Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

U.S. Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, reaffirming the four nations’ commitment to bolstering regional security and stability, June 16-17.

The MCA demonstrates our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the maritime domain.

The MCA featured the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17). The MCA involved a series of activities and maritime maneuvers to test and validate the interoperability of our armed forces’ doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. It also provided an opportunity to demonstrate professional interactions among naval and air forces rooted in long-standing military traditions and customs. These exercises were conducted in accordance with international law, ensuring the safety of civil maritime navigation and the protection of the marine environment.

The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order. Cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region where aircraft and ships of all nations may fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.

Ralph Johnson is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SYDNEY — The Australian Defence Force, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency co-hosted the Military Civilian Health Security Summit in Sydney, June 16-17, bringing together 23 Indo-Pacific partner nations, international organizations, NGOs and academics to facilitate improved coordination and collaboration between military and civilian groups to better prevent, detect and respond to health security threats.  

At MCHSS, there were 120 participants from the following countries: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, India, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sir Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Timor-Leste, United Kingdom, and the United States as well as the African Partner Outbreak Response Alliance.

Established in 2018, the MCHSS symbolizes a unified commitment to address global health security challenges and provides an opportunity for participants to share valuable insights and enhance regional readiness through its multilateral, multisectoral approach. In its third iteration, this year’s event featured keynote speakers and break-out sessions on global health security at the national, regional and global levels, to include the roles of defense and humanitarian groups during armed conflict, preparedness planning and countering misinformation and disinformation, among others.  

Centered on increasingly complex and dynamic health security landscapes, discussions featured the exchange of best practices and the identification of shared challenges, while providing an opportunity for unified strategies that transcend the civil-military divide and international borders. 

By actively bolstering the health security capacity of civilian and military entities, the MCHSS aims to improve global stability through cultivating key partnerships, mitigating malign influences and enhancing readiness in order to advance peace, security, and prosperity in an open and resilient Indo-Pacific. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presided over the establishment ceremony of Joint Task Force-Micronesia (JTF-M) at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on June 14, 2024, where Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman assumed command.

Today’s milestone highlights the significance of the first two-star command in the region in more than seventy years.

“Defending this homeland through the vision of the Guam Defense System, commanded and controlled by Joint Task Force – Micronesia is my number one priority. This joint area of operations is critical terrain that enables the success of delivering integrated deterrence,” said Paparo. “By ensuring our joint force and our joint capabilities are in the right place at the right time, we are able to deliver strong deterrence to prevent conflict. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated.”

Huffman’s role as the Senior Military Officer in the region, will emphasize the Department of Defense’s support to our pacing challenge throughout the region, and bolster relationships with our Allies and partner nations in the joint operating area.

The JTF-M joint operating area will include U.S. territories (Guam, The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and Wake Island) and the Freely Associated States, comprised of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

“Our team thinks, acts, and operates differently, while continuing to be an innovative force that deters aggression. Our adversaries will see our accomplishments in the region, and they will see our commitment to strengthening relationships with our neighbors in the region,” said Huffman. “They will see how our military emphasizes a collaborative vision with our Allies and partners that prioritizes stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Huffman, the son of a career naval officer and a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, brings a wealth of insight to the role, based on his experience as the recent Commander of Joint Region Marianas.

​The mission of the JTF-M is to synchronize operations and activities across all domains, enabling a robust warfighting posture, while enhancing partner nation capacity. The Task Force will promote regional stability, provide homeland defense, Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA), and foreign humanitarian assistance through a whole of government approach.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation, the U.S. Air Force 613th Air Operations Center has signed an agreement with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Defense Command at Pacific Air Forces Headquarters, Jun. 12.

This agreement seeks to strengthen ties between the two air forces at tactical and operational levels, fostering regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“This agreement represents a significant milestone in our partnership with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Chris McFarland, Commander of the 613 Air Operations Center. “By working together more closely, we can effectively address shared challenges and uphold our mutual commitment to regional security.”The agreement includes joint exercises, information sharing, and subject matter expert information exchanges to enhance interoperability and facilitate rapid, coordinated responses to potential contingencies. This collaboration underscores the deep-rooted partnership between the United States and Japan in safeguarding shared interests and promoting peace and stability in the region.

​“Through collaborative efforts such as these, we reinforce not only our alliance but also the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said McFarland. “Together, we stand for regional stability, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Indonesia June 11-14, to meet with senior military and government officials as the two nations celebrate the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relations.

Paparo’s first official visit to Indonesia as the commander of USINDOPACOM demonstrates the U.S. commitment to supporting the modernization of Indonesia’s defense forces and highlights support for Association of Southeastern Asian Nations centrality and the ASEAN Outlook in the Indo-Pacific.

During his visit, Paparo held discussions exploring ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of maritime security; humanitarian aid/disaster relief and peacekeeping; and bilateral and multilateral military exercises, such as this year’s iteration of Super Garuda Shield, the U.S.’ largest military exercise with Indonesia and one of the largest in the Indo-Pacific region.

Paparo met with Gen. Agus Subiyanto, commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces; retired Lt. Gen. M. Herindra, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia; Vice Adm. Erwin S. Aldedharma, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy; and Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, Director of the National Disaster Management Agency.

During a panel discussion with Dr. Raditya Jati, Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency Deputy Minister of System and Strategy, and Jeff Cohen, USAID Mission Director Indonesia, Paparo underscored the U.S. support for Indonesian disaster response and preparedness strategies. The panel emphasized the importance of interoperability, communication and coordination between militaries, local governments, non-government organizations and religious organizations. They also discussed the value of learning from past disasters and the need for quick response strategies, capacity building, risk mapping and contingency planning.

While in Indonesia, Paparo was a keynote speaker at a ceremony recognizing cadets from the Indonesian Military Academy as they depart for a cultural exchange with the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy. These exchanges serve as an important symbol of friendship, cooperation and partnership between the U.S. and Indonesia.

In November 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto signed a historic Defense Cooperation Arrangement and discussed ways to expand training opportunities, increase educational exchanges, and improve maritime domain awareness. Under the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the U.S. and Indonesia are expanding cooperation on all issues of common concern, including fostering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. 

People-to-people ties between the U.S. and Indonesia are anchored in shared values of democracy, and a common commitment to the rules-based international order, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP CASEY, Republic of Korea  –  

United States Army Soldiers and Korean Augmentation To the U.S. Army (KATUSA) Soldiers stationed throughout the Korean peninsula participated in a variety of events and activities designed to strengthen the teamwork and comradery of military service members during KATUSA Friendship Week, June 10-14.

This year is the 74th anniversary of the KATUSA program, which began as a gentleman’s agreement between the Honorable Syngman Rhee, president of the Republic of Korea, and General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, commander in chief, United Nations Command.

On July 15, 1950, just three weeks after the Korean War began, the two leaders initiated the KATUSA program, informally marking the start of a long and rich history of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. The KATUSA program predates the mutual defense treaty signed by the two countries more than three years later, which pledges “collective defense for the preservation of peace and security” in the Pacific region.

Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett, the Deputy Commanding General of Operations, Eighth Army, described the significance of KATUSA Friendship Week to the ROK-U.S. alliance and how it improves the readiness of warfighters. More than ever, facing the challenges of the modern battlefield require creativity, teamwork, focus, and commitment.

“Whether or not you know it, this week you have been trained,” said Crockett. “Combat is a team sport. Cohesive teams work and train hard together. Every team that was put on the field had to figure out their positions and how they were going to contribute to the larger overall team to accomplish the mission. This is exactly how it’s going to work on the battlefield of tomorrow.”

KATUSA Friendship Week, which is hosted annually by Eighth Army and ROK forces, has become a cherished tradition that enhances cross-cultural understanding and unity among the two nations’ military service members. This year’s events included a six-mile ruck march, U.S. Army birthday run, airborne operation, sporting competitions, language exchanges, cultural booths, a film festival, singing contest, K-pop performances, and more.

Cpl. Jeong Juwon, also known as JJ, is a KATUSA assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey. Juwon was chosen by his teammates to be the anchor in the tug-of-war competition due to his sturdy frame and team-orientated mentality.

“It was really fun,” jubilantly stated Juwon after winning the first round of the competition. “Lean backwards like Michael Jackson and be strong! I recommend everyone participate in any events they can.”

The Republic of Korea has its own flavor, enabling military service members to have unique experiences that become part of their lifelong memories. On June 13, hundreds of Soldiers and KATUSAs gathered at Camp Casey’s Impact Zone to enjoy world-class performances by the ROK Ministry of National Defense Honor Guard, the 1st ROK Army Corps taekwondo team, RUVICHE, Floria, Gi Daon, Microdot, Hashtag, Laysha, Dreaming Sandae, and many more talented individuals.

Cpl. Seung Jin Lee, a KATUSA assigned to 210th Field Artillery Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, sang a soulful rendition of Park Kyo-shin’s “Breath” during a talent show held shortly after the closing ceremony. Jubilant cheers reverberated throughout the venue as military service members, old and young, unwound at the end of a week of friendly competition and cooperation.

“I was nervous because it was my first time to sing this song in front of a crowd,” said Lee. “My friends gave me so much praise and encouragement I was able to go on stage and perform my best.”

KATUSA Friendship Week demonstrates the strength and resilience of the partnership between the United States and South Korea in the face of new and evolving challenges in a diverse theater of operations. Memorable events like KFW boost the morale and camaraderie of military service members, which can provide strength in times of adversity while reinforcing the long-cherished bonds of friendship between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

​“Katchi Kapshida,” – “We go together,” is a slogan commonly shared within the U.S.-ROK alliance that captures the very essence of the enduring friendship between ROK and U.S. Soldiers over the past 74 years.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

FORT KNOX, Kentucky  –  

The remains of Army Pfc. Anthony J. Lopa, a Soldier killed during the Korean War, will be interred June 28 at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey. Maxwell Funeral Home, Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, will perform graveside services preceding the interment.

A native of North Arlington, New Jersey, Lopa was a member of Delta Battery, 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons (Self Propelled) Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He was killed in action Aug. 31, 1950, while fighting the North Korean People’s Army along the Naktong River, near Yongsan-Myeon, South Korea. He was 17 years old.

Lopa was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency July 21, 2023, after the remains of Korean War unknowns were exhumed for identification July 2018 from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Past Conflict Repatriations Branch, under the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division at U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, plays a key role in the process of locating Family members of missing Soldiers from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.

The process begins with locating the Family member most closely related to the missing Soldier, known as the primary next of kin, followed by a request for Family reference samples or DNA, which are used as a main source in identifying remains.

Once a Soldier has been identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, the PCRB notifies and briefs the Family about the results of historical, forensic and DNA reports, benefits and the mortuary process including burial with full military honors.

For additional information about Pfc. Lopa, go to: https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/Press-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/3732394/soldier-accounted-for-from-korean-war-lopa-a/

​Media interested in covering the funeral/interment, and/or obtaining more information, should contact the Army Casualty Office at 800-892-2490 or Maxwell Funeral Home, 609-296-6060.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

GOTON, Conn.  –  

The enrollment of Royal Australian Navy sailors at the Submarine School marks a significant step in the AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) Pillar 1 Optimal Pathway, aimed at helping Australia acquire a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

“We’re excited to welcome these sailors and officers to Groton and build on the momentum of the first cohort of Australian officers to graduate from Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) in April,” said Capt. Matthew Fanning, commanding officer, Naval Submarine School. “It is an honor to be part of the team that is delivering game-changing capabilities to one of our country’s closest and staunchest allies.”

The Submarine School trains officers and enlisted personnel through two distinct but interrelated tracks: Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) and Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS).

SOBC is the last step in the U.S. Navy’s submarine officer training pipeline, graduating over a thousand officers annually. BESS introduces enlisted sailors to the fundamentals of the construction and operation of today’s nuclear-powered submarines. The course covers everything from shipboard organization to submarine safety and escape procedures. Following BESS, enlisted sailors will complete their pipeline training with classroom and skills training specific to their intended technical rating.

Upon graduation from pipeline schools, the Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors will be assigned to U.S. SSNs for their first sea tour to further their knowledge and training.

“The Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors commencing their training at the U.S. Naval Submarine School represent the leading edge of Australia’s future submarine fleet,” said the Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond.

“Three Australian officers have already completed 14 months of intensive shore-based training, including Nuclear-Power School, nuclear propulsion training, and the Submarine Officer Basic Course before being assigned to U.S. Virginia class submarines. Our people are receiving world class training through our U.S and U.K partners, and will play a crucial role for Australia’s future SSN capability. I’m incredibly proud of their achievements representing the Royal Australian Navy.”

“Australians are exceptional submariners,” said Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, the U.S. Navy’s AUKUS Integration and Acquisition program manager. “The training they receive at Submarine School will set them up for a successful tour aboard an American SSN, moving the Royal Australian Navy that much closer to operating sovereign, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.”

The number of Royal Australian Navy personnel training across the U.S. will increase to over 100 people in the next 12 months. Training Royal Australian Navy sailors alongside their American counterparts will enhance interoperability across the submarine forces, which is a cornerstone of establishing Australia’s sovereign nuclear-powered attack submarine capability.

​The AUKUS partnership is a strategic endeavor that aims to strengthen the industrial bases of the three partners and promote a safe, free, and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring the international, rules-based order is upheld in the region. Australia will acquire conventionally armed SSNs for the Royal Australian Navy under AUKUS Pillar 1. The AUKUS I&A program office is responsible for executing the trilateral partnership to deliver conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines to the Royal Australian Navy at the earliest possible date while setting the highest nuclear stewardship standards and continuing to maintain the highest nuclear nonproliferation standard.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ITBAYAT, Philippines  –  

In addition to enhancing their warfighting capabilities through bilateral military training, U.S. Marines and Sailors with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and Philippine Marines with 4th Marine Brigade, strengthened ties through community service and civil engagements during Exercise Balikatan 24, Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum, and the ongoing Marine Aviation Support Activity 24, on Luzon, Philippines, April 15 – June 12, 2024.

Balikatan, an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences, is internationally recognized for emphasizing “shoulder-to-shoulder” training between all branches of the U.S. and Philippine militaries. This year’s 39th iteration of BK was followed by the first iteration of Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum, a series of bilateral exchanges and training opportunities between U.S. and Philippine Marines aimed at bolstering the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense strategy. Then began MASA, an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts.

During the execution of the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operation, one of four Combined Joint All-Domain Operations events that took place during BK24, 3rd MLR and 4th Marine Brigade experimented with the Littoral Reconnaissance Team concept by deploying low-signature, lightweight, expeditionary teams to the Batanes islands. There, the combined U.S.-Philippine LRTs tested sensing capabilities, conducted key leader engagements, and simulated the seizure and defense of key maritime terrain.

During this event and others, the Marines shared the unique and intimate experience of volunteering with the local community.

“We conducted civil reconnaissance training and key leader engagements with the Mayor of Itbayat and other local leaders as part of the MKTSO’s mission,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Lupita Rodriguez, a native of Texas and a civil affairs specialist with 3rd MLR. “But in addition to the scheduled engagements, we also had organic interactions with members of the local community, including patrols during which the Marines stopped to hand out candies, take photos, and play with the neighborhood children.”

During these spontaneous interactions, the Marines could take a break from the rigorous training they had been conducting over the three consecutive exercises and apply their professionalism to a different, but equally important, aspect of forward military presence: civil engagements.

“These sorts of civil engagements are important due to it being the first time many civilians from on and around the Batanes islands and Northern Luzon have ever seen U.S. Marines,” said Rodriguez. “You can only ever make one first impression. We want these people to know we care about them and that they can have faith and confidence in the U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines partnership.”

The Marines didn’t fail to create a lasting impression on the local populace of Itbayat. The streets buzzed with laughter and conversation as children played games and the adults shared their experiences, culture, and values with their new American friends.

Although their time on the island was short, the Marines made the most of it by engaging in various community service events, including painting several buildings on one of the local school campuses and picking up trash around the area to give the children a better environment to learn and play.

As a show of thanks, the Itbayat school’s leadership invited the U.S. and Philippine Marines to a joint dinner with the heads of the Barangay, the staff, and the students.

“The volunteering that 3rd MLR and the PMC conducted during these three exercises really opened some eyes as to what we’re fighting for,” said Sgt. David Palacios, a native of Florida and a squad leader with 3rd Littoral Combat Team. “When our Marines see the Filipino civilians leading peaceful lives, they understand what they are there to protect.”

The impact of the Marines’ volunteer service left a permanent mark on the hearts and minds of the local Filipino populace and forever changed the Marines and Sailors who had the opportunity to participate.

​“I think we made a good impact on the community,” reflected Rodriguez. “It meant a lot for us to be welcomed with open arms and to be able to have genuine connections with everyone we met on the Batanes and Northern Luzon. I hope we get the chance to see them all again soon.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia  –  

Forty members of the Washington National Guard and their Malaysian Armed Forces counterparts wrapped up a successful first week of the Bersama Warrior 2024 staff exercise with a mission analysis brief on June 8, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Since arrival in Malaysia, the Washington National Guard has integrated into a joint and combined multinational planning staff including personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines of both the U.S. and Malaysia,” Col. Jim Perrin said, Washington National Guard’s lead planner for Bersama Warrior. “Together, the combined staff completed academic sessions intended to communicate updates on multinational doctrine and immerse participants in the exercise scenario.”

Presented to Brig. Gen Michael Ake, land component commander, Washington Army National Guard, Brig. Gen. Ken Borchers, director of the joint staff, Washington National Guard and Brig. Gen. Brig Jen Datuk Mohd Zaini Hj Hashim, Malaysian Armed Forces, the mission analysis brief concludes with a refined commander’s appreciation and a recommended mission statement. Approval of the mission statement and refined commander’s intent is the final step before the training audience is divided into teams for course of action development.

“As a coalition task force, we were tasked with compelling the withdrawal of enemy forces following a fictional attack,” Perrin said. “The staff completed an operational and intelligence preparation of the environment process designed to assess enemy forces and the geo-political factors to ensure all planners approach the problem with a thorough contextual understanding, after receiving the commander’s guidance, the combined staff completed mission analysis to develop a thorough understanding of the task force’s mission.”

During the second week of the exercise, the staff will be organized into combined planning groups to build courses of action to compel the withdrawal of enemy forces.

“We will continue to refine the plan and build mutual understanding and processes among the participants this next week,” Perrin said.

​Since signing their formal partnership through the National Guard Bureau sponsored State Partnership Program in August 2017, the Washington National Guard and the Malaysian Armed Forces have met regularly through exercises like Bersama Warrior to enhance their mutual capabilities, security cooperation and people-to-people connections that extend beyond military cooperation.