International Military Collaboration

Photos of military leaders from various nations engaging in joint exercises, briefings, and ceremonies.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes the Brazilian Defense Ministrys Escola Superior de Defesa Leadership, Students and Staff to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

220709-N-FT160-1005-IDMARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 8, 2022) Commander, Indonesian Navy 2nd Fleet Rear Adm. T.S.N.B. Hutabarat is briefed by Indonesian and Mexican Navy Infantry at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 8. 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. (Indonesian photo by Lt. Wahyu Widadi)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes the Brazilian Defense Ministrys Escola Superior de Defesa Leadership, Students and Staff to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

220901-N-ED185-2112NAVAL BASE KITSAP - KEYPORT, Wash (Sept. 1, 2022) Cmdr. Bill Howey, the final commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719), passes through sideboys for the final time during a decommissioning ceremony for the submarine, Sept. 1, 2022. Providence was commissioned July 27, 1985, and supported a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

040604-M-5523R-004. Base: USS Essex (LHD 2)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron (right), commanding general of 3d Marine Division, meets with Philippine Marine Corps leaders during KAMANDAG 6 at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2022. 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.

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.

040222-M-3980Y-001. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

020813-A-1306T-007. Base: Camp Zama State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: USAPAC

The Vice Wkil Walikota of Ternate, Drs. Amas Dinsie, speaks with Pacific Partnership 2010 Commander Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti, as others present at a ribbon cutting for an engineering 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.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (Aug. 11, 2022) - Capt. Hank Kim, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22), left, and Capt. Charles Maynard of the Royal Navy, deputy mission commander of PP22, center, speak with Philippine Coast Guard Ensign Janina Antonio aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) 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.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes General William Arnulfo López Chay, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of National Defense of Guatemala and other dignitaries to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022. During the visit, General López attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, spoke with Class 62 students and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Lt. Gen. TAKEMOTO Ryoji, commanding general of the Ground Component Command, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, speaks with JGSDF, United States Forces Japan and Australian Defence Force personnel during his visit to the the Bilateral Joint Operations Coordination Center during Exercise Keen Edge 24 on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 4, 2024. TAKEMOTO met with BJOCC personnel from Japan, the U.S. and Australia and received an update brief about the exercises progress. Keen Edge allows the U.S. and Japan to practice coordination procedures and improve interoperability to effectively respond to any regional contingency or humanitarian crisis. Historically a bilateral Japan Joint Staff and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise, this iteration includes the participation of Australia for the first time, further highlighting the multinational commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (Photo illustration by Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan G. Wright)

U.S. and partner nations exchange gifts at the close of the exercise Regional Cooperation 22 Aug. 19, 2022, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. RC 22 is an annual, multi-national U.S. Central Command-sponsored exercise conducted by U.S. forces in partnership with Central and South Asia nations.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, commanding general of 3d Marine Division, stands with Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, Philippine Marine Corps Commandant, during KAMANDAG 6 at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2022. 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.

Chief Master Sgt. Jacinta Migo, 613 Air Operations Center chief enlisted manager, holds the units guidon while Col. Nicholas Evans, outgoing 613 AOC commander, left, and Col. Chris McFarland, incoming 613 AOC commander, right, listen to opening remarks during the change of command ceremony at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, on August 10, 2022. The 613th AOC is specifically focused on integrating air, space, cyber, and information operations to meet campaign objectives established by the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 9, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr, commanding officer, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, briefs Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. An at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 9, 2022. 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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks with African delegates during the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022 opening ceremonies, Sept. 21, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Fostering regional relationships among African partners allows for the opening of dialogue and helps build regional solutions that we can help our African partners implement to address regional concerns.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (August 3, 2022) - Rear Adm. Mark Melson, Commander, Task Force 73 (CTF 73), center right, salutes during colors alongside members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Pacific Partnership 2022 Philippine Opening Ceremony at Mendoza Park. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific

A Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI, Indonesian Armed Forces) member observes U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brandon Torres from the Hawaii National Guard as he goes over notional intelligence reports during exercise Gema Bhakti 2022, Sep. 12, 2022. Gema Bhakti 22 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint exercise program event, utilizing U.S. joint forces and TNI Armed Forces working together to increase interoperability and enhance regional stability and security through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted Major General Germán Lopez, Colombian Defense Attaché for a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2022. During the visit, the visitors conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Paul C. Merida, commanding officer, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, left, welcomes Finnish Navy Rear Adm. Jori Harju, right, during a key leader engagement event aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in Helsinki, Finland, Aug. 7, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is 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.

060729-N-3931M-038. Base: Banda Aceh Country: Indonesia (IDN)

PEARL HARBOR (July 13, 2022) U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force prepare U.S. Navy Sailors and the Japanese Self Defense Force Sailors for flights on a helicopter landing zone (HLZ) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Ford Island, Hawaii, July 13, 2022. 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.

PEARL HARBOR (July 9, 2022) Japan and Republic of Korea leaders gather for an Indonesian national reception aboard Indonesian Frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (332) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 9. 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 (Indonesian Photo by Lt. Wahyu Widadi)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Timothy Nolan, a Tagalog interpreter with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element, translates for Philippine Marines at an operations in the information environment exchange during KAMANDAG 6 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, Oct. 8, 2022. 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.

Representatives from the 23 participating nations in Exercise TRADEWINDS parade during the exercise opening ceremony in Belize City, Belize on May 7, 2022. Photo: Cpl Alevtina Ostanin - Visual Communications Support (VCS)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Taylor Rodrigues (right), a radio operator with 3d Marine Division, practices using a Mini-Secure Communications Controller with Philippine Marines during KAMANDAG 6 at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 10, 2022. This system enables bilateral radio communications between the Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps. 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. Rodrigues is a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers and U.S. Army Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division meet with Philippine Navy Col. Geiram Aragones, chief of staff of 3rd Marine Brigade, during Balikatan 22 on Marine Base Rodolfo Punsalang, Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines, April 6, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

010629-N-6077T-007. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATION AFLOAT READINESS AND TRAINING Base: Sattahip State: Chon Buri Country: Thailand (THA)

Col. Fata from the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian Armed Forces) speaks to U.S. and Indonesian service members during the closing ceremony of exercise Gema Bhakti 2022, Sep. 16, 2022, Jakarta, Indonesia. Gema Bhakti 22 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint exercise program event, utilizing U.S. joint forces and TNI Armed Forces working together to increase interoperability and enhance regional stability and security through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

040331-M-7403H-019. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

220703-N-N0842-1002-PHPEARL HARBOR (July 03, 2022) The Philippine Navy contingent to Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, led by Capt. Charles Merric Villanueva, engage with foreign counterparts in a dinner reception hosted by the Royal Australian Navy aboard their ship HMAS Canberra (LHD 02), July 3. 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. (Philippine Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Kenny Turco)

(From left to right) Robert Godec, U.S. Ambassador to the Thailand Department of State, Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, chief of defense forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces, and Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commanding general of I Corps, are introduced as the co-chairs for Exercise Cobra Gold 2024 during the opening ceremony held at Utapao Airport, Rayong province, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2024. Cobra Gold demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements, advancing common interests, and a commitment to our allies and partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (July 15, 2022) - Royal Malaysian Navy Capt. Kamalrulzaman bin Zainul, right, acting Submarine Force Commander and commanding officer of Submarine Training Centre, gives a tour to U.S. Navy Capt. John Frye, left, commanding officer of the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), and other officers assigned to Frank Cable of the Submarine Command Headquarters on Sepanggar Naval Base in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, July 15, 2022. Frank Cable is currently on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes the Brazilian Defense Ministrys Escola Superior de Defesa Leadership, Students and Staff to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

040728-N-8796S-117. Base: Da Nang Country: Viet Nam (VNM)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a Convocation Ceremony for Class 62 students on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 2, 2022. The event is a college tradition symbolizing the coming together of students from the Western Hemisphere to a unified body as Class 62.

220818-N-ZA692-2213 MANAMA, Bahrain (Aug. 18, 2022) Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, left, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, speaks during a change of command ceremony for the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in Manama, Bahrain, Aug. 18. Royal Navy Commodore Ben Aldous assumed command of IMSC from Commodore Don Mackinnon who served as commander since November 2021.

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-309-194. Vice Admiral Vivien Crea. Hurricane Katrina

JAKARTA (June 14, 2013) Capt. Will Pennington, commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) is greeted by Indonesia marine Brig. Gen. Ikin Sodikin after Blue Ridge arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia. Blue Ridge port visits represent an opportunity to promote peace and stability in the South Indo-Asia Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners and foster growing relationships.

120312-N-ZZ999-117 PYEONGTAEK, Republic of Korea (March 12, 2012) Gen. Jung Seung-Jo, chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff and Cmdr. Justin A. Kubu, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) discuss exercise Foal Eagle 2012 aboard Chafee. Foal Eagle is a bilateral series of annual, defense-driven training events intended to increase readiness, protect the region, and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula.

221118-N-ON904-1073 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 18, 2022) Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander of United States Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force, GEN Yamazaki Koji, Chief of Staff of Japan Joint Staff, and other key leaders pose for a photo at the new Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces headquarters building at JMSDF Yokosuka Naval Base - Funakoshi District, Japan, Nov. 18, 2022. Rupp and Yamazaki observed the integration of U.S. Navy and JMSDF vessels for Exercise Keen Sword 23, a biennial, joint, and bilateral field-training exercise involving the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad Japan-U.S. alliance.

040331-M-7403H-026. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

220427-N-XC372-3079 NEW DELHI (Apr. 27, 2022) Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, left, and Adm. R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, pose for a photo prior to a Guard of Honour ceremony at Indias Ministry of Defence headquarters. Aquilino visited New Delhi to meet with regional partners and to discuss collaborative approaches to security challenges at the Raisina Dialogue 2022.

221115-N-TR141-1159 CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 15, 2022) Iván Velásquez Gomez, Minister of Defense of Colombia, and Colombian military forces leadership, visit a medical site set up in the Sports Coliseum of Combat and Gymnastics during Continuing Promise 2022 in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2022. Continuing Promise 2022 is 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. Navy Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks with the instructors of the Counter-IED course during Shanti Prayas IV at the Birendra Peace Operations Centre on Feb. 25, 2024. During his visit, Adm. Aquilino met with Nepali Army Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel, Directorate General of Military Training, Maj. Gen. Santosh K. Dhakal, and Director of Peace Operations, Brig. Gen. Prem Bahadur Pun. Shanti Prayas IV is a multinational peacekeeping exercise sponsored by the Nepali Army and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and is the latest in a series of exercises designed to support peacekeeping operations. Marine Corps

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrives at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 3, 2021.

U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, Gen. Charles A. Flynn, sits between Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff, Gen. S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, and Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army, Lt. Gen Ataul Hakim Sarwar Hasan, during the closing ceremony of the 46th Annual Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sept. 15, 2022. This years IPAMS, the largest conference for land forces in the region, is co-hosted by the Bangladesh Army and United States Army Pacific and has attracted senior army leaders from 23 Indo-Pacific countries.

Australian Army Maj. Gen. Scott Winter, commander, 1st division, speaks as a panelist in a panel discussion about amphibious forces contribution in supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific during the eighth iteration of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, Tokyo, Japan, June 15, 2022. PALS brings together allied and partnered amphibious force leaders, experts and practitioners from around the Indo-Pacific to share ideas, best practices and recent experiences with amphibious operations. The 2022 symposium hosted senior leaders from 18 participating delegations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships.

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.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Brazilian General Sergio Negraes, Brazilian Armys Secretary of Finance and Economics to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2022. During the visit General Novaes spoke to students and was inducted into the IADC Hall of Honor. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ben Grant, U.S. Central Command J7 Exercise Division Chief and Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Director of Military Training Brig. Gen. Kayed Jaarat shake hands at the final planning conference for Operation Eager Lion 2022, in Amman, Jordan, June 23rd, 2022. Operation Eager Lion 2022 is a multi-lateral exercise focusing on defensive capabilities in combating terrorism, border security, maritime security, disaster response and humanitarian aid. The final planning conference completed the operational and logistical requirements for more than 30 countries forces that participate in training within the territorial borders of Jordan.

Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS) Commanding General Abdul Wahab Al-Saadi visits ICTS servicemembers during a CSOJTF-Levant Public Affairs course in Baghdad, Iraq.ICTS soldiers strengthened their photography and videography skills to improve partner force capability during the two week refresher course.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted Uruguayan dignitaries for a Uruguayan Independence Day event hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 2, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country and food from the same.

Students and instructors from the Global Peace Operations Initiative participate in the Staff Training Exercise (STE) at Garuda Canti Dharma II / Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise 22 at Pusat Misi Pemeliharaan, Indonesia, July 27, 2022. STE classes are designed to develop instructors who improve readiness of United Nations officers, classes include operations, logistics, planning, and civil military coordination. Exercise Garuda Canti Dharma II enables instructors from multiple countries to integrate and provide cross education, strengthening cohesion between allies and partners.

A Timor-Leste Defense Force soldier addresses the crowd to conclude the closing ceremony for exercise Harii Hamutuk 22 at Metenaro Military Base, Dili, Timor-Leste, Sept. 28, 2022. Harii Hamutuk is a multinational exercise that focuses on engineer-skill based training and subject matter exchanges.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher Oliver, left, assistant chief of staff, G-5, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Philippine Marine Corps Col. Bayani Curaming, Chief of Philippine Marine Staff, have a conversation during staff talks on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 13, 2024. These annual meetings promote military interoperability, strengthen relationships, and expand military capabilities among participating forces in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Marine Corps

FORD ISLAND, Hawaii (July 29, 2022) Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Sam Paparo, speaks with Republic of Korea's Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Minshik aboard the USS Missouri Memorial.

U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Andrew Pate, commanding officer of the Famous-class medium endurance cutter USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913), speaks to the media in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Aug. 1, 2022. USCGC Mohawk is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

MAITE, Guam (July 12, 2022) - Military and local government leaders join local residents to observe the Mongmong-Toto-Maite Marine Depot Memorial ceremony in Maite, July 7. The ceremony was held to remember the 5th Field Service Depot, a U.S. Marine supply outlet that provided jobs to local residents following the events of World War II. (U.S. Navy photos by Shaina ONeal)

Philippine Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Raul Caldez and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Darryl Ayers, 3d Marine Division operations officer, unfurl the exercise flag during the KAMANDAG 6 opening ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2022. 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.

Philippine Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Raul Caldez and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Darryl Ayers, 3d Marine Division operations officer, unfurl the exercise flag during the KAMANDAG 6 opening ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2022. 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.

From left, Lt. Gen. Tadao Maeda, Commanding General, Ground Component Command, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and Australian Army Major General Scott Winter, Commander 1st Division, meet each other during Exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 4, 2022. As a part of U.S. Army Pacific Operation Pathways, Yama Sakura 83 is the largest and most complex U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral command post Exercise to date.

GEN. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander-in-chief, U.S. Central Command, is greeted by COL. Abdul Qader M. Akbar as he arrives for a visit with coalition forces stationed at Riyadh Air Base in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

(L to R) GEN. Joseph T. Palastra, Jr., Hon. Wiilliam H. Taft, IV, Adm. William J. Crowe, Jr., GEN. Carl R. Vuono and GEN. Colin L. Powell prepare for the Forces Command (FORSCOM) change of command in which GEN. Powell is to become the new Forces Command Commander in CHIEF. Base: Fort Mcpherson State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief of Staff of the US Army, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., meets with the 308th Infantry Division Commander, Pham Van Sinh, at the 308th headquarters near Hanoi, Vietnam on Nov. 22, 2010. Casey meet with Vietnam's senior Army leaders to help further military-to-miltary relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.

A day of unique Combat Water Survival and Swift Water Rescue Training was conducted in the waters of the Fox River in Oshkosh, Wis. by the Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team this Saturday, September 10. This rigorous day of training was designed to prepare the Soldiers of Company A to answer the call to ait in domestic operations whenever needed. The event is the companys first large-scale home station training with all Soldiers back together after many deployments and state missions over the past few years. (32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team photo by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman/Released)

Sarah Farnsworth, Office of the Secretary of Defense Protocol, greets a member of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. Members of NATO and other nations met to discuss both the current and future defense needs of Ukraine.

Philippine Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Raul Caldez, exercise director, and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Darryl Ayers, operations officer for 3d Marine Division, furl the KAMANDAG flag during the closing ceremony of KAMANDAG 6, Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2022. 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.

General Saleh Bin Ali AlL-Mohaya, CHIEF of the General STAFF, Saudi Arabian Military is presented a momento by US Army Major General James C. Riley, Commander, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. OChun Jones and Staff Sgt. Joshua Evangelista pose for a photo with members of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) during a staff exercise at Super Gaurda Shield in Baturaja, Indonesia, on August 4, 2022. Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military and Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

Astrid, a popular Indonesian television personality, center, performs a popular Indonesian dance with Pacific Partnership 2010 Commander Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti and the medical director of Jailolo Hospital during her visit to a medical civic action program while reporting on Pacific Partnership 2010 in Ternate, Indonesia, on July 23, 2010. 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.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sept. 5, 2022) - Honiara Integrated Primary School students present U.S. Navy Sailors with leis during a community outreach event 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. 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. Marine Corps Col. Richard M. Martin, right, the commanding officer of III MEF Information Group, greets Hajime Nakama, left, the mayor of Kin, Okinawa, in a tsunami evacuation drill during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2022 on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. The annual drill was held to convey the readiness and capabilities of various installations and first responders in the event of an emergency. CV22 is a Force Protection Condition and crisis response evaluation to validate regional installations, camps, and tenant antiterrorism plans and policies.

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Clayton Gard III, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, right, meets with Hinokuma Toshiro, deputy governor of Miyazaki prefecture, during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 14, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Brazilian Ministry of Defense Curso de Política, Estratégia e Alta Administração do Exército (CPEAEx) Leadership, Students and Staff to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 4, 2022. During the visit, the students were briefed by leadership and received a class by a college faculty, and toured the IADC Campus.

040401-M-1158H-049. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, discuss basic training with Fuzileiros Navais Instructora de Recruta Sergeanto (Brazilian Marine Corps sergeant) Rosie Choque, Jan. 16, 2024, at the Almirante Milcíades Portela Alves Instruction Center, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, discussed lessons learned from Marine Corps recruit training gender integration and infrastructure of the Brazilian Marine Corps to aid in Brazils first group of female Marine Corps recruits. The integration will begin February 2024 and will create service opportunities that were previously closed to women.

SUVA, Fiji (Sept. 15, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visits and speaks with recruits and staff assigned to Republic of Fijis Force Training Group during a visit to Suva, Fiji. The visit to Fiji emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific.

Gen. Michael Langley, incoming commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks with Ms. Chidi Blyden, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African Affairs, before a change of command ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, on Aug. 9. Core to U.S. Africa Commands mission is to work with allies and partners in a whole-of-government approach where defense supports diplomatic and development efforts to address shared security threats.

U.S. partner nation police officers from the Caribbean are recognized for having completed the Public Order Course during Tradewinds 22, on May 12, in Belize. Tradewinds is a Caribbean-focused exercise designed to expand the regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; strengthen partnerships; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the SOP Development Conference; determine SOPs to be exercised; determine regional process for SOP validation; enhance ability to defend Exclusive Economic Zones; increase U.S./ally/partner readiness; promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into the force; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter IUU fishing activities.

Colonel Montie T.S. Hess, Fort Buchanan Commander, passes during change of command ceremonies to have an informal talk with the Mayor of San Juan, the Honorable Hector Luis Acevedo and the Puerto Rico Adjutant General, Major General Miranda Marin. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An instructor from the 3701st Basic Military Training Squadron inspects the locker of a recruit assigned to Flight 526. Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PEARL HARBOR (July 7, 2022) Visitors from three countries tour Philippine Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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. (Philippine Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Kenny Turco)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (July 17, 2022) - Indonesian National Military-Naval Force Kolonel Laut (S) Dodik Pujiargo, S.E., assistant for planning and logistics for 3rd Naval Base (Lantamal), provides opening remarks to the leadership of the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) during a welcoming ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 21, 2022. Frank Cable is currently on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

LT. GEN. Charles A. Horner, commanding general, U.S. Central Air Force, presents Mohammad Al-Nahyan, a United Arab Emirates air force officer, with a pistol in recognition of his performance during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Al Dhafra(SHARJAH) AIR BASE Country: United Arab Emerites(UAE)

Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Chief of Combined Joint Training Col. Mohammadz Al-Manaseer speaks at the final planning conference for Operation Eager Lion 2022, in Amman, Jordan, June 23rd, 2022. Operation Eager Lion 2022 is a multi-lateral exercise focusing on defensive capabilities in combating terrorism, border security, maritime security, disaster response and humanitarian aid. The final planning conference completed the operational and logistical requirements for more than 30 countries forces that participate in training within the territorial borders of Jordan.

VIETNAM (June 22, 2022) - Captain Hank Kim, Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) mission commander, center, speaks with the deputy commander for the Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue in Tuy An District, left, and a Vietnamese translator during a humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HA/DR) information exchange 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.

220711-N-EQ038-1026 PEARL HARBOR (July 11, 2022) Vice Adm. Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS) of the Republic of India, visits with partner-nation air crew and officers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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.

Japan Self-Defense Force Gen. Koji Yamazaki, Chief of Joint Staff, addresses attendees as the keynote speech for the eighth iteration of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium in Tokyo, Japan, June 14, 2022. PALS was co-hosted by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in order to enhance amphibious interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and mutual friendships with senior leaders from across the Indo-Pacific. This years symposium brought together senior leaders from 18 participating delegations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships.

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Sept. 30, 2022) - Cmdr. Jeffrey Cornielle, the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) director, Naval Forces Marianas, was ceremoniously promoted at the Lone Sailor Memorial outside of the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governors Complex, Sept. 30.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Dillenbeck, 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot, meets with Bangladesh Air Force officers during a social hour after the opening ceremony for Cope South 2024, Feb. 19, 2024, at BAF Bangabandhu Cantonment, Bangladesh. When participating in routine exercises with military forces of regional partners such as Bangladesh, the U.S. upholds commitment to peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific region. CS24 promotes building strong relationships with regional partners and enhancing interoperability by training side-by-side. Air Force

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. James Ryans, the assistant division commander of 1st Marine Division, speaks with Youngwan Kim, the consulate general of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Ryans represented 1st MARDIV at a ceremony marking the 72nd anniversary of the Inchon landing and Operation Chromite.

010402-N-4843P-208. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

220517-N-MD802-1185 TOKYO (May 17, 2022) - Lt. Gen. James Bierman, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, left, and Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff, right, speak to each other during an office call at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, May 17, 2022. Bierman and Yoshida discussed ways to enhance bi-lateral coordination and training opportunities to ensure that both U.S. and Japan Self-Defense Forces are ready and capable to defend Japan and secure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

030411-M-1852W-088. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: MAG-36

After awarding the Meritorious Unit Citation to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), President William Jefferson Clinton shakes the hand of US Marine Corps Colonel James M. Lowe, Commanding Officer, 31st MEU, during a ceremony in Okinawa, Japan. The president is visiting Japan as part of a multinational summit involving the eight leading industrialized nations. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted Uruguayan dignitaries for a Uruguayan Independence Day event hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 2, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country and food from the same.

221024-N-FO714-1066MUARA, Brunei (Oct. 24, 2022) Leaders from the U.S. and Royal Brunei Armed Forces pose for a group photo after the conclusion of the opening ceremony for exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei, Oct. 24. CARAT Brunei 2022 highlights the 28th anniversary of CARAT among allies and partners as a way to demonstrate long-term commitment to strengthening relationships throughout South and Southeast Asia and to highlight U.S. Navy commitment to key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners to reinforce ASEAN centrality. Exercises like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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