Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PITI, Guam  –  

On April 18, 2024, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam spearheaded a comprehensive Multi-Agency Strike Force Operation (MASFO), meticulously inspecting 172 containers at the Port of Guam.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of containerized cargo, which is crucial for the island’s economy and environmental protection.

The MASFO brought together various agencies, including the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, Port Authority Police, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and other law enforcement and regulatory bodies. These agencies collaboratively exercised their inspection capabilities, focusing on containerized cargo across all modes of transportation.

“This operation shows our commitment to working hand-in-hand with partner agencies. Through these collaborative efforts, we enhance our inspection capabilities and foster a shared understanding of operational and jurisdictional nuances,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Gonzales, a Marine Science Technician who led the operation for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Objectives of the MASFO

1. Elevate Regulatory Inspection Activity: Intensify inspection efforts throughout the port to maintain high security and compliance standards.
2. Reinforce Cargo Safety and Security: Highlight the importance of secure cargo transportation within a multi-modal port environment.
3. Enhance Cross-agency Collaboration: Provide an environment conducive to joint training and sharing of best practices among local and federal agencies.
4. Adherence to Safety Standards: Ensure all operations are conducted in strict compliance with applicable safety regulations and standards.

“The Port of Guam is a linchpin in the Pacific’s marine transportation network. These unannounced inspections reinforce the critical role that compliance plays in maintaining the security and efficiency of our maritime infrastructure. Today’s operation is a testament to our collective dedication to safeguarding these vital supply chains,” said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and the Captain of the Port.

This MASFO follows closely on the heels of the annual facility compliance inspection conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard on April 9, 2024. These rigorous inspections underscore the ongoing commitment of the U.S. Coast Guard and its partner agencies to uphold the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental compliance at the Port of Guam.

The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam team comprised Marine Science Technicians from the prevention and inspections department and Maritime Enforcement Specialists from the Sector Boarding Team. The U.S. Coast Guard remains dedicated to ensuring the security and operational integrity of the region’s maritime activities, reinforcing the strategic importance of the Port of Guam in promoting regional alliances and trade.

-USCG-

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

The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam team focuses on maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania. With a primary presence in Guam and Saipan and over 300 members across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the team maintains a strong U.S. presence in the Micronesia sub-region and adjacent areas, closely tied to local communities.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TOKYO — Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Japan from April 21-23, 2024. This was Aquilino’s final overseas engagement with partners and Allies as commander of USINDOPACOM. Aquilino will be relieved by Adm. Samuel Paparo during a change of command ceremony, May 3. 

Aquilino met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida; Japanese Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara; Chief of Staff, Japan Joint Staff, Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida; Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan; and other senior government and military officials to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Japan strategic partnership. He also participated in an award ceremony with Japanese Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara. 

Throughout his trip, Aquilino was accompanied by Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of United States Forces Japan, who oversees the U.S.-Japan military relationship. They discussed recent trilateral efforts between U.S., Japan and Philippine forces following the White House-led first trilateral summit between the three countries, which recommitted to defending peace and security in the region and upholding ironclad alliance agreements. 

His meeting with senior Japanese leadership and Emanuel built upon a recent visit between President Joe Biden and Kishida in Washington, in which the two leaders continued to strengthen defense and security cooperation, discussed advanced Capabilities Cooperation under AUKUS Pillar II, and furthered commitments to trilateral operations. 

During an award ceremony, Kihara presented Aquilino with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the highest class in the Order. The award, signed by His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito, recognizes the contributions Aquilino has made to strengthen bilateral relations and promote friendship between Japan and the U.S.     

The U.S.-Japan Alliance continues to be the cornerstone of regional peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. USINDOPACOM remains committed to the unwavering defense of Japan under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and will continue to enrich the bilateral relationship through cooperation, commitment to regional security, and a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

A crucial aspect of any exercise for the 8th Fighter Wing is the reception of forces, and that was no different as the Wolf Pack hosts the largest air exercise in the Republic of Korea.

The 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron deployment readiness cell played a vital role in accepting an additional 24 airframes and hundreds of personnel for Korea Flying Training 2024.

“It was four and a half months of planning meetings involving 7th Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force’s Air Operation Center, and all the participants for the exercise, in addition to weekly coordination with the units around base to pull this off,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeremy Fagan, 8th LRS installation deployment officer. “Organizing all those details over the past couple of months has been the job of the [Installation Deployment Readiness Center.]”

KFT 24 is the annual combined ROK-U.S. large force exercise designed to improve integration of combined and joint airpower. For this year’s iteration, Kunsan AB welcomed aircraft and personnel from 20 different units across the U.S. Department of Defense and the Republic of Korea Air Force.

Over the past month, the “port dawgs” [air transportation personnel] were responsible for downloading cargo from 10 aircraft, and the whole of LRS worked to ensure that the people and cargo got to where they needed to be for mission execution.

“KFT took extensive planning, but accepting ‘follow-on forces’ can be a very quick process,” said Fagan. “We could get notified a day before that people, assets and/or cargo are coming, and as long as our port dawgs are here, we can go out and make it happen.”

As KFT progresses, the 8th Operational Support Squadron has been crucial in maintaining safe and efficient flying operations.

“The ops temp has tripled from usual,” said Tech. Sgt. Kathy Sells, 8th Operational Support Squadron non-commissioned officer in-charge of airfield management operations. “Our Airmen have increased flight planning and airfield safety checks daily to go along with the increased daily sorties.”

Coordinating where jets will park and ensuring the airfield environment can support aircraft movements at a moment’s notice, the Airfield Management team has been essential to making sure all the aircraft that traveled to KFT 24 can effectively train.

“Deconflicting with all the airframes has been a huge planning process,” said Sells. “Within our career field we have to be flexible, and we have different courses of action for these situations ; knowledge that’s proven pertinent during KFT.”

Kunsan’s ability to accept follow-on forces is a huge advantage to ROK and U.S. forces participating in the training and in the grander mission to defend the prosperity of the Peninsula. Training like KFT that test that function and the interoperability of dissimilar aircraft from the ROK-US Alliance ensures the combined force is battle-ready for any potential situation.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander of the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), visited the Republic of Korea (ROK) April 21-22 as part of his first overseas visit, where he engaged with senior government and military leaders to further the U.S.-ROK discussions on space and missile defense capabilities in modern warfare and aims to bolster the integration of space assets within the broader defense framework of the Korean Peninsula.

Whiting met with Philip S. Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Adm. Kim Myung-Soo, Chairman of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, members of the ROK Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Space Force personnel.

Throughout his trip, Whiting, accompanied by Gen. Paul LaCamera, Commander of United States Forces Korea, who oversees the U.S.-ROK mil-to-mil relationship, discussed the critical role of space-based assets in enhancing situational awareness and communication. The discussions focused on leveraging USSPACECOM’s expertise and capabilities to fortify the defense posture of U.S. and allied forces in the region, ensuring readiness and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges.

“The U.S.-ROK Alliance has demonstrated unmatched readiness and capabilities across multiple domains for over 70 years. Our cooperation in the Space Domain reflects another example of the United States ironclad commitment to the Republic of Korea and further demonstrates our commitment to adapt,” LaCamera said. “Our increased efforts in space are meant to prevent adversaries from gaining advantages and to enable our forces with the full resources of our military and civilian space agencies and departments.”

The two countries continue to deepen their relationship through dialogue regarding space and missile defense capabilities.

“Much like the U.S.-ROK Alliance has been a linchpin of security and prosperity for more than 70 years, space is also foundational to our modern way of life and to both the United States’ and the Republic of Korea’s national security, as evidenced by our growing alliance interoperability in space,” Whiting said.

The U.S. Space Command, in collaboration with Allies and Partners, strategically plans, executes, and integrates military space power into multi-domain global operations to deter aggression, safeguard national interests, and, if needed, overcome threats. Whiting emphasized the criticality of nurturing seamless coordination and synergy across military branches and government agencies to efficiently address evolving challenges within the space domain.

“It is a privilege to be here to represent the women and men who work tirelessly to fulfill our moral obligation of providing global space capabilities to the Joint Force, our nation, and our alliance partners, and to discuss ways we can expand our cooperation and contributions to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Whiting said.

This visit serves as a testament to USSPACECOM’s unwavering commitment to bolstering alliances with global partners and allies, underscoring its steadfast dedication to preserving space superiority for the security and prosperity of the United States and its allies.

Following Whiting’s visit to Korea he will travel to Japan and continue discussions on how strategic partnerships and interagency collaboration will help maintain security and stability in Northeast Asia.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines  –  

Exercise Balikatan 2024, the largest annual bilateral exercise conducted between the Philippines and the U.S., commenced with an opening ceremony at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters today.

This year’s exercise marks the 39th iteration of the annual event, showcasing the ironclad Alliance and enduring friendship between the two nations.

During Balikatan 2024, participants will execute a range of complex missions across domains, including maritime security, sensing, and targeting, air and missile defense, dynamic missile strikes, cyber defense, and information operations. The Philippine Navy, U.S. Navy, and the French Navy will also conduct a Multilateral Maritime Exercise in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The opening ceremony was attended by high-ranking military officials from both countries, including Maj. Gen. Marvin N. Licudine, Commander Armed Forces of the Philippines Education, Training and Doctrine Command and the Philippine Exercise Director; and U.S. Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, Commander U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific and the U.S. Exercise Director.

In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Licudine emphasized the importance of Exercise Balikatan in strengthening the military capabilities and interoperability between the Philippines and the United States.

“Balikatan is not just an exercise, but the avenue where we build confidence, respect and understanding to achieve mutual support, cooperation, and a shared commitment. With this, both the AFP and U.S. Forces will achieve a degree of cohesion to maintain combat readiness capable of swift, decisive actions on both an operational and strategic level, responding to regional and global challenges,” said Licudine.

Lt. Gen. Jurney mirrored Maj. Gen. Licudine’s sentiments, stating, “Balikatan is a tangible demonstration of our shared commitment to each other. It matters for regional peace and stability. When we increase our mutual response and defense capabilities, we strengthen our ability to promote regional security and protect our shared interests.”

Exercise Balikatan directly supports the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty by ensuring our forces are tactically proficient, that capabilities and modernization efforts are mutually compatible, and by strengthening military-to-military coordination.

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the Alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

We are aware of the ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launch highlights the destabilizing impact of the DPRK’s illicit weapons program. The U.S. commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JAPAN  –  

5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, is known for its fire support and liaison capabilities with joint, allied, and multinational forces whilst maintaining a myriad of combat and tactical air control party training for competition and conflict. With its strategic location, based out of Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, 5th ANGLICO is focused on readiness to respond to crisis or contingency in the Western Pacific by implementing small unmanned aerial system operators and refining maritime target acquisitioning. Despite being not many but much, as its motto, non multa sed multum, states, 5th ANGLICO maximizes its resources and capabilities to closely integrate with joint and partner forces. When not practicing air interdiction and calling for fire, 5th ANGLICO Marines hone infantry fundamentals, ensuring they are self-sufficient and self-sustaining by increasing their expertise on the weapons they will take with them to war.

To contribute to a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific, 5th ANGLICO maintains a high-degree of combat proficiency. 5th ANGLICO routinely plans and executes several unit-level exercises, rehearsing their ability to rapidly deploy to execute a mission at a moment’s notice anywhere in the Indo-Pacific, and honing their ability to gather and share information in an austere, communications-degraded environment around the small islands chains around Japan and neighboring countries.

5th ANGLICO conducting the Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program on Camp Hansen, enables Marines to maintain weapon proficiency and marksmanship by engaging targets in a competitive environment with their primary and secondary weapon systems.

The Marines shoot M4 carbines and M18 pistols, focusing on speed, efficiency, and accuracy while maneuvering behind barricades by engaging at varying distances, replicating realistic engagement in urban terrain and close quarters combat with speed reloads, controlled pairs against moving targets, box drills, and other courses of fire. In a future conflict, warfighters will engage the enemy from unknown distances and multiple domains; this training allows them to gauge these distances to be able to fire more accurately.

“The Marines at 5th ANGLICO are tasked with tackling a non-standard and evolving problem-set in preparation for potential crisis in the Western Pacific. The necessity to learn and develop new joint fires procedures, utilize new fires and communication equipment, and operate in areas with critical partner forces in the Western Pacific has required initiative, maturity, and performance of our Marines well above what is usually expected for rank and experience,” says Maj Magnussen, the operations officer for 5th ANGLICO. “Our Marines have rose to the occasion and led to our current success with the mission and continued development of the ANGLICO’s ability to forward deploy within the Western Pacific on short notice, in response to crisis, to enable joint force and partner fires with assured command and control, resilient communication and multi-domain awareness.”

In May, 5th ANGLICO’s small unmanned aerial system team will take their training to the Jungle Warfare Training Center at Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa, which is the largest U.S. training facility in Okinawa, and the premier jungle warfare center in the Marine Corps. Areas in the Western Pacific which are mountainous jungles thick with dense vegetation and venomous snakes warrant this training where the Marines might find themselves in a potential conflict.

The Marines will conduct combat, security, and ambush patrols with their rifles through thick vegetation while maintaining a low-signature and small footprint, land navigation, and rappelling and suspension techniques through obstacles. Expanding their combat mindset, they will build upon small unit cohesion and communication to friendly forces about enemy engagement.

The ”J”- lingo for jungle- is a humbling environment, and nothing like home with dangerous flora and fauna like habu snakes rampant in the area. The torrential rain pours over the training area throughout the night. The jungle climate and terrain slow operations, complicates communications, and even increases the chance for illness.

At times it is not always about integrating new capabilities but rather focusing in on tactical skills which demonstrate 5th ANGLICO’s readiness and lethality in a contested space.

Successful stand-in force operations are enabled by synchronizing complementary capabilities with allies and partners to provide a unified response to potential threats in the Indo-Pacific. 5th ANGLICO trains to be proficient in both tactical and operational environments to meet mission demands, and adaptable to show the partner force the broad capabilities that its detachments bring to the fight.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH KOREA  –  

As part of Korea Flying Training 2024 units across the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and the Republic of Korea Air Force participated in joint mission planning at Kunsan Air Base, ROK, April 15, 2024.

Mission planning is vital in maintaining air superiority by ensuring mission partners are able to fly safely with one another utilizing missionized training rules regarding combined and joint services commanders, intelligence members and aircrew allowing them to succeed in robust and complex scenarios.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii  –  

Today, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), departed Marine Corps Base Hawaii for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the 13th annual iteration of Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) in Australia.

Over the course of the next week, the aircraft will be transported from Hawaii to Darwin where the squadron will serve as the air combat element (ACE), completing the Marine Air Ground Task Force structure in Australia’s Northern Territory. During their time in Darwin, VMM-268 will engage in various exercises and training activities alongside the Australian Defence Force, providing valuable opportunities for increased flight time and exposure to diverse training environments.

“The Marines of VMM-268 have worked exceptionally hard the last few months to get their aircraft ready to move to Darwin,” said Col. William Heiken, the commanding officer of MAG-24. “Seeing the aircraft staged at Pearl Harbor today is a testament to their dedication and hard work. I have the utmost confidence in the MV-22B and in the Marines and Sailors of VMM-268. MAG-24 is very excited to get the aviation combat element forward deployed to join the 13th iteration of MRF-D.”

1st MAW has upheld its commitment to readiness, ensuring sustained preparedness to effectively accomplish its mission. The preparatory events leading up to MRF-D provide assurance to Indo-Pacific partners, affirming 1st MAW’s readiness, proficiency, and forward posture. As VMM-268 continues deployment preparations, they look forward to training alongside allies and partners.

For more information about VMM-268 please contact Marine Aircraft Group 24 Communication Strategy and Operations, https://www.1stmaw.marines.mil/Subordinate-Units/Marine-Aircraft-Group-24/

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TAIWAN STRAIT  –  

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on April 17 (local time).

By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations. The aircraft’s transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows.