U.S. Pacific Command

 
Republic of Korea and US Soldiers work together at the initial wash phase of the vehicle decontamination line to decontaminate a military vehicle during Combined Decontamination Exercise, Nov. 17, 2016. The 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group is unique, in that it is one of two forward deployed battalions in the Special Forces' inventory. Their portfolio is as diverse and challenging as one would expect of Special Operations in the Pacific. For the enablers, this means being at the top of their game as the Green Berets they support serve far beyond the tip of the spear. U.S. Marines and U.S. Airmen work together during a simulated contamination control area in preparation of Vigilant Ace 17-1 at Osan Air Base, Korea, Nov. 17, 2016. Vigilant Ace is a biannual, bilateral training event that exercises U.S. military and Republic of Korea Air Force interoperability through simulated wartime tasking. USS Comstock LSD-45 steams in formation during a photo exercise during Keen Sword 2017. Keen Sword 17 is a joint and bilateral field training exercise (FTX) between U.S. and Japanese forces meant to increase readiness and interoperability within the framework of the U.S. " Japan alliance. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus shakes hands with U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 15, 2016. Mabus is visiting Hawaii to speak to Sailors and Marines on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
U.S. Navy Divers attached to Mobile Diving & Salvage Company ONE divers serving with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces gather for a group photo at the wreckage site of USS Salute (AM-294), which sank in Brunei waters on June 7, 1945, during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2016, Nov. 15. CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. Airmen with the 459th Airlift Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komatsu Air Rescue Squadron conduct a night vision goggles training at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Nov. 9, 2016, during the Keen Sword 17. The 459th AS and Komatsu Air RQS Airmen conducted a three-day NVGs and hoist familiarization training. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, looks out the back of an MC-130J Commando II during an island tour of Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 7, 2016. Webb flew on the MC-130J as a part of his visit to the 353rd Special Operations Group. Defense One Executive Editor Kevin Baron speaks with Navy Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr. at the Defense One Summit Kickoff in Washington, Nov. 15, 2016. Harris, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said his region is “the most consequential” to America. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, conduct a multiple integrated laser engagement system, or MILES, demonstration to senior leaders with the Republic of Korea Army at Camp Humphreys Nov. 8, 2016. The demonstration was designed to give the ROK Army leaders an understanding of the capabilities of MILES as well as the integration of initial-homestation instrumentation training system, or I-HITS.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Case (left), Arctic Cool School Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, shows participants of the Arctic General Officer/Flag Officer Summit materials that are provided to Arctic Cool School students and what they can do with them in order to survive and thrive in the Arctic Nov. 9, 2016. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force commander and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens, U.S. Army Alaska commander hosted the conference, which included flag officers from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard and Canadian Forces, to strengthen partnerships, discuss future Arctic and Alaskan challenges and joint capabilities. Lt. j.g. Shane Lewis, with the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, examines a chart of New Zealand with an airman from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The VP-47 crew and their U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft are assisting in life-saving efforts after the Nov. 13 earthquakes on the South Island of New Zealand. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), right, conducts a replenishment-at-sea with Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship Endeavour (A11), Nov. 13, 2016. Sampson will report to U.S. Third Fleet, Headquartered in San Diego, while deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of Third Fleet into the region. Line handlers assigned to Naval Station San Diego wait to release the mooring lines of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), as it prepares to depart for a scheduled deployment. Somerset is a part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, which will serve in the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet area of operation, providing maritime security operations, crisis response capability, theater security cooperation and forward naval presence. Senior Airman Anthony Schoof, 36th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules loadmaster, observes Japan Ground Self-Defense Force container delivery system bundles parachute to a drop zone during Keen Sword 2017, Nov. 10, 2016, over the Kyushu prefecture, Japan. Keen Sword is designed to practice the critical capabilities to support the defense of Japan, and to respond to a potential crisis or contingency in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Grainger, 18th Civil Engineer Group commander, speaks during the Society of American Military Engineers Japan Post symposium Nov. 7, 2016, in Okinawa, Japan. The Society of American Military Engineers is an organization dedicated to bringing engineers, both military and local citizens, together for mutual learning. An MC-130H Combat Talon II from the 1st Special Operations Squadron refuels an HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 943rd Rescue Group during Exercise Keen Sword 17 Nov. 7, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. U.S. forces will conduct training with their Japan Self-Defense Force counterparts at military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding Japan. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) steams in formation during a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) to conclude Keen Sword 17 (KS17), Nov. 11, 2016. KS17 is a biennial, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed, U.S. Pacific Command-sponsored Field Training Exercise (FTX). KS17 is designed to meet mutual defense objectives by increasing combat readiness and interoperability between Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and U.S. Forces. Ronald Reagan is leading the Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) patrol in the Philippine Sea supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, delivers remarks during the opening ceremony for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei, Nov, 14, 2016. CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Keith Challet, Combat Cargo Officer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), gives members of the Malaysian Armed Forces a tour of the ship’s upper vehicle storage during Tiger Strike 16. Tiger Strike is a U.S.-Malaysia bilateral exercise designed to enhance interoperability, tactical proficiencies, and military-to-military partnership between participating forces.
U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members executed exercise Active Shield at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 10, 2016. Active Shield is an annual exercise designed to test the abilities of U.S. and Japanese forces to work alongside each other to protect and defend Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and other U.S. assets in the region. A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA (AW)) 225 and an Indonesian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fly in formation during exercise Cope West 17 in Indonesia, Nov. 4, 2016. The combined training offered by this exercise helps prepare the U.S. Marine Corps and Indonesia Air Force to work together in promoting a peaceful Indo-Asia-Pacific region while practicing close air support and air-to-air training that will enhance their ability to respond to contingencies throughout the region. Both the U.S. F/A-18D Hornets and Indonesian F-16 Fighting Falcons bring unique capabilities affording the associated nations the opportunity to learn and understand each other’s skills, preparing them for real world contingencies and further strengthening their relationship. Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu, Yasushi Misawa and Mrs. Misawa; Director General Emeritus of Makino Botanical Garden, Dr. Tetsuo Koyama and Mrs. Koyama; Commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), Adm. Harry Harris and Ms. Bruni Bradley; Chair of Cherry Alley Committee Mrs. Norie Masmitsu; USPACOM Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Kevin Schneider; Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Col. Atsushi Saito; Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Cmdr. Taijiro Omata; Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Col. Kanae Tamakoshi pose for a photo during Tree Planting Friendship ceremony onboard Camp H.M. Smith, Nov. 10, 2016. The Cherry Alley Committee donated 10 trees to the USPACOM to enhance the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. This ceremony is a continuation of the long tradition established in 1912, when Japan donated 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the U.S. These trees are planted along the Potomac River in Washington D.C. and the U.S. reciprocated with dogwood trees in 1915. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein congratulates Tech. Sgt. Kyle Rowe, 18th Wing Safety Office occupational safety manager, on outstanding NCO excellence Nov. 4, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. During his visit, Goldfein congratulated and coined Kadena’s top performers in different units throughout the base. In this file photo, Cmdr. Gregory Adams, attached to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/CTF73, participates in a planning conference for Pacific Partnership 2016 Feb. 23, 2016. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Korean War Veterans Association stand ready prior to the 34th Annual Waianae Veterans Day Parade at Waianae, Hawaii, on Nov. 5, 2016. The veterans who served in the U.S. Army in the Korean and Vietnam wars participated in one of the earliest held annual Veterans Day celebrations in the country. A U.S. Navy Mark VI patrol boat wards off a simulated attacker during show of force strait transit exercise involving aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and Carrier Strike Group 1, Nov. 4, 2016. Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) passes the U.S. Navy's only other submarine tender, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), in Apra Harbor following Frank Cable's return to home port this morning after completing a five-month deployment, Nov, 8, 2016. Frank Cable departed Guam June 6 and was a persistent presence throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region during its deployment, providing vital flexibility to the fleet commanders and extending the range and impact of U.S. naval forces in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 7th Fleets. Forward deployed to Guam, Frank Cable's combined Navy and Military Sealift Command's crew's mission is to provide critical warfighting repairs, rearmament and reprovisioning to deployed naval forces of the United States. U.S. Forces Korea Commander US Army GEN Vincent K. Brooks and U.S. Forces Relocation Office Chief Director Kim, Kie Soo discuss logistics of the upcoming relocation to Camp Humphreys at US Army Garrison Yongsan November 3. The first major wave of unit moves is set to begin in the spring. Brig. Gen. Bertram Providence, commanding general, Regional Health Command-Pacific (RHC-P) hosted the Asia-Pacific Military Medicine Roundtable (APMMR), Nov. 7, at RHC-P headquarters in Hawaii. Providence addressed the attendees, which included leaders from around the Pacific region. During opening remarks, Providence emphasized the importance of senior leader engagements, highlighting the importance of the APMMR roundtable which facilitates relationship building in order to foster the strength and depth needed to endure times of crisis. The APMMR roundtable also allows the Pacific region to continue to leverage its medical capabilities, maintaining strategic influence while serving as good will ambassadors on behalf of Army Medicine.
In this file photo, " Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Han Min-koo " who led the ROK delegation to see new and emerging technologies developed at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) " discusses electromagnetic railgun capabilities with his delegation and NSWCDD leadership, Oct. 19, 2016. Navy engineers briefed Han and his delegation on electromagnetic launchers, hypervelocity projectiles, and directed energy weapons, in addition to the command™s core capabilities in complex warfare systems development and integration to incorporate electric weapons technology into existing and future fighting forces and platforms. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Sean Rippens, 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit HH-60G Pavehawk crew chief, drains the main gear box during a phase inspection at Kadena Air Base, Japan. A phase inspection or 600-hour inspection ensures that the aircraft stays maintained, serviceable and mission ready. Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) render honors to the Battleship Missouri Memorial as Decatur prepares to moor at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov, 3, 2016. Decatur, along with guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Spruance (DDG 111) are deployed in support of maritime security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific as part of a U.S. 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) under Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31 (CDS 31) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft launches for the first time off the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the world’s first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft, Oct. 28, 2016. America, with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) embarked, is underway conducting the first phase of developmental testing for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, which will evaluate the full spectrum of joint strike fighter measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment. U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron are lifted up to work on an antenna mast Oct. 6, 2016, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The antenna mast needed to be shortened to improve safety and reduce airfield obstructions.
MORE PHOTOS

South Korea, Japan to Sign Intel-sharing Pact Wednesday (Nikkei Asian Review)

'You Have Become Part of History' (Radio New Zealand)

China, U.S. Look Past Tensions with Joint Relief Drill (REUTERS)

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