News

Tamiok Strike 2024 comes to an end
July 26, 2024 — Tamiok Strike 2024, the fourth iteration of the bilateral training exercise between the U.S. Army and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, concluded with a closing ceremony at Murray Barracks, Papua New Guinea, July 26, 2024... MORE

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, left, the commanding general of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, talks to U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Pacific after the closing ceremony for Tamiok Strike 2024 at Murray Barracks, Papua New Guinea, July 26, 2024.

Austin's 11th Visit to Indo-Pacific Builds Upon Sustained Momentum With Key Partners
July 26, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is embarking on his 11th trip to the Indo-Pacific today amid what officials said is a landmark period for U.S. ties throughout the region... MORE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III departs Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 13, 2023 en route to Jakarta, Indoenesia to attend the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.

Minot B-52s take arctic defense to new heights
July 26, 2024 — In a rare deployment to Alaska's airspace, two B-52 Stratofortresses from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, recently took part in the Arctic Defender exercise at JBER marking a significant milestone in military cooperation and readiness... MORE

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratotanker from the 69th Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., prepares for takeoff July 17, 2024 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

20th Pacific Partnership Mission Prepares to Enhance Disaster Response Capabilities, Strengthen Ties in Indo-Pacific
July 25, 2024 — The underway Pacific Partnership 2024.2 (PP-24.2) team embarked the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport ship USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9), led by Rear Admiral Mark A. Melson, the U.S. Pacific Fleet Executive Agent for Pacific Partnership who will lead command and control (C2), and mission commander, U.S. Navy Captain Daniel J. Keeler... MORE

77th Infantry Division’s Colors Return to Guam as Task Force Talon Participates in Liberation Day Parade
July 24, 2024 — Liberation Day is Guam’s most significant commemorative event, and July 21st, 2024, marked 80 years since the U.S. military delivered the island from Imperial Japanese occupation during World War II. Soldiers from Task Force Talon, the U.S. Army missile defense unit on the island, had the special honor of not only taking part in this year’s festivities, but also recognizing the U.S. troops that fought in the Battle of Guam during the annual Guam Liberation Day Parade... MORE

Sergeant John Aguon from Task Force Talon and resident of Guam, carried the regimental colors for the 1-307th Infantry Regiment during the Guam Liberation Day Parade in honor of the 77th Infantry Division Soldiers that fought in the Battle of Guam 80 years ago.

US-ROK IAMD Tabletop Academy 2024
July 24, 2024 — The Pacific Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Center hosted the fifth United States-Republic of Korea (ROK) Tabletop Academy (KTTA), marking a significant step in strengthening ROK-U.S. defense cooperation. The event, held from July 8 to 19, brought together key components of the ROK's defense branches, including the ROK Air Force, Air and Missile Defense Command, and the ROK Navy... MORE

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – The Pacific Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Center hosted the fifth United States-Republic of Korea (ROK) Tabletop Academy (KTTA), marking a significant step in strengthening ROK-U.S. defense cooperation.

A Day of Unity: US Air Force F-22A joins International Air Power Display at Pitch Black 2024
July 24, 2024 — In an unforgettable event, the Exercise Pitch Black 2024 Open Day at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia, brought together military forces from across the globe, July 20. At the heart of the excitement stood the United States Air Force’s F-22A Raptor static display, drawing attendees of all ages... MORE

Photo of International Military service members and attendees at Royal Australian Air Force Darwin Open Day Event.

U.S. Coast Guard completes successful rescue, tow of motor yacht Black Pearl 1 to the Republic of Palau
July 24, 2024 — In a demonstration of sound seamanship and dedication, the crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) completed the rescue operation of the motor yacht Black Pearl 1 and the 11 crew aboard, ensuring its safe arrival and mooring in the Republic of Palau on July 22, 2024... MORE

The crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) tow the motor yacht Black Pearl 1 and the 11 crew aboard in the Pacific Ocean, ensuring its safe arrival and mooring in the Republic of Palau on July 22, 2024, at 11:22 a.m. ChST, the Oliver Henry crew transferred the Black Pearl's tow to the 75-foot Palau-flagged tug SSC Techall, just offshore Palau. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Noah Mummert)

U.S. Navy, JMSDF Conduct Ships Qualification Training
July 24, 2024 — Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) commercial charter oiler MT Badlands Trader conducted ships qualification training (SQT) with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) oiler JS Hamana (AO-424), in which the ships performed a simulated consolidated cargo replenishment at sea (CONSOL), at sea West of Kyushu, Japan, July 22-23, 2024... MORE

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force oiler JS Hamana (AO-424) connects its fuel line to Military Sealift Command’s commercial charter oiler MT Badlands Trader during ships qualification training at sea West of Kyushu, Japan, July 23, 2024

George Washington, Ronald Reagan conduct Hull Swap
July 24, 2024 — Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conduct a hull swap on Naval Air Station North Island that sends Ronald Reagan to Bremerton, Washington, and returns George Washington to Yokosuka, Japan, as the Navy’s only Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Japan (FDNF-J) aircraft carrier effective Aug. 1... MORE

Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, center, commander of Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5, observes Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) moor from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while pierside on Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego July 23, 2024.

Blue Pacific events keep Nevada BAO busy
July 22, 2024 — The National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program has built international relationships for more than 30 years since the end of the Cold War and now includes 96 partnerships with 106 nations... MORE

Defense information sites gather for annual FCO conference, discuss network, information capabilities
July 22, 2024 — The 374th Communications Squadron hosted its annual Facility Control Office Conference on July 12 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to discuss updates to the Department of Defense Information Network... MORE

US and Partner Nations Conduct Multiple SINKEXs as Part of RIMPAC 2024
July 22, 2024 — Ships and aircraft participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 conducted long-planned, live-fire sinking exercises (SINKEXs) and sank the decommissioned USS Dubuque (LPD 8), July 11, 2024, and the decommissioned USS Tarawa (LHA 1), July 19, 2024. Both were sunk in waters 15,000 feet deep, more than 50 nautical miles off the northern coast of the island of Kauai... MORE

Royal Netherlands Navy De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803) fires a Harpoon missile during a long-planned live fire sinking exercise as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024.

Koa Moana 24: U.S. Marines and Sailors Support Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Chuuk
July 22, 2024 — In a demonstration of solidarity and resilience, U.S. Marines and Sailors from Koa Moana 24 have been instrumental in helping deliver humanitarian aid support across the archipelago of Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia... MORE

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, provide humanitarian disaster relief preparation by offloading approximately one thousand bags of rice and three thousand cases of water to Federal States of Micronesia outer island of Chuuk during exercise Koa Moana 24 in the Chuuk Lagoon, July 5-9, 2024. During Koa Moana’s deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force work to strengthen alliances and partnerships with development of interoperable capabilities, combined operations, theater security cooperation, and capacity-building efforts. Exercises like Koa Moana administer 1st MLG to tackle complex challenges by fostering collaboration among bold thinkers and employing creative methods to optimize prepositioning, enhance sustainment and distribution networks, and bolster readiness in distributed environments such as Palau, the Federal States of Micronesia, and Papua New Guinea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Sean Arnold)

U.S. Navy Conducts Successful Live-Fire Demonstration at RIMPAC 2024
July 22, 2024 — The U.S. Navy achieved a significant milestone at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise with the successful launching and testing of Poniard rockets from a Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV). The 12 July test is part of the Navy’s mission to continually enhance and expand its maritime capabilities and operational flexibility via security cooperation and innovation with allies and partners... MORE

A Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV), heads out to sea for the Poniard launching test from ROKS Cheon Ja Bong as part of the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), 12 July.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Guam Liberation Day
July 21, 2024 — Tumon, GUAM — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Guam July 18-20, where he met with senior government officials and U.S. service members to reiterate USINDOPACOM’s... MORE

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Guam July 18-20, where he met with senior government officials and U.S. service members to reiterate USINDOPACOM’s priority of defending the homeland and to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the island. As a part of the homeland, Guam serves as a strategic U.S. outpost in the Western Pacific.

U.S. Coast Guard rescues motor yacht crew 200 nautical miles west of Republic of Palau
July 21, 2024 — The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew is currently towing the motor yacht Black Pearl 1, located approximately 200 nautical miles west of the Republic of Palau on July 21, 2024, after responding to a distress call... MORE

A rescue and assistance team from the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) approaches the 150-foot 497-ton motor yacht Black Pearl 1, located approximately 200 nautical miles west of the Republic of Palau, on July 21, 2024, after responding to a distress call. The 11-person yacht crew, who reported a locked rudder and flooding in the bilge, was assisted by Oliver Henry's crew with dewatering and damage control. They were then towed toward Palau by the Oliver Henry in 25 mph winds and 4 to 6-foot seas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryder Nolan)

U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Travels to Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
July 21, 2024 — SAIPAN, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Saipan and Tinian in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands on July 20,... MORE

From left, Saipan Gov. Arnold I. Placios, Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Joint Task Force – Micronesia, Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Lt. Gov. David M. Apata take a photo during USINDOPACOM’s visit to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands on July 20, 2024. Paparo was joined by Huffman, Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander, Joint Region Marianas, and Fleet Master Chief David Isom, USINDOPACOM command senior enlisted leader, emphasizing personal relationships and the enduring obligations to the people of CNMI, which is part of the U.S. homeland and under U.S. legal and defense protections. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon M. Smith)

U.S. Joint Forces Strengthen Capabilities and Partnerships in Palau During Valiant Shield 24
July 20, 2024 — Joint forces with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, allies and partners concluded the tenth iteration of exercise Valiant Shield, June 18, 2024, following 12 days of multilateral operations in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, and at sea around the Mariana Island Range Complex... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Stephanie Davis, a communication strategy and operations officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) helps a child try on a Kevlar helmet during a military equipment exposition as part of exercise Valiant Shield 24 at Palau International Airport, Airai, Palau.

Future Army leaders visit ROK Army cadet school during CTLT
July 19, 2024 — Each summer, Eighth Army hosts scores of cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point and various ROTC programs as part of the Cadet Troop Leader Training program... MORE

A U.S. Army and Republic of Korea Army cadet conduct light infantry training at the ROK Army Cadet Military School in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, July 17, 2024.