America Amphibious Ready Group Completes Exercise Iron Fist

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Sailors assigned to the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, celebrated the completion of the 18th iteration of Exercise Iron Fist, alongside members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), in a ceremony held on the flight deck of the JMSDF Ōsumi -class tank landing ship JS Kunisaki (LST-4003), March 17.

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launches

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

We are aware of the DPRK’s March 17 ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. We have assessed these events did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory. The United States condemns these launches and calls on the DPRK to refrain from any further destabilizing acts.

US Space Forces Indo-Pacific executes Cobra Gold 2024

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific is taking a giant leap forward in multi-domain integration, leading U.S. space participation in Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 24 in Thailand, Feb. 27 – Mar. 8.

For the first time, over 33 nations worked and trained together in the space domain, as well as air and land, establishing a new standard for multinational space operations.

“Four years ago, Cobra Gold had no space participation,” said Capt. Jarrett Jordan, a SPACEFOR-INDOPAC exercise planner.  “This year, it became one of the most robust multinational space exercises in the world.”

Space Force Guardians leveraged longstanding relationships with Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to elevate one of Asia’s most premiere military exercises.  Now in its 43rd iteration, Cobra Gold brings in experts and leaders from across the region to learn from each other and grow through overcoming challenging scenarios.

Of course, having a concentrated presence of the region’s best operators and strategists offers unique opportunities.

“Cobra Gold gives us the chance to learn from our partners and to develop new skills through combined integration,” Jordan said.  “These commitments pay huge dividends when it comes to developing individual talent, and the relationships we build foster a lasting spirit of cooperation.”

While Thailand and the U.S. have a long history of working together as Allies, modern challenges to the Indo-Pacific security environment require new ways of addressing those issues.  Extreme weather, the distances inherent to the region, and challenges to the rules-based international order are becoming more prevalent.  Exercises like Cobra Gold prepare operators for integrating with domains they never had to consider before.

“By practicing in exercises like Cobra Gold, participants can work through the challenges they may not have the opportunity to see on a daily basis,” Jordan said, “By establishing this new space play, Cobra Gold has become an even better venue for joint and combined partnership that recognizes space as contested domain.”

As more regional players recognize the importance of space, efforts like these in Cobra Gold will only grow in importance.  SPACEFOR-INDOPAC continues to expand its outreach efforts to Allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific, and plans are already underway for additional space integration in other combined events.  Each one advances Guardian skills, forges stronger relationships with Allies and partners, and helps support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Though this was the first time SPACEFOR-INDOPAC played in Cobra Gold, the experience had a profound effect on the Guardians involved.

“Participating in Cobra Gold for the first time was a powerful reminder of the importance of our Allies and partners,” Jordan said.  “Integrating space into the exercise as part of an incredible multinational team was a big task, but it was one worth doing and one we were able to succeed at together.”

2nd Infantry/ROK-U.S. Combined Division Joins with ROK Forces for Air Assault Training Mission

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The 2nd Infantry/ROK-U.S. Combined Division completes a large-scale joint air assault training operation in conjunction with the ROK 2nd Rapid Response Division, Army Aviation Command, Air Force’s 5th Air Mobility Wing during Freedom Shield 24 in the Republic of Korea, March 11-15, 2024.

The exercise involved approximately 40 large-scale joint aviation assets, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, Air Force C130H transport aircraft, as well as 1,400 ROK and U.S. Soldiers. The goal of the training was to master mission performance and combined joint operational capabilities.

“Combined training with our ROK allies gives us the opportunity to build trust and learn from each other’s processes which improves our capabilities to fight alongside each other,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dave Sherwood, CH-47 pilot, 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Infantry/ROK-U.S. Combined Division. “This has been a unique training exercise that has increased mission readiness and communication with our ROK partners.”

The training commenced on the 11th, with the 2nd Rapid Response Division and the 5th Air Mobility Wing infiltrating the target area. On the 12th, follow-up troops secured a landing site through a group descent via a transport aircraft (C-130H) and conducted dropping supplies and equipment.

The multi-day training event involved target area infiltration, securing landing zones, supply delivery, and rapid troop movement for successful air assaults. Each unit and airframe conducted thorough planning and communication to work through language and process differences to improve combined readiness.

“Through the training I was able to re-realize the importance of combined and joint operations,” said Lt. Col. Jung Kyung-Kook, battalion commander of the ROK 201st Rapid Response Brigade. “Even if a battle breaks out tomorrow, I will continue my readiness.”

2ID/RUCD Completes Combined Live Fire with ROK Army During Freedom Shield

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

As part of Freedom Shield 2024, the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division (2ID/RUCD) and the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division (CMID) of the Republic of Korea army, demonstrated combined combat capabilities through various joint maneuvers and gunnery exercises at Seung-Jin Range in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, March 8-14, 2024.

Elements of the ROK CMID and 2ID/RUCD conducted a Combined Live Fire Exercise (CFLX) aimed at improving interoperability in command and control, maneuver, and firepower operations, and to enhance combined operational performance capabilities.

Approximately 300 U.S. and ROK Soldiers from seven units, including the tank, engineer, air defense, and armored reconnaissance battalion under CMID, CBRN units of the ROK 7th Corps, and the 11th Engineer Battalion and 3rd Cavalry Regiment, conducted integrated firepower and route clearance training.

The training involved various military vehicles of the ROK and the U.S., including the ROK K1A2, K21, K30, and U.S. M1150 Assault Breaching Vehicle. The exercise began with the K30 cover fire, followed by dozens of K1A2 tanks and K21 armored vehicles pouring concentrated fire. U.S. Army 3rd Cavalry Regiment Raven RQ-11 Unmanned Aircraft Systems provided aerial surveillance and reconnaissance to ground forces increasing lethality and verifying the interoperability of the combined forces.

“Through the training, we were able to fully equip ourselves with combined combat capabilities to overwhelm the enemy,” said Lt. Col. Cho Seung-Jae, battalion commander, CMID. “Above all, members of the unit gained confidence that if the Republic of Korea and the United States work together, we can fight the enemy and win!”

Freedom Shield 2024 provided a rigorous environment to enhance readiness, interoperability and response capabilities in realistic scenarios.

“Working together with our ROK counterparts always makes us better and helps improve interoperability so we are always ready to respond if called upon,” said Lt. Col. Brent Kinney, battalion Commander, 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division. “We continue to work to strengthen our combined readiness.”

In support of the Armistice Agreement, Freedom Shield 24 underscores the enduring military partnership between the ROK and the U.S. It reinforces the role of the Alliance as the linchpin for regional peace and security, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the United States to defend the Republic of Korea.

U.S.-Japan soar through heavy winds for Airborne 24

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

As dawn approached on the brisk morning of March 7, relentless winds echoed over the flightline of Yokota Air Base, Japan. The stage was set for Airborne 24, as nearly half of the 374th Airlift Wing’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet, U.S. Army jumpmasters and approximately 300 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers geared up to execute the world’s largest bilateral static-line jump exercise.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Travels to the Philippines

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Manila, PHILIPPINES — Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited the Philippines March 10-14, 2024, where he met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., along with other senior government and military leaders.  

He also met with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and engaged with business leaders as part of the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines with U.S. Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce Gina Raimondo. The first mission of its kind, the PTIM is aimed at enhancing U.S. companies’ investment in the Philippine innovation economy, to include clean energy, food security and critical minerals, and follows the introduction of new arrangements and initiatives to expand on the historic momentum in U.S.-Philippine relations.   

Aquilino and military leaders also discussed opportunities for increased multilateral cooperation, maritime security initiatives, and the upcoming exercise Balikatan. The largest annual U.S.-Philippines bilateral exercise, the 39th iteration of Balikatan will feature service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S., along with other regional partner nations, training shoulder-to-shoulder to build the strength and readiness of the joint force.  

As the oldest ally in the region, the U.S.-Philippines Alliance has advanced peace, prosperity and security since 1951. Aquilino’s visit highlights efforts to modernize the alliance, and deepen cooperation to meet emerging challenges, improve interoperability and integrate joint planning efforts as part of the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Call with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a call today with Japan’s Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru.

The two officials welcomed ongoing and close coordination between the United States and Japan on the resumption of flight operations of V-22 Osprey aircraft by U.S. Forces Japan and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Secretary Austin underscored that the safety of U.S. servicemembers and Japanese communities remains a top priority for the Department as V-22 aircraft in Japan prepare to return to flight.

The two officials also reaffirmed their commitment to further defense cooperation between the United States and Japan at a time of historic progress toward shared Alliance priorities for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Austin expressed his hope that the two officials would have an opportunity to meet again in person soon.

Working Groups Build Capacity and Develop Capabilities with Allies and Partners Across Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

More than 450 security cooperation stakeholders and international partners gathered at Camp Withycombe, OR, for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s (USINDOPACOM) combined Capabilities Development Working Group (CDWG) and Security Cooperation Education and Training Working Group (SCETWG) from Feb. 26-March 1, 2024.

Hosted by the USINDOPACOM J5 Strategic Policy and Planning Directorate, CDWG aims to identify and develop specific partner nation military capabilities, while SCETWG focuses on education and training opportunities for partner nation military members. The two events work in concert to further security cooperation initiatives in the region through numerous plenary and small group working sessions.

Representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, returned to participate in CDWG. Delegations from Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) attended this year’s event for the first time, to further integrate and synchronize security cooperation efforts. The U.S. team hosted Bilateral Regional Capacity Building forums with both Japanese and ROK delegations to collaborate on current and future security cooperation initiatives and map out approaches to security cooperation in the region.

USINDOPACOM’s Deputy Director for Policy, British Commodore Jonathan Lett, chaired bilateral sessions and a trilateral luncheon with Japan and ROK to foster informal dialogue.

“The United States cannot and should not act alone in ensuring regional security,” Lett said. “For many years, our partners have been the missing piece in the puzzle in security cooperation planning. Your attendance at this event is a testament of what truly is a multinational effort to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

As the largest milestone event of its kind, this year’s CDWG gave in-country security cooperation officers the opportunity to interface directly with representatives from across the enterprise to include Department of Defense (DoD) organizations, component commands, and other U.S. government agencies, all with a role in taking a security cooperation initiative from ideation to implementation.

“Your untiring efforts over the past two years have advanced our goals to operationalize security cooperation and take a more proactive approach to achieving top U.S. defense and security objectives in the priority theater,” said David Jensen, USINDOPACOM’s Security Cooperation Division Chief, in his closing remarks.

The directorate will host its next event in the security cooperation planning cycle, Capability Development and Exercises (CAPEX) Workshop, in fall 2024.

USS Annapolis Port Visit in Perth, Australia

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

USS Annapolis (SSN 760) arrived in HMAS Stirling in Perth, Western Australia Sunday.

This marks the second visit by a U.S. fast-attack submarine to HMAS Stirling since the announcement of the AUKUS [Australia, United Kingdom, United States] Optimal Pathway in March 2023. The Optimal Pathway is designed to deliver a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarine capability to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

“Historically, we’ve had allied SSNs visit Australian ports for many decades totaling more than 1,800 days,” said Rear Adm. Matt Buckley, Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability at the Australian Submarine Agency. “Starting with USS North Carolina (SSN 777) last August, these visits are taking on a more important meaning for the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Submarine Agency as we build the infrastructure, knowledge, and stewardship needed to establish SRF-West in 2027.”

Increasing the number of SSN visits to Australia and the establishment of SRF-W comprise the first of three Optimal Pathway phases. As early as 2027, the United States will begin rotational presence in the Western Australia facility as a way to grow the RAN’s ability to operate and maintain a fleet of SSNs. Ultimately, there will be up to four U.S. Virginia-class submarines and one United Kingdom Astute-class submarine at HMAS Stirling.

The second phase of the Optimal Pathway begins in the early 2030s, with the United States selling Australia three Virginia-class submarines, with the potential to sell up to two more if needed. Phase Three sees the combination of a base British submarine design and advanced United States technology to deliver SSN-AUKUS, the future attack submarine for both Australia and the United Kingdom. Australia plans to deliver the first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS in the early 2040s.

“Having our submarines rotating through HMAS Stirling is critical to building Australia’s sovereign capability to safely and competently operate SSNs,” shared Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, the U.S. AUKUS Pillar One Program Manager. “Each visit will build upon the previous one and allow the RAN team to grow its capabilities. This visit will see Australians take a more active role in the execution of a voyage repair period.”

“For decades, the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Navy have trained and operated together,” said Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Group (CSG) 7. “AUKUS is a natural extension of our already close relationship, building unprecedented capability and interoperability that will pay dividends for generations.”

“It’s an honor to be here and the team looks forward to working with the Australians and furthering our relationship,” said Cmdr. James Tuthill, Commanding Officer, USS Annapolis. “The enthusiasm and professionalism of the HMAS Stirling team is apparent, and we look forward to making this visit as productive as possible.”

Initially announced in September 2021, the AUKUS trilateral agreement is a strategic endeavor aimed at strengthening the security and defense capabilities of the three nations that also promotes stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia will acquire conventionally armed SSNs for the Royal Australian Navy under Pillar I of AUKUS via the Optimal Pathway announced by the heads of the three partner nations on March 13, 2023.