Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OKINAWA, Japan  –  

The beaches of Okinawa are a peaceful escape for both locals and service members stationed on the island. The high temperatures, clear skies and gentle breezes create the perfect conditions to enjoy a day off work swimming in the clear, turquoise waters surrounding the island.

A group of U.S. Marines, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, took advantage of these conditions and decided to spend a Saturday afternoon snorkeling around Cape Zanpa, a more advanced dive spot characterized by steep cliffs, crevices and rocky shorelines formed from the constant crashing of waves.

As the sea condition worsened and the sun began to set, the Marines decided to pack up for the day and depart the area. After spending hours in the water, they made their way up a cliff to change and noticed a man and woman walk past them, making their way into the water.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Beachy, a New Braunfels, Texas native and a flight line mechanic, was near the edge looking out over the water and noticed the couple swimming below. Thinking nothing of it, he turned around and rejoined his group.

Suddenly, the Marines heard yelling.

“It didn’t sound right,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Escamilla, a Houston, Texas native and a UH-1Y Venom helicopter crew chief. “Something sounded weird. You can usually tell when something is a little off in a situation, and that kind of triggered something in our heads into doing a little more investigation before we left.”

They made their way to the edge off the cliff where they had a clear view of the water below and noticed that the man was standing alone, absent of the woman who accompanied him. The man kept screaming.

Without hesitating, the Marines jumped into action.

“We didn’t even come up with a common agreement to help,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Scott Detar, a Columbia, Mo. native and a UH-1Y Venom helicopter crew chief. “We were automatically engaged.”

Four of the Marines headed down to the edge of the water to help look for the woman. When they could not find her from the shoreline, three of the Marines decided to jump into the water to expand their search.

“We were scanning the rock and cliff side from the water while the other guys were giving us overlook and directions from the top of the cliff,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Stevens, a Nazareth, Pa. native and a UH-1Y Venom helicopter crew chief. “We were all super tired and drained at this point because we had been swimming for about four hours already. But the adrenaline kicked in and it was a matter of it being a real serious situation. I didn’t know if I would be recovering a body or looking for someone who was banged up and we wouldn’t be able to carry her back. There was a lot going through my mind but all I knew was that I was in the position to help and I wanted to help in any way I could.”

After swimming north approximately 100 meters from the shore, Beachy found the woman. She had been carried away by the current and was getting thrown into the base of a rocky promontory by powerful waves. They swam to her and immediately started tending to the injured woman in the shallow water.

“We did a medical assessment over her,” said Stevens. “Her knee was hurting and she had light bruises and scratches but the biggest thing was that she was in shock and couldn’t stand up on her own.”

Stevens and Beachy took the woman under their arms and proceeded to carry her back to safety. Cpl. Theron Dubay, a Richmond, Mich. native and a helicopter airframe mechanic, gathered the other’s gear, including the woman’s, and swam ahead of them to provide guidance on the best path to carry the woman back to safety.

“We walked with her alongside the rock face,” said Stevens. “We probably traveled about half a kilometer, getting hit by the waves, going from a depth of three feet to over six feet. We would fall but we would push her up so she was above the water and we would continue. Dubay would tell us to brace whenever a wave was coming so we wouldn’t get slammed against the rocks.”

From atop the hill, the other Marines were able to see that the woman was safe and on her way back toward them. At once, they started the descent down the path towards the water.

“I was very relieved,” said Cpl. William Ore, a Carson City, Nev. native and a flight line mechanic. “The first thing I did when I saw they were bringing her back was to go down and warn the man that … the others were bringing her back.”

The Marines continued to take care of the woman who remained in shock. They gave her water and continued to reassess her condition while they waited for local emergency medical services.

The Marines transferred care of the woman to local emergency services upon their arrival but stayed at the location to recount what had occurred while the woman recovered from the intense situation.

This incident highlights not only the unpredictable power of nature but also the importance of building positive relationships with the local community as representatives of the United States. In places like Okinawa, where residents and service members share the island, fostering trust and readiness can make a significant difference in times of need.

“Us representing ourselves as Americans and Marines is the most important thing that we have,” said Stevens. I didn’t join the military to have a good time, I joined to protect and serve; to serve my country and the partners that America has and that includes the people of those countries as well. Us respecting, understanding and taking care of the people around us, whether it’s our country or not, is the standard that Marines should instill and carry.”

Each Marine was recognized appropriately on November 06, 2024, for the crucial role they played that day. The decisive actions carried out by the seven Marines not only saved a life, but demonstrated the Marines’ commitment to the local community, even when off-duty.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOHAMA NORTH DOCK, Japan  –  

The Yokohama North Dock Running Festival, a showcase of athleticism and camaraderie, brought together nearly 3,000 Japanese and American runners Nov. 3 to compete in the event.

The festival included 5K, 10K and half-marathon races, and despite the rainy weather, the runners were largely enthusiastic for the day of friendly competition at the U.S. installation.

Col. Marcus Hunter, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan at Camp Zama, participated in the 10K race. Yokohama North Dock is a USAG Japan facility, and Hunter said the installation is a great venue for a large-scale running event that includes participation from both Americans and Japanese.

“We had a great turnout,” Hunter said. “It’s a little rainy, but it ends up being a perfect day to run in.”

Hunter said everyone seemed to be having a great time and thanked all the personnel who worked hard to ensure the event was held safely.

The running festival is the sole event that USAG Japan hosts at Yokohama North Dock, and it is a great opportunity for the U.S. Army to share the facility with the residents of Yokohama for a sporting event that both Americans and Japanese are very passionate about, said Randy Benton, the special events coordinator assigned to Camp Zama’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Participation for the event has grown over the years due to increased awareness in the local community. And considering the location, which overlooks the picturesque Yokohama Bay, Benton says he expects interest in the event will continue to grow in the future.

“Giving the local runners the chance to run on a U.S. installation that they would not normally have access to is a win-win situation for both USAG Japan and the local community,” Benton said.

Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, who placed first in the 5K division, had participated in the 10K prior to COVID-19 and said was excited to return for the event.

“I work near the installation and have been training for the race,” Yamamoto said. “I was happy that I had the chance to come back and to win.”

Yamamoto said the course was easy to navigate and very runner-friendly, and the large number of participants helped boost his motivation. He also echoed Benton’s statement, saying he was glad to be able to attend an event on a U.S. military installation where he usually doesn’t have the chance to run.

“I am looking forward to the next opportunity that I get to run here,” Yamamoto said.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SANTA RITA, Guam  –  

The U.S. Coast Guard recently concluded its support for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) Operation Kurukuru, a vital annual operation led by Pacific Island countries across the region’s vast maritime territory from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, 2024.

This coordinated effort, conducted over two weeks, covered approximately 23.3 million square kilometers, reinforcing regional resilience and promoting sustainable fisheries management across the Pacific. The Coast Guard’s support underscores the United States’ enduring commitment to its Pacific partners, who rely on these rich marine resources for economic stability and food security.

“Our role in Operation Kurukuru is supporting our Pacific neighbors in protecting what matters most to their communities,” said Capt. Jennifer Conklin, lead for Operation Blue Pacific. “From coordinating patrols to participating in Niue’s 50th Constitution Day celebration, the Coast Guard is here to lend our expertise and resources wherever we can make a positive impact. It’s also a chance to celebrate each Pacific Island country’s unique culture and proud sovereignty. By working together, we strengthen regional bonds and show our commitment to supporting a Pacific that thrives on its own terms.”

Throughout the operation, the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew from Guam and an HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point, Hawai’i, worked alongside Pacific Island countries’ personnel, strengthening capabilities through patrols, data sharing, and shiprider operations. In Palau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and despite heavy weather, Frederick Hatch conducted a bilateral patrol with a Palau Marine Law Officer aboard under the Palau-U.S. bilateral agreement, building on previous efforts to enhance enforcement and address local maritime challenges and discussing plans for future joint steaming with Palau’s patrol boat crew PSS H.I. Remeliik II. The team also completed inspections of two fishing vessels on the high seas under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Council (WCPFC) authority, identifying potential violations and gathering critical data that enables targeted enforcement of sustainable fishing practices.

“Working alongside Palau and our Pacific partners, we build skills together, ensuring a secure and sustainable future,” said Lt. Niki Kirchner-Hope, commanding officer of USCGC Frederick Hatch, who helped lead coordination efforts in Palau. “When we team up with Palauan shipriders, it’s not just about enforcement—it’s about trust, shared responsibility, and protecting the ocean for everyone.”

The U.S. Coast Guard’s HC-130 aircrew conducted extensive aerial surveillance throughout the high seas pockets off the Federated States of Micronesia, key fishing zones. It delivered valuable data to help guide surface assets across the region. The aircrew logged over 45 flight hours and flew more than 11,400 nautical miles, monitoring for illegal fishing activities while also standing by to assist with search and rescue (SAR) operations when needed.

“The HC-130 is truly a workhorse for our missions in the Pacific,” said Conklin. “With its incredible range and versatility, it allows us to cover immense distances, monitor vast areas, and respond quickly to emerging needs, whether that’s surveillance or search and rescue. It’s the ideal aircraft for supporting our partners in this part of the world, where a single search or patrol can span thousands of miles of open ocean.”

This dual role is an example of the U.S. Coast Guard’s unique mission profile in the Pacific, where cooperation and responsiveness are crucial to supporting isolated communities across immense distances.

Both the Hercules and the Frederick Hatch crews were diverted during the operation to support the Chuuk Disaster Control Office’s (DCO) request for assistance in searching for three men reported overboard from a small vessel in Chuuk Lagoon. The crews searched for three days before the DCO suspended efforts.

As part of the operation, the U.S. Coast Guard team joined Niue’s Constitution Day celebrations, marking 50 years of self-governance and deepening diplomatic ties. U.S. Coast Guard representatives met with Niue’s leaders to discuss advancing maritime law enforcement collaboration and future cooperation. The Coast Guard’s Hercules aircrew also hosted a static display for local students, allowing over 100 visitors to learn about the United States’ commitment to Pacific maritime security and environmental protection.

Niue, often called the “Rock of Polynesia,” is a small island country in the South Pacific known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, lush coral reefs, and warm, clear waters. With a population of just over 1,500, Niue is one of the world’s largest coral islands and boasts a rich Polynesian heritage. Despite its remote location, Niue has established itself as a leader in marine conservation, with 40 percent of its EEZ designated as a protected area.

“During Niue’s Constitution Day, our crew had a fantastic time hosting the static display,” added Conklin. “The local students were full of excitement and curiosity—seeing their enthusiasm up close was a special reminder of why we’re here. Moments like these show the importance of the connections we build, not just through our missions but by being part of these communities.”

Participation in the FFA operations is a critical element of the Coast Guard’s Operation Blue Pacific and Operation Rematau initiatives, which aim to strengthen maritime security across Oceania, foster regional partnerships, and counter illegal activities threatening Pacific Island countries’ well-being. By supporting the PIF and working with partners to detect, deter, and disrupt illegal fishing, the U.S. Coast Guard helps ensure Pacific Island communities can continue to benefit from the ocean’s resources. The efforts conducted at sea with partners from the Freely Associated States also build on relationships strengthened under Operation Irensia in Guam 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.

“As the Coast Guard, we have a unique role here, helping build resilience against maritime threats while respecting the lead of our Pacific Island partners,” said Conklin. “By working together, we’re making the region safer, stronger, more secure and more prosperous.”

-USCG-

About Operation Kurukuru
Conducted in the combined area of the 15 participating PIF members’ EEZ and the adjacent high seas pockets, Operation Kurukuru emphasized boarding activities at sea and in port, cooperative surveillance engagements, the utilization of remote sensing data to drive intelligence-led operations, and the use of all available Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) tools to provide timely and effective MDA information to members. These members include Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Zealand, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The operation also saw active participation from the Pacific Quadrilateral Defense Coordination Group (Pacific QUADs) countries—Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States, demonstrating international collaboration in the fight against IUU fishing.

About USCGC Frederick Hatch
The Frederick Hatch is the 43rd 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter named for a surfman and lighthouse keeper who was a two-time Gold Life Saving Medal recipient. They are also the 2023 Hopley Yeaton Award winners for small cutter excellence.

About U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point provides critical air support across the Pacific, enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Located on the western tip of Oahu, Hawaii, the air station conducts search and rescue, law enforcement, and disaster response missions over vast and remote areas, including the Hawaiian Islands, American Samoa, and the Western Pacific.

About Operation Blue Pacific
Operation Blue Pacific is the U.S. Coast Guard’s strategic effort to support a peaceful, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Pacific region. Focused on partnership, capacity-building, and enhancing maritime governance, the operation emphasizes collaboration with Pacific Island countries to address shared challenges such as illegal fishing, search and rescue, environmental protection, and regional security.

For further details on the U.S. Coast Guard efforts, please contact District 14 Public Affairs at hawaiipacific@uscg.mil.

For further details about FFA or Operation Kurukru, please contact Ernest Ta’asi, FFA Communications Officer, at ernest.ta’asi@ffa.int.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], South Korea  –  

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Elliot Rappoport, 2nd Infantry Division, G-6, Eighth Army, presented capabilities and best practices of a PR-200 spectrum analyzer, during a Combined Republic of Korea – United States Information Operations teambuilding event, held on Oct. 10, 2024.

Attendees included the ROK Information Operations Division, U.S. Forces Korea Information Operations Division, and 8A Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities.

Rappoport used a PR-200 spectrum analyzer to show ROK, and U.S. forces the capability to map and analyze the electromagnetic environment. Notably, the analyzer shows in detail any emissions within the EMOE, known as characterization of the EMOE. Characterization is important for friendly forces for two reasons. First, mapping the EMOE identifies electromagnetic interference, signals of interests, and adversarial jamming, critical to defense of Combined Forces Command. Specifically, the analyzer identifies any emissions that may interfere with ROK or U.S. communications. Second, the analyzer allows ROK and U.S. units to understand their emissions, to mitigate their electronic signatures i.e., use of military radios, power generators, and personal cell phones. Timely spectrum analysis is critical to offense and defense against adversaries, for example detection of electronic signatures results in real-time kinetic targeting, as seen in the war in Ukraine.

During the demonstration ROK and U.S. personnel participated in various practical exercises. The practical exercises showed transmissions within the EMOE and discussed signature reduction to ensure that sensitive information remains out of adversaries’ reach.

“Team building is vital for fostering trust, unity, and effective communication among our Korean partners,” explained Col. James D. Beall, director, USFK UCJ39 information operations. “In high stress and critical situations, having a cohesive team can be the difference between success and failure.”

The spectrum analyzer demonstration contributed to discussions on how to increase USFK OPSEC posture through mapping the EMOE.
Equipping service members, government civilians, and contractors with the knowledge and skills to safeguard sensitive information, such as electromagnetic emissions, the U.S. and our ROK partners ensure future operations are not compromised by information leaks or other security breaches. This proactive approach to operational security, i.e. spectrum analysis of friendly signatures, is essential in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world.

“Team-building activities like this with our ROK partner’s helps in developing leadership skills, boosting morale, and ensuring that every member feels valued and connected to the mission,” said ROK Marine Col. Dong Woo Lee, deputy director, ROK CFC CJ39. “It’s not just about executing orders; it’s about creating a bond that enhances overall mission readiness and resilience.” Moreover, when allies, partners, and the Joint Force understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, they can coordinate effectively, respond to challenges efficiently, and provide mutual support.

The future of EMOE mapping is developing capabilities that quickly identify adversarial emitters and protect friendly forces from targeting. The Alliance continues to be on the cutting edge of development needed to effectively characterize the EMOE supporting the USFK mission “to deter aggression and if necessary, defend the Republic of Korea.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Representatives from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Coast Guard traveled to Qingdao, China to meet with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Air Force for the semi-annual working group and annual plenary session of the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA), Nov. 6-8, 2024.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, director, Strategic Planning and Policy, USINDOPACOM, and PLA Rear Adm. Qiang Wang, Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the PLA Navy Headquarters, led their respective delegations at the plenary, which reviews the proceedings of both 2024 MMCA working groups, assesses the progress, and discusses the path forward for future meetings.

“This Military Maritime Consultative Agreement working group and plenary builds upon the MMCA working group held earlier this year in Honolulu, and continues direct discussions on air and maritime operational safety with the PLA,” said Maj. Gen. Bargeron. “A common understanding of safe behavior and adherence to international laws, norms, and standards by all nations reduces the risk of accidents that might prompt an unintended escalation.”

The semi-annual MMCA working groups provide a forum for the U.S. military and the air and maritime forces of the PLA to discuss operational safety and professionalism, as well as the norms and standards that facilitate the safe operation of military forces in the air and maritime domain. U.S. and PRC representatives reviewed operational interactions between their respective forces and discussed best safety practices.

“As the United States will continue to operate safely and professionally in the Indo-Pacific wherever international law allows,” said Maj. Gen. Bargeron, “these meetings serve to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception, miscalculation, or accidents, and therefore help foster stability within the U.S.-PRC military-to-military relationship.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  –  

During Operation POLAR VORTEX, a Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element (NALE) led by U.S. 3rd Fleet and supported by U.S. Fleet Forces was embedded into the bi-national Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region to manage the integration of naval and air activity at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

During Operation POLAR VORTEX, a Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element (NALE) led by U.S. 3rd Fleet and supported by U.S. Fleet Forces was embedded into the bi-national Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region to manage the integration of naval and air activity at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

The NALE is primarily a function of the Navy Reserve, with Reserve personnel filling roughly 98 percent of NALE billets, given the operational tempo of this unique work. NALE Sailors train in mobilization to billet (MOB-to-billet) positions and generally deploy on 90 to 270-day orders, responding both to planned operations and emergent crises, including training exercises, freedom of navigation operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to enable better integration between joint air assets. The NALE provides the necessary face-to-face contact among planner, commanders and staff to ensure mutual understanding, unity of effort and reduce friction between components.
 
“U.S. 3rd Fleet Navy Reserve members play a vital role in the NALE and give our fighting forces a competitive advantage by offering critical strategic depth to support the high-end fight,” said Rear Adm. Richard W. Meyer, deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “I’m so proud of ur Navy Reserve warfighters. They’re our most valuable resource and were essential to our integrated operations in the Northern Pacific. Leveraging their civilian career experience and diverse backgrounds, they added tremendous value to deliver warfighting advantage and expertise to the U.S. Navy, Joint and Combined Force.”
 
U.S. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) members in the 611th Air Operations Center worked alongside the 3^rd Fleet NALE to increase multi-domain awareness in the Arctic region during Operation POLAR VORTEX by instantly linking maritime and air domain awareness.
 
By co-locating while in Alaska, the 3rd Fleet NALE and 611th AOC were able to immediately coordinate information for the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) and provide a detailed real-time operating picture from the surface to air across some of the most remote operating areas in Alaska.
 
“The NALE has been essential to air operations,” said RCAF Brig. Gen. David Moar, deputy commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command NORAD Region. “They were key in synchronizing air operations with naval air assets and providing information to enable the JFACC to coordinate and support the maritime component.”
 
The NALE worked to seamlessly integrate their expertise of maritime domain awareness and employ a Navy P-8 Poseidon alongside joint and bi-national air assets. The cooperation increased tactical performance of joint forces validating command and control and tactical execution of mission objectives between various aircraft including exercising simulated air-to-surface strikes.
 
“The situational awareness the NALE has provided is the most maritime awareness the AOC has had in the 14 years I’ve been here,” said Alaska Air National Guard Col. Jeff Smith, deputy commander, 611th AOC. “It’s been great to see the coordinated efforts between air and maritime domains.” 
 
U.S. 3rd Fleet operations in U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) area of responsibility throughout the Gulf of Alaska aligned with Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet objectives to demonstrate resolve and credible deterrence in defense of the homeland in the area. The operations also supported USNORTHCOM and NORAD’s mission of homeland defense, aerospace warning and control, and preserving a stable Arctic region in cooperation with U.S. Allies and partners.
 
“The NALE is an essential part of integrating the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and AOC to provide multi-domain awareness to both Component Commanders,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Chris “Turtle” Turl, NALE director. “By coordinating information between each Commander’s guidance, the NALE facilitates the planning and execution of the mission to effectively meet the commander’s intent.”  
 
Operating across the vast distances and remote areas in the Arctic comes with many operational hurdles to overcome such as harsh weather and sea conditions causing increased risk to aircrews should an incident occur. Enhancing communication between joint forces is essential to meet the mission while overcoming obstacles and lowering operational risks.
 
Through joint and bi-national teamwork the NALE and 611th AOC were able to maximize multi-domain awareness and more effectively employ air assets saving time, and costs while reducing risk and increasing efficient use of tactical air assets and manpower.
 
Highly motivated members of the Navy Reserve are in demand for these challenging roles within the NALE which can either be a career path or stepping-stone to other positions. Successful NALE members have a solid professional knowledge of Navy platforms (subsurface, surface and air). The robust NALE individual training plan mixes formal and informal joint training as well as exercise training scenarios and real-world contingency operations. 
 
“The NALE enterprise is actively seeking officer and enlisted members from the air, intelligence, submarine and surface communities to join our units at the Echelon II and III levels across all areas of responsibility,” added Turl. “Joining the NALE has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, and I believe it is truly a place where members can reach their full potential within the operational level of war community.”
 
During Fiscal Year 2025, the program expansion has included new units across the fleets due to the demand for these very skilled warfighters and offers unique and exciting opportunities to passionate aviation, subsurface, surface and intelligence experts. NALE units are now attached to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and most numbered fleets.
 
Those warfighters looking for their next challenge to support the high-end fight and help better integrate our joint and coalition partners should select the NALE as a first choice during their next MyNavyAssignment, JOAPPLY and APPLY application period and reach out to those unit point of contacts with any questions. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH KOREA  –  

The 65th Medical Brigade in the Republic of Korea invited Dr. Amy Adler, Senior Scientist with the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), and Capt. George Mesias, Clinical Social Work Researcher at WRAIR, to give talks on behavioral health at the 38th Parallel Healthcare Training Symposium in October 2024.

At the 74th annual Symposium, held in the Republic of Korea, Dr. Adler and Capt. Mesias presented on training developed and evaluated by WRAIR, including Behavioral Health Guidelines for mEdic Assessment and Response (BH GEAR), a behavioral health training package for medics to extend their capabilities in far forward, austere operational environments, and Operational Resilience Training, a frontline resilience training package for soldiers in large-scale combat operations.

BH GEAR gives medics tools and strategies to respond when behavioral health problems occur in far-forward environments and behavioral health providers are not easily available.

“Our research shows that Soldiers frequently go to medics for behavioral health issues in remote outposts, or when units are geographically dispersed. We want to equip medics so that they can have the knowledge and confidence to support those warfighters, and to recognize when a soldier needs a higher level of care,” reports Capt. Mesias.

Research from WRAIR demonstrates that BH GEAR shows promise as an effective training. Medics have given this training high ratings, and evaluations of the training show a significant increase in medic knowledge about behavioral health and confidence in aiding service members who are experiencing behavioral health difficulties. In light of its important contribution to the medic toolkit, BH GEAR is being reviewed for wider and systematic implementation across the Army and Navy.

Capt. Mesias notes, “It’s gratifying to know that there is so much interest in the work we do to bring behavioral health support to the warfighter — where they need it most but it’s hardest for them to access it.”

In addition to BH GEAR, WRAIR presenters highlighted other behavioral health training products to support warfighters at the frontline. Dr. Adler presented on Operational Resilience Training, which was packaged by the US and counterparts from the Norwegian Armed Forces for use with Ukrainian soldiers. Operational Resilience Training integrates modules that address a range of topics relevant in large-scale combat operations and was informed by feedback from Ukrainian service members. These modules include managing acute stress using WRAIR’s iCOVER technique, mental skills that improve mission performance, supporting team members experiencing grief, and specific methods for building cohesion.

“Ukrainian soldiers from the frontlines are giving Operational Resilience Training high marks and talking about how relevant they find the training. Their feedback really underscores the importance of making sure we take care of soldiers both mentally and physically,” said Dr. Adler.

Operational Resilience Training is now being fielded for use by other allied nations, demonstrating WRAIR’s role as an international leader in military behavioral health and resilience.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

LUMUT, Malaysia  –  

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps joined forces with the Royal Malaysian Navy to conclude the 2024 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in Lumut, Perak. Over eight days, both nations engaged in joint activities that strengthened military cooperation and tackled shared maritime security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, CARAT has become a flagship example of U.S.-Malaysia defense collaboration, underscoring both nations’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. This year’s CARAT Malaysia highlighted an impressive scope of naval capabilities and fortified the foundation of a partnership spanning four decades.

“I’m incredibly proud of our strong security partnership with Malaysia – a foundational pillar of the U.S.-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership and a cornerstone of regional stability,” said U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan. “For 40 years, our military cooperation has steadily grown in strength, and today, we conduct 14 joint exercises annually, deepening our commitment to peace and security.”

During the exercise, participants trained on a full spectrum of naval capabilities. These cooperative evolutions highlighted the ability of Malaysia and the United States to work together towards the common goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The ashore phase featured subject matter expert exchanges and a variety of joint training opportunities. These included dive and salvage training, aviation and information sharing, force protection, cyber security, maritime domain awareness, and maritime law and law enforcement.

At-sea training was conducted in the Strait of Malacca where U.S. Navy assets were joined by ships and aircraft from the Royal Malaysian Navy for events focused on building interoperability and strengthening relationships.

The exercise demonstrated the bilateral force’s ability to work together through numerous events, including tactics designed to enhance communication as ships sail together in complex maneuvers. Other focus areas included surface warfare, mobile diving and salvage, replenishment-at-sea approaches and visit, board, search and seizure.

“The objectives of this exercise have not only been a platform for training and development but also a powerful testament to our shared commitment to regional security and cooperation,” said Royal Malaysian Navy First Admiral Dr. Tay Yap Leong, commander, Diving and Mine Warfare. “The lessons learned here will be crucial as we prepare for future challenges, reminding us that our strength lies not just in our capabilities, but in our ability to work as a cohesive unit.”

Malaysia has been part of the CARAT exercise series since it began in 1995. CARAT Malaysia 2024 is a continuation of 30 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability.

Participating U.S. assets include the U.S Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), with an embarked MH-60R helicopter, and a P-8A maritime patrol and reconnaissance patrol aircraft, Personnel from U.S. 7th Fleet, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71, 72, 73, 75, and 76, Command, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, and Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Royal Malaysian Navy participating assets include the Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel, KD Terengganu (F 174), the Keris-class littoral mission ship KD Rencong (114), a Eurocopter AS 550 Fennec helicopter, an F/A-18D Hornet multi-role fighter, and two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters.

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 Singapore. DESRON 7 also functions as the CTF-76 Sea Combat Commander and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the 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.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) departed the Republic of Palau after a regularly scheduled port call, Oct. 27. The Republic of Palau was the ninth port call of Emory S. Land’s current deployment, which began May 17.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Pete Nguyen provided the following statement:

The Department of Defense is pleased to announce Maj. Gen. Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum as the new director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), effective early 2025.

Maj. Gen. Vares-Lum’s leadership as President of the East-West Center and her 34 years of service in the U.S. Army provide her with the vision and experience needed to be a transformational leader at this vital DoD institution in the Indo-Pacific region.

Retired Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao departed the Center this last summer after more than six years of distinguished service as director of DKI APCSS.

DKI APCSS is the department’s premier institution dedicated to scholars and practitioners focused on the Indo-Pacific region.