U.S. Pacific Command

 

Japan's Minister of Defense meets troops at opening of exercise Yama Sakura 71

CAMP KENGUN, Japan (Dec. 8, 2016) - Japan's Minister of Defense, the Honorable Tomomi Inada, visits Japanese, U.S., Canadian and Australian service members during Yama Sakura 71 at Camp Kengun. Inada visited to assess the exercises capabilities, interoperability and bilateral coordination between the countries. Exercise Yama Sakura 71 is an annual command post exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) at Camp Kengun from Dec. 1-13. The purpose of the exercise is to enhance U.S. and Japan's combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. During the exercise, U.S. military members and JGSDF members exchange ideas, tactic, techniques, military experiences, and culture. Yama Sakura strengthens military operations, trust and friendship. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Debralee Best)
Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) and Rear Adm. Chung, Jung-Soo, the Republic of Korea (ROK) deputy chief of naval operations for planning and management, jointly conduct the 9th Strategic Dialogue, a bi-annual conference that focuses on strengthening communication and improving interoperability between the two navies, Dec. 8, 2016. View Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6vhGEhrC1E -- Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander, U.S. Pacific Command, delivers remarks during the 75th Commemoration Event of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Dec. 7, 2016. The 75th commemoration, co-hosted by the U.S. Military, the National Park Service and the State of Hawaii, provided veterans family members, service members and the community a chance to honor the sacrifices made by those who were present Dec. 7, 1941, as well as throughout the Pacific theater. Since the attacks, the U.S. and Japan have endured more than 70 years of continued peace, a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region. Official U.S. Navy file photo of Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724). Survivors of the attacks on Pearl Harbor Naval Station and Hickam Field are honored as they enter the 75th Commemoration of the Dec. 7, 1941 Attack on Hickam Field ceremony Dec. 7, 2016, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The attacks on seven bases throughout Oahu precipitated America's entry into World War II, and the annual commemoration ceremony is designed to foster reflection, remembrance, and understanding for those affected by the events that took place 75 years ago. Capt. Kimber Nettis, 515th Air Mobility Operation Wing Cyberspace Operations chief, smiles with Command Sgt. Maj. Armando Galella, a veteran who lost his best friend during the Dec. 7, 1941 attacks on Oahu, during a photo-opportunity session after the 75th Commemoration of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Hickam Field ceremony Dec. 7, 2016, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The attacks on seven bases throughout Oahu precipitated America's entry into World War II, and the annual commemoration ceremony is designed to foster reflection, remembrance, and understanding for those affected by the events that took place 75 years ago.
Carl Clark, a Pearl Harbor survivor and retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, smiles for a photo with a Navy sailor at the 75th Commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor at Kilo Pier, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oahu. Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans, service members, veterans and civilians came together to remember and pay their respect to those who fought and lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Union of Burma, Scot Marciel, delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) in Nyi Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Dec. 6, 2016. The LMI DREE is a four-day conference for humanitarian and disaster relief experts from Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and the U.S. to discuss ways to improve relief efforts and save human lives during catastrophic floods. (Left to right) Shiro Wakita, former WWII Imperial Japanese Navy pilot; Dr. Hiroya Sugano M.D, director general of the Zero Fighter Admirers Club; Jack Detour, former colonel and World War II Army Air Force B-25 pilot; Jerry Yellin, former captain and WWII Army Air Force P-51 pilot, pour bourbon whiskey at the 6th annual Blackened Canteen Ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial during the 75th commemoration of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 6, 2016. The blackened canteen is a relic of an air raid over Shizauoka, Japan in 1945. It is used for pouring bourbon whiskey as an offering to the fallen in the hallowed waters of Pearl Harbor. Dec. 7, 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. Since Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S. and Japan have endured more than 70 years of continued peace, a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region. USS Utah survivor Gilbert Meyer (second from far right) stands aboard the USS Utah Memorial during a sunset service on Ford Island, Dec. 6, 2016. Navy Region Hawaii hosted the event to remember those who served aboard the Florida-class battleship and to honor the 58 crew members still entombed aboard the sunken vessel. Dec. 7, 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served Dec. 7, 1941 and throughout the Pacific theater. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region. Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada host a joint news conference in Tokyo, Dec. 7, 2016.
U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, salutes as a wreath is laid for fallen Marines at Barber's Point Golf Course in Kapolei, Hawaii, Dec. 6, 2016. The commemoration was to honor the four Marines killed in the attack at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Dec. 7, 1941 during the attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events to honor the courage and sacrifices of Pacific Theater veterans. Navy Adm. Harry B Harris Jr., commander of U.S. Pacific Command, speaks at a tribute for Japanese-American veterans who served in World War II, in Honolulu, Dec. 5, 2015. The "Fighting Two Wars" event honored the bravery and loyalty of the Japanese Americans who served after Pearl Harbor, even in the face of discrimination and distrust. Airman 1st Class Alejandra Vargas, 36th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules loadmaster, pushes a bundle during Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 5, 2016. Australian and Japanese aircrews joined U.S. Airmen to execute the Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Relief training event where C-130 aircrews perform low-cost, low-altitude airdrops to drop zones while providing critical supplies to 56 islands. Military and civilian leaders push a box onto a C-130 Hercules during the 2016 Operation Christmas Drop Push Ceremony Dec. 6, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. This year the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Air Force worked together to continue the tradition of air dropping tools, food, clothing and toys throughout the Pacific. Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks with Air Force Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, after arriving at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2016.
U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific BRIDGEPORT, CT, UNITED STATES - Cmdr. Frank Erickson hoists Igor Sikorsky during the development of the hoist capable helicopter in the early 1940s in Bridgeport, Conn. Erickson went on to fly many missions, save many lives, train many pilots and redefine Coast Guard aviation. Residents of Chatan Town make their way through Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of a bilateral tsunami evacuation exercise Dec. 4, 2016. U.S. Military and civil authorities must be prepared to face any emergency that could occur on Okinawa. The tsunami evacuation exercise is one possible scenario that both nations can train for, execute and evaluate. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work, second from right on stage, and other defense leaders participate in a panel discussion at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, Calif., Dec. 3, 2016. Joining Work on the panel, among others, were U.S. Pacific Command Commander Navy Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley. David Feith of the Wall Street Journal moderated the panel. Ray Chavez, a 104-year-old Navy veteran and the oldest surviving Pearl Harbor veteran, poses for a photo after being greeted by several military members and personnel at the Honolulu International Airport, Dec. 3, 2016. More than 100 World War II veterans, including Pearl Harbor survivors, arrived to Honolulu to participate in the remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served during Dec. 7, 1941, and throughout the Pacific Theater. Dec. 7, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence, and responsiveness in the region. World War II veterans arriving at Honolulu International Airport is greeted by service members and Sailors assigned to various commands throughout Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Dec. 3, 2016. More than 100 World War II veterans, including Pearl Harbor survivors, arrived in Honolulu to participate in the remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served during Dec. 7, 1941, and throughout the Pacific Theater. Dec. 7, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence, and responsiveness in the region.
U.S. Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA) 542, exit a U.S. Air Force C-130J upon their arrival at Chitose Air Base, Dec. 2, 2016. VMA-542 journeyed to Chitose to partake in the Aviation Relocation Training program in an effort to increase operational readiness between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Air Self Defense Force, improve interoperability and reduce noise concerns of aviation training on local communities by disseminating training locations throughout Japan. File photo: Tripler General Hospital around the time of the Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attacks. 1st Lt. Brandon Hummer, left, teaches a class on optics to Sri Lankan Marines with the assistance of an English translator and Sri Lankan Marine during a Theater Security Cooperation engagement at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee, Nov. 23, 2016. Both the United States and Sri Lanka have a continuing interest in strengthening their partnership based on common interests related to maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness, and the security and stability in the region. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in support of enhancing ties with partner and allied nations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Seaman Eliza Manuel, from Memphis, Tennessee, salutes as USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) passes the Arizona Memorial and arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events. Dec. 7, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served Dec. 7, 1941, and throughout the Pacific Theater. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, as well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region. Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, and Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm, Kim, Jong-Il, deputy commander of ROK Fleet, review briefs prior to beginning an Anti-Submarine Warfare Working Group in Busan, Dec. 1, 2016. The working group, co-hosted by CNFK and ROK Fleet, brought together personnel from 17 U.S. and ROK commands to discuss ways both navies can improve ASW capabilities. This is the fifth meeting solely focused on ASW since a cooperation charter was signed in 2014.
The hazardous material, or hazmat, team with the Robert M. Casey Medical and Dental Clinic respond to a simulated chemical attack during decontamination training at Marine Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 1, 2016. The clinic holds decontamination training biannually to prepare the base for real-world chemical contaminations. In this file photo, a Hawaii Air Natioanl Guard Airmen and Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier repel down a cliff to a car wreck prop during a cliff rescue scenario at Exercise Vigilant Guard 2017, Delle Valle Regional Center, California, Nov. 17, 2016. The service members are part of a Hawaii Natonal Guard team that focuses on emergency response. Vigilant Guard is an exercise program sponsored by United States Northern Command in conjunction with National Guard Bureau to provide State National Guards an opportunity to improve cooperation and relationships with their regional civilian, military, and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events. Members of U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) staff talks pose for group photo; (from left to right, seated) Col. Seun Gyun Lee, 1st Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Division, Rear Adm. Marc H. Dalton, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jong-Sam Kim, Commander, Flotilla 5, Col. Charles Western, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Nov. 29, 2016. The staff talks between U.S. and ROK armed forces aimed to build on interoperability and on the long-standing alliance between both nations. Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks with the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell during the Defense Senior Enlisted Leader's Council at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 2016. In this file photo, Chief Petty Officer Kurt Bartholamai acts as safety officer while Chief Petty Officer Jed May directs personnel aboard the flight deck of littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4). Currently on a rotational deployment in support of the Asia-Pacific Rebalance, Coronado is a fast and agile warship tailor-made to patrol the region’s littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force maintainer, prepares for the arrival of the first Japanese F-35A Nov. 28 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), launches a combat rubber raiding craft during a helocast training evolution with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force, Nov. 28,2016. Makin Island, the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region. Brig. Gen. William King IV, commander of 20th Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Command, and Brig. Gen. Sung Joon Moon, commander of the Chemical Biological Radiological Defense Command, exchange words during a Command Overview briefing at the 20th CBRNE Headquarters in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Nov. 28. During the meeting they discussed future training venues, and according to King, the meetings will help increase the effectiveness of the capabilities on both sides. Takaatsu Sueyoshi, right, instructs students on Japanese pronunciation during a Survival Japanese Language Class Nov. 29 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The class taught students basic speech, reading and writing skills to enrich their experience while stationed on Okinawa. During the class, the instructor demonstrated the three basic writing styles called hiragana, katakana and kanji. After the demonstration, participants practiced reading, writing and speaking basic Japanese words and phrases. Sueyoshi is a library technician and the instructor of the Survival Japanese Language class. The official logo for the Navy's commemoration of 75th anniversary of World War II. Starting with the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 2016, through the anniversary of the Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri (BB 63) on September 2, 2020, the Navy will commemorate the pivotal role Sailors played in America's World War II victory. Learn more at www.history.navy.mil/wwii.
MORE PHOTOS

Marine Hornet Pilot Killed in Japan Crash Identified (Stars and Stripes) 


Navy's Futuristic Destroyer Glides Past Chinese Warships, Docks in San Diego (San Diego Union-Tribune)

United States Has 'Enduring' Interests In Asia-Pacific, Defense Secretary Says (Reuters)

Japanese Prime Minister Plans Landmark Visit to Pearl Harbor (Washington Post)

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