Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.  –  

A U.S. Army lieutenant colonel has led the charge to connect and develop a new generation of military leaders in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community.

Lt. Col. Seth T. Varayon has championed connecting and developing the U.S. Army’s AANHPI culture over the past few years.

Varayon currently serves as the information operations officer and future operations planner for the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Soldiers and Army civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command deploy from 19 bases in 16 states to confront and defeat the world’s most dangerous hazards in support of joint, interagency and multinational operations.

A first-generation Thai American officer from McLean, Virginia, Varayon was commissioned as an infantry officer in May 2007.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and his master’s degree in adult education and leadership from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.

Varayon has served in staff and leadership positions from the platoon to division level in light infantry and combined arms formations. During three deployments to Afghanistan, Varayon earned three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.

He has also served on a unit rotation to South Korea.

Varayon is the co-founder and chief administrator of the Asian and Pacific Islander Army Officers network, which consists of nearly 2,000 former, current and future commissioned and warrant officers across the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve and sister services.

“This group stresses inclusion, so there are officers from other services as well,” said Varayon. “Over time, we have realized that the benefits of this group are universal, and that the next evolution will focus on an expanded group of Total Army AANHPI – that means Soldiers, NCOs, warrant officers, commission officers, families, Army civilians and Soldiers for Life.”

Varayon recently moderated an FAPAC panel called the “SES pipeline” that included Dr. Michelle Zbylut, the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Army for Diversity and Inclusion; Young Bang, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology); and Hong Miller, the Chief Human Capital Officer at Army Futures Command.

He also spoke at the Pentagon’s Joint AANHPI Heritage Month Observance at the Pentagon Auditorium, May 15.

“Since I was a young lieutenant, I’ve always enjoyed the numerous Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month events and observances in May,” said Varayon.

“Each year, the guest speaker or speakers were usually the highest ranking and notable AANHPIs on the post or in the surrounding area,” said Varayon. “Seeing and hearing these inspiring stories from these AANHPI leaders over the years lit a fire within me to one day pay it back to others following in our footsteps.”

Varayon won the 2022 FAPAC Uniformed Services Award in the Army Category because of his involvement with the Asian and Pacific Islander Army Officers network. He has volunteered to serve as the FAPAC Awards Committee chairperson for the past two years.

Varayon said the FAPAC Pentagon event theme of “Advancing Leaders through Innovation” applies to the important role that mentors and coaches have in molding the leaders who will guide the U.S. military and the nation it defends into the future.

“Innovation, resilience and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership,” said Varayon. “AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements and social and political change through their ingenuity and creativity while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers.”

He offered some examples of how Soldiers can advance leaders through innovation.

“I can advance leaders through innovation by introducing a mentorship program if my organization does not have one,” said Varayon. “Mentoring and coaching aren’t innovative in the sense that they have never been done before but being deliberate about innovating some aspect of yourself or your organization to advance leaders can be just as effective.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts.  While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded a $74,409,403 firm-fixed price task order on May 21 to Black Construction – Tutor Perini JV of Harmon, Guam for the construction of a child development facility at Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB), Guam.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

LUZON, Philippines  –  

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, alongside Philippine Marines with 4th Marine Brigade and the Coastal Defense Regiment concluded Littoral Zone Reconnaissance Cobra, ending a week-long bilateral command post training exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures, and supporting combined and joint maritime domain awareness, in Luzon, Philippines, May 24, 2024.

LZR Cobra took place during Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum, a series of bilateral exchanges and training opportunities between U.S. Marines and Philippine Marines aimed at bolstering the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense strategy while supporting the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

On May 20, U.S. Marines with 3rd MLR’s headquarters element and 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, alongside Philippine Marines with the Coastal Defense Regiment demonstrated cooperation and interoperability by establishing Combined Joint Task Force – Luzon for the purpose of the exercise. The U.S. and Philippine Marines kicked off LZR Cobra with an orders development class to synchronize planning procedures among participants.

The class began when Capt. Mario Desalvo, a primary staff officer with 3rd MLR, addressed the room to brief the Marines on the scenario they would be operating in for the next week. He pointed to a screen projecting a map of Luzon with the LZR Cobra problem set depicted.

“The mission for the scenario is for CJTF-L to conduct unified actions to deter adversarial aggression, ensure Philippine sovereignty, and, if deterrence fails, to conduct decisive action in support of regional security,” said Desalvo. “Together, we will develop an operations order for the simulated execution of sea control and power projection within the Luzon area of operations, calling upon interoperability, refined tactics, techniques, and procedures, and combined command and control to successfully deter the adversary.”

As the CJTF-L Marines in southern Luzon collaborated to develop a comprehensive plan to preserve Philippine territorial integrity, U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team and Philippine Marines with 4th Marine Brigade gathered in Northern Luzon to contribute their capabilities and assets to the scenario. This distribution of forces added realism and complexity to the problem, significantly enhancing the training value.

At Camp Cape Bojeador, a Stalker VXE30 small unmanned aerial system performed its signature vertical take-off capability and departed for the littoral zone surrounding the Batanes island group. Using a videogame-like joystick to control the system’s movements and flight pattern while watching the Stalker’s visual feed on computer screens, U.S. Marines demonstrated their sUAS-enabled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities with their Philippine Marine counterparts to provide the CJTF-L near real-time maritime domain awareness. On Naval Base Camilo Osias, 3rd MLR and 4th Marine Brigade Marines doubled down on collection efforts by employing a second Stalker VXE30 and a Skydio X2D sUAS.

For the subsequent four days, the headquarters element of the 3rd LCT fueled the scenario by passing a combination of real-time and supplemental intelligence reports to the CJTF-L. Between bilateral subject matter expert exchanges, the U.S. and Philippine Marines with the CJTF-L reconvened to update and refine the exercise operations order with the information provided by the outstations.

“LZR Cobra increased the proficiency of 3d MLR, Coastal Defense Regiment, and 4th Marine Brigade Marines,” said Lt. Col. John Strange, an operations officer with 3rd MLR. “Together, we executed preparatory classes, detailed planning, and multiple scenarios utilizing a combined U.S. and Philippine Marine Corps Combat Operations Center. The scenarios focused on our combined ability to facilitate maritime domain awareness and execute littoral defensive operations. All the units participating learned valuable lessons that we will capitalize on during future training events this year and next year.”

At the Philippine government’s request, the U.S. Marines with 3rd MLR remained in the Philippines after the conclusion of Balikatan 24, an annual combined and joint exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military, to continue bilateral training with their Philippine Marine Corps counterparts throughout the month of May under ACDC. In early June, both groups will transition to Marine Aviation Support Activity, a bilateral exercise conducted in the Philippines between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Philippine Marine Corps to enhance capabilities, interoperability, and coordination focusing on aviation-supported operations. These bilateral training exercises demonstrate both nations’ commitment to enhancing interoperability and highlight their dedication to realistic and persistent training opportunities that build on previous iterations.

“With every iteration, we continuously leverage the valuable insights and expertise gained to ensure regional security and stability,” said Maj. Gen. Marvin Licudine, Philippine exercise director for Balikatan 24. “The successful execution of this exercise underscores the strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in defending our shores.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Over three months in the spring of 2024, U.S. Army engineers participating in this year’s iterations of Exercises Balikatan, Salaknib and the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Exportable (JPMRC-X) exercise have partnered with their Armed Forces of the Philippines counterparts, engaging in humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) initiatives, construction projects, and engineer diving operations, showcasing the unwavering commitment of both nations’ armed forces to serve Filipino communities.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PACIFIC OCEAN  –  

As a testament to the ironclad alliance and ever-increasing interoperability between the U.S. and Australia, a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker with RAAF No. 33 Squadron, traveled from RAAF Amberley, Australia to Camp Blaz, Guam, to provide aerial refueling to two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, for a transpacific flight, May 19, 2024.

On May 3rd, eight F-35Bs and more than 200 Marines from the “Black Sheep” of VMFA-214, departed Yuma, Arizona, for RAAF Tindal to integrate with RAAF No. 75 Squadron and No. 3 Squadron. The mission of the deployment is to enhance interoperability and prepare for future exercises and operations in the region through bilateral training events. Such training consists of basic flight maneuvers, tactical intercepts, offensive counter-air maneuvers, defensive combat air, and offensive counter-air strike night flights.

Following scheduled stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, six jets continued on to Australia while two remained behind for standard maintenance. When those aircraft were ready to depart a few days later, the scheduled U.S. tanker became unavailable for the final leg.

“When U.S. refueling capability was challenged and the Tanker Airlift Control Center couldn’t get us to the finish line, the RAAF stepped up and got us there,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John-Paul Reyes, the operations officer for VMFA-214.

Without hesitation, an Australian KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker from RAAF Amberley was redirected to provide critical aerial refueling support.

“Coordination with RAAF HQ Air Command, RAAF Air Mobility Control Centre, and No. 33 Squadron was seamless; communication and connecting through different point of contacts was quick and exceeded expectations,” Reyes said. “It was clear they were all in to support the U.S.; they prioritized our mission and understood the importance of U.S. F-35Bs arriving in Australia to support follow-on tasking.”

The seamless coordination was made possible by 30 members from across multiple, combined entities. They were all dedicated to getting the U.S. fifth-generation fighters to Australia.

“Opportunities for the RAAF to deploy USMC units and aircraft across the Indo-Pacific region reaffirms the strength of our partnership with the United States,” said Group Captain Stephen Monypenny, Commanding Officer of RAAF No. 86 Wing.

The F-35B variant provides short takeoff/vertical landing capability partnered with supersonic, radar-evading stealth to the Marine Corps and the combined-joint force enabling air operations from austere, short-field bases and a range of air-capable ships around the world. Although the RAAF operates only the A variant, the KC-30 is equipped to refuel the F-35B, a testament to interoperability between the allied nations.

The KC-30 transferred approximately 45,000 pounds of fuel to the two F-35Bs, three times the maximum payload of the jets. This supports an estimated range of 900 nautical miles per refueling and allowed the jets to travel the 2,096 nautical miles from Guam to Australia. By comparison, the KC-30 has an operational range of just under 8,000 nautical miles with the capability to offload 50 tons of fuel for up to four hours.

The KC-30 is such a high-capacity refueling platform that it can refuel the F-35B multiple times while operating in a combat environment without sacrificing its own capabilities. This supports the combined-joint force by extending flight time of the joint strike fighter, while allowing the multi-role tanker to carry out other transport, strategic airlift and defensive missions in support of combined air operations. Such capabilities, combined with deep-rooted military ties between the two nations, provide enduring bilateral integration and warfighting readiness.

“The interoperability between U.S. and Australia was the smoothest coordination I have experienced in my 15 years in the Marine Corps,” Reyes said.

The scheduled training taking place at RAAF Tindal builds upon decades of steadfast allied cooperation and mutual support between the U.S. and Australian forces.

These joint and combined exercises not only deepen the tactical proficiency of both militaries but also reaffirms their shared commitment to collective defense and upholding of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“The Australian and American crews alike benefit from getting tangible experience in cooperating to plan and execute the move,” Monypenny said. “This enhances our ability to project forces in the region, and to work with the U.S. in support of shared security objectives.”

This operation highlighted the strategic and operational flexibility of 3rd MAW and I Marine Expeditionary Force. I MEF persistently trains in the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a forward presence and an enduring commitment to allies and partners in the region.

The successful transpacific combined-aerial refueling mission not only ensured that training objectives of the USMC and RAAF were met without disruption, but more importantly highlights the strong ties between the U.S. and Australian militaries.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Army Pacific co-host a recognition event on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, May 23, in honor of Asian American, National Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

AANHPI servicemembers, DoD civilians, contractors and leaders were celebrated for excellence in collaboration and resiliency planning throughout the Indo-Pacific region. 

The 38 nations comprising the Indo-Pacific region are home to 60% of the world’s population and 3,000 different languages. 

ANHPI Heritage Month commemorates the first Japanese who came to the country in May of 1843, and to mark the May 1869 completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will depart next week for a trip to Singapore, Cambodia, and France.

As part of his tenth official visit to the Indo-Pacific region, Secretary Austin will deliver plenary remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. While there, he is slated to meet with Singapore’s new Prime Minister and other senior Singaporean officials, convene a multilateral meeting of his counterparts from Southeast Asia, and participate in a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting (TMM) with his counterparts from Japan and the Republic of Korea. He is also planning to meet bilaterally with other counterparts from across the Indo-Pacific region and with Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), following their April 16 discussion via video teleconference.

While in Cambodia, the Secretary will meet with senior officials following his November 2022 visit to Phnom Penh for the ASEAN Defense Minister’s Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

Secretary Austin’s tenth trip to the Indo-Pacific comes as the Department of Defense continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners in support of a shared regional vision for peace, stability, and deterrence.

Secretary Austin will conclude his trip in France, where he will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by participating in several commemorative events.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SANTA RITA, Guam  –  

Capt. Rob Kistner took command of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam from Capt. Nick Simmons in a change of command ceremony at Victor Pier in Apra Harbor, Guam, on May 23, 2024.

Rear Adm. Michael Day, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District commander, presided over the ceremony.

Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Capt. Simmons is a 2002 U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate with a degree in government, emphasizing international relations. After three years as the commander, he leaves Guam to rejoin the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters staff as the chief of the Office of Budget and Programs (CG-82).

Under his leadership since June 2021, the team robustly embodied the guiding principles of ‘People Fundamentally, Unit Resolutely, Mission Relentlessly,’ demonstrating substantial operational capability and regional collaboration. Under effective leadership, they responded to 1,593 search and rescue operations, saving 548 lives and nearly $2 million in property while providing crucial non-maritime medical evacuations in the Northern Mariana Islands. Additionally, the team expanded by 40 percent to support new Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) and the establishment of Base Guam.

A core focus has been on enhancing partnerships with Compact of Free Association nations by signing and exercising two enhanced bilateral agreements. This initiative, alongside the first operational patrols under a new agreement with Papua New Guinea, significantly advanced regional maritime security and reinforced commitments to safety and good maritime governance across the Pacific. The FRCs notably increased the U.S. Coast Guard’s Pacific presence and impact, strengthening regional ties and patrolling over 60,000 nautical miles annually. These efforts include delivering tens of thousands of pounds of aid and conducting shared operations and exercises with 10 Pacific nations and local, federal, and joint force partners.

The sector’s prompt and efficient response to Super Typhoon Mawar in May 2023 highlighted operational excellence. Quick action ensured the restoration of critical infrastructure and the continuity of Guam’s port operations—essential to the regional economy. The team excelled in over 1,300 exercises, exams, boardings, responses, and investigations annually, bolstering the maritime transportation system and environmental stewardship, crucial for sustaining Guam as a strategic Pacific hub. Through robust strategic communication and community engagement, the team increased its visibility. It affirmed the U.S. Coast Guard’s pivotal role in promoting peace, maritime safety, security, and regional cooperation, further establishing its reputation as a leader committed to excellence and service in the Pacific.

Capt. Rob Kistner joins the Forces Micronesia team after serving as the chief of Prevention for the U.S. Coast Guard 14th District, where he adeptly oversaw maritime safety and security operations across 12.2 million square miles, covering 21 maritime nations and more than half of the world’s shipping. He also supported Sector Honolulu, Forces Micronesia, their sub-units, and USCGC Juniper (WLB 201) and USCGC Sequoia (WLB 215) in enhancing maritime incident prevention, supply chain resiliency, and governance. He will be the interim commander until the Fall of 2024 when Capt. Jessica Worst is scheduled to arrive from her current assignment on the U.S. Northern Command staff.

Before his role in the Pacific, Capt. Kistner, a native of Rochester, New York, shaped his expertise in Coast Guard operations through diverse assignments. He served aboard USCGC Seneca (WMEC 906) as an engineer officer in training and damage control assistant, led the Facility Inspections and Deep Draft Vessel Inspections Branches at Sector Baltimore, and managed regulatory compliance as Inspections Division chief at Sector Boston.

As deputy commander of Sector Western Great Lakes, he oversaw a team of 1,137 members across 15 sub-units, covering over 1,000 miles of shoreline from Vermillion, Ohio, to the St. Lawrence Seaway. His staff roles include positions at the Leadership Development Center, the Coast Guard Academy, and Coast Guard Headquarters, enhancing his experience with workforce development and honing his strategic insight.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in operations research, a master’s certificate in environmental management, and a Master of Science in applied mathematics. His dedication and leadership have earned him multiple awards, including three Meritorious Service Medals and three Coast Guard Commendation Medals.

-USCG-

About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam:

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam is critical in promoting Pacific maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship. With a primary presence in Guam and Saipan and over 300 members across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the team maintains a strong U.S. presence in the Micronesia sub-region and adjacent areas, closely tied to local communities. Their capabilities are integral to executing a wide range of U.S. Coast Guard missions, from protecting the maritime economy and the environment to defending maritime borders and saving those in peril.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

TOWNSVILLE, QLD, Australia  –  

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force Darwin 24.3 arrive in Townsville, QLD, for Exercise Southern Jackaroo, May 23, 2024.

U.S. Marines and Sailors arrived in Townsville for a multilateral training exercise, which takes place in Townsville Field Training Area, alongside Australian Defence Force, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, Papua New Guinea Defence Force, and members from the U.S. Army to increase interoperability and readiness with Allies and partners. Participating units from MRF-D 24.3 include an infantry company, a combat logistics element, an engineering detachment, indirect fire assets, anti-armor teams, and medical personnel, all led by a forward command element from 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), MRF-D 24.3.

“Exercise Southern Jackaroo is a great opportunity for MRF-D, alongside our Australian Defense Force Allies, to exercise our combined logistics capabilities of moving our people and equipment over 2400 kilometers and aggregating with 3rd Brigade, as well as elements from the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, PNGDF, and U.S. Army. Post aggregation, the Marines and Sailors will get an outstanding training opportunity alongside our closest Allies, executing both force-on-force and live fire training, which will better posture us to respond to a crisis or contingency,” said Lt. Col. Clinton K. Hall, the commanding officer of 2nd Bn., 5th Marines (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3.

Together the ADF, JGSDF, PNGDF, and U.S. are building relationships with Allies and partners throughout the region to increase strength through partnership. MRF-D 24.3’s participation in the exercise will include a warfighting exercise and a combined live-fire defense, where ADF, JGSDF, PNGDF, and U.S. service members will train alongside each other, working towards a shared goal.

“I love seeing the warfighters go out to the field for a few weeks of pain and suffering,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. William Frick, the operations chief for 2nd Bn., 5th Marines (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3. “It makes them better, tougher and they’re all around more prepared in the event we have to answer the call, and this displays to the world we don’t fight alone,” he continued.

The Marines and Sailors have spent the first months of the rotation training at Robertson Barracks and Mount Bundey Training Area, NT to prepare for Southern Jackaroo, MRF-D 24.3’s first large-scale warfighting exercise to participate in.

Exercise Southern Jackaroo also offers the opportunity to practice logistical movements of personnel and equipment. Over 400 Marines and Sailors were transported from the Northern Territory to Queensland to begin the exercise, and the large Townsville Field Training Area provides an ideal space to rehearse tactical logistics in a constrained environment.

“Conducting tactical logistics in support of troops will be challenging in the Townsville Field Training Area, and we are excited to take on those challenges and exploit opportunities of interoperability alongside our closest Allies,” said Capt. Pierre Sajous, the company commander of Combat Logistics Company A, Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (Rein.), MRF-D 24.3.

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

For questions regarding this release, please contact the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin media team at MRFDMedia@usmc.mil.