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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Devon Tschirley, station executive officer, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, marches with the color guard during a change of command ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, July 2, 2025. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Change of Command Ceremony
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Change of Command Ceremony
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A U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations in the Coral Sea, June 29. USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operation
USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operation
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Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron ride on a U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, in support of exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 26, 2025. Cope Angel 2025: U.S and Japan sharpen search and rescue skills
Cope Angel 2025: U.S and Japan sharpen search and rescue skills
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U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct ship-to-shore movement, utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft, in the Coral Sea, June 29, 2025. 31st MEU | Boat Company Conducts Ship-to-Shore Movement
31st MEU | Boat Company Conducts Ship-to-Shore Movement
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CORAL SEA (July 1, 2025) Three U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly by the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Coral Sea, July 1. The America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 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. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth) VMFA-242 aircraft conduct flyover of USS America in Coral Sea
VMFA-242 aircraft conduct flyover of USS America in Coral Sea
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A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off during flight operations aboard the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 2025. Marines and Sailors conducted flight operations in order to expand mission capabilities in support of the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 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 Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams) USS San Diego conducts flight ops in Coral Sea
USS San Diego conducts flight ops in Coral Sea
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dawson Dauzat operates an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a field training exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, June 8, 2025. The training demonstrates 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s ability to rapidly deploy long-range fire throughout the Indo-Pacific. Dauzat, a native of Texas, is a field artillery cannoneer with 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye) 3/12 Executes a HIMARS Dry-Fire Training at Camp Fuji
3/12 Executes a HIMARS Dry-Fire Training at Camp Fuji
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Two sailors in diving gear attach wires to a mine in deep blue waters. Mine Matters
Mine Matters
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct Live Fire MOUT during Korea Viper 25.4
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pilot inside a cockpit salutes towards out of frame person PACAF F-16 Demo Team conducts final flight after 30 years of enhancing U.S. relations worldwide
PACAF F-16 Demo Team conducts final flight after 30 years of enhancing U.S. relations worldwide
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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
KAMANDAG 9: VMM-364 Inserts Marines into Basco Island, Philippines
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An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 Pacific Time May 21, 2025, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Operational Test Launch GT 253 is a 'Glory Trip' for wing
Operational Test Launch GT 253 is a 'Glory Trip' for wing
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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
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
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
KAMANDAG 9: 3d LCT conducts high explosive battle drills
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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, set security for U.S. Army Soldiers with the 23rd Chemical Battalion during joint chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Camp Stanley, South Korea, May 20, 2025. Activated Reserve Marines Conduct CBRN Response Training with U.S. Army during Korea Viper 25.4
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct CBRN Response Training with U.S. Army during Korea Viper 25.4
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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
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
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
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
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
FF25: Blaze of Friendship
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The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives in Wellington, New Zealand, May 16, 2025. Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time
Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time
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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Eric Solano, an infantry rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, conducts room clearings as a part of military operations in urban terrain training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Pohang, South Korea, May 10, 2025. Activated Reserve Marines Conduct MOUT Training during Korea Viper 25.4
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct MOUT Training during Korea Viper 25.4
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A U.S. Marine rappels during Jungle Leaders Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, May 02, 2025. U.S. Marines Execute Casualty Evacuation Training during Jungle Leaders Course
U.S. Marines Execute Casualty Evacuation Training during Jungle Leaders Course
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U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct paddling and broaching drills during small boat refresher course at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2025. 31st MEU Boat Company conducts Small Boat Skills during MEUEX
31st MEU Boat Company conducts Small Boat Skills during MEUEX
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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
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
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
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 Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP
Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP
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Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles perform aerial maneuvers during Osan Air Power Days at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 11, 2025. Their performance demonstrated expert precision flying and highlighted the strength of the U.S.-ROK partnership as thousands of attendees looked on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tallon Bratton) Respect the Past, Forge the Future: Air Power Days Returns to Osan
Respect the Past, Forge the Future: Air Power Days Returns to Osan
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U.S. Marines with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to embark an MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 265 (Rein.) during a quick response force rehearsal as a part of MEU Exercise, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2025. 31st MEU conducts quick response force rehearsal for MEUEX
31st MEU conducts quick response force rehearsal for MEUEX
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Capt. Justin Eckhoff, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), observes a replenishment-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) from the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 5, 2025. Nimitz Sailors Conduct a Refueling-at-Sea
Nimitz Sailors Conduct a Refueling-at-Sea
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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Colby Delia, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-1B Lancer on a flight line during Bomber Task Force 25-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 3, 2025. BTF 25-2: Seventh Mission Operations
BTF 25-2: Seventh Mission Operations
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Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
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A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, runs with a refueling hose to refuel an AH-64 Apache assigned to 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, April 29, 2025. Balikatan 25: B Co. 3-25 exfils Gimlets
Balikatan 25: B Co. 3-25 exfils Gimlets
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PACOM Stories

623rd ACS, JASDF and USMC Defend Pacific Together

02 November 2021

From Airman 1st Class Stephen Pulter

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NAHA AIR BASE, Japan -- Leadership from the 623rd Air Control Squadron, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the U.S. Marines met in Naha, Japan, Oct. 20, 2021, to discuss ways to operate more efficiently together for the defense of the Indo-Pacific region.

The 623rd ACS, Marine Air Control Squadron 4, and JASDF have been working together to enhance their capabilities in regional defense. Together, they all bring unique capabilities to the table in order to make the mission happen.

"It's useful to have ease of communication between three services interested in the defense of the southwest sector of Japanese air space,” said 1st Lt. Gabriel Smith MACS-4 air defense company alpha 2nd platoon commander. “It’s also very useful to have each other as close friends to help us achieve our overlapping objectives.”

The relationship not only has a positive impact on the Marine and JASDF side of operations but also positively impacts the U.S. Air Force.

"We didn’t see the value in working parallel with each other; there’s a lot more to gain for everyone by working together,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jefferey Mitchell, 623rd ACS commander. “We decided to join forces in order to move in the right direction, go further, and go faster.”

Both branches and nations coming together allow a symbiotic relationship to occur, ensuring the defense of Okinawa. The future of these operations can play a critical role in the defense of this region.

"Currently, the Marines are the only way to provide an organic radar, outside of JASDF,” said Senior Master Sgt. Dustin Sleight, 623rd ACS senior enlisted leader. “They’re highly skilled in data links and tactical control. They’re teaching us their skills and tactics and we’re teaching them our tactics and procedures; we’re synergizing the fight together.”

Handling this large amount of sensitive information and passing it off is not an easy task to handle. All three services have come together to help better secure the Pacific and react to emergencies more efficiently.

"Together we tactically control aircraft, making sure that they have a clear picture of what they're going against in the airspace, and ensuring higher headquarters can see the same thing.” said Mitchell. “The goal is a continued relationship, we all have assets and data that can further improve the national defense strategy.”

 

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