Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon Spokesperson Maj. Pete Nguyen provided the following readout:

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory hosted the 14th U.S.- Singapore Strategic Security Policy Dialogue at the Pentagon yesterday with Singapore’s Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Heng Kee to discuss efforts to strengthen defense and security cooperation between the United States and Singapore.

During their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship, which is rooted in both countries’ shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.  They noted that reciprocal access, including the access that Singapore provides to rotational U.S. forces in Singapore, and the training opportunities provided to Singapore in the United States, is a key pillar of the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship. 

The two sides also discussed emerging areas of cooperation, including implementation of the Statement of Intent on Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Cooperation and progress on defense innovation.

They also exchanged views on the regional and global security environment.  The United States highlighted concerns about threats to international norms in the South China Sea.  Both leaders pledged to continue cooperation to uphold international rules and norms, including through continued contributions to Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea.

PS Chan shared Singapore’s decision to endorse the Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration and intention to participate in the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience — a multinational forum aimed at strengthening defense industrial resilience to promote security, economic security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Both sides closed the meeting by discussing multilateral cooperation.  The United States thanked Singapore for its leadership in ASEAN and its support for the United States in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ZAMA, KANAGAWA, Japan  –  

More than 1,000 volunteers, including members from Camp Zama and the local community, participated in the annual Sagami River cleanup campaign here Sept. 8 near the installation.

Staff from the city of Zama provided the volunteers with gloves and trash bags. They then combed the riverbank for an hour, picking up litter and other discarded items in the area.

Ryosuke Hirano, the chief of Zama City’s Clean Center, said the event, held annually around this time, is meant to promote environmental awareness and beautify the city. It is also a great way to involve the community, especially children, in environmental conservation efforts, he said.

“As the Sagami River is a source of drinking water for Kanagawa Prefecture, it is crucial to keep it clean,” Hirano said.

Hirano expressed his gratitude to the Camp Zama community for their regular participation in the effort over the years.

“We live in the same community,” Hirano said. “I hope that by participating in such cleanup [events], the participants will develop a sense of ownership toward their community.

“Having the support of the U.S. military is invaluable,” he added. “It not only strengthens the bond between our communities, but also showcases the positive impact of international cooperation on local environmental issues.”

Sgt. Reuel Fraser, assigned to the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, said the day’s heat made the work a challenge, but the result was very rewarding.

“It was a cleanup of a fair amount of trash,” Fraser said. “I’m pretty happy about that.”

Fraser said he enjoys giving back to the community and interacting with the local people because it is a great way for the U.S. military community to build relationships and show their support for the city in which they live.

“The community engagement is good for us,” Fraser said. “I like to engage with the Japanese.”

Fraser said that as a Soldier, he accustomed to cleaning up his own area, so it was great for him to be able to reach out and help his local community.

The volunteers collected approximately 2.5 tons of trash. Their efforts demonstrated the power of community cooperation as a way to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen the partnership between the U.S. military and its local community, Hirano concluded.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BUSAN, South Korea  –  

When the amphibious landing dock ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and her embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit pulls into port in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), on this bright, cloudless summer day, the air in the hangar deck is thick with tropical humidity, and an undercurrent of excitement is palpable among thousands of servicemembers patiently waiting in line to come off the ship.

On the pier, a different atmosphere hangs in the air, one with crisp movement coordination and practiced precision. ROK Navy sailors, in their bright orange life vests and blueberry-colored uniforms, manually and meticulously guide the hulking ship safely into the harbor and secure her on the dock. While the visiting Sailors and Marines will be on liberty call after weeks at sea, the work has already begun for Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) Port Operations team.

Tasked with scheduling, coordinating, and providing services to support the movement of U.S. Navy vessels visiting the multiple ports in the ROK, CFAC Port Ops imprint is invisible to the casual observers, and that anonymity is how the team prefers to go about their mission.

“We work behind the scene non-stop to make sure ships visiting Navy Region Korea will be well cared for when they stop here,” said Chief Warrant Officer Maxy Baskin, Bos’n and CFAC Port Ops officer. “We provide full logistics support and related services to our Fleet anywhere on the Korean Peninsula, stretching from Chinhae to Busan, from Jeju all the way to Incheon.”

Covering this large geographic area, Baskin and his lean team, which includes Chief Operations Specialist Octavius Jones, Operations Specialist 2nd Class Gaileann Leatham, Operations Specialist 2nd Class Luijo Tamayo, and Liaison Officer Johnny Song, are directly, or indirectly via host-nation contracts, responsible for a long list of services, such as harbor pilot services, fleet mooring services, ship (surface and submarine) movement planning, utilities and fuel hookup services, just to name a few.

These services are essential to the health of the ship and the well-being of the crew who need this break from their long voyage at sea. Port Ops, acting as the liaisons between the ship and the local husbanding service providers that supply labor, supervision, tools, material, and equipment to remove trash from the ships; handle oily waste and sewage; plan contingencies in case of natural disasters and typhoons; monitors, reports, and cleans up spills on the wharf or in the water.
In other words, “we provide a safe haven for visiting Navy ships and submarines,” said Baskin. “We do our job so the ships and their crews will go on their mission refueled, refreshed, and ready to continue on with their mission.”

The Harpers Ferry soon departs the Land of the Morning Calm, the Sailors and Marines aboard carrying memories of this port call and looking toward the horizon for their next destination. Back on the Busan pier, CFAC Port Ops team waves their farewells and already plans on welcoming the next visiting Navy vessel seeking safe harbor on the Korean Peninsula.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH KOREA  –  

During the most recent exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 24—conducted between the Republic of Korea and United States governments from Aug. 19-29, 2024, across the Korean Peninsula in addition to remote stations off the peninsula—a small element from the Colorado Army National Guard played a pivotal role in the combined special operations training around responses to weapons of mass destruction that rounded out broader scenario events.

For the special operations component in Korea, the linkage to weapons of mass destruction aligns with the U.S. Special Operations Command special operations forces activity known as counter-WMD. The combatant command lists the C-WMD skills-based activity as one that supports U.S. Government efforts to curtail the conceptualization, development, possession, proliferation, use, and effects of WMDs, related expertise, materials, technologies, and means of delivery by state and non-state actors.

Simply, the special operations C-WMD mission spans all levels of competition and conflict, to include the various contingency scenarios that exercises like UFS play out.

Ulchi Freedom Shield 24, more than a conventional, large-scale combat operation scenario

Living on the Korean Peninsula, the common-place noise of nuclear and other threats related to weapons of mass destruction may slide into the background of an otherwise normal life. And, while the on again, off again saber rattling from North Korea to follow through with catastrophic scenarios designed to inflict pain and suffering on the millions of civilians in South Korea waxes and wanes, the need to remain militarily ready remains constant.

“The day we let our readiness slip is the day those threats from the North may slide into a scenario that dramatically deteriorates into a shooting war that no one wants,” said Brig. Gen. Derek N. Lipson, Special Operations Command Korea commander. “We want to be clear that we train to maintain a high state of readiness to form a viable integrated deterrence and defensive posture with our joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational partners every chance we get.”

Typifying this priority of relationship building toward combined readiness, members of the COARNG traveled forward to Korea during UFS 24 and the 2024 springtime Freedom Shield exercise, building out a specialized fusion cell focused on C-WMD activities. During the exercise, the cell directly enabled SOCKOR, the Combined Special Operations Component Command, and other components under the Combined Forces Command in better understanding potential crisis scenarios involving WMDs, effectively responding to them, and enabling options that avoid or avert unbridled escalation of any situation.

“This is a complex WMD scenario that takes time, expertise, and the right people to offer our leaders viable options in a time of crisis,” said Lt. Col. Quinton German, COARNG and Special Operations Detachment-Korea commander.

The SOD-K personnel fulfill a vital C-WMD role for both U.S. based contingency, as well as maintaining an alignment with the Korea and Northeast Asia region.

“It’s our job to think through some of the worst scenarios involving some of the deadliest weapons that our adversaries may seek to employ as a way to cause harm by targeting large groups of people and offer options to our senior leaders,” said German. “We need to make sure that in what would be a highly emotional situation, we can think and act with level heads to ensure more lives aren’t lost due to lack of preparation.”

A Colorado Army National Guard relationship and investment years in the making

The history of SOD-K and the COARNG’s relationship with SOCKOR dates to the 2001 establishment of the SOD program and alignment with the USSOCOM theater special operations commands. Since that time, SOD-K personnel have made over two decades worth of investment in recruiting, training, and retaining special operations personnel who meet broader SOF requirements while specializing in the specific WMD environment on the Korean Peninsula.

“We talk a lot about the SOF Truths and how a small, specialized group of people can tip the scales,” said German. “But with that specialization that’s inherent in our unit comes the supporting need to invest time and resources in developing those necessary skillsets for specific scenarios.”
According to German, SOD-K has built out a unit that specializes in C-WMD information gathering, intelligence processing and dissemination, and providing, directing, or enabling response options across a range of competition and crisis situations.

More than just an augmenting staff to SOCKOR or CSOCC during UFS exercises, the investment in SOD-K understanding the region, culture, and mission set have helped focus the unit’s training and readiness for the better.

“While our response and training mission is aligned with SOCKOR, we still activate to serve in other theaters, areas of operations, or in the U.S. to support various requirements,” said German. “The heightened focus on SOCKOR’s mission allows us to mirror that in our readiness when we spin-up for other deployments and missions.”

During UFS 24 two personnel assigned to SOD-K were awarded the Korea Defense Service Medal. Recipients of the medal must meet one of the following requirements, be physically stationed and present in the Korean Area of Operations for 30 consecutive days to include flying operations, 60 nonconsecutive days to include flying operations, engaged in combat or armed engagement regardless of duration, or killed, wounded, or otherwise injured in the line of duty and requiring medical evacuation.

The SOD-K recipients all earned the KDSM due to spending more than 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea, triggering the eligibility requirement.

“This was just one more chance to demonstrate not only our unit’s commitment, but that of the individuals here at SOD-K to the Korea mission set,” said German.

According to German, SOD-K now has five total personnel with the unit who have earned the KDSM, emphasizing the retention of skilled personnel invested in the Korean area of operations.

SOF enabling the multidomain fight in denied and degraded environments

A growing benefit to the continued relationship and involvement in training between SOD-K, SOCKOR, and other elements on the Korean Peninsula is the ability to plan and execute missions across all domains.

During UFS 24, this often occurred through tabletop planning but also took form through cross-component discussions with various U.S. and ROK organizations.

“No matter who’s on the other side, we can’t expect them to go easy on us,” said Lipson. “We always hope the accepted international rules and norms in conflict are adhered to, but based on the rhetoric from North Korea’s leadership, we have to take a pragmatic approach in our readiness and prepare for the potential that they attempt to circumvent those norms through the use of WMDs.”

The SOCKOR commander charged the SOD-K leadership team to continue developing the network and relationships between SOF and conventional forces that could effectively conduct or enable C-WMD operations with this hope for the best, prepare to prevail during the worst mentality.

With this guidance in mind, SOD-K personnel focused on integrating capabilities across domains and components. German emphasized the unit’s ability to tap into to personnel in Colorado providing space-based expertise that helped add a sense of realism in working through the scenario and leveraging their standing relationship with the U.S. Army’s 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command.

Like other units not permanently assigned to the Korean Peninsula and participate in the UFS and FS exercises, SOD-K continues to develop and maintain a heightened state of readiness that meets various needs.

The UFS and FS exercise programs underscores the enduring military partnership between the ROK and the U.S. and is implemented in the spirit of the Oct. 1, 1953, ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and in support of the Armistice Agreement. It reinforces the role of the alliance as a cornerstone for regional peace and security, reaffirming the ironclad commitment between the U.S. and ROK to defend their homelands.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ZAMA, KANAGAWA, Japan  –  

U.S. Army Garrison Japan and U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Japan joined the city of Zama’s annual comprehensive disaster prevention drill Sept. 7 at Higashihara Elementary School near the installation.

During the drill, several firefighters from USAG Japan’s Directorate of Emergency Services assisted in firefighting efforts and used fire ladders in the rescue of personnel trapped on the roof of a building and in firefighting efforts. MEDDAC Soldiers were responsible for applying realistic makeup to injured role-players participating in the scenario.

Zama Mayor Mito Sato said the prevention drill was conducted to confirm the city’s ability to act in accordance with the local disaster prevention plan the city has in place and to confirm cooperation with each participating organization, including USAG Japan.

It was important for each agency and stakeholder to participate in the prevention training and build face-to-face relationships, Sato said. Getting to see each organization’s response systems and capabilities was a good chance for the city to see how USAG Japan and other cooperating agencies work together to provide assistance in an emergency, she added.

“Zama City and Camp Zama are neighbors, and so the drill helps strengthen our partnership and enhance cooperation between us, ensuring our preparedness,” Sato said. “I hope we can further deepen our relationship and build a mutually supportive relationship in the event of a disaster.”

DES Deputy Director William Peppard praised his team’s excellent performance and emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaboration with the city’s first responders through the drill.

The drill helps all the participants learn something new, whether it be new techniques or ways of doing things, Peppard said. Having both the Japanese and U.S. sides participating helps to further build their relationship both inside and outside the workplace, he added.

“We have an excellent relationship with our local communities, especially Zama, to both their fire chief, the mayor, the firefighters and the first responders.” Peppard said. “Almost on a daily basis, [we are] protecting our community of both Japanese and U.S. citizens who work in Camp Zama.”

Peppard said it is always good to practice interoperability.

“The more you practice when something real happens … both organizations can automatically sync and start working together,” he said, “and it’s also beneficial as community engagement, showing that U.S. personnel and the Japanese can work together.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH CHINA SEA  –  

The U.S. and Italy navies, alongside the Royal Australia Air Force, convened to conduct a multilateral exercise in the South China Sea in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Sept. 8-11.

Participants included the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, the flagship of the Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CV 550), the Italian navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Alpino (F 594), and the Italian multipurpose combat ship ITS Raimondo Montecuccoli (P432).

“These multilateral exercises are a concrete demonstration of the advances we are making alongside our allies and partners in the region,” said Vice Adm. Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “They present dynamic opportunities to hone our skills in one of the most complex maritime regions in the world.”

The nations conducted fixed-wing air defense and combined anti-submarine warfare exercises, as well as subject matter expert exchanges across the participating ships.

“This multilateral exercise has been another great opportunity to highlight the professionalism of our crews and the ability to join, train and be ready to operate together, projecting our forces for months, away from home,” said Rear Adm. Giancarlo Ciappina, commander, Italian Carrier Strike Group. “Another demonstration of the strong determination and commitment that exists among allies and partners everywhere in the world. Our cohesion and integration in the planning and preparation of the serial activities allowed us to work as a tight and strong team, synergizing our efforts and enhancing the value of multinational cooperation and proving the existing and effective interoperability among our forces”.

The ships also exercised interoperable skills in command and control, tactics, and anti-surface warfare.

“These types of activities demonstrate our collective commitment to regional and international cooperation to support an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Joint Force Air Component Commander Air Commodore Michael Grant said. “By training and operating together, our forces can build upon shared tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges.”

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. Multilateral exercises such as this one provide valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies in the Indo-Pacific.

Russell 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

HONOLULU, Hawaii  –  

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command welcomed defense partners from 16 regional nations for the second Indo-Pacific Regional Military Gender Advisor Course taking place from September 9-20.

This course is part of a five-year initiative by the USINDOPACOM Office of Women, Peace & Security to develop a fully trained network of certified military Gender Advisors within the Indo-Pacific. The course builds on momentum from the inaugural course that took place last August, with 2023 cohort representatives returning to lead conversations as guest instructors and facilitators.

Course participants this year include representatives from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Tonga, and Thailand.

“Applying a gender perspective helps us to better understand the security concerns of the entire population, reduce potential blind spots, and identify the full range of risks, resources, and opportunities available to military operators,” said Sharon Feist, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command WPS Director and Command Gender Advisor. “U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is committed to advancing WPS alongside our regional partners to achieve mutual goals for a lasting peace and stability.  Together, we are developing more holistic and human-centered approaches to security in the region.”

The course is intended to increase WPS awareness and its relevance to international security, help students develop the skills necessary to operationalize and institutionalize WPS within the defense sector, and build meaningful networks to further collaborate on WPS efforts. 

WPS is an internationally recognized framework that promotes women’s full and equal participation in peace and security as a prerequisite to achieving sustainable peace. While a core pillar of WPS involves promoting women’s meaningful participation, application of WPS principles improves operational effectiveness, enhances understanding of the strategic environment, and helps identify and address the root causes of instability.   

Guest instructors, facilitators, and support personnel joined to support this activity from across the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Army Pacific, 351st Civil Affairs Command, U.S. Forces Japan, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Coast Guard, the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Australian Defence Force, Canadian Armed Forces, Japan Ministry of Defense, New Zealand Defence Force, and United States Institute of Peace.  

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

INDONESIA  –  

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 joined Allied and partner nations in Indonesia for Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2024, Aug. 26 to Sept. 6. The annual multinational training event emphasized combined operations to enhance interoperability and support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Super Garuda Shield 2024 marked the third year the exercise expanded into a combined and joint event. The exercise brought together military forces from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, France, Thailand, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States, focusing on strengthening partnerships, joint capabilities, and operational readiness.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), MRF-D 24.3, provided aviation lift, assault support, and casualty evacuation capabilities, while 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), MRF-D 24.3, led command and control operations. U.S. Marines and Sailors with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, also participated in the exercise.

VMM-268 (Rein.) deployed four MV-22B Ospreys more than 1,200 miles from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, to Juanda International Airport in East Java, Indonesia. The squadron demonstrated the Osprey’s extensive range and ability to operate in distributed environments. Additionally, they established a forward arming and refueling point at an expeditionary advanced base in Surabaya, Indonesia, ensuring continuous support for the exercise aviation elements.

The FARP allows for refueling and rearming multiple aircraft without having to rely on host nation fuel trucks. This capability greatly increases the operational tempo and the sustained mission rate across the exercise.

“Exercises like SGS provide complex, realistic training environments for participating Allied and partner forces,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Heggland, the current operations officer with VMM-268 (Rein.). “The people have been awesome out here—super helpful, super hospitable—and we can’t wait to work with them again.”

U.S. Navy medical personnel with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (Reinforced), and Marines with VMM-268 (Rein.), provided casualty evacuation support throughout the exercise. The CASEVAC team remained ready to respond, consisting of an en route care team aboard an MV-22B Osprey. En route care teams consist of medical personnel trained to integrate with various aircraft or vehicles, providing critical care to patients while in transit.

“CASEVAC standby is one of our mission sets, and we acted as the primary platform for an airdrop involving Japanese, Indonesian, and U.S. Army jumpers,” explained Heggland. “It was really cool to work with them.”

The culminating event of the exercise featured a combined amphibious and air assault. U.S. Marines with 1st Bn., 1st Marines, 1st MARDIV, executed an integrated insertion alongside the Indonesian National Armed Forces, with air support provided by the MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-268 (Rein.). This final event emphasized the joint force’s ability to collaborate on short notice, enabling critical maneuver, enhancing interoperability and fostering greater cohesion among participating forces.

“We’re trying to be as serious as possible, doing it by procedure, but also having fun with it,” said Indonesian National Armed Forces 2nd Lt. Reno Dewanga, a pilot with 600 Squadron, 2nd Wing. “It was a great experience to engage with people who share the same perspective about military life.”

Super Garuda Shield continues to serve as a crucial venue for U.S. and partner forces to strengthen relationships, improve collective readiness, and prepare for future challenges. The exercise demonstrated the versatility and operational capability of Marine forces, emphasizing MRF-D 24.3’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“This exercise allowed us to practice and refine our expeditionary capabilities while building lasting partnerships with our allies,” said Heggland.

By leveraging the strengths of multiple nations, Super Garuda Shield contributes to the larger goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, bolstering collective adaptability and resilience among joint and combined forces.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

FINEGAYAN STATION, Guam  –  

On September 8, 2024, the Chief of Staff of the Army General Randy Geroge and the Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer visited Guam to meet with Soldiers and learn more about the homeland defense mission conducted by the Army’s first forward-stationed, multi-component air defense task force, Task Force Talon.

Representative James Moylan of Guam, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment Hon. Brenden Owens, and the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) Commander, Brigadier General Patrick Costello were also in attendance.

These senior leaders visited Echo Battery, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, the Army’s first forward deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery. The THAAD battery provides ballistic missile defense coverage for the entire island of Guam. The THAAD battery is secured by Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1-294 Infantry Regiment from the Guam Army National Guard known as Team Binadu.

During the visit, General George performed a reenlistment of four E-3 ADA Soldiers. Following the reenlistment the CSA issued commander coins to high performing Task Force Soldiers. Sergeant Major of the Army Weimer also spoke in depth with personnel from the 307th Signal detachment from Alaska who are attached to Task Force Talon. The 307th Soldiers provide critical communications support to the task force and the SMA stressed the importance of their mission in support of Guam’s homeland defense.

Following the reenlistments and coin presentations, General George and SMA Weimer were briefed on the capabilities of THAAD, given a security overview, followed by a walking tour of the site. General George and SMA Weimer were excited to learn more about the unit’s capabilities and site improvements to include a new interim maintenance facility.

“The planned construction of an interim maintenance facility and other site improvement projects will significantly improve the quality of life for our Soldiers,” said Captain Riley Campbell, the commander of the Echo Battery, Task Force Talon, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.

The visit comes as the U.S. Army moves forward with plans to improve missile defense capabilities on Guam in the coming years. These improvements will see Task Force Talon convert into the Army’s first composite air and missile defense battalion.

“The improvements in missile defenses in the coming years will see Guam better defended against all classes of aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Stafford, the Task Force Talon Commander.

Until the conversion is complete Task Force Talon will continue to maintain the lead of protecting the island and deterring against potential missile attacks from regional adversaries.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OSAN AIR BASE, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], South Korea  –  

U.S. Air Force F-16s assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing participated in combined “Airborne Alert Interdiction” flying training with F-35As from the Republic of Korea Air Force’s 17th Fighter Wing, Aug. 26-29.

Air interdiction training is designed to enhance U.S. and partner nation capabilities to provide persistent reconnaissance and attack airpower capabilities where targeting is expected to be highly dynamic or unpredictable.

During the training missions, U.S. and ROK air assets worked together to identify, track, and destroy simulated enemy ground threats while simultaneously working to counter enemy aircraft.

The combined flying not only bolstered the U.S.-ROK Alliance, but also provided valuable integration training, enhancing U.S. 4th generation air asset capabilities to operate and work alongside 5th generation assets from the Republic of Korea.

“Combined training like this is extremely important for us at the tactical level, especially here at Osan,” said Capt Christopher Brown, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot. “Learning how each of our Air Forces conducts flying operations helps both sides rapidly integrate with each other for future joint operations. It’s always a great opportunity getting to fly with our ROK wingmen and let them know we stand with them.”