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Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) conduct mooring operations at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, June 11, 2025. USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returns to Naval Base Guam
USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returns to Naval Base Guam
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An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, approaches a catapult on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 12, 2024. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG) is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson) USS George Washington conducts flight ops in Philippine Sea
USS George Washington conducts flight ops in Philippine Sea
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An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, June 6, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
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U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off during touch-and-go flight operation drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Solomon Sea, June 8, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, 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 Sgt. Peter Rawlins)U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to take off during touch-and-go flight operation drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Solomon Sea, June 8, 2025. Marine F-35Bs bring a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, 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 Sgt. Peter Rawlins) 31st MEU | F-35B Lightning IIs conduct rapid flight operations
31st MEU | F-35B Lightning IIs conduct rapid flight operations
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Sailors man the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), as the ship pulls into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, June 6, 2025. Sailors man the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), as the ship pulls into Pearl Harbor
Sailors man the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), as the ship pulls into Pearl Harbor
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U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron receive fuel from a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing during an off-station training near Misawa Air Base, June 5, 2025. Travis AFB sends KC-46 across the Pacific to train with Misawa F-16s
Travis AFB sends KC-46 across the Pacific to train with Misawa F-16s
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hilippine Marines with 3rd Brigade fire a 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft system during a counter-landing live-fire event for KAMANDAG 9 at Quezon, Palawan, Philippines, June 4, 2025. KAMANDAG 9: MRF-D 25.3 and PMC conduct a counter-landing live-fire defense
KAMANDAG 9: MRF-D 25.3 and PMC conduct a counter-landing live-fire defense
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A Marine Nationale rescue swimmer descends from a French Navy Flottille 35F AS365 Dauphin helicopter during a joint training exercise between the French Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) on May 31, 2025 off the Coast of Tahiti, French Polynesia. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane Performs joint flight operations with French Navy off the coast of Tahiti
Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane Performs joint flight operations with French Navy off the coast of Tahiti
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Four aircraft fly through a blue sky near clouds over an island as seen through the open exit of an aircraft. 506th EARS Refuel A-10s across the Pacific
506th EARS Refuel A-10s across the Pacific
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Philippine Army Soldiers assigned to 71st Infantry Battalion, 702nd Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, move to an objective during Salaknib 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, June 6, 2025. Salaknib 25 | Final Assault
Salaknib 25 | Final Assault
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A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper, left, attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, refuels on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training 25.3 while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 3, 2025. QUART: HMLA-369 Conducts Deck Landing Qualifications Aboard USS Harpers Ferry
QUART: HMLA-369 Conducts Deck Landing Qualifications Aboard USS Harpers Ferry
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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, conduct communications checks during Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia, May 30, 2025. MRF-D 25.3: 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, conduct raid with VMM-363 during Southern Jackaroo
MRF-D 25.3: 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, conduct raid with VMM-363 during Southern Jackaroo
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A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to lift off the flight deck of the of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training 25.3 while underway in the Pacific Ocean, June 1, 2025. QUART: CH53s Conduct Deck Landing Qualifications Aboard USS Harpers Ferry
QUART: CH53s Conduct Deck Landing Qualifications Aboard USS Harpers Ferry
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to land during night flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, May 31, 2025. 31st MEU | F-35B night flight operations
31st MEU | F-35B night flight operations
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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, disembark off an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363), MRF-D 25.3, during an air assault rehearsal as part of Predator’s Walk at Mount Bundey Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, May 28, 2025. MRF-D 25.3: 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, VMM-363 conduct air assault rehearsals during Predator’s Walk
MRF-D 25.3: 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, VMM-363 conduct air assault rehearsals during Predator’s Walk
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Chief Logistics Specialist Jonathan Cruz, right, from Olongapo, Philippines, and Chief Logistics Specialist Antonio Evans, from Los Angeles, both assigned to supply department’s aviation supply division, participate in vertical replenishment training on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Philippine Sea, May 28, 2025. Conducts Vertical Replenishment Training
Conducts Vertical Replenishment Training
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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, clear buildings during a live fire shoothouse as a part of military operations in urban terrain training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Camp Rodriguez, South Korea, May 24, 2025 Activated Reserve Marines Conduct Live Fire MOUT during Korea Viper 25.4
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct Live Fire MOUT during Korea Viper 25.4
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pilot inside a cockpit salutes towards out of frame person PACAF F-16 Demo Team conducts final flight after 30 years of enhancing U.S. relations worldwide
PACAF F-16 Demo Team conducts final flight after 30 years of enhancing U.S. relations worldwide
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Two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, fly in formation over Northern Luzon, Philippines, during KAMANDAG 9, May 27, 2025. KAMANDAG 9: VMM-364 Inserts Marines into Basco Island, Philippines
KAMANDAG 9: VMM-364 Inserts Marines into Basco Island, Philippines
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An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 Pacific Time May 21, 2025, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Operational Test Launch GT 253 is a 'Glory Trip' for wing
Operational Test Launch GT 253 is a 'Glory Trip' for wing
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E/A-18G Growlers from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 fly near the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 27, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
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The State Office of Veterans’ Services hosted the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, 2025, at the Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi. Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony
Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony
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U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, engage targets during a high explosive in support of Exercise KAMANDAG 9 at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, May 22, 2025. KAMANDAG 9: 3d LCT conducts high explosive battle drills
KAMANDAG 9: 3d LCT conducts high explosive battle drills
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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, set security for U.S. Army Soldiers with the 23rd Chemical Battalion during joint chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Camp Stanley, South Korea, May 20, 2025. Activated Reserve Marines Conduct CBRN Response Training with U.S. Army during Korea Viper 25.4
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct CBRN Response Training with U.S. Army during Korea Viper 25.4
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Two F-35B Lightning II fighter aircrafts from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, prepare to land on the flight deck the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the East China Sea, May 20. USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations
USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations
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An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 14, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
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Participants of the Four Chaplain Memorial Run and Ruck trek through the Norwegian Foot March course at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 17, 2025. The NFM was first held in 1915 to test the physical stamina of soldiers in the Norwegian Army and prepare them for long marches in harsh conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams) Four Chaplains: Norwegian Foot March
Four Chaplains: Norwegian Foot March
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U.S. Marine Corps Marines assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct a military free fall demonstration during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2025 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025 U.S., Japan display interoperability during Friendship Jump 2025
U.S., Japan display interoperability during Friendship Jump 2025
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A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sits on the flight line during the 2025 Japanese-American Friendship Festival fireworks display at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025. FF25: Blaze of Friendship
FF25: Blaze of Friendship
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The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives in Wellington, New Zealand, May 16, 2025. Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time
Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time
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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Eric Solano, an infantry rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, conducts room clearings as a part of military operations in urban terrain training during Korea Viper 25.4 at Pohang, South Korea, May 10, 2025. Activated Reserve Marines Conduct MOUT Training during Korea Viper 25.4
Activated Reserve Marines Conduct MOUT Training during Korea Viper 25.4
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A U.S. Marine rappels during Jungle Leaders Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, May 02, 2025. U.S. Marines Execute Casualty Evacuation Training during Jungle Leaders Course
U.S. Marines Execute Casualty Evacuation Training during Jungle Leaders Course
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U.S. Marines with Baker Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct paddling and broaching drills during small boat refresher course at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2025. 31st MEU Boat Company conducts Small Boat Skills during MEUEX
31st MEU Boat Company conducts Small Boat Skills during MEUEX
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U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly over Wake Island enroute to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 10, 2025. F-35B Lightning IIs fly over Wake Island
F-35B Lightning IIs fly over Wake Island
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The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) transits Apra Harbor, Naval Base Guam, May 13, 2025. USS Minnesota (SSN 783) returns to Naval Base Guam
USS Minnesota (SSN 783) returns to Naval Base Guam
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Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 fast-rope out of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 11, 2025. The Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner) EOD members conduct fast-rope ops onto USS Nimitz in South China Sea
EOD members conduct fast-rope ops onto USS Nimitz in South China Sea
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Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP
Balikatan 25: 3d LCT and 25th ID Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Event with AFP
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Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles perform aerial maneuvers during Osan Air Power Days at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 11, 2025. Their performance demonstrated expert precision flying and highlighted the strength of the U.S.-ROK partnership as thousands of attendees looked on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tallon Bratton) Respect the Past, Forge the Future: Air Power Days Returns to Osan
Respect the Past, Forge the Future: Air Power Days Returns to Osan
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U.S. Marines with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to embark an MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 265 (Rein.) during a quick response force rehearsal as a part of MEU Exercise, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2025. 31st MEU conducts quick response force rehearsal for MEUEX
31st MEU conducts quick response force rehearsal for MEUEX
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Capt. Justin Eckhoff, executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), observes a replenishment-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) from the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 5, 2025. Nimitz Sailors Conduct a Refueling-at-Sea
Nimitz Sailors Conduct a Refueling-at-Sea
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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Colby Delia, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-1B Lancer on a flight line during Bomber Task Force 25-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 3, 2025. BTF 25-2: Seventh Mission Operations
BTF 25-2: Seventh Mission Operations
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Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
Balikatan 25: Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
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A U.S. Marine with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, runs with a refueling hose to refuel an AH-64 Apache assigned to 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, April 29, 2025. Balikatan 25: B Co. 3-25 exfils Gimlets
Balikatan 25: B Co. 3-25 exfils Gimlets
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U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army assets line the runway for an elephant walk. BH 25-2: Kadena demonstrates Indo-Pacific readiness with joint elephant walk
BH 25-2: Kadena demonstrates Indo-Pacific readiness with joint elephant walk
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An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 is guided onto the catapult on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Philippine Sea, April 30, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
Nimitz Conducts Flight Operations
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A Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft with the 11th Fighter Wing takes off from Gwangju Air Base, South Korea, during exercise Freedom Flag 25-1, April 30, 2025. U.S. Air Force participates in Freedom Flag 25-1
U.S. Air Force participates in Freedom Flag 25-1
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A search and rescue swimmer is lifted into an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 during training in the Philippine Sea, April 29, 2025. Nimitz Conducts Search and Rescue Training
Nimitz Conducts Search and Rescue Training
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Philippine Marines with the 3rd Marine Brigade load an M101 105mm Howitzer, a light field artillery weapon, as part of a counter landing live fire during Exercise Balikatan 25 at Rizal, Philippines, April 28, 2025. Balikatan 25: U.S., Philippine, Australian Forces Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
Balikatan 25: U.S., Philippine, Australian Forces Conduct Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise
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U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 5th Battalion, 3rd Artillery Regiment, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, staged with a U.S. Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System for a training iteration in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, in Palawan, Philippines, April 28, 2025. Staging
Staging
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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Colby Delia, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron crew chief, marshals a B-1B Lancer on a flight line during Bomber Task Force 25-2 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 3, 2025. MQ-9 maintainers, planners integrate during Freedom Flag 25-1
MQ-9 maintainers, planners integrate during Freedom Flag 25-1
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U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3 post security during on-off drills from Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin to Robertson Barracks, Darwin, Australia, April 29, 2025. MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
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U.S. Air Force Air Commandos assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing jump from an MC-130J Commando II during static line jump training as part of Exercise Balikatan 25 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 25, 2025. Balikatan 25: 353rd SOW, Philippine Special Forces Regiment conduct static line jump training
Balikatan 25: 353rd SOW, Philippine Special Forces Regiment conduct static line jump training
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A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, and U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets fly together with Philippine Air Force FA-50PH fighter jets during a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, April 29, 2025. Australia, Philippines, and U.S. Conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity
Australia, Philippines, and U.S. Conduct Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity
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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler T. Hallman, a native of Maryland and a low altitude air gunner with 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conducts a weapons maintenance check on the Marine Air Defense Integrated System during the Integrated Air and Missile Defense event as a part of Exercise Balikatan 25, at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, Philippines, April 24, 2025. Balikatan 25: MADIS initial live fire drill
Balikatan 25: MADIS initial live fire drill
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U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3 board a MV-22B Osprey during on-off drills from Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin to Robertson Barracks, Darwin, Australia, April 29, 2025. MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
MRF-D 25.3: Marines conduct on-off drills
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U.S. Marines with Medium-Range Missile Battery, 3d Marine Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division conduct a simulated fire-mission with the Navy-Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System in Basco, Philippines, April 26, 2025. Balikatan 25: Marines deploy NMESIS to Basco
Balikatan 25: Marines deploy NMESIS to Basco
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Philippine Army soldiers from the 5th and 7th Infantry Division and U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division conduct helocast training during the Jungle Operations Training Course (JOTC) at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 27, 2025. Balikatan 25: JOTC Completes HELOCAST Insertion Training
Balikatan 25: JOTC Completes HELOCAST Insertion Training
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Australian soldiers with 5th/7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment step off an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during an air insert from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, to Rizal in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, April 23, 2025. Balikatan 25: MRF – D 25.3, ADF conduct air insert into Rizal
Balikatan 25: MRF – D 25.3, ADF conduct air insert into Rizal
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U.S Marines aim at a target in a night shoot during a Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. Night Shoot | Marines participate in a Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course
Night Shoot | Marines participate in a Combat Marksmanship Coaches Course
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A U.S. Marine Corps MK36 wrecker with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing pulls a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 23, 2025. MASS-2 recovers tactical vehicle in rain
MASS-2 recovers tactical vehicle in rain
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PACOM Stories

First Gray Eagle Flight Expands Army Aviation Capability in Alaska

20 April 2016

From Staff Sgt. Sean Brady

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FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- The morning of April 11 was especially important for the Soldiers of UATF’s Delta Company, 25th Aviation Regiment “Gray Eagle” as they prepared for the inaugural flight of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aerial System in Alaska.

Just minutes after 10 o’clock the Gray Eagle left the tarmac, gaining altitude on its first flight in Alaskan airspace. Gray Eagle arrived in Alaska late last year to enhance the tactical capabilities of commanders in USARAK Aviation, Stryker and Airborne units, along with joint partners. 

"It's taken more than four years and included countless Federal and Department of Defense personnel to move Gray Eagle in Alaska forward," said Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Reed Greenwood, USARAK's lead aviation planner. "Making Gray Eagle a reality required USARAK to work closely with DoD-level aviation managers and to solicit recommendations and involvement from the Alaska public through a half-dozen outreach events."

The versatility of Gray Eagle gives units in Alaska the ability to train for wartime tasks with real-world combat assets. The aircraft is the newest addition to UATF’s inventory, capable of operating in extreme cold regions across the globe. 

“With the addition of the Gray Eagle, we continue to provide top notch, professional aviation support to the Stryker and Airborne Brigade while simultaneously maintaining MEDEVAC and aerial firefighting capabilities for the Army and our local partners,” said Col. Blake Alexander, UATF commander.

UATF’s diversity is shown not only by the aircraft they have, but through the variety of their missions and operating environments. Alaska has a range of weather and environmental conditions that cannot be replicated anywhere in the United States. 

With extreme altitudes over the highest mountains in North America and in temperatures ranging from 90 degrees in the summer to minus 50 degrees in the winter, UATF aviators are ready to fly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in support of emergency response medical evacuation missions for the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and fight summer wild fires in support of the Bureau of Land Management. These missions go beyond the requirement to provide trained and ready aviation units to the U.S. Pacific Command and for other global contingency operations.

With the addition of an AH-64 Apache battalion in August 2015, UATF now has an aerial attack capability never seen before in Alaska. These arctic-capable Apaches are outfitted with skis year-round, stabilizing the aircraft when landing on muskeg, snowpack and glaciers. The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade is currently testing an equipment pod to hold aviators’ extreme cold-weather survival gear, a unique requirement for combat operations in extreme cold regions like the Arctic.

The current era of Army aviation in Alaska began in 2005 with Task Force 49, a medium combat aviation brigade headquarters. Over the next five years, TF 49 deployed seven modular aviation units to Iraq over five separate deployments. In 2011, TF 49 transitioned to become 16th Combat Aviation Brigade and the headquarters moved to Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Washington. 

Now under the complete mission command of UATF and USARAK, Alaska aviation battalions have deployed modularly to Afghanistan and Korea and have supported five National Training Center rotations at Fort Irwin, California.

"I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments of the UATF headquarters and staff over the last 10 months”, said Alexander. “This unit has demonstrated they can provide the leadership, coordination, mission command and oversight to achieve any mission for the Army and the state of Alaska.”

With more aviation combat power now in the Pacific region than in recent memory, UATF stands ready to fly, fight and train in an area bigger than Texas, Montana, California and Kansas combined. Within that area is the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, a series of training areas open to joint, interagency and multinational training. The JPARC consists of 65,000 square miles of airspace and 2,490 square miles of land space with 1.5 million acres of maneuver land. The space allows for full-spectrum engagements, combined arms exercises, and unique opportunities to train with international partners.

“We are looking forward to maintaining our engagement in the pacific with the Nepalese Army Aviation and future coalition partnerships,” said Alexander. “I'm really looking forward to this summer as we expand our joint capabilities with the U.S. Air Force during the upcoming Red Flag and Arctic Anvil training exercises.”

 

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