U.S. Marines with Headquarters Company, 4th Marine Regiment fire M240B machine guns during a live-fire range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, July 30, 2025. — U.S. Marines Conduct a M240B Machine Gun Live-Fire Range

See More

U.S. Marines patrol during Expeditionary Advanced Base Field Training Exercise at the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 2025. — 12th LCT Executes an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations FTX

See More

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a 10-kilometer hike on Camp Courtney, Japan, July 28, 2025. — III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Company conducts 10k hike

See More

A Republic of Korea Marine with the 1st Marine Division, ROK Marine Corps, demonstrates a rope traversal during the Korean Marine Exercise Program 25.2 in Pohang, South Korea, July 24, 2025. — 2/23 Marines and ROK Marines Joint Obstacle Course Training at KMEP 25.2

See More

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, conducts cargo airdrop proficiency training over the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility during Talisman Sabre 2025, July 25, 2025. — Training for proficiency: C-17 crew practices cargo drops during TS25

See More

NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia (July 8, 2025) — U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators, soldiers from Australia’s Special Operations Command, and United Kingdom Royal Marine Commandos from 42 Commando board a simulated target vessel for Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training with a U.S. Army MH-60 helicopter assigned to 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) during exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in New South Wales, Australia, July 8, 2025. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, with multinational participation, advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. NSW provides maritime special operations force capabilities to enable Joint Force lethality and survivability inside denied and contested areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Rowe) — NSW Conducts Multi-National VBSS Training during Talisman Sabre 2

See More

U.S. Navy Sailors direct a V-22 Osprey, assigned to the “Sunhawks” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50, as it prepares to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), July 26, 2025. — USS Theodore Roosevelt Conducts Flight Operations

See More

The 3d Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) led a High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN) demonstration in Indian Ocean Territories, July 22, 2025. — MDTF Projects Combined Joint Combat Power to Indian Ocean Territories During HIRAIN Demonstration

See More

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) fires the Mark 45 5-Inch light-weight gun during a live-fire weapons exercise in the Indian Ocean, July 24, 2025. — USS Milius (DDG 69) Conducts Live-Fire Weapons Shoot with Mark 45 5-Inch Light-Weight Gun and Close-In Weapon System

See More

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus aircraft from Travis Air Force Base, California, during an aerial refueling mission as part of Talisman Sabre 25 over the Northern Territory, Australia, July 17, 2025. — KC-46 integrates with RAAF for bilateral refueling during Talisman Sabre 25

See More

landing craft, air cushion, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 approaches the well deck of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, July 24, 2025. — Shore to Sea: Landing craft delivers cargo to Somerset

See More

U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 boat crew conduct seaward security for the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Ville de Québec during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Northern Territory, Australia, July 20, 2025. — Talisman Sabre 25: U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 boat crew conduct seaward security for the Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Ville de Québec

See More

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom and an AH-1Z Viper helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2025. — HMLA-169 projects light attack combat power

See More

Sailors prepare to conduct flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), July 21, 2025. — USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Conducts Routine Flight Operations in the Philippine Sea

See More

The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), flag ship of the America Strike Group, steams alongside U.S. Navy ships from the America Strike Group, Royal Australian Navy, Republic of Korea Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, French Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force while in formation during a formation exercise as part of Talisman Sabre 25, July 20. — America Strike Group Conducts Formation Sail During Talisman Sabre 25

See More

U.S. Hawaii Air National Guard Capt. Devon Ferguson and Capt. Michael Ah Hee, 203rd Air Refueling Squadron pilots, fly a KC-135 Stratotanker during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 at Northern Territory, Australia, July 17, 2025. — KC-135 refuels RC-135, Talisman Sabre 25

See More

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 199th Air Expeditionary Squadron sits beneath a hangar as the sun sets in Northern Territory, Australia, July 16, 2025, during Talisman Sabre 2025. — 199th Air Expeditionary Squadron conducts operations during TS25

See More

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, refuels an Australian F-35A Lightning II during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 over Northern Territory, Australia, July 16, 2025. — U.S. KC-135 and Australian F-35 refuel mission, Talisman Sabre 25

See More

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, taxis on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Timor Sea, July 16, 2025, in support of Talisman Sabre. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas Quezada) — George Washington Conducts Flight Operations

See More

A U.S. Army soldier demonstrates the proper technique for safely handling an eagle, educating U.S. and Australian Army partners on the importance of wildlife awareness and respectful interaction during jungle survival training July 20, 2025. — Survival in the Tropics: Malaysian Army Shares Essential Jungle Training with U.S. and Australian Soldiers

See More

U.S. Navy aircraft, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, fly over U.S. Navy George Washington Carrier Strike Group, as it participates in dual carrier operations alongside Royal Navy HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group while underway in the Timor Sea, as part of Talisman Sabre, July 18, 2025. — TALISMAN SABRE 2025 Dual Carrier Operations

See More

REFORPAC demonstrates U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability with our allies and partners, advancing common interests, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. — JBER F-22s land in Tinian during REFORPAC

See More

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, takes off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Timor Sea in support of Talisman Sabre 2025, July 15, 2025. — George Washington Conducts Flight Operations

See More

U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct shore-to-ship movement utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft as a part of exercise Talisman Sabre 25, in the Coral Sea, July 14, 2025. — 31st MEU Boat Company Secures Beach Landing Site during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25

See More

U.S. Air Force firefighters assigned to the 169th Civil Engineer Squadron’s fire department and the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron’s fire department conduct car burn procedures during a deployment for training course at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 5, 2025. — 169th CES firefighters complete vehicle burn training

See More

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cindy Bollos, right, an ammo chief, and Lance Cpl. Jeziel Marin, a field artillery cannoneer, both with Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, fire an M777 Howitzer during Talisman Sabre 25 in the Northern Territory, Australia, July 13, 2025. — Talisman Sabre 25: 3rd Bn., 11th Marines, MRF-D 25.3, and 103 Battery, 8/12th Regiment conduct Bilateral Gunline Fire with M777 Howitzers

See More

An E-2D Hawkeye, attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, prepares to take off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Timor Sea in support of Talisman Sabre 2025, July 14. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Crowley) — USS George Washington conducts flight ops during Talisman Sabre in Timor Sea

See More

U.S Marines, with Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, work together to quickly reload their M777 towed 155mm howitzer during a 15 round fire mission in Queensland, Australia on July 13, 2025 as part of Talisman Sabre 2025. — Talisman Sabre 25

See More

High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems from the Australian Army, the United States Army and the Singapore Army fire a salvo of rockets during a combined joint live fire exercise in Queensland, Australia during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25. — Talisman Sabre 25 - CJLFX

See More

Two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in the Coral Sea, July 13. — USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25

See More

Sailors, assigned to deck department’s forward division, heave a phone-and-distance line on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a fueling-at-sea evolution with Military Sealift Command chartered ship motor tanker Badlands Trader while underway in the Celebes Sea, July 10, 2025. — George Washington Conducts Fueling-at-Sea Evolution with Badlands Trader

See More

A 33-foot Force Protection-Medium Harbor Security Boat attached to Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa’s (CFAO) Naval Security Forces (NSF) conducts high-speed maneuvers during a Citadel Protect weapons training exercise in the waters near White Beach Naval Facility, Japan, July 9, 2025. — Fleet Activities Okinawa Enhances Readiness During Citadel Protect Exercise

See More

U.S. Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a mechanized patrol on Light Armored Vehicles during a force on force exercise at Shoal Water Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 4, 2025. Marines participated in this training in order to refine their lethality and interoperability against one another. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Raul Sotovilla) — 31st MEU | LAR conducts a force on force

See More

The Republic of Korea Air Force aerobatic demonstration team, the Black Eagles, practice aerial maneuvers over Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 3, 2025. — ROKAF Black Eagles soar over Camp Humphreys

See More

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Devon Tschirley, station executive officer, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, marches with the color guard during a change of command ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, July 2, 2025. — Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Change of Command Ceremony

See More

A U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations in the Coral Sea, June 29. — USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operation

See More

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron ride on a U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, in support of exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 26, 2025. — Cope Angel 2025: U.S and Japan sharpen search and rescue skills

See More

U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct ship-to-shore movement, utilizing the Enhanced Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft, in the Coral Sea, June 29, 2025. — 31st MEU | Boat Company Conducts Ship-to-Shore Movement

See More

CORAL SEA (July 1, 2025) Three U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly by the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Coral Sea, July 1. The America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth) — VMFA-242 aircraft conduct flyover of USS America in Coral Sea

See More

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off during flight operations aboard the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Coral Sea, June 28, 2025. Marines and Sailors conducted flight operations in order to expand mission capabilities in support of the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Trevor BishopWilliams) — USS San Diego conducts flight ops in Coral Sea

See More

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dawson Dauzat operates an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a field training exercise at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, June 8, 2025. The training demonstrates 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s ability to rapidly deploy long-range fire throughout the Indo-Pacific. Dauzat, a native of Texas, is a field artillery cannoneer with 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rodney Frye) — 3/12 Executes a HIMARS Dry-Fire Training at Camp Fuji

See More

Two sailors in diving gear attach wires to a mine in deep blue waters. — Mine Matters

See More

A CMV-22B Osprey, attached to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRM) 30, readies for takeoff on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 23. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson) — USS George Washington conducts flight ops in Philippine Sea

See More

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Rebekah Hood, from Gilbert, Arizona, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) directs an MH-60S Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 on the flight deck of the America while conducting flight operations in the Tasman Sea, June 20. — USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operation

See More

Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) take in a line on the fo’c’sle during a sea and anchor detail in Yokosuka, Japan, June 21. The John Finn is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexandria Esteban) — USS John Finn departs Yokosuka

See More

U.S. Army Soldiers from the Transformation in Contact enabled 2nd MBDE, 25th Infantry Division train alongside their Philippine 5th Infantry Division Partners in Operational Maneuver in Northern Luzon, Philippines, June 17, 2025. — Salaknib 25 | Operation Maneuver

See More

An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, lines up on a catapult on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 19, 2025. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson) — USS George Washington conducts flight operations in Philippine Sea

See More

Sailors signal for an F/A-18F to launch off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 16, 2025. — U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

See More

A U.S. Marine with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, tests his L3Harris Binocular Night Vision Device (PVS-31) during a night live-fire deck shoot aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), in the Timor Sea, June 12, 2025. — 31st MEU | Live-fire deck shoot aboard USS San Diego

See More

Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Jeremy Valdez from Kaneohe, Hawaii, assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, looks down at Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in an MH-60S Seahawk while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 15, 2025. — George Washington Conducts Helicopter Operations

See More

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 11th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, march during the opening ceramony for Khaan Quest 2025, on June 14, 2025, at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia. — Khaan Quest kicks off with an opening ceremony

See More

Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) conduct mooring operations at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, June 11, 2025. — USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returns to Naval Base Guam

See More

An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, approaches a catapult on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 12, 2024. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson) — USS George Washington conducts flight ops in Philippine Sea

See More

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, June 6, 2025. — Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations

See More

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off during touch-and-go flight operation drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Solomon Sea, June 8, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins)U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off during touch-and-go flight operation drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Solomon Sea, June 8, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Peter Rawlins) — 31st MEU | F-35B Lightning IIs conduct rapid flight operations

See More

Sailors man the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), as the ship pulls into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, June 6, 2025. — Sailors man the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), as the ship pulls into Pearl Harbor

See More

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron receive fuel from a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing during an off-station training near Misawa Air Base, June 5, 2025. — Travis AFB sends KC-46 across the Pacific to train with Misawa F-16s

See More

hilippine Marines with 3rd Brigade fire a 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft system during a counter-landing live-fire event for KAMANDAG 9 at Quezon, Palawan, Philippines, June 4, 2025. — KAMANDAG 9: MRF-D 25.3 and PMC conduct a counter-landing live-fire defense

See More

Forward-Deployed Destroyers Demonstrate Skill as Premier Ships in U.S. 7th Fleet

21 October 2016

From Lt. Rochelle Rieger

Download

WATERS OFF THE KOREAN PENINSULA -- In the midst of a demanding U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 is maintaining a high level of excellence by participating in joint exercises and projecting power across multiple warfare areas, while operating with Korean and other U.S. forces.

USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Stethem (DDG 63) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85), five of the eight Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to DESRON 15 and forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, have been on patrol with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (RRN CSG) since early September.

"Our job as the premier, forward-deployed naval forces for the United States is to be trained and ready for anything that may come our way," said Capt. Jeff Bennet, commodore of DESRON 15. "Our ships and our crews maintain the highest level of readiness through joint and bilateral training with our allies and partners in the region and training with the other services."

DESRON 15 recently completed exercise Invincible Spirit in the Korean theater of operations (KTO).

"Invincible Spirit is a biannual exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea (ROK) navy to improve interoperability and maintain a credible combat power with our ally," said Lt. Daniel Hawethorne, a tactical action officer aboard John S. McCain. "Our ship in particular did multiple drills and exercises with the ROKs, and it helped validate certain procedures we use so we are able to work together seamlessly."

DESRON 15 ships participated in the exercise on both the east and west coasts of the Korean peninsula, with McCampbell participating off the east coast and Barry, Curtis Wilbur, John S. McCain and Stethem participating off the west coast.

"Although the staff conducts duties as sea combat commander from the carrier, DESRON 15 utilized distributed command and control of our ships across the KTO in order to support Invincible Spirit," said Lt. Cmdr. Richard Ray, operations officer of DESRON 15. "Our ability to operate and integrate seamlessly with our ally, no matter where we are, is imperative and directly increases our operational capability within the region."

While participating in rigorous exercises like Invincible Spirit and the U.S.-only exercise Valiant Shield in September, all DESRON units simultaneously maintain their normal warfare areas of expertise, including surface and subsurface warfare to defend aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

"Even though some of our ships are participating in Invincible Spirit with the Korean navy, we still have to maintain an accurate, real-world surface, air and subsurface picture," said DESRON 15 staff member Lt. Rachel Thomas, a subsurface warfare specialist. "Our ships have to find a balance between real-world operations and training, and the DESRON staff helps manage the assets of the strike group."

"It's tough sometimes to manage expectations of training and exercises, and then still get the real-world job done for DESRON and ultimately the admiral," said Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Irving, a combat watchstander aboard Barry. "But that is a part of being forward deployed. We are ready to fight tonight if called upon."

A historic squadron, active in World War II, the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, DESRON 15 is a collection of eight permanently forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.

DESRON 15 provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

2025 (514)
2024 (956)
2023 (806)
2022 (1167)
2021 (1044)
2020 (1072)
2019 (1152)
2018 (1102)
2017 (1338)
2016 (1447)
2015 (1383)
2014 (892)
2013 (32)
2012 (4)

PACOM Stories

Forward-Deployed Destroyers Demonstrate Skill as Premier Ships in U.S. 7th Fleet

From Lt. Rochelle Rieger

News Archive

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command