Esper Discusses COVID-19, Inclusion, National Defense Strategy

USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) celebrates 50 years of service amid Operation Deep Freeze 2026

Jan 15 2026

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ANTARCTICA (Jan. 12, 2026) — USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) sits hove-to amid Operation Deep Freeze 2026 as penguins pass by during ice liberty in the Ross Sea, Jan. 12, 2026. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, most inhospitable continent on the globe, and each trip requires careful planning and coordination. U.S. military service members are trained and ready to support this vital mission despite the austere environment. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)

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2-2 AHB Conducts Joint Fast-Rope Air Assault Training

Jan 14 2026

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SOUTH KOREA (Dec. 18, 2025) — U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2d Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, alongside 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conduct fast-rope air assault isolated personnel extraction training, Dec. 18, 2025. The training integrated aviation assets with infantry elements, as well as small unmanned aircraft systems and U.S. Air Force joint terminal attack controller capabilities, demonstrating 2CAB’s ability to operate with both conventional and unconventional joint forces in support of readiness across the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Childers)

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Japan Minister of Defense visits U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Jan 13 2026

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CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, right, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, welcomes Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjirō Koizumi to USINDOPACOM headquarters at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Jan. 12, 2026. Koizumi delivered a keynote address at the Honolulu Defense Forum and visited historic sites while in Hawaii. 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, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)

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Abraham Lincoln conducts routine flight operations

Jan 13 2026

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 8, 2026) — An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, prepares to land on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Jan. 8, 2026. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Kimmelman)

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U.S., Japan Ground Self-Defense Force commence New Year’s Jump

Jan 12 2026

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CAMP NARASHINO BASE, Japan — U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 11th Airborne Division descend during a practice jump for the New Year’s Jump Exercise at Camp Narashino Base, Japan, Jan. 9, 2026. The New Year’s Jump is an annual exercise that aims to bring good luck to paratroopers in the new year and strengthen the bonds between allied nations as they reaffirm their shared goal of safeguarding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Following the event, the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will participate in multinational exercises in northern Japan and Hokkaido later this month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Amn Teresa Figueroa)

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U.S., Japan Ground Self-Defense Force commence New Year’s Jump

Jan 12 2026

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CAMP NARASHINO, Japan (Jan. 11, 2026) — Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) members simulate enemy engagement during a demonstration of 1st Airborne Brigade capabilities during the Opening Ceremony for the 2026 New Year’s Jump at Camp Narashino, Japan, Jan. 11, 2026. The New Year’s Jump is an annual exercise that aims to bring good luck to paratroopers in the new year and strengthen the bonds between allied nations as they reaffirm their shared goal of safeguarding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Following the event, the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division and the JGSDF will participate in multinational exercises in northern Japan and Hokkaido later this month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Destani K. Hill)

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USS Rafael Peralta conducts flight ops in North Pacific Ocean

Jan 09 2026

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NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 07, 2025) — U.S Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, takes off from the flight deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) in the North Pacific Ocean, Jan. 7, 2025. Rafael Peralta is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryre Arciaga

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109th Airlift Wing Operates in Antarctic

Jan 07 2026

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ANTARCTICA (Dec. 23, 2025) — A LC-130 Skibird takes off in Antarctica. The New York National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing flies the LC-130 in support of Operation Deep Freeze, supporting the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. The LC-130 Skibird is a variant of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, the Skibird is the only heavy airlift in the world equipped with skis to land on snow and ice. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Enders)

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Lightning strikes… then refuels

Jan 06 2026

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OKINAWA, Japan (Dec. 11, 2025) — Three U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, fly in formation before aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 11, 2025. The reception of advanced fighter aircraft at Kadena ensures the 18th Wing remains postured to deliver lethal and credible airpower to ensure the defense of U.S. allies and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

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Falcon Flyover

Jan 06 2026

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KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan (Dec. 11, 2025) — A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed to Kadena Air Base, flies over the Pacific Ocean, Japan, Dec. 18, 2025. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena is a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment, which allows units to project combat power in concert with U.S. allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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U.S. Marines perform ordnance loading and refueling

Jan 05 2026

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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, Japan (Dec. 30, 2025) — U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, refuel an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, MAG-12, 1st MAW, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 30, 2025. Practical application of both refueling and ordnance loading enabled units to improve their overall efficiency and operational readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson)

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Abraham Lincoln conducts EOD exercise

Jan 02 2026

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 30, 2025) — U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One (EODMU1), fast rope from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, during a drill on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Dec. 30, 2025. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Kimmelman)

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Abraham Lincoln conducts routine operations

Dec 30 2025

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 26, 2025) — An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Dec. 26, 2025. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Malina Davy)

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Fuji Viper 26.2 | V16 Casualty Evacuation

Dec 29 2025

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JAPAN (Dec. 12, 2025) — A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, sets up security during a casualty evacuation drill during Fuji Viper 26.2 at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Dec. 12, 2025. Fuji Viper is an annual exercise that enables Marines operating in Japan the opportunity to conduct combined arms live-fire training and maintain operational readiness, tactical proficiency, and lethality within the first island chain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Briseida Villasenor)

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Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Execute Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise

Dec 23 2025

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SOUTH KOREA (Dec. 18, 2025) — Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 2-23 Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, conduct a Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise, honing their combat skills through realistic training scenarios.

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“Steel Rain” on the Peninsula: M270A2 MLRS Conducts Inaugural Live Fire in Korea

Dec 22 2025

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SOUTH KOREA (Dec. 11, 2025) — Charlie Battery 1-38 Field Artillery Regiment fires the first rocket from the new M270A2 Multi Launch Rocket System, becoming the first unit to utilize the new equipment in a live fire setting on the Korean Peninsula at Rocket Valley, South Korea, Dec. 11, 2025. This live fire enforces the unit’s ability to rapidly execute operations when called upon. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ashton Smith)

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USS Abraham Lincoln conducts flight operations in Philippine Sea

Dec 22 2025

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 19, 2025) — U.S. Navy Sailors direct an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Dec. 19, 2025. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathaly Cruz

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Abraham Lincoln conducts routine flight operations

Dec 19 2025

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 16, 2025) — An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Dec. 16, 2025. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Kimmelman)

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Boxer conducts flight operations

Dec 18 2025

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 12, 2025) — A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), Dec. 12, 2025. Boxer is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dustin Drake)

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1-38 Infantry Trains During Combined

Dec 16 2025

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SOUTH KOREA (Dec. 15, 2025) — U.S. Army Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment advance to a covered position during a company live-fire iteration at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea, Dec. 13, 2024. Infantry platoons maneuvered while integrating fires from supporting assets.

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