Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANCHORAGE, Alaska  –  

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), recently embarked on a unique deployment to Alaska, combining rigorous training operations with impactful community service. The squadron’s multifaceted mission showcased its adaptability and dedication to both military readiness and community relations.

After an eight-hour flight from MCBH, the Marines of VMGR-153 were ready to accomplish their task. VMGR-153’s Toys for Tots mission was to support and transport the Marines of 4th Law Enforcement Battalion (LEB) in order to deliver presents to the children and families of the local Alaskan community.

The squadron’s KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft transported personnel and equipment to remote and otherwise inaccessible locations across Alaska. This effort ensured the successful completion of 4th LEB’s mission to deliver holiday gifts to children in these isolated areas. During 4th LEB’s toy deliveries, VMGR-153 assessed the training and readiness of their pilots and aircrew, gaining multiple training qualifications by the completion of the deployment.

“It definitely feels good knowing that we’re helping to contribute to some remote communities and their Christmas season,” said Capt. Ryan Foster, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with VMGR-153 and the officer in charge of the Toys for Tots detachment. “Being out here allows us to support local families while also getting great cold weather training.”

“We play a pretty important role in transporting the Marines with their snowmobiles, sleds and equipment up to those remote locations,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Pye, a KC-130J Super Hercules flight engineer and loadmaster with VMGR-153. “4th LEB are the ones getting face-to-face with everybody, but we’re the ones getting them there. We don’t get to see the ‘fruits of labor’ get delivered, but we know that they’re getting it done.”

In addition to their community service, VMGR-153 conducted joint training exercises with the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division and U.S. Air Force. The training included airdropping heavy equipment and paratroopers, delivering snowmobiles and personnel to remote areas, and enhancing operational readiness by providing crucial training and certifications to the pilots and loadmasters of VMGR-153. These exercises not only tested and enhanced the interoperability between the branches but also fostered greater cohesion between Marines, Soldiers and Airmen.

“It’s definitely beneficial to work with the other branches in any scenario where the U.S. military has to get involved in anything,” said Pye. “There’s always going to be some level of joint operation. Out here, although we haven’t done direct cross-training, we’ve been working with the Army and Air Force on our planes, providing good training for all of us.”

The deployment to Alaska also served as an invaluable training opportunity for VMGR-153. The difference between sunny, tropical Hawaii and Alaska’s frozen, mountainous tundra proved to be a shock to some of the Marines. For some, it was the first time seeing snow; for others, it felt like an average day back home. But all learned the valuable lesson that you can never be too safe nor too prepared for the cold. The harsh and varying climate of Alaska in the wintertime provided an ideal setting for honing skills necessary for operating in diverse and extreme environments. The squadron utilized this opportunity to enhance their readiness, ensuring they can effectively execute their missions regardless of geographic or climatic challenges.

“We are successfully handling a few different issues that we don’t usually experience in Hawaii,” said Foster. “We are having to de-ice the aircraft and utilize cold weather procedures. It is great training for us.”

“Allowing the Marines to get out here and work in the cold weather really benefits them and their proficiency in their respective jobs,” said Maj. William Huckeba, the operations officer for VMGR-153 and detachment officer in charge of the operation. “We have successfully accomplished our mission during this operation because we were prepared and planned our flights in extreme conditions meticulously.”

VMGR-153’s deployment to Alaska underscores the versatility and commitment of Marine Corps aviation units. By seamlessly integrating rigorous training exercises with meaningful community engagement, the squadron demonstrated its ability to adapt to complex missions and environments. The success of this deployment highlights the vital role such operations play in maintaining military readiness while fostering goodwill and support among local communities.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PATUXENT RIVER, Md.  –  

Aviators across USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) carrier air wing now train as a joint fighting force while deployed at sea in advanced simulators thanks to aviation pros across the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) enterprise. 

The new training capability was made possible through extensive partnership between Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Joint Simulation Environment (JSE); NAWCAD’s Webster Outlying Field (WOLF); the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD); and the Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office, with support from industry partners Boeing, Collins Aerospace and General Dynamics Information Technology. 

The system—called Simulators at Sea—increases readiness for aviators flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and E-2D Hawkeyes attached to Abraham Lincoln’s Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. It is the first integrated training capability for an air wing to deploy on a Navy carrier. 

The training system features a suite of connected virtual desktop trainers that enables CVW-9 aviators to rehearse missions—including wartime scenarios—together while at sea, an exercise not possible before this program. Historically, joint mission training on this scale is limited significantly, because practicing wartime scenarios can be risky, flight operations can be expensive, and real-life rehearsal puts Navy tactics on display for adversaries. 

After the team learned squadrons were deploying on Navy carriers with a limited ability to train together consistently, they started with the outcome: ensure Navy fighting forces maintain proficiency while deployed at sea. 

“Naval aviators train extensively working up to deployment, but those skills begin to atrophy when they pull out of port,” said NAWCAD JSE Director Blaine Summers, whose team delivered the Simulators at Sea capability. “This was a capability gap we had to plug with a fully integrated carrier air wing solution—one we’re ready to scale across the Navy’s fleet of carriers.” 

With no formal requirement or funding, the team made it happen. Their success was thanks to an abundance mindset by the joint team, who recognized our NAVAIR enterprise has the talent and technology to make Simulators, at Sea possible, all it took was bringing it together. After mapping out a plan, the joint team brought the new trainers to CVN 72 in less than 12 months. 

“Coordinating the engineering, logistics and ship modifications for these classified programs was daunting—these were things we never really tried,” said Mark Mckinnis, IPT lead for Virtual Integrated Training. “Getting this moving quickly sometimes required elevating things to senior leaders, including U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Naval Aviation Enterprise, and ship and air wing commanders.” 

The Simulators at Sea effort was complex, requiring multiple technical disciplines from across the enterprise to put their expertise onto the same project. When the team hit challenges—cyber and security, for example—they elevated issues quickly to leaders who could remove barriers to stay on timeline. 

“The challenges we were up against included tight timelines, the scope of the ship modification, and the unknowns along the way—our relationships were key to navigating all three of these areas,” said A.J. Lawrence, NAWCAD’s Ship Alteration Installation manager at WOLF. 

CVW-9 has trained in its new simulators daily since its July 2024 deployment. The team plans to expand Simulators at Sea to other aircraft carriers through partnerships with OPNAV and the Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office. 

“The best part of this project was hearing an E-2 aviator describe the new training to Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Stephen Koehler,” Mckinnis said. “He called it ‘better than the training they get ashore’ because in Sims at Sea, they can train for things they can’t anywhere else—that was an exciting breakthrough.” 

From the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.  

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TOKYO, Japan  –  

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific performed their annual holiday with a concert at Sakura Hall in Musashimurayama, Japan, on Dec. 15.

The performance captivated a diverse audience with classic Christmas songs and festive surprises, Including appearances from Santa and the Grinch, adding humor and holiday spirit that delighted attendees of all ages.

The concert celebrated friendship, community, and cultural exchange, showcasing the strong bond between the U.S. Air Force and the local Japanese community. Through music and shared traditions, the event highlighted the value of mutual respect and collaboration.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander, addressed the audience during the event. “Tonight, we celebrate being one community,” said McElhaney. “Thank you for being good friends, good neighbors, and good comrades.”

The PACAF Band’s performance underscored the importance of cultural exchange and strengthened ties between the U.S. Air Force and its Japanese neighbors, leaving a lasting impression on the Musashimurayama community.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

USAG HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea  –   Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, travels to the Republic of Korea during a trip to the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility, Dec. 20.

Paparo met with ROK Acting Minister of National Defense Kim, Seon ho to discuss commitments to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and the ironclad U.S.-ROK Alliance. They ensured one another the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture remains strong and ready to respond to any external provocations or threats.

During the visit, he also officiated the United States Forces Korea change of command ceremony, where Army Gen. Xavier T. Brunson relieved Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, who retired upon the completion of the ceremony with 40 years of honorable service to the United States.

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.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OKINAWA, Japan  –  

U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa volunteers brought the holiday spirit to Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan, on Dec. 19, 2024, with a special visit to a local daycare center.

The day’s festivities began with Santa’s grand arrival in a fire truck, courtesy of USAG Okinawa’s Fire and Emergency Services. Children from the Takenoko and Pono-Pono daycare centers greeted Santa, posed for photos with him and the fire truck, and enjoyed sweet treats shared by his helpers.

More than 100 children and teachers participated in the event, which was filled with laughter, questions for Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer.

“In Japan, Christmas is seen as a joyful celebration and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends,” said Yumiko Uchima, USAG Okinawa Community Relations Specialist. “It’s heartwarming to see the children’s excitement and happiness during this special occasion.”

The event underscored the value of community and shared traditions. It allowed the Army to share the spirit of Christmas while learning about how their host nation embraces the holiday season.

“These events mean a lot because we get to share our traditions and learn about the local community’s celebrations,” said USAG Okinawa Command Sgt. Maj. TaJuana Nixon. “It’s about the joy of bringing our two communities together.”

Through shared smiles, laughter, and the joy of giving, the day served as a reminder of the season’s true meaning: unity, joy, and community.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan,  –  

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Operation Support Wing hosted its annual mochi-pounding ceremony, bringing together U.S. and JASDF personnel to celebrate cultural exchange and teamwork at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 13.

The centuries-old tradition involved steaming glutinous rice before rhythmically pounding it with large wooden mallets in a mortar to create a sticky dough. Symbolizing unity and prosperity, mochi-pounding marks the arrival of the New Year in Japan. Once prepared, the mochi was shaped into small round cakes and served as part of the traditional celebratory meal.

The ceremony not only celebrates Japanese culture but also provides a unique opportunity for U.S. and JASDF personnel to collaborate and strengthen their bonds through shared customs. This year’s event saw both JASDF and U.S. military personnel working together to prepare the mochi, fostering teamwork and cultural understanding.

“At Yokota, the mochi-pounding ceremonies are a bit unique,” said Keisuke Kitano, JASDF Operational Support Wing liaison. “This event allows us an opportunity to welcome U.S. members and share Japanese culture, promoting exchange and teamwork.”

The annual mochi-pounding ceremony highlights the strength of the partnership between U.S. and Japanese forces. It not only fosters cultural understanding and mutual respect but also strengthens community bonds, offering both forces a unique opportunity to work together and build lasting friendships.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YONGSAN, South Korea  –  

The holiday season came alive at the Dragon Hill Lodge on Yongsan Garrison, where the entire community gathered to celebrate with a tree lighting ceremony, Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 17. U.S. Army Col. Edward Cho, the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey commander, welcomed military service members, families, and local residents in the area to a night of family-friendly fun, free food, caroling, an ugly sweater contest and pictures with Santa.

“To our incredible Soldiers, their families, and our devoted Korean allies, I thank you for your continued commitment, resilience, and the sacrifices you make every day. Your dedication strengthens the bonds that we have between nations,” said Cho during his opening remarks. “It’s because of you that we can stand strong together, ready to face any challenge that comes our way. During this season of joy and reflection, I’m humbled to serve alongside such remarkable individuals.”

The tree, standing tall, in front of the Dragon Hill Lodge was adorned with a multitude of sparkling lights and colorful ornaments, symbolizing the spirit of the holiday season. The lighting ceremony typically marks the beginning of a month-long series of holiday-themed events, accompanied by musical performances, gift-giving, and festive culinary delights.

Santa Claus made a grand entrance on an installation fire truck, later taking pictures with several families and children just inside, in the Dragon Hill Lodge’s main lobby area. Local dignitaries and leaders from both U.S. and South Korean communities attended the event, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations.

The ceremony was a chance for service members and their families to take a break from their normal duties and enjoy the warmth of the holiday season together. For many, the annual celebration on Yongsan Garrison has become a beloved family tradition.

The event serves as a welcome reminder of the importance of community during the holiday season, as well as a testament the enduring friendship between friends, allies, and colleagues who serve abroad together.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

HANOI, Vietnam  –   HANOI, Vietnam — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, traveled to Vietnam for the first time, Dec. 19, to attend the 2024 Vietnam International Defense Expo.

Paparo met with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff Senior Lt. Gen. Nguyễn Tân Cương, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper and other senior leaders to strengthen cooperation through the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

They discussed bilateral cooperation, maritime security and military modernization efforts highlighted by the first-ever delivery of U.S. Air Force T-6C Texan IIs aircraft to the Vietnam Air Defense Air Force in November.

He also met separately with Cambodian Minister of Defense Gen. Tea Seiha and Laos Deputy Minister of Defense Senior Lt. Gen. Khamliang Outhakaysone to discuss military cooperation and exchanges on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; demining and removal of unexploded ordnance; and professional military education and training.

This year’s expo, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Army, promoted efforts to enhance international collaboration in defense research, and manufacturing. Moreover, U.S. participation underscored the durability of the U.S. – Vietnam relationship as the two countries prepare to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations.

Paparo also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bac Son Monument, also known as The Vietnam War Memorial, in Hanoi. The monument was unveiled in 1994 and serves as a tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. 

Throughout his trip, Paparo expressed appreciation for the U.S.-Vietnamese efforts, through the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all unaccounted U.S. personnel in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

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. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

GUAM  –  

Did you know that roughly one-third, or 500 million acres, of the U.S. is forest? And did you know that Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. that is considered a jungle? By definition, a forest has many tall trees and can usually be traveled by humans, while a jungle is usually dense and overgrown with a tropical or humid climate.

So why did a Security Forces Specialist assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, travel to the pacific to participate in the Air Forces’ new Jungle Agile Employment Course?

An instructor and planner for the Air National Guard’s Cold Weather Operations Course at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minn., Master Sgt. Ian Nickila, “wanted to learn the finer details of operating and surviving in the jungle climate.”

The 10-day JACE course, attended by 22 service members from the Air Force, Army, and Marines, was planned and executed by the 36th Contingency Response Group and the 736th Security Forces Squadron, Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. The CRG mission is to advise, defend, construct, connect, and operate. The 736th is creating training to help Airmen produce a rapid Air Base Opening during Humanitarian Assistance or Disaster Relief mission.

“The core purpose of the course is to prepare airmen who will execute future Agile Combat Employment operations, at small spokes skills necessary to survive if support is interrupted or delayed, will be vital” said Capt. Wyatt Huff, Operations Officer with the 736th Security Forces Squadron and lead course developer.

The JACE contained survival-based curriculum to include survival, navigation, force protection, and mobility skills. Students collected and purified food and water, trained on cliffside rappelling, knot tying, building hasty shelters, and fire starting.

“On day one, Nickila stood out as an avid outdoorsman and his desire to share his skills was of great benefit to his classmates,” said Huff.

The three-day field training exercise included agile combat employment concepts, allowing Nickila and his classmates to practice operations with speed, scope, and complexity found in recent campaigns.

While in the field, the class attendees “were hunted by the course planners, or CADRE, so we built hasty shelters to sleep in,” said Nickila.

The physically grueling course taught Nickila “the importance of water,” he said. “I’ve always known I need water but determining how much I need and how much I wanted to carry in my ruck was a challenge.” Nickila filled a camelback, a canteen, and Nalgene bottle three times a day, and still fought dehydration. “I realized if I was struggling, that others would be, so finding an abundant and consistent water source is vital to operating in the jungle.”

Nickila, a 2005 graduate of Duluth Denfeld High School, joined the Air National Guard prior to his senior year of high school. “After September 11th, I knew I wanted to join the military,” said Nickila. “I talked to all types of recruiters. My father’s Army unit was activated at the 148th during Operation Noble Eagle; he convinced me that Security Forces would be a good fit.”

Since joining, Nickila has deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan; Eskan Village Compound, Saudi Arabia; Thumrait Air Base, Oman; Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar; and Amahd al-Jaber Air Air Base, Kuwait in addition to participating several specialized training exercises.

“Having ‘Defenders” with diverse training backgrounds is a key to our future success,” said 148th Security Forces Operations Superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Ben Nyen. “Ian has extensive experience in the Middle East and has always stepped up to increase his knowledge base. As a person who winter camps for fun, the Cold Weather Operations Course was a great opportunity for him to show his skills an instructor. Now he can teach the opposing lessons learned at the JACE course to our squadron.”

Bibliography

U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (2013). By the Numbers. Retrieved from By the Numbers | US Forest Service

U.S. Air Force (2021). U.S. Air Force Doctrine Note 1-21, Agile Combat Employment (2021, Dec. 21). Retrieved from https://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/Force%20Management/AFDN_1-21_ACE.pdf

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

General Xavier T. Brunson assumes command of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea in a ceremony held at Barker Field at the UNC and USFK Headquarters today.

Gen. Brunson assumed command from Gen. Paul J. LaCamera who had been in command since July 2021.

The ceremony was officiated by Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander, Indo-Pacific Command.

Gen. Brunson most recently served as the commander of I Corps, and previously he led the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., both commands with strong ties to the Indo-Pacific and the Republic of Korea.

Gen. LaCamera has had the honor of leading and serving with members of all military services, inter-agency colleagues, and coalition partners from platoon through corps, and a combined joint task force and will retire in the United States after a distinguished military career of 39 years. 

To view the video of the ceremony click this link: www.dvidshub.net/webcast/35601 or https://www.facebook.com/myusfk/live_videos/

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