U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper and wife, Leah Esper, arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 2, 2019. DoD photo.
NEWPORT, R.I. – The Pentagon is evaluating how to expand its Indo-Pacific region presence, including freedom of navigation operations and adding new bases, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Tuesday morning.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein speaks to Airmen during an all call at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 14, 2019. US Air Force Photo
MANILA — The U.S. Air Force and the Navy will continue a combination of air and sea patrols in the Indo-Pacific region in an effort to keep the waters and skies open to overflight and international navigation, the head of the U.S. Air Force said in the Philippines, his first stopover during a visit to the air forces in the region. Read More
Service members render honors during a ceremony at the Rabaul (Bita Paka) War Cemetery on July 7, 2015. Service members from the U.S., Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Japan and civilians from non-governmental organizations assigned to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) visited the cemetery to lay wreaths and pay respects to those fallen during the World War II battles and other conflicts in the region. US Navy photo.
Political volatility in Australia does not appear to threaten the country’s military and economic relationship with the United States, a panel agreed, partly because of concerns about Chinese economic and military ambitions in Oceania and Asia. Read More
Washington’s simmering trade war with and tariffs against China are creating some unintended consequences for the U.S. military and its relationships with partners in the Pacific, a panel said today. Read More
Marine Capt. Shane Robinette Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and Lt. Umar with 22nd Royal Malaysian Army Regiment explain how to run through the Jungle Point-man Training Course in Kota Belud, Malaysia, August 12, 2018. US Marine Corps Photo
KULALA LUMPUR – Washington is in discussion with individual South-East Asian countries on what programs to support as part of the ongoing Maritime Security Initiative and the $290.5 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) aid allocation for the Indo-Pacific region announced by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Aug. 4 at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Singapore. The FMF allocation is purposed towards strengthening maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and peacekeeping capabilities. Read More
