News

51st FW stands up innovation cell
December 29, 2023 — With prioritizing innovation at the forefront of its strategic objectives, the 51st Fighter Wing marked a significant milestone by standing up its new wing innovation cell, the MustangWERX office, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 22, 2023... MORE

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Covert, 694th Intelligence Support Squadron Airman, participates in problem identification training at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 19, 2023. This training allows the MustangWERX innovation team to encourage Airmen to brainstorm ideas and utilize problem solving skills to more effectively complete daily tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chase Verzaal)

From Skies to Seas: Airman Assists Humanitarian Aid Aboard the USNS Mercy
December 29, 2023 — It is a rare opportunity for any U.S. Air Force Airmen to board a ship and work alongside the U.S. Navy and other nations in a joint environment. So, when U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sammi-Joy Severino learned of an open spot on the hospital ship United States Naval Ship Mercy to provide life-saving, humanitarian aid, she was eager to secure it... MORE

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sammi-Joy Severino poses for a photo.

Fact Sheet: Department of Defense Concludes 'Decisive Year' in the Indo-Pacific Region
December 28, 2023 — Throughout 2023, the United States has worked alongside allies and partners to deliver groundbreaking achievements for peace, stability, and deterrence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region... MORE

US Space Forces Korea helps expedite professional development during Galaxy Program visit
December 28, 2023 — U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion, U.S. Space Forces Korea commander, welcomed six members of the Galaxy X Cohort from Space Systems Command for four days of professional development engagements focused on joint collaboration and cultural exchange, Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2023... MORE

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion, U.S. Space Forces Korea commander, center left, and Master Sgt. Shawn Stafford, USSPACEFOR-KOR senior enlisted leader, and other members of SPACEFOR-KOR, pose for a photo with the Space Systems Command Galaxy X cohort during their visit to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, November 30, 2023.

U.S. Coast Guard aids stranded vessel Rascal off Tanguisson Beach, Guam, on Christmas weekend
December 27, 2023 — In a successful search and rescue operation executed by U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and Guam Fire Rescue, the recreational vessel Rascal, with six adults aboard, was safely towed to Hagåtña Boat Basin after being disabled and adrift off Tanguisson Beach, Dec. 23, 2023... MORE

The crew of a U.S. Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Apra Harbor tows the 28-foot recreational boat Rascal near Tanguisson Beach, Guam, on Dec. 23, 2023. In a successful search and rescue operation executed by U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and Guam Fire Rescue, the recreational vessel Rascal, with six adults aboard, was safely towed to Hagåtña Boat Basin after the operator radioed in, reporting being disabled and adrift. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Naden)

Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Conducts Maritime Operations in South China Sea
December 27, 2023 — U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 led by its flagship, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), is operating in the South China Sea following a successful scheduled port visit to the Republic of Singapore... MORE

231215-N-TD381-1184 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 15, 2023) An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, transports cargo onto the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a replenishment-at-sea with Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE-8). Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah B Goessl)

Powering the Mission: MCAS Miramar Microgrid Brightens the Future During Steel Knight
December 26, 2023 — Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is not only a bustling hub of fighter jets, helicopters, and Marines always on the alert, it is a game-changer in energy security... MORE

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force board a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) in support of Exercise Steel Knight 23.2 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Dec. 2, 2023. The MCCRE is conducted before deployment, consisting of a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, high altitude aerial refueling, aviation delivered ground refueling, external lift exercises. Steel Knight 23.2 is a three-phase exercise designed to train I Marine Expeditionary Force in the planning, deployment and command and control of a joint force against a peer or near-peer maneuver capabilities of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jackson Rush)

Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Japan’s Decision to Transfer Patriot Missiles to the United States
December 22, 2023 — We welcome the Government of Japan’s announcement today that it will transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to the United States to replenish U.S. inventories... MORE

USNS Mercy arrives in the Republic of Palau for Pacific Partnership 24-1
December 21, 2023 — The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived Dec. 21 in the Republic of Palau to begin the fourth mission stop of Pacific Partnership 24-1, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region... MORE

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrives in Koror, Palau during Pacific Partnership 2024-1 Dec. 21, 2023. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. (U.S. Navy Courtesy Photo)

Nepali Army, U.S. Navy SEALS Strengthen Joint Partnership
December 21, 2023 — A U.S. Navy SEAL Team conducted a joint training exchange alongside the Nepali Army and members of the Nepali Army Special Operations Force (SOF) Brigade near Kathmandu, Nepal from October 30 to November 6, 2023... MORE

Lt. Col. Bishwonath Timilsina, Director General of Military Training (Foreign), Nepali Army, delivers closing remarks as part of a U.S. and Nepal subject matter expert exchange at Ganesh Kashya, the Nepali Army headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal. Naval Special Warfare trains with forces worldwide to improve and further specialize skills required to conduct missions and respond to crises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chelsea D. Meiller)

Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Video Teleconference with People’s Liberation Army of China Chief of the Joint Staff Department Gen. Liu Zhenli
December 21, 2023 — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., spoke with People’s Liberation Army of China Chief of the Joint Staff Department Gen. Liu Zhenli by video teleconference today. This was the first time the leaders spoke since Gen. Brown became Chairman... MORE

VMGR-153 Supports Toys for Tots in Maui
December 21, 2023 — Today U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, utilized their KC-130J “Hercules” to transport gifts and personnel from Oahu to Maui in support of the annual Toys for Tots mission... MORE

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 4th Reconnaissance Battalion pass out toys to children in Maui, Hawaii on Dec. 21, 2023. VMGR-153 supported the Toys for Tots mission by transporting personnel and toys to assist in delivering a message of joy and hope to children throughout the holiday season. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Clayton Baker)

Team Kunsan welcomes new ROKAF 38th Fighter Group commander
December 20, 2023 — Members of the Wolf Pack welcomed Republic of Korea Air Force Col. Byeong-Ki Ahn, 38th Fighter Group incoming commander, during the 38th FG change of command ceremony Dec. 15... MORE

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, right, 8th Fighter Wing commander, congratulates Republic of Korea Air Force Col. Byeong-Ki Ahn, 38th Fighter Group incoming commander, after the 38th FG change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 15, 2023. Ahn, also known as Eagle 37, assumed command of the 38th FG from outgoing commander Col. Choong-Won Oh. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karla Parra)

U.S. Coast Guard concludes M/V Voyager pollution response, continues discussions for removal
December 20, 2023 — In response to the grounding of the motor vessel Voyager, a 116-foot Indonesian-flagged ship, adjacent to Piti Channel in Typhoon Mawar on May 24, 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard, under the leadership of Capt. Nicholas Simmons, the commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and the Captain of the Port (COTP), has taken decisive action to protect Guam's waterways... MORE

The U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port Guam zone explains to the U.S. Coast Guard 14th District commander the status of the pollution response on the motor vessel Voyager, a 116-foot Indonesian-flagged ship adjacent to Piti Channel following Typhoon Mawar, in Piti, Guam, in August 2023. By late November, the operation successfully recovered approximately 51,000 gallons of fuel oil mixture, around four cubic yards of oiled debris, and various hazardous substances from the M/V Voyager, prioritizing environmental safety and the likelihood of operational success. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Whip Blacklaw)

U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea Conduct Second Trilateral Aerial Exercise
December 20, 2023 — For the second time this year, fighter aircraft from the U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea conducted a trilateral escort flight of U.S. bombers operating in the Indo-Pacific, Dec. 20, 2023.U.S... MORE

For the second time this year, fighter aircraft from the U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea conducted a trilateral escort flight of U.S. bombers operating in the Indo-Pacific, Dec. 20, 2023. U.S. F-16s from the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing and 14th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Wing flew alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2s from the 8th Air Wing, and Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-15Ks from the 11th Wing, escorting two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers. The continued high-end interoperability of our collective forces demonstrates the strength of the trilateral relationship with our Japan and Republic of Korea allies. Our international cooperation is reflective of our shared values and resolve against those who challenge regional stability. We remain committed to peace and prosperity in the region to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Call with the National Security Advisors of the Republic of Korea and Japan Following the DPRK’s ICBM Test
December 19, 2023 — National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke this evening with National Security Office Director Cho Taeyong of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo of Japan following the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Intercontinental ballistic missile test... MORE

United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Ministerial Joint Press Statement
December 19, 2023 — Today, the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea announce that they have fully activated a real-time DPRK missile warning data sharing mechanism and jointly established a multi-year... MORE

25th FS Strengthens Air-to-Ground Capabilities in EPIC FOG 24-1
December 18, 2023 — The 25th Fighter Squadron participated in the routine training event, EPIC FOG 24-1, Dec. 11 - 15, 2023, focusing on close air support or CAS, forward air control or FAC and air-to-air refueling, to enhance operational capabilities... MORE

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron takes

off at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2023. The A-10 was designed for close air support of friendly ground troops, engaging armored vehicles and tanks, and providing quick-action support against enemy ground forces. At the 51st Fighter Wing, the 25th FS and the A-10 play a crucial role in the defense of Osan AB and the ROK. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Sjoberg)

U.S. Coast Guard, Yap strengthen ties through key leader engagement, site visit
December 18, 2023 — In a demonstration of continued cooperation, U.S. Coast Guard personnel completed a key leader engagement and site visit in Yap from Dec. 10 to 12, 2023... MORE

The U.S. Coast Guard delegation stand for a photo with Gov. Hon. Chieng, Lt. Gov. Hon. Itaimi, and Attonery General Gallen in Colonia, Yap, FSM, on Dec. 12, 2023. In a demonstration of continued cooperation, U.S. Coast Guard personnel completed a key leader engagement and site visit in Yap from Dec. 10 to 12. This visit, led by Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam (CGFM/SG) and the Compact of Free Association (COFA) team, highlighted the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Yapese community. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

USINDOPACOM Engages as Maui Relief Efforts Continue
December 18, 2023 — CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii – Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted senior joint-force leaders from the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, for two days of engagements... MORE

Senior joint-force leaders from the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility volunteer on Dec. 14 at the Maui Relief Storage Facility, a donation management center that receives, sorts and catalogs donations to support ongoing recovery efforts following the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui. Service members recognized the community leaders, volunteers, first responders, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who acted quickly and bravely during the fires and continue to support their community. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region with its Allies and partners by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fight to win. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon M. Smith)