Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

HONOLULU  –  

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted a delegation led by Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief of Defence, for the annual U.S.-Thailand Senior Leader Dialogue (SLD) in Honolulu on March 27-29, 2024.

The visit included a full honors ceremony at U.S. Indo-Pacific Headquarters, a wreath-laying at the USS Arizona, tours of regional commands, discussions centered on regional security, interoperability and military modernization, and culminated in the signing of an 8-star annex between two countries.

General Songwit Noonpackdee and Admiral Aquilino bilaterally presided over the 2nd Senior Leader’s Dialogue (SLD) on 27 March 2024, on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. This Thailand – United States Eight Star Action Plan Annex will serve as a guiding framework for RTARF and USINDOPACOM cooperation programs and activities under the Thai-American Consultations (Thai TAC) defense meeting cycle. This commitment serves to strengthen the Thai-American military partnership, advance modernization efforts and promote interoperability.

Security cooperation program between RTARF and USINDOPACOM include activities such as Cobra Gold and many others throughout the year. This year’s iteration of Cobra Gold ended on March 8, and brought together more than 9,000 military personnel and 30 countries for two weeks of intensive training, humanitarian efforts and cultural exchanges.

Thailand is a key U.S. security ally in Asia, and as long-time friends, military allies and economic partners, the two countries will continue to expand their relationship in scope and complexity to support peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Mastalir, commander, United States Space Forces Indo Pacific, participated in a Space Partnership & Competition in the Pacific conference panel at the Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy in El Segundo, California, March 18, 2024.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, successfully conducted an intercept of an advanced Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) test target utilizing the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Dual II with Software Upgrade (SWUP).

Known as Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (FTM) 32, or Stellar Laelaps, the test demonstrated the capability to detect, track, engage, and intercept an MRBM target in the terminal phase of flight culminating in a live intercept by an Aegis Baseline 9 equipped ship.

Significantly, this test also represented the most robust participation in an Aegis test to date by U.S. ally Australia, who leveraged the event to demonstrate their own capabilities with participating air, land, and sea assets. In addition, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), the first Flight III Aegis Destroyer equipped with SPY-6 radar, successfully participated in this critical event in support of its Initial Operational Test and Evaluation campaign.

“This successful intercept against an advanced threat-representative target in the final stages of flight demonstrated the power and flexibility of the Aegis Weapon System paired with the Standard Missile 6,” said MDA Director Lieutenant General Heath Collins. “MDA is very grateful and honored to have Australia participate in this important test and we look forward to further collaboration with them in the future as we work together with all of our allies to maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.”

Australia’s support included a demonstration of radar capabilities of the ANZAC Class frigate HMAS Stuart, together with an Australian E-7 Wedgetail aircraft assisting in data collection and communications. Australian sensors also provided target track data in support of a cued-organic simulated engagement, demonstrating allied interoperability.

In addition to Australia achieving its objectives, their participation provided significant benefit in assisting the U.S. with redundancy for test telemetry collection. Through the collaboration, additional objectives were achieved that increased interoperability and integration between the two countries.

“This was a unique opportunity to work closely with the U.S. MDA and U.S. Navy as they tested the Aegis Weapon System’s ability to detect, track and defend against short-to-medium range ballistic missiles, while we simultaneously observed the performance of our own systems,” said Australian Defence Force Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, AO CSC. “It is a great example of our deepening defence engagement with the U.S. and an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the Australian Defence Force’s interoperability with the U.S. Navy.”

A complex test against a priority threat target, FTM-32 represented the fourth flight test of an Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense-configured vessel using the upgraded SM-6 Dual II missile and the second Aegis Baseline 9.C2 (BMD 5.1) intercept of an MRBM target using the SM-6 Dual II SWUP missile.

The test target was launched from PMRF, located on Kauai, Hawaii. USS Preble (DDG 88) launched the SM-6 Dual II missiles and successfully intercepted the MRBM test target.

SM-6 delivers over-the-horizon, air defense capability and can perform Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) missions. The SM-6 Dual II SWUP missile is designed to defend against short-to-medium range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight.

Additional information about all elements of the U.S. Missile Defense System can be found at www.mda.mil.

Please direct all MDA media related queries to Mark Wright, MDA director of public affairs, at 571-231-8212, Mark.Wright@mda.mil or Nancy Jones-Bonbrest, public affairs officer at 571-231-8211, Nancy.J.Bonbrest@mda.mil.

Please direct all Australia media related queries to media@defence.gov.au.

Photographs and video

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The Department of Defense announced today that the Joint Task Force-Red Hill has completed its defueling mission at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawai’i and shifted command and control of the facility to the United States Navy. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment will continue to convene a Senior Steering Group on Red Hill to provide oversight and offer support to the Navy.

“Today I am pleased to announce that the Navy has assumed command and control of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. “Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett – now dual-hatted as Commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Commander of Navy Closure Task Force – will have overall responsibility for the final steps to ensure the safe closure of Red Hill.

“I’m grateful to Vice Admiral John Wade, Commander of the Joint Task Force, for his leadership and his work with the Hawai’i Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and our community partners in Hawai’i to complete the Department’s prompt and safe defueling of Red Hill earlier this month.

“The Department of Defense and the United States Navy remain deeply committed to protecting the public’s health and preserving the environment. Rear Admiral Barnett is determined to close Red Hill safely, and I’ve directed him to continue to communicate with our personnel and the people of Hawai’i candidly, frequently, and transparently.

The Navy will continue its work to safely close Red Hill while protecting the safety of the surrounding community and being responsible environmental stewards in Hawai’i.”

In March 2022, Secretary Austin directed the defueling and the permanent closure of the Red Hill facility and established the Joint Task Force to lead the defueling efforts and maintain command and control of Red Hill.  Last fall, the Secretary directed a conditions-based transition of command and control from the Joint Task Force to the Navy Closure Task Force, with the Navy assuming responsibility for Red Hill upon completion of the defueling mission.

On March 4, the Joint Task Force completed its gravity defueling mission, and a significant number of its personnel have been reassigned to serve on the Navy Closure Task Force to retain institutional knowledge and to ensure continuity of mission for safety, security, and community engagement. The Department of the Navy has provided the remaining personnel.

Secretary Austin convened all key stakeholders on March 14, 2024, to verify that all conditions for transition, including final transition review and safety measure turnover, have been met.

Following certification by INDOPACOM, the Navy, the Joint Staff, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment that the transition conditions have been met, Secretary Austin has directed the transition from the Joint Task Force to the Navy Closure Task Force. The Navy-led Task Force will assume responsibility for the permanent closure of Red Hill, in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements.

Dual-hatting Rear Admiral Barnett as both Commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Commander of Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill will allow for synergies throughout the closure of Red Hill and remediation actions. It will also establish clear responsibility for future steps, which the Department hopes will continue to rebuild trust with the State of Hawai’i and the community of Oahu. Rear Admiral Barnett will also draw on supporting commands’ capabilities to assist the Navy Closure Task Force.

A Deputy Commander for Closure and Demolition and a Deputy Commander for Remediation and Environment will both report to Rear Admiral Barnett. These Deputy Commanders will oversee the day-to-day activities of the project and will lead the on-the-ground execution of the Department of the Navy’s Tank Closure Plan.

Since the establishment of the Joint Task Force in 2022, the Navy has been routinely involved with community meetings to provide information and answer questions about the water-distribution system, the water-monitoring program, closure planning, and environmental remediation steps. The Navy will continue this high level of engagement throughout the closure of Red Hill.

On February 28, the Department extended until March 2025 the Secretarial Designation authorizing continued access to a medical assessment at the Red Hill Clinic on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. This designation was also expanded to include current residents of military family housing served by the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Water Distribution System.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DARWIN, NT, Australia  –  

A new group of Marines and Sailors arrived in the Northern Territory to begin the 13th annual iteration of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.

Led by a California-based Marine infantry regiment for the third year in a row, this year’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force brings approximately 2,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors to Australia’s Northern Territory for a series of exercises and training events alongside the Australian Defence Force.

Part of a 25-year agreement made in 2011 by then-President Barack Obama and then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the six-month deployments advance shared security objectives identified in the Australian United States Force Posture Initiatives. The deployment has grown in scale and complexity each year, enhancing our Alliance’s capabilities and ability to work together, and improving our combined capacity to respond to crises and contingencies in the Indo-Pacific region. MRF-D remains a key touchpoint of the Australia-U.S. security Alliance.

“The Marines and Sailors of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin are honored and excited to continue the legacy of cooperation and interoperability with our Australian Defence Force brothers and sisters,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of MRF-D 24.3. “Our strong Alliance contributes to stability in the region and enables the readiness of our forces to respond to any crisis or contingency that arises.”

Participants will conduct operations across a full spectrum of missions including expeditionary operations, geographically distributed communications, non-combatant evacuation operations, embassy reinforcements, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and rapid projection of combat power.

“These rotations not only help build interoperability between the ADF and the U.S., but also serve to increase regional cooperation with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific,” said Australian Navy Capt. Mitchell Livingstone, the commanding officer of Headquarters Northern Command. As in previous rotations, this year’s MRF-D exercise schedule will incorporate security partners from throughout the Pacific Islands and the broader region. Training events will occur throughout Australia and various countries in the region through the end of MRF-D 24.3’s rotation in October.

The Australia-U.S. Alliance is an anchor of peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Our nations share key objectives: increasing combined capabilities, promoting a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, and strengthening their ability to respond to humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and contingencies.

For questions regarding this release, please contact the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin media team at MRFDMedia@usmc.mil.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. spoke by phone today.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the Philippines following the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous obstruction of a lawful Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on March 23. He emphasized U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights  and jurisdiction, and reiterated that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries’armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the Pacific, to include the South China Sea.

The two officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows. They highlighted that the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling is final and binding on the Parties and called on the PRC to abide by its obligations under international law.

The officials discussed historic momentum in U.S.-Philippine defense ties and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippine alliance, which has upheld peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region for over seventy years. They agreed to bolster bilateral and multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the South China Sea and committed to accelerate a number of bilateral initiatives to enhance information-sharing, interoperability, and capability enhancements for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. They also underscored both countries’ shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific grounded in transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout:

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford concluded her visit to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines last week for a series of engagements with defense and military officials in all three countries.

DASD Ford’s trip began in Vietnam with a stop at Bien Hoa airfield outside Ho Chi Minh City, where DoD and the U.S. Agency for International Development are working to complete dioxin remediation efforts. In Hanoi, DASD Ford joined the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and representatives from U.S. industry to discuss opportunities to expand U.S. defense trade with Vietnam as part of broader efforts following the 2023 upgrade of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In Thailand, DASD Ford co-chaired the 20th annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts’ Working Group (EWG) on Maritime Security, marking the conclusion of three years of co-chairmanship with Thailand and the beginning of the EWG’s new co-chairmanship by Japan and the Philippines. She also met with Thai Ministry of Defence Director-General of Policy and Planning General Paiboon Vorranprecha to discuss opportunities to deepen bilateral defense cooperation, including on force modernization, cybersecurity, and defense trade. DASD Ford’s visit came on the heels of a successful U.S.-Thailand 2+2 Strategic and Defense Dialogue in March 2024.

DASD Ford’s final stop was in the Philippines, where she met with counterparts from the Department of National Defense, Department of Foreign Affairs, and National Security Council to advance bilateral initiatives to enhance information-sharing, interoperability, and bilateral security cooperation.  DASD Ford also met with Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy, VADM Toribio Adaci Jr., and commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command, VADM Alberto Carlos, to discuss bilateral and multilateral opportunities to support the Philippines’ maritime capabilities and ability to operate safely, responsibly, and lawfully in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

“Robust U.S. engagement with allies and partners in Southeast Asia contributes to a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific,” DASD Ford said. “After visiting all three countries, it is clear to me that these relationships with the United States are stronger than ever.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is launching the first trilateral prize challenge through AUKUS Pillar II— a defense and security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (U.S.)— to identify electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) technologies that help give a strategic edge in targeting and to provide protection against adversarial electromagnetic-targeting capabilities.

This inaugural AUKUS Pillar II trilateral prize challenge will run as three synchronized competitions by the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) in Australia, Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) in the UK, and DIU in the U.S.

Through AUKUS Pillar II, the Department of Defense (DoD) is bolstering national, regional, and global stability and security by enhancing the capabilities that warfighters need to respond to current and future threats. AUKUS allows the DoD to coordinate information and technology with its international partners to deliver critical capabilities quickly while integrating and strengthening the U.S., UK and Australian defense industrial base and supply chains.

“There is enormous potential in collaborating with our allies and partners, and our AUKUS electromagnetic warfare (EW) Challenge is an example of this,” said DIU Director Doug Beck. “A strong international community of defense innovation entities can help nurture and harness these new capabilities.”

The trilateral problem statement calls for capabilities that will allow us to leverage EMS technologies for both offensive and defensive purposes. The EMS presents a congested and competitive environment, with new technologies and solution sets that have the potential to provide asymmetric advantages for AUKUS and other partners. Key capabilities sought include the ability to:

• Find: Identification of targets using the EMS.
• Fix: Location of targets via the EMS.
• Track: Monitoring of target movement using the EMS.
• Target: Selection and application of EMS assets and enabled weapon systems.
• Engage: Application of EMS assets and enabled weapons.
• Assess: Evaluation of attack effects using the EMS.

A team of subject matter experts will evaluate applicants and select winning companies from the three countries in July 2024.

For more information or interview requests, please contact us at media@diu.mil.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout:

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (A/DASD) for East Asia Andrew Winternitz concluded his visit to Japan last week after attending the Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue.

The Japan-hosted dialogue featured important engagements on regional Pacific Islands issues like maritime security, climate change, emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response. A/DASD Winternitz also participated in 12 bilateral meetings with Pacific Islands leaders from the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. In addition, he met bilaterally with counterparts from France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.

“This dialogue marked an important opportunity to connect with a wide range of Pacific Island partners and exchange views on shared defense and security issues in the region,” A/DASD Winternitz said. “We thank our Japanese colleagues for their leadership in hosting this dialogue, and we look forward to deepening these important relationships.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

VISAKHAPATNAM, India  –  

Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embraced India’s culture during celebrations, athletic exchanges, and community relations engagements as they participate in Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024.

Currently in the harbor phase, Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH’s third iteration incorporated multiple community relations engagement opportunities, friendly sports competitions, and for the first time, participation by Marines and Sailors in a Holi celebration alongside service members from the Indian Armed Forces.

Over 200 Marines and Sailors who arrived to Visakhapatnam aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) took the opportunity to join their Indian counterparts to develop relationships and strengthen camaraderie outside of the scheduled military training events, as well as with members of the local community.

“These events are a great opportunity for us to make an impact in the community and strengthen bonds with our counterparts,” said U.S. Marine Corps Warrant Officer Linda Gonzalez, a mobility officer assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th MEU. “As a female officer, I enjoy participating in these events, whether it be talking with cadets at a university or at a Holi festival, to show and encourage young women that they are and can be the leaders for the next generation.”

On March 22-23, U.S. and Indian service members held two days of athletic exchanges including basketball and volleyball with both countries joining together on integrated teams for the final competitions. An instructor-led, sunrise yoga session was also held to round out the two days of sports.

Andhra University and a foster home for boys in Visakhapatnam hosted Marines and Sailors for community relations events on March 23. Over 100 Marines and Sailors participated in both events.

At the foster home, Marines and Sailors joined children ranging from ages 5 to 18 in a series of events including volleyball, tug-of-war, mural painting, local children’s games, and culminating with a musical chairs competition. To cement the partnership built throughout the day, Marines and Sailors assisted the young children as they planted a new tree in their garden.

Marines and Sailors also visited the American Corner at Andhra University, a space that encourages dynamic conversations based on local youth interests. Events there included the planting of a tree, painting of a “U.S.-India Together” mural, and discussions with students and the Indian National Cadet Corps with U.S. Navy Capt. Michel Brandt, commanding officer of Somerset, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Lindsay Mathwick, commanding officer of CLB-15, 15th MEU, and commander of troops aboard Somerset.

“When I was in their position, I remember the impact guest speakers had on our development as young leaders,” said Mathwick. “I hope our visit and interactions here today leave a similar mark. As impressive as the cadets were in their poise, professionalism, and thoughtful questions, I have great confidence in the future of leadership in India”

On March 25, nearly 300 service members from the U.S. and Indian Armed Forces came together to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors that marks the onset of spring in India. Marines and Sailors were greeted with a dusting of chalk sparking the colorful celebration. They were led through dancing and music by the Bhangra Dance Team and Dholak Band Team and treated with customary refreshments traditionally enjoyed in the holiday that marks the victory of good over evil.

“While we work together at military exercises, we must always look for opportunities like this to share our bonds of friendship,” said Indian Navy Capt. Rajan Kapoor, commanding officer of the INS Sahaydri. “Together we are stronger, and we will cherish these memories for a very long time.”

U.S. and Indian Armed Forces will continue training and transition to the sea phase of Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH to focus on humanitarian aid and disaster relief readiness which will enhance the bilateral, joint, and services readiness to better achieve mutual regional security objectives in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

Media queries can be directed to the Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH Combined Joint Information Bureau Director, LCDR Andrew DeGarmo at andrew.r.degarmo.mil@us.navy.mil. For more information, photos, and stories about 15th MEU participation in Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH, visit www.dvidshub.net/units/15thMEUpa.