News

Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With Australian Minister of Defence Industry Pat Conroy
April 10, 2024 — Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout... MORE

U.S. Army Pacific and Philippine Army Kick Off Salaknib 2024
April 10, 2024 — In a display of the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Philippine armies, U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers alongside the Philippine Army's 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions gathered to initiate Salaknib 2024 during an opening ceremony at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines on April 8, 2024... MORE

USINDOPACOM Commander Travels to Australia
April 9, 2024 — SYDNEY - Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Canberra and Sydney, Australia from April 7-10, 2024, where he met with senior government and military leaders and... 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)

U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy unite for maritime rescue, emphasizing community ties in FSM
April 9, 2024 — Three mariners are safe on April 9, 2024, thanks to the coordination of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and the U.S. Navy, after being stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), for more than a week... MORE

The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) rescues three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 9, 2024. Watchstanders at Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6, 2024, reporting her three uncles departed Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, Easter Sunday for Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest and had not returned, prompting the search. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

USINDOPACOM Strengthens Disaster Response through Multinational Communications Interoperability Exercise
April 9, 2024 — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s J6 Multinational Communications Interoperability Program (MCIP) team and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces recently hosted a critical planning workshop in Bandar Seri Begawan,... MORE

USINDOPACOM Commander Presents Legion of Merit to Australia Chief of Defence Force
April 8, 2024 — CANBERRA, Australia - Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presented Gen. Angus Campbell, Australia Chief of Defence Force, with the Legion of Merit, Degree of Commander, at... MORE

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, joins Gen. Angus Campbell, Australia Chief of the Defence Force, at a ceremony to present Campbell with the Legion of Merit in Canberra, Australia, on April 8, 2024. The Legion of Merit is the highest accolade that the U.S. can bestow upon a foreign leader; it is reserved for individuals who have shown exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. 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)

AUKUS Defense Ministers' Joint Statement
April 8, 2024 — Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. seek to maximize the strategic benefits of the AUKUS partnership to support the security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond... MORE

U.S. Coast Guard establishes Marine Safety Unit Saipan
April 8, 2024 — The U.S. Coast Guard officially established Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Saipan in a ceremony in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, on April 5, 2024... MORE

Lt. Justin Miller, commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Saipan, takes a selfie with assembled guests at a ceremony to formally establish MSU Saipan in Garapan at the American Memorial Park on April 5, 2024. This significant achievement marks a milestone in leadership evolution and responsibility expansion within the U.S. Coast Guard, reflecting steadfast commitment to serving the people of Saipan and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) with unparalleled dedication and excellence. The change is part of an initiative to provide junior officers with increased command opportunities, fostering professional growth and leadership development within the ranks. Eighteen marine safety detachments are converting to marine safety units. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Justin Miller)

Exercise Pacific Warriorz: Hawaii Civil Engineer Airmen Develop Multi-Capable Skills
April 7, 2024 — Airmen from the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron performed Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery training at Bellows Air Force Station on April 7, during exercise Pacific Warriorz 2024... MORE

Hawaii Air National Guard Master Sgt. Dustin J. Frey, an explosive ordnance disposal technician from the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron, disarms munitions in a simulated weapons cache during exercise Pacific Warriorz 2024 at Bellows Air Force Station, Waimanalo, Hawaii, April 7, 2024.

JOINT STATEMENT: Australia – Japan – Philippines – United States Maritime Cooperative Activity
April 7, 2024 — Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, and respect for maritime rights under international law, reflected in the UN... MORE

240407-N-XF387-1032 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 7, 2024) Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), April 7. Participating units included Royal Australian Navy ANZAC Class frigate HMAS Warramunga, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force JS Akebono, Philippine Navy vessels BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Antonio Luna, Philippine Air Force and Navy aircraft, and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon along with USS Mobile (LCS 26). The MCA demonstrated a collective commitment to promote and strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. 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. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Liz Dunagan)

USINDOPACOM Commander Travels to New Zealand
April 7, 2024 — WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited New Zealand April 5-7, 2024, where he met with Air Marshal Kevin Short, New Zealand Defence Force Chief... MORE

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, greets Air Marshal Kevin R. Short, New Zealand Defense Force Chief of Defence Force, before a ceremony to present Short with the Legion of Merit in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 6, 2024. The Legion of Merit is the highest accolade that the U.S. can bestow upon a foreign leader; it is reserved for individuals who have shown exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. 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)

USINDOPACOM Commander Presents Legion of Merit to New Zealand Chief of Defense Force
April 6, 2024 — WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presented Air Marshal Kevin R. Short, New Zealand Defense Force Chief of Defence Force, with the Legion of... MORE

Air Marshal Kevin R. Short, New Zealand Defense Force Chief of Defence Force, receives the Legion of Merit pinned by Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 6, 2024. The Legion of Merit is the highest accolade that the U.S. can bestow upon a foreign leader; it is reserved for individuals who have shown exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. 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)

MV-22s Return to Flight Status
April 5, 2024 — The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing returned its MV-22s to flight status on March 14, as the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) deemed the aircraft safe to fly based on a meticulous and data-driven approach that prioritized flight worthiness and safety... MORE

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 2, 2024) An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, prepares to land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), while conducting routine operations in the Philippine Sea, April 2. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cole Pursley)

Wisconsin Guard seizes opportunity to grow relationship with Papua New Guinea
April 5, 2024 — Forty Wisconsin National Guard Airmen and Soldiers spent the week of March 17-22 collaborating with, and training alongside, members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in support of the State Partnership Program... MORE

Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general, presents Commodore Philip Polewara, acting defence chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, with a framed print March 18 of an interaction between Soldiers of the 32nd Division and a Papua New Guinean sketching a diagram of Japanese military positions from Nov. 15, 1942 during the campaign to drive the Japanese army out of Buna. The 32nd Division was largely composed of Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers when World War II began. The photo underscores how far back Wisconsin’s history goes with Papua New Guinea. Forty Wisconsin National Guard Airmen and Soldiers spent the week of March 17-22 in Papua New Guinea collaborating with and training alongside the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as part of the State Partnership Program. This current exchange includes meetings between leadership along with training in instruction, medical, security forces, and collaboration with senior non-commissioned officers. The Wisconsin National Guard and Papua New Guinea began their partnership in 2020 and have since had several key leader engagements and site visits to strengthen that relationship. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman

U.S. lndo-Pacific Command representatives meet with Chinese counterparts at Military Maritime Consultative Agreement working group
April 5, 2024 — Military representatives from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Air Forces met with People's Republic of China People's Liberation Army representatives for the Military... MORE

Military representatives from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Air Forces met with People's Republic of China People's Liberation Army representatives for the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Working Group in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 3-4, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Randi Brown)

B-52 Bombers return home after BTF deployment to Diego Garcia
April 4, 2024 — A Bomber Task Force deployment of two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses, Airmen and support equipment from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, concluded at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, April 3... MORE

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off to return home from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, April 3, 2024. The U.S. routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to our Allies and partners through the global employment of our military forces.(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke)

US, Philippine armies enhance interoperability and defense capabilities during Salaknib 24 exercise
April 4, 2024 — In a significant effort to bolster relations and underscore mutual dedication to regional security and stability, the United States Army and the Philippine Army are conducting Salaknib 24... MORE

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command recognizes Women of Excellence in Emergency Management and Contingency Planning during Women’s History Month
April 3, 2024 — U.S. Indo-Pacific Command hosted a luncheon March 25, to recognize and celebrate the impact of more than 30 service members and civilians within the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility... MORE

240325-N-XX566-1216 PEARL HARBOR (Mar. 24, 2024) – Dede Dede Kalaukoa Figueira, deputy director, manpower and personnel directorate for USINDOPACOM, speaks during an honorary luncheon. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command hosted a luncheon on March 25 to recognize and celebrate the impact of more than 30 service members and civilians within the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andre T. Richard)

Readout of the U.S.-Singapore Mid-Term Defense Review
April 3, 2024 — Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout... MORE

US Army CBRN company assumes rotational mission near Korean Demilitarized Zone
April 3, 2024 — A deployed U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) company has assumed the rotational U.S. Army forces mission near the world’s most heavily guarded border... MORE

American Soldiers from the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington-based 45th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Company (Hazardous Response) are contributing to the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance during a rotational deployment near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The company assumed the Korean rotational force mission from the Fort Drum, New York-based 59th CBRNE Company on Camp Casey, South Korea, Feb. 28. Courtesy photo.