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It underscored the importance of face-to-face collaboration in advancing military engineering projects and mutual defense objectives.

“The Technical Forum is a highlight opportunity for the engineers of our collective teams to collaborate and share their expertise,” said Rob Baulsir, Deputy Chief of JED’s Engineering Division. “With that, it is with great excitement that the Japan District and the Facilities Construction and Procurement Division have mutually supported the return to this key partnership event, after years of absence due to the pandemic and other challenges.”

As the first in-person forum in several years, this event was seen as an important moment for the USACE and the MoD to reaffirm their shared commitment to defense readiness and cooperation and served as a platform not only for exchanging expertise but also for helping build stronger personal relationships between U.S. and Japanese engineers, paving the way for future collaborations.

“We live in a world that is increasingly complex and full of challenges. It’s rare to find alliances like ours—where we come together regularly as a technical group to address real-world issues and collaborate on solutions with shared goals,” said Stephen Karwan, JED’s Engineering Division Chief. “What we’re doing here is significant, and it sets a strong example of what true partnership looks like.”

These areas are vital for ensuring both nations’ defense readiness in the face of regional security challenges, such as potential tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It’s imperative that we continue to share our talents, skills, and knowledge with each other as the engineering community moves forward,” noted Karwan. “Collaboration is key to ensure we’re ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

The gathering brought together engineers, planners, and senior leaders from both USACE and the MoD, marking a significant milestone in the return to normalcy for U.S. – Japan engineering cooperation opportunities.

Teams of American and Japanese professionals were divided into groups relating to their shared specialties: General Affairs, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering where they were able to share concepts, strategies, and similarities between the host nation and its guests.

During the forum, discussions focused on various technical issues related to military infrastructure, including the construction and upkeep of facilities, energy resilience, sustainability in military design, and the integration of new technologies into existing military structures.

Experts from both sides shared insights on best practices, innovative engineering solutions, and the challenges posed by new security threats that require adaptive infrastructure strategies.

The technical forum emphasized the critical role of collaboration in ensuring that military bases and installations across Japan remain capable of supporting both the U.S. and Japanese forces in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

“My Okinawa engineering team regularly partners with the Okinawa Defense Bureau engineers in the dozens of projects we execute together – so it was very helpful for many on my team to also collaborate with the Ministry of Defense engineers at today’s event,” said Kenton Odo, Engineering Design Branch Chief for JED. “This forum provided an opportunity to strengthen the unity within the Japan Engineer District, which includes dozens of engineers in our Okinawa Area Office and dozens of engineers at our Camp Zama headquarters.”

The visit to the MoD ran well into the late hours of the night, with conversations fueled by the shared passion of engineering – one that transcends cultural boundaries.

In the aftermath of the forum, both parties expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Japan military infrastructure projects and the potential for continued innovation and partnership, with expressed hope that next year’s forum can be held at the Camp Zama-based JED headquarters.

One thing is for certain though, JED and MoD’s commitment to the alliance is stronger than ever and will continue to strengthen through events like the annual technical forum.

“The Japan Engineer District and the MoD Facilities Construction Division share a common goal of delivering quality facilities for the defense of the Alliance,” expressed Baulsir. “The Technical Forum is the highlight venue for engineers to collaborate with fellow engineers and represents the strength of the US-Japan alliance.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

In an era of increasing complexity and a region marked by emerging threats, the interoperability of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intel, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (C5ISRT) systems between the Republic of Korea, United States, allies and partners are a vital component to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and Indo-Pacific Region. As the security landscape continues to shift, senior military leaders from several nations gathered, at this iteration of the C5ISRT Summit, Nov. 20, 2024.

The summit is an annual United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea Commander hosted event to provide key stakeholders from across the Korean Peninsula, region and globe with a common understanding of current and future combined strategic, operational and tactical capabilities to enable warfighting functions in armistice, crisis and conflict.

“C5ISRT is critical to our multi-domain operations.” said Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander UNC, CFC and USFK.

Discussions during the summit covered a broad range of topics, emphasizing the importance of integrated capabilities in ensuring security on the Korean Peninsula. The summit’s theme, “Fight Tonight, Tomorrow, and Beyond: Integrating Allies and Partners,” underscores the commitment to strengthening alliances and partnerships. According to Gen LaCamera, “we must come to a common shared understanding of our capabilities and how we integrate them. This allows us to react at the speed of war with the agility to exploit our decision advantage”

Forging Seamless Connections

The Mission Partner Environment (MPE) is an operational framework that enables command and control and information sharing and a critical component to the ROK-U.S. Alliance’s tenacity for readiness and deterrence. Summit discussions highlighted MPE as revolutionizing interoperability and information sharing among mission partners.

Coalition in Action

Through live, virtual, and constructive training, experimentation in the information domain, to include realizing Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control attributes, our forces remain ready to win during times of crisis and conflict. This integrated approach to training and operations is centered around building coalitions, which promotes a competitive edge for ROK-U.S. forces in future conflicts.

“Without the “T” in C5ISRT, we are talking amongst ourselves. We should clearly be able to overmatch any adversary that targets the Republic of Korea.” said LaCamera.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan as the United States’ only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, Nov. 22.

This marks the second time George Washington has served as the forward-deployed naval forces-Japan (FDNF-J) aircraft carrier. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed to Japan before being relieved by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in 2015.

“A US carrier represents the most advanced maritime capability we have, and it’s the most advanced investment we can make in the security of Japan and of the Western Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “The George Washington returns with modernized, cutting-edge technology that represents our investment in deterrence and security in this region.”

During George Washington’s transit from Norfolk, Virginia to Japan, the crew completed Exercise Southern Seas in U.S. 4th Fleet and a seven-week transit from San Diego.

“Arriving here in Yokosuka has been a milestone for this crew for many months, and for some the journey started in April when we departed from Virginia,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “I could not be more proud of this team. Not only have we arrived safely and on time, but from day one of deployment we have met every goal, exceeded all expectations, and were ready for tasking the day we arrived in the 7th Fleet area of operations.”

George Washington, with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, recently participated in the multi-domain exercise Freedom Edge with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy in the East China Sea. U.S. participation included Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the first F-35C Lightning II squadron to join FDNF-J, adding fifth generation strike fighter jets to the roster of forward-deployed carrier-based aircraft in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We are proud to bring George Washington back to Yokosuka and back to the location of the most meaningful time in the ship’s history,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, Commander, Task Force 70 and the George Washington Carrier Strike Group. “Her crew is made up of both returning friends and many new to Japan, where they and their families will create lifelong memories and friendships in this magnificent Japanese city. Together, the combined community – back dropped by the JMSDF fleet and America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier – represents a shared vision of peace and prosperity across the region. We are truly allies, friends and family.”

George Washington recently hosted distinguished visitors at sea, including U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel; Japan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. OKANO Masataka; and the mayor of Iwakuni City, Mr. FUKUDA Yoshihiko.

CVW-5 includes VFA 147 “Argonauts,’ VFA-102 “Diamondbacks,” VFA-27 “Royal Maces,” VFA-195 “Dambusters,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 “Shadowhawks,” Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRM) 30 Detachment 5 “Titans,” Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125 “Tigertails,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 “Golden Falcons,” and Helicopter maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 “Saberhawks,” operating F/A-18F Super Hornets, F/A-18E Super Hornets, F-35C Joint Strike Fighters, EA-18G Growlers, CMV-22 Ospreys, E-2D Hawkeyes, MH-60S, and MH-60R Helicopters.

George Washington is 7th Fleet’s premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and operates alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BATAM, Indonesia  –  

On Nov. 19, a combined force of nearly 600 personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps’ Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA), and the 10th Marine Infantry Battalion of the Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia (KORMAR), or Indonesian Marine Corps, concluded Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2024 in a ceremony held aboard Yonif 10 Marinir, Batam, Indonesia.

Keris MAREX, an annual bilateral exercise involving Indonesian and U.S. Marines, boosts military interoperability between the two forces, builds strong and lasting relationships as partners, and contributes to regional stability and security within the Indo-Pacific. The exercise was divided into two phases between KORMAR bases on Batam and Singkep islands.

In Batam, U.S. and Indonesian Marines conducted expert-lead exchanges and training events on topics ranging from staff-level planning integration to mortar and machine gun ranges and jungle survival tactics.

Senior staff members from MRF-SEA and the 10th KORMAR worked together to develop operational plans to repel a notional enemy’s amphibious landing on Singkep island. The STAFFEX provided each participant a better understanding of each military’s planning process and resulted in a comprehensive coastal defense plan that was provided to the combined ground combat element for execution in the exercise’s training scenario.

“The 10th KORMAR’s proficiency and professionalism to work through a complicated, bilateral operational plan that could be transitioned to subordinate units for execution, ensured that our staffs would be able to cohesively plan and operate together in real world contingency and crisis situations,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Thomas Vallely, operations officer for MRF-SEA. “Their staff planning process, coupled with key KORMAR leaders that have been to U.S. Marine Corps professional military educational schools, created an outsized effect on our integration and greatly enhanced the experience for both units.”

On Nov. 11, over 100 U.S. Marines traveled via ferry to Dabo Singkep, a province in the Riau Islands and home to a small detachment of Indonesian Marines, to conduct field operations and increase the effectiveness of the bilateral force.

While in Singkep, mortarmen from both nations were part of a historical first as they utilized small unmanned aerial systems, or drones, to monitor and adjust the impacts of rounds fired from Indonesian mortar systems. Keris MAREX 2024 is the first time Indonesian Marines have trained in the use of drones to observe and adjust mortar fire.

In addition to sharing advancements in indirect fire techniques, U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, who were attached to MRF-SEA for the duration of Keris MAREX, utilized the challenging environment and typography of Singkep Island to train alongside KORMAR partners in skills like combat patrolling, ambush tactics, casualty evacuations, and combat marksmanship, all culminating in a successful execution of the final coastal defense scenario.

“Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia exists to bolster our relationships with key partner nations like Indonesia and increase our ability to plan and operate alongside their militaries,” said U.S. Marine Col. Stuart W. Glenn, the commanding officer of MFR-SEA. “It was exceptional to watch our two nations’ Marines plan operations together and issue orders to a combined ground combat force that then executed the plan with intensity and professionalism.”

Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2024 enhanced military interoperability and strengthened the partnership between the U.S. and Indonesian Marine Corps. The exercise fostered crucial relationships, contributing to regional stability and security within the Indo-Pacific.

POINT OF CONTACT:
Capt. Mark McDonough
Communication Strategy & Operations Director
Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia
+1 (760) 799-4590
mark.mcdonough@usmc.mil

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  –  

The Indonesian Army-U.S. Army Staff Talks held on November 18-19, 2024, at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, represent a crucial milestone in the military partnership between the United States and Indonesia, underscoring our commitment to enhancing defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

This annual dialogue between the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD), Indonesia’s Army, focuses on strengthening interoperability, mutual trust, and long-term partnerships between our two armies.

Trust between USARPAC and TNI-AD ensures smoother collaboration at all levels by engaging in transparent discussions and addressing shared challenges.

In remarks made during the talks, USARPAC Deputy Commanding General Lt. Gen. Joel B. Vowell emphasized the importance of interoperability in human, technical, and procedural areas, essential for effective collaboration across various mission types.

This year’s discussions take place on the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Indonesia diplomatic relations, marking a milestone in the bilateral partnership.

Training Assisting of Army Chief of Staff (ASLAT) Maj. Gen. Jonathan Binsar Parluhutan Sianipar acknowledged the significance of the relationship, particularly in the context of Indonesia’s military modernization efforts, and expressed a shared vision for strengthening both armies.

The talks provide a valuable opportunity for both nations to set joint goals and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures that ensure both forces can operate effectively together.

“My thanks to the team that’s here and the broader team that’s not here, both in Indonesia, and the different commands and staff elements, you put some work behind this, making this a very smooth, very easy, two-day staff talk,” said Vowell.

The Indonesian Staff Talks symbolize more than a bilateral military engagement. They reflect the unity and common purpose of the U.S. and Indonesian armies.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PACIFIC OCEAN  –  

The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) set sail through the Pacific Ocean with the Hawaiian island chain visible on the horizon. From October 4 to 21, 2024, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing led exercise Warrior Voyage. This exercise aimed to evaluate the ESB’s role in supporting intermediate-level (I-level) aviation logistics (AVLOG) and executing rapid refueling operations, both critical for maintaining the readiness of the Aviation Combat Element in the Indo-Pacific region.

The John L. Canley is a versatile mobile platform capable of supporting a wide range of military operations. These ships are built to commercial standards while integrating key Navy requirements, allowing them to operate effectively in a variety of environments. Measuring 785 feet long, with a 164-foot beam and a draft of 40 feet, the ESB can carry a displacement of 90,000 tons. It is designed for a speed of up to 15 knots and can travel 9,500 nautical miles, enabling sustained operations far from shore.

One of the defining features of the ESB is its operational flexibility. The ship is capable of supporting a range of missions, including airborne mine countermeasures, special operations and humanitarian assistance. Its design enables it to serve as a vital link between larger vessels and smaller landing craft, a critical capability where traditional shore-based infrastructure is either inaccessible or inadequate. This flexibility is especially significant in the Indo-Pacific region, where complex geographic conditions often pose logistical challenges.

The ESB is equipped with a large flight deck capable of supporting a variety of aircraft, including V-22 tiltrotor, H-53, H-60, and H-1 helicopters. Below the flight deck, the ship features a mission deck that allows for the staging of troops, equipment and supplies. This makes the ESB an ideal platform for conducting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and Distributed Aviation Operations, both of which are increasingly relevant in modern military strategy.

Exercise Warrior Voyage involved several key goals: providing effective maintenance support, utilizing Mobile Maintenance Facilities to enhance operational flexibility, evaluating the compatibility of ship power with these facilities, and conducting rigorous flight deck operations to ensure crew proficiency.

“There were multiple successes while aboard, such as successfully powering a MMF utilizing ship’s power, establishing, and maintaining a Marine Corps Enterprise Network, and the full integration of Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 174 Marines with the ESB’s fuel and firefighting divisions,” said Capt. Jeffery Johnson, the Avionics Department Head with MALS-24. “After the success of Warrior Voyage, I would recommend employing a larger footprint of MALS maintenance capabilities.”

During the exercise, the crew engaged in diverse training scenarios designed to assess the ESB’s operational capabilities. Training scenarios enabled the ESB crew to experiment with innovative concepts for I-level AVLOG support and evaluated the operational constraints to mission while aboard a ship. Throughout this process, the crew identified critical modifications necessary for establishing the ESB as the preferred afloat AVLOG platform.

“MALS-24, MWSS-174, and Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 Marines and Sailors integrated into the ship’s life with ease,” explained Staff Sgt. Avery James, the Mobile Facility Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) with MALS-24. “For a lot of the Marines and Sailors, it was their first experience being embarked aboard a ship.”

While aboard, the crew executed numerous operations on the flight deck, facilitating the launch and recovery of various aircraft. These operations were not only essential for maintaining aircraft readiness but also demonstrated the ESB’s ability to meet diverse mission requirements. Completing these complex operations at sea showcased the adaptability and readiness of Marine forces in a rapidly changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific.

“It was a good opportunity for all the Marines and Sailors from Marine Corps Base Hawaii to spectate how an operation is conducted on a ship,” stated 1st Lt. Xavier Chiodo, the Aviation Supply Officer with MALS-24. “A few MWSS-174 Crash, Fire, and Rescue Marines were able to lend a hand to the ESB 6 sailors during the operations, making it go even smoother than expected.”

As the exercise progressed, Marines reflected on their experiences and the lessons learned. The training enabled by Warrior Voyage provided valuable insight into future requirements for aviation logistics support ships, advanced I-level forward AVLOG, and reinforced the ESB’s critical role as a strategic asset for Marine aviation readiness across the region.

“The ship’s crew were extremely professional and understanding on every level, so we would like to thank them for making the adjustment as smooth as it could be,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Widdows, the Work Center SNCOIC with MALS-24.

“Overall, the Marines had a good time and got exposure not all their peers will be able to experience. After a few days, people were able to adjust to their new quarters, culture, and schedule,” continued Staff Sgt. Felipe Gonzalez, the Audit Branch SNCOIC with MALS-24.

As Warrior Voyage concluded and the John L. Canley returned to port, both MALS-24 and the ship’s crew parted ways with enhanced operational expertise, better prepared for future missions.