Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MANGILAO , Guam  –  

More than 100 U.S. Air Force Reserve, active-duty Air Force, Army, Navy, and Guam Air National Guard service members collaborated with the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services and other community partners to host the 2024 Guam Wellness Innovative Readiness Training at Guam Community College in Mangilao from Aug. 1-8, 2024.

The dual mission, funded by the Department of Defense, provided a military training opportunity exclusive to the United States and its territories.

During the Guam IRT mission, 147 service members completed over 5,500 hours of training, including 932 clinical hours. The team also successfully treated 1,537 patients, delivering a total of 6,795 procedures, including medical physicals, optometry exams, dental visits, nutrition counseling, and patient education.

“Mainly because it’s free…even just the dental alone, it’s $100 for cleaning,” said Ezra Rey Ramos, one of the patients who took advantage of the services. “It is worth your time because imagine if you’ve gotten these services outside, you would spend hundreds of dollars, maybe upwards of $500, and here it’s free.”

Ramos further expressed his gratitude for the initiative.

“Not all people in Guam have health services offered to them for free, so this is really a great initiative, and for those that are taking advantage of this, it’s really also a great way to show appreciation for those behind this event,” he said.

Additionally, DPHSS reported administering over 1,300 vaccine doses, testing 57 patients for HIV, and educating 76 on sexually transmitted diseases, 24 patients received education on hypertension, breast and cervical cancer, diabetes, and tobacco cessation.

“This has been my first IRT, and I’ve had an amazing experience so far,” said Capt. Benjamin Wang, 377th Medical Group, clinical dentistry element chief, from Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. “I’ve always wanted the opportunity to serve others, particularly the underserved, and this IRT has made that possible.”

Wang highlighted he was proud of his team for their ability to work with limited resources and face unique challenges of performing dentistry in a hardened environment and austere settings, forcing the team to adapt and innovate.

The local community’s response to the IRT’s services has underscored the critical need for accessible healthcare on the island.

“The fact that dentistry and optometry are being offered at the IRT shows there is a need…one of our missions at the department is to ensure that there’s access to care, and 1,500 people served is evidence that we must continue to provide these opportunities,” said Theresa Arriola, DPHSS acting director.

Air Force Reserve Maj. Shelly Helton, a clinical nurse with the 349th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Travis AFB, California, shared a personal connection to the mission, having returned to Guam for the first time since childhood.

“To help the people of my community is a really good feeling,” Helton said. “I didn’t know it was going to mean this much to me until I actually got here…it’s rewarding to provide care to people who are so grateful.”

Arriola concluded by expressing her hope for the future of the IRT mission in Guam.

“The partnership between the military and the civilian community of our island can continue to grow and just get better and better,” she said. “We’re so pleased with this partnership, and we hope it will happen for many more years to come.”

​The 2024 Guam Wellness IRT serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing critical healthcare needs and highlights the ongoing efforts to improve access to essential medical services for the people of Guam.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SOUTH KOREA  –  

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, concluded the training portion of their rapid deployment readiness exercise (DRE) with a combined live-fire validation with Republic of Korea Army units at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, Aug. 14.

Battalions from ROK Army South’s 1st Armored Brigade joined the 1ABCT troops to train on interoperability and command and control on the battlefield.

The 4th Battalion, 70th AR Soldiers employed M1 Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and paladins alongside the ROK Army 1st Armored Brigade’s K200A1 armored infantry vehicles. During the combined exercise, UH-64 Apaches from 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry – ROK/U.S. Combined Division based out of Camp Humphreys provided air support.

While Eighth Army units and commands regularly train with ROK military partners, training with a rapidly deployed Army unit that arrived late July provides a unique learning opportunity for both U.S. and ROK ground forces. This part of 1ABCT’s deployment readiness exercise validates the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy to Korea in the defense of our two homelands.

“It is an honor to train side by side with our Republic of Korea Army partners increasing readiness and winning every day,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Lorete, 4th Battalion commander. “This opportunity to train as part of Pacific Fortitude enhances our operational readiness, enabling our team to grow and learn every day and reinforces our commitment to the ROK in maintaining security and stability on the Korean peninsula. We are extremely proud of our team who worked tirelessly to prepare our equipment to conduct squad and platoon collective training, culminating in tank platoon live fires and a combined ROK-US mechanized infantry platoon live-fire.”

Based out of Fort Bliss, Texas, 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, arrived during the final week of July and drew their combat equipment from Army prepositioned stock maintained on the Korean peninsula by the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and 403rd Army Field Support Brigade. The 25th Transportation Battalion transported the newly donned equipment from Camp Carroll to Rodriguez Range.

On July 17, the “Ready First Brigade” Soldiers were notified they would leave Fort Bliss for a no-notice deployment readiness exercise. Six days later, they began drawing their combat equipment at Camp Carroll, South Korea. This deployment readiness exercise, Pacific Fortitude, is part of a longstanding agreement to support the ROK- U.S. alliance.

This opportunity to train as part of Pacific Fortitude enhances our operational readiness enabling our team to grow and learn every day and reinforces our commitment to the ROK in maintaining security and stability on the Korean peninsula.

The rapid deployment exercise is a standard, routine readiness validation where a U.S. Army unit is tested on its ability to rapidly deploy personnel successfully to a given environment, conduct training and redeploy back to their home station. This exercise also tests the swift deployment and decisive utilization of vehicles and equipment already present on the Korean peninsula. Army Prepositioned Stock-4 or APS-4 are strategically placed caches of warfighting equipment in Korea and Japan that serve as a critical component of the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly project combat power throughout the INDO-PACIFIC.

Pacific Fortitude enhances the U.S. Army’s combat readiness and the ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, and further strengthens security and stability on the Korean peninsula. All professional militaries train on routine and continuously executed events to maintain readiness, proficiency, credibility, and trust.

​For Pacific Fortitude imagery, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/pacificfortitude.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia  –  

Nearly 10,000 miles separated Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, from Mount Bundey Training Area in Australia’s Northern Territory, as U.S. Marines and Sailors prepared for Rapid Deployment Exercise 2024, from July 9 to Aug. 13.

REDEX is an annual exercise led by 1st MARDIV. This year, 1st LAR Bn. rehearsed rapid deployment from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, to Australia to reinforce Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3’s participation in a large-scale training exercise. The Marines and Sailors arrived in Adelaide, South Australia, July 10, as part of REDEX.

The Marines and Sailors, along with LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicles, flew into Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh, on two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. RAAF Base Edinburgh is located approximately 20 miles north of Adelaide. Working with U.S. Air Force strategic lift further enhances the MRF-D 24.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force and 1st MARDIV’s ability to integrate with joint capabilities, providing commanders with a variety of resources to accomplish the mission.

“We were trying to see if we could move a lot of heavy equipment from the United States in a timely and rapid manner,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Banuelos, a vehicle commander with Alpha Co., 1st LAR Bn. “We had multiple different units from multiple different countries participating for the same goal.”

They also integrated with Australian Defence Force Joint Logistics Unit (South) which facilitated transporting LAVs from RAAF Base Edinburgh to the railhead for further transport. This provided the opportunity to build relationships and set the stage for future training in South Australia.

Members of 1st LAR Bn. and MRF-D 24.3 traveled by Royal Australian Air Force aircraft from RAAF Base Edinburgh to the Northern Territory, located on the opposite side of the continent, while the LAVs were loaded onto rail for transportation. This combined air and rail movement provided realistic integration into Exercise Predator’s Run 24.

The Marines and Sailors consolidated in Darwin, Northern Territory, prior to driving the LAVs to Mount Bundey Training Area, located approximately 70 miles east of Darwin, for Exercise Predator’s Run 24. Exercise Predator’s Run 24 is a littoral-focused, multilateral training exercise led by the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade, providing MRF-D 24.3 the opportunity to conduct training missions as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

“A lot of moving parts, a lot of coordination, a lot of planning,” explained U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Marcos Luna, the operations chief for Alpha Co., 1st LAR Bn. “We only had about 24 hours upon receiving those vehicles to get them ready and execute Predator’s Run.”

Upon arriving at the training area, 1st LAR Bn. joined MRF-D 24.3’s ground combat element, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), in support of a warfighting exercise.

“Upon inserting, we immediately started getting fragged with missions in supporting the GCE,” said Luna.

After the warfighting exercise, the Marines and Sailors participated in a combined arms live-fire exercise, where the Australian Defence Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and United Kingdom Armed Forces rehearsed a large-scale attack using live ammunition. The CALFEX culminated Exercise Predator’s Run 24, showcasing the cohesion and effectiveness of the multilateral force.

“We continued to build cohesion with the ground combat element, but also with the Australians and British Royal Commandos that were out here with us,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Ayala, the company commander of Alpha Co., 1st LAR Bn.

This year’s REDEX marks the first time MRF-D has rehearsed moving personnel and equipment through Adelaide as the initial port of embarkation and utilizing Australian rail transportation, enabling realistic integration of a U.S.-based unit into a training exercise with the ADF.

REDEX demonstrated MRF-D 24.3 and 1st MARDIV’s ability to integrate with Allied and joint military units, as well as civilian infrastructure, to rapidly deploy capabilities into the Indo-Pacific region. Components of the U.S. Air Force, ADF Joint Logistics Unit (South), RAAF, MRF-D 24.3, and Australian rail, worked together to ensure 1st LAR Bn. could participate in ADF-led training.

“What made this one significant is within a short window of time, we were able to leverage our Allies and partners’ capabilities, along with our MAGTF’s capabilities,” said Ayala.

REDEX provided valuable lessons that will help develop future procedures for deploying units in support of joint and multilateral training exercises and operations, increasing INDOPACOM’s collective ability to respond to crisis or contingencies. Coordination and combined training forged relationships that further advance the AUS-U.S. relationship and enhance the ability to work together towards shared goals.

​Marine Rotational Force – Darwin is a rotational deployment of U.S. Marines and Sailors to Australia’s Northern Territory. Established in 2011, MRF-D strengthens the alliance between the United States and Australia while also enhancing regional security and stability. MRF-D works closely with the ADF to conduct training, exercises, and engagements across the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

Red Flag-Alaska 24-3, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise, is scheduled to begin Aug. 15, with primary flight operations over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and is scheduled to run through Aug. 30. Red Flag-Alaska is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment.

Approximately 1800 service members are expected to fly, maintain and support more than 50 aircraft from 15 units during this iteration of the exercise. In addition to the U.S., service members from the Royal Australian Air Force are scheduled to participate, enabling them to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability with fellow Airmen. Most aircraft will be based at, and fly from, Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

​Red Flag-Alaska training spans from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements. The exercises can be adapted to integrate various forces into a realistic threat environment using the more than 77,000 square miles of airspace in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which is the largest combat training range in the world.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

WASHINGTON D.C.  –  

On 5 August 2024, AUKUS partners signed the trilateral Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion (the “Agreement”). 

In March 2023, the AUKUS Leaders announced an ambitious plan to support Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability at the earliest possible date, while ensuring Australia’s capacity to safely operate, maintain, and regulate this technology. The Agreement will enable the AUKUS partners to continue to share submarine naval nuclear propulsion information between the partners, and allow the United Kingdom and the United States to transfer material and equipment to Australia required for the safe and secure construction, operation and sustainment of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership.

Since the announcement of this endeavor, the AUKUS partners have been resolute that this initiative will be undertaken in a way that sets the highest non-proliferation standard, while protecting classified and controlled information, material, and equipment. To this end, the Agreement re-affirms, and is consistent with, the AUKUS partners’ respective existing international non-proliferation obligations. As a non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Australia has re-affirmed unequivocally that it does not have and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons. 

The Agreement is a significant milestone and a demonstration of the AUKUS partners’ commitment to delivering this critical capability.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

August 15 is recognized as the birthday of the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army Soldier program, or KATUSA. The program was created only weeks after the Korean War ignited, and to this day KATUSAs continue to serve side-by-side with Eighth Army Soldiers providing priceless support and friendship.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

INDONESIA  –  

Members of the Indonesian Navy’s elite Komando Pasukan Katak (KOPASKA) engaged in a joint combined exchange training (JCET) with a U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) unit from July 1 to July 26, 2024.

The training encompassed various specialized skills, including maritime tactics, close-quarters combat, sniper shooting, tactical combat casualty care, casualty evacuation procedures, and mission planning.

JCET events demonstrate the partnership between the United States and Indonesia, improving bilateral relations, strengthening defense capabilities, and promoting interoperability among allied forces. These exercises show the U.S. commitment to enhancing readiness to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

“These exercises offer a unique opportunity for both nations,” said an NSW operator participating in the JCET. “They support both countries in forging lasting bonds, cultivating relationships, and exchanging invaluable cultural insights, which are indispensable during times of good and bad.”

With a focus on maintaining a forward-deployed posture and fostering continuous engagement with partner nations, U.S. special operations forces stand prepared to provide agile responses to emerging contingencies in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Indonesia and the United States share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including a commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea. In November 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin and Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto signed a historic Defense Cooperation Arrangement and discussed ways to expand training opportunities, increase educational exchanges, and improve maritime domain awareness. Our strong bilateral defense relationship is at the heart of our strategic partnership.

​Naval Special Warfare remains the nation’s elite maritime special operation force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Hawai’i Air National Guard service members from the 154th Force Support Squadron on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai’i, on Aug. 12, 2024. 

Paparo met with Brig. Gen. Phillip L. Mallory, commander of the 154th Wing, Hawai’i Air National Guard, and Lt. Col. Love Vazquez, squadron commander of the 154th FSS, as well as other military officers, senior enlisted leaders and civilians. While there, he toured facilities and received capability demonstrations that underscored the importance of stewardship, people-to-people ties through community, and the critical role of the HIANG in providing agile support to help defend the homeland, bolster relationships, and promote peace throughout the region. 

​USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

POHNPEI, Federated States of Micronesia  –  

In a demonstration of international camaraderie and community spirit, U.S. Marines and Sailors from Koa Moana 24 have delivered a transformative makeover to the Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library. This significant initiative, led by Combat Logistics Detachment-East from Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, has revitalized the library, turning it into a vibrant beacon for local families and youth.

The project, which started in late June, was executed in three phases. The initial focus was on the library’s exterior, where Marines and Sailors meticulously cleaned and upgraded the playground and benches. They pressure-washed the benches, assembled new swings, and scrubbed the playset to create a safe and welcoming space for Pohnpei’s young residents.

Phase two introduced crucial enhancements, including reinforcing the swing set to ensure it could safely support children and installed new security screens to cover the windows around the library’s perimeter. The team also revamped outdoor picnic tables, creating a pleasant area for communal meals and reading.

The final phase saw Marines scaling new heights — literally. They painted the library’s roof which required detailed safety protocols for the elevated work. Additionally, they refreshed parking lot lines. These final touches completed the library’s stunning transformation, making it a big win for the Pohnpei community.

​Community Impact and Engagement

Beyond the physical upgrades, Koa Moana 24 made a significant impact on the community’s daily life. Marines and Sailors committed to visiting the library twice a week to read to local youth, fostering a love for literacy. They also assisted in unloading and delivering hundreds of new books to enhance the library’s collection. Additionally, the medical team trained library staff in basic life support and first aid, strengthening their ability to serve the public effectively.

The culmination of this project was celebrated on August 8, 2024, with a heartfelt certificate-of-appreciation ceremony. Attended by Jennifer Johnson, the U.S. Ambassador to the FSM, Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library Board Chair, Suzanne Gallen, other library staff, and community members, the event highlighted the profound effect of the Marines’ work.

Ambassador Johnson commended the initiative, stating, “It was so heartwarming to see the Koa Moana Marines and Sailors making a difference in our community by reading to youth in the library, providing medical training to library staff, and engaging in various beautification projects. I commend our Marines and Sailors and all the local volunteers whose personal efforts are so impactful to all library users.”

Trueleen Albert, the head librarian, expressed deep appreciation. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and hard work of the Koa Moana 24 team. Their upgrades to our library, engagement with our children, and staff training have made a significant impact,” Albert said.

Hainrick Panuelo, Director of the FSM Office of Veterans Affairs, also recognized the Marines’ contributions. “The work of Koa Moana 24 is transforming Pohnpei,” Panuelo said. “Their dedication and selfless service are evident in every project, and their impact on our community is deeply appreciated.”

1st Lt. Elissa Boyle, officer in charge of CLD-East, reflected on the project’s success. “Seeing the Marines and Sailors come together to support the Pohnpei community has been an honor,” Boyle said. “Their efforts not only reflect our commitment to service but also our dedication to building lasting relationships with our partners.”

LtCol Brian McCarthy, commanding officer of Koa Moana 24, emphasized the broader significance of the project. “Our mission here is about more than just physical improvements,” McCarthy noted. “It’s about strengthening partnerships and contributing to regional stability. The work we’ve done with the Pohnpei Public Library is a clear example of how we can make an impact that is meaningful to current local leadership that also lasts for generations to come.”

As Koa Moana 24 continues their mission across the Pacific, their legacy of goodwill and collaboration promises to reinforce the enduring bond between the United States and its Pacific partners. This project stands as a testament to the power of community-focused initiatives and international cooperation, embodied by the Compact of Free Association.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

NADI, Fiji  –  

Against the backdrop of the scenic Pacific Ocean, and a traditional kava ceremony, the armies of the Republic of Fiji and the United States kicked off the 48th annual Indo-Pacific Armies Management (IPAMS) and the 10th annual Senior Enlisted Forum (SELF) here.

IPAMS is the largest conference for land forces in the region and is co-hosted by the Fijian Army and United States Army Pacific, attracting senior army leaders from 21 Indo-Pacific countries.

“This seminar serves as a platform for leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices and forge stronger partnerships,” said Fiji Land Commander Brig. Gen. Onisivoro Corvunisaqa.

U.S. Army Pacific commander Gen. Charles Flynn echoed those comments saying “I think the structure that we have in the forums to discuss matters like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and the role land forces play in those particular crises, where countries are challenged and people are struggling, is vitally important.”

The theme for this year’s conference is “Joint & Combined Operations in the Indo-Pacific Region.”

Flynn refers to this as a “unity of action,” involving synergistic applications of all partner forces, and provided to each nation represented here and those which are not. “What makes this such an achievable goal for this group of land forces, we can achieve unity of action because unlike our adversaries, we share a vision, a common vision, a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said the U.S. commander.

Conferees participated in plenary sessions, as well as smaller break-out groups. They heard from distinguished guest speakers and participate in lively discussions on topics, such as peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, leadership development, and climate change.

Fiji last hosted this conference in 2006, but much has changed in the regional security environment to where both countries say they have improved capability and interoperability thanks to conferences like this.

“In 2006 we were not focused on the collective approach to threats in the pacific,” said Covunisaqa. “But we are moving towards that now. I’m glad USARPAC has come with us, bringing partners, nations and our forces together to discuss common things during this conference.”

Flynn added “I have seen at least in the last decade, a substantial increase in all countries wanting to conduct more multi-lateral activities to bring professional military and in this case army forces together to discuss common ways that we can overcome challenges.”

Those challenges said Flynn have been in cyber, trans-regional crime, human trafficking, illicit activities with fishing and narcotics “and then on top of that you’ve got some major powers and large countries that have lots of capabilities that can be threatening depending on how they’re used.”

Fiji and the U.S. participate in the annual joint exercise “Cartwheel,” named after an actual World War II military operation where both armies collectively helped secure this region. That’s how long both nations have been friends, and more importantly reliable partners. “I will tell you with many nations throughout the “Blue Pacific,” the U.S. Army would not have been successful had it not been for local forces being able to partner, demonstrate, assist and enable the U.S. Army to do a range of missions in the region.”

IPAMS is the region’s longest and largest running multinational military seminar promoting security, peace and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. In 1977, IPAMS started with nine nations attending in Honolulu, Hawaii, and expanded to more than 31 nations attending the conference in Seoul, South Korea in 2018.

This years lists included: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pupua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

The SELF program was added in 2014, and this year drew the largest number among senior enlisted leaders with 16 participating.

​The conference will end on August 15th with Malaysia accepting the role as co-hosts of IPAMS, and the much larger bi-annual conference involving chiefs of regional armies.