News

317 AW 'Explodes into Theater' with maximum endurance operation for Valiant Shield 24
June 7, 2024 — The 317th Airlift Wing successfully completed an expanded Maximum Endurance Operation to Guam with two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft equipped with external fuel tanks, June 4, 2024... MORE

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, gets refueled at Travis Air Force Base, California, during an extended Maximum Endurance Operation, June 4, 2024. Two aircraft equipped with external fuel tanks completed the MEO to Guam in support of Valiant Shield 2024. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emma Anderson)

Carrier Strike Group 5 joins USS Blue Ridge, allies to begin Exercise Valiant Shield 2024
June 7, 2024 — Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) of Carrier Strike Group 5 (CSG-5) joined with surface vessels and aircraft from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s (INDOPACOM) joint forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to conduct a formation sailing and fly-over event as part of the first-ever multinational exercise Valiant Shield, June 7... MORE

240607-N-ER894-1394 PHILLIPPINE SEA (June 7, 2024) The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), steams in formation with the flagship of U.S. 7th Fleet, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Higgins (DDG 76) and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), along with Japanese ships, Taigei-class attack submarine, JS Jingei (SS 515), Izumo-class helicopter carrier, JS Izumo (DDH 183), and Maya-class guided-missile destroyer, JS Haguro (DDG 180), as four F/A-18 Super Hornets attached to Carrier Air Wing 5, two U.S. Air Force (USAF) B-1 Lancer heavy bombers, four USAF F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft, four USAF F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft, two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Mitsubishi F-2 multirole fighters, two JASDF Mitsubishi F-15 Eagle air superiority fighters, one USAF RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, and one USAF KC-46 Pegasus tanker conduct a formation fly over in support of Valiant Shield 2024 in the Philippine Sea, June 7. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Dimal)

Allies Come Together in the Indo-Pacific: Valiant Shield 24
June 5, 2024 — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint forces, along with allied and partner forces, are scheduled to participate in exercise Valiant Shield (VS) 2024, June 7-18, on Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and at sea around the Mariana Island Range Complex... MORE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Concludes Tenth Visit to the Indo-Pacific
June 5, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his tenth official visit to the Indo-Pacific region today... MORE

Malaysia, U.S. Continue to Strengthen Ties at Bersama Warrior 2024 Exercise
June 5, 2024 — The 10th annual Bersama Warrior exercise began June 1 with an opening ceremony led by Malaysian Armed Forces leaders and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Kenneth Borchers, director of the Joint Staff for the Washington National Guard... MORE

Washington National Guard and Malaysian Armed Forces members participate in the Bersama Warrior 2024 opening ceremonies June 1, 2024, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Washington Guard and Malaysia have been partners under the State Partnership Program since 2017.

JPMRC-X | MIDRO AAR
June 5, 2024 — Leaders from the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, 196th Infantry Brigade and the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division meet to discuss mission effectiveness during an after action review (AAR) which marks the mid-way point of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable (JPMRC-X) exercise taking place at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, June 5, 2024... MORE

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, participate in a battalion after-action review during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable (JPMRC-X) exercise.

PALS 24 Concludes Stronger Together
June 5, 2024 — Lt. Gen. William Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, conclude the 10th annual Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium during the closing ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, June 5, 2024... MORE

Republic of Korea Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, await the commencement for the closing ceremony of the 10th iteration of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, Seoul, South Korea, June 5, 2024. PALS brings together experts and leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to foster collaboration among Allied and partner amphibious and maritime forces, sharing knowledge and recent operational insights. This year's symposium hosts senior leaders from 24 participating nations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Benfield)

US Army to Launch High-Altitude Balloons at Laoag Airport for Exercise Salaknib
June 5, 2024 — The U.S. Army Pacific's 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (1MDTF) will conduct training activities at Laoag International Airport in June, which may be visible to the surrounding community... MORE

US, ROK Air Forces conduct live munitions training with B-1B, F-15Ks at Pilsung Range
June 5, 2024 — A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer joined Republic of Korea Air Force F-15Ks Slam Eagles for live munitions and close air support training at the Pilsung Range, Republic of Korea, in an event designed to enhance the interoperability, lethality, and readiness of U.S. and ROK air forces... MORE

Fortifying partnerships: US Army, AFP divers clear Basco Port obstacles
June 5, 2024 — U.S. Army divers with the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade partnered with divers from the Philippine Army’s 525th Combat Engineer Battalion to remove rock obstacles at the Port of Basco as part of exercises Salaknib and Balikatan 2024... MORE

U.S. Army divers with the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, partner with Philippines service members for a port clearance operation during Salaknib 2024 in Basco, Philippines, May 25, 2024.

Multinational EOD technicians dispose WWII ERWs during Operation Render Safe in Nauru
June 5, 2024 — Service members from the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France participated in Operation Render Safe Nauru in Yaren, Nauru, May 7 to June 1, 2024. Operation Render Safe is an Australian-led operation in Oceania to exchange explosive ordnance disposal tactics, techniques, and procedures and reduce the risk of explosive remnants of war (ERW)... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Army, and Canadian Army service members overlook a detonation area of a demolition site during Operation Render Safe Nauru at Yaren, Nauru, May 30, 2024.

MRF-D 24.3 U.S. Marines, Sailors embark HMAS Adelaide for Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal
June 4, 2024 — U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) embarked on HMAS Adelaide (L01) alongside their Australian Allies to participate in the Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal (WADER), transiting from Port Darwin to Port Townsville from June 2-20, 2024... MORE

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 prepare to embark on HMAS Adelaide (L01) at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, Darwin, NT, Australia, June 2, 2024. Marines and Sailors embarked on HMAS Adelaide (L01) alongside their Australian Allies to participate in the Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal, transiting from Darwin to Townsville from June 2-20, 2024. During WADER, elements from the MRF-D Marine Air-Ground Task Force will conduct MV-22B Osprey deck landing qualifications, a live-fire deck shoot, medical subject matter expert exchanges, enhance amphibious fires, command and control, and initiate a ship-to-shore movement in order to set conditions for future operational tasking. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Kassie McDole)

Austin Discusses Range of Important Issues With Cambodian Leaders
June 4, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet; Defense Minister Tea Seiha; and Hun Sen, president of the senate... MORE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during a visit to senior Cambodian government officials in Phnom Penh.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin Ill's Meetings With Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senior Cambodian Officials
June 4, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia today, where he met separately with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha, and President of the Senate Hun Sen... MORE

U.S. armed forces to conduct exercise Valiant Shield 24 in Palau
June 4, 2024 — More than 600 U.S. service members are scheduled to conduct training across the Palau island chain during U.S. Pacific Fleet led exercise Valiant Shield 24, June 7-18, 2024... MORE

Allies Come Together in the Indo-Pacific: Valiant Shield 24
June 4, 2024 — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint forces, along with allied and partner forces, are scheduled to participate in exercise Valiant Shield (VS) 2024, June 7-18, on Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and at sea around the Mariana Island Range Complex... MORE

USINDOPACOM Commander Travels to Singapore, Attends Shangri-La Dialogue
June 4, 2024 — SINGAPORE — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Singapore from May 30 - June 4, 2024, where he met with senior military and government officials and participated in... MORE

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, second from left, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks during a Shangri-La Dialogue panel, “Deterrence and Reassurance in the Asia-Pacific,” with senior leaders from France, the Netherlands and the People’s Republic of China, in Singapore, May 31, 2024. The Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is a defense summit focused on the Asia-Pacific region where ministers and representatives gather to discuss pressing security challenges and engage in bilateral talks. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Asia-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 Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)

PACIFIC AMPHIBIOUS LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM 24 COMMENCEMENT
June 3, 2024 — PALS 24 brings together senior Marine Corps, naval infantry, and military leaders from Allied and partner nations in the Indo-Pacific. The event is an important opportunity to enhance personal and professional relationships amongst the region’s amphibious and maritime community through face-to-face engagements... MORE

Republic of Korea Marine Corps Commandant, Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, left, Republic of Korea Navy Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Yang Yong-mo, center, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of the 10th iteration of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, Seoul, South Korea, June 3, 2024. Bringing together experts and leaders from across the Indo-Pacific, PALS fosters collaboration among Allied and partner amphibious and maritime forces to share knowledge and recent operational insights. This year's symposium hosts senior leaders from 24 participating nations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Benfield)

ACDC: A Milestone in Philippine Coastal Defense
June 2, 2024 — Elements of I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF) concluded the latest iteration of the Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum (ACDC) bilateral training with units from across the Philippine Marine Corps, including the Philippine Coastal Defense Regiment on May 31, 2024. The training took place from the diverse landscapes of Paredes in the north to the mountainous jungles of Barira in the southern Philippines... MORE

A U.S. Marine assigned to Maritime Reconnaissance Platoon, Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with a Philippine Marine assigned to Marine Corps Assault Boat Battalion following a maritime domain awareness exchange during Archipelagic Costal Defense Continuum at San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines, May 18, 2024. ACDC is a series of bilateral exchanges and training opportunities between U.S. Marines and Philippine Marines aimed at bolstering the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense strategy while supporting modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donald Holbert)

Endorsing a Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration
May 31, 2024 — Today, the United States endorsed a Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration following extensive consultations with U.S. allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, including the recent Maluhia Talks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii... MORE