An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | March 21, 2023

U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Presents Gen. Yamazaki with Legion of Merit

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Public Affairs

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presented Gen. Kōji Yamazaki, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, with the Legion of Merit, Degree of Commander, in Toyko on March 19, 2023. 

Established by an Act of Congress of July 20, 1942, the Legion of Merit is a highly selective honor awarded to friendly foreign nations who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. 

“For more than 60 years the United States and Japan have been partners, and have built an Alliance that all wish they had,” Aquilino said. "And it is stronger because of the actions of General Yamazaki... On behalf of the United States, we’d like to recognize your tremendous service to the Japan-US Alliance, for your partnership, friendship, and for maintaining peace throughout this region during your tenure.” 

Yamazaki’s professionalism, initiative, demonstrated leadership, and dedication to duty resulted in significant advancements in the United States-Japan mutual security partnership, and his judgment, guidance and ability to build consensus were instrumental in expanding Self-Defense Forces contributions both regionally and globally.

Under Yamazaki’s leadership, updates in force posture and continuous bilateral information exchange deepened an already close relationship and strengthened alliance between the U.S. and Japan. 

In his remarks, Yamazaki said he believes the foundation of the Alliance is the close cooperation and trust between militaries, and he highlighted his relationships with his counterparts in the U.S. military, thanking Aquilino, Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, Commander, United States Forces, Japan, and Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for their counsel and friendship. 

Japan and the United States share a partnership that is stronger and deeper than at any time in its history. With deep people-to-people ties, shared values and dedication to democracy and the rule of law, the United States and Japan remain committed to working jointly to ensure peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region. 

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
Twitter
342,728
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
PACAF RQ-4 Global Hawks Arrive at Yokota Air Base
An RQ-4 Global Hawk, assigned to the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, 319th Operation Group, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, sits on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 2, 2023. U.S. Pacific Air Forces began positioning RQ-4 Global Hawks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on May 15 to provide theater-wide enduring operations in support of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S, Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)
May 25, 2023 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Pacific Air Forces began positioning RQ-4 Global Hawks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on May 15 to provide theater-wide enduring operations in support of...

U.S. Partnership with U.K., Australia Enhances Security
U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, establish defensive positions as MV-22 Ospreys approach for landing during an airfield seizure event as part of exercise Koolendong 22 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Curtin, WA, Australia, July 18, 2022. Exercise Koolendong 22 is a combined and joint force exercise focused on expeditionary advanced base operations conducted by U.S. Marines, U.S. Soldiers, U.S. Airmen, and Australian Defence Force personnel. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cedar Barnes)
May 25, 2023 - WASHINGTON -- In September 2021, the U.S., Australia and the U.K. announced a new partnership, AUKUS, meant to strengthen alliances and security, especially in the Indo-Pacific. In March, plans for moving forward on the first...

Enduring PACE Exercise Bolsters Communications Readiness throughout South Korea
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman James Angeley, left, 607th Air Communications Squadron, radio maintenance technician, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Carlos Perez Ortiz, right, 607 ACOMS, radio frequency transmission system technician sets up a ground multiband terminal during exercise Enduring PACE, May 18, 2023, at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Exercise Enduring PACE put communication equipment to the test and involved communications Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB, the 51st Fighter Wing, the 607th Air Operations Center at Osan AB and other communications units dispersed throughout South Korea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Norman)
May 25, 2023 - OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- In modern warfare, the ability to communicate rapidly and effectively can be the difference between victory and defeat. To effectively maintain Fight Tonight readiness and provide the best...

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command kicks off Large Scale Global Exercise 23
May 25, 2023 - CAMP SMITH, Hawaii -- U.S. Indo-Pacific Command will conduct Large Scale Global Exercise 23 (LSGE 23) beginning May 24 through Aug. 19, 2023. LSGE23 is a Department of Defense exercise executed by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command...

U.S. Coast Guard Post-Typhoon Mawar Update 1
Station Apra Harbor 45-foot Response Boats weather the residual storm as U.S. Coast Guard crews in Guam begin assessments and reconstitution efforts on May 25, 2023, after Typhoon Mawar devastated the island. Crews are working to resume operations and reopen the ports. (U.S. Coast Guard photo Lt. j.g. Drew Lovullo)
May 25, 2023 - SANTA RITA, Guam -- Following the devastating impact of Typhoon Mawar, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam, MAT/WAT Guam, and USCGC Sequoia (WLB 215) crews are actively assessing the situation and coordinating...