15 November 2016 U.S. Pacific Command Representatives Work with Chinese Counterparts at Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Working Group and Plenary QINGDAO, China – Senior representatives from U.S. Pacific Command traveled to China to participate in the annual Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Working Group and Plenary Nov. 7-10.This meeting serves as a mechanism for open and transparent communication to address concerns and develop...
15 November 2016 USS Somerset Arrives in Singapore CHANGI, Singapore (NNS) -- Amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 13. The port visit will allow Sailors from Somerset and Marines from the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to experience the local culture and conduct...
15 November 2016 USS Sampson Conducts PASSEX with New Zealand Tanker HMNZS Endeavour PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Navy destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Endeavour, a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) fleet replenishment oiler, Nov. 12-13.Each ship offered guided tours and a meal during both days of the event,...
15 November 2016 Keen Sword 2017: Bilateral Field Training Exercise Came Together YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and United States Forces, Japan, came together for Keen Sword 2017 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from Oct. 30 – Nov. 11, 2016. KS17 involved U.S. forces and the JSDF from all components of both militaries, training to conduct...
15 November 2016 Kadena Partners with Local Community Engineers in Society of American Military Engineers Symposium KADENA, OKINAWA, Japan -- The Society of American Military Engineers, Japan Post held a symposium at the Aeon Mall Nov. 7-8. The purpose of the symposium was to bring military and local engineers together to discuss the future of engineering on Okinawa and build lasting relationships. The event...
15 November 2016 U.S. Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Assist New Zealand in Earthquake Response Efforts PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- At the request of the New Zealand Ministry of Defence the United States Navy is providing maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) to assist in life-saving efforts after the Nov. 13 earthquakes on the South Island of New Zealand.A P-3C Orion assigned to Patrol...
15 November 2016 U.S. and JASDF Rescue Squadrons Participate in Bilateral Exercise KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Rescue Squadrons participated in Exercise Keen Sword 17, which started Oct. 30. Keen Sword is the largest joint, bilateral field training exercise between the U.S. military and the Japan Self-Defense Force and involves U.S. forces and...
15 November 2016 Air Force Special Operations Commander Visits the 353rd Special Operations Group KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAW, Japan -- Command leadership flew half-way around the globe this week to see how Pacific-based Air Commandos provide specialized aviation for our nation’s no-fail mission.As a part of their first tour to the Pacific since taking command, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb,...
14 November 2016 U.S., Brunei Deepen Maritime Partnership, Foster Strong Defense Ties during CARAT MUARA, Brunei (NNS) – Navy and Marine Corps personnel from the United States and Brunei Darussalam commenced the 22nd iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) on Nov. 14. CARAT Brunei 2016 will continue through Nov. 18, and features 5 days of shore-based and at-sea training...
14 November 2016 Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Completes Biennial Keen Sword Exercise with Japanese Self Defense Force WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (NNS) -- Directed by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and the Chief of Staff of the Japan Joint Staff, KS17 is the latest in a series of joint and bilateral field training exercises since 1986 involving U.S. military and Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) personnel designed...