News

Osan A-10s ‘hog’ the skies in KFT 24
May 3, 2024 — Personnel and aircraft assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing participated in the Korea Flying Training 2024 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 11-26, 2024... MORE

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, taxis during the Korea Flying Training 2024 event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 26, 2024. KFT 24 focused on the tactical execution of combat missions to maintain military readiness and reinforced the 51st Fighter Wing’s capabilities to operate from locations with varying levels of resources and support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jovan Banks)

United States-Japan-Australia Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting (TDMM) 2024 Joint Statement, May 2, 2024
May 3, 2024 — Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III convened a Trilateral Defense... MORE

Austin Lauds Strong Ties Between Key Allies in Indo-Pacific
May 3, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the United States' commitment to deepening ties with key allies throughout the Indo-Pacific after meeting with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines. ... MORE

A service member in uniform shakes hands with a civilian man wearing a suit.

Nurturing Communities: U.S., Philippines Share Ideas During Civil-Military Operations SMEE
May 2, 2024 — Service members from the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps gathered at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil-Military Operations school to conduct a subject matter expert exchange on humanitarian civic assistance best practices during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines, April 29, 2024... MORE

Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla-Taborlupa, speaks on the topic of civil affairs’ role in national defense matters during a Civil-Military Operations subject matter expert exchange as part of Exercise Balikatan 24 at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 29, 2024. AFP and U.S. CMO specialists joined together to share the best civil affairs practices and their experiences when military forces were called to support civilian populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and refugee crises. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Pedro Tenorio)

Guam National Guard launches State Partnership with Palau
May 2, 2024 — In a historic ceremony at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center in downtown Koror, Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr., Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, and Col. Michael Cruz, adjutant general of the Guam Guard, signed a declaration formalizing the nation’s newest State Partnership between the U.S. Territory of Guam and the Republic of Palau... MORE

From left, Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of U.S. National Guard Bureau; U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich; Palau President Surangel Whipps; Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero; and Col. Michael Cruz, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, formalize a State Partnership Program partnership between Guam and Palau in Koror, Palau, April 29, 2024. The partnership builds on thousands of years of common ancestry between the Second Island Chain islands and seeks to mutually benefit both partners in defense and security cooperation.

U.S. Marines, Okinawa citizens honor World War II casualties | Ie Shima Lighthouse Memorial Service 2024
May 1, 2024 — U.S. Marines, Japanese coast guardsmen, and Okinawan officials honored the casualties of WWII during the annual Ie Shima Lighthouse Memorial Service on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, April 21... MORE

Japanese coast guardsmen decorate the Ie Shima Lighthouse Memorial Monument for Martyrs in preparation for the annual Ie Shima Lighthouse Memorial Service on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, April 21, 2024. The memorial service was held to commemorate the casualties of World War II, the Ie Shima lighthouse keeper, and his family. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brody Robertson)

U.S. Coast Guard hosts congressional delegation in Guam
May 1, 2024 — On April 26, 2024, the team at U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and Base Guam hosted a distinguished Congressional Delegation led by Congressman Sam Graves, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Congressman Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs... MORE

Capt. Nicholas Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, discusses operations with Congressman Sam Graves, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Congressman Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, from the deck of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) in Guam on April 26, 2024. The delegation, which included Congressmen David Rouzer, Troy Nehls, and Mark DeSaulnier, along with Guam Delegate James Moylan and key staff from both committees, spent the afternoon with crews, gaining firsthand insights into the critical operations of the Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) in the region. The delegation also toured essential infrastructure sites, including the damaged glass breakwater and the Port Authority of Guam, from the cutter and the cutter small boat. These sites are essential for military readiness, impact shipping routes, and influence the economic activity and cost of goods in the Marianas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Opening Remarks at the House Armed Services Committee Budget Posture Hearing - FY25 Budget Request for the Department of Defense
April 30, 2024 — Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Smith, distinguished Members of the Committee: Thanks for the opportunity to testify in support of President Biden's proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Department of Defense... MORE

MQ-9 joins CAS training, conducts first live munitions training in Korea during KFT 24
April 30, 2024 — An inert GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided munition fired from a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper impacts a simulated target at Pilsung Range, Republic of Korea, April 19, 2024... MORE

A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper takes off from the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 19, 2024.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Hosts Virtual Chiefs of Defense Meeting
April 29, 2024 — Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted a virtual Chiefs of Defense meeting at the USINDOPACOM headquarters in Hawaii to strengthen military-to-military relationships, discuss common security issues and foster regional cooperation, April 29, 2024... MORE

Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosts a virtual Chiefs of Defense meeting at the USINDOPACOM headquarters in Hawaii to strengthen military-to-military relationships, discuss common security issues and foster regional cooperation, April 29, 2024. Senior military leaders from 27 countries met virtually and reviewed the progress of agreed upon objectives. 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. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Riel)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to Travel to Hawaii
April 29, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, next week to preside over the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Change of Command, meet with his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, and engage with service members... MORE

USCGC Frederick Hatch: A beacon of excellence and diplomacy in the Pacific
April 29, 2024 — In January 2024, the Surface Navy Association National Symposium in Washington, D.C., was marked by the commendation of the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award (Small)... MORE

A portion of the crew of the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) stands for a photo on March 14, 2024, in Santa Rita, Guam. In January 2024, the Surface Navy Association National Symposium in Washington, D.C., was marked by the commendation of the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Hopley Yeaton Cutter Excellence Award (Small). This accolade recognizes operational efficiency and pays tribute to the spirit of pioneering leadership and maritime governance that defines the U.S. Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir)

Commander MARFORPAC Visits Palau
April 26, 2024 — Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, made an official visit to the Republic of Palau April 24-25, after participating in opening ceremonies for Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, presents a gift to Gov. Emais Roberts at the office of the governor in Peleliu Apr. 25. Jurney traveled to Palau to meet with local and military leaders to discuss regional defense partnerships and opportunities. Palau is one of the Compact of Free Association states aligned with the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Samantha Jetzer)

Joint Statement of the 14th Defense Trilateral Talks
April 26, 2024 — Republic of Korea (ROK) Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Cho Chang-rae, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner, and Japan Director General for Defense Policy Kano Koji convened the 14th Defense Trilateral Talks virtually on April 24, 2024... MORE

15th MEU Marines Arrive for Balikatan Embarked on USS Somerset, USS Harpers Ferry
April 26, 2024 — Marines and Sailors assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked on the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), consolidated in the province of Palawan to participate in Exercise Balikatan 2024 on April 22... MORE

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare CH-53E Super Stallions attached to VMM-165 (Rein.), 15th MEU, for flight operations aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) in the South China Sea April 11, 2024. Somerset and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aidan Hekker)

MRF-D 24.3 U.S. Marines, Sailors honor Anzac Day in Darwin, Palmerston
April 25, 2024 — April 25, 1915, etched into history as the day 140 soldiers of the first wave set sail, their destination: the Gallipoli Peninsula. Among them, only 38 would step onto the shores alive, marking the harrowing beginning of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps' campaign in World War I... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, center right, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, and Lt. Col. Scott Stafford, center left, the executive officer of MRF-D-24.3, salute during the 109th commemorative service in honor of Anzac Day at Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial, NT, Australia, April 25, 2024. Anzac Day marks the landings in Gallipoli of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers in 1915, and commemorates all Australian personnel who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. MRF-D 24.3 Marines and Sailors showed their support to the Australian Defence Force personnel commemorating Anzac Day through dawn services and other commemorative services. Mulvihill is a native of New York. Stafford is a native of Indiana. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan Torres)

U.S. Army and Philippine Army Conduct Sling Load Operations During Balikatan
April 25, 2024 — U.S. Army Soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division joined forces with Philippine Army Soldiers assigned to Army Support Command, 7th Infantry Division, and Special Forces Regiment Airborne to conduct Low-Cost Low Altitude dropping and sling load operations during Exercise Balikatan 2024 on Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 22, 2024... MORE

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, alongside Philippine Army Soldiers from the 7th Service Support Battalion, Army Support Command, and Special Forces Regiment Airborne pose for a group photo following a sling load operations training activity in support of Exercise Balikatan 24 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 22, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Kai Rodriguez, 28th Public Affairs Detachment

Pacific leaders commemorate Anzac Day in Honolulu
April 25, 2024 — HONOLULU — Multinational military and civilian leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region gathered to commemorate Australia and New Zealand Army Corps Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the... MORE

New Zealand and Australian flags on display during an Australia New Zealand Army Corps Day commemoration event at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, April 25. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Fireside Chat with Dr. Michael Fullilove, Lowy Institute Executive Director
April 24, 2024 — USINDOPACOM Commander Adm. John C. Aquilino spoke with Dr. Michael Fullilove, Lowy Institute Executive Director, during a regional travel engagement... MORE

Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks with Michael Fullilove, Executive Director at the Lowy Institute in Sydney on April 9, 2024. The engagement was part of a trip to Australia focused on increasing cooperation and military integration as part of the strong bilateral relationship. 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 Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John D. Bellino)

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Call with Indonesia Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto
April 24, 2024 — Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout... MORE