Humanitarian Assistance Missions

Community engagement and training in various locations, featuring military personnel providing health and educational support to local populations.

220712-N-PC065-1086 RIJEKA, Croatia (July 12, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and Marines attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), trim shrubbery during a community relations project at a kindergarten in Rijeka, Croatia, July 12, 2022. Arlington is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (Aug, 13, 2022) - Chief Hospital Corpsman Emil Avas and Lt. Jerome Lariotte, with the Royal Australian Air Force, train members of the community on CPR techniques during the Barangay Health Fair at Irawan Elementary School during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius (March 1, 2015) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) help paint an archway during a community service event at the SOS Childrens Village in Port Louis, Mauritius. Oscar Austin is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

060822-N-8298P-005. Base: Arraijan Country: Panama (PAN) Scene Major Command Shown: USS CARNEY

220712-N-PC065-1086 RIJEKA, Croatia (July 12, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and Marines attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), trim shrubbery during a community relations project at a kindergarten in Rijeka, Croatia, July 12, 2022. Arlington is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Army Col. Steven Gventer, Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, center, helps restrain a cow April 20, 2022, in Cane, Honduras. Animal care specialists, civil affairs team members and volunteers from the Medical Element at JTF-Bravo vaccinated more than 500 cattle in three days for local farmers, ensuring the fatality rate of the herd is decreased from around 50% to 15%. The vaccinations provided through this partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture in Honduras and Soto Cano Air Base creates a better quality of life for the cattle as well as food stability for the community.

U.S. Navy Lt. Marc Manucal, from Oak Harbor, Washington, shows local personnel from the Chuuk Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting team how to give CPR to infants at the Bible Baptist Church in Weno, Chuuk, as part of Pacific Partnership 2024-1, Jan. 16, 2024. 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.

PHU YEN, VIETNAM (June 29, 2022) - Captain Hank Kim, Pacific Partnership 2022 mission commander, right, speaks with Huynh Tan Chau, principal of Luong Van Chanh High School during a PP22 host nation outreach event. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-228. USO. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Dan Calderon, medic assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), uses a metal detector to search for subsurface metal contacts in Ulingan village, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea on Oct. 6, 2022. DPAA leadership visited the Investigation Team (IT) in order to see first hand the unique dynamics of an IT and strengthen future operations. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Speros Koumparakis, left, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, speaks with Congressman Kaiali'i Kahele, U.S. representative, and staff during a visit to Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii, Nov. 4, 2022. The purpose of the visit was for Kahele to gain a better understanding of Bellow's current use, future use and shared topics of community interest. It was also an opportunity to create an environment for future collaboration, transparency and focused topic discussions.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) Distinguished Visitor Day attendees watch as aircraft fly overhead during Distinguished Visitor Day as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

VISAKHAPATNAM, India (Aug. 3, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), children from the Government Home for Boys, and volunteers from the Ken Foundation compete in a tug-of-war competition during a community outreach event in Visakhapatnam, India, Aug. 3, 2022. Frank Cable is currently on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Alex Leurk, a special operations independent duty corpsmanassigned to Reconnaissance Detachment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, teaches field bloodtransfusion to Tunisian Marine Commandos during an integrated training event, Souda Bay, Greece,June 15, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU are on a scheduled deploymentunder the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of U.S.,allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

PALAWAN, Philippines (Sept. 2, 2022) Members of the Philippine Army 18th Special Forces Group and U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific patrol Rizal Province during a Joint Combined Exchange Training event in Palawan, Philippines, Sept. 2, 2022. The U.S. works alongside partners across the Indo-Pacific region to ensure stability and security through training and bilateral operations that increase security capacity and interoperability among our forces. These events are a demonstration of the United States unwavering commitment to the Philippines and like-minded allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Multi-National officials tour the field headquarters of Marara 22 on Huahine, French Polynesia, May 13, 2022. Marara 22 goal is to aim for the improvement of civil and military coordination for disaster preparedness and relief, humanitarian assistance, evacuation operations and development efforts while also improving interoperability and mutual knowledge.

A U.S. military civil engineer cuts a sheet of wood during renovations on a school as part of Pacific Angel 22-4 in Baucau, Timor-Leste, Sept. 12, 2022. The operation, scheduled for Sept. 12-17, will focus on capacity building through health services outreach, engineering civic action program construction projects and subject matter expert exchanges. Pacific Air Forces participates in PAC ANGEL 22-4 in order to advance interoperability and build upon established partnerships between our military forces and our allies and partners.

CENTRO COMMUNAL, Puerto Rico (Oct. 8, 2017) Sailors assigned to the the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and local volunteers unload drinking water from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter for distribution to the citizens of Centro Communal, Puerto Rico. Kearsarge is assisting with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The Department of Defense is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort.

030518-M-6881R-020. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Base: Ban Dong State: Tambol Ban Laeng Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: 2nd Battalion 1ST SFG (A)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gabriel Martinez, a moulage specialist assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, applies to burn victim moulage to a training casualty at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sept. 16, 2022. Moulage and scene acting are used in military training to better simulate the chaotic and potentially hostile real-life events medically trained Airmen may be dispatched.

120611-O-ZZ999-007SANGIHE, INDONESIA (June 11, 2012) Army Spc. Bradley McWillie teaches a group of local children to properly throw a Frisbee during a civic action project as part of Pacific Partnership 2012. Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civil assistance mission U.S. military, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international agencies designed to build stronger relationships and disaster response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

020602-M-9902V-057. Country: Indonesia (IDN) Scene Major Command Shown: 3 MEF

221029-N-LP924-1153 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 29, 2022) Lt. Chad Haan, Navy Chaplain from Grand Rapids, Michigan, stands road guard alongside a member of USAID on the way to a secondary location for a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) seminar, attended by Sailors attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Oct. 29, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct physical training with Republic of Korea and Philippine reconnaissance Marines during KAMANDAG 6, at Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2022. The U.S., Republic of Korea, and Philippine reconnaissance Marines conducted PT together every morning to boost morale and strengthen relationships. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Members of the U.S. armed forces, Philippine Army, and local nationals pause for a moment of prayer during the dedication ceremony of a new classroom during exercise Balikatan 22, Alicia, Isabela, Philippines, April 4, 2022. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

030526-M-4547R-001. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2003 Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: NMCB3

Palauan locals attend an F-35 Lightning II static display during Valiant Shield 22, June 15, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command commander, center, greets patients at a Medical Readiness Training Exercise June 30, 2022, in Comayagua, Honduras. Richardson presided over the Joint Task Force-Bravo Change of Command at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, and had the opportunity to see a JTF-Bravo MEDRETE first-hand during her visit.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Francisco Pallanes Aleho, a landing support specialist with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, describes his career in the Marine Corps to the children participating in the Division of Juvenile Justices Omesuub Ngosisechakl Emesmechokl Law Enforcement Explorers Program in Ngeremlengui, Republic of Palau, June 20, 2022. Omesuub Ngosisechakl Emesmechokl in the native language translates to learning, teaching and discipline, traits that are exemplified by the Marines and Sailors strengthening U.S. partnerships through subject matter expert exchanges. Named Koa Moana, after a Hawaiian/Polynesian phrase meaning ocean warrior, the task force fosters peace and security, builds relationships, and supports an international rules-based order that benefits the Indo-Pacific region.

040304-M-7403H-003. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2004 Base: Clark Field State: Luzon Country: Philippines

Soldiers from the Headquarter and Headquarters and Charlie Company, 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army Hawaii Reserve and French soldiers work together to evacuate locals on Huahine, French Polynesia, May 16, 2022. Marara 22 allows U.S. and partner forces to exercise humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts and interoperability to prepare for and recover from the devastating effects of natural disasters.

030517-M-4547R-023. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2003 Base: Camp Red Horse, Utapao Country: Thailand (THA)

The Joint Task Force-Bravo Medical Element conducts a Global Health Engagement June 2, 2022, in Portillo de la Mora, Honduras. The team traveled to three different locations in three days treating more than 700 patients in Comayagua, Honduras, providing preventative medicine, triage, general doctors, pharmacy and dental care.

U.S. Army Maj. Jacob McCorkle, a team leader assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), speaks to local families as part of an underwater recovery mission in Wewak, Papua New Guinea on Oct. 07, 2022. DPAA personnel arrived to conduct an underwater excavation operation in an effort to find a U.S. aircraft crew lost over Papua New Guinea during World War II. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

A local farmer talks with Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) investigation team members in Savannakhet Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, May 18, 2022. A DPAA investigation team searched for and surveyed several locations across the country, gathering key data in the process. Information from the JFA will be used to determine and prioritize future recovery missions. This was the agency's first investigation mission in the country in lieu of new COVID-19 guidelines. The last investigation took place in 2019. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, and Indian Soldiers from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers mold clay figures with students from the Bankhaocha-Angkromklong School, Rayong, Thailand, Feb. 15, 2024. Marines of MWSS-174 lent their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts during Cobra Gold 24. Joint Exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This year will be the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise and will be held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. Marine Corps

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class Miles Brown with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, picks up two students at the Ban Prakaet School at Chanthaburi, Thailand, Feb. 23, 2024. Marines of MWSS-171 lent their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts during Cobra Gold 24. Joint Exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This year is the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise, held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. Marine Corps

U.S. Soldiers from the 404th and 443rd Civil Affairs Battalions (CAB), assigned to the 409th Air Expeditionary Group, meet with the village chief in Azel Kheloway, Niger, June 13, 2022. During the meeting, they discussed the need for a medical clinic in the village, and the 404th CAB introduced the new civil affairs team from the 443rd CAB and bid farewell to village leaders and citizens who theyve built relationships with as a part of the enduring relationship between the U.S. and the citizens of Niger.

Puerto Rico National Guard Citizen - Soldiers stationed at 783rd Maint. Co. in Toa Baja, PR continue supporting this city after Hurricane María, this time transporting more than 6000 gallons of water to the San José community, Sept. 24.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 2, 2022) - Lt.j.g. Charles Pitchford, from Norfolk, Virginia, speaks with local media during a renovation project at the Rove Childrens Park during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

U.S. Members assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agencys (DPAA) Recover Team and Laos nationals, work together to relocate wood during a recovery mission in Kham district, Xiengkhoang Province on Oct. 3, 2022. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Apr. 7, 2022) -- Rear Adm. Cynthia Kuehner, commander of Naval Medical Forces Support Command, gives advice to future Sailors before Navy Day at the Alamo. Navy Day at the Alamo is an annual Fiesta event, hosted by Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC)-Lackland, in which Navy units from around Joint Base San Antonio area demonstrate their mission set.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, and Royal Thai marines with the Royal Thai Marine Corps Construction Company of Combat Engineers pour concrete for a storm drain at the Ban Prakaet School construction site at Chanthaburi, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2024. Marines of MWSS-171 lent their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts during Cobra Gold 24. Joint exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This is the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. Marine Corps

A Philippine reconnaissance Marine teaches U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, how to set traps and snares in a jungle during KAMANDAG 6 on Calayan Island, Philippines, Oct. 5, 2022. Philippine and U.S. Marines conducted persistence and reconnaissance training to increase resilience in unfamiliar jungle environments. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

A Philippine reconnaissance Marine teaches U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, how to set traps and snares in a jungle during KAMANDAG 6 on Calayan Island, Philippines, Oct. 5, 2022. Philippine and U.S. Marines conducted persistence and reconnaissance training to increase resilience in unfamiliar jungle environments. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

DOMINICA (Sept. 25, 2017) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Nicholas Glass of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 (HSC 22), attached to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), leads residents to an MH-60s Sea Hawk helicopter for evacuation following the landfall of Hurricane Maria. Dominica residents are being evacuated from their island to the nearby islands of Martinique and Guadalupe. The Department of Defense is supporting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort.

Citizen-Soldiers from the New York National Guard in collaboration with the Puerto Rico National Guard brought water to a community affected by Hurricane Maria at Lares, Puerto Rico, on Oct. 4.

U.S. military personnel and civilians assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) move a large root ball during an underwater recovery mission in Papua New Guinea Sept. 01, 2022. DPAA personnel arrived to conduct an underwater excavation operation in an effort to find a U.S. aircraft crew lost over Papua New Guinea during World War II. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 9, 2022) - Amphibious Construction Battalion One Seabees, local children and teachers pose for a photo during the ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the newly renovated playground at Rove Park during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

U.S. service members deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sign up for a half marathon in celebration of the U.S. Air Forces 75th Anniversary, Sept.18, 2022. The USAF official separated from the U.S. Army with the signing of the National Security Act of 1947 by former U.S. President Harry Truman. Fly, Fight and Win - Airpower Anytime, Anywhere!

Airman 1st Class Austyn Colon, 18th Munitions Squadron munitions stockpile technician, uproots vines and grass from a tomb at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 23, 2023. Aside from clearing the stone tomb of vegetation, Airmen assisting in a cleanup got rid of all invasive vegetation along the floor to give Okinawan families a comfortable area to pay their respects during Shimi.

Army Spc. Jacob Lemoine, deployed with the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), examines an Indonesian medical patient�s eyes during a medical civic action program on July 23, 2010, in Ternate, Indonesia. Pacific Partnership 2010 is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet endeavors conducted in Indonesia as a disaster relief exercise aimed at strengthening regional partnerships.

221211-N-HG389-0020 BANYUWANGI, Indonesia (Dec. 11, 2022) Chief Hospital Corpsman Vladimir Link gets lunch during a cultural exchange with Indonesian Navy Sailors during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Indonesia 2022 in Banyuwangi, Dec. 11. CARAT/MAREX Indonesia is a bilateral exercise between Indonesia and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. In its 28th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Task Force 73 is responsible for conducting diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific.

HÅGAT, Guam (Aug. 9, 2022) - Personnel from visiting ship USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and community members assisted with cleanup efforts at Marcial Sablan Elementary School in Hågat, Aug. 9. The collaborative beautification effort was an opportunity for volunteers to assist with preparing the school for its first day of classes Aug. 10. During the 4-hour clean-up, volunteers removed foliage and debris throughout the campus. The Marcial Sablan campus is one of 40 Guam Department of Education schools, preparing for its first day of school. (U.S. Navy photos by Theresa Cepeda)

A U.S. Sailor, center, plays with children at Calumpang Elementary School in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines, Oct. 14, 2010, after completing volunteer work as part of Operation Goodwill during Amphibious Landing Exercise FY 2011. U.S. Marines and Sailors provided sports equipment, school supplies, shoes and desks as part of Operation Goodwill.

030521-M-4547R-013. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kyle Bedrosian, a heavy equipment operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, and a California native, left, and Cpl. Janina Sacasarango, left, a motor transport operator with MWSS-171, push students from the Ban Prakaet School on a cart at Chanthaburi, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2024. Marines of MWSS-171 lent their engineering expertise to multilateral humanitarian efforts during Cobra Gold 24. Joint exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This is the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. Marine Corps

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (July 30, 2022) - U.S Navy and Army service members plant a tree dedicated to Pacific Partnership 2022 at Balayong Peoples Park during Balayong Tree Planting and Nurturing Festival 2022 in support of Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

PALAWAN, Philippines (Sept. 2, 2022) Members of the Philippine Army 18th Special Forces Group (SFG) carry a simulated casualty during Joint Combined Exchange Training event with U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific in Palawan, Philippines, Sept. 2, 2022. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command elements regularly conduct large and small-scale training events with the Philippine Army 18th SFG. This training enables both nations to train their forces cross-culturally, share tactics and techniques, gain mutual understanding, and strengthen our alliance.

Ambassador Peter M. Haymond, United States Ambassador to the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, listens to a brief on Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recovery operations during a mission in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Oct. 17, 2022. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

220526-O-NR876-827SATTAHIP, Thailand (May 26, 2022) Royal Thai Navy divers participate in a marine habitat cleanup and restoration during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2022. CARAT Thailand is an annual bilateral naval exercise between the U.S. Navy and Royal Thai Navy. Thailand has been part of the CARAT exercise series since 1995. Now in its 28th year, the CARAT series comprises multiple multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and allied and partner navies abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

050110-N-1229B-130. Country: Indonesia (IDN) Scene Major Command Shown: CVN-72

U.S. Marines and civilian employees of Marine Corps Base Hawaii meet with personnel from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) at Puuloa Range Training Facility, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 27, 2022. The purpose of the visit was to begin a cooperative process between the DOH and MCBH toward analyzing conditions along the PRTF boundary, where state and federal jurisdictions meet.

U.S. Army Musicians assigned to the Tropic Lightning Brass Band, 25th Infantry Division Band, dance with local school children during a community outreach performance as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 on Aug. 8, 2022 at Kantor Bupati Oku Timur, Martapura, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Super Garuda Shield 2022, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. Military and Indonesian National Armed Forces, reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

PHU YEN, Vietnam (June 26, 2022) - U.S. Navy, Royal Navy, Australian Defence Force Members and Vietnamese volunteers participate in a beach clean-up at Vung Lam Beach in support of a Pacific Partnership 2022 host nation outreach event. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

US Air Force Captain Miguel Angel Feria from the 358th Civil Affairs Regade, Norris Town, Pennsylvania, hands out candy to the local children in Concepcion, Paraguay, during Exercise NEW HORIZONS. Combined Task Force Guarani Springs conducts engineer and medical operations in Paraguay, enabling joint training. The task force will renovate, construct and improve the infrastructure of four schools, four water wells, two medical clinics, and conduct multiple Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETES), and Veterinarian Readiness Training Exercises (VETRETES) as agreed to by the government of Paraguay. Subject Operation/Series: NEW HORIZONS Base: Concepcion Country: Paraguay (PRY)

BENGKULU, INDONESIA (April 4, 2018) Lt. Kelly Cartwright, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band Master assigned to the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), greets students at SMP Negeri 1 Elementary School during a community relations cultural exchange and band performance. Mercy is deployed in support of Pacific Partnership (PP) 2018, whose mission is to work collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific region.

CROW VALLEY, Republic of the Philippines - Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 31 (CLB-31), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) spent the morning playing games and interacting with students from St. Juliana School during a community relations event, March 12.The COMREL was in support of Exercise Balikatan 2010 (BK 10). Servicemembers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the 31st MEU are training together during BK 10 to hone their civil-military interoperability skills to ensure more responsive, efficient and effective relief efforts.

020602-M-9902V-036. Country: Indonesia (IDN) Scene Major Command Shown: 3 MEF

Members of the 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE) Squadron, Florida Air National Guard, clear roads in Fort Myers Beach, Florida in response to Hurricane Ian, Oct. 1, 2022. The 202nd RED HORSE Squadron, stationed at Camp Blanding, Florida, is a specialized, highly mobile civil engineering team comprised of Florida Air National Guardsmen that provides rapid response capabilities for multiple worldwide contingencies and operations.

KUPANG, Indonesia (May 30, 2014) Musician 1st Class Lucas Pawolski, a trumpeter assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, plays for students from the Giovanni Catholic School during a concert in support of Pacific Partnership 2014. Pacific Partnership is in its ninth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Asia-Pacific region.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 1, 2022) - U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a beach clean-up during a community outreach event at Rove Childrens Park during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

U.S. veterans salute the fallen during a wreath laying at the 78th Manenggon Commemoration in Barrigada, Guam, July 8, 2022. The Kalaguak Memorial is a sacred ground for the many lost lives during World War II after being forced out of their homes by Japanese imperial forces occupying Guam. The plaque at the memorial reads, Today we stand remembering the tears of those who suffered in the war. May we never forget.”

060816-N-4104L-015. Complete Scene Caption: 060816-N-4104L-015 (Aug. 16, 2006)US Navy (USN) SENIOR CHIEF Hull Maintenance Technician (HTC) Carl Hall and CHIEF Personnel SPECIALIST (PSC) Bryan Williams are given instructions on how to write in Braille using a stylus and a special template at Ninos Pag-Asa Center, Olongapo City, Philippines (PHL). The Sailors, from USN Whidbey Island Docking Land Ship USS TORTUGA (LSD 46), volunteered to visit the center during a community service project during Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) at Subic Bay, Philippines (PHL). CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime exercises between the US and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces.U.S. Navy official photo by SENIOR CHIEF Mass Communication SPECIALIST Melinda Larson (Released) Base: Olongapo City Country: Philippines (PHL)

220914-N-HP061-1002MANILA, PHILIPPINES (Sept. 14, 2022) Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) participate in a community relations (COMREL) event with Lil Brave Hearts, an organization dedicated to assisting families of children with Down syndrome, during a port visit in Manila, Philippines, Sept. 14. Higgins is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

Albanian children accept goodies and toys from Major Mike Hamill, a C-5 pilot from Dover AFB, Delaware, who helped survey the runway. AIRMAN Magaine's Article "Shining Hope for Survival" describes an Air Force-led joint task force ensuring that international aid gets to the flood of refugees pouring into Albania. (AIRMAN Magazine/July 1999). Base: Rinas State: Tirana Country: Albania (ALB)

Daisy Kresge, a volunteer (right), helps a parent complete registration for Devil Pups at the combat fitness test field, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services Cherry Point hosted Devil Pups to allow children of Marines to get a taste of Marine Corps recruit training.

U.S. Navy Sailors examine a community chicken coop constructed by Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 and the Palau Civic Action Team in Koror, Palau, as part of Pacific Partnership 2024-1, Jan. 5, 2024. The chicken coop is a proof-of-concept built by U.S. Navy Seabees and Civic Action Team members using recycled materials to promote enhanced self sustainability for Palau. 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.

PEARL HARBOR (July 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Eric Mitchell, from Erie, Pennsylvania, assigned to U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), competes in a sand volleyball tournament match against members of Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 5. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

120824-N-RI884-125 PEARL HARBOR (Aug. 24, 2012) Chief petty officers and chief petty officer selectees participate in the annual Ford Island Heritage Run on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The nearly four-mile run spans the perimeter of Ford Island with briefings at multiple locations about the historic significance of the battleship USS Missouri Memorial, USS Utah Memorial, USS Arizona Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial and other sites on the island.

230627-N-KW492-1276 DA NANG, VIETNAM (June 27, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) construct a cement path with volunteers from the Da Nang Youth Union during a community relations event at Hoa Mai Orphanage in Da Nang, Vietnam, June 27, 2023. Antietam is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan to support the security of the U.S. and its Allies in the Indo-Pacific.

220525-N-LN285-2114 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 25, 2022) -- Families greet their Sailors with signs during a homecoming celebration for the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) as the boat returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. North Carolina performed a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, during the extended seven-month, Indo-Pacific deployment.

Jackson, Kentucky, August 12, 2022 - FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) team members and U.S. Army personnel in Humvees reach out to disaster survivors in Eastern Kentucky. The FEMA DSA team registered disaster survivors while U.S. Army personnel distributed bottled water and meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) to the homes of disaster survivors. Photo by Christopher Mardorf (FEMA).

120522-N-BJ279-151 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (May 22, 2012) Sailors, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Company 2-1, and Guatemalan divers conduct sea bottom searches during a training evolution. Company 2-1 is participating in Navy Dive-Southern Partnership Station 2012, a multinational partnership engagement designed to increase interoperability and partner nation capacity through diving operations.

Spc. Andrew Kalaukoa (right) of Makaha, Hawaii, and Thai marine Prawet Asasoy distribute milk to the children of the Ban Soi Song School in rural Thailand as part of the Cobra Gold joint humanitarian mission hosted at the Ban Nong Buatong School in the Chanthaburi District of Thailand Jan. 24 to Feb. 11. Present on the new classroom facility job site were the Hawaii National Guard, 230th Engineer Company, Vertical and the Royal Thai Marine Engineer Battalion.

ITOMAN, Japan (June 22, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors from Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO) and tenant commands participate in a candle lighting at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa, Japan, June 22, 2022. The candle lighting was held on the eve of Okinawa Memorial Day, a prefectural holiday honoring those who died during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa. Peace Memorial Park is built on Mabuni Hill, the location of the end of the battle and the current site of memorial walls naming the more than 200,000 dead from all involved nations. This is the first candle lighting held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S. Navy's naval and aviation assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, alongside Philippine military and coast guard service members position pallets to secure Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs in preparation for transportation at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 11, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. Marine Corps

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Aug. 30, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors pose for a photo with members of the community during the Pacific Partnership 2022 Solomon Islands opening ceremony at Unity Square. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

Kurdish children sit near a guard post and a U.S. military guard where they are being temporarily housed after evacuating northern Iraq during PACIFIC HAVEN. The operation, a joint humanitarian effort conducted by the U.S. military, entails the evacuation of over 2,100 Kurds from the northern parts of Iraq to avoid retaliation from Iraq for working with the U.S. government and international agencies. The refugees are awaiting immigration process to become United States residents. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC HAVEN Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LT. Wilson, a Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) officer, exchanges the traditional Thai greeting with a boy during the joint Thai-U.S. training exercise Cobra Gold '92. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '92 Base: Korat Country: Thailand (THA)

220914-N-HP061-1003MANILA, PHILIPPINES (Sept. 14, 2022) Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) participate in a community relations (COMREL) event with Lil Brave Hearts, an organization dedicated to assisting families of children with Down syndrome, during a port visit in Manila, Philippines, Sept. 14. Higgins is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Dan Calderon, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recover team medic, takes a photograph of another team member with villagers during a Papua New Guinea Independence Day celebration at Banak Village, Papua New Guinea, Sep. 16, 2022. The village of Banak put together a celebration in memorial of 1st. Lt. Gabriel J. Eggud whose remains were found and then accounted for on a recovery mission in 2019. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

A young Thai girl plays with the face of US Marine Corps (USMC) Private First Class (PFC) Derek Hasbrouck, Motor Transportation Mechanic, assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Division, Fleet Service Support Group (FSSG), during a HumanitarianAssistance/Disaster Relief Operations program conducted in Pattaya, Thailand, during Joint Task Force (JTF) UNIFIED ASSISTANCE. Subject Operation/Series: UNIFIED ASSISTANCE Base: Pattaya Country: Thailand (THA)

030518-M-6881R-033. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Base: Ban Dong State: Tambol Ban Laeng Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: 2nd Battalion 1ST SFG (A)

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Aug. 30, 2022) - Capt. Hank Kim, Pacific Partnership 2022 mission commander, right, presents a coin to a local farm worker while on a tour of the facility during PP22. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

Alaska Air National Guard Senior Airman Emily Batchelor, a public affairs specialist with the 176th Wing from Eagle River, explains how service members from Joint Task Force - Bethel are going to repair a damaged porched as part of Operation Merbok Response in Toksook Bay, Alaska, Sept. 24, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda O'Neal)

Soldiers from the Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 35th Corps Signal Brigade took part in a Denim Day event on Barton Field at Fort Gordon, Ga. Denim Day is held each year on April 27th, during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). Soldiers across the Lion Brigade came together on this day to all sign the SHARP Pledge to eliminate sexual assault and sexual harassment. This year's SAAPM theme is "Prevention Starts with You."

A Marine Raider with Special Operations Task Force 511.2 provides instruction on various Small Unmanned Aerial Systems to service members of the Philippine Marine Corps during Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 22 in Palawan, Philippines, June 9, 2022. MASA 22 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

RIO DE JANEIRO (Sept. 4, 2022) Multinational forces draw a letter for team determination for sports day prior to the beginning of UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 4, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Belize, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces.

240209-N-ML137-1103 YAP, Federated States of Micronesia (Feb. 9, 2024) U.S. Marines, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153 (VMGR-153), Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, airport personnel and the Yap Department of Youth and Civics Affairs load school books onto trucks at Yap International Airport, Feb. 9. Joint Region Marianas coordinated the delivery of school books, which were donated through Pedro C. Lujan Elementary School via the Ayuda Foundation. The 30th Naval Construction Regiment, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, 734th Air Mobility Squadron, VMGR-153, NMCB 4, Yap State Department of Education, Yap State Department of Youth and Civic Affairs, and U.S. Army Pacific's Federated States of Micronesia Oceania Engagement Team supported the effort. Navy

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines (Sept. 4, 2012) Lt. Matthew Prince, chaplain aboard the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), hands out tooth brushes to Olongapo City residents outside City Hall a community service event. Sailors from the ship's health services department spent the day caring for several hundred patients from the area. Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th area of responsibility.

of 3