Spotlight

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
June 26, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. spoke by phone today... MORE

Dragon Lift 2024 underway
June 26, 2024 — Dragon Lift 2024 is being conducted this week. This biannual medical exercise is conducted by U.S. Forces Korea, Eighth Army and Republic of Korea personnel to maintain proficiency in joint patient movement operations... MORE

An aircrew Soldier aboard a HH-60 Blackhawk from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, looks out the door over South Korea, June 25, 2024, while participating in Dragon Lift 2024. This biannual medical exercise is conducted by U.S. Forces Korea and Republic of Korea personnel to maintain proficiency in joint patient movement operations.

U.S. Navy and Air Force special operations personnel complete routine training in the Republic of Korea
June 26, 2024 — U.S. Air Force and Navy personnel completed a joint, combined exchange training iteration with various Republic of Korea military counterparts on June 25, 2024, reinforcing the enduring relationship between the two nations’ special operations forces... MORE

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider aircrew member from the 4th Special Operations Squadron, Air Force Special Operations Command, operates a system for the 30mm cannon during a live fire training event June 24, 2024, over Pilsung Range, Republic of Korea. The Ghostrider crew participated in a Joint Combined Education and Training (JCET) event designed to positively affect the combat readiness of special operations forces (SOF) personnel in support of the mutual defense of the U.S. and ROK homelands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. William Rio Rosado)

A Hero's Welcome: Iwo Jima Veteran, 98, Honored by Camp Lejeune Marines
June 26, 2024 — On February 19th, 1945, more than 70,000 United States Marines landed on the dark volcanic beaches of Iwo Jima. As gunfire whizzed overhead and artillery screamed through the skies, these 70,000 men pressed forward to establish control of the island to provide a staging area for air raids against Japan’s mainland. ... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, meets with 98-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charles “Chester” Clapper during a celebration in Clapper’s honor at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 12, 2024. Clapper, whose life goal was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General, was drafted into military service in 1943 and served as a flame thrower during the Battle of Iwo Jima, being one of seven surviving members of his company following the battle. One of Clapper’s life goals was to enjoy a beer with a U.S. Marine Corps General. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Noah Seal)

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch
June 25, 2024 — We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with the Republic of... MORE

Marine Corps air traffic controllers man international airport during Valiant Shield 24
June 25, 2024 — When United Airlines flight 192 approached Palau International Airport at 2:20 A.M. on June 12, 2024, it was cleared to land by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kaleb Burks, an air traffic controller with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing... MORE

Sgt. Colby Pedersen, an air traffic controller with the Marine Air Control Squadron 1 Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team (MMT), Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, controls an F-22 Raptor with the U.S. Air Force 27th Fighter Squadron, as it conducts a low approach onto Runway 09 at Palau International Airport, Arai, Palau, June 12, 2024. Marines with the MMT provided Federal Aviation Administration certified tower and ground control to Palau International Airport in support of exercise Valiant Shield 24, June 7-18, 2024, providing air traffic control services to 214 military and civilian aircraft.

U.S. Coast Guard strengthens relationships with Federated States of Micronesia under Pacific Partnership
June 25, 2024 — The U.S. Coast Guard continued its support for regional and Department of Defense efforts by bringing its expertise in search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime safety and security to partners in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the week of June 3, 2024... MORE

Lt. Kira Adams discussed emergency operation center structures as the U.S. Coast Guard continued its support for regional and Department of Defense efforts by bringing its expertise in search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime safety and security to partners in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the week of June 3, 2024. This support included processes education, coaching and mentoring, joint exercises, and sharing best practices by U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam and District 14 personnel, including Lt. Adams, Ms. Dee Cruz, and Mr. George Butler. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Dee Cruz)

Palauan Marine Corps Veteran: Paramount High Chief Reklai, Raphael Ngirmang, Leadership and Legacy
June 25, 2024 — As the U.S. Marines conclude their time during exercise Valiant Shield 24 and transition into exercise Koa Moana 24, key leaders had the honor of meeting with Paramount High Chief Reklai, Raphael Ngirmang. Ngirmang, who has direct access to the President of Palau and advises the Palauan government as Paramount High Chief to ensure the laws respect the cultural boundaries, is a towering figure in Palau's history and a living testament to the spirit of the Marine Corps... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Mulvey, left, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, presents a challenge coin to Chief Reklai Raphael Ngirmang, Palau’s paramount high chief, and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran during exercise Valiant Shield 24 at Koror, Palau, June 17, 2024. Marine Corps leaders participating in Valiant Shield 24 met with Ngirmang on the final day of the exercise to express gratitude for Palau’s support and hospitality. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele)

U.S. Coast Guard rescues 13 boaters near Guam
June 23, 2024 — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, demonstrating preparedness and efficiency, successfully conducted a search and rescue operation for a distressed vessel 13 nautical miles north of Guam on June 23, 2024, saving 13 boaters... MORE

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, demonstrating preparedness and efficiency, successfully conducted a search and rescue operation for a distressed vessel 13 nautical miles north of Guam on June 23, 2024, saving 13 boaters. The Joint Rescue Sub-Center, operated by U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders in Guam, received an urgent notification from Guam Fire Rescue and 911 dispatch of a 23-foot recreational vessel, the Helen, with 13 people aboard potentially identified as nationals of the People's Republic of China, out of gas and adrift. A U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew transported the survivors to Hagåtña, where partner agency officials met them at the pier for further care and assessment. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

First Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Lands on Peleliu Recertified Airstrip
June 23, 2024 — For the first time since its recertification in June, a military fixed-wing aircraft has touched down on the historic Peleliu airstrip, marking a significant and triumphant return to this iconic World War II site, on June 22, 2024. This landmark event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau (MCED-P) 24.1, comprised of engineers from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group... MORE

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with 1st Marine Air Wing, lands on a newly designated airstrip on the island of Peleliu, Republic of Palau, June 22, 2024. For the first time since its recertification in June, a military fixed-wing aircraft has touched down on the historic Peleliu airstrip, marking a significant and triumphant return to this iconic World War II site. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Hannah Hollerud)