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Members of the Peruvian Naval Infantry provide security during an air insert as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 25, 2026.
260725-M-WT188-1266 Jul 28 2026
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) participates in a group sail July 22, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026.
260722-N-BR246-1098 Jul 28 2026
An aircraft carrier sails in formation with eight other military ships of various types and sizes sailing behind it.
AT SEA, Pacific Ocean Jul 27 2026
Amphibious Combat Vehicles with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, from Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), arrive at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2026.
OKINAWA, Japan Jul 27 2026
An EA-18G Growler, attached to Electronics Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, July 21, 2026.
260721-N-FW808-1117 Jul 24 2026
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) leads a group sail July 22, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026.
260722-N-JF950-1883 Jul 24 2026
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) leads a group sail July 22, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026. Thirty nations, 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and more than 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31.
260722-N-NR343-1141 Jul 23 2026
U.S. Army infantrymen assigned to Company C, “Kulepbla,” and Company D, “Dulaslas,” 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, Guam Army National Guard, pull security around the landing zone of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after inserting into their area of operations during air assault training as part of Exercise Keris Strike 26 conducted near Kota Belud inSabah, Malaysia, July 17, 2026.
260718-A-EH901-1006 Jul 22 2026
U.S. Army Sgt. Gabriel Kruse, a combat medic assigned to the 807th Theater Medical Command, rappels down a tower during a bilateral rappel training alongside Bangladesh Army soldiers assigned to the 1st Parachute Commando Battalion as a part of Exercise Tiger Lightning 2026 in Bangladesh, July 21, 2026.
260721-A-PI875-2028 Jul 22 2026
U.S. Army military working dog handlers, assigned to the 520th MWD detachment, 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, push MWD Donna on a raft made of rucksacks during a condensed jungle operations training course at the Lightning Academy in Wahiawa, Hawaii, June 25, 2026.
260625-A-LG865-1241 Jul 21 2026
A New Zealand clearance diver welds into a mock ship hull during a salvage training dive during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, July 14, 2026.
260714-N-MJ302-1630 Jul 20 2026
A Dark Eagle Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon assigned 7th Infantry Division (Multi-Domain Command - Pacific) during training as part of exercise Valiant Shield, June 2026.
260606-A-IP596-8508 Jul 20 2026
Indonesian marines disembark a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during an amphibious raid training event as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 12, 2026.
260712-M-BX561-1320 Jul 17 2026
A U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal technician belays while a Peruvian Navy explosive ordnance disposal technician rappels during helicopter rope suspension techniques training at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026, July 13, 2026.
260713-N-VX022-1150 Jul 16 2026
Fireworks illuminate the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) during a U.S. Independence Day celebration at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 4, 2026.
260704-O-SM381-9411 Jul 14 2026
Sailors from the Philippines Navy observe flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), July 9, 2026.
260709-N-MS286-2717 Jul 14 2026
anding Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 81, attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, approaches Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during LCAC operations at Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, July 11, 2026.
260711-N-VT352-1111 Jul 13 2026
Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment establish a support-by-fire position during platoon live fire exercises at Rodriguez live fire complex in South Korea, July 8, 2026.
260713-A-GN639-1029 Jul 13 2026
U.S. Air Force service members prepare to refuel a C-130J Super Hercules at Saipan International Airport, Northern Mariana Islands, June 29, 2026, in support of VALIANT SHIELD 2026. Exercises like VALIANT SHIELD allow 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 Caleb Schellenberg)
260629-F-GA355-1286 Jul 13 2026
A Royal Canadian Navy CH-148 Cyclone helicopter prepares to conduct an external lift over the flight deck of Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii during the sea phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026, July 8, 2026.
260708-O-N0842-2232 Jul 10 2026
Fireworks burst behind a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Celebrate America at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 4, 2026.
260704-F-PM645-1293 Jul 08 2026
U.S. Navy Sailors heave in on the phone and distance line as Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) begins a fueling-at-sea with the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) July 8, 2026. Thirty nations, over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft and 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexander Bussman)
260708-N-RW505-1275. Jul 08 2026
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 fighter jet and stealth bomber fly together
260627-F-NS874-1102 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
 


 

More news from the AOR

'Ghost Brigade' Soldiers Prepare for Future Conflicts

31 May 2016

From Staff Sgt. Samuel Northrup

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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Washington -- Since 1981, military personnel have come and gone through the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, to prepare for missions around the world. 

These month-long rotations are usually geared to prepare a unit for an upcoming mission. For the 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, their May 2016 rotation to NTC was a way to hone in on those key fighting skills as a brigade.

"We jumped on the opportunity to try to build upon what we learned at the last NTC rotation and what we learned during the missions we executed in the Pacific," said Maj. Keith Benedict, the operations officer for 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. "We are trying to combine lessons learned both from the National Training Center and Pacific Pathways and bring them together during this rotation to experiment further and make our selves better as a unit." 

In January 2016, the "Ghost Brigade" participated in Pacific Pathways, an operation in which units from the brigade were sent to multiple countries in the Pacific, Benedict said. There, the Soldiers worked and trained with their counterparts to build upon each nation's capabilities and to work through interoperability challenges. Pacific Pathways also helped leaders become accustomed to working in different environments around the world.

"While in Thailand, Korea and the Philippines, our Soldiers trained and interacted at the individual, company, and staff level in order to learn how to deploy into that theater with which our brigade is aligned," Benedict said. "This helped build the capabilities and partnerships with those countries and will yield dividends in the event of a humanitarian crisis or any other time our Soldiers may be called upon.

"We have got to make everything a learning environment," he said. "We serve no purpose if we don't understand our operating environment. We must seek every opportunity to challenge our ability to operate in a humanitarian aid, decisive action or combined arms maneuver capacity -- while fighting an adversary, if need be." 

NTC is the only place where the unit gets to operate as a brigade in an environment that trains and facilitates all aspects related to that, said Maj. Garrett Shannon, the intelligence officer for 1-2 SBCT. Even at home station, it is very difficult to replicate all the moving pieces, speed and complicated measures that come into brigade operations. 

"Back at home station, we don't have the same training effectiveness of a thinking enemy with a chain of command that is planning and operating against us," said Shannon. "It is just really not possible to replicate the large mass of enemy Soldiers and be given sufficient time to interact with each other back at home."

According to Benedict, the U.S. Army has been operating and training in the last decade with counterinsurgency (COIN) in mind. Many of today's leaders have COIN experience, but many of our most senior leaders were in the Army before the COIN era and understood how to execute decisive action (the continuous, simultaneous combinations of offensive, defensive, and stability or defense support of civil authorities tasks).

"As an infantry officer, I have deployed in a counterinsurgency environment," Benedict said. "I have learned to operate within that capacity, but I have not deployed in a decisive action environment. So the opportunity to understand how to maneuver, how to execute security tasks, while facing a capable adversary, is something that used to be the Army's bread and butter. 

"We had gotten away from for a bit out of necessity because of the mission set we were presented," he said. "But we recognize that in the future we may be called upon to do any number of missions, and the decisive action training methodology is ultimately is what is going to allow us to operate in any environment." 

"Escalations of conflict or a disaster could happen at any time and that could put us into a humanitarian situation where we have to be ready to take on any one of those tasks," said Shannon. "If we were not able to use a training environment such as NTC on an annual basis, it would really be a deficit, regardless if there is a an upcoming deployment or not." 

"... I have found this experience to be truly humbling and eye opening," said Benedict. "As a field grade officer responsible for the operations of this brigade, there has been no limit to the amount of pressure and challenge presented to me during this rotation. I know that we will emerge from it stronger and be more capable of operating in any environment."

 

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