Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea  –  

The United States Forces Korea hosted the Tri-Command Women, Peace and Security Symposium on July 9-10, 2024, at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea.

The event highlighted the integration of WPS principles into military operations as a vital line of partnership between the U.S., the ROK, and United Nations Command Member States.  

The symposium focused on how WPS can be applied to mission sets on the Korean Peninsula. The event brought together 300 participants, including personnel from across the Tri-Command, as well as WPS subject matter experts from the Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, RAND Corporation, Korea National Defense University, UN Women and other key stakeholders.

“Women, Peace and Security is a definite priority and will continue to be a focus for the Tri-Command and in our militaries for many years to come,” said USFK Commander, Gen. Paul LaCamera during his symposium welcome remarks.

Participants engaged in insightful discussions and exchanges of ideas on incorporating gender perspectives into peace and security efforts, thereby enhancing military effectiveness and operational success.

“WPS enables us to better identify and address gender-related drivers of instability, build societal resilience, and counter coercion,” said Ms. Monica Herrera, Senior Gender Advisor at OUSD-P, in her presentation on U.S. government WPS priorities. “Analyzing gender dynamics in the operating environment can better inform any mission set that involves human populations.”

The two-day symposium provided a forum for meaningful discussion on lessons learned, shared interests in operationalizing WPS, and exploration of the next steps to address the unique challenges faced by women, men, boys, and girls in conflict, post-conflict, and steady-state operations. Expert speakers underscored the importance of systematic inclusion of gender considerations in all aspects of military policy, planning, and execution. Sessions included a keynote speech from RAND WPS Initiative Director Dr. Kyleanne Hunter that highlighted the need to consider gender in key military operations on the Korean Peninsula, including noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and gender-based violence prevention and response, during crisis and conflict.

Lt. Col. Rebekah Beaumont, Australia Defence Force Headquarters Joint Operations Command Gender, Peace and Security Advisor, highlighted the need for interoperability across WPS mission sets during her presentation on ADF WPS implementation.

“ADF leadership considers Gender in Military Operations as a force multiplier,” Beaumont said.  “As a mission partner, Australia has many synergies with the U.S. approach to (WPS), creating collaboration and mutually supporting opportunities.”

Col. Jung Hee Hyoung, Combined Forces Command C5 strategy chief, presented about ROK WPS implementation, advocating the need for the ROK military and the Tri-Command to adapt to the dynamic security environment by meaningfully integrating WPS considerations into combined joint plans and policy.

On the second day of the symposium, Ms. Lee So Yeon, New Korea Women Federation CEO, and Mr. Ko Yong Hwan, president of the National Institute for Unification Education, presented on North Korean defector perspectives and implications for the Tri-Command. They shared examples of gender dynamics at play in the daily lives of North Korean citizens, as well as within North Korea’s Korean People’s Army.

Ms. Ahjung Lee, a UN Women specialist, spoke on a symposium panel about cultivating allyship in the defense and security sector.

“Addressing root causes of conflict, including gender inequality and discrimination, can help prevent conflicts from escalating and contribute to sustainable peace,” Lee said. “By promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, military forces can mitigate grievances and build more inclusive societies resilient to violence and extremism… allyship is not just about supporting women’s rights, but about recognizing the interconnectedness of gender equality with broader efforts for peace, security, and development.”

Throughout the second half of day two, participants utilized interactive workshops to work together in small groups. They applied common themes from symposium presentations to defense sector problem-sets, specific to the Korean Peninsula.

“The WPS agenda reflects our dedication to a more inclusive and secure future,” Air Commodore Chris Robson, USINDOPACOM J5 Deputy Director for Strategy & WPS Senior Representative, noted. “By advancing the WPS agenda, we are strengthening interoperability and reinforcing our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

“The feedback from this Tri-Command WPS symposium is invaluable as we work to establish the USFK WPS program this year,” said Dr. Jason Seol, USFK WPS director and lead planner for the event. “With the unwavering support of USINDOPACOM, OUSD-P, and WPS experts from academia, the interagency and the international community, we have a unique opportunity to improve our institutions and implement effective strategies. Together, we will drive positive change on the Korean Peninsula and set a global precedent.” 

For more information about the event, contact the USINDOPACOM Office of WPS at USINDOPACOM.WPS.fct@pacom.mil.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

QUANG NGAI, Vietnam  –  

Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel jointly organized the Vietnam mission stop to strengthen disaster response preparedness and international cooperation. The mission will take place from August 19 through August 31.

In Quang Ngai, the PP24-2 and PA24-3 programs will bring together approximately 200 participants, including personnel from the Australian Defense Force, British Armed Forces, Chile, Japan, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City will attend the opening ceremony on Aug. 20.

“During this year’s Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel mission, we highlight the enduring friendship that drives the U.S.-Vietnam relationship forward in disaster response, medicine, and education. This progress is even more meaningful when we consider how our two countries have overcome our shared past to build a brighter future for the next generation,” said U.S. Consul General Susan Burns.

​The Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel humanitarian mission includes a range of activities aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities, providing humanitarian assistance, and fostering mutual understanding between partnering nations. Medical professionals will conduct exchanges and training sessions at various hospitals and medical centers in Quang Ngai, covering topics such as mass casualty incidents, surgeries, public health, and infectious diseases. In addition, U.S. and Vietnamese officials will hold discussions on forest fire prevention, coastal erosion, and natural disaster management, accompanied by a site survey of the Nghia An anti-erosion embankment.

“Our leaders understand the importance of collaboration, with experts both inside and outside of government, to strengthen and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly through disaster preparedness initiatives,” said U.S. Navy Captain Daniel Keeler, PP24-2 mission commander. “We aim to strengthen coordination on regional and global issues of shared concern and interest, contributing to collective efforts to uphold peace, stability, cooperation, and development both in the region and worldwide.”

Construction efforts will also play a significant role in the mission, with repairs and renovations planned at several local facilities, including Tinh Minh Kindergarten, Nghia Lo Medical Station, Tinh Khe Elementary School, and Tinh Khe Medical Station. These projects are designed to improve the infrastructure and resilience of local community sites. The mission will also emphasize community engagement through a series of English language and music exchanges with students at local schools, fostering cultural interactions and mutual understanding.

“We are dedicated to working with each host nation and our sister branches to enhance capacity, interoperability, combined readiness, and partnership in the Indo-Pacific,” said Major Bradley Emmett, PA24-3 mission commander. “The relationships built and sustained with our partners through these missions, civil-military operations, and military exchanges help preserve peace and stability in the region. We look forward to working with them in the upcoming week.”

The PP24-2 and PA24-3 mission represents a milestone in foreign affairs engagement with Quang Ngai province, reinforcing the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral relationship nearly a year after the two countries upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The program underscores the province’s commitment to global partnerships and disaster preparedness.

​For information on Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel visit: www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership and https://www.pacaf.af.mi

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

POHANG, South Korea  –  

Marines and Sailors assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the 31st MEU, and Marine Corps Installation Camp Mujuk spent a day volunteering with local children at the Pohang Sunrin Aeyukwon Children’s Home in Pohang, South Korea, Aug. 19.

The Sunrin Aeyukwon staff paired 20 school-age children in their foster care program with the 20 Marine and Sailor volunteers for a day to bond, have fun, and learn from one another.

Jung Min Park, current chief of Pohang Sunrin Aeyukwon, welcomed the service members as they arrived and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their visit.

Park, 63, was a resident during his childhood at Sunrin Aeyukwon, known then as the Marine Memorial Orphanage. During his welcome, he emotionally recounted his fond memories as a child in the 1960s spending time with U.S. Marine volunteers and the lasting impact it had on him. Park explained to the Marines and Sailors that the day they invest would remain significant to the children for many years to come.

“Whenever Marines return to the facility to spend time with children, it feels like our brothers and sisters are here,” Park said.

The Marines and Sailors then toured Pohang Sunrin Aeyukwon and learned from Park about its deep relationship with the U.S. Marine Corps since its founding in 1952 as the Marine Memorial Orphanage. Marines of the 1st Marine Air Wing raised money to buy the land and build the orphanage, as well as collect donation items for children affected by the Korean War. In 1954, U.S. Navy Seabees began construction on an improved two-story wooden structure.

Park said although the modern Sunrin Aeyukwon facility was constructed in 1988, he wishes the original Marine Memorial Orphanage structure could have been relocated to preserve it. He showed the Marines and Sailors where stone markers placed by 1st MAW Marines and the Seabees who built the orphanage still stand at the original site to honor the organization’s beginnings.

Now, more than 70 years later, Marines and Sailors assigned to Camp Mujuk and units who visit for training still carry on the legacy of commitment to the community by volunteering to spend time with children at Sunrin Aeyukwon or care for the facility and grounds.

“It’s important to keep that connection going and have Koreans know that we’re still here for them,” said Lance Cpl. Amber Kirkby, a volunteer who serves as a supply administration specialist assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th MEU. “As Marines, we’re always trying to take care of people around us.”

After their tour of Sunrin Aeyukwon on Aug. 19, the children and volunteers spent the rest of the day together at a local park before visiting the Pohang Space Walk, an outdoor adventure area that features curving walkways along a steel track elevated high over the ground.

The afternoon concluded with the volunteers and children returning to Sunrin Aeyukwon to take photos with their Marine or Sailor before saying their farewells.

“I want to thank [the Marines and Sailors] a lot for coming out here, hanging out with the kids, and bonding with them,” said Yun Taekyung, an English teacher at Sunrin Aeyukwon.

Kirkby said she encourages more Marines and Sailors to participate in volunteer events in the local community whenever they can during the 15th MEU’s busy training schedule in South Korea.

“Spending time with the kids today was really a good time,” Kirkby said. “It’s more of a spiritual fitness thing and doing something that’s not for yourself, but for others.”

​Elements of the 15th MEU are currently in South Korea conducting integrated training with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps to contribute toward combined capability in defense of the Korean Peninsula.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

The 8th Fighter Wing recently began integrating into Ulchi Freedom Shield, an annual joint, combined, and interagency exercise Aug. 19.

The objective of the multi-week combined exercise is to enhance readiness, interoperability, and coalition partnerships. It does so by bringing together U.S. military forces, such as the 8th Fighter Wing, and the Republic of Korea Air Forces to exercise a range of scenarios including humanitarian crises response to armed conflict, all to strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance, joint defense readiness, and promote security and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

“The Wolf Pack’s participation in exercises like Ulchi Freedom Shield is crucial to maintaining our military readiness and fostering interoperability with our allies,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Peter Kasarskis, 8th Fighter Wing commander. “Through exercises like Ulchi Freedom Shield, we are able to work alongside our partners, test our capabilities, and learn from one another. This not only benefits our individual units but also contributes to the broader goal of the 8th Fighter Wing.”

During the exercise, the Wolf Pack will conduct local flying and agile combat employment operations at forward locations to increase interoperability with mission partners in realistic combat scenarios. These scenarios directly support the exercise’s focus on conducting multi-domain operations leveraging component assets, emphasizing countering weapons of mass destruction.

“It is imperative to link the Wolf Pack with the operational level of command,” said Kasarskis. “These connections do not happen automatically and must be rehearsed. Exercises such as Ulchi Freedom Shield provide the sandbox to allow us to continuously improve.”

In addition to meeting exercise objectives, the Wolf Pack is simultaneously testing its wing’s readiness, including its ability to support follow-on forces and defend the base against regional threats.

“We must continue to improve, innovate and optimize our processes to generate lethal combat power,” he said. “Our participation in these exercises builds a more combat-ready force, better able to meet any challenge in the Indo-Pacific region.”

​Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 underscores the enduring military partnership between the ROK and the U.S. and reinforces the role of the alliance as a cornerstone for regional peace and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

In a rapid response to a wildfire on Maui’s Haleakalā in July, the U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific Headquarters provided valuable and timely commercial analytics to local government officials and first responders.

Within hours of receiving requests for assistance from Maui County Fire and Emergency Management Agency officials on July 18, the Space Force initiated a process to acquire and analyze satellite data of the wildfire along the Crater Road.

The resulting imagery products helped local agencies better understand the fire’s progression and further inform their response efforts.

“This is a prime example of how our space-based capabilities can directly support our local communities,” said Col. Jason Schramm, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific Deputy Commander. “We were proud to contribute to the efforts to protect lives and property and will continue to work with local officials to offer assistance as needed in the future.”

​Space Force’s data aided firefighters in their efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze. This coordination demonstrates Space Force Guardians’ commitment and capability to supporting civil authorities during natural disasters and emergencies.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BANYUWANGI, Indonesia  –  

Military Sealift Command (MSC) chartered Motor Vessel (MV) Cape Hudson (T-AKR 5066) arrived at the port of Banyuwangi, Indonesia, to offload equipment in support of exercise Super Garuda Shield 2024, August 12-13, 2024.

The vessel embarked on its voyage from its home base in San Francisco and made stops to load cargo and personnel in Tacoma, Wash.; Honolulu; and Japan before arriving at Banyuwangi.

Super Garuda Shield, one of the largest multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, continues to solidify the U.S.-Indonesia Major Defense Partnership Defense Cooperation Agreement and advances cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“This is not a typical commercial route,” said contracted mariner Benjamin Day, ship’s master, MV Cape Hudson. “We originated from the West Coast of the United States, then Hawaii and Japan, to bring equipment and a mission set all the way to Banyuwangi, Indonesia, to support (exercise Super Garuda Shield).”

Oversight of the offload in Indonesia was conducted by a detachment of the U.S. Army’s 835th Transportation Battalion, 599th Transportation Brigade, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), out of Okinawa, Japan.

Within two days, the ship unloaded approximately 313 pieces of equipment and containers. Once the items were discharged off the ship, they were staged at the marshalling area for onward movement to the respective training area.

Between the expertise of MSC, SDDC and Banyuwangi port officials, all gear was off loaded as scheduled.

Cape Hudson is a 750-foot-long roll-on, roll-off container vessel with four decks of cargo space. The ship can accommodate 186,000 sq. ft. of cargo, which equates to about 4.3 acres of space that can equal roughly 38,000 tons of cargo. It is part of the Cape H-class of ships that include MVs Cape Horn and Cape Henry.

Despite its massive presence, the ship’s characteristically low draft allows for this tonnage while still getting into smaller ports. This ship has a significant cargo capacity and is multimodal, making Cape Hudson ideal for the charter.

According to Day, his experience on commercial container ships differs from these types of ships and missions.

“These ships are a lot different than what I’m used to,” said Day, who has more than six years of experience with the Cape H-class ships. “Doing this type of mission is fun because the cargo is different, you’re lashing it differently; it takes a broader skill set.”

Cape Hudson is part of the Ready Reserve Force fleet of vessels. The RRF is a subset of vessels within the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) National Defense Reserve Fleet ready to support the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces.

As part of the crew of Cape Hudson, MSC also assigned a tactical advisor (TACAD), whose job is to deploy on commercial chartered vessels and act as a liaison between military higher headquarters and the ship’s crew.

​The Navy Reserve is MSC’s manpower solution for surge mission sets, and TACADs are typically Strategic Sealift Officers (SSOs), who are warfare qualified Navy Reserve Officers with civilian Merchant Mariner credentials and military training to support the activation, operation, and sustainment of the Sealift fleet.

​“I make sure the vessel gets from point A to point B safely and that we are in contact with higher headquarters,” said Lt. j. g. Alexa Lumpkin, TACAD on Cape Hudson. “This involves establishing secure communications between the ship and military operations center. I also provide contested-maritime-environment training with the crew.

​Lumpkin is serving on her fourth TACAD mission. She stated she enjoys serving as the TACAD. In her civilian job, she is a merchant marine and sailing on her third mate’s license as a merchant mariner can be stressful.

​“As a mate, I don’t feel like I have a lot of time when we get to port,” said Lumpkin. “But as a TACAD, it’s a whole different experience. I get to work with lot of people; I get to be involved in missions such as this. I just like being a part of it.”

​Additionally, to support the discharge of equipment, MSC deployed a three-member Reserve-component team from various Reserve Expeditionary Port Units (EPU) in the U.S. to assist with port operations.

​“We’re here to help MSC and SDDC with the offload of Cape Hudson. Our role is to act as a liaison between SDDC, the ship, and port authorities, and to make sure that the port is suitable for the ship in Banyuwangi,” said Quartermaster Chief Joshua Vest, senior enlisted leader, EPU 112, from Little Rock, Ark. “We’re also making sure everyone involved is adhering to safety procedures. I think we’ve been maintaining a good schedule, and everybody has learned something valuable toward the expeditionary side of port operations.”

​According to Vest, it makes a lot of sense to bring out EPUs to support these specialized missions.

​“EPUs play a crucial role that is sometimes overlooked,” said Vest. “Their contributions are not tethered to certain tasks or responsibilities but on providing expertise in varying situations.”

​According to the MARAD website, RFF provides nearly 50 percent of government-owned surge sealift capability.

​MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. 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.

​Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and Reserve military personnel.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

QUEENSLAND, Australia  –  

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, participated in the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, held along the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, Aug. 16-19.

The airshow, Australia’s premier aviation event, brings the thrill and excitement of aerobatic displays and cutting-edge aircraft to Queensland, Australia’s coastline. More than 120,000 spectators filled the beach to witness the aerobatic performances, which featured a diverse lineup of military and civilian aircraft, including stunts, precision flying, parachuting, and powerful jet demonstrations by pilots and aircrews from multiple nations.

“Jumping into Gold Coast is a unique experience. The Gold Coast skyline is beautiful, and the people have been memorable,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Nick Obletz, the officer in charge of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the “Leap Frogs.” “We want to have positive interactions with members of the Australian public and there are a lot of American ex-pats in Australia as well. We’ve been overwhelmed by the compassion and how welcoming the Australian people have been during this entire airshow.”

The “Leap Frogs,” a 12-man parachute team selected from the Naval Special Warfare community, were transported to the performance location by U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys. The team demonstrated a series of parachute jumps from approximately 10,000 feet in the air, demonstrating complex aerial maneuvers, formations, and controlled landings. Their performance highlighted the precision and teamwork of U.S. Navy SEALs and special operations forces.

“Flying an aircraft in dense airspace during an airshow can be challenging, there are a lot of moving pieces and they [VMM 268 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3,] did a heck of a job. We’re really appreciative of their professionalism. They were with us during briefs and rehearsals, and they made sure to get us out at the exact location,” said Obletz. “Our show is compelling on its own, but we cannot do our demonstration without a solid air asset, so to put people exactly where they need to be at the right time, that is Marine Corps-Navy bread and butter, and they were able to do that exceptionally well.”

In addition to transporting the “Leap Frogs” to their parachute jump destination, the Marines with VMM-268 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3, performed an aerial showcase 300 feet above the international spectators on the Gold Coast. The demonstration highlighted the unique capabilities of the Osprey, showcasing its role in the MRF-D 24.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force as a crisis response force.

“Participating in the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is allowing us to present our abilities in front of our Australian Allies. We’ve been working alongside the Australian Defence Force throughout MRF-D which has been a great contribution to our partnership with the Australian forces,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mary-Kate Carrol, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with VMM-268 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “A lot of it is just building relationships with people, letting them know who we are and why exactly we are in their country, but also, building that trust. I think a lot of this airshow is about building that trust and making partnerships with our Australian Allies.”

The Osprey demonstration emphasized its versatility, showcasing its ability to transition from airplane mode to a hover using its nacelles and proprotors. The crew performed a tactical straight-in approach, executed a 360-degree turn, and demonstrated precise control during hover, underscoring the aircraft’s agility and unique capabilities.

​The demonstration concluded with a climbing and accelerating departure, transitioning from helicopter to airplane mode and reaching speeds of up to 280 knots. This performance underscored the Osprey’s adaptability and effectiveness in various operations, from humanitarian assistance to combat missions, highlighting the strength and readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps and its commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea  –  

For the first time in recent history, the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, is incorporating its recurring wing readiness exercise into Ulchi Freedom Shield 24. The 51st FW readiness exercise started on Aug. 19 and will continue until Aug. 23, 2024.

The 51st FW will be conducting local flying and agile combat employment (ACE) operations, working to not only enhance local wing readiness, but also reinforce Seventh Air Force and U.S. Forces Korea’s command-and-control training efforts.

“Conducting exercises of this scale and nature is a necessary part of our readiness posture here in the Republic of Korea,” said U.S. Air Force Col. William McKibban, 51st FW commander. “Integration like this is what we’re here to do, to show everyone that we are ready to fight tonight when needed, from the tactical level all the way up to the operational.”

Throughout the week, the 51st FW will work alongside Seventh Air Force and USFK personnel to engage in contingency response exercises, training on mobilization and force deployment capabilities while simultaneously rehearsing the protection and sustainment of base operations.

Additionally, during this time, fighter wing aircraft and personnel will mobilize to and operate out of a co-operating base location in the Republic of Korea, further enhancing the wing’s ability to execute the mission in an unfamiliar environment at a moment’s notice.

With each training event like this, the 51st FW works to not only strengthen local readiness capabilities, but also reaffirm the United States’ dedication to enhancing regional security, exemplifying a steadfast dedication to fostering peace and maintaining stability in the Pacific Theater.

​UFS 24 is an annual exercise by the Republic of Korea and United States that aims to enhance the combined, joint, multi-domain and interagency operation environment, with a goal of strengthening the combined defense posture and alliance response capabilities through live, virtual and constructive training scenarios that reflect the diverse threats of the security environment.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

QUEENSLAND, Australia  –  

A Bomber Task Force deployment of U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, Airmen and support equipment from the 509th Bomb Wing and 131st BW, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, has began at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, Aug. 16, 2024.

United States strategic bombers can operate in the Indo-Pacific region from a broad array of overseas and continental U.S. locations with great operational resilience.

This deployment is in support of Pacific Air Forces’ training efforts with allies, partners, and joint forces and strategic deterrence missions to reinforce the rules-based international order.

​The Pacific Air Forces look for every opportunity to train alongside our allies and partners to demonstrate interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OKINAWA, Japan  –  

In trying times, small things become more special; a single photo, a favorite hat, or a kitschy souvenir from a dear friend. Those small things are like treasure for the soul.

By those measures, California Air National Guard Lt. Col. Patrick Cichon found a treasure trove in his father’s old trunk. However, these valuables only held value an ocean away.

Cichon, 129th Medical Group commander, stumbled upon letters, memento pieces, pictures and more from his dad’s time in the military during World War II. The language was foreign yet familiar; it was Japanese, the language he now shared after decades spent with his wife.

Cichon is dedicated to empowering and building relationships within the Japanese-American communities in Southern California. His non-profit, Nova Vita Foundation, holds festivals, provides programs and hosts clubs for adults and children. Clearly, he knew he had to get these items back home. Their home, not his.

“I am honored to be [in Okinawa] to repatriate to the people of Japan items that were saved from destruction during World War II by my father,” he said. “My father preserved them on the battlefield so that today we could return them to their rightful country.”

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Casimir Joseph Cichon, the colonel’s father, fought during the 90-day Battle of Okinawa, which caused the most casualties of any conflict in the pacific theater. He preserved certain items with the intention of eventually returning them before departing for home.

Of those items, Cichon brought with him three different cloth artifacts. One was a simple sack with a name; another was a handkerchief woven with the image of a stylized kabuto, or samurai’s helmet; and the last was a towel embroidered with two names.

Additionally, Cichon’s father brought back photos and letters, which Cichon himself placed in two separate displays.

With all five items in hand at Naha Airport, the easy part was over; Cichon made it to Japan. Now, he had to figure out how to get these items to the right people.

“I worked with the cultural liaison assigned to the mission,” Cichon explained. “We found three hopeful leads; the US Consulate General in Naha, the [Japanese Air Self Defense Force] and a local peace museum.”

The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum stands as a symbol of continued peace for the island. Memorializing the 200,000 deaths at the Battle of Okinawa, the museum was a clear first choice for Cichon.

Speaking fluent Japanese, Cichon expressed his intent to the museum curator. The curator believed the cloth artifacts should be handed to the JASDF and US Consulate General, but the photos and letters were intriguing.

“One photo of a man on horseback was actually a member of nobility, an important Okinawan family,” he said during the transfer, translating and summarizing the curator. “Another photo is of middle school boys; really all of the stuff tells a different story.”

The curator called the museum director, who also wanted to view the items. Cichon presented each of them his commander’s coin to show his appreciation, and they in turn thanked him profusely.

Thanks to identification from the curator and director, the other items were also ready to go to their new homes.

The sack was actually a care package with a woman’s name, most likely a nurse or clerical staff. The stylized handkerchief belonged to a soldier, as a momento. Both were handed off to a Japanese Air Self Defense Force public affairs officer stationed at Naha Air Base by the 163rd Wing public affairs office. The Japanese airman contacted a number of local and national army and navy military museums for collection.

Finally, only the towel remained. With additional help from the US Consulate General, who took possession of the artifact, the towel was identified as originating from a high school in Gunma Prefecture. It was provided by an insurance company to the highschool, who in turn gave it to a student who then most likely became a soldier immediately after graduating. As of this writing, the US Consulate General confirmed the Gunma Prefectural Museum has received the towel.

In just two weeks, all five items had finished their nearly 80-year-old journey. Through war, travel, and time, the letters, photos, and mementos had survived, completely intact. These artifacts, forgotten by most, were cherished nonetheless by those who took stewardship, be they Japanese or American.

Dozens of people ensured the safe care of the items so they could be treated as they deserve; as the treasured gifts to soldiers and family fighting a brutal war. Now, immortalized in museums across Japan, these artifacts will forever cement the new friendship found between two nations.

​Lt. Col. Cichon’s mission to return these artifacts reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to its allies. The dedication he demonstrated in ensuring these artifacts reached Japan is a testament to the values of respect, understanding, and cooperation that underpin U.S. foreign relations. By persevering through challenges and navigating the complexities of international cultural heritage, Cichon not only honored his father’s legacy but also strengthened the bonds between the United States and Japan.