U.S. Indo-Pacific Command > Media

USS William P. Lawrence Joins Hawaii-Based Ships
November 16, 2016 — PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov. 14, as part of a homeport swap with USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), which... MORE

Alaskan Command and U.S. Army Alaska Host Arctic General Officer/Flag Officer Summit
November 16, 2016 — EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Alaskan Command and U.S. Army Alaska hosted an Arctic General Officer/Flag Officer summit Nov. 7 to 9, which included flag officers and senior enlisted leaders from... MORE

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Case (left), Arctic Cool School Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, shows participants of the Arctic General Officer/Flag Officer Summit materials that are provided to Arctic Cool School students and what they can do with them in order to survive and thrive in the Arctic Nov. 9, 2016. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force commander and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens, U.S. Army Alaska commander hosted the conference, which included flag officers from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard and Canadian Forces, to strengthen partnerships, discuss future Arctic and Alaskan challenges and joint capabilities.

U.S. Pacific Command Representatives Work with Chinese Counterparts at Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Working Group and Plenary
November 15, 2016 — QINGDAO, China – Senior representatives from U.S. Pacific Command traveled to China to participate in the annual Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Working Group and Plenary Nov. 7-10.This... MORE

USS Somerset Arrives in Singapore
November 15, 2016 — CHANGI, Singapore (NNS) -- Amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 13. The port visit will allow Sailors from Somerset and Marines from... MORE

Line handlers assigned to Naval Station San Diego wait to release the mooring lines of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), as it prepares to depart for a scheduled deployment. Somerset is a part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which will serve in the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet area of operation, providing maritime security operations, crisis response capability, theater security cooperation and forward naval presence.

USS Sampson Conducts PASSEX with New Zealand Tanker HMNZS Endeavour
November 15, 2016 — PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Navy destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Endeavour, a Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) fleet... MORE

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), right, conducts a replenishment-at-sea with Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship Endeavour (A11), Nov. 13, 2016. Sampson will report to U.S. Third Fleet, Headquartered in San Diego, while deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of Third Fleet into the region.

Keen Sword 2017: Bilateral Field Training Exercise Came Together
November 15, 2016 — YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and United States Forces, Japan, came together for Keen Sword 2017 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from Oct. 30 – Nov. 11, 2016. KS17... MORE

Senior Airman Anthony Schoof, 36th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules loadmaster, observes Japan Ground Self-Defense Force container delivery system bundles parachute to a drop zone during Keen Sword 2017, Nov. 10, 2016, over the Kyushu prefecture, Japan. Keen Sword is designed to practice the critical capabilities to support the defense of Japan, and to respond to a potential crisis or contingency in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Kadena Partners with Local Community Engineers in Society of American Military Engineers Symposium
November 15, 2016 — KADENA, OKINAWA, Japan -- The Society of American Military Engineers, Japan Post held a symposium at the Aeon Mall Nov. 7-8. The purpose of the symposium was to bring military and local engineers... MORE

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Grainger, 18th Civil Engineer Group commander, speaks during the Society of American Military Engineers Japan Post symposium Nov. 7, 2016, in Okinawa, Japan. The Society of American Military Engineers is an organization dedicated to bringing engineers, both military and local citizens, together for mutual learning.

U.S. Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Assist New Zealand in Earthquake Response Efforts
November 15, 2016 — PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- At the request of the New Zealand Ministry of Defence the United States Navy is providing maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) to assist in life-saving efforts... MORE

U.S. and JASDF Rescue Squadrons Participate in Bilateral Exercise
November 15, 2016 — KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Rescue Squadrons participated in Exercise Keen Sword 17, which started Oct. 30. Keen Sword is the largest joint, bilateral field... MORE

An MC-130H Combat Talon II from the 1st Special Operations Squadron refuels an HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 943rd Rescue Group during Exercise Keen Sword 17 Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. U.S. forces will conduct training with their Japan Self-Defense Force counterparts at military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding Japan.

Air Force Special Operations Commander Visits the 353rd Special Operations Group
November 15, 2016 — KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAW, Japan -- Command leadership flew half-way around the globe this week to see how Pacific-based Air Commandos provide specialized aviation for our nation’s no-fail mission.As a... MORE

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, looks out the back of an MC-130J Commando II during an island tour of Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 7, 2016. Webb flew on the MC-130J as a part of his visit to the 353rd Special Operations Group.

U.S., Brunei Deepen Maritime Partnership, Foster Strong Defense Ties during CARAT
November 14, 2016 — MUARA, Brunei (NNS) – Navy and Marine Corps personnel from the United States and Brunei Darussalam commenced the 22nd iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) on Nov. 14. CARAT... MORE

Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, delivers remarks during the opening ceremony for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei, Nov, 14, 2016. CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Completes Biennial Keen Sword Exercise with Japanese Self Defense Force
November 14, 2016 — WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (NNS) -- Directed by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and the Chief of Staff of the Japan Joint Staff, KS17 is the latest in a series of joint and bilateral field training... MORE

A Japanese MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures helicopter carrying Vice Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura, commander, Fleet Escort Force, and Rear Adm. Tatsuya Fukuda, commander, Escort Flotilla 4, lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) for the start of Exercise Keen Sword 2017 (KS17). Ronald Reagan is participating in Exercise KS17, a joint, bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel designed to increase the combat readiness and interoperability of the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Makin Island, 11th MEU and Malaysian Armed Forces Enhance Amphibious Readiness during Exercise Tiger Strike
November 14, 2016 — Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and Marines with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) joined members of the Malaysian Armed Forces for Exercise Tiger... MORE

Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Keith Challet, Combat Cargo Officer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), gives members of the Malaysian Armed Forces a tour of the ship’s upper vehicle storage during Tiger Strike 16. Tiger Strike is a U.S.-Malaysia bilateral exercise designed to enhance interoperability, tactical proficiencies, and military-to-military partnership between participating forces.

US, Japan Strengthen Defense through Active Shield
November 14, 2016 — IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, Japan -- U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel conducted exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 8-11, 2016. Active Shield is... MORE

U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 10, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region.

Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Marines Conclude Fighter Ops in Cope West 17
November 14, 2016 — JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Cope West 2017, a bilateral aircraft exercise between U.S. and Indonesia military forces at Manado Air Base, Indonesia, concluded operations November 11,... MORE

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA (AW)) 225 and an Indonesian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fly in formation during exercise Cope West 17 in Indonesia, Nov. 4, 2016. The combined training offered by this exercise helps prepare the U.S. Marine Corps and Indonesia Air Force to work together in promoting a peaceful Indo-Asia-Pacific region while practicing close air support and air-to-air training that will enhance their ability to respond to contingencies throughout the region. Both the U.S. F/A-18D Hornets and Indonesian F-16 Fighting Falcons bring unique capabilities affording the associated nations the opportunity to learn and understand each other’s skills, preparing them for real world contingencies and further strengthening their relationship.

Cherry Blossoms and Friendship at U.S. Pacific Command Headquarters
November 14, 2016 — CAMP H.M. SMITH (NNS) – The U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) Headquarters received a donation of specially-grown “sakura”, or cherry blossom, trees from the Hawaii Cherry Alley Committee Nov. 10, 2016... MORE

Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu, Yasushi Misawa and Mrs. Misawa; Director General Emeritus of Makino Botanical Garden, Dr. Tetsuo Koyama and Mrs. Koyama; Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), Adm. Harry Harris and Ms. Bruni Bradley; Chair of Cherry Alley Committee Mrs. Norie Masmitsu; USPACOM Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Kevin Schneider; Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Col. Atsushi Saito; Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Cmdr. Taijiro Omata; Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Col. Kanae Tamakoshi pose for a photo during Tree Planting Friendship ceremony onboard Camp H.M. Smith, Nov. 10, 2016. The Cherry Alley Committee donated 10 trees to the USPACOM to enhance the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. This ceremony is a continuation of the long tradition established in 1912, when Japan donated 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the U.S. These trees are planted along the Potomac River in Washington D.C. and the U.S. reciprocated with dogwood trees in 1915.

Blue Chromite 2017: 9th Engineer Support Battalion Builds a Medium-girder Bridge
November 14, 2016 — OKINAWA, Japan –Marines train and deploy in a variety of different locations that may have rough terrain such as gaps in the land and broken down bridges they cannot cross on foot. When these problems... MORE

Nations Gather in Singapore to Plan Pacific Partnership 17
November 10, 2016 — SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Pacific partnership staff and partner nation representatives met in Singapore, Nov. 8-10, for a planning conference to finalize details for the upcoming mission, slated for the... MORE

In this file photo, Cmdr. Gregory Adams, attached to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/CTF73, participates in a planning conference for Pacific Partnership 2016 Feb. 23, 2016. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein Visits Kadena Airmen
November 10, 2016 — KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan -- The moment he enters a room, his top priority is shaking hands with any Airman he encounters.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein visited Kadena’s Airmen Nov... MORE

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein congratulates Tech. Sgt. Kyle Rowe, 18th Wing Safety Office occupational safety manager, on outstanding NCO excellence Nov. 4, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. During his visit, Goldfein congratulated and coined Kadena’s top performers in different units throughout the base.

Leeward Communities Honor, Celebrate Veterans during Annual Parade
November 10, 2016 — WAIANAE, Hawaii — Families and friends of the leeward communities of Oahu paid tribute to the service of all military veterans as Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division participated in the... MORE

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Korean War Veterans Association stand ready prior to the 34th Annual Waianae Veterans Day Parade at Waianae, Hawaii, on Nov. 5, 2016. The veterans who served in the U.S. Army in the Korean and Vietnam wars participated in one of the earliest held annual Veterans Day celebrations in the country.