Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

HONOLULU, Hawaii  –  

The U.S. Navy achieved a significant milestone at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise with the successful launching and testing of Poniard rockets from a Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV). The 12 July test is part of the Navy’s mission to continually enhance and expand its maritime capabilities and operational flexibility via security cooperation and innovation with allies and partners.

Multiple Poniard rockets, low-cost guided munitions, were fired from the CUSV during a series of exercises conducted off the coast of Hawaii. The live-fire demonstration was the culminating event of an ongoing Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) project under the auspices of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). This innovative capability test demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to integrating mature cutting-edge technology into its operations to maintain maritime superiority and readiness.

“The successful live fire demonstration from the CUSV showcases our ability to rapidly deploy and use low-cost guided munitions from unmanned platforms,” Capt. Matthew Lehmann, program manager of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Modules Office. “This capability enhances our operational reach and effectiveness, ensuring the Navy remains a dominant force in maritime operations.”

This live fire demonstration was part of the RIMPAC exercise, held biennially in and around the Hawaiian Islands, which is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise hosted by U.S. Third Fleet. It provides a unique training opportunity for participating nations’ navies to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety and security of the world’s oceans. This year’s exercise includes 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel​.

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise has grown over the years to be the world’s largest and premier joint combined maritime training opportunity,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. “The exercise’s purpose is to build relationships, to enhance interoperability and proficiency and, ultimately, contribute to the peace and stability in the vitally-important Indo-Pacific region.”

For more RIMPAC 2024 information and updates, visit https://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/. Any additional questions or queries should be sent to rimpac.media@gmail.com.

​The Navy’s LCS mission modules program is a part of the Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants portfolio, which designs, develops, builds, and delivers the Navy’s unmanned maritime systems; mine warfare systems; special warfare systems; expeditionary warfare systems; and small surface combatants.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii  –  

July 13 marked the completion of the first urban search and rescue exercises in RIMPAC history, illustrating the growing value of the world’s largest maritime exercise and the increased range and usefulness of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Hurricanes, typhoons, flooding and tsunamis can inundate coastal communities and trap residents in their buildings, often driving them into their attics or roof spaces to escape rising waters. Members from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team, the Peruvian Naval Infantry and the Mexican Navy collaborated for three days of combined training, simulated search and rescue coordination and survivor extraction and triage as part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster response component of RIMPAC.

The exercises paired teams from the three countries in a range of disaster scenarios. The Mexican and Peruvian teams brought expertise at rescuing survivors from damaged structures, while the U.S. team contributed tactics for water-based rescues and the detection and identification of hazardous materials.

“Natural disasters present serious rescue challenges in urban areas, so we were all grateful for the chance to share our experiences and tactics that have saved hundreds of lives during recent storms and flooding events around the United States,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ian Thompson, the Urban Search and Rescue coordinator for the USCG Pacific Strike Team. “All three teams leave this collaboration with a greater capability to collaborate and to save lives after disasters in our home countries and abroad.”

The teams drove inflatable boats into a simulated flooded community and practiced cutting through a roof. In a separate exercise area on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, they practiced vertical extraction, or moving injured medical patients up and out of buildings using vertical rescue systems with tripods, ropes and pulleys and entering confined spaces with atmospheric contamination to rescue victims.

Additionally, the USCG utilized the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Geographic Information Systems “SARCOP.” This smartphone app connects rescue coordinators and search teams via a common operating picture. By the end of the exercise, the three countries could coordinate via SARCOP, which will streamline coordination during future responses.

“Participating in these exercises has been invaluable for our teams,” said Lt. j.g. Gonzalo Hernandez of the Peruvian Naval Infantry. “We have not only improved our technical skills but also strengthened our ability to work alongside our international partners. The use of the SARCOP app has significantly enhanced our coordination capabilities, which will enhance our collective response to natural disasters.”

“Working with the U.S. Coast Guard and Peruvian Navy is really good for us, we can learn a lot of their techniques and share how we work in Mexico,” said Seaman Lizeth Magaña, Mexican Navy USAR team member. “We are so grateful for this partnership opportunity in RIMPAC.”

The Novato, Calif.-based U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team provides an expert deployable force for search and rescue operations, pollution and hazardous material spills, and recovering from weapons of mass destruction.

Historically, the Strike Team has conducted search and rescue missions following major disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, Katrina, and most recently Hurricane Ian. The Coast Guard has enhanced its disaster response capabilities in the past decade by incorporating flood response abilities into Catastrophic Incident Search and Rescue. This modernization effort involved strategically placing Mobile Response Kits across the US and formalizing training programs for all CISAR teams. This training is jointly led by the USCG and US-based USAR teams.

“We are honored to have participated in such a comprehensive exercise,” said Hernandez. “The shared experiences and knowledge gained here are invaluable, and we look forward to applying these lessons to improve our disaster response capabilities.”

To support people affected by different natural or man-made disasters, the principal mission of the Mexican Navy USAR Team is to carry out operations of search, location, access and stabilization of rescued people. They also perform body recovery.

​Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Tumon, GUAM — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Guam July 18-20, where he met with senior government officials and U.S. service members to reiterate USINDOPACOM’s priority of defending the homeland and to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the island. 

Paparo met with Congressman James Moylan, Gov. Lourdes Aflague Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Joshua Franquez Tenorio, Guam legislature senators and other community representatives and discussed the significance of commemorating a historic milestone while identifying opportunities for continued future collaboration and mutual support. As a part of the homeland, Guam serves as a strategic U.S. outpost in the Western Pacific.

While in Guam, he also met with senior military members including Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Joint Task Force – Micronesia, Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander, Joint Region Marianas, and spoke with joint service members at Joint Region Marianas, Task Force Talon at Andersen Air Force Base, Theater High Altitude defense site, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and Naval Base Guam. Fleet Master Chief David Isom, USINDOPACOM’s command senior enlisted leader, also met with senior enlisted leaders throughout Guam to highlight enlisted development and service opportunities. 

Guam’s rich cultural heritage was embedded throughout 80th liberation day events, which included a large-scale parade, memorial mass at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, and a Unified Memorial and wreath-laying at the Plaza de Espana in Hagåtña, where Paparo delivered goodwill remarks. 

“Guam will never ever be exposed again,” Paparo said. “We have our best warfighters here defending, because Guam is the homeland. Preventing conflict, deterring conflict is our highest duty. The joint force is committed to a lasting friendship, to family, and the defense of Guam so that future generations will never ever have to endure the tragedy that the Mañaina’ suffered 80 years ago.”

The theme of the 80th commemoration was “Peace For Us Always,” and focused on forgiveness. Displays and speeches celebrated growth in regional relationships while honoring the enduring spirit, sacrifice, and perseverance of the CHamoru people through adversity. Distinguished guests included U.S. Marine Cpl. Frank S. Wright, a 99-year-old World War II veteran and Guam liberator, retired U.S. Marine Col. Joaquin Siquenza Santos, a war survivor, 92-year-old Francisco Manibusan, who helped build airfields as a nine-year-old in 1941, Japan Consulate Guam Rumiko Ishigami, and service members from the Philippines and U.S. militaries. 

USINDOPACOM’s primary mission is the protection and defense of the territory of the U.S., its people, and its interests. With Allies and partners, 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. This approach is based on partnership, presence, and military readiness. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SAIPAN, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Saipan and Tinian in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands on July 20, 2024, where he met with senior government officials and U.S. service members, underscoring the enduring commitment to homeland defense and honoring shared history in the Pacific.  
  
CNMI is part of the U.S. homeland and under U.S. legal and defense protections. It is home to more than 47,329 U.S. citizens and is strategically significant to the United States as a Pacific nation.  
 
Paparo met with Saipan Gov. Arnold I. Placios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apata, and Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, and discussed land conservation, future opportunities for military investment, and changes in the evolving security environment.   
 
He was joined by Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Joint Task Force – Micronesia, Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander, Joint Region Marianas, and Fleet Master Chief David Isom, USINDOPACOM command senior enlisted leader, emphasizing personal relationships and the enduring obligations to the people of CNMI. 
 
On Tinian, Paparo met with Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Five and airman from the U.S. Air Force’s 513th Expeditionary Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron (RED HORSE), both of which are providing critical construction and engineering projects under Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training missions to increase readiness while delivering key services to local communities.   
  
The site visit was significant to Paparo personally as his paternal grandfather was a Navy Seabee in the 59th Naval Construction Battalion who served during Operation Forager to free Saipan, Tinian and Guam in June-July 1944. More than 59,000 joint service members surged to CNMI, where approximately 3,000 gave the ultimate sacrifice to gain a decisive strategic victory in the Pacific campaign.  
  
USINDOPACOM’s primary mission is the protection and defense of the territory of the U.S., its people, and its interests. With Allies and partners, 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. This approach is based on partnership, presence, and military readiness.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KOROR, Palau  –  

Joint forces with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, allies and partners concluded the tenth iteration of exercise Valiant Shield, June 18, 2024, following 12 days of multilateral operations in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, and at sea around the Mariana Island Range Complex.

Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, led a joint contingent of more than 600 service members in Palau including elements of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the U.S. Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, the U.S. Air Force 27th Fighter Squadron, and the U.S. Navy’s Underwater Construction Team TWO, 30th Naval Construction Regiment.

Palau was a key partner in the success of Valiant Shield 24. The U.S. and Palau share a strong and enduring relationship through the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreement. CLR-17 and joint forces coordinated closely with the U.S. Embassy and local authorities, including the Bureau of Public Safety and the Palau Aviation Administration, to ensure compliance with local laws, support increased aviation traffic at Palau International Airport, and organize training activities throughout the country.

“We take our partnership with Palau and our obligation as their military very seriously,” said Col. Matthew Mulvey, commanding officer of CLR-17. “We want the populace to recognize that we’re here among you, ultimately, to serve you.”

Mission Accomplished

Valiant Shield is a biennial, multinational field exercise focused on enhancing interoperability across multiple domains. This iteration featured a sink exercise (SINKEX) involving the decommissioned Austin-class amphibious transport dock, ex-USS Cleveland (LPD-7), in the North Pacific Ocean, as well as a joint mass casualty exercise.

CLR-17 served as the 1st MLG forward command, providing command and control of essential functions and serving as a communications integrator and senior airfield and port authority. CLB-13 provided the logistical backbone to operations, serving as the Base Operating Support-Integrator. As BOS-I, CLB-13 ensured unity of effort among the services by coordinating logistical assets, services and support needed for Valiant Shield 24.

“We offer a connective tissue between units here, starting by receiving them at the port or the airfield,” said Lt. Col. Brian McCarthy, commanding officer of CLB-13.

Medical personnel with CLB-13 also established the first Role 2 medical field hospital in Palau. The Role 2 provided advanced medical coverage for the exercise force and swiftly triaged and treated simulated casualties during the mass casualty exercise.

To manage the increase of military aircraft landing at Palau International Airport, a Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd MAW, provided air traffic control services to both military and civilian aircraft. Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, MACG-38, 3rd MAW, managed airfield operations and provided expeditionary refueling to joint aircraft including C-130J Super Hercules with the 40th Airlift Squadron and F-22 Raptors with the 27th Fighter Squadron.

“Aviation ground support is a critical capability that is going to generate and sustain sorties for joint forces operating in the Indo-Pacific,” said Maj. Thomas O’Brien, operations officer of MWSS-373. “This was displayed in our efforts here in Palau during Valiant Shield.”

UCT-2 managed port operations and led a major diving and construction project at Malakal Port, Koror, to repair damage from ship impacts. The multi-step repairs included placing underwater concrete to repair a large void, restoring the structural integrity of the port.

On June 16, the 3rd MDTF, along with a combined U.S. Army team, showcased their advanced warfighting capabilities by successfully firing Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) from an Autonomous Multi-domain Launcher (AML) at Palau International Airport in support of the SINKEX.

The AML is an unmanned rocket launcher based on the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, designed to engage precise ground and surface targets.

“The partnership between 3rd MDTF and the AML team represents a significant modernization milestone,” said Capt. John Kenny, 3rd MDTF officer-in-charge. “Integrating emerging technologies into palpable deterrence on the edge is exactly how MDTFs bring value to the joint force.”

To support environmental and marine species protections during the SINKEX, the vessel was thoroughly cleaned before being positioned 50 nautical miles from the coast of Palau. It was sunk in over 6,000 feet of water, away from reefs, with a 2.5 nautical mile mitigation zone monitored by lookouts on aircraft and another vessel to pause the exercise if marine life entered the area.

Partnership Strengthened

Exercise Valiant Shield 24 offered service members opportunities to engage with their Palauan partners, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Lt. Cmdr. Cole Yoos, CLR-17 chaplain, coordinated a day of activities with Koror Elementary School children on the final day of their school year. Service members joined the children in soccer games, volleyball, push-up contests, and a “say no to drugs” skit aimed at drug education and preventing substance abuse.

During their off-duty hours, service members immersed themselves in the local culture by dining at Palauan restaurants, sampling traditional foods and learning about the customs and traditions of the island. Many service members attended Sunday worship services at local churches alongside their Palauan hosts.

On the final day of the exercise, Mulvey, McCarthy, and other leaders met with Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Palau’s paramount high chief, to express gratitude for Palau’s support and hospitality during the exercise. Palau’s traditional chiefs have advisory authority at the national level through the Council of Chiefs. Ngirmang is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with two tours in Vietnam and a tenure as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, retiring as a first sergeant.

As the meeting concluded, Ngirmang expressed his desire to return to the U.S. with the Marines.

“Trust me, we’re taking you with us. Right here, we’re taking you with us,” Mulvey responded, pointing to his heart.

Though exercise Valiant Shield 24 has concluded, CLB-13 will remain in Palau and the Pacific Island region for several months to conduct Koa Moana 24, an exercise designed to strengthen relationships between the U.S. and partner nations in Oceania.

Ngirmang requested a future meeting with McCarthy, who will lead exercise Koa Moana 24 efforts, including the Peleliu Civic Center enhancement, just in time for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu in September 2024.

​“Our partnership with Palau is invaluable,” Mulvey said. “Conducting exercise Valiant Shield in Palau not only enhances military readiness but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea  –  

Seventh Air Force has begun initial aircraft and personnel movements for a temporary shift in U.S. F-16 placement on the Korean peninsula as part of a test intended to optimize combat capability and increase readiness in support of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the larger Indo-Pacific region.

Starting this summer, the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base will gain nine F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base. This brings the total number of assigned aircraft in the 36th FS to 31, creating a “Super Squadron” which will participate in a year-long test to evaluate its impact on sortie generation, maintenance, manpower, and logistic requirements, with the ultimate goal of maximizing combat effectiveness.

“This test is an opportunity for us to see if squadrons of this size increase our training effectiveness while also increasing our combat capability if deterrence fails,” said Lt. Gen. David. R. Iverson, 7th AF commander and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander. “While we execute this test, we understand these changes may present some challenges for our Airmen and Families. We are working to mitigate those impacts while also increasing our readiness and war fighting capability.”

The aircraft will be transferred with 150 aircrew and combat support personnel accompanying. The remaining F-16s at Kunsan AB will continue to participate in routine, regularly scheduled training events to continue strengthening interoperability and sharpen the combined readiness of ROK and U.S. forces.

​Seventh Air Force is committed to ensuring the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and this effort to accelerate change demonstrates our combined commitment to the defense of the ROK against any threat or adversary.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE TINDAL, NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia  –  

With the soft light of dawn illuminating the vast Northern Territory of Australia, the gentle rustle of eucalyptus leaves in the warm breeze, and the distant calls of kookaburras breaking the calm silence, another morning at Exercise Pitch Black 24 begins.

Suddenly, the tranquility shatters as the distant rumble of an F-22A Raptor quickly escalates into a deafening roar. The United States Air Force’s premier air-to-air combat jet is here to wake up the Outback.

“This is our first time bringing Raptors to Pitch Black,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Nickell, USAF Pitch Black Detachment commander. “Our objectives for this exercise are to train with our global Allies and partners to enhance joint, collective interoperability and lethality.”

Exercise Pitch Black, hosted biennially by the Royal Australian Air Force in the Northern Territory, is a multinational air combat exercise that has evolved into 20 nations working together. It highlights the importance of collaboration and preparedness in the increasingly strategic Indo-Pacific region.

The inclusion of the F-22A Raptor, the world’s most advanced fighter jet, underscores the strategic importance of this year’s largest and most complex Pitch Black iteration to date.

“Bringing the F-22 Raptor to Exercise Pitch Black is a powerful statement of our dedication to our Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Lt. Col. Ty Bridge, Pacific Air Forces Exercise Pitch Black lead planner. “The Raptor’s unmatched capabilities in air dominance make it an invaluable asset in any modern combat scenario.”

The F-22A’s advanced stealth technology, supercruise capabilities, and unparalleled maneuverability provide a significant edge in any combat situation. Its deployment in Exercise Pitch Black allows European and Pacific Forces alike to experience firsthand the operational advantages it brings, fostering interoperability and enhancing collective defense strategies.

“In today’s strategic environment, the ability to rapidly project power and integrate seamlessly with our Allies and partners is crucial,” said Nickell. “The F-22’s participation in Pitch Black not only demonstrates our commitment to regional security but also enhances our collective readiness to respond to any potential threats.”

Throughout the exercise, each participating nation will practice basic fighting maneuvers, offensive counter-air, defensive counter-air, and other high-end tactics.

​“Our strength lies in our ability to operate together, learn from each other, and stand united against any potential adversary,” said Bridge. “The F-22’s presence here is a testament to that enduring commitment.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SATTAHIP, Thailand  –  

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN), Royal Singapore Navy (RSN), and U.S. Navy began exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2024 in Sattahip, July 18, 2024.

“When like-minded navies cooperate and work together multi-laterally, together we have an outsized impact on regional security, stability, and prosperity,” said Rear Adm. Joaquin Martinez de Pinillos, Reserve Vice Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “This partnership between the U.S., Thai, and Singaporean navies is a model for regional cooperation in a time and place where what happens in the maritime domain has great impact on all nations.”

CARAT Thailand is a trilateral maritime exercise taking place ashore in Sattahip and at sea in the Gulf of Thailand. The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) with an embarked MH-60S Seahawk helicopter will operate at sea with the RTN frigates HTMS Taksin (FFG 422), HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG 471), HTMS Chakri Naruebet (FFG 911), and RSN RSS Valiant (91).

“The combined exercise with the allied forces is a good opportunity for us all to exchange experience in terms of tactics and techniques and to learn to use sophisticated weaponry systems,” said Adm. Adung Phan-iam, head of the Royal Thai Navy delegation, addressing participating units. “I hope you will demonstrate your own potential as well as the overall efficiency of your unit to the fullest capacity to prepare for the uncertain future global situations.”

The three nations’ at-sea training will include anti-submarine warfare, air defense exercises, and surface action group coordination. Visit, board, search and seizure, mine countermeasures, and search and rescue training events will also be incorporated into this year’s events.

“This exercise continues to demonstrate the depth of U.S.-Thai cooperation, evolving in complexity to enhance our navies’ operational capabilities and tactical readiness in response to emerging challenges,” said Capt. Sean Lewis, commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. “As America’s longstanding treaty ally in Southeast Asia, Thailand exemplifies our enduring commitment to like-minded allies and partners. With Singapore joining this year, CARAT underscores our dedication to fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring regional peace, prosperity, and stability.”

CARAT Thailand’s shore phase will consist of relationship building events including a sports day, community service activities, and a series of public performances and exchanges between the U.S. and Thai navy bands. Classroom subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) and practical education will also be held on topics that include Women, Peace and Security (WPS), medicine and explosive ordnance disposal.

CARAT Thailand is designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability.

This year marks the 30th iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Gabrielle Giffords, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as Commander, Task Force 76/3 Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT.

​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.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM  –  

Twenty-eight ASC Pty Ltd [formerly known as the Australian Submarine Corporation] personnel began training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of the Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS) enhanced trilateral security partnership this week.

The ASC employees will be trained and certified on various aspects of submarine maintenance to support the AUKUS Pillar 1 program that is supporting Australia’s acquisition of sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

“After months of preparation, we are excited to welcome the Australian maintainers into our shipyard family. The intensive training process they will undergo over the next few years will lay the groundwork for them to ultimately lead and execute their own maintenance operations,” said Capt. Ryan McCrillis, commanding officer of PHNSY & IMF.

In July 2023, PHNSY & IMF was chosen as the Naval Supervising Authority and Lead Maintenance Activity for Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-W) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. SRF-W will host up to four U.S. Virginia-class submarines and one UK Astute-class submarine, starting as early as 2027. Routine intermediate maintenance work, which does not require dry-docking the submarines and takes weeks – rather than months or years – to complete, will be planned and executed by ASC’s trained workforce and certified by PHNSY & IMF personnel.

“Conducting joint training and working side-by-side with our Australian colleagues is critical to building the essential knowledge needed to fully support SRF-W,” McCrillis added. “This training evolution, which focuses on technical maintenance skills, strengthens our own readiness, ensuring warfighters are equipped to carry out their complex mission.”

The first cohort of ASC personnel will receive a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience covering radiological controls, nuclear engineering, non-nuclear engineering and quality assurance. The training durations will vary based on the specific trades and disciplines being taught. Once they complete their training, the ASC personnel will return to Australia appropriately qualified and skilled to conduct Virginia-class maintenance, under U.S. supervision, during routine U.S. submarine port visits to HMAS Stirling. Australia and the United States expect more than 100 ASC personnel to start training at PHNSY & IMF over the next twelve months.

“We are ushering in a new era for our submarine maintenance workforce,” said Rear Adm. Matt Buckley, Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability within the Australian Submarine Agency. “By leveraging the U.S. and UK’s decades-long expertise, we are learning from the best to develop our own world-class sovereign nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarine force. The 28 ASC personnel, combined with more than thirty Royal Australian Navy personnel who joined the crew of U.S. submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) this year, represent the cornerstone of our future submarine force maintenance workforce.”

“The AUKUS partners share a commitment stretching back over a century to preserving democracy and maintaining an international rules-based order,” said Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, program manager, AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office. “Thanks to bipartisan Congressional support last year to pass legislation allowing us to train Australian maintenance personnel in our public shipyards, we continue to make progress toward establishing Australia’s sovereign, conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine force in support of our shared vision of a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific.”

PHNSY & IMF is also hiring additional personnel to support training hundreds of Australian maintainers.

“The shipyard is growing, so we will continue to hire to meet the needs of our fleet while adding additional personnel to support the increased training demand,” said McCrillis. “Our efforts will not only support Australia’s goal to build a sovereign SSN capability, but also provide real benefits to the U.S. Navy mission in the Indo-Pacific.”

PHNSY & IMF is a field activity of NAVSEA and a one-stop regional maintenance center for the Navy’s surface ships and submarines. It is the largest industrial employer in the state of Hawai’i, with a combined civilian and military workforce of approximately 6,400. It is the most comprehensive fleet repair and maintenance facility between the U.S. West Coast and the Far East, strategically located in the heart of the Pacific, being about a week’s steaming time closer to potential regional contingencies in the Indo-Pacific.

​The AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Program Office is responsible for executing the trilateral partnership to support Australia’s acquisition of sovereign, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines at the earliest possible date while setting the highest nuclear stewardship standards and continuing to maintain the highest nonproliferation standard. The AUKUS partnership is a strategic endeavor that will uplift the industrial bases of the three partners and promote a safe, free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring an international, rules-based order is upheld in the region.

To learn about AUKUS Pillar 1 and the Optimal Pathway, visit —- FACT SHEET: Trilateral Australia-UK-US Partnership on Nuclear-Powered Submarines | The White House

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

MINDANAO, Philippines  –  

For decades, the Sulu Archipelago, a collection of three main provinces in the southern Philippines, has served as a primary route for trafficking, illegal fishing, and smuggling illicit materials into the country. The islands create a seam between the Celebes and Sulu Seas, ending less than 50 miles from Malaysia. The area contains two vital sea lanes to the Philippines, the Sibutu Passage and the Basilan Strait. Violent extremist organizations (VEOs), like Abu Sayyaf Group, have used these southern sea lanes to funnel weapons and people to fuel illicit activities throughout Mindanao, the most southern region of the Philippines. For more than 20 years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have fought VEOs throughout rugged mountains and thick jungles in this region. Now, the AFP’s is shifting their strategic focus to maritime security (MARSEC). [1] With help from U.S. Special Operations Forces led by Marine Raiders, AFP units are developing methods and processes to secure the sea lanes and enhance the Philippine’s territorial defense.

In March of this year, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 57, creating the National Maritime Council (NMC) to strengthen the nation’s MARSEC. President Marcos emphasized the need to strengthen MARSEC through Maritime Doman Awareness (MDA) amid “a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the country’s territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos.” [2]

For many of the AFP partners who have lived on Mindanao, they know first-hand how smuggling from the sea can impact local communities. “Illicit goods coming in from other countries have hurt our local economy, and that has a negative impact on the individual and their families,” said Major Emery Torre, acting Operations Officer for Joint Task Force Tawi- Tawi, one of the subordinate task forces in the southwestern region of Mindanao.

“There are cases of bad actors entering the country and creating local chaos in the southern Philippines,” said Captain Cesar Pangan Jr., Operations Officer for Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Command. He adds “It may be one way of weakening us.”

In 2002, U.S. SOF began rotating troops to Mindanao to support the AFP, successfully conducting operations to remove VEOs from the central regions of the islands. Mindanao encompasses the southern third of the country, roughly 700 miles south of the Manila, the nation’s capital. As Barry Stentiford writes in his book, Success in the Shadows, “The enhanced security in the region provided by the improved Philippine military and the improvements in public infrastructure allowed for sustained economic and social stability—diminishing the conditions that had fueled the insurgency.” [3]

With this success, a new mission emerged: maintaining internal security to prevent VEOs from resurfacing by protecting the local borders. In order to cut off VEO supply lines to prevent this resurgence, the Philippines identified the importance of shifting the Armed Forces Philippines’ (AFP) focus to MARSEC. [4]

To put this new focus into action, NFWM, with the support of U.S. Marine Raiders, developed their fourth iteration of Joint Maritime Security Training Exercise (JMSTX)–an AFP- led exercise focusing on the enhancement of MARSEC in the Philippines. Captain Pangan, Captain Cesista, the commanding officer of Task Force 61, along with AFP forces throughout the Sulu Archipelago designed this iteration of JMSTX to enhance interdependence, integration, and interoperability (I3) by creating a joint interagency task force (JIATF). To enhance the JIATF I3, AFP units developed scenarios for the JIATF to conduct maritime interdictions of smuggling and other illicit activities.

The exercise spanned three provinces throughout the Archipelago: Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. JMSTX focused on command and control between multiple units integrating across these provinces during each of the training scenarios. “Different AFP units may have different standard operating procedures,” said Captain Pangan. “This exercise gave us the opportunity to interact with each other and develop primary, alternative, and emergency communication plans from one unit to another.”

During execution, a vessel, acting as a suspicious ship, traveled from Basilan to Tawi-Tawi using known and historic smuggling routes. Littoral Monitoring Stations (LMSs) along this corridor monitored the sea lanes, identified vessels, and routed reports. Each province in the exercise had a responding JTF who would then task an action unit with locating the vessel and conduct a maritime interdiction, rehearsing a concept called visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS). Multiple units across the JIATF practiced boarding, searching, and clearing a ship of illegal supplies and smugglers. “The units appreciated the interoperability of getting to work with each other,” said Lieutenant Colonel Frank Baylon, the officer in charge of training and education for Joint Task Force Orion. He adds “For the troops that executed the vessel boarding, they were able to see their work pay off after several weeks of training.”

Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor PN, Commander of NFWM, says “an exercise like JMSTX is timely.” Philippine JMSTX participants have expressed an interest in expanding future iterations of the exercise. Moving forward, the AFP will rely on their LMSs to monitor vessel movements through their sea lanes. “The infrastructure put in place, with the LMS, is not just for the Navy or Coast Guard,” says Captain Pangan. He says by design, monitoring facilities offer all AFP units information critical to territorial security.

During the final After Action Review of the exercise, the Marine Raider Task Force Commander emphasized that JMSTX highlighted the resolve of the United States – Philippine Partnership.

A relationship born more than 70-years-ago still shows no sign of wavering; and while the operating environment may change, the United States and Philippine partnership will remain steadfast.

Citations

[1] Centino, General Andres. Internal Security Gains Prompt Focus on Territorial Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, 4 July 2023

[2] Marcos Jr., President Ferdinand R. “ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL COAST WATCH SYSTEM, PROVIDING FOR ITS STRUCTURE AND DEFINING THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBER AGENCIES IN PROVIDING COORDINATED INTER-AGENCY MARITIME SECURITY OPERATIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.” Executive Order 57, 25 Mar. 2024.

[3] Stentiford, Barry M. Success in the Shadows: Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines and the Global War on Terror, 2002-2015. Combat Studies Institute Press, 2018.

​​[4] Torrecampo, Rej. A Paradigm Shift in the Philippines’ Defense Strategy: The Country’s New Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept is Part of a Gradual Reorientation from an Internal to an External Security Focus. The Diplomat, 4 April 2024.