Naval Boat Operations at Sea

Images depict U.S. Navy and Coast Guard personnel in rigid hull inflatable boats conducting various maritime operations at sea, showcasing teamwork and military readiness.

220615-N-ZQ263-1167 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 15, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), conducts rigid hull inflatable boat operations. Stethem is underway in the 3rd Fleet area of operation.
220615-N-ZQ263-1167 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 15, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), conducts rigid hull inflatable boat operations. Stethem is underway in the 3rd Fleet area of operation.
161 assets in this story
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U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, navigate to the drop zone during open water free fall operations off the coast of Okinawa, Japan April 25, 2022. This specialized training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence for deliberate water parachute operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
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KOROR, PALAU (June 14, 2022) Multiple commands under Commander, Task Force 75, as part of a Port Damage Assessment team demonstate rapidly deployment capability in Palau and conducted a phased approach to harbor clearance, port infrastructure and assessments in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 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. Navy photos by Master Chief Navy Diver Marshall Goble/Released)
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U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, navigate in combat rubber raiding crafts during a boat launch aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 19, 2022. Boat company launches from the well deck to provide the landing force a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.
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Members of a U.S. Navy sea-air-land (SEAL) team push their inflatable boat back into the water after conducting a beach reconnaissance during the joint Korean/U.S. exercise Valiant Blitz '90. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT BLITZ '91 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)
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DA-SC-85-09277. Country: Caribbean Sea
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U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, Logistics Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22 retrieve meals, ready-to-eat that were delivered by a Grumman G-73T Turbo Mallard (VH-PPI) seaplane during a food resupply rehearsal at Wurrumiyanga, NT, Australia, June 9, 2022. The resupply proved MRF-D 22s capability to resupply its units operating in the littorals using non-standard connectors.
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The Marco Oil Recovery Vessel, Rapa, and other smaller vessels position containment barriers behind the MSA Brolga, Royal Australian Navy, during a simulated oil spill. The Marco Oil Revovery team in conjunction with the Royal Australian Navy test their reaction time and recovery capabilities in the event of an oil spill during Exercise TANDEM THRUST 2001. TANDEM THRUST is a combined United States and Australian military training exercise. This biannual exercise is being held in the vicinity of Shoalwater Bay training area, Queensland, Australia. More than 27,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are participating, with Canadian units taking part as opposing forces. The purpose of .... Complete Scene Caption: The Marco Oil Recovery Vessel, Rapa, and other smaller vessels position containment barriers behind the MSA Brolga, Royal Australian Navy, during a simulated oil spill. The Marco Oil Revovery team in conjunction with the Royal Australian Navy test their reaction time and rec
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Trainees carry inflatable boats out to sea as they participate in a Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) exercise at Coronado Beach. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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221030-N-EJ241-1060DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (Oct. 30, 2022) - Sailors assigned to submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) conduct an Anti-terrorism Force Protection Security Swim during the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) port visit at U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia. This port visit to Diego Garcia reflects the United States commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, and complements the many exercises, training, operations, and the other military cooperation activities conducted by Strategic Forces to ensure they are available and ready to operate around the globe at any time. West Virginia is one of six ballistic-missile submarines stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and is capable of carrying up to 20 submarine launched ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.
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A view of the capsized Philippine destroyer DATU KALANTIAW (ex-USS BOOTH DE-170). In the foreground, a crewman from the ammunition ship USS MOUNT HOOD (AE-29) takes a break from salvage operations. Base: Calayan Island Country: Philippines
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Divers from the 1730th Pararescue Squadron monitor the progress of an Air Force HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter that is being raised by a crane aboard the Japanese salvage ship SHIN TATSU MARU. The helicopter, which crashed into the ocean 5.6 miles off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, is being recovered by a joint U.S./Japanese salvage team. A nearby Japanese Maritime Safety Agency Shiretoko class large patrol vessel keeps the area clear as the operation progresses. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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Orion Recovery. After splashing down at 12:40 p.m. EST on Dec. 11, 2022, U.S. Navy divers help recover the Orion Spacecraft for the Artemis I mission. NASA, the Navy and other Department of Defense partners worked together to secure the spacecraft inside the well deck of USS Portland approximately five hours after Orion splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.
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England, Kent, Dover, Border Force officers landing Asylum Seekrs picked up in the English Channel.
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CHIEF Gunners Mate (GMGC) Rick Simonsen helps push off two 24-foot rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) from Pineros Island Range during exercises with Special Boat Unit Twenty (SBU-20). Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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220922-N-XN177-1507 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 recovers naval air crewman during a search and rescue (SAR) swimmer training evolution Sept. 22, 2022. HSC-23 is embarked aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7). Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Members of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, Honolulu, set up an oil spill containment boom during a training exercise. Base: Exxon Valdez State: Hawaii(HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Amphibious assault vehicles, with Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, attached to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Continuing Promise 2010, perform maneuvers after departing the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD7), during demonstrations for service members and civilians, off the coast of Chiriqui Grande, Panama, Oct. 5. Service members and civilians are deployed in support of CP10 providing medical, dental, veterinary, engineering assistance and subject-matter exchanges to Caribbean, Central and South American nations.
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Sailors assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command in Pensacola, Florida, participate in a training evolution in the Pensacola Bay during Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, July 21, 2022. The training is physically demanding and involves instruction on topics such as aircrew duties and assignments, survival, first aid and water rescue procedures. With these skills, enlisted aviation personnel will eventually be assigned to fleet squadrons as naval aircrewmen rescue swimmers.
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Jordan, Middle East, Dead Sea, Jordanian soldiers on surveillance on a boat
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Exercise of the search and rescue (SAR), Leeuwarden airbase. A crashed kite dobbert in a dinghy in the Wadden Sea after he managed to settle in safety with a parachute. The SAR helicopter is on site to save the unfortunate kite.
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A small boat crew makes way through the Hamborgersund fjords off Greenland to participate in a damage control and medical drill off Danish navy ship Enjar Mikkelsen, July 5, 2022. The small boat crew is part of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oak that is taking part in a five-day training event, Exercise Argus, that is designed to enhance capabilities of international partners for responding to search and rescue and marine environmental events in the Arctic region. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Diana Sherbs.
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GUAM (June 9, 2017) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Mike Jones, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, dives off the coast of Guam during a Western Pacific Naval Symposium diving exercise. The biennial diving exercise is conducted to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and tactical proficiency in diving operations in support of disaster response.
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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, land on Dawson Island alongside Chilean Marine partners during a bi-lateral cold weather survival training exchange in Punta Arenas, Chile, Aug. 8, 2022. During this training, the Marines furthered their education in proper techniques for procuring food, water, and shelter in numerous cold weather environments. Training exchanges in South America offer off-cycle training for U.S. forces while strengthening our partnership and enhancing overall interoperability with regional partners.
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2022) Republic of Korea Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles cover and conceal during an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August 1, 2022. 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.
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240208-N-LW994-1074 CORONADO, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2024) Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) candidates and their instructors drive a combat rubber raiding craft underway during Alpha Phase of SWCC training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict. Navy
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APRA HARBOR, Guam -- The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21) sails into Apra Harbor, outside of Naval Base Guam, July 15. Seawolf is a nuclear powered fast-attack submarine and is the lead ship of its class.
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Coast Guard Station Destin personnel participate in tow training near Destin, Florida on June 23, 2022. Station Destin personnel performed tow training in the weeks prior to Fourth of July weekend.
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A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew notified Sector Key West watchstanders of this migrant vessel about 20 miles south of Big Pine Key, Florida, Dec. 11, 2022. The people were repatriated to Cuba on Dec. 14, 2022.
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221030-N-XN177-2421 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Sailors assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) participate in a swim call Oct. 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, conduct cold water survival training alongside Chilean Marines during a training exchange in Punta Arenas, Chile, Aug. 15, 2022. During this training, the Marines furthered their education in proper techniques for procuring food, water, and shelter in numerous cold weather environments. Training exchanges in South America offer off-cycle training for U.S. forces while strengthening our partnership and enhancing overall interoperability with regional partners.
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Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyles boat crew during the rescue of 27 Haitians on Isla Monito, Puerto Rico June 7, 2022. The Haitian group was rescued after being left stranded, following an illegal voyage in the Mona Passage. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
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DN-SC-05-10437. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)
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U.S. Air Force Guardian Angel” Pararescue forces are airdropped into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Cape Canaveral near Kennedy Space Center in Florida to rehearse a full mission profile training exercise on April 27, 2019. The exercise included using a Boeing CST-100 Starliner training capsule to run through the necessary steps in the unlikely event of an emergency resulting in a splashdown. NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) Human Space Flight Support Office Rescue Division conducted the training, which included rehearsing assisted egress, extracting DoD team members acting as astronauts, from the capsule and providing immediate medical treatment. This open-ocean exercise provides team members with the necessary training ahead of Boeing’s Crew Flight Test with astronauts targeted for later this year. During normal return scenarios, Boeing’s Starliner will land in a safe zone of about 15 square miles in the Western United States. Throughout the commercial crew development
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Responders transit from Agana Boat Basin to Tumon Bay for an annual exercise Aug. 11, 2022 aboard a U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor 45-foot response boot medium. The U.S. Coast Guard, Guam Fire Rescue, Guam Police, and the U.S. Navy conducted a successful annual search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in Guam, Aug. 10 - 11. The team coordinated response to an overdue kayak off Tumon Bay working though planning, safety, communications and on the water operations.
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Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-191. Hurricane Katrina
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The U.S. Coast Guard and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands partners conclude a successful two-day search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in Saipan, Aug. 24, 2022. Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam holds SAREXs in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Compact of Free Association States to evaluate notification and response procedures and identify shortfalls in communication and coordination of response during SAR incidents. Each agency holds individual capabilities that complement each others efforts and bolsters the overall success of the SAR system.
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BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) Mexican Naval Infantry Marines with 2nd Infantry Battalion, Naval Infantry Corps, conduct an amphibious landing at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 11. The battalion landing team with U.S. Marine Corps 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, attached to 7th Marines, hosted a basic swim confidence-lane and amphibious training event with joint ally forces from Australia, Korea, and Mexico. 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
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A Samoa Police Officer, (left), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) operations officer, and a Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery Officer, discuss a plan for boarding fishing vessels in the Samoa Exclusive Economic Zone, Feb. 5, 2024. Samoan officials and U.S. Coast Guard Harriet Lane crew worked alongside each other to conduct fishery boardings. Coast Guard
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The Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) departs Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Sept. 16, 2022. The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in Oceania as part of Operation Blue Pacific, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness, and sharing best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards. Op Blue Pacific is an overarching multi-mission U.S. Coast Guard endeavor promoting security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania while strengthening relationships with our regional partners. (U.S. Coast Guard photo Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Ray Blas)
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1100705-N-YO394-078CURACAO, Netherlands Antilles (July 5, 2011) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 and marines from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps watch as Hull Technician 2nd Class Gates Kobuszewski jumps from a cliff at the start of the six-kilometer amphibious march along Curacao. The amphibious march consists of a jump off a cliff into the water, a four-kilometer paddle in inflatable boats, followed by a two-kilometer swim. Sailors from RIVRON-3 are cross-training with elements of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and Navy during a three-week training course intended to familiarize U.S. Navy Riverines with Dutch ship-to-shore amphibious operations.
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U.S. and Philippine Sailors use a NORBIT sonar device to conduct surveys while aboard a combat rubber raiding craft during Balikatan 22, Claveria Port, Philippines, March 30, 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 shared experiences. 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 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.
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KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Dec. 15, 2017) Sailors assigned to Waterfront Operations, Headquarters Battalion, rescue Santa Claus from Kaneohe Bay and bring him to the battalions holiday party at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The holiday celebration also featured activities such as crafts, a Hawaiian luau-style dinner, and live music.
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220819-N-ET093-2097 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 19, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), perform flight deck preservation by conducting a scrub-down aboard the ships flight deck, Aug. 19, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
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120518-N-GL340-318WAKE ISLAND (May 18, 2012) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 flies over Wake Island during practice flight operations. Wake Island was attacked the same day as Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces and the Marines defending the atoll were eventually overwhelmed by an invasion force on December 23, 1941.
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120428-N-ZS026-003 MANZANILLO, Mexico (April 28, 2012) Chief Mineman Paul Bowling, from Hyden, Ky., assigned Mine Countermeasures Detachment 1, embarked aboard the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2), catches a heaving line from a tugboat as the ship prepares to get underway from Manzanillo, Mexico, following a port visit to the city. Independence's Gold Crew and embarked Mine Countermeasures Detachment 1 are underway for the ship's maiden voyage to its homeport of San Diego.
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221212-N-HG389-0031 SITUBONDO, Indonesia (Dec. 12, 2022) Indonesian Navy Sailors and Sailors assigned to Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 conduct a search in Situbondo as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2022, Dec. 12. 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.
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120902-N-GL340-059 PEARL HARBOR (Sept. 2, 2012) Servicemembers aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) man the rails while Mercy prepares to pull into Pearl Harbor for a port visit after the completion of Pacific Partnership 2012. Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic 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.
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220427-O-NR876-431APRA HARBOR, Guam (April 27, 2022) The 11m rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) drives towards the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS-18) as the surface tow cradle (STC) is lowered in preparation to recover the RIB. Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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Navy SEALs Practice Beach Landing
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Cliff fishermen and historic cannon in the Fortaleza de Sagres, Vila do Infante, Sagres, Algarve, Portugal, Europe
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CORONADO, Calif. (May 4, 2020) SEAL candidates participate in surf immersion during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Center in Coronado, Calif., May 4, 2020. NSW Center restarted paused portions of its SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) selection-and-assessment training following careful planning that included implementing COVID-19 mitigation efforts based on CDC recommendations and Department of Defense medical guidance. The health, safety and well-being of students remains NSW Centers top priority. Any student showing signs of illness will be removed from training and evaluated by medical professionals before returning to training. NSW Center provides initial and advanced training to the Sailors who make up the Navys SEAL and Special Boat Teams.
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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.
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The U.S. Coast Guard and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands partners conclude a successful two-day search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in Saipan, Aug. 24, 2022. Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam holds SAREXs in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Compact of Free Association States to evaluate notification and response procedures and identify shortfalls in communication and coordination of response during SAR incidents. Each agency holds individual capabilities that complement each others efforts and bolsters the overall success of the SAR system.
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221001-O-LW180-1011-GR NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 01, 2022) Military service members and personnel from Commander, Task Group 67.4, Hellenic Naval Base in Souda, the Hellenic Air Forces 115th Combat Wing, NATO Maritime Interdiction Training Center, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bays Fire & Emergency Services, and NSA Souda Bays Ward Room participated in NSA Souda Bays 19th Annual Eco-Challenge on Oct. 1. Eco-Challenge is a five-event, outdoor sports competition held across the Akrotiri Peninsula that is designed to build camaraderie and strengthen the U.S. relationship with NATO and Hellenic military partners. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.