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Two sailors wearing tactical gear and helmets with green lights run toward a helicopter hovering over the deck of a ship in dark conditions, as another sailor in similar attire stands near a rope attached to the helicopter, with a hazy, green sky in the background.
260704-N-OV586-1716 Jul 06 2026
A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft is parked on the flight line at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of Valiant Shield, June 27, 2026.
260627-F-XP318-1303 Jul 02 2026
Quartermaster 3rd Class Enrique Rubio, left, from Texas, and Senior Chief Quartermaster Robert McInerery, from Pennsylvania, assigned to Navigation department, lower the battle Ensign aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, July 2, 2026.
260702-N-NE252-113 Jul 02 2026
U.S. Army Spc. Desmond Harris and Pfc. Kayla Callahan, assigned to Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Division Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, fire an M119A3 howitzer during live-fire training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 30, 2026.
260630-A-PJ082-1002 Jul 01 2026
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, fly in formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, June 29, 2026
260628-F-NX702-1002 Jun 30 2026
An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, readies for takeoff on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 27, 2026.
260627-N-OV586-1747 Jun 29 2026
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine fires a torpedo at the decommissioned USS Juneau in support of a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 27, 2026.
PHILIPPINE SEA Jun 29 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), sits on the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during flight quarters, June 21, 2026.
260621-N-UC201-1210 Jun 26 2026
A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit observes a UH-1Y Venom assigned to VMM 163 (Rein.), 11th MEU, during flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Indian Ocean, June 23, 2026.
260623-M-FP389-2044 Jun 25 2026
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, releases U.S. Navy personnel during an airborne training at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2026. The training provided an opportunity to improve readiness, refine airborne operations and reinforce partnerships between U.S. military services.
260623-F-MU566-1287 Jun 25 2026
An F/A-18 Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, readies for takeoff on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 23, 2026.
260623-N-NE252-1288 Jun 24 2026
U.S. Navy aircraft, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs fly over U.S. Navy George Washington Carrier Strike Group as it sails in formation with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 21, 2026.
260621-N-UM953-1420 Jun 23 2026
U.S. Navy Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Coy Manwill, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, guides an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, landing on the flight deck Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), June 22, 2026.
260622-N-BR246-1154 Jun 23 2026
Members of the BRP Gabriela Silang prepare to get underway with Station Apra Harbor, in Guam, on June 10, 2026.
260610-G-G0020-3487 Jun 18 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is staged on the flight deck aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the South China Sea, June 13, 2026.
260613-M-KL381-1737 Jun 17 2026
U.S. Marines with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a live-fire exercise with a .50 caliber machine gun on the port bridge wing of San Antonio-class transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), June 12, 2026.
260612-N-FG645-1326 Jun 16 2026
A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 conducts search and rescue qualifications alongside Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), June 12, 2026.
260612-N-NP484-1290 Jun 16 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts a fly-by during aerial sniper training in the South China Sea, June 12, 2026.
260612-M-FP389-3334 Jun 15 2026
Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 90, attached to Assault Craft Unit 5, sits in the well deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during LCAC operations, June 8, 2026, in preparation for RIMPAC 2026.
260608-N-DR102-1067 Jun 12 2026
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off during flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the South China Sea, June 10, 2026.
260610-M-KL381-2293 Jun 11 2026
U.S. Sailors assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), observe an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, take off from the flight deck in the South China Sea, June 6, 2026.
260606-M-TI498-2180 Jun 10 2026
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands during flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the South China Sea, June 2, 2026.
260602-M-FP389-3014 Jun 08 2026
U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion with Assault Craft Unit 5, disembarks Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during LCAC operations in the South China Sea, June 5, 2026.
260605-M-KL381-1192 Jun 08 2026
U.S. Army Pfc. Giovanni Tolbert, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, fires his M7 during a platoon live-fire event as part of Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, June 2, 2026.
260602-A-PJ082-1481 Jun 05 2026
An EA-18G Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, takes off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 3, 2026.
260603-N-NG657-2011 Jun 04 2026
An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, prepares to land on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea June 3, 2026.
260603-N-AN301-1223 Jun 04 2026
U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 26, walk to the opening ceremony of Exercise Southern Jackaroo in Townsville Field Training Area, Australia, May 29, 2026.
260529-M-MO098-1086 Jun 02 2026
A CMV-22B Osprey, attached to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, prepares for take off on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, May 30, 2026.
260530-N-OV586-1226 Jun 01 2026
U.S. Army Pfc. Tristan Fuhrman a soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, engages targets during a platoon night blank-fire exercise as part of Exercise Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 28, 2026.
260528-A-AQ215-7080 Jun 01 2026
A U.S. Coast Guard 35-foot Long-Range Interceptor embarked cutter boat attached to Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) sails alongside Philippine Navy BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-151) in support of a passenger transfer during the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, May 28, 2026. The U.S Navy routinely operates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partners and allies through MCAs to continually develop, exercise and enhance multi-domain tactical interoperability to uphold peace and security in the region. Midgett is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Wiley)
260526-G-BB085-1003 May 30 2026
A U.S. Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, engages targets during a platoon live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Salaknib 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 26, 2026.
Fort Magsaysay. Philippines May 28 2026
An EA-18 Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippines Sea, May 25, 2026.
U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY May 27 2026
Joint Special Operations Command, Armed Forces Philippines operators conduct military free fall training from a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130J Commando II as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 over the Philippines, May 4, 2026.
LAOAG, LUZON, Philippines May 26 2026
An F-35C Lighting II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, prepares to take off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, May 25, 2026. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWACSG) is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Estrella Velarde)
260525-N-PA209-1240 May 26 2026
A U.S. Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment engages the opposing force during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Laur, Philippines, May 20, 2026.
260519-A-FU572-9722 May 22 2026
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers assigned to 2nd Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade, pull security after being transported from a UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, during a multinational air assault mission part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 17, 2026.
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines May 20 2026
U.S. Army Cpl. Jonathan Zyk, a crew chief assigned to the 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, guides Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Regiment, 12th Brigade (Air Assault), toward a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to execute a multinational air assault exercise during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, May 17, 2026.
260517-A-KP914-1148 May 19 2026
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, navigate mountainous terrain during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, May 11, 2026.
260512-A-MA645-1006 May 18 2026
A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepares to land a sling loaded M119 Howitzer assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY), 25th Infantry Division, during the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 16, 2026.
260516-A-XD912-1018 May 18 2026
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division run onto a UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade during hot load training as part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 13, 2026.
PHILIPPINES May 15 2026
A U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 delivers supplies from Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) onto Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during a replenishment-at-sea, May 11, 2026.
260511-N-BB260-1293 May 14 2026
U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, pull security during training activities as part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 10, 2026.
260510-A-GU297-3172 May 13 2026
U.S. Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and Philippine marines stand by to engage during a counter-landing live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 in Aporawan, Philippines, April 27, 2026.
260427-M-GL456-1379 May 12 2026
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, sling loads Infantry Squad Vehicles to a Boeing CH-47 Chinook during training as part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 10, 2026.
260509-A-KA877-9715 May 11 2026
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment engage targets with an anti-tank weapon system during a counter-landing live-fire exercise during Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, Philippines, May 4, 2026.
LAOAG, Philippines May 08 2026
Philippine Air Force special operators conduct a military free-fall jump as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 over the Philippines, April 29, 2026.
260429-A-UI440-1018 May 07 2026
An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, readies for launch off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), May 5, 2026.
260505-N-XN798-2056 May 06 2026
A Philippine Army cannon crewmember, assigned to Eighth Field Artillery Brigade, Artillery Regiment, pulls the cord for an M101 105mm Howitzer during a counter landing live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, Philippines, May 4, 2026.
260504-A-KP914-1078 May 06 2026
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2-11 Long Range Fires Battalion, 25th Infantry Division Artillery, fire a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a counter-landing live-fire exercise as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, Philippines, May 4, 2026.
260503-A-MA645-2001 May 05 2026
U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade take off during a long-range maritime air assault operation as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Cagayan North International Airport, La-lo, Philippines, April 23, 2026.
260423-A-XD912-1048 May 05 2026
U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class cutter USC Midgett (WMSL 757), right, Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), left, and Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) steam in formation during the group sail exercise for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 24, 2026.
260424-M-SH393-1299 May 01 2026
U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System 4, return to Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) after visiting a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ShinMaywa US-2 aircraft, assigned to Air Rescue Squadron 71 (ARS-71), Fleet Air Wing 31, during a casualty evacuation exercise for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 27, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John B. Hetherington)
260427-N-DC740-2237 May 01 2026
U.S. Marines, assigned to the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, stage gear prior to boarding a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter, assigned to Task Force Saber, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Cagayan North International Airport, Lal-Lo, Philippines,April 25, 2026.
260424-A-FU572-8893 Apr 30 2026
U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen conduct a military free-fall jump during Exercise Balikatan 2026 over the Philippines, April 23, 2026.
260423-A-UI440-1027 Apr 29 2026
Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits the Surigao Strait, April 26, 2026. Boxer, flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is underway with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dustin Drake)
SURIGAO Apr 28 2026
U.S. Army Pvt. Dylan Maynard, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division holds security at an established observation post during Exercise Balikatan 2026, near Itbayat Airport, Itbayat, Philippines, April 25, 2026.
260425-A-VC863-1006 Apr 27 2026
During the counter-landing live-fire training, forces demonstrated their ability to sense the actions of a dynamic notional enemy, make collective real-time decisions, and coordinate an array of fire from missile systems, fighter aircraft, mortars, and machine guns.
260427-N-N0132-1003 Apr 27 2026
An Australian Army soldier, assigned to Charlie Company, 5th/7thBattalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1st Brigade, provides area security while his fellow soldiers exit a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during U.S. Army led cold-load training as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Cagayan North International Airport, Lal-lo, Philippines, April 21, 202
260420-A-FU572-1005 Apr 24 2026
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Delos Reyes, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), directs an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, as it takes off from the ship’s flight deck during flight operations, April 18, 2026
260418-N-JB196-1107 Apr 23 2026
PACIFIC OCEAN (April 18, 2026) –An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 18, 2026.
260418-N-UA586-1350 Apr 21 2026
 


 

More news from the Indo-Pacific

32nd Exercise Balikatan Opens at Camp Aguinaldo

04 April 2016

From Sgt. Erik Estrada

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CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – Government officials and senior military leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Armed Forces announced the opening of Exercise Balikatan 2016, April 4.

“Balikatan brings our armed forces together in bilateral activity that will not only validate our procedures in joint military operations,” said Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez, Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command commander and the exercise director for the Philippine Forces. “But more importantly will strengthen our long standing camaraderie and friendship.”

The Philippines and U.S. have been treaty allies and longstanding defense cooperation partners, dating back to their Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. 

“All of us being here today demonstrates an ironclad commitment to each other, and our respective peoples,” said Lt. Gen. John Toolan, the commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and the exercise director for U.S. forces. “Today, we truly stand side-by-side.”

Approximately 5,000 U.S., 3,500 AFP, and 80 Australian Defence Force personnel will take part in the 32nd iteration of the exercise. This year’s Balikatan will focus on three simultaneous events through one single scenario across the Philippine islands, Luzon, Palawan and Panay. 

“The single scenario that will last through all events,” Toolan said. “It focuses on training and enhancing the capabilities of the AFP, U.S. and Australian armed forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that could endanger the public’s health and safety.” 

Joint forces will be conducting Humanitarian Civic Assistance projects to improve HCA interoperability between the participating nations and improve the local community as well as a bilateral Simulation Supported Event, force integration training and an operational event at Crow Valley, Clark Air Field, Fort Magsaysay, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Subic Bay, and Antique Bay in Panay.

“Balikatan represents our security alliance to the Philippines,” said Philip S. Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. “The skills learned at this exercise will serve both of our countries well, whatever challenges faced in the future.”

 

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