Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

POHNPEI, Federated States of Micronesia  –  

The U.S. Coast Guard continued its support for regional and Department of Defense efforts by bringing its expertise in search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime safety and security to partners in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the week of June 3, 2024.

This support included processes education, coaching and mentoring, joint exercises, and sharing best practices by U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam and District 14 personnel, including Lt. Kira Adams, Ms. Dee Cruz, and Mr. George Butler.

The leadership and expertise of Lt. Kira Adams, the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam Joint Rescue Sub-Center chief, and Ms. Dee Cruz, emergency manager, were instrumental in this initiative. Both women have significant roles in enhancing the region’s maritime safety, security, and disaster response capabilities. Mr. Butler, a maritime emergency response and planning specialist from District 14, also brought a wealth of Incident Command System and mass rescue operations experience to the conversation.

“Our partnership with FSM’s response and maritime forces is vital for effective search and rescue operations. By joining forces, we can respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies, ensuring the safety of everyone at sea. The dedication and expertise of our teams truly make a difference, allowing us to save lives and protect our shared maritime community,” said Lt. Kira Adams.

Pacific Partnership is an annual mission led by USINDOPACOM to strengthen regional relationships and improve preparedness, response, resiliency, and security across the Indo-Pacific. As part of this mission, the U.S. Coast Guard, in partnership with INDOPACOM’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management (CFE-DM), recently led a three-day Humanitarian And Disaster Assistance (HADR) Workshop. The workshop focused on enhancing the participants’ understanding of Mass Rescue Operations (MRO), Incident Command System (ICS)/Emergency Operation Center (EOC), and EOC fundamentals.

The workshop included:

– Search and Rescue and Mass Rescue Operations

– Incident Command System/Emergency Operation Center

– Breakout groups on EOC fundamentals, setup, staffing, activation, demobilization, and ongoing recovery efforts post-disaster.

Ms. Dee Cruz highlighted the impact of disaster response and humanitarian assistance, “In emergency management, our goal is to provide swift and effective disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Our ongoing partnership with FSM enables us to share best practices, improve readiness, and ensure we are well-prepared to respond to crises. Together, we are building a resilient and secure future for our communities.”

Since 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard has been actively engaged in various activities to support FSM, making a significant impact. These include signing an expanded shiprider agreement on behalf of the United States to combat illicit maritime activities, conducting operations to promote security and economic prosperity, organizing search and rescue exercises, enhancing maritime law enforcement education, coaching, and mentoring, supporting community engagement, and participating in port visits and subject matter exchanges. These efforts underscore the U.S. Coast Guard’s dedication to enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific region through robust partnerships and collaborative efforts with FSM.

Born from the response to the 2004 tsunami in South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Partnership has grown into the most extensive annual multinational HADR relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific. Now in its 19th year, the mission enhances regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities and fosters enduring friendships, underlining the importance and relevance of the U.S. Coast Guard’s activities alongside DoD partners in the region.

For more information about U.S. Coast Guard activities, please contact CWO Sara Muir, Public Affairs Officer, at sara.g.muir@uscg.mil or uscgforcesmicronesia@gmail.com.

-USCG-

About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam:

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam is dedicated to safeguarding maritime interests, ensuring security, and promoting peace and prosperity in the Blue Pacific. Operations span search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and national defense. This team works closely with local, regional, and international partners to uphold maritime safety, security, and stewardship standards.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  –  

3d Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) continued to demonstrate its ability to operate in the INDOPACOM theater through its participation, experimentation, and innovation in Valiant Shield 24. 3MDTF deployed teams of soldiers across the Pacific while executing distributed command and control and employing emerging concepts and capabilities partnered with Department of Defense agencies and commercial industry.

Teams operating out of Japan, Guam, and Palau integrated extended range sensing, long range communication, effects, and fires to contribute to accomplishing training objectives.

In Guam, 3MDTF soldiers, partnering with the Research and Experimentation branch of the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (OUSD) and Aerostar Industries, launched high altitude balloons (HABs) from Won Pat International Airport. Once launched, the HABs rapidly ascended above 50,000 feet and began operating around the Marianas Islands. Equipped with electromagnetic sensing and mesh communications equipment, the HABs helped inform future maritime domain awareness innovation and experimentation.

While HABs floated at high altitude, Platform Aerospace, partnering with OUSD (R&E) and 3MDTF, launched the Vanilla Ultra-Long Endurance Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Vanilla holds the world record for continuous, un-refueled flight of a combustion engine aircraft (>8 days). Vanilla can be configured for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Persistent Communications.

For Valiant Shield 24, Vanilla performed as a communication relay, operating effectively during a 27-hour flight. Vanilla’s launch and flight, including multiple hours of flight during a violent storm, validated operational use of an Ultra-Long Endurance UAS capable of multi-day, multi-mission configurations.

Vanilla is an OUSD Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) Program; Valiant Shield 24 was Vanilla’s graduation event and formal Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 assessment.

In Palau, hundreds of miles away, soldiers from 3MDTF and 1-181 Artillery Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard participated in the VS24 Combined Joint Live Fire SINKEX on June 16, 2024, utilizing the U.S. Army Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) and two Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). During the SINKEX, the AML was able to engage a moving maritime target in conjunction with other Joint assets. The VS24 SINKEX is the first employment of both the AML and the PrSM outside of the U.S and is a significant milestone in the Army’s development of long-range fires capabilities.

The prototype launcher will be capable of convoy operations, autonomous way point navigation, tele-operation, and remote launcher turret and fire control operation.

PrSM is the Army’s next-generation Long Range Precision Fires weapon and is capable of neutralizing targets at standoffs greater than 400 kilometers.

To bring together the soldiers and capabilities spread thousands of miles throughout the Pacific, the 3MDTF All-Domain Operations Center (ADOC) on Oahu, and a Battalion command post in Japan were established. These operations centers provided the hub for synchronized planning and execution during the exercise.

VS24 provides 3MDTF an invaluable ability to train alongside partners and allies. Col. Michael Rose, the 3MDTF Commander commented, “Valiant Shield enabled us to integrate with the Combined Joint Force and operate distributed while forward in theater. We were able to build new relationships and continue to deepen existing ties. Valiant Shield and like exercises in the region enables us to test our systems and processes as well as integrate new capabilities alongside our partners and allies, contributing to the continuous transformation of our multi-domain capability and increasing our warfighting readiness.”

​VS24 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability training in a multi-domain environment. This training builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, in space, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. VS24 is the 10th iteration of the Valiant Shield exercise which first began in 2006.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PELELIU, Palau   –  

For the first time since its recertification in June, a military fixed-wing aircraft has touched down on the historic Peleliu airstrip, marking a significant and triumphant return to this iconic World War II site, on June 22, 2024. This landmark event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau (MCED-P) 24.1, comprised of engineers from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group.

The MCED-P has been diligently rehabilitating the WWII-era Japanese airfield on Peleliu, a mission critical to enhancing U.S. military strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The successful landing marks the culmination of months of dedicated work by the Marine engineers.

The runway was named in honor of Eugene Sledge, a private first class with the 1st Marine Division during the Battle of Peleliu and author of the well-known book “With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa,” which provides a vivid account of the historic battle and used by many to explain what happened during the historic battle.

“Today is a historic moment as we land a Marine Corps aircraft on the ‘Sledge’ runway,” remarked Maj. Christopher Romero, MCED-P 24.1 commanding officer. “This remarkable achievement demonstrates the strategic importance of our mission and our dedication to regional stability and security.”

Local leaders and community members, including Peleliu Governor Emais Roberts, attended the event, underscoring its significance for the island. “The landing of the C-130 on the resurfaced runway after many years hopefully begins a new chapter for a prosperous future of Peleliu island,” remarked Governor Roberts. “On behalf of the Peleliu citizens, I thank the U.S. Department of Defense with U.S. Marines for making this long-awaited joint use airfield become a reality. Our small island community has benefitted immensely with the U.S. Marine presence. We value the great partnership, and we feel safe and protected with the support of the greatest country in this world.”

“I feel privileged because I was in Peleliu in 2021 and saw the airfield transform into what it is now,” says Sgt. Brandon Gonzalez, a MCED-P 24.1 combat engineer squad leader who led vegetation removal and assisted with unexploded ordinance sweeping. “It truly is an honor to have been a part of this mission and see it come to fruition with a KC-130 landing.”

The restored Peleliu airstrip stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation of Marine Corps engineers. It bridges the past and the future, honoring WWII sacrifices while enhancing regional security and cooperation.

The successful landing is particularly poignant as the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu approaches in September. To commemorate this historic occasion, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, another battalion within 1st MLG, will be enhancing the Peleliu Civic Center Museum. This project aims to provide a new home for historic artifacts, ensuring the legacy of those who fought in the Battle of Peleliu is honored and remembered.

As MCED-P 24.1’s rotation draws to a close, Maj. Romero extended his gratitude to Governor Roberts and the Peleliu community. “Thank you for taking care of the Marines and Sailors of the MCED mission. Your contributions have been key to our success. The ‘Stray Dogs’ feel right at home here in Peleliu.”

The nickname “Stray Dogs” comes from the numerous stray dogs found in Peleliu, cherished and nourished by the community. This name reflects the locals’ hospitality and the bond formed with the Marines and Sailors of MCED-P.

​As the rehabilitation project continues, this successful landing represents a significant step forward in strengthening regional infrastructure. The engineers of MCED-P remain committed to their mission, ready to tackle challenges and contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

WASHINGTON, D.C.   –  

On June 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) during Prime Minister Modi’s official state visit to Washington, D.C. In its first year, INDUS-X has advanced both countries’ commitment to build a defense innovation bridge under the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

INDUS-X has strengthened private sector cooperation between the United States and India by facilitating partnerships among defense technology companies, investors, and researchers. The White House recently announced that the third INDUS-X Summit will take place in Silicon Valley in September 2024 with a focus on harnessing private capital for defense innovation. The summit will be co-hosted by the U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MANILA, Philippines  –  

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Surgeon Office and the Armed Forces of the Philippines—Health Service Command (AFP-HSC), held the first blood program subject matter exchange between the U.S. military and the Philippines from May 13-15 in Manila.

The three-day exchange focused on enhancing blood programs and forging stronger ties with critical Philippine medical organizations by sharing best practices, evaluating challenges and exploring opportunities for collaboration in blood programs and transfusion medicine. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, the goal of the program is to enhance capabilities to better provide safe and adequate blood products to service members, their families and local communities.

The initiative was led by Lt. Cmdr. Akakpossa Ananou, the USINDOPACOM Joint Blood Program Officer, and included U.S. service members: U.S. Army MAJ Nekkeya Glover, the 18th Medical Command blood consultant; U.S. Army MAJ Sarah Matthews, U.S. Forces Korea Area Joint Blood Program Officer; and U.S. Navy Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Joseph, the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group Liaison Officer.

It was coordinated with Philippine Army Maj. Jennifer Mateo, who heads the pathology and laboratory department at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center (VLMC) in Manila, and brought together the AFP-HSC, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Health Service Command, and the San Lazaro Hospital.

Maj. Mateo said the event was “a transformative journey towards achieving a common goal – blood interoperability and sustainability.”

Over 36 participants delved into various aspects of blood program management, including donor recruitment, blood collection, testing, storage and distribution. The open dialogue facilitated a transfer of ideas, allowing both sides to learn from each other’s experiences and pave the way for future cooperation.

The team also conducted engagements with key Philippine leaders, including Brig. Gen. Fatima Navarro, the AFP Surgeon General, Police Brig. General Jezebel Medina, the PNP Health Service Director, Col. Jonna Dalaguit, Chief of VLMC, Dr. Iftizar Haron and Dr. Dinarazad Miranda from the San Lazaro Hospital. These high-level discussions focused on strategic priorities, resource allocation and developing robust blood programs to enhance operational readiness and save lives during emergencies and contingencies.

​The initiative represents a significant step toward ensuring blood product availability in the Indo-Pacific region for humanitarian and disaster relief, and underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering closer collaboration in blood planning and management.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

AUSTRALIA  –  

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3 concluded the Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal (WADER) aboard HMAS Adelaide (L01) from June 2 – 20.

This exercise aimed to enhance amphibious capabilities and strengthen the partnership between the United States and Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Royal Australian Navy hosted 47 Marines and four Sailors with MRF-D 24.3 aboard HMAS Adelaide (L01), an Australian Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), alongside the Australian Amphibious Force (AAF) to participate in a comprehensive training mission designed to enhance joint operational capabilities.

MRF-D 24.3 Marines, Sailors, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Navy personnel worked closely to conduct a series of training activities. The early stages of WADER included MV-22B Osprey deck landing qualifications executed by Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced).

“What a great opportunity it is to have our pilots conduct landings on the HMAS Adelaide (L01), further strengthening our professional relationship with the Australian Defence Force,” stated U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brandon Pope, the commanding officer of VMM-268 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “The return to flight for the squadron has been a methodical approach to re-establish the aircrew proficiency required to execute training events such as this one safely.”

Following the deck landing qualifications, Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), conducted a Combat Marksmanship Program live-fire deck shoot.

“This was an excellent experience for me and my Marines,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joshua Sipin, an 81mm mortar section leader with Weapons Co., 2nd Bn., 5th Marines (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “Working alongside the Australians, we saw their safety procedures and range control, which was valuable for our Marines.”

One of the key components of the WADER was the integration of fires capabilities, which involved coordinated efforts between MRF-D’s littoral fires cell and the AAF’s Supporting Arms Coordination Center.

“Our fires and intelligence Marines were crucial in demonstrating our ability to conduct digital fires through High Frequency radio communication between the ship and the MRF-D Command Operations Center,” explained U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Gray Myers, the fires plans officer for MRF-D 24.3 and detachment officer in charge for WADER. “This exercise allowed us to refine our targeting and coordination procedures in a maritime environment.”

The integration of fires capabilities was further enhanced by the use of advanced communication systems.

“Our communications Marines established the COC onboard, maintaining network reach back to Darwin throughout the entire float,” added Myers. “This ensured that our fires teams could coordinate effectively with the command center, providing real-time updates and adjustments.”

Medical training was another critical component of WADER. U.S. Navy medical subject matter expert exchanges with ADF medical personnel aboard HMAS Adelaide (L01) covered various aspects of operational health support, including Role 1 care, triage, mass casualty planning, walking blood bank, surgical care, and en route care.

“We gained valuable insights into each other’s practices and protocols, enhancing our medical readiness and collaboration,” said Royal Australian Navy Cmdr. Peter Smith, a retrieval doctor with the Maritime Operational Health Unit. “It was great to have MRF-D onboard to exchange our medical practices.”

The ADF incorporated vehicles and logistics personnel from Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (Reinforced) into their battle rhythm, further demonstrating the seamless integration between U.S. and Australian forces.

“We safely maneuvered our vehicles to the staging area and helped the Australian embarkation specialists load them onto the ship by crane,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cody Albert, a motor transport operator with CLB-5 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “Once on board, we continued to work closely with them to position the vehicles for the exercises, practicing loading and unloading the vehicles onto a landing craft, preparing for the amphibious operation.”

The culmination of the exercise included a significant ship-to-shore movement, which tested and demonstrated the practical aspects of amphibious ship-to-shore operations.

“We have to make sure the vehicles have appropriate shoring to avoid any issues during the offload,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Colin Shannon, a logistics specialist with CLB-5 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “Working with the Australians was a great learning experience. We saw how they operate and learned different techniques, which helped us improve our own processes. Their support was crucial in ensuring smooth offloading operations.”

As the exercise concluded, both U.S. and Australian forces reflected on the success of their joint efforts and the valuable experiences gained. The standard operating procedures developed during WADER will facilitate future interoperability between MRF-D and ADF, ensuring both forces remain prepared to respond to crises and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

​“It was great to have our friends and Allies onboard again,” said Royal Australian Navy Capt. Troy Duggan, the commanding officer of HMAS Adelaide. “This was a great experience for my crew to learn from them, interact, share stories, and create new friendships.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PHILIPPINE SEA  –  

Sailors assigned to both U.S. 7th Fleet and the 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducted a maneuvering exercise with the French Navy Aquitaine-class frigate FS Bretagne (D 655), during Valiant Shield 2024, June 14.

​Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of services and with our allies to conduct precise, overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The maneuvering exercise demonstrates partnership capabilities using operational and tactical procedures. These exercises require cooperation, communication, and interoperability between two or more navies affording the opportunity to develop greater trust and understanding.

“Sailing alongside our nation’s oldest friend and ally while underway together in the Western Pacific is a testament to our strong and lasting partnership with the French Navy,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.  It was great to see FS Bretagne and USS Blue Ridge operating together and no matter where we are, our allies and partners are with us, demonstrating the power of presence and teamwork in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The exercise also afforded the opportunity for cross-deck tours. Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge were able to go aboard Bretagne for a tour, as well as host a lunch for Bretagne’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Gwenegan Le Bourhis.

“Nation of the Pacific, France regularly deploys Navy assets in the region. By sending a first-class destroyer last year and this year alongside its allies and partners, France Illustrates its attachment to a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific,” said Bourhis. “This combined maneuvering exercise increases significantly our high-end interoperability and contributes directly to building up mutual knowledge, camaraderie and finally confidence between both our navies.”

Named after the region of Brittany in France, Bretagne is forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing concluded the latest iteration of its ongoing fighter exercise, Sentry Aloha 24-2, June 12 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

This two-week National Guard Bureau training event brought together more than 1,000 participants from nine states and four service branches, providing essential combat training to joint and total-forces units.

Aircraft operated across the islands of Oahu, including Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole.

Visiting fighter and attack aircraft included A-10 Warthogs and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center, F-16s from the 177th Fighter Wing and F-35A Lighting IIs from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. These aircraft joined the 154th Wing’s locally based F-22 Raptors, operated by the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons.

This year’s iteration was built around a concept known as distributed mission planning and operations, enabling participants to operate with more autonomy as warfighters accomplished combat objectives.

Maj. Michael ‘Deuce’ Oliver, Sentry Aloha exercise director, said this strategic shift challenged them to employ decentralized and flexible practices in dynamic combat environments while facing the threat of advanced enemy aircraft.

Daily training sorties focused on air-to-air combat, featuring large-scale combat simulations against adversarial red air forces and integration with friendly blue air forces.

Several scenarios included blue air fighters protecting A-10 aircraft conducting air-to-ground strikes. These operations took place on the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island, with Airmen from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron on the ground coordinating close air support strikes with the escorted Warthogs.

In addition to the air-to-ground strikes, maritime strike missions were conducted alongside the U.S. Navy. Both scenarios incorporated the support of a U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A from Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3. The UAV’s advanced airborne sensors and communication node provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to red and blue air participants throughout the training.

The Hawaii ANG’s 169th Air Defense Squadron monitored and relayed battlespace information for each training objective. They upheld command and control to ensure real-time situational awareness and coordinated responses to evolving threats.

“Exercises like this are exactly what we need to allow us to operate at a much larger scale and as a joint force,” said Tech. Sgt. Kukila Carreira-Manin, 169th ADS weapons director. “This also gave us an opportunity to integrate with more expeditionary Air National Guard members from [continental United States], such as the 128th, 116th and 109th Air Control Squadrons, as well as 3d LAAB Marines stationed at Kaneohe Bay and MACS-4 out of Okinawa, Japan.

“We’re not going to win the fight as a single branch, “said Carreira-Manin. “We as military members on all levels must continue to work together as one to ensure we are relevant and ready in the race for Great Power Competition.”|

Fighter activity was maintained through air-to-air refueling by local and visiting tanker aircraft, including KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46A Pegasus airframes. C-130 aircraft variants from the Air Force Reserve Test Center and the 129th Rescue Wing delivered logistical supplies for operations in remote locations.

Throughout the exercise, AATC tested a developing communication system with airframes like the KC-135, known as Link 16. This system facilitates seamless data exchange between aircraft and other sensors, enhancing situational awareness and coordination. The integration of Link 16 on atypical aircraft like tankers during the exercise demonstrated the potential to revolutionize communication strategies in combat scenarios.

Despite a smaller footprint of “Hawaiian Raptors” due to off-island deployments, the exercise minimized the impact on general aviation at Honolulu International Airport by dispersing aircraft across multiple locations. This added complexity to the operations, showcasing the capabilities of conducting distributed planning and ensuring secure communications provided by members of the Hawaii ANG’s 291st and 292nd Combat Communications Squadrons and National Guard augmentees from around the nation.

Key achievements included numerous mission commander upgrades and mission qualification training for the participating fighter squadrons.

Sentry Aloha will increase the 154th Wing’s readiness to support security initiatives throughout the Indo-Pacific Theater and beyond.

​“We’ve gotten quite a lot done over the past two weeks and are glad to see that many are walking away with some significant milestones checked off,” said Oliver. “Our hope is that the immense value gained from these experiences will inspire everyone to return for more opportunities to fly with us, the Hawaiian Raptors, again for more world-class training.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PEARL HARBOR  –  

Valiant Shield (VS) 2024 conducted a sinking exercise (SINKEX) with the environmentally clean decommissioned hulk of the Austin-class amphibious transport dock, ex-USS Cleveland (LPD-7) more than 40 nautical miles from land in the North Pacific Ocean.

A SINKEX generally involves air, surface, and undersea military units conducting live-fire training against a physical target.

SINKEXs give participants an opportunity to gain proficiency and confidence in their weapons and systems through realistic training that cannot be duplicated in simulators.

Each SINKEX is conducted in strict compliance with applicable U.S. environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements to minimize potential harm to the environment. In addition, each SINKEX vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process, in accordance with Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) standards, which includes removal of all liquid polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from transformers, large capacitors, and small capacitors. Additionally, petroleum is cleaned from the vessel’s tanks, pipes and reservoirs and all trash, floatable materials, mercury or fluorocarbon containing materials, and readily detachable solid PCB items are removed. The Navy also complies with documentation requirements to track components containing liquid PCBs and solid shipboard materials potentially containing PCBs.

SINKEXs are conducted only after the area has been surveyed for the presence of people, marine vessels, aircraft, and marine species. SINKEXs are fully compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

VS24 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability in a multi-domain environment. The exercise builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces by detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, in space, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

Exercises such as VS24 allow forces across the Indo-Pacific the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and partner nations to train in precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint and Combined Force.

​Media queries regarding VS24 should be directed to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office at (808) 471-3769 or cpf_newsdesk@navy.mil. Imagery and stories regarding Valiant Shield can be found here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ValiantShield.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, Philippines  –  

On June 15, 2024, elements of the Philippine and U.S. armed forces conducted a live-fire event for Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise taking place in the Philippines from June 3-21, 2024, focusing on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts.

The U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a two part, live-fire event off the coast of Camp Bojeador and in waters to the west of Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC), Philippines. The LLFX showcased the integrated command and control capabilities of U.S. and Philippine armed forces in a territorial defense scenario featuring bilateral surface and maritime strikes.

To the north, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) used ground-based artillery to engage staged maritime targets, made of wood and concrete, in waters four nautical miles due west of Camp Bojeador. U.S. Marines at Camp Bojeador provided bilateral fires coordination support to PMC forces as they engaged the targets to increase bilateral coordination and proficiency among U.S.-Philippine forces.

To the south, four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightening II aircraft, operating out of Clark Air Base and supported by elements of U.S.-Philippine forces, conducted controlled aviation strikes on staged maritime targets, made of wood and concrete, in waters three nautical miles westward of NETDC, Philippines. Philippine military personnel provided additional coordination and support for the aircraft and targeting to increase the effectiveness of bilateral aircraft operations and fire support.

Philippine unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supported both live-fire events to increase maritime domain awareness capabilities and to ensure the safe execution of the training events.

Military planners from both the U.S. and Philippines coordinated these live-fire training events with the proper governmental authorities. Philippine Navy and Coast Guard vessels as well as air traffic control authorities cleared and blocked the areas utilized for training to ensure no other boats, vessels, or aircraft were in the impact area. The areas utilized for the littoral live-fire events were within Philippine territorial waters and stringent safety precautions were taken to ensure safe and responsible training execution.