Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

AUSTRALIA  –  

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3 concluded the Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal (WADER) aboard HMAS Adelaide (L01) from June 2 – 20.

This exercise aimed to enhance amphibious capabilities and strengthen the partnership between the United States and Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Royal Australian Navy hosted 47 Marines and four Sailors with MRF-D 24.3 aboard HMAS Adelaide (L01), an Australian Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), alongside the Australian Amphibious Force (AAF) to participate in a comprehensive training mission designed to enhance joint operational capabilities.

MRF-D 24.3 Marines, Sailors, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Navy personnel worked closely to conduct a series of training activities. The early stages of WADER included MV-22B Osprey deck landing qualifications executed by Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced).

“What a great opportunity it is to have our pilots conduct landings on the HMAS Adelaide (L01), further strengthening our professional relationship with the Australian Defence Force,” stated U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brandon Pope, the commanding officer of VMM-268 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “The return to flight for the squadron has been a methodical approach to re-establish the aircrew proficiency required to execute training events such as this one safely.”

Following the deck landing qualifications, Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), conducted a Combat Marksmanship Program live-fire deck shoot.

“This was an excellent experience for me and my Marines,” said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joshua Sipin, an 81mm mortar section leader with Weapons Co., 2nd Bn., 5th Marines (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “Working alongside the Australians, we saw their safety procedures and range control, which was valuable for our Marines.”

One of the key components of the WADER was the integration of fires capabilities, which involved coordinated efforts between MRF-D’s littoral fires cell and the AAF’s Supporting Arms Coordination Center.

“Our fires and intelligence Marines were crucial in demonstrating our ability to conduct digital fires through High Frequency radio communication between the ship and the MRF-D Command Operations Center,” explained U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Gray Myers, the fires plans officer for MRF-D 24.3 and detachment officer in charge for WADER. “This exercise allowed us to refine our targeting and coordination procedures in a maritime environment.”

The integration of fires capabilities was further enhanced by the use of advanced communication systems.

“Our communications Marines established the COC onboard, maintaining network reach back to Darwin throughout the entire float,” added Myers. “This ensured that our fires teams could coordinate effectively with the command center, providing real-time updates and adjustments.”

Medical training was another critical component of WADER. U.S. Navy medical subject matter expert exchanges with ADF medical personnel aboard HMAS Adelaide (L01) covered various aspects of operational health support, including Role 1 care, triage, mass casualty planning, walking blood bank, surgical care, and en route care.

“We gained valuable insights into each other’s practices and protocols, enhancing our medical readiness and collaboration,” said Royal Australian Navy Cmdr. Peter Smith, a retrieval doctor with the Maritime Operational Health Unit. “It was great to have MRF-D onboard to exchange our medical practices.”

The ADF incorporated vehicles and logistics personnel from Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (Reinforced) into their battle rhythm, further demonstrating the seamless integration between U.S. and Australian forces.

“We safely maneuvered our vehicles to the staging area and helped the Australian embarkation specialists load them onto the ship by crane,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cody Albert, a motor transport operator with CLB-5 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “Once on board, we continued to work closely with them to position the vehicles for the exercises, practicing loading and unloading the vehicles onto a landing craft, preparing for the amphibious operation.”

The culmination of the exercise included a significant ship-to-shore movement, which tested and demonstrated the practical aspects of amphibious ship-to-shore operations.

“We have to make sure the vehicles have appropriate shoring to avoid any issues during the offload,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Colin Shannon, a logistics specialist with CLB-5 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “Working with the Australians was a great learning experience. We saw how they operate and learned different techniques, which helped us improve our own processes. Their support was crucial in ensuring smooth offloading operations.”

As the exercise concluded, both U.S. and Australian forces reflected on the success of their joint efforts and the valuable experiences gained. The standard operating procedures developed during WADER will facilitate future interoperability between MRF-D and ADF, ensuring both forces remain prepared to respond to crises and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

​“It was great to have our friends and Allies onboard again,” said Royal Australian Navy Capt. Troy Duggan, the commanding officer of HMAS Adelaide. “This was a great experience for my crew to learn from them, interact, share stories, and create new friendships.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PHILIPPINE SEA  –  

Sailors assigned to both U.S. 7th Fleet and the 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducted a maneuvering exercise with the French Navy Aquitaine-class frigate FS Bretagne (D 655), during Valiant Shield 2024, June 14.

​Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of services and with our allies to conduct precise, overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The maneuvering exercise demonstrates partnership capabilities using operational and tactical procedures. These exercises require cooperation, communication, and interoperability between two or more navies affording the opportunity to develop greater trust and understanding.

“Sailing alongside our nation’s oldest friend and ally while underway together in the Western Pacific is a testament to our strong and lasting partnership with the French Navy,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.  It was great to see FS Bretagne and USS Blue Ridge operating together and no matter where we are, our allies and partners are with us, demonstrating the power of presence and teamwork in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The exercise also afforded the opportunity for cross-deck tours. Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge were able to go aboard Bretagne for a tour, as well as host a lunch for Bretagne’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Gwenegan Le Bourhis.

“Nation of the Pacific, France regularly deploys Navy assets in the region. By sending a first-class destroyer last year and this year alongside its allies and partners, France Illustrates its attachment to a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific,” said Bourhis. “This combined maneuvering exercise increases significantly our high-end interoperability and contributes directly to building up mutual knowledge, camaraderie and finally confidence between both our navies.”

Named after the region of Brittany in France, Bretagne is forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing concluded the latest iteration of its ongoing fighter exercise, Sentry Aloha 24-2, June 12 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

This two-week National Guard Bureau training event brought together more than 1,000 participants from nine states and four service branches, providing essential combat training to joint and total-forces units.

Aircraft operated across the islands of Oahu, including Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole.

Visiting fighter and attack aircraft included A-10 Warthogs and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center, F-16s from the 177th Fighter Wing and F-35A Lighting IIs from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. These aircraft joined the 154th Wing’s locally based F-22 Raptors, operated by the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons.

This year’s iteration was built around a concept known as distributed mission planning and operations, enabling participants to operate with more autonomy as warfighters accomplished combat objectives.

Maj. Michael ‘Deuce’ Oliver, Sentry Aloha exercise director, said this strategic shift challenged them to employ decentralized and flexible practices in dynamic combat environments while facing the threat of advanced enemy aircraft.

Daily training sorties focused on air-to-air combat, featuring large-scale combat simulations against adversarial red air forces and integration with friendly blue air forces.

Several scenarios included blue air fighters protecting A-10 aircraft conducting air-to-ground strikes. These operations took place on the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii Island, with Airmen from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron on the ground coordinating close air support strikes with the escorted Warthogs.

In addition to the air-to-ground strikes, maritime strike missions were conducted alongside the U.S. Navy. Both scenarios incorporated the support of a U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A from Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3. The UAV’s advanced airborne sensors and communication node provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to red and blue air participants throughout the training.

The Hawaii ANG’s 169th Air Defense Squadron monitored and relayed battlespace information for each training objective. They upheld command and control to ensure real-time situational awareness and coordinated responses to evolving threats.

“Exercises like this are exactly what we need to allow us to operate at a much larger scale and as a joint force,” said Tech. Sgt. Kukila Carreira-Manin, 169th ADS weapons director. “This also gave us an opportunity to integrate with more expeditionary Air National Guard members from [continental United States], such as the 128th, 116th and 109th Air Control Squadrons, as well as 3d LAAB Marines stationed at Kaneohe Bay and MACS-4 out of Okinawa, Japan.

“We’re not going to win the fight as a single branch, “said Carreira-Manin. “We as military members on all levels must continue to work together as one to ensure we are relevant and ready in the race for Great Power Competition.”|

Fighter activity was maintained through air-to-air refueling by local and visiting tanker aircraft, including KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46A Pegasus airframes. C-130 aircraft variants from the Air Force Reserve Test Center and the 129th Rescue Wing delivered logistical supplies for operations in remote locations.

Throughout the exercise, AATC tested a developing communication system with airframes like the KC-135, known as Link 16. This system facilitates seamless data exchange between aircraft and other sensors, enhancing situational awareness and coordination. The integration of Link 16 on atypical aircraft like tankers during the exercise demonstrated the potential to revolutionize communication strategies in combat scenarios.

Despite a smaller footprint of “Hawaiian Raptors” due to off-island deployments, the exercise minimized the impact on general aviation at Honolulu International Airport by dispersing aircraft across multiple locations. This added complexity to the operations, showcasing the capabilities of conducting distributed planning and ensuring secure communications provided by members of the Hawaii ANG’s 291st and 292nd Combat Communications Squadrons and National Guard augmentees from around the nation.

Key achievements included numerous mission commander upgrades and mission qualification training for the participating fighter squadrons.

Sentry Aloha will increase the 154th Wing’s readiness to support security initiatives throughout the Indo-Pacific Theater and beyond.

​“We’ve gotten quite a lot done over the past two weeks and are glad to see that many are walking away with some significant milestones checked off,” said Oliver. “Our hope is that the immense value gained from these experiences will inspire everyone to return for more opportunities to fly with us, the Hawaiian Raptors, again for more world-class training.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PEARL HARBOR  –  

Valiant Shield (VS) 2024 conducted a sinking exercise (SINKEX) with the environmentally clean decommissioned hulk of the Austin-class amphibious transport dock, ex-USS Cleveland (LPD-7) more than 40 nautical miles from land in the North Pacific Ocean.

A SINKEX generally involves air, surface, and undersea military units conducting live-fire training against a physical target.

SINKEXs give participants an opportunity to gain proficiency and confidence in their weapons and systems through realistic training that cannot be duplicated in simulators.

Each SINKEX is conducted in strict compliance with applicable U.S. environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements to minimize potential harm to the environment. In addition, each SINKEX vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process, in accordance with Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) standards, which includes removal of all liquid polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from transformers, large capacitors, and small capacitors. Additionally, petroleum is cleaned from the vessel’s tanks, pipes and reservoirs and all trash, floatable materials, mercury or fluorocarbon containing materials, and readily detachable solid PCB items are removed. The Navy also complies with documentation requirements to track components containing liquid PCBs and solid shipboard materials potentially containing PCBs.

SINKEXs are conducted only after the area has been surveyed for the presence of people, marine vessels, aircraft, and marine species. SINKEXs are fully compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

VS24 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability in a multi-domain environment. The exercise builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces by detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, in space, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

Exercises such as VS24 allow forces across the Indo-Pacific the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and partner nations to train in precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint and Combined Force.

​Media queries regarding VS24 should be directed to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office at (808) 471-3769 or cpf_newsdesk@navy.mil. Imagery and stories regarding Valiant Shield can be found here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ValiantShield.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, Philippines  –  

On June 15, 2024, elements of the Philippine and U.S. armed forces conducted a live-fire event for Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 24. MASA is an annual Philippine-U.S. military exercise taking place in the Philippines from June 3-21, 2024, focusing on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts.

The U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a two part, live-fire event off the coast of Camp Bojeador and in waters to the west of Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC), Philippines. The LLFX showcased the integrated command and control capabilities of U.S. and Philippine armed forces in a territorial defense scenario featuring bilateral surface and maritime strikes.

To the north, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) used ground-based artillery to engage staged maritime targets, made of wood and concrete, in waters four nautical miles due west of Camp Bojeador. U.S. Marines at Camp Bojeador provided bilateral fires coordination support to PMC forces as they engaged the targets to increase bilateral coordination and proficiency among U.S.-Philippine forces.

To the south, four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightening II aircraft, operating out of Clark Air Base and supported by elements of U.S.-Philippine forces, conducted controlled aviation strikes on staged maritime targets, made of wood and concrete, in waters three nautical miles westward of NETDC, Philippines. Philippine military personnel provided additional coordination and support for the aircraft and targeting to increase the effectiveness of bilateral aircraft operations and fire support.

Philippine unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supported both live-fire events to increase maritime domain awareness capabilities and to ensure the safe execution of the training events.

Military planners from both the U.S. and Philippines coordinated these live-fire training events with the proper governmental authorities. Philippine Navy and Coast Guard vessels as well as air traffic control authorities cleared and blocked the areas utilized for training to ensure no other boats, vessels, or aircraft were in the impact area. The areas utilized for the littoral live-fire events were within Philippine territorial waters and stringent safety precautions were taken to ensure safe and responsible training execution.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

U.S. Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, reaffirming the four nations’ commitment to bolstering regional security and stability, June 16-17.

The MCA demonstrates our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the maritime domain.

The MCA featured the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17). The MCA involved a series of activities and maritime maneuvers to test and validate the interoperability of our armed forces’ doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. It also provided an opportunity to demonstrate professional interactions among naval and air forces rooted in long-standing military traditions and customs. These exercises were conducted in accordance with international law, ensuring the safety of civil maritime navigation and the protection of the marine environment.

The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order. Cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region where aircraft and ships of all nations may fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.

Ralph Johnson is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SYDNEY — The Australian Defence Force, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency co-hosted the Military Civilian Health Security Summit in Sydney, June 16-17, bringing together 23 Indo-Pacific partner nations, international organizations, NGOs and academics to facilitate improved coordination and collaboration between military and civilian groups to better prevent, detect and respond to health security threats.  

At MCHSS, there were 120 participants from the following countries: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, India, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sir Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Timor-Leste, United Kingdom, and the United States as well as the African Partner Outbreak Response Alliance.

Established in 2018, the MCHSS symbolizes a unified commitment to address global health security challenges and provides an opportunity for participants to share valuable insights and enhance regional readiness through its multilateral, multisectoral approach. In its third iteration, this year’s event featured keynote speakers and break-out sessions on global health security at the national, regional and global levels, to include the roles of defense and humanitarian groups during armed conflict, preparedness planning and countering misinformation and disinformation, among others.  

Centered on increasingly complex and dynamic health security landscapes, discussions featured the exchange of best practices and the identification of shared challenges, while providing an opportunity for unified strategies that transcend the civil-military divide and international borders. 

By actively bolstering the health security capacity of civilian and military entities, the MCHSS aims to improve global stability through cultivating key partnerships, mitigating malign influences and enhancing readiness in order to advance peace, security, and prosperity in an open and resilient Indo-Pacific. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presided over the establishment ceremony of Joint Task Force-Micronesia (JTF-M) at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on June 14, 2024, where Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman assumed command.

Today’s milestone highlights the significance of the first two-star command in the region in more than seventy years.

“Defending this homeland through the vision of the Guam Defense System, commanded and controlled by Joint Task Force – Micronesia is my number one priority. This joint area of operations is critical terrain that enables the success of delivering integrated deterrence,” said Paparo. “By ensuring our joint force and our joint capabilities are in the right place at the right time, we are able to deliver strong deterrence to prevent conflict. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated.”

Huffman’s role as the Senior Military Officer in the region, will emphasize the Department of Defense’s support to our pacing challenge throughout the region, and bolster relationships with our Allies and partner nations in the joint operating area.

The JTF-M joint operating area will include U.S. territories (Guam, The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and Wake Island) and the Freely Associated States, comprised of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

“Our team thinks, acts, and operates differently, while continuing to be an innovative force that deters aggression. Our adversaries will see our accomplishments in the region, and they will see our commitment to strengthening relationships with our neighbors in the region,” said Huffman. “They will see how our military emphasizes a collaborative vision with our Allies and partners that prioritizes stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Huffman, the son of a career naval officer and a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, brings a wealth of insight to the role, based on his experience as the recent Commander of Joint Region Marianas.

​The mission of the JTF-M is to synchronize operations and activities across all domains, enabling a robust warfighting posture, while enhancing partner nation capacity. The Task Force will promote regional stability, provide homeland defense, Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA), and foreign humanitarian assistance through a whole of government approach.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation, the U.S. Air Force 613th Air Operations Center has signed an agreement with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Defense Command at Pacific Air Forces Headquarters, Jun. 12.

This agreement seeks to strengthen ties between the two air forces at tactical and operational levels, fostering regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“This agreement represents a significant milestone in our partnership with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Chris McFarland, Commander of the 613 Air Operations Center. “By working together more closely, we can effectively address shared challenges and uphold our mutual commitment to regional security.”The agreement includes joint exercises, information sharing, and subject matter expert information exchanges to enhance interoperability and facilitate rapid, coordinated responses to potential contingencies. This collaboration underscores the deep-rooted partnership between the United States and Japan in safeguarding shared interests and promoting peace and stability in the region.

​“Through collaborative efforts such as these, we reinforce not only our alliance but also the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said McFarland. “Together, we stand for regional stability, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Indonesia June 11-14, to meet with senior military and government officials as the two nations celebrate the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relations.

Paparo’s first official visit to Indonesia as the commander of USINDOPACOM demonstrates the U.S. commitment to supporting the modernization of Indonesia’s defense forces and highlights support for Association of Southeastern Asian Nations centrality and the ASEAN Outlook in the Indo-Pacific.

During his visit, Paparo held discussions exploring ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of maritime security; humanitarian aid/disaster relief and peacekeeping; and bilateral and multilateral military exercises, such as this year’s iteration of Super Garuda Shield, the U.S.’ largest military exercise with Indonesia and one of the largest in the Indo-Pacific region.

Paparo met with Gen. Agus Subiyanto, commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces; retired Lt. Gen. M. Herindra, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia; Vice Adm. Erwin S. Aldedharma, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy; and Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, Director of the National Disaster Management Agency.

During a panel discussion with Dr. Raditya Jati, Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency Deputy Minister of System and Strategy, and Jeff Cohen, USAID Mission Director Indonesia, Paparo underscored the U.S. support for Indonesian disaster response and preparedness strategies. The panel emphasized the importance of interoperability, communication and coordination between militaries, local governments, non-government organizations and religious organizations. They also discussed the value of learning from past disasters and the need for quick response strategies, capacity building, risk mapping and contingency planning.

While in Indonesia, Paparo was a keynote speaker at a ceremony recognizing cadets from the Indonesian Military Academy as they depart for a cultural exchange with the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy. These exchanges serve as an important symbol of friendship, cooperation and partnership between the U.S. and Indonesia.

In November 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto signed a historic Defense Cooperation Arrangement and discussed ways to expand training opportunities, increase educational exchanges, and improve maritime domain awareness. Under the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the U.S. and Indonesia are expanding cooperation on all issues of common concern, including fostering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. 

People-to-people ties between the U.S. and Indonesia are anchored in shared values of democracy, and a common commitment to the rules-based international order, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.