News

USS Somerset Supports 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Exchange with Sri Lanka Marines
November 28, 2016 — TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka - U.S. Marines and Sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) recently arrived in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, for... MORE

Lt. j.g. Jill Carnahan conducts a ship tour with Sri Lanka Navy sea cadets aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) during a theater security cooperation exchange with the Sri Lankan military, Nov. 24, 2016. Somerset and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting the exchange with Sri Lankan forces in order to enhance tactical skill sets and disaster relief capabilities while strengthening the overall relationship between the two forces

U.S.-Japan Mine Countermeasures Units Conduct Mine Countermeasures Exercise
November 28, 2016 — SEA OF HYUGA – USS Chief (MCM 14) and members of Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7 staff joined Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) MCM units for combined operations in the final phases... MORE

Japan Maritime Self Defense Force minesweeper JDS Chichijima (MSC-605) sails in the distance during the U.S.-Japan bilateral mine countermeasures exercise 3JA. 3JA is an annual bilateral exercise held between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations.

Reconnaissance Marines Honor Fallen Brothers during Warrior Challenge 2016
November 28, 2016 — Japan -- The day before Thanksgiving, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, an impressive unit of the United States Marine Corps, held their annual Warrior Challenge, which honors Marines from the battalion... MORE

Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, carry a rubber inflatable raft into the water to begin the "boating" station on Camp Schwab, Okinawa during their annual Warrior Challenge, Nov. 25, 2016. This event honors fallen Marines in the battalion and consists of nine stations to challenge the Marines mentally and physically.

John C. Stennis Hosts Visiting Judge Advocates
November 28, 2016 — PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- When USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) got underway from Naval Base Kitsap - Bremerton, Nov. 22, the legal department had four extra personnel, judge advocates from shore... MORE

William Beaumont Army Medical Center Doctor Provides Aid in Vietnam Mission
November 28, 2016 — QUANG BINH PROVINCE, Vietnam -- More than four decades ago, the United States found itself divided by the controversial war in Vietnam. The conflict resulted in the deaths of almost 60,000 service... MORE

In this file photo, Maj. Aaron Pumerantz (center), a native of Simsbury, Connecticut and chief of rheumatology, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, lifts a log over his head during a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recovery mission in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, Aug. 14, 2016. DPAA's mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on signing of the Japan-ROK General Security of Military Information Agreement
November 23, 2016 — ‎I welcome the approval by the Republic of Korea and Japan of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). The ROK-Japan GSOMIA will enable increased information sharing and... MORE

SECNAV Visits USS Makin Island, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Sailors, Marines
November 23, 2016 — CHANGI, Singapore -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary... MORE

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the Honorable Ray Mabus, right, and USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Commanding Officer Capt. Mark A. Melson observe Makin Island’s Strait of Malacca transit from the bridge after the ship’s departure from Changi Naval Base, Singapore. Mabus was aboard Makin Island as part of a visit to the Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility to meet with Sailors, Marines, and military and government officials. Makin Island, the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S., China Participate in Disaster Management Exchange
November 23, 2016 — KUNMING, China -- Service members and civilians from across U.S. Army Pacific participated alongside members of the Peoples Liberation Army for the 12th annual U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange... MORE

As part of the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange, Maj. Gen. Gregory Bilton, the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Pacific, visited the Dianchi Lake November 14 in Kunming, China. Bilton's visit allowed members of the People Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China the opportunity to display customs and traditions of their culture during the U.S.-China DME. The annual United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Security Cooperation event with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is an opportunity to share Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief lessons learned from real world events and enhance U.S. and Chinese disaster management capabilities.

USS John C. Stennis to Support 75th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor
November 23, 2016 — PUGET SOUND, Washington - USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) got underway from Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Wash., Nov. 22 to conduct routine training and participate in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance... MORE

In this file photo, the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) renders honors to the USS Arizona Memorial as the ship prepares to moor at Joint Naval Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in Rim of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Vipers on the Move: HMLA-267 Deploys to Okinawa
November 23, 2016 — MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Marines with Marine Helicopter Attack Squadron 267 prepared to deploy to Okinawa, Japan, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 10, 2016... MORE

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 is prepared to be transported on a C-17 Globemaster III aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 10. HMLA-267 deployed to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, in November.

U.S. Coast Guard Courageous Morgenthau Returns to Hawaii from Bering Sea patrol
November 23, 2016 — During the patrol, the crew conducted numerous search and rescue missions, enforced fisheries regulations in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska and participated in community relations events in Dutch... MORE

In this file photo, NOAA OLE Officer Roy Fisher, Ensign Nolan Salyer and Petty Officer 3rd Class Thomas Labarre, a maritime enforcement specialist, conduct joint agency boarding of the fishing vessel Courageous that previously served as the Coast Guard buoy tender Tupelo before being decommissioned, in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Oct. 28, 2016. The Morgenthau conducted a 90-day 15,000 mile patrol in support of fisheries enforcement and served as a search and rescue asset during the busy Alaska fishing seasons.

Joint Statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Pacific Command
November 22, 2016 — QUEZON CITY, Philippines - The Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) met on 22 November 2016 at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp General... MORE

US Marines, Sailors Work with Sri Lanka Navy, Newly-Minted Marine Corps
November 22, 2016 — TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka (NNS) -- U.S. Marines and Sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) arrived in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, for a... MORE

In this file photo, the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) underway in the western Pacific Ocean. The Makin Island ARG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), center, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), left, and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), Oct. 28, 2016. The ships are deployed with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of the Navy’s maritime strategy in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility.

Republic of Korea Future Leaders Welcome U.S. Army Garrison Daegu Commander
November 22, 2016 — DAEGU, Republic of Korea -- Col. Ted Stephens had opportunity to visit Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon (KAAY) and give speech to the cadets on November 17. This visit was scheduled two months ago as... MORE

(From Left) Col. Jung, Han-Ki, 1st Lt. Oh, Hae-Young, Brig. Gen. Lee, Eu-Seong, Col. Ted Stephens, Mr. Chong, Yong-Kon, Maj. Jeong,-Yi-Hun converse during Stephens' visit to the Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon, Nov. 17, 2016.

Marines Demonstrate Osprey Capabilities to Sasebo Community
November 22, 2016 — SASEBO, Nagasaki, Japan -- Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced) demonstrated humanitarian aid and disaster relief capabilities for Norio Tomonaga, mayor of Sasebo, and the Assemblymen of... MORE

Sgt. Andrew Sturgress, a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks past Mr. Norio Tomonaga, the Mayor of Sasebo, and the Assemblymen of Defense for Sasebo City during take-off preparation from Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 18, 2016. The aircraft flew from the island of Okinawa, conducted simulated humanitarian aid with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) at multiple locations and was refueled by JMSDF personnel before returning to Okinawa. Sturgess is a native of Sidney, Illinois.

Conquering Fears; a Foundation for Water Survival
November 22, 2016 — SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- One by one Soldiers ground their gear and step to the edge of the pool; many of them will jump in to be submerged and surrounded by their biggest fear.As the night rain... MORE

More 42 Soldiers assigned to A Co. 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and three Marines Water Survival Instructors, assigned to 3rd Marines Corps Regiment, took part in a water survival class Nov. 16, 2016, at Richardson Pool on Schofield Barracks. The training was designed to provide Soldiers with water survival techniques to overcome any open water fear.

'Honoring Past, Inspiring Future' at Pearl Harbor 75th
November 22, 2016 — PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - In a few weeks we will welcome hundreds of Pearl Harbor survivors and other World War II veterans back to Hawaii. Those veterans, along with their families, will be here to... MORE

In this file photos, Sterling Cale, a Pearl Harbor survivor, speaks to Sailors as part of a heritage event at the USS Arizona Memorial visitor center, Nov. 13, 2013. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 Cale went on to spend the remainder of World War II with the 1st Marine Division at Guadalcanal and in 1948 he transferred to the U.S. Army. Cale also served in Korea from 1950-1951 and Vietnam from 1955-1974.

USS McCampbell Arrives in Manila
November 22, 2016 — MANILA -- The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) arrived in Manila, Philippines, Nov. 18.The port visit highlights the strong community and military... MORE

Stethem Returns to Japan after Seven-Month Patrol
November 21, 2016 — YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan, Nov. 17. Stethem returned after a seven-month... MORE

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) returns to Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka following its 2016 patrol, Nov. 17. Stethem made a brief stop at FLEACT Sasebo to pick up family members for a Tiger Cruise. FLEACT Yokosuka provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, 83 tenant commands, and 24,000 military and civilian personnel.

During transition, Soldiers Should Experience 'No Gaps' in Commitment, Secretary Fanning Says
November 21, 2016 — WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- In January, a new commander in chief of the U.S. military will move into the White House.Over the next 60 days or so of that transition period, Secretary of the Army... MORE

Army Secretary Eric Fanning, left, discusses administrative transition and focuses for the future with Wall Street Journal reporter Gordon Lubold at the Defense One Summit in Washington, D.C., Nov. 17, 2016.