06 February 2017 U.S., Philippines Alliance Strengthened during Readiness Training CLARK AIR BASE, PAMPANGA, Philippines -- Wednesday marked the end of a two-week Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) between U.S. and Philippine military members here.Over the last two weeks, approximately 30 U.S. and Philippine service members participated in a series of exchanges and discussions...
06 February 2017 Mattis Says U.S. Remains Committed to Defense of Japan WASHINGTON -- The United States remains committed to the defense of Japan and stands ready to enhance its alliance for regional peace, prosperity and freedom, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said today, Feb. 4, 2017, in Tokyo.In a joint press conference with Japan’s Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada,...
06 February 2017 Convoy Live Fire Training Enhances 3-2 GSAB Soldier Tactical Skills WARRIOR BASE, South Korea -- Soldiers from E Company, 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade conducted Convoy Live Fire training on Jan. 23 at Story Range.This training was aimed to enhance the Soldier's abilities to carry-out a proper tactical convoy operation, said...
06 February 2017 Green Bay Embarks Marines from Okinawa OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20) departed White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Feb. 2 after embarking elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).Green Bay arrived in Okinawa on Jan. 30 after departing from Sasebo, Japan, Jan. 25 for a multi-month...
03 February 2017 Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meetings with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Cmdr. Gary Ross provided the following readout:Secretary Mattis met with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today in Tokyo, Japan to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.- Japan alliance.During the meeting, the secretary emphasized the priority the new...
03 February 2017 U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-225 Kicks Off Cope North 17 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225 arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in preparations of Cope North 17 Feb. 8, 2017.Cope North 17 is multi-national, bilateral training event including the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, Royal...
03 February 2017 Mattis Emphasizes U.S. Commitment in Meetings with South Korean Leaders WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis emphasized the U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and its alliance with South Korea in separate meetings with South Korean leaders today, Pentagon spokesman Navy Cmdr. Gary Ross said.Mattis is on a four-day trip to South Korea and Japan.In a...
03 February 2017 Coronado Completes Underway Focused On Training, Operations At Sea SEMBAWANG, Singapore -- Following a four-day underway in the South China Sea, littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) pulled into Sembawang Wharves in Singapore for a scheduled maintenance period starting Feb. 3.At sea the crew conducted training exercises designed to maintain operational...
03 February 2017 America Completes Combat systems Ship Qualifications Trials PACIFIC OCEAN -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) completed the final phase of combat systems ship qualifications trials (CSSQT) and follow-on operation testing of the ship's weapons systems Feb. 2.Command, control, computers, communications, combat and...
03 February 2017 Mattis Issues Budget Guidance, Says Fiscal 2017 submission Will Rise WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis issued budget directives Tuesday aimed at addressing shortfalls in the department and building a more lethal joint force.The budget directives have a quick trigger, with the first request -- for an amendment to the fiscal year 2017 budget -- due to the...