U.S. Indo-Pacific Command > Media

Pacific Partnership 2023 Concludes Second Stop in Philippines
August 31, 2023 — Pacific Partnership has concluded its mission stop in San Fernando, August 30, at a closing ceremony hosted by provincial leadership at La Union High School... MORE

LA UNION, Philippines (Aug. 30. 2023) – Capt. Claudine Caluori, Pacific Partnership 2023 mission commander, second from the left, presents Mr. Hermengildo A. Gualberto, San Fernando City Mayor, a medallion, during the Pacific Partnership 2023 closing ceremony held at La Union National High School in San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines, Aug. 30. Now in its 18th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kegan E. Kay)

Readout of the 20th U.S.-India Military Cooperation Group
August 31, 2023 — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Sklenka and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Lt. Gen. Johnson P. Mathew co-chaired the 20th Military Cooperation Group (MCG) at United States Indo-Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii from Aug. 30-31, 2023... MORE

Senior military officers from U.S. Indo-Pacific, Central and Africa commands and India’s Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee take a group photo during the 20th Military Cooperation Group (MCG) at USINDOPACOM at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii on Aug. 30. The 20th MCG comprised two days of substantive bilateral discussion aimed at further strengthening military-to-military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region and beyond. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon M. Smith)

The United States and Malaysia Conclude Keris Aman 23 Peacekeeping Exercise
August 30, 2023 — Service members and representatives from more than 19 partner nations gathered for the closing ceremony of Exercise Keris Aman 23, co-hosted by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), on Aug. 26 at the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre... MORE

Combined service members from 19 countries participate in the closing ceremony of Exercise Keris Aman 23, a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise, at the Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre on Aug. 26, 2023. Keris Aman 23 is a multinational United Nations Peacekeeping (UN PKO) exercise conducted in Malaysia and co-sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Malaysian Armed Forces. The exercise is designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and enhance the core PKO competencies of all participants in accordance with UN doctrine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl John Hall)

Multinational defense leaders meet in Manila, talk ‘free, open’ Indo-Pacific
August 30, 2023 — Military leaders from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and United States joined in Manila to further grow the cooperation that exists between the four nations, August 26-27... MORE

Commander of the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Wing West Brig. Gen. Erick Quijada Escarcha; Naval Air Wing Commander of the Philippine Navy Commodore Juario Marayag; Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Capt. ICHIYANAGI Kimihiko; JMSDF Commander-in-Chief Self-Defense Fleet Vice Adm. SAITO Akira; Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Karl Thomas; and Australian Defence Force Chief of Joint Operations Lt. Gen. Greg Bilton listen to a safety brief aboard a P8A Poseidon during a flight demonstration in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 26. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Launch
August 30, 2023 — We are aware of the ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or... MORE

U.S. and Republic of Palau sign agreement to strengthen ties with new chapter in maritime security and stewardship in the Pacific
August 29, 2023 — As part of a continued commitment to enhancing maritime governance and promoting regional sovereignty, representatives of the United States and the Republic of Palau signed an expanded bilateral law enforcement agreement on Aug. 23, 2023, on the sidelines of the Joint Heads of Pacific Security conference in Palau... MORE

As part of a continued commitment to enhancing maritime governance and promoting regional sovereignty, representatives of the United States, Rear Adm. Michael Day, and the Republic of Palau, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., sign an expanded bilateral law enforcement agreement on Aug. 23, 2023, on the sidelines of the Joint Heads of Pacific Security conference in Palau. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy)

III MEF and Republic of Korea Marines operate from USS Blue Ridge during Ulchi Freedom Shield 23
August 29, 2023 — The command element of III Marine Expeditionary Force, with key leaders and planners from the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, embarked on the USS Blue Ridge for the final phase of Exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 23... MORE

Republic of Korea Marine Corps 1st Lt. Rukhan Lee, an interpreter with ROK Marine Corps Headquarters, center, facilitates a conversation between U.S. Marine Corps Col. Andrew Gourgoumis, current operations officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force, right, and ROK Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jaemyoung Lee, an exercise planning officer with ROK Marine Corps Headquarters, left, in the Landing Force Operations Center aboard the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in support of Ulchi Freedom Shield 23, August 25, 2023. U.S. 7th Fleet’s flagship USS Blue Ridge is in port at Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Yokosuka, Japan. Ulchi Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. Gourgoumis is a native of Boston.

U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea Conduct Trilateral Ballistic Missile Defense Exercise
August 29, 2023 — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Benfold conducted a trilateral ballistic missile defense exercise on Aug. 29, alongside Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Maya class destroyer JS... MORE

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Maya-class guided missile destroyer Haguro (DDG-180); Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65); and Republic of Korea Sejong the Great-class destroyer Yulgok Yi (DDG-992) sail in formation during a trilateral exercise on Aug. 29.

Statement by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to Vietnam
August 28, 2023 — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10, 2023. While in Hanoi, President Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss... MORE

Military Response in Hawaii Has Been Quick, as Requested by Local Officials
August 28, 2023 — More than 570 military personnel are providing support to county, state and federal authorities in Hawaii to ensure the people of Maui receive necessary aid and assistance following deadly wildfires on the island. ... MORE

A military vehicle rolls out of the back of a military aircraft.

United States DoD and Indonesia MoD Joint Press Statement
August 25, 2023 — Today, Secretary Austin and Minister Prabowo reaffirmed the strength of the defense pillar of our enduring Strategic Partnership... MORE

Opposition forces training enhances Wolf Pack communications
August 25, 2023 — 8th Security Forces Squadron and 8th Communications Squadron Airmen participated in an opposition force training scenario during Beverly Pack 23-2, Aug. 22... MORE

Yokota Airmen support Pacific Airlift Rally 23
August 24, 2023 — Yokota Airmen have returned from Pacific Airlift Rally 23, a multinational, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief exercise involving the U.S., Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia Air Forces at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Aug. 14-18... MORE

Royal Thai Army, US Soldiers Participate in Historic All-Female Airborne Course
August 24, 2023 — The Royal Thai Army invited U.S. Soldiers to participate in their first all-female Basic Airborne Course conducted by the Special Warfare School at Camp Erawan, Lop Buri, Thailand, July 18 – Aug. 9. ... MORE

Nearly 100 female Royal Thai Army soldiers and members of the U.S. Special Operation Forces participated in first all-female Royal Thai Army Airborne Basic Course conducted by the Special Warfare School at Camp Erawan, Lop Buri, Thailand, Aug. 9, 2023. The United States and Thailand have nearly two centuries of diplomatic relations and have been security treaty allies for over 66 years. Our continued, face-to-face exchanges with our allies and partners are a foundation of a our bilateral relationships, and bolster understanding in the region that we are going to be a reliable partner in both good and bad times. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Theanne Tangen)

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Launch
August 23, 2023 — We are aware of the DPRK’s launch using ballistic missile technology, which despite its failure, is a brazen violation of multiple unanimous UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond... MORE

DOD, Coast Guard Continue Support to Maui
August 23, 2023 — Nearly 700 Defense Department personnel and 157 Coast Guardsmen are currently engaged with the U.S. Army Pacific Command and Joint Task Force 5-0 mission... MORE

A service member motions to the driver of military vehicle.

Papua New Guinea leads joint maritime operations with U.S. Coast Guard
August 23, 2023 — Papua New Guinea (PNG) has invited the USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources during August 2023... MORE

The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) command stand for a photo with partners from the Papua New Guinea Defense Forces, Customs Services, National Fisheries Authority, and Department of Transport's maritime security division following an operational planning and subject matter exchange with partners in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Aug. 22, 2023. The U.S. Coast Guard is in Papua New Guinea at the invitation of the PNG government to join their lead in maritime operations to combat illegal fishing and safeguard maritime resources following the recent signing and ratification of the bilateral agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)

Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Travel to New Delhi, India, and Vice President Harris’ Travel to Jakarta, Indonesia
August 22, 2023 — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will travel to New Delhi, India, from September 7-10 to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit... MORE

U.S. Coast Guard teams with Government of Guam, industry, military partners for annual comprehensive port security exercise
August 22, 2023 — The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, in collaboration with Government of Guam stakeholders and industry partners, will conduct a robust full-scale maritime security training exercise at the strategically vital Port of Guam in Piti, commencing Aug. 25... MORE

The Port of Guam, as seen from Nimitz Hill on Dec. 13, 2022. The Port of Guam is essential to the security and prosperity of Guam, handling over 1 million tons of cargo and over 300 vessels in 2022. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)

Pacific Partnership Returns to the Philippines
August 22, 2023 — Pacific Partnership has arrived in the Philippines to conduct the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Aug. 22... MORE

Pacific Partnership 2023, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Republic of Korea Cheon Ja Bong (LST-687) service members and Mr. Hermenegildo A. Gualberto, Mayor of San Fernando City, pose for a photo after an opening ceremony at Town Plaza San Fernando City, Aug. 22.