Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind  –  

Grissom aircrew and maintainers travelled to Yokota AB, Japan to fuel the fight for Keen Sword 25 Oct. 23-Nov 1.

Keen Sword is a joint bilateral exercise Japan designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance.
From a command perspective, Keen Sword allowed Air Force Reserve Command members the opportunity to gain experience operating in the INDOPACOM environment. Operations and maintenance members gained the experience operating in a distributed environment with the exercise taking place at various locations across Japan.

“This was a great learning experience,” said Senior Master Sgt Ken Knight, 72nd Air Refueling Squadron chief boom. “We treated it like landing in a bare bones environment and came away with a better understanding of hope to operate in the INDOPACOM arena.”

The multinational exercise involved the Japan Self-Defense Force and U.S. military units, along with participants from the Australian Defense Force and Canadian Armed Forces.

Grissom maintainers and aircrew operated out of Yokota but were supported by teams at Kadena AB as well.

Aircraft refueled during the exercise included F-18s, F2-s F16s and F-35s.

Exercise organizers stated that this exercise, and others like it, are an opportunity to demonstrate to the world our will to defend Japan and the ironclad nature of the U.S.-Japan alliance, which has stood for more than 70 years.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Today the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) announced contract awards to select software developers supporting the Replicator initiative. These vendors are playing a key role in advancing resilient command and control (C2) and collaborative autonomy solutions for all domain attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems.

“We believe that best in breed commercial software solutions can significantly enhance DoD modernization efforts,” said Doug Beck, director of DIU. “Many leading AI and autonomy firms are outside of our traditional defense industrial base, and DIU is working actively with partners across the Department to bring the very best capabilities from the U.S. tech sector to bear in support of our most critical warfighter needs. This latest step in the Replicator initiative is a critical example of that teamwork in action.”

The software awards are linked to two Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO) that DIU posted in July 2024, in close collaboration with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), the Military Services, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO), and other components across the Department. In a continuation of the accelerated pace of the Replicator initiative, DIU led this team to move from solicitation to award in just five months.

Opportunistic, Resilient & Innovative Expeditionary Network Topology, or ORIENT, requested solutions for improving the resilience of C2 for ADA2 systems. In response, 119 companies submitted 130 solution proposals. DIU awarded prototype contracts to Viasat, Aalyria, Higher Ground, and IoT/AI to deliver ORIENT capabilities. 

Autonomous Collaborative Teaming, or ACT, requested solutions for the automated coordination of swarms of hundreds or thousands of uncrewed assets across multiple domains in order to improve their lethality and efficiency. 132 companies submitted 165 solutions to this project. DIU made prototype awards to Swarm Aero, Anduril Industries, and L3Harris Technologies. 

Since Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks’ announcement of the Replicator initiative 15 months ago, the Department-wide effort has accelerated the acquisition of thousands of ADA2 systems. While these systems are valuable as single agents or swarms of like systems, they are most resilient and effective when they operate in combined teams that can collaborate with other types of systems across domains. 

Resilient C2 and collaborative autonomy vendors will enhance the effectiveness of these systems by providing user interfaces, collaborative autonomy architectures and software, and network orchestration. The enabling software technology will also allow Replicator systems to seamlessly connect robust long-haul communications solutions to redundant local mesh networks and ensure they can continue to operate as a system-of-systems in disconnected, disrupted, low-bandwidth, and intermittent environments. Together, these solutions will enable so-called “heterogeneous collaboration” between different Replicator systems fielded in the next year and lay the foundation for the Department’s broader push towards collaborative autonomy.

As the only Department of Defense (DoD) organization focused exclusively on fielding and scaling commercial technology across the U.S. military at commercial speeds, DIU acts as the front door for non-traditional companies and talent to work with the government. DIU awarded both competitive CSOs after careful evaluation in collaboration with stakeholders throughout the DoD.

“This is a concrete example of the collaboration between DIU and CDAO that leverages enterprise policy, software architecture, and experimentation to accelerate and deliver critical capabilities to warfighters,” said Chief Digital and AI Officer Dr. Radha Plumb, whose organization plays a key role in Replicator’s software integrated enablers.  “This demonstrates how the Department can leverage commercial solutions and rapidly prototype, field and scale capabilities to address the operational needs of the Joint Force.” 

While Replicator’s priority is rapidly delivering capabilities for forces in U.S. Indo-Pacific  Command, the solutions it will deliver are intended to scale across the entire Joint Force in the future.

“Replicator is cutting across silos and accelerating the pace of development for autonomous systems,” according to Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Navy Adm. Christopher Grady. “This effort is serving as a pathfinder, and we are learning lessons about processes and technology that will apply to future problems. This will allow us to continue to expand the use of uncrewed systems.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

AOMORI, Japan  –  

Leadership is a necessity in times of war and adversity, and few understand this better than retired U.S. Air Force Col. Leon “Lee” Ellis. For him, leadership goes beyond authority and decision-making—it is a profound commitment to resilience, selfless service, and inspiring others, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Ellis’s journey is one of profound transformation. A young aviator with dreams of flight, he was thrust into a trial of suffering and emerged as a beacon of hope and guidance for countless others. Captured during the Vietnam War and held for more than five years in the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” Ellis endured conditions designed to break even the strongest spirits. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, he became a pillar of support for his fellow prisoners, embodying honor, unity, and perseverance.

Col. Ellis recently visited Misawa Air Base, Japan, to share his remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and service. A former Vietnam War fighter pilot and prisoner of war (POW), Ellis captivated audiences with stories of survival and the leadership lessons he gleaned during one of history’s harshest crucibles.

Raised in rural Georgia, Ellis embraced the values of hard work, faith, and patriotism. Drawn to aviation, he pursued a career in the Air Force. In 1967, at just 25 years old, Ellis was flying a combat mission over North Vietnam when his plane was shot down. Captured within minutes, Ellis began a harrowing journey to Hanoi, where he endured bombings by friendly forces and countless challenges before his eventual imprisonment.

Life as a POW was marked by alternating monotony and moments of sheer terror. Despite brutal conditions—including torture, isolation, and deprivation—Ellis found strength in unity with his fellow captives. Through covert communication methods like tapping codes on the walls, they maintained morale and provided mutual support.

“In those camps, I learned that pain purifies, and tomorrow is another day,” Ellis said, reflecting on the profound lessons that emerged from his traumatic time as a POW. “It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about finding purpose in the pain and hope in the possibility of a better tomorrow. We leaned on each other and learned that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way forward.”

Capt. Darryl Scarver, 35th Fighter Wing commander’s action group director, said Ellis’s message resonated deeply with Misawa’s Airmen.

“Col. Ellis’s story reminds us of the profound strength found in unity and purpose,” Scarver said. “He embodies the resilience we strive to instill in every Airman—a resilience that transforms adversity into an opportunity to lead.”

Throughout his years in captivity, Ellis uncovered the true essence of leadership: building trust, uplifting others, and preserving a sense of purpose even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The unwavering leadership of his fellow POWs profoundly shaped his understanding of life, duty, and service.

During his visit, Ellis urged Airmen to cultivate self-awareness and lead with integrity. He shared a leadership framework rooted in character, courage, and commitment.

“Good leaders are confident, yet humble,” Ellis said. “You don’t have to be perfect, but you must be willing to learn and adapt. Acknowledge your weaknesses, value your team, and commit to doing the right thing every day.”

Scarver emphasized the importance of this approach, pointing out how it fosters resilience, trust, and a commitment to excellence within the ranks, qualities essential for effective leadership at every level.

“One of the most powerful lessons Col. Ellis shared was that leadership is not about perfection; it’s about dedication to growth and service,” Scarver said. “That’s a mindset we want every leader at Misawa to embrace.”

Ellis returned home in 1973, his story capturing the nation’s attention. He resumed his Air Force career, earning prestigious awards, including the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit. Yet his post-military work ultimately defined his legacy.

As a leadership consultant, author, and speaker, Ellis draws on his POW experiences to inspire individuals and organizations. He advocates for mental health initiatives, transition assistance, and community reintegration for veterans. Through his mentoring, he emphasizes that true leadership is about serving others.

“It’s not about being in charge,” Ellis said. “It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

His words echo the leadership principles that define the Air Force’s mission.

“Col. Ellis’s approach to leadership aligns with the core values we uphold in the Air Force,” Scarver said. “Integrity, service, and excellence are not just words—they’re principles we live by, and Col. Ellis exemplifies them.”

Today, Col. Leon Ellis’s life serves as an enduring reminder that adversity can forge character and leadership. From his darkest days in captivity to his role as a mentor and motivator, Ellis exemplifies the power of resilience and the impact of leading with honor.

“Leadership is not about rank, status, or even success,” Ellis said. “It’s about the impact we have on others and the legacy we leave behind.”

Col. Leon Ellis’s legacy is clear: a life devoted to service, a message of resilience, and an unyielding commitment to leading with honor.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DAEGU GWANG’YEOGSI [TAEGU-KWANGYOKSHI], South Korea  –  

The Korean American Friendship Circle (KAFC), now in its 20th anniversary and embarking on its 35th cycle, is a significant program that solidifies the ironclad ROK-US alliance. The KAFC brings together Daegu-area college students and local families with U.S. military Soldiers and their families, fostering bonds of friendship and cultural exchange.

Over a seven-month period, participants share and learn about American and Korean cultures, customs, and ways of life. This unique experience deepens mutual understanding and creates lasting bonds that extend far beyond the program’s duration. This enduring legacy is exemplified by Brigadier General Jin H. Pak, the commanding general of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and host of this year’s KAFC Opening Ceremony.

Brig. General Pak participated in the program as a team leader in multiple iterations in 2012 and beyond, while serving as commander of the 25th Transportation Battalion at Camp Carroll, South Korea. Despite the passage of 12 years, the friendships and connections forged during that time remain strong.

“The KAFC program is not just friendship and companionship—it is a legacy to the community,” said Brig. General Pak. “This program reinforces the relationships that we have today and builds on them to amplify the partnership for the future.”

At this year’s Opening Ceremony, two members from then Lieutenant Colonel Pak’s team in 2012 shared their experiences with the audience, illustrating the program’s impact.

Additionally, KAFC alumni continue to carry forward the program’s mission in their personal and professional lives.

Son Minzy, a KAFC alumna and current staff member at the Office of International Affairs at the University of Ulsan, shared her reflections during the ceremony:

“KAFC was a turning point in my life. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and connected me with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. I was able to broaden my worldview and gain a better understanding of myself while engaging with new people.
Through this program, I discovered my passion for helping others and creating meaningful, life-changing experiences. This passion has guided me to my current role, where I support students in their journeys of growth and cultural exchange.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MAUI, Hawaii  –  

Lucille “Cille” MacDonald, a Maui resident who was recognized by Congress for her work building ships during World War II and escaped the 2023 Lahaina fire, died Friday just weeks short of what would have been her 99th birthday.

Pacific Historic Parks, an organization dedicated to preserving military history of the Pacific, announced MacDonald’s death Monday. In a social media post, the organization quoted her longtime friend Dodo Dunaj, who said, “Cille was the most incredibly inspiring and strongest woman I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine my life without her. I will treasure our memories made together, her unbelievable stories, and the Rosie journey that I was so blessed to be a part of with her. She is a true American icon, my forever hero.”

MacDonald was born Dec. 9, 1925 in Greenville, S.C., and was the middle child of one brother and seven sisters. They grew up on a cotton farm and worked the fields.

When World War II broke out, men across the country joined the military as both volunteers and draftees, leaving shortfalls in the plants and factories producing the ships, planes, tanks, guns and munitions that troops needed on the front line.

MacDonald became one of the thousands of women who supported the war effort by filling those gaps. She went to work as a journeyman welder at J.A. Jones Construction in Brunswick, Ga., building warships.

Today the women who went to work in factories are known as “Rosies” after the iconic Rosie the Riveter posters produced by the U.S. Office of the War to encourage women to support the war effort. MacDonald was one of 27 Rosies awarded the Congressional Gold Medal — the award is the highest honor Congress can bestow on civilians — in April at a ceremony in Washington recognizing them for their work in the factories.

“Cille was adored and respected by many,” said Sarah Pritchard, executive director of the Rosie the Riveter Trust. “As one of the original Rosies, we are committed to honoring her legacy by sharing her inspiring story. Rosie the Riveter Trust extends our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.”

MacDonald’s life and serv­ice extended well beyond the war. For the past 50 years she called Maui home and was known as an active community member who helped build playgrounds at schools and donated money in support of causes around Hawaii, including the construction of a fire station in Napili.

She and her late husband built a waterfront home in Lahaina. It was among the thousands that burned down in the deadly Aug. 8, 2023, fire. She escaped with the help of one of her neighbors and spent several nights sleeping in the bed of her neighbor’s truck.

MacDonald become a fixture of commemorations of the Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack and intended to attend again this year and celebrate her 99th birthday on Oahu in what Dunaj said was to be a “Cille-a-bration.”

Aileen Utterdyke, president and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks, said, “Cille was diminutive, tough, spunky and beloved, an ambassador of all the Rosies who had a key role in helping win World War II. We will miss her so much.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

“Celebrating a New Era of U.S.-Japan Alliance Modernization” 

2024 Mt. Fuji Dialogue

Thank you, Chairman Mogi, the Japan Center for Economic Research, and the Japan Institute of International Affairs for the privilege to address you here at my first Mt Fuji Dialogue.  And I am so very glad to be here, to acknowledge and celebrate the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, to mark the tremendous strides we have taken in recent years, and to offer just a few thoughts for the future.

It is no secret that the Indo-Pacific region is experiencing dramatic changes.  You will hear that from many of today’s participants.  The regional security landscape is heavily impacted by China’s rapid military modernization, increasing provocations abroad, and comprehensive repression at home.  The combination of emerging capability, operational activity, and routine dismissal of regional and global norms cannot be explained as simply defensive in nature.  We have surpassed any reasonable explanation that China’s intent is benign.  Rather, these developments reflect an unyielding ambition to rewrite the international code that has delivered prosperity and security to this region over the past eight decades. 

For this reason, the United States has dubbed the PRC as the Department of Defense’s Pacing Challenge.  It is the yardstick against which we measure ourselves.  And I am pleased to report that we are measuring up; measuring up with historic investments in munitions and platforms, significantly upgraded command and control, critical developments in doctrine, concepts, and integration, and so many other areas.

But the greatest developments are those that we are accomplishing through deepened ties with likeminded countries across this region. 

As Secretary Austin noted in his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue this May, we are witnessing a “new convergence” around all aspects of security in the region, producing a stronger, more resilient, and more capable network of partnerships.  This shift is defining a new era of security — propelled by a shared vision, underpinned by common principles and a collective obligation to uphold the rules-based international order.

This new convergence is only the beginning, as the United States and other likeminded countries from across the region marshal our combined efforts to withstand the destabilizing pressures that continue to mount.  Japan, and the U.S.-Japan alliance, is at the center of this effort. 

Together, we have embarked on a robust security agenda in recent years.  We have modernized our alliance roles, missions, and capabilities, expanded our defense industrial cooperation, and enhanced our force posture. 

Let’s take stock of only a handful of key developments.  First, Japan’s resolve to bolster its capabilities has contributed greatly to Alliance modernization.  Tokyo has committed to increase annual defense spending to 2 per cent of GDP and is now focusing its historic levels of investment on acquiring new capabilities, most significantly standoff capabilities, such as long-range precision strike. 

Building upon this, the United States and Japan have deepened bilateral cooperation toward the effective operation of Japanese counterstrike capabilities, officially starting the training pipeline and ship modifications for Japan to acquire operational capability of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. 

Japan also committed to enhancing the Self Defense Forces’ joint operational architecture by standing up the JSDF Joint Operations Command — or “JJOC.”  Building on this, in July Secretary Austin announced the historic decision to upgrade U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) to a three-star Joint Force Headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities.  This is the most significant change to USFJ since its creation, and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years.   

Second, the Alliance has strengthened defense industry and advanced technology cooperation.  In April, President Biden and former Prime Minister Kishida announced a new Forum on Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition and Sustainment (DICAS), intended to leverage our respective industrial bases to meet the demand for critical capabilities and maintain readiness over the long term.  We convened the first forum plenary in June and launched four working groups focused on missile co-production, ship and aircraft repair, and supply chain resilience. 

In 2023, we also announced the U.S.-Japan Glide Phase Interceptor Cooperative Development project to counter high-end, regional hypersonic threats.  The development of a counter-hypersonic capability addresses emerging sophisticated missile threats, and builds upon long-standing missile defense cooperation.

This year, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States also announced the intent to cooperate with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects.  AUKUS partners and Japan are now exploring opportunities to improve interoperability of their maritime autonomous systems as an initial area of cooperation.   

Third, the Alliance has adapted its posture to deter dynamic threats.  Last year in Okinawa, the Marine Corps redesignated the 12th Marine Regiment as the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, an upgrade to one of the most advanced formations in the Marine Corps.  In February at Yokohama, the Army activated its first composite watercraft company outside the United States in decades.  And in July, DoD announced a modernization plan for tactical aircraft based in Japan, including at Kadena Air Base, Misawa Air Base, and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.  Through these steps, the United States continues its commitment to deploying cutting-edge defense capabilities to Japan.

The Alliance is also steadily implementing the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, including the construction of relocation facilities and land returns in Okinawa.  In January, we resumed reclamation and construction work for the Futenma Replacement Facility at Henoko.  As both governments have announced, the relocation of Marine Corps personnel from Okinawa to Guam also begins this year — another milestone in service of our realignment efforts.

Finally, the Alliance has strengthened multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the region.  In July, Secretary Austin and his Japanese and South Korean counterparts signed the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework here in Tokyo, institutionalizing U.S.-Japan-ROK cooperation as envisioned by the 2023 Camp David Summit.  We have advanced systematic cooperation on trilateral exercises, including the recently completed exercise FREEDOM EDGE, and we have improved real-time mechanisms to share data on common threats.  

With Australia, we are committed to increasing trilateral force posture cooperation and are exploring opportunities for rotational deployments of the JSDF to Australia.  Both countries also announced Australian participation in the U.S.-Japan Bilateral Information Analysis Cell, layering our trilateral cooperation from the leader-level down to the operator-level.

The United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines have also committed to coordinate security assistance programs to enhance Philippine capabilities to do even more for itself; and these partners are now conducting regular multilateral maritime cooperative activities in the South China Sea.  You don’t need me to spell it out; the message is clear.  We will not tolerate unilateral use of force to change the status quo.

At the U.S.-Japan-Australia-India Quad summit in September, the leaders announced the launch of the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, which will leverage our collective logistics strengths to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific.  I hope that you will agree with me when I say that the U.S.-Japan alliance is flourishing, not only in words, but very much in practice. 

These past four years are only the beginning.  Looking ahead, we must further embrace the “new convergence” in the Indo-Pacific region — solving key strategic and operational problems together.

For example, we must solve for defense industrial base vulnerabilities.  And we must do it quickly.  In October the United States, Japan, and nearly a dozen other governments announced a first ever global consortium focused on unlocking new sources of supply and new opportunities for co-production and co-sustainment right here in the Indo-Pacific.  The Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience — or PIPIR — holds tremendous potential to strengthen the potency and durability of our defense relationships, creating economic and strategic win-wins. 

I was thrilled to join Undersecretary LaPlante, ATLA Commissioner Ishikawa, and the representatives of other PIPIR participants for this historic launch only a month ago.

Going forward we must also contend with an emboldened DPRK, pouring weapons and now combat forces into Russia and entering the Russia-Ukraine war as a co-belligerent, likely in exchange for advanced technology and political support on the international stage. 

I am not suggesting that we now perceive a single theater of operations between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, but I would say we must acknowledge a single theater of consequence.  And therein we will see further adjustments in the relationships between Pyongyang, Moscow, Beijing, Tehran and perhaps others.  The shape and character of security in Europe will have new and revelatory implications on this region. 

As a former U.S. representative to NATO, I was pleased and proud that the NATO summit in Washington this past July included — for the third consecutive time — participation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea at the highest level.  And for the first time the Defense Ministers from these same Indo-Pacific nations joined Defense Ministers in Brussels last month to discuss global security developments.  As Japan deepens dialogue and cooperation with NATO and European partners, we look forward to identifying additional collaborative opportunities to showcase how deepened NATO-Japanese cooperation can provide mutual benefits for both Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security.  

These are just two examples that merit the time, attention and focus of the new leadership in Japan and the incoming leadership of the United States.  None of these efforts will come easy.  But in the United States, across the United States government, and across our political landscape, you’ll find a strong and bipartisan commitment to the Indo-Pacific and the U.S.-Japan Alliance.  We have done more together than anyone predicted in recent years.  The United States is deeply committed to this region, and we are preparing for even greater success. 

Thank you for your attention.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands  –  

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam (FM/SG) personnel joined the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and other U.S. leaders for the Joint Committee Meeting in Majuro from Oct. 13 to 17, 2024, to strengthen bilateral maritime partnerships and chart future initiatives supporting RMI’s maritime security and resilience.

Capt. Jessica Worst, newly appointed commander of FM/SG, was formally introduced to key Marshallese and U.S. leaders, underscoring the U.S. Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to regional collaboration in the Pacific.

During the meeting, Coast Guard representatives, including Capt. Worst, Lt. Cmdr. Derek Wallin, maritime advisor, and Lt. Anna Maria Vaccaro, Compact of Free Association liaison, outlined U.S. Coast Guard operations supporting RMI priorities. Discussions centered on enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities, addressing maritime domain awareness needs, and supporting future maritime infrastructure. With a formal request from the RMI to enhance the bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement, leaders highlighted collaborative opportunities to ensure security and resilience across the RMI’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Reflecting on the event’s success, Capt. Worst noted, “We are proud to continue work alongside our Marshallese partners to foster a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region. This partnership is rooted in shared commitments to resilience and mutual respect, and we look forward to supporting our Pacific neighbors in achieving their maritime security goals.”

The U.S. Coast Guard also reaffirmed its commitment to assisting the RMI as they address surface patrol challenges, especially given potential temporary gaps in the RMI’s maritime assets due to maintenance. The FM/SG team also emphasized the importance of upcoming bilateral discussions on the enhanced maritime law enforcement agreement.

The Coast Guard’s recent work with the RMI includes initiatives like Operation Irensia in June, which brought together maritime personnel from the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Defence Force Pacific Maritime Security Program, and the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) expeditionary patrol in early 2024 to deter illegal fishing activities, conduct engagements, and promote maritime law enforcement.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Environmental Response and Regional Activity Center (MER-RAC) also actively supported the RMI in building out a pollution response framework, providing training, resources, and expertise to enhance RMI’s capacity to protect its marine environment from potential oil spills and hazardous substance incidents. These engagements highlight the Coast Guard’s dedication to providing consistent support and maintaining maritime security across Oceania.

The RMI is a sovereign nation in the central Pacific, comprising over 1,200 islands and atolls with a population of approximately 60,000 people. The nation’s population is concentrated primarily in the urban centers of Majuro and Ebeye, while the outer islands maintain traditional lifestyles in smaller communities.

-USCG-

About the Compact of Free Association (COFA)
The COFA is a mutually beneficial agreement promoting cooperation and security in the Pacific. It provides unique provisions for defense, economic assistance, and access between the U.S. and RMI and emphasizes shared goals of stability and development in the region. The Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau are also freely associated states under COFA.

About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam supports the Coast Guard’s missions of ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship in the Pacific. Through search and rescue, law enforcement, and partnership-building efforts, the FM/SG team enhances the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Blue Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ASAN, Guam  –  

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Official in Guam and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia (JTF-M), the FSM Secretary Department of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert, and the U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Jennifer Johnson hosted a bilateral FSM-U.S. Joint Committee Meeting (JCM), Nov. 13-14.

The JCM was held in Chuuk, with some virtual participation due to Tropical Storm Man-yi, which prevented travel. The meeting underscored the mutual commitment and cooperation between the two countries to continue open conversations about security, international partnership and environmental stewardship in Micronesia. State leaders, FSM representatives, and U.S. military and Department of Defense leaders attended the event.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to build upon our relationships, to continue to strengthen our ties and to develop the partnerships we have fostered over the years,” Huffman said. “I look forward to making progress, and I look forward to building upon the tremendous Joint Committee Meeting that we had last time in Guam.”

Discussions centered around four goals and objectives – foster open discussions about security and defense between the U.S. and FSM, develop a pathway forward for posturing in the Pacific Islands, deepen and refine mutual security and defense priorities by developing lines of effort to strengthen the Pacific homeland, and plan for the next JCM in 2025.

“Our bilateral relationship is rooted in a long history of cooperation and friendship,” Johnson said. “Since the end of World War II, the U.S. and FSM have worked together to promote peace, security and prosperity throughout the region. While political regimes may transition, the enduring nature of treaties and commitment to our allies remain foundational,” she added,
“I look forward to fruitful dialogue and frank discussion through the next two days and properly addressing issues and taking action.”

Subject-matter experts from the U.S. and FSM provided briefs about various program- and construction-project updates in the region over the last six months as well as updates to the current state of security and maritime domain awareness.

This was the first FSM-U.S. JCM held since Huffman assumed responsibilities as the first commander of JTF-M in June.The mission of JTF-M is to synchronize operations and activities across all domains in the Indo-Pacific area, enabling a robust warfighting posture while enhancing partner nation capacity. Dedicated to promoting regional stability, JTF-M will perform homeland defense, Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA), and foreign humanitarian assistance through a whole-of-government approach within its assigned joint operations area.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Pete Nguyen provided the following statement:

The United States (U.S.) Department of Defense (DoD), along with the Australian Department of Defence and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD), today announced the signing of an agreement to enhance testing of hypersonic vehicles and accelerate implementation of related technologies. Under AUKUS Pillar II, the three nations have entered the Hypersonic Flight Test and Experimentation (HyFliTE) Project Arrangement (PA) to use each other’s testing facilities and share technical information to develop, test, and evaluate hypersonic systems.

“We are increasing our collective ability to develop and deliver offensive and defensive hypersonic technologies through a robust series of trilateral tests and experiments that will accelerate the development of hypersonic concepts and critical enabling technologies,” said Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Existing national efforts will be woven together through the PA, which includes up to six trilateral flight test campaigns to occur by 2028 with a total funding pool of US$252 million. These campaigns seek to increase the pace of testing and take advantage of combined partner resources, test facilities, and substantial experience conducting similar campaigns.

“Collaborative efforts are accelerating the development of underpinning enabling technologies, such as high temperature materials, advanced propulsion systems, and guidance and control,” said Shyu. “Each of these technologies is integral to the performance of hypersonic weapon systems and provides enhanced operational capability.”

HyFliTE will enable the three nations to benefit from the collective expertise of the partners. HyFliTE also supports integrated deterrence, a centerpiece of the trilateral agreement, as well as trilateral requirements for the development and delivery of hypersonic weapon systems.

“The U.S. DoD is committed to working closely with the Australian Department of Defence and the UK MOD to further the pursuit of common and consistent objectives for affordable and responsive flight testing of hypersonic technologies and concepts,” added Shyu.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei  –  

The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) commenced Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2024, Nov. 18.

CARAT Brunei 2024 is a bilateral exercise designed to promote regional security, cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance interoperability between the two nations.

“The U.S.-Brunei partnership has never been stronger than it is today,” said Rear Adm. Katie Sheldon, Vice Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “We are proud of our longstanding relationship with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and look forward to work side-by-side across a broad spectrum of naval competencies during this week’s CARAT exercise.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of CARAT Brunei, in which participants will focus on a wide-range of training ashore and at sea, including maritime domain awareness, anti-surface warfare, maritime interdiction operations, helicopter interoperability, underwater demolition, and force protection.

During the shore phase, Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) will conduct expert exchanges with the RBAF, covering force protection topics including Marine Corps Martial Arts, non-lethal riot control, and military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), enhancing the combined force’s collective skills and increasing interoperability. The at-sea phase will take place in the South China Sea, in which ships and aircraft from both partner militaries will work together through numerous advanced training events. These events aim to enhance the collective interoperability and proficiency between U.S. and Brunei forces while cultivating strong relationships as partners.

“CARAT has become a vital platform for enhancing interoperability and enforcing the bond between Brunei Darussalam and the United States. Our nations recognize that today’s security environment requires collaboration, mutual respect and resilience,” said the Chief of Staff, Joint Force Headquarters Royal Brunei Armed Forces. “Through this exercise we are building more than just capabilities. We are building trust, understanding and shared purpose.”

Despite variation between exercises, a common theme across the CARAT exercise series is the development of cooperative maritime security capabilities in support of peace and stability in maritime regions throughout South and Southeast Asia. CARAT exercises highlight the United States’ commitment to the region and to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Participating U.S. assets include staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, CTF 73, CTF 74, CTF 75, and CTF 76, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, MRF-SEA, Naval Special Warfare, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, and the U.S. Embassy Brunei.

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) with an embarked MH-60R Sea Hawk from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 will take part in the exercise while on rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

MRF-SEA, the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest rotational force, is derived from elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with allies and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF presence west of the International Date Line.

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, functioning as Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s Sea Combat Commander and building partnerships through training, exercises and military-to military engagements.

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.