A CMV-22B Osprey, attached to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRM) 30, readies for takeoff on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 23. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson) — USS George Washington conducts flight ops in Philippine Sea

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Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Rebekah Hood, from Gilbert, Arizona, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) directs an MH-60S Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 on the flight deck of the America while conducting flight operations in the Tasman Sea, June 20. — USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operation

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Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) take in a line on the fo’c’sle during a sea and anchor detail in Yokosuka, Japan, June 21. The John Finn 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexandria Esteban) — USS John Finn departs Yokosuka

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U.S. Army Soldiers from the Transformation in Contact enabled 2nd MBDE, 25th Infantry Division train alongside their Philippine 5th Infantry Division Partners in Operational Maneuver in Northern Luzon, Philippines, June 17, 2025. — Salaknib 25 | Operation Maneuver

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An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, lines up on a catapult on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 19, 2025. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson) — USS George Washington conducts flight operations in Philippine Sea

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Sailors signal for an F/A-18F to launch off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 16, 2025. — U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

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A U.S. Marine with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, tests his L3Harris Binocular Night Vision Device (PVS-31) during a night live-fire deck shoot aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Timor Sea, June 12, 2025. — 31st MEU | Live-fire deck shoot aboard USS San Diego

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Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Jeremy Valdez from Kaneohe, Hawaii, assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, looks down at Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in an MH-60S Seahawk while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 15, 2025. — George Washington Conducts Helicopter Operations

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U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 11th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, march during the opening ceramony for Khaan Quest 2025, on June 14, 2025, at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia. — Khaan Quest kicks off with an opening ceremony

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Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) conduct mooring operations at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, June 11, 2025. — USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returns to Naval Base Guam

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An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, approaches a catapult on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 12, 2024. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson) — USS George Washington conducts flight ops in Philippine Sea

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An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, June 6, 2025. — Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations

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U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off during touch-and-go flight operation drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Solomon Sea, June 8, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins)U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off during touch-and-go flight operation drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Solomon Sea, June 8, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins) — 31st MEU | F-35B Lightning IIs conduct rapid flight operations

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Sailors man the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), as the ship pulls into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, June 6, 2025. — Sailors man the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), as the ship pulls into Pearl Harbor

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U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron receive fuel from a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing during an off-station training near Misawa Air Base, June 5, 2025. — Travis AFB sends KC-46 across the Pacific to train with Misawa F-16s

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hilippine Marines with 3rd Brigade fire a 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft system during a counter-landing live-fire event for KAMANDAG 9 at Quezon, Palawan, Philippines, June 4, 2025. — KAMANDAG 9: MRF-D 25.3 and PMC conduct a counter-landing live-fire defense

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A Marine Nationale rescue swimmer descends from a French Navy Flottille 35F AS365 Dauphin helicopter during a joint training exercise between the French Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) on May 31, 2025 off the Coast of Tahiti, French Polynesia. — Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane Performs joint flight operations with French Navy off the coast of Tahiti

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Four aircraft fly through a blue sky near clouds over an island as seen through the open exit of an aircraft. — 506th EARS Refuel A-10s across the Pacific

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Philippine Army Soldiers assigned to 71st Infantry Battalion, 702nd Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, move to an objective during Salaknib 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, June 6, 2025. — Salaknib 25 | Final Assault

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A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper, left, attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, refuels on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training 25.3 while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 3, 2025. — QUART: HMLA-369 Conducts Deck Landing Qualifications Aboard USS Harpers Ferry

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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, conduct communications checks during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia, May 30, 2025. — MRF-D 25.3: 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, conduct raid with VMM-363 during Southern Jackaroo

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A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to lift off the flight deck of the of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training 25.3 while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2025. — QUART: CH53s Conduct Deck Landing Qualifications Aboard USS Harpers Ferry

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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land during night flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, May 31, 2025. — 31st MEU | F-35B night flight operations

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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, disembark off an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363), MRF-D 25.3, during an air assault rehearsal as part of Predator’s Walk at Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, May 28, 2025. — MRF-D 25.3: 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, VMM-363 conduct air assault rehearsals during Predator’s Walk

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Chief Logistics Specialist Jonathan Cruz, right, from Olongapo, Philippines, and Chief Logistics Specialist Antonio Evans, from Los Angeles, both assigned to supply department’s aviation supply division, participate in vertical replenishment training on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, May 28, 2025. — Conducts Vertical Replenishment Training

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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, clear buildings during a live fire shoothouse as a part of military operations in urban terrain training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, May 24, 2025 — Activated Reserve Marines Conduct Live Fire MOUT during Korea Viper 25.4

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Two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation over Northern Luzon, Philippines, during KAMANDAG 9, May 27, 2025. — KAMANDAG 9: VMM-364 Inserts Marines into Basco Island, Philippines

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E/A-18G Growlers from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 fly near the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 27, 2025. — Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations

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The State Office of Veterans’ Services hosted the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, 2025, at the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi. — Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony

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U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, engage targets during a high explosive in support of Exercise KAMANDAG 9 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, May 22, 2025. — KAMANDAG 9: 3d LCT conducts high explosive battle drills

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Two F-35B Lightning II fighter aircrafts from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, prepare to land on the flight deck the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the East China Sea, May 20. — USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations

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An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 14, 2025. — Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations

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Participants of the Four Chaplain Memorial Run and Ruck trek through the Norwegian Foot March course at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2025. The NFM was first held in 1915 to test the physical stamina of soldiers in the Norwegian Army and prepare them for long marches in harsh conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams) — Four Chaplains: Norwegian Foot March

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U.S. Marine Corps Marines assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct a military free fall demonstration during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2025 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025 — U.S., Japan display interoperability during Friendship Jump 2025

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A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sits on the flight line during the 2025 Japanese-American Friendship Festival fireworks display at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025. — FF25: Blaze of Friendship

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U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly over Wake Island enroute to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 10, 2025. — F-35B Lightning IIs fly over Wake Island

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The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) transits Apra Harbor, Naval Base Guam, May 13, 2025. — USS Minnesota (SSN 783) returns to Naval Base Guam

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Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 fast-rope out of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 11, 2025. The Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner) — EOD members conduct fast-rope ops onto USS Nimitz in South China Sea

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Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP

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Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise

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Army Engineers Keep USMC Training, Readiness on Target

19 July 2017

From 1st. Lt. Thomas Shade

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KAILUA, Hawaii -- With ongoing activity in the Pacific region, the need for increased readiness for the region's U.S. land forces has never been higher. Army engineers with the 561st Engineer Construction Company recently contributed to that mission by assisting the local Marine Corps Base Hawaii the construction of a new live-fire trench warfare system. Due to the Army's help, the Marine Corps troops' training at the base will continue on track and contribute to the USMC's readiness efforts.

The Range 5 Trench Construction Project was a joint effort, with Army and Marine Corps engineers working together to produce the trench's complex design. Now complete, it provides a vital training facility for land forces across Hawaii.

"The shoot houses, clearing houses and mortar range in addition to this construction allows us to train on combined effects," said Marine Corps Col. Sean C. Killeen, Commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Killeen was very impressed with the work the 561st Engineer Company had done, and invited the team to be among the first to use the range for their own improved readiness.

"Everything they have done has been amazing quality of work, on time, and it keeps us asking what kind of projects they can help us expand on next," he said.

Due to an estimated $3.5 million civilian contractor cost of construction, and a time constraint of two and a half months to complete the range, the Range 5 Trench Project proposal had been up for consideration for nearly two years prior to its acceptance. But leaders in the 561st Engineer Company saw the great challenge and training opportunity the project afforded, and quickly jumped at the chance to be a part of the building effort.

"Projects with the scope and size of the Range 5 Trench project require great levels of competence and precision from all ranks working on site," said project noncommissioned officer in charge Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Keown, a platoon sergeant in the 561st Engineer Company.

"With 80 engineers working on a strict schedule on more than 200 separate construction tasks, all while operating with zero safety incidents, it's a true testament to the ability of the Soldiers on this mission. They worked day in and day out to accomplish the mission that was set forth in front of them," Keown said.

Planning for the project began in January 2017 as 130th Engineer Brigade leaders coordinated externally with Marine Corps and civilian officials to ensure that materials, manpower, and administrative documents were ready to proceed. Internally, 561st Engineer Company conducted multiple training missions to prepare for the tasks they would have to conduct during the project.

Construction broke ground on April 20 when the 561st horizontal engineers used scrapers and bulldozers to remove 24,000 cubic yards of earth from the existing site. The entire site was taken down to the elevation of the bottom of the trench so that once excavated, the concrete-anchored trench walls could be built from the bottom up. To date, 540 posts have been placed across the trench to form the six live fire grenade pits, 30 pop-out target points, and 1,300 linear feet of trench pathway.

"It's one thing to see the plan on paper, but to walk it is phenomenal," said Maj. Gen. Susan A. Davidson, Commanding General of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command during a June 14 walk-through of the trench construction site to observe the progress.

"Not only is it great training for our engineers, but this is an important and unique opportunity for us to work together increasing readiness for the Army and Marines across the island," she said.

The range was deemed fully operational in mid-July. Construction efforts by the 561st Engineer Construction Company are projected to save Marine Corps Base Hawaii $2.6 million in construction cost, as well as an estimated 6 months' worth of construction time when the base ranges would otherwise have to be closed.

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PACOM Stories

Army Engineers Keep USMC Training, Readiness on Target

From 1st. Lt. Thomas Shade

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U.S. Indo-Pacific Command