Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Announces Additional Replicator All-Domain Attritable Autonomous Capabilities

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Today, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks announced additional capabilities selected for accelerated fielding as part of the Replicator initiative. This second tranche, or Replicator 1.2, will include systems in the air and maritime domains, as well as integrated software enablers that will enhance the autonomy and resilience of other Replicator systems.

These capabilities add to the first tranche of selected systems announced earlier in 2024 and further contribute to the Department’s goal of fielding multiple thousands of all-domain, attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems to warfighters by August of 2025 — or within 24 months of Deputy Secretary Hicks launching the initiative.

“The Replicator initiative is demonstrably reducing barriers to innovation, and delivering capabilities to warfighters at a rapid pace,” said Hicks. “We are creating opportunities for a broad range of traditional and nontraditional defense and technology companies, including system vendors, component manufacturers, and software developers, to deliver critical capabilities that our warfighters need, and we are building the capability to do that again and again.”

Collectively across both tranches, more than 500 commercial firms were considered for Replicator hardware and software contracting and major subcontracting opportunities. Contracts have been awarded to more than 30 hardware and software companies, of which 75 percent are non-traditional defense contractors, in addition to more than 50 subcontractors.

Included in Replicator-1, Tranche 2 (1.2) is the Army’s Company-Level Small UAS effort, which has selected the Anduril Industries Ghost-X and the Performance Drone Works C-100 UAS. These systems will enable Army maneuver companies to conduct multiple tasks with rapidly reconfigurable, attritable, modular payload capabilities to execute reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions.

“Ukraine has demonstrated the value of small, attritable drones on the battlefield,” said Gen. Randy A. George, the Chief of Staff of the Army. “The delivery of commercially available Company Level Small UAS with support from the Replicator initiative will allow American soldiers to rapidly experiment, learn and innovate with these systems. The advancement of battlefield technology requires us to innovate faster than ever before.”

The Department is also scaling loitering munitions through fielding and expanded experimentation of the Anduril Industries Altius-600 as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Organic Precision Fires program. This system complements the Switchblade-600 loitering munition produced by AeroVironment Inc. that was included in the first tranche of Replicator.

“Replicator is helping Marines experiment with a portfolio of systems that deliver organic, loitering, beyond-line-of-sight precision strike capability,” said Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith. “Expanded experimentation with these systems will inform future Organic Precision Fires efforts and enable refinement of our Force Design, concepts and doctrine.”

Additionally, the Replicator initiative has selected the U.S. Air Force’s Enterprise Test Vehicle (ETV). Over the next year, the Air Force and DIU will partner with multiple vendors to develop and demonstrate design variants. Four vendors are currently providing prototypes: Anduril Industries, Integrated Solutions for Systems Inc., Leidos Dynetics, and Zone 5 Technologies. Select ETV prototypes will be accelerated to scaled production.

“The ETV’s modular design and open system architecture make it an ideal platform for program offices to test out new capabilities at the sub-system level, reducing risk, and demonstrating various options for weapon employment,” said Gen. Jim Slife, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. “We are excited to be a part of Replicator 1.2 and to increase the speed of the ETV effort.”

Replicator 1.2 also includes additional systems that remain classified, including low-cost long-range strike capabilities and maritime uncrewed systems.

The Department’s autonomy efforts, including Replicator, are also leveraging resilient decision-making architectures for collaborative autonomy teaming, or ‘integrated enablers’ capable of coordinating hundreds or thousands of unmanned assets in a secure shared environment. These ‘integrated enablers’ are enhancing the ability of Replicator systems to operate and collaborate autonomously, and to remain resilient in the face of jamming and other countermeasures. The Department is acquiring many of these integrated software enablers using Commercial Solutions Openings led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) that streamline and accelerate onramps for commercial industry. Announcement of these awards is forthcoming.

“Combining cutting-edge hardware with cutting-edge software — the capabilities and needs of each pushing the bounds of what is possible with the other — is at the heart of the very best of technology in the commercial sector,” said Doug Beck, Director of DIU. “Replicator is harnessing this same synergy, ensuring we can adopt commercial best practices to iteratively develop, test, and ultimately field autonomous systems, both individually and collectively, at scale.”

Selected capabilities fill both operational and scaling gaps and will be fielded by August 2025 to meet the ambitious goals of the Replicator initiative.

KS 25 | Marines practice expeditionary capabilities across Japan

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in exercise Keen Sword 25 across the Indo-Pacific, Oct. 25 through Oct. 31, 2024. Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Jose Angeles)

The video contains music from a USMC enterprise licensed asset from Adobe Stock: Future bass with synths waves by Keyframe Audio/stock.adobe.com

USINDOPACOM Hosts NDU CAPSTONE Fellows

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joel Carey, chief of staff for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, welcomed retired Adm. Harry Harris, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and the 24th USINDOPACOM commander, and National Defense University CAPSTONE fellows at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Nov. 13, 2024.

The fellows toured USINDOPACOM headquarters and discussed the Indo-Pacific theater as part of their CAPSTONE curriculum to examine major issues and enhance their understanding of strategic objectives and joint, interagency and multinational operations in the region.

NDU’s CAPSTONE executive-level course provides general and flag officers, as well as federal government senior executives, with opportunities to increase exposure and understanding of joint/combined doctrine, military strategy, interoperability, complex security challenges, and the integration of national power to achieve strategic objectives.

USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

United Nations Command honors Korean War veterans, fallen service members at Turn Toward Busan Ceremony

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Members of the United Nations Command participated in the Turn Toward Busan International Commemorative Ceremony, at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Nov. 11, 2024. Service members of UNC from Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and United Kingdom honored and paid tribute to Korean War veterans of the 22 UN allied nations and the fallen during the 1950-53 Korean War.

At 11 a.m., sirens heralded the ceremony across the only UN cemetery in the world offering a one-minute silent tribute to the fallen by turning toward Busan to remember and commemorate Busan where 2300 fallen UN service members from 11 countries rest in peace. Along with veterans, UNC members joined more than 1,000 participants in a solemn moment to reflect on the courage and selflessness of those who fought to defend democracy and human rights.

This year’s commemoration involved 12 UN veterans and 51 family members from 20 countries, who were invited through the MPVA’s Revisit Korea Program.

The ceremony displayed collective commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and freedom on the Korean Peninsula and resolve to prevent such tragedies in the future through diplomacy and international cooperation.

United Nations Command Special Operations Component Command Commander, Brig. Gen. Derek Lipson, attended the ceremony and delivered a remark highlighting the sacrifice of the fallen heroes who laid the foundation for the prosperity and freedom that South Korea enjoys today.

“Looking at where we are today,” said Lipson. “We must acknowledge and remember the bedrock of our combined forces and UNC member states is built upon the trials, failures, and successes of those who sacrificed so much.”

Lipson also recognized 22 Member States past contributions during the war and reaffirmed UNC’s commitment to its enduring mission to maintain peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

“Today, the UNC is critical and the best example of a shared charter to maintain the armistice while the ROK-U.S. Alliance deters aggression and defends freedom.”

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang, Jung-Ai, Chair of the Commission for the UNMCK and Ambassador of Türkiye, Salih Murat Tamer, Busan City mayor, Park, Heong-Joon, also participated in the commemorative ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, the internments of a recently recovered unknown UN soldier took place and the internment for a Thai veteran, the day after the ceremony.

The UNC’s mission is to maintain the Armistice, preserve stability, enhance deterrence, and in the event of war, lead multinational military support in defense of the Republic of Korea.

Pacific IAMD Center facilitates global relationships among Air Defenders from 11 Nations

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The Pacific Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center hosted its second annual Multilateral Subject Matter Expert Exchange and Defense Design Workshop on 21 thru 26, October 2024, at Fort Bliss located in El Paso, Texas.

This groundbreaking event, supported by the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Pacific Air Forces, 32nd AAMDC, and the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, brought together air and missile defense operators, command and control professionals, and subject matter experts from 11 North American, Asia-Pacific, and European Nations. Participants included joint representatives from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States.

The central focus of the Subject Matter Expert Exchange was the collaboration between the U.S. and Canada in defending their homelands; the response to the growing threat of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS); and the capability to protect against the small UAS. Additional discussions examined NATO’s role in air and missile defense. Key U.S. organizations in attendance included the 225th Air Defense Squadron from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office, the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Lockheed Martin, each contributing valuable insights and expertise.

Throughout the event, participants aimed to enhance their understanding of regional and global air and missile defense challenges. Key topics included current threats and lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine. A significant objective was developing a Critical Asset List and a Defended Asset List, tools intended to strengthen defense strategies. The number one objective was to build connections among the like-minded nations, as well as establishing a rich environment for open collaboration, exchange of perspective & concerns, and sharing regional Air Surveillance and Missile Defense visions.

Colonel Ryan Schrock, Deputy Commander of the 32nd AAMDC, emphasized the necessity of cooperation, stating, “With the current nature of warfare, we can’t go alone.” He stressed “the key is controlling escalation” and encouraged participants to “be proactive and force the enemy off plan.”

To put their strategies into practice, participants engaged in a simulation involving a fictional scenario pitting a notional alliance against a theoretical U.S. near-peer threat. This exercise offered valuable insights into information sharing and highlighted the benefits of a unified defense strategy. Each group’s defenses were evaluated using the SMARTSet tool, which provided immediate assessment of their defense design effectiveness.

The event concluded with participants an opportunity to observe a Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces live-fire exercise at McGregor Range, New Mexico. This year’s Japanese live-fire marked the 60th anniversary as well as, further integrated training by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and U.S. Army, in additional showcasing the enduring commitment to collaborative defense efforts.

Colonel Matthew Belote, the PIC Director noted, “These multilateral events cannot be understated. The ability to bring our Allies and Partners together to work through scenarios provides them different perspectives on how to implement Integrated Air and Missile Defense. Future conflicts more

than likely will not be fought unilaterally, so the more we work together today, the better we are all prepared for a potential conflict tomorrow!”

US Air Force transitioning from A-10s to cutting-edge upgrades in Korea

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The U.S. Air Force is set to complete a significant phase of its modernization strategy in fiscal year 2025. In key regions, including South Korea, it will transition away from its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in favor of advancing fourth-generation fighter jet upgrades and enhancing fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft integration.

The modernization effort seeks to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Korean peninsula, through state-of-the-art aircraft. The strategy bolsters deterrence against North Korea and reaffirms the ironclad U.S. security commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance by strengthening South Korean and U.S. combined defense. Throughout this transition, the U.S. Air Force will continue to enhance interoperability through close cooperation with the Republic of Korea Air Force.

This change represents a pivotal upgrade in U.S. Air Force capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining an overwhelming force posture in the region and adapting to evolving global threats.

Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander, underscored the transformative nature of this transition. “By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded (F-16 Fighting Falcons), along with (F-35 Lightning IIs) and (F-15EX Eagle IIs) in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theater.”

Starting in January 2025, the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base will begin a phased withdrawal of its 24 A-10 aircraft, with completion expected by the end of fiscal year 2025. Additionally, Seventh Air Force F-16s are undergoing a series of avionics system upgrades, bringing the aircraft closer to fifth-generation capabilities as they increase both the survivability and accuracy of the weapon system.

This is a deliberate shift towards integrating next-generation aircraft that will significantly enhance operational effectiveness and U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

The F-16s, with their upgraded systems, will continue to deliver reliable and flexible combat capabilities. Within the region, the F-35, with its stealth capabilities and advanced sensors, will provide a significant edge in situational awareness and strike precision. The F-15EX, known for its advanced avionics and payload capacity, will enhance air-to-air and air-to-ground combat effectiveness.

Iverson further emphasized, “These aircraft bring unparalleled multi-role versatility, advanced stealth features, and superior operational range, positioning us to effectively counter modern threats and support our regional allies.”

The U.S. Air Force remains committed to providing comprehensive and advanced air capabilities to safeguard South Korea. This modernization effort underscores a strategic shift towards more capable and agile platforms, reflecting an enduring commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance and regional stability.

“The advancement of our F-16 upgrades and innovation through our ongoing super squadron test at Osan (AB) show our dedication to evolving and adapting our forces to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Iverson concluded. “We will continue to deliver overwhelming, unmatched combat airpower, ensuring that our defenses remain effective in safeguarding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”

MRF-SEA Marines Conclude Exercise CARAT Malaysia 2024

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Lumut Naval Base in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia, dates back to the creation of the Royal Malaysian Navy, serving as the institution’s headquarters since Sept. 9, 1984. In October, the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces hosted a detachment of personnel from Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) aboard the installation during the execution of the U.S. Navy-lead exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2024, also called CARAT Malaysia. From Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, U.S. Marines and Sailors joined Royal Malaysian Armed Forces personnel to build relationships, increase interoperability, and ensure regional stability.

CARAT Malaysia consisted of both a shore and sea phase, incorporating training in military medicine, legal concepts, engineering, logistics, public affairs, diving and explosive ordnance disposal. Additionally, naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft conducted training operations focused on antisubmarine (ASW), surface (ASuW) and air (AWW) warfare, and maritime domain awareness.

For the Marines of MRF-SEA, efforts were focused on contributing to the training events taking place ashore. Members of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Army, and Royal Malaysian Air Force, along with U.S. Navy counterparts from Destroyer Squadron 7, joined MRF-SEA for military expert exchanges and training events focused on improving combat medicine, conducting combined amphibious operations planning, and understanding the implementation of cyber operations and cyber security best practices. Regardless of topic, CARAT training took place to strengthen relationships between U.S. and Malaysian military personnel, ensuring that we can effectively work together to maintain regional stability and freedom of movement on land, at sea and in the air.

“We’re enhancing the [Royal Malaysian Armed Forces] capabilities, learning from their planning process, as well as having them learn from our capabilities and expertise,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas Vallely, operations officer for MRF-SEA. “If any real-world situation were to happen, we have interoperability with our partners because we know how each other’s planning processes work.”

U.S. Marines and Sailors with MRF-SEA are on rotation in Southeast Asia to conduct eight exercises in six different countries. The Marine Corps sends this purpose-built rotational force to countries like Malaysia in order to reassure them as allies or partners, increase interoperability among forces, and ensure a safe, secure, free and open Indo-Pacific.

“This is a very good experience and chance that we have, since we are in the process of improving our capabilities,” said Royal Malaysian Army Maj. Mohammad Fazrul bin Mohammad Fadir, staff officer with 10th RDF. “Working with our allies, like the United States Marine Corps, who have a very vast experience in amphibious operations, is a very good experience and gives us time to learn from them and help us uplift our amphibious capability.”

During CARAT Malaysia, a detachment of 11 MRF-SEA personnel successfully exchanged valuable insights and expertise on amphibious operations planning with Royal Malaysian Armed Forces personnel. This collaboration enhanced the Malaysians’ abilities, fostered trust, and improved interoperability in combined planning for these types of operations. The combined effort between militaries strengthened working relationships, ensuring the force’s ability to effectively respond to real-world situations and promoting regional stability. CARAT Malaysia laid a solid foundation for future cooperation, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

USINDOPACOM DCOM visits Nepal

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Nepal from Nov. 8-12, marking his first trip to the country in his current role.   

During Rudd’s trip, he met with Nepal’s newly appointed Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel, highlighting the mutual respect and partnership between the two countries. He also visited the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre and spoke to a group of Nepali junior officers at Nepal’s Army Command and Staff College. The visit served to advance the defense and security partnership between the U.S. and Nepal, and gain understanding of Nepal’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response challenges.   

To further these goals the U.S. and Nepal cohost the annual multinational peacekeeping exercise Shanti Prayas IV, an annual exercise series which trains units to deploy in support of U.N. peacekeeping missions across the globe. Additional exercises include Pacific Angel 24-2 with the Nepali army, a collaborative exercise aimed at enhancing operational capabilities in diverse scenarios.  

The U.S. military and members of the Nepali army have a long-standing relationship and routinely participate in combined peacekeeping and disaster preparedness exercises together, demonstrating the continued growth of the U.S. and Nepal’s 75-year relationship, built on dedication, mutual respect and trust toward the Nepalese people. 

Global Unity: US, Australia, Canada and UK

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

In an era defined by rapid technology advancements and with a worldwide platform saturated with Great Power Competition, the Distributed Mission Operations Center on Kirtland Air Force Base, hosted its Virtual Flag: Coalition exercise, Oct. 21 – Nov. 4.

VFC is continuing to grow as one of the Department of Defense’s biggest exercises held in a virtual theater-level joint combat environment in an Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. By enhancing collaboration and readiness among allied and joint forces, it addresses the growing complexities of modern warfare and ensure the U.S. and its partners are prepared to respond effectively to emerging threats. 

Operational and tactical warfighters from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, U.S. Space Force, Utah National Guard and Utah Air National Guard, Royal Australian Air Force, Australian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, U.K. Space Agency, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy, train with simulated real-world threats focused on today’s adversaries.

“This exercise is key!”  exclaims RCAF Maj. Gary Stone, RCAF head of delegation. “It’s all about coalition partnerships; partners and allies. We are a proud part of that warfighting integration team. This exercise is a testament to that idea.”

America’s joint forces and its international allies come together annually to execute VFC. Over 400 plus coalition and joint warfighters are engaged in active simulated combat scenarios using air, land, space, cyber and maritime.

“Our DOD policy is, if we were to go to war- we are not going alone,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Jones, 705th Combat Training Squadron and DMOC commander said. “We are going to go with our allies and partners, and we have got to make sure that we can communicate through the right systems, have the same operational mindset, and tactical vernacular.”

“Conducting this exercise helps us bring together our joint and coalition forces to learn how we are really going to command and control them,” Jones explains. “Working with our international allies tests and improves how effectively we are able to communicate and strategize with each other.” 

By understanding each branch’s specific roles and capabilities, effective coordination is ensured to respond decisively when it matters most.

VFC is a long-standing exercise that has grown and evolved continuously.  Each year it has improved by adding additional scenarios or challenges that accurately mimic today’s real-world adversaries’ tactics and strategies.

“Canada has participated in this exercise since 2009,” Stone recalls. “Every year, it has continued to evolve and develop to accurately reflect who our present adversaries are and what tactics or types of battle we are facing.” 

VFC is just one example of the many ways in which the U.S. and its allies are working together to prepare for potential conflicts and challenges. By fostering strong partnerships and improving their ability to work together, these nations can better protect their interests and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

MSC Far East, USNS City of Bismarck Visit Learning Center in Thailand

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Members of Military Sealift Command (MSC) Far East and civilian mariners assigned to expeditionary fast transport ship USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9) visited the Learning Center of the Human Help Network Foundation in Pattaya, Thailand, to interact with children during a community outreach event, Nov. 7, 2024.

City of Bismarck is in Thailand conducting routine maintenance and supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet.

While the ship was under maintenance, the team travelled to the Learning Center for a day of fun and games with the children, which was facilitated by Navy League Siam in Pattaya.

“These kids are wonderful,” said Chris D. Rice, ordinary seaman, City of Bismarck. “I love playing with these kids. Everyone one seems so joyous, and the kids are really enjoying themselves. You can sense it.”

The learning center is a non-governmental organization and hosts about 85 children a day from neighboring nations, whose parents are day laborers in the Kingdom of Thailand.

The event was Rice’s first experience interacting with the community. He has been with MSC for seven months and looks forward to participating in more outreach events.

“I volunteered to come out to the center because it gives me a chance to see what other parts of Thailand are like,” said Rice, who was an eight-year U.S. Navy veteran. “This also allows me to have meaningful interactions with the local people.”

For civilian mariner Colin B. Smith, who is chief mate of City of Bismarck, he sensed the appreciation from the kids and recommends everyone aboard MSC ships take the opportunity to immerse themselves with the local community.

“At least do one outreach event, if you can,” said Smith. “This event is probably the best thing that I’ve done since being in Thailand. You get to meet the people of Thailand and not just interact with those on the working in the service sector.”

The event not only showcased the spirit of solidarity between differing cultures but also highlighted the significance of fostering connections beyond geographical boundaries. The team laughed and cheered with the children while playing games, dancing and sharing language exchanges.

“You can see how happy they are from their big smiles,” said Caecilia Lana Cheajangchin, Learning Center volunteer English teacher. “Here, you see them running to the Sailors and giving them big hugs.”

According to the, Cheajangchin, the biggest contribution visitors can make is the simple interaction with the children through conversation in English. Interaction with foreigners is so important. It helps build their vocabulary and confidence; it significantly influences their future opportunities.

However, the benefit is twofold, and not just for the children.

“Having civilian mariners volunteer has a profound effect on both the kids and the individual volunteer,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jamil A. Khan, chaplain, MSC Far East. “It challenges them to step outside of their comfort zones, develop new skills, and increases their empathy toward others. I truly believe that many of these children—and civilian mariners—will carry the memories of the community outreach event with them forever.”

MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.

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.

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