Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Brunei’s Minister of Defense II Pehin Halbi at the Pentagon. 

The two officials discussed U.S.-Brunei defense ties, including security cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing.

Secretary Austin and Pehin Halbi applauded the conclusion of the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement and the Section 505 Agreement, which will strengthen logistics cooperation and bolster security assistance, respectively, between the two countries.

U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Admiral Peter Gautier joined the meeting to highlight opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the U.S. Coast Guard and Brunei.

Secretary Austin and Pehin Halbi closed the meeting by underscoring the importance of advancing U.S.-Brunei defense ties in support of their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PACIFIC OCEAN  –  

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the Cavour Carrier Strike Group concluded the first-ever bilateral Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) held in the Indo-Pacific by the U.S. Navy and Italian Navy, Aug. 9.

MLDE provides the ships and aircrafts of the two naval forces, comprised of more than 7,500 U.S. and Italian Sailors and Marines, an opportunity to engage in joint operations including enhanced maritime communication operations, air warfare operations and cross-deck flight operations to strengthen maritime integrated-at-sea operations and combat readiness.

“This was a great opportunity to operate with our close NATO Ally, Italy, in the Indo-Pacific. Our efforts are critical in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3. “Interoperability does not just happen, it is practiced and rehearsed across our teams to build the relations and connections necessary to successfully conduct an MLDE.”

During the event, Adm. Cruz hosted Rear Adm. Giancarlo Ciappina, commander, Cavour Carrier Strike Group, aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), flagship of CSG 3 for a visit focused on building interoperability.

“The activity with CSG 3 at sea is an excellent opportunity to enhance our capabilities in Multi Carrier Operations, demonstrating the interoperability of the NATO Alliance worldwide, strengthening our ability to work together and improving our common resilience,” said Ciappina, commander, Cavour Carrier Strike Group. “Conducting this type of activity is one of the strategic objectives of our operational deployment, ensuring security at sea and promoting economic prosperity trough a free and open Indo Pacific.”

Participating ships in the MLDE included Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and Italian Frigate ITS Alpino (F 594).

Participating aircraft included MH-60S and MH-60R Sea Hawks, F/A-18E & F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Hawkeye, all assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9; and Italian F-35B Lightning II assigned to Cavour Carrier Strike Group.

Prior to the commencement of the MLDE, Cruz and Ciappina conducted a conditions check via virtual teleconference to ensure all participants were ready in the evening, Aug. 8. The exercise started with liaison officers transferring around the Strike Group to ensure communication flow across the vessels and visit with crews. Following the liaison officer exchange, the ships coordinated flight operations and ship maneuvers to practice coordinated operations, Aug. 9.

“I wish to truly thank Adm. Cruz and all of the CSG 3 crews for the outstanding professionalism they showed us and for their willingness and commitment in putting our forces together in such an effective and profitable cooperation,” concluded Ciappina.

Coordinated maritime engagements and operations are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. naval forces, with our network of partners and alliances, are indispensable to ensuring maritime security and the flow of unimpeded lawful commerce in the region.

“It is an honor to work with our NATO Allies in the Indo-Pacific,” said Cruz. “I am grateful to Rear Adm. Ciappina and his entire crew for the superb professionalism and coordination in bringing this event to life.”

The last time CSG 3 participated in an MLDE dates back to January 2022 in the South China Sea with the Carl Vinson Strike Group, but this marks the first MLDE with the Italian Navy in the Indo Pacific.

CSG-3 is deployed to the Indo-Pacific to maintain regional security and stability, keep sea lanes open, and to train to increase combined readiness. Along with our network of allies and partners, U.S. naval forces are indispensable to ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce.

CSG-3 consists of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121).

CVW-9 consists of an F-35C squadron, the “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314; three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14; “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151; “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, operating the EA-18G Growler; “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, operating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 operating the MH-60S Sea Hawk; and “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, operating the MH-60R Sea Hawk.

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

​For more news from CSG-3, http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72#

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TONGYEONG, South Korea  –  

On this lazy summer day, the roaring cheers and deafening drumbeats feverishly stirred up the gleaming water and soft breeze in the coastal city of Tongyeong-si, South Korea, during the 15th National Turtle Boat Rowing Competition.

Spotted among the boats racing in this annual contest on Aug. 10 was the one flying the flag emblazoned with “US Navy” that also received the warmest welcome by local spectators.

Representing the only U.S. naval base in mainland Asia, the team from Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) put forth a valiant effort in a fierce competition among teams from all over South Korea and, in the process, symbolized the best of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and U.S. alliance.

Though the team did not place in the competition, they encapsulated the “Katchi Kapshida” or “We Go Together” spirit that is the cornerstone of this alliance of more than seven decades, according to Cmdr. James Dipasquale, CFAC commanding officer. “What an excellent way to spend a Saturday on the waterfront, in our element as sailors, enjoying the unrivaled Korean hospitality while continuing to deepen our bond with local communities around Chinhae!”

Comprised of 11 Sailors and family members (seven men and four women), Team CFAC rowed their turtle boat 250 meters to sea and back. Up to five teams started in each heat. Categories included institutional groups, town and village divisions, and eastern divisions. Winners received prizes and bragging rights.

“We love being invited to this awesome event,” said CFAC Command Master Chief Matthew Haylow, CFAC team’s coxswain. “We mingled with the local crowd and shared a lot of fun cheering and competing. We rowed our hearts out. We will always remember these moments.”

The CFAC team served as the unofficial ambassadors of Navy Region Korea (CNRK). CNRK provides shore installation management and support to Navy activities throughout the ROK and includes the regions of Busan, Chinhae, and Pyeongtaek while also serving as Commander, Naval Forces Korea.

The rowing competition was part of the week-long 63rd Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival with the theme, “The Rise of the Twin Dragons; The sea of Tongyeong in the old country,” to commemorate the Battle of Hasan Island victory that the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) pulled off against Japan during its invasion of Korea (1592-1598).

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

HONIARA, GUADALCANAL IS, Solomon Islands  –  

On August 7, 1942, the U.S. deployed its military personnel to the Solomon Islands amid World War II to prevent the Japanese Imperial Navy from creating a defensive opposition and disrupting supply routes to Australia. Thus began the Guadalcanal Campaign. For six months U.S. forces and its allies fought to hold the island of Guadalcanal from the Empire of Japan, unknowingly paving the way for the careers and lives of modern-day service members serving in the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

82 years later to the day, DPAA personnel, have returned to Guadalcanal to resume the search for those service members who never returned home.

“It’s insane to think that 82 years ago, my predecessors were landing on the beach here and starting the Guadalcanal Campaign,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Aaron McCarthy, DPAA explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician. “Having the opportunity to come here feel like I’m able to pay homage to the men that died here. I like to think that if they were looking down here, they would see that my opportunity to be here and the pride I have with my service is what they fought for.”

DPAA is an organization of military and civilian personnel that fulfills the nation’s obligation to ensure the fullest possible accounting of its missing personnel to their families and the nation. Teams consisting of anthropologists, EOD technicians, independent duty medical technicians, public affairs specialists and more, are deployed worldwide to locations of past conflicts to investigate, excavate and recover U.S. personnel losses.

“I think this is one of the most admirable missions that [the military] has out there,” said U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Caleb Jones, DPAA team sergeant and EOD technician. “It says a lot about America; how we devote our time and resources to recovering those that fought for our country.”

The Guadalcanal presents a terrain of mountains and dormant volcanoes reaching heights over 7,000 feet high, as well as steep ravines and a coastline with no natural harbors. At the start of the campaign, the south shores were protected by miles of coral reefs, only the north central coast presented suitable invasion beaches. There the Japanese forces had landed in July 1942 and from there, the Americans would follow. Once ashore, personnel were welcomed by a hot, humid climate supporting malaria and dengue-carrying mosquitoes, and posed a continuous threat of fungal infections and various fevers to the unacclimated.

“This was a strategic point in the WWII campaign,” said Jones. “Surveying these battle fields where our guys fought 82 years ago helps imagine what it must have been like for them to battle in a brutal place. Knowing that these people are still out there, missing; it’s been moving.”

To date, there are approximately 72,000 U.S. personnel unaccounted for worldwide from WWII. Of those, 374 are unaccounted for within the island of Guadalcanal. Annually, on August 7, the Solomon Islands host a wreath laying ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial to honor those who fought, the losses endured, and to strengthen their relationship with the U.S. and other Pacific allies and partners. Veterans and the families of the fallen and missing travel from around the globe to attend and pay tribute.

​“This is the only job in the military that you can actively impact previous generations,” said U.S. Army Capt. Jackson Smith, DPAA recovery team leader. “The mentality of being a leader within the military is focused on developing the next generations and raising the incoming service members. This assignment allows us to not only see where our forefathers fought, but to meet those that have survived and developed the services into what they are today. We get to impact them or their decedents in return by bringing their loved ones home.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia  –  

The multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2024 officially ended with a closing ceremony at the Five Hills Training Facility near Ulaanbaatar as soldiers from the Mongolian Armed Forces hosted United Nations participants from 20 different nations Aug. 8, 2024.

Opening remarks were given by Mongolian Member of the State Great Hural (Parliament) S. Byambatsogtu, and Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commanding general, 8th Theater Sustainment Command.

“The exercise has met its objectives,” said Byambatsogtu. “May the bonds of friendship forged along the crucible elements unite you with a shared belief in global peace and security.”

Khaan Quest is an annual, multinational and multicomponent training exercise designed to promote regional peace and security. The event featured both command post and field training exercises focused on reinforcing UN standards.

“Training is readiness,” said Gardner. “I am confident each soldier here is more proficient in their profession after spending two weeks at the premiere Five Hills Training Area.”

This year marks the 21st iteration of Khaan Quest. Over 900 participants from the Unites States, Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam took part in the exercise.

“The skills learned not only deal with the soldier’s technical expertise but strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to future peacekeeping operations and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Gardner.

During the exercise, participants were encouraged to partake in multicultural events and forge friendships. Each night, after training, a participating nation performed a cultural demonstration to build relationships and foster cultural appreciation.

“Partnerships matter,” said Gardner. “The relationships built and the experiences you shared over the past two weeks are just as important as the technical and tactical proficiencies that have been gained. Of the four components of interoperability, the most important is the human component. This component relies strongly on relationships and trust. We built that here at Khaan Quest.”

The closing ceremony featured traditional Mongolian music and Mongolian soldiers in ceremonial garb.

​“On behalf of the Mongolian Parliament, I would like to convey our sincere gratitude to the United States for your support organizing the Khaan Quest exercise,” said Byambatsogtu. “This has endured and fostered mutual trust, building friendship, expanding cooperation, and facilitating an exchange of knowledge.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, fired their tanks, howitzers and Bradleys during the live fire portion of their rapid deployment readiness exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, Aug. 5-9.

The battalion, based out of Fort Bliss, Texas, 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 1ABCT’s newly donned equipment from Daegu city to RLFC for the live fire validation.

After zeroing their weapons, 1ABCT Soldiers fired their M1A2 Abrams tanks, M109-A6 Paladins and M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles throughout the week.

“Task Force Thunderbolts received a no notice deployment exercise where we were able to demonstrate our ability to project combat power into the Indo-Pacific under a condensed timeline,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Lorete, 4th Battalion commander. “We rapidly drew our combat fleet from the Army Preposition Stock-4 to assist the Army in validating its combat readiness in a critical area of responsibility.”

On July 17, 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment 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 is part of Pacific Fortitude, which is part of a longstanding agreement to support the Republic of Korea – U.S. alliance.

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.

“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-U.S. mechanized infantry platoon live-fire,” Lorete said. “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. It is an honor to train side by side with our Republic of Korea Army partners increasing readiness and winning every day.”

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

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

The Indo-Pacific Unity Allies and Partners Engineer Summit was held for its fourth year at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 23-26, 2024. Hosted by the Pacific Air Forces Command Civil Engineer, the summit served as a forum for over 120 engineers from around the world to learn, share their views, and collaborate to advance and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The summit consisted of two main events: a Key Leader Engagement (KLE) and a Silver Flag exercise. As part of the KLE, senior engineers from 11 nations were able to engage in an in-depth review of current events, best practices to challenges encountered, identify gaps, explore opportunities for mutual assistance, and highlight ways to become further involved and engaged in the future.

The week’s events revolved around leadership, infrastructure, and readiness — with engineers from each respective nation briefing on current projects and methods to enhance efforts in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Readiness briefings focused on ensuring that integrated base response recovery efforts were built upon joint interoperability with allies and partners, while infrastructure briefings centered on setting the theater efforts to build and maintain combat projection platforms in the region.

Allies and partners in attendance included Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom.

Included in this year’s summit was a speed networking engagement, which allowed each nation to provide highlights of their civil engineer capabilities to attendees.

“It’s important to share our knowledge, skills, and capabilities with our allies and partners because we are stronger together,” said Col. Kevin Osborne, PACAF Command Civil Engineer. “When we work together and focus on joint interoperability, we can achieve so much more.”

Although the nations in attendance may have different priorities, there are valuable similarities that can be learned from and built upon.

“Attending key leader engagements is incredibly important for Australia because of the potential of the unknown,” said Royal Australian Air Force Warrant Officer Wayne Wilson. “When it comes to population, we are a small nation, so we rely heavily on our allies and partners to produce necessary responses in the event of threats, conflicts, or natural disasters.”

Throughout the KLE, briefers and organizers emphasized and encouraged the importance of building relationships.

“These key leader engagements are so vital because meeting face-to-face is the best way to get to know one another and understand each other, professionally and personally,” said Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Tomomi Hasegawa.

While the meetings, briefings, and equipment demonstrations were crucial to the summit, it was through breakouts, dinners, and general camaraderie opportunities that engineers were able to develop invaluable relationships.

The summit also consisted of a Silver Flag exercise that allowed attendees an opportunity to discuss and participate in expeditionary base resiliency maneuvers and share best practices to ensure airfields can support, launch, and recover aircraft. As part of the multilateral exercise hosted by the 554th Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron, more than 70 engineers from seven different countries participated in joint airfield recovery operations at Northwest Field at Andersen Air Force Base.

Discussions and hands-on activities included airfield damage repair operations, small crater repair, fiber-reinforced polymer, a recovery of airbase denied by ordnance demonstration, and a tour of the Northwest Field project.

U.S. Air Force engineers were also able to host their allies and partners on a historic trip to Tinian, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Located approximately 100 miles north of Guam, the visit to Tinian included a tour of World War II historical sites, a presentation on the clearing of historic airfields, and an equipment demonstration facilitated by the 513th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron.

“We were able to see the amazing work the 513 EHRS is doing to clear the runways and restore the airfield,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rob Shuman, 7th Air Force senior enlisted civil engineer. “We’re witnessing history in the making during the Tinian visit, and we’re doing this alongside our allies and partners in the theater.”

The summit not only served as a crucial platform for building partnerships but also highlighted that no country can achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific on its own. “Every country has a different perspective to add,” said Osborne. “We must consider these perspectives as we think, act, and operate differently.”

​By promoting regional stability, increasing engineer interoperability, and enhancing partner capacity, the summit played a vital role in strengthening the Indo-Pacific’s defense and security.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

The Republic of Korea Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps are scheduled to participate together in a series of combined training events in vicinity of Pohang, Republic of Korea, starting Aug. 12, 2024.

Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), both of which are assigned to Commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 5.

The training is an opportunity to strengthen and improve the interoperability between ROK and U.S. forces and will include a series of live-fire and non-live fire events from infantry, artillery, and aviation units.

These events are not part of a named exercise.

This training period is scheduled to take place in ROK Armed Forces training areas to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance through bilateral training, contributing toward combined defense of the Korean peninsula.

Visual imagery and content from this training will be accessible at: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/15thMEUPA.

​Media queries should be sent to Marine Corps Forces Korea at MARFORK_COMMSTRAT@usmc.mil.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PACIFIC OCEAN  –  

U.S. Marines assigned to Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted an integrated small craft action team training on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 8.

Six crews from Light Armored Reconnaissance Company manned two light armored vehicles, setting a foundation of preparation in case the 15th MEU would need to defend the ship in a potential real-world scenario.

“Today’s training serves as a proof of concept of the capability that a light armored vehicle adds to the defense of the amphibious task force,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Myles, company commander for Light Armored Reconnaissance Company. “Our Marines now understand what it takes to conduct this type of operation while embarked and can use this as a blueprint for follow-on unit level training to further enhance their skills.”

Marines worked in harmony to engage simulated enemy targets in the vicinity of Somerset. The training marked the first time that a light armored vehicle utilized its M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun for a live-fire range while embarked on an amphibious transport dock.

Light Armored Reconnaissance Company has 20 light armored vehicles embarked aboard Somerset, which contributed to enhancing partners capabilities in five U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises throughout the 15th MEU and Somerset’s Indo-Pacific deployment.

Light Armored Reconnaissance Company performs combined arms reconnaissance and security missions in support of Battalion Landing Team 1/5, the ground combat element for the 15th MEU. Its mission is to conduct reconnaissance, security, and economy of force operations, and, within its capabilities, limited offensive or defensive operations that exploit the unit’s mobility and firepower. The light armored vehicle is an all-weather, all-terrain vehicle combining speed, maneuverability, and firepower to fulfill a variety of missions across the spectrum of military operations.

​Elements of the 15th MEU embarked aboard Somerset are deployed to the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious missions across the full range of military operations.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

GUAM  –  

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS O’Kane (DDG 77), and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) departed Naval Base Guam, August 8, 2024, after conducting a scheduled four-day port call to the island.

The USS Spruance (DDG 111) departed Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the same day following a four-day port call.

The ships of Carrier Strike Group Three (CSG-3) had transited the Pacific Ocean prior to pulling into port. Port calls provide Sailors and Marines opportunities for volunteer projects around the islands and the opportunity to experience new cultures and take a break from the demands of being at sea.

“The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is thrilled to make our first port stop in Guam and Saipan, islands of rich history and deep ties with the United States Navy,” said Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander, CSG-3. “Guam and Saipan are vital strategic hubs for the U.S. Navy, and the gracious welcome we received is indicative of our continued strong bond in the Western Pacific.”

On arrival to Guam, 20 Sailors and Marines assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Nine re-united with their families on the pier for a homecoming ceremony attended by over 75 family members.

During the port visit, Sailor’s and Marines strengthened ties with local communities by giving back through multiple volunteer opportunities. Volunteer opportunities provide a positive lasting impact and give back to the community to return its hospitality. Sailors and Marines participated in a wide variety of volunteer projects including beach, pier and hiking trail clean-ups, as well as Island Girl Power, a charitable organization whose mission is to empower young Guamanian girls.

Additionally, Sailors and Marines experienced the rich natural beauty of the islands through tours organized by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) including tours, snorkeling, Jet Ski rentals, and cultural barbecues.

“The Abraham Lincoln team pursues and achieves greatness every day, and the hard work and efforts we have seen thus far on deployment are an excellent example of that,” said Capt. Pete Riebe, commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln. “After a busy few weeks conducting flight operations, replenishments-at-sea, and training across the strike group, we are grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and culture of Guam on our first port call.”

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Three and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine, USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and USS Spruance (DDG 111) of DESRON 21.

CVW-9 consists of an F-35C squadron, the “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314; three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14; “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151; “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, operating the EA-18G Growler; “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, operating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 operating the MH-60S Sea Hawk; and “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, operating the MH-60R Sea Hawk.

​For more news from CSG-3, http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72