News

US B-1B Lancers conduct air-to-air refueling training with Republic of Singapore Air Force
January 19, 2024 — Two B-1B Lancers assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrived at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Jan. 18, as part of the United States Air Force’s regular training and engagements with key partners in the region... MORE

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, prepares to land at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Jan. 18, 2024. The B-1B will conduct air-to-air refueling training with the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport. (Republic of Singapore Air Force courtesy photo)

U.S. INDOPACOM Commander Presents Legion of Merit to Royal Thai Armed Forces Gen. Chalermphon
January 18, 2024 — BANGKOK— Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presented Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, former Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief of Defence, with the Legion of Merit, Degree... MORE

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, joins Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, former Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief of Defence, at a ceremony to present him with the Legion of Merit in Bangkok on Jan. 18, 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)

5th ANGLICO Turns 20 This Year, Continues to Innovate for the Future
January 18, 2024 — III Marine Expeditionary Force’s liaison element will soon celebrate the 20th anniversary of its activation on Oct. 1, 2024... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Eric Pak, a forward air controller officer with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, observes the landing zone of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force CH-47J Chinook during joint terminal attack controller training at Irisuna Island, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023. The training tested U.S. and Japanese service members’ ability to enhance and sustain tactics and procedures for terminal control of fires. 5th ANGLICO provides the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander with a liaison capability to plan, coordinate, employ, and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied, and coalition forces. Pak is a native of Los Angeles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Wallace)

Wolf Pack maintainers, logisticians keep jets fueled for the fight
January 18, 2024 — The 8th Operations Group and 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron teamed up to conduct hot pit refueling during routine flying operations Jan. 17... MORE

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons arrive at Kunsan Air Base.

US, international airborne forces soar in annual New Year's Jump
January 17, 2024 — U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron displayed their tactical airlift capabilities during the annual New Year's Jump on Jan. 7, in the airspace above Camp Narashino, Japan, as part of a public exhibition hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Airborne Brigade... MORE

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) paratroopers from the 1st Airborne Brigade (AB) jump out of a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during the annual New Year's Jump exhibition at Camp Narashino, Japan, Jan. 7, 2024. Hosted by the JGSDF 1st AB, the event showcased the prowess of airborne forces, fostering interoperability and shared understanding within the joint airborne community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Doan)

Kadena keeps Marines flying
January 17, 2024 — A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet pulls away from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base after refueling over the Pacific Jan. 3, 2024... MORE

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet pulls away from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base after refueling over the Pacific Jan. 3, 2024. Conducting joint operations enhances the lethality and readiness of U.S. forces and its ability to project superior airpower to the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedriue Oldaker)

Japan, Republic of Korea, U.S. Navies Partner in Trilateral Maritime Exercise
January 16, 2024 — AT SEA – U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, led by its flagship, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy... MORE

Ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force , Republic of Korea Navy, and U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, sail together during a trilateral exercise, Jan. 16. The exercise allowed maritime forces from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the U.S. to train together to enhance coordination on maritime domain awareness and other shared security interests. CSG-1 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 M. Williams)

The Army’s First Long Range Fires Battalion Activates Second MRC Battery
January 16, 2024 — The 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, the Army’s first Long Range Fires Battalion (LRFB), conducted a ceremony on January 11, 2024, at the base to activate the second Mid-Range Capability (MRC) battery in support of Multi-Domain Operations... MORE

U.S. Army Soldiers from Delta Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force stand in formation during the unit’s activation ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, January 10, 2024. Delta Battery is the second battery activated as part of the 1st Long-Range Fires Battalion in support of Multi-Domain Operations.

Camp Zama strengthens ties with neighboring city by joining Japanese New Year’s ceremony
January 16, 2024 — A traditional New Year’s event held here Sunday brought volunteers and attendees from nearby Camp Zama for the chance to share in and learn more about the Japanese observance... MORE

A visitor disposes of his “kadomatsu,” a pine tree stalk displayed at the entrance of one’s home, by tossing it in a fire as part of the “Dondo Yaki” ceremony held Jan. 14 at Kanigasawa Park near Camp Zama, Japan. Also seen are visitors roasting “dango,” small dumplings made of sticky rice, which they eat to bring good health in the New Year.

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch
January 14, 2024 — 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

Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Secretary Gina Raimondo’s Participation in the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines
January 12, 2024 — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced he will send a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila, Philippines March 11-12, 2024 to enhance U.S. companies’ contributions to the Philippines’ innovation economy, connective infrastructure, clean energy transition, critical minerals sector, and the food security of its people... MORE

CV-22 Aircraft Mishap Releases
January 11, 2024 — UPDATE 16, January 11, 2024 1750CST:After more than 40 days of intensive search, rescue, recovery and salvage efforts, alongside the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Self-Defense Forces, local law enforcement... MORE

Readout of Under Secretary of the Navy's Meeting with Guam Acting Governor Joshua F. Tenorio
January 11, 2024 — Under Secretary of the Navy Spokesperson Capt. Courtney Hillson provided the following readout... MORE

USNS Mercy Arrives in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
January 11, 2024 — On January 10, the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, in support of Pacific Partnership 24-1... MORE

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.

Readout of 2024 U.S.-PRC Defense Policy Coordination Talks
January 10, 2024 — DOD Spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout... MORE

U.S. Coast Guard ensures safety, facilitates commerce in Certificate of Compliance exam on MSC Bellissima at Port of Guam
January 10, 2024 — In a vital operation reflecting its commitment to community and maritime safety, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam successfully conducted a Certificate of Compliance (COC) examination on the MSC Bellissima, a 1,036-foot cruise ship flagged out of Malta, at the Port of Guam on Jan. 3, 2023... MORE

A team from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and the U.S. Coast Guard Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise conduct a Certificate of Compliance (COC) exam on the 1,036-foot Maltese-flagged cruise ship MSC Bellissima on its first-ever U.S. port call at the Port of Guam, on Jan. 3, 2024. The U.S. Coast Guard conducts COC exams for new or existing vessels that are embarking passengers from a U.S. port for the first time, carrying U.S. citizens as passengers with initial port calls at U.S. ports, or have undergone significant modifications or alterations including changes that affect structural fire protection or means of egress, in order to ensure these vessels, meet required safety and regulatory standards. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Jennifer Thomas)

Multi-agency rescue operation led by U.S. Coast Guard successfully saves 6 boaters near Guam
January 9, 2024 — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, in partnership with Guam Fire Rescue and U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25), successfully conducted a search and rescue operation for a distressed vessel 30 miles northwest of Guam, on Jan. 6, 2023, saving six boaters... MORE

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, in partnership with Guam Fire Rescue and U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25), successfully conducted a search and rescue operation for a distressed vessel 30 miles northwest of Guam, on Jan. 6, 2023, saving six boaters. The Joint Rescue Sub-Center, operated by U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders in Guam, received an urgent notification from Guam Fire Rescue about a 23-foot recreational vessel with six people aboard, initially identified as nationals of the People's Republic of China, experiencing severe difficulties. Reportedly, the vessel was taking on water, and all aboard were wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs). (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Heidl)

Pacific Partnership 24-1 Concludes Fourth Mission Stop in Palau
January 9, 2024 — Pacific Partnership 24-1 (PP24-1) concluded 16 days of medical, engineering, host nation outreach efforts, and humanitarian and disaster response in the Republic of Palau, closing out its fourth mission stop Jan 6... MORE

Joint Staff J-6 Hosts Third SITE Summit, Strengthening Data-Centric Interoperability With Allies and Partners
January 8, 2024 — The Joint Staff J-6 hosted the third Security Interoperability in the Tactical Environment (SITE) Summit in Suffolk, Virginia, convening Zero Trust experts from across the U.S. military, allies and partners to further efforts in accelerating data-centric interoperability in various tactical situations. In attendance were coalition partner representatives from the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and the Republic of Korea... MORE

Rescue operation success: Missing member found alive in Hakkoda Range
January 8, 2024 — In a remarkable display of community solidarity, a collaborative effort between U.S. military members and Japan Search and Rescue successfully located and rescued a missing community member in the Hakkoda Mountain Range... MORE