Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia  –  

Airmen participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Australia concluded operations today, marking the end of the largest iteration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s biennial capstone exercise.

Pitch Black, held July 12 to Aug. 2 primarily at RAAF Bases Tindal and Darwin in northern Australia, focused on the tactical execution of advanced air combat capabilities with multi-national partners. It aimed to enhance interoperability between the air forces of 19 nations – United States; Australia; Singapore; Italy; Indonesia; India; Japan; United Kingdom; France; Germany; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Thailand; Philippines; Spain; Brunei; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Fiji; and Canada.

“This year we worked with so many countries to integrate capabilities and maximize every country’s individual strengths,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Nickell, Pitch Black detachment commander. “The interactions personally and professionally couldn’t have been better.”

With more than 140 aircraft and 4,000 members from multiple continents and geographic regions, Pitch Black 24 provided participants an ideal opportunity to share their expertise and learn from each other.

Building long-standing working partnerships among nations is one of Pitch Black’s greatest achievements, with those alliances allowing greater integration across the spectrum of operations.

“The U.S. has a long-standing relationship with Australia dating back 80 years to the establishment of the Far East Air Forces, which has only improved since we began participating in Pitch Black in 1983,” said Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander. “With the scope of Pitch Black, we’re hoping to bring many more countries into these types of events to continue building a worldwide network of specialists to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

During this year’s Pitch Black, U.S. Air Force members capitalized on the opportunity to work alongside other nations. As an example, F-22 fighter aircraft flew approximately 80 sorties during the exercise, integrating with the 19 other countries throughout.

“We successfully integrated with every participating country during these past few weeks, demonstrating the capabilities of the F-22,” Nickell said. “One of the biggest highlights of the exercise was sharing our unique strengths as a force multiplier for our allies and partners.”

Pitch Black stands to leverage the unique size and favorable weather of Australia’s Northern Territory to invite other countries with an opportunity to work and fly together.

​“43 years of Pitch Black for the Royal Australian Air Force, and the U.S. has been part of it the last 41 years,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ty Bridge, PACAF Pitch Black lead planner. “This was the biggest iteration yet, and we plan to continue being a part of it as it grows, to build a network of nations that keep the region safe, secure, and prosperous.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

On July 31, the United States and the People’s Republic of China held a senior official meeting as part of the Counternarcotics Working Group in Washington, DC.  Launched in January 2024 following President Biden and President Xi’s decision to resume bilateral cooperation on counternarcotics, the U.S.-PRC Counternarcotics Working Group is a key mechanism for coordinating bilateral efforts to counter the global manufacturing and trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl.

Senior officials from both countries reviewed progress in bilateral counternarcotics efforts, including recent arrests, and discussed next steps in furthering cooperation on this critical effort.  Discussions focused on ways to strengthen coordination on law enforcement actions; disrupt the illicit financing of transnational criminal organization networks; accelerate the scheduling of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals; address the illicit diversion of precursor chemicals; exchange information on emerging threats; and advance progress in multilateral fora.

Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor Jennifer Daskal gave remarks at the senior official meeting, which was co-chaired by White House National Security Council Senior Director for China Sarah Beran and Senior Director for Counterterrorism and Transnational Crime Tiffany Eppelheimer.  The interagency PRC delegation was led by Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau of the PRC Ministry of Public Security Wei Xiaojun and included representatives from the PRC Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Commerce, and General Administration of Customs.  Meetings also included representatives from the Department of Justice, including the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations; the Department of the Treasury; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Department of State; and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OKINAWA, Japan  –  

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-2 delivered 12th Marine Littoral Regiment’s AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (TPS-80) to Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, July 29, 2024, in support of exercise Resolute Dragon 24. This marks the first time the TPS-80 has been deployed to Yonaguni. The deployment was made possible through close coordination and a strong partnership between 12th MLR and the Japan Self-Defense Force, reinforcing mutual security objectives and enhancing regional stability.

The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during Resolute Dragon. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology.

“Operating the TPS-80 is a huge win for the MLR in strengthening our relationship with the JSDF, preparing for potential contingencies, strengthening our ability to integrate capabilities, and increasing multi-domain awareness and fires coordination,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Roy Shiflet, the target acquisition platoon commander for 12th MLR.

The TPS-80 is a multi-mission system designed to provide advanced air surveillance, ground surveillance, and weapons control capabilities from a single, mobile platform. It is built to meet the evolving needs of the Marine Corps and is ideal for Marine Littoral Regiments to provide enhanced sensing and targeting capabilities to the joint force.

“During Resolute Dragon 24, the TPS-80 will be utilized by 12th MLR and the JSDF to enhance situational awareness by supporting comprehensive detection and tracking across air, land, and maritime domains,” said Lt. Col Joseph Mozzi, the fire support coordinator for 12th MLR. “This will significantly boost multi-domain operations and overall battlespace awareness throughout the exercise.”

“The opportunity to train alongside our JSDF counterparts while utilizing the TPS-80 in real-world conditions is extremely valuable. It ensures we gain essential experience and are fully prepared to use this technology in any situation alongside our Japanese allies,” stated Sgt. Jacob Pesl, a field artillery radar operator with 12th Marine Littoral Regiment.

This is the first-time 12th MLR has participated in a Resolute Dragon exercise since its redesignation in November 2023. Resolute Dragon 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. 

For media content about Resolute Dragon, please visit DVIDS – Resolute Dragon (www.dvidshub.net/feature/resolutedragon).

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SEOUL, South Korea  –  

For the first time in its 99 years of service, the U.S. Navy Band performed in South Korea, connecting with the local community and celebrating the long-standing tradition of the wind band. The Navy Band presented five concerts throughout Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do and Seoul between July 13-20 which reached more than 5,000 people. “Musically, the band was outstanding, and well received at every concert we performed,” said U.S. Navy Band’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Robert “Seph” Coats. “It was truly a special experience.”

The band began the eight-day tour with three performances in the historic city of Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, as part of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) International Conference.

WASBE is the only international organization of wind band conductors, composers, performers, publishers, teachers, instrument makers and friends of wind music. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the quality of the wind band throughout the world and exposing its members to new repertoire, musical culture, people and places. The Navy Band represented the United States alongside 2,000 musicians from 30 different countries who attended the conference.

The final two concerts took place in Seoul. The concert at Sungshin Women’s University July 19 was part of a special partnership between the U.S. Navy Band, the Sungshin Women’s University, U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense. The performance featured students from the university and members of the Ministry of National Defense (M.N.D.) Band.

The final performance July 20 at the War Memorial of Korea was a special collaboration between the U.S. Navy Band, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the War Memorial. Attended by distinguished guests Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador of Korea,; Paik Seung-ju, Chairman of the War Memorial Association; and Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, the musical collaboration symbolized the unwavering partnership between our two nations.

“We are proud to support efforts toward international diplomacy and partnership building that are so important to our nation,” said Coats. “Interacting with concertgoers here in the Republic of Korea has been rewarding, educational, and made it clear to me that there is a deep respect, camaraderie, and appreciation between our two cultures.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

The 554th Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron hosted a multilateral Silver Flag exercise July 22-26, 2024, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Indo-Pacific Unity Allies & Partners Engineer Summit.

The goal of the annual exercise is to enhance partnerships, promote regional stability and increase engineer interoperability. Specifically, this exercise allows U.S. partners and allies to familiarize themselves with the techniques and equipment that the U.S. Air Force utilizes to ensure airfields can support, launch and recover aircraft.

“This past week, we’ve had 74 engineers from seven different countries participating in joint airfield recovery operations along with Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear, and [our] fire department,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Celyn Rodgers, 554 REDHORSE Silver Flag flight lead. “They learned the basic steps of how we recover an airfield.”

This year’s participants included engineers from the Royal Australian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Indonesian Air Force, Philippine Air Force, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. They worked with Team Andersen to learn how to execute expeditionary airfield damage repairs.

“This event helps our partners because we have the premier tools and equipment that allow them to [hone] their engineering skills and take what they learned back home so they can apply it to their airfield recovery program,” said Rodgers.

For Corporal Dillon Butler, Royal Australian Air Force carpenter, he was able to witness how other countries performed airfield repairs through various, yet similar, airfield tactics, techniques and procedures.

“I learned a lot this past week,” said Butler. “I learned different forms of airfield repairs and how other countries operated, which was very eye opening to me.”

Exercises like Silver Flag foster strategic relationships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“At the end of the day, we might wear different uniforms and speak different languages, but if push comes to shove, we’re going to function as one engineering force,” said Rodgers. “No matter what uniform you [wear], we’re all going to be one team.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KOROR, Palau  –  

In a compelling display of international collaboration and community spirit, U.S. Marines from Koa Moana 24 joined with the Palauan community on July 30, 2024 to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The event, a vibrant 5K run and walk, saw hundreds of participants unite in their commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting victims worldwide.

Raising awareness about signs of human trafficking and victim rights is critical for maintaining cooperation between the U.S. and Palau. The U.S. Department of State publishes an annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses countries based on their anti-trafficking efforts. Nations consistently listed on Tier 3 or the Tier 2 Watch List face significant reductions in U.S. non-humanitarian and non-trade related assistance. Palau, which was on the Tier 2 Watch List in 2022, has since made notable progress by intensifying its efforts to prosecute trafficking cases and enhance public awareness.

The day’s activities began at Ernguul Park with a lively registration process where participants received bib numbers and relevant information on identifying signs of human trafficking. Community leaders were present to distribute educational materials, setting the stage for the event’s dual focus on awareness and solidarity.

The 5K route carried participates from the park to the hospital and back, symbolizing a collective journey toward heightened awareness and action. At the finish line, participants were greeted with placement numbers and received commemorative shirts bearing messages advocating for anti-trafficking efforts.

Amber Osima, Palau’s Victim Advocate for the Anti-Human Trafficking Investigative Unit, emphasized the significance of the event: “This 5K run represents more than just physical endurance; it embodies our collective determination to end human trafficking. We are deeply grateful for the support from both the U.S. Marines and the Palauan community, whose participation amplifies our message and strengthens our cause.”

Palau’s U.S. Ambassador, Joel Ehrendreich, provided his sentiments, “The fight against modern day slavery requires everyone to pitch in. It is commendable that Koa Moana would include as part of their mission in Palau to join the community in raising awareness like this.”

Lt. Col. Brian McCarthy, commanding officer of Koa Moana 24, reinforced this sentiment: “Raising awareness about human trafficking is important to the U.S. Marine Corps. Our participation reflects our commitment to supporting global initiatives that combat trafficking and uphold human rights. We stand with the people of Palau and all those working to end this exploitation and abuse.”

The 5K run and walk demonstrated the community’s strong spirit, with participants proudly carrying banners that underscored the critical message of awareness and prevention. The Marines, too, made a powerful statement by carrying the Palauan national flag, the U.S. flag, and the Combat Logistics Battalion 13 guidon, visibly marking their commitment to this cause.

This event highlighted the joint efforts in addressing this urgent global issue and left participants with a deepened appreciation for the resilience of human trafficking survivors, alongside a renewed call to action for continuous vigilance and support.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

On July 17, 2024, Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, were notified they would leave Fort Bliss, Texas, for a no-notice deployment readiness exercise. Six days later, they began drawing combat equipment at Camp Carroll, South Korea.

Pacific Fortitude 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.

“The United States military can deploy forces at a moment’s notice from the continental United States into South Korea and be prepared to defend the South Korean homeland and liberty abroad,” said Col. Michael Long, Eighth Army Strategy, Plans and Policy (G5) director. “What we need to do that is 1st Armored Division’s capability, we need all the great equipment that exists at 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and we need 2nd Infantry Division’s ability to train it. All that together helps us make that continuous commitment to the alliance.”

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.

“Army prepositioned stock provides speed of readiness to combatant commands across the world; APS-4 is located here in Korea and provides that speed of response for the ROK-U.S. alliance for planning and contingency requirements,” said Brig. Gen. Jin Pak, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commander. “Having this critical equipment already in place allows us to project this power at the right time and at the right speed.”

19th ESC’s comprehensive network of master U.S and Korean logisticians work together with the 1AD Soldiers to transport APS-4 equipment to Rodriguez Live Fire Complex where they will train and validate combat readiness.

“This deployment readiness exercise proves to our allies that the United States is committed to the defense of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and that we have the capabilities to project combat power into this peninsula,” Pak said.
19th ESC uses exercises like this to improve operations, refine logistical processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the necessary resources are readily available when needed.

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

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

Representatives from Germany, the United States, the Republic of Korea and other United Nations Command Member States gathered at Barker Field here to recognize the accession of the Federal Republic of Germany into the United Nations Command Aug. 2.

The UNC is a unique multinational command established to uphold the armistice and facilitate international cooperation in maintaining peace. Germany’s membership will enhance the multinational efforts of the UNC, bringing in valuable expertise and resources.

Germany is now the 18th member state of the United Nations Command. Their membership continues the trend of expanding UNC participation following Italy’s reinstatement in 2013.

“We share the same values. That is, we do not believe in the law of the power, but in the power of law,” said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. “By joining the UNC, we are contributing substantially to stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

UNC Commander, Gen. Paul LaCamera, said Germany’s inclusion in United Nations Command is a significant step toward strengthening international collaboration.

“The Armistice Agreement ended hostilities, but it did not establish peace. Since that time, our Command has adapted, evolved, and we have accomplished our mission and so much more,” said LaCamera. “Starting today, we will work together to make our vision for a peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, and Indo-Pacific a reality. “

“In order to expand the role of the UNC, President Yoon himself expressed his support for Germany’s membership in the UNC during the NATO Summit last month,” said Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Kim, Myung-soo. “The ROK Armed Forces will continue to fight under one flag, with the spirit to uphold freedom and peace on the Korean Peninsula and bolster our solidarity with UNC Member States as we gradually increase membership in the UNC.”

Germany wasn’t a member of the United Nations in 1953 but did offer to deploy a field hospital to support U.N. soldiers two months before the Armistice signing. The hospital became fully operational in 1954 and provided support until 1959.

From 1954 to 1959, the German medical support unit, consisting of 117 doctors, nurses, and technicians, operated as the West German Red Cross Hospital in Busan, treating almost 300,000 patients and assisting with over 6,000 births. South Korea recognized Germany as a “Medical Support Nation” in 2018, for this support.

Germany’s involvement in the Korean War, through its medical support unit, showcases its long-standing commitment to global peace and humanitarian efforts. Their decision to join the UNC is a positive step forward for regional security. Germany and the UNC share a vision for a peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.

​As we welcome Germany into the UNC, we look forward to their valuable contributions towards our shared goal of a secure and peaceful Korean Peninsula

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BANGKOK, Thailand  –  

A small delegation of Airmen from the Washington Air National Guard traveled to Bangkok, July 26, 2024 to participate in a professional development exchange.

Airmen met with several different groups from the Royal Thai Air Force to discuss improving leadership culture, career development, and organizational structure.

“Meeting with Royal Thai Air Force personnel and cadets over the past few days was very rewarding for all. We continuously learn a lot from each other and we are starting to lay a solid foundation of what we can assist with regarding professional military education and technical training” said Chief Master Sergeant Allan Lawson, State Command Chief of the Washington Air National Guard.

The engagement is part of the National Guard-sponsored State Partnership Program which formally began between the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Washington National Guard in 2002. The two counterparts have met regularly through exchanges, engagements and exercises to enhance their mutual capabilities, security cooperation, and people-to-people connections that extend beyond military cooperation.

The United States has had diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Thailand for over 190 years. Through engagements such as this, we work together to promote long-term mutual trust, understanding, respect, interoperability, and a common commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

HONOLULU  –  

U.S. Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps midshipmen enhance innovation partnership between U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Navy Information Warfare Command-Pacific.

The second year of the ROTC Cadet Training Success Program’s expansion into the Indo-Pacific recently kicked off with three ROTC midshipmen from universities and colleges across the country, gaining real-world experience and building technical skills under the mentorship of INDOPACOM and NIWC-Pacific engineers.

“Our goal was to expose the midshipmen to the research, development, testing, and integration of technologies that may be used within an operational environment,” said Marc Manalac, intelligence & space systems project engineer at Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific Hawaii. “Not only did we want them to refine their technical skills they learned in school, but also expose them to the “why” and “how” the projects they worked on have a direct impact on our fleet and allies. Giving our future leaders an opportunity to work side-by-side with engineers and scientists and allowing them to have a direct hand in building various systems that equip midshipmen and cadets with a new perspective on how future technologies make it to the front line.”

The program was funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research through Clarkson Aerospace Corp and facilitated by NIWCPAC.

“This program provides the next generation of naval military leaders with a unique perspective of how combatant commands partner with the services to out-innovate our adversaries; a key component of integrated deterrence,” said Dr. Martin Lindsey, USINDOPACOM science and technology advisor. “In return, we get to tap into the unmatched creativity and enthusiasm of our midshipmen and cadets and instill in them that from the very beginning of their careers, their contributions make a real difference.”

“I joined this program to gain a background understanding in the research and development that is used to support our Navy; something I would not otherwise be exposed to before becoming an active member of the Navy,” said Midshipmen 2nd Class Isabel Wellman, Texas A&M University NROTC. “Throughout this experience, I learned how to apply both general and specific topics to large and complex projects and recognize how to get to an answer when there is no answer key. The most rewarding experience I had was to witness the result of the team’s work when we produced a working deliverable of our project.”

This program represents one component of a network of USINDOPACOM mentorship and development opportunities. The command works with industry and partners across the Department of Defense to ensure innovation at the highest level.

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.