Cowboy, Samurai, Kangaroo, Philippine Eagle, Pho, Elephant, Kiwi, Etc.

Nobu · March 12, 2018

"...sailors from the carrier are scheduled to spend time at a treatment centre for people who were exposed to Agent Orange chemicals during the war..."

The Socialist People's Republic of Vietnam would likely require those same U.S. Navy sailors to sign affadavits of their deep feelings of guilt and shame afterward if it thought it could get away with it.

JasonJ · March 13, 2018

Planned Japanese military attaches going from 1 person to 2 people in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – In order to balance and monitor China’s increasing activity in the South China Sea, the government of Japan has decided to increase the number of resident military advisers in partner nations of the region.

On March 7, it was reported by Liberty Times that Japan will be dispatching permanent military advisers to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia to cooperate with the local governments on intelligence operations regarding China’s activity in the region.

According to Japanese media, this is the first time the Japanese government has assigned official military attaches to the three Southeast Asian countries, and the original number of officers planned has also been increased from one officer to two officers, for each of the three countries.

In addition to coordinating intelligence between countries on behalf of Japan’s SDF, the aadvisers will also have responsibilities related to the security of the Japanese embassies in the three host countries.

According to the report from Liberty Times, Japan is also preparing to provide the Philippine military with three new TC-90 utility aircraft, which will help the Philippines better monitor Chinese activity around its territory.

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3378507

A Japanese article on it. Basically same content. Just that the attaches to the Philippines and Vietnam is to be increased this month. The increase in Malaysia will be in FY2018.

日本政府は今月、フィリピンとベトナムに常駐する防衛駐在官を各１人から各２人に増員する。２０１８年度にはマレーシアの防衛駐在官も２人に増やす。３カ国とも中国が軍事拠点化を進める南シナ海で領有権争いを抱えており、中国の動向などに関する情報収集力の強化を図る。政府関係者が６日までに明らかにした。

　防衛駐在官は外務省職員の身分で在外公館などに駐在する自衛官。現地の軍関係者や各国駐在武官らと交流し、主に軍事情報の収集に当たる。政府関係者によると、この３カ国の防衛駐在官が複数体制になるのは初めて。増員により、各国との防衛協力もさらに進める方針だ。

　フィリピンには今月下旬、海上自衛隊の練習機「ＴＣ９０」３機を引き渡す。こうした支援で南シナ海周辺国の海上警備能力を向上させ、中国の強引な海洋進出を牽制したい考えだ。（共同）

http://www.sankei.com/politics/news/180306/plt1803060024-n1.html

JasonJ · March 13, 2018

USS Carl Vinson and JS Ise conduct joint training in the South China Sea. Not specified when it'll end, just that it started on March 11th.

SOUTH CHINA SEA - The Carl Vinson Strike Group began a bilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), March 11, during a regularly scheduled deployment in the Western Pacific.

Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) are conducting combined operations with Japanese destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) to enhance maritime interoperability between longstanding allies.

“Strong maritime partnerships maintain security, stability and prosperity, which the Indo-Pacific region has enjoyed for more than 70 years,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, the strike group commander. “Collaborating with a close maritime partner promotes regional cooperation.”

As part of the exercise, four JMSDF liaison officers have embarked Carl Vinson to support combined operations. The operations will include formation steaming as well as anti-submarine and air-defense training. Ise will also conduct a replenishment-at-sea with Carl Vinson.

The 646-foot Japanese destroyer displaces 18,000 tons and sails with three Y (60 K/J) helicopters. The ship’s primary missions include anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasure, logistics, and search and rescue.

The Carl Vinson Strike Group also includes Carrier Air Wing 2 and a complement of more than 70 aircraft, Destroyer Squadron 1 and guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

Michael Murphy conducted a passing exercise with the French frigate FNS Vendémiaire while operating in the Western Pacific and South China Sea in January and February. Sailors practiced communication and shiphandling techniques.

The strike group completed a historic port visit to Vietnam, March 9, which marked the first time an aircraft carrier visited in more than 40 years.

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/110461

JMSDF report

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201803/20180313-01.pdf

On the 16th in the afternoon east-southeast of Okinawa.

http://www.sankei.com/politics/photos/180316/plt1803160030-p4.html

More in the spoiler

https://www.facebook.com/7thfleet/photos/pcb.10156228207427402/10156228189432402/?type=3

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 17, 2018) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) participate in a bilateral exercise in the Pacific Ocean. The Carl Vinson Strike Group is operating in the Western Pacific as part of a regularly scheduled deployment (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan M. Kinee/Released) 180317-N-MT837-0001

Edited March 22, 2018 by JasonJ

JasonJ · March 26, 2018

The joint cruise between USS Carl Vinson and JS Ise went from March 11th to 23rd.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201803/20180324-01.pdf

Last three of five donated TC-90s arrived to the Philippines.

CAVITE, Philippines – The Philippine government got 3 more hand-me-down Beechcraft King Air TC-90 planes from Japan on Monday, March 26, completing the expected 5-plane squadron promised by Tokyo.

The transfer was formalized through an elaborate arrival and transfer ceremony at Sangley Point, Cavite City, complete with a water cannon salute when the planes landed.

Present at the event were Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, and Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

"The activation of the 5 TC-90 aircraft into the service of the Philippine Navy is truly a huge leap in the PN's air capability. The TC-90 is far more superior than our current inventories," Empedrad said in his speech.

How are they superior? The planes are not much for the Japanese as they only used the aircraft to train their pilots before they board bigger, more state-of-the-art patrol planes.

For the ill-equipped Philippine Navy, however, they matter a lot. (READ: Small planes for PH Navy signal Japan's growing security role)

Compared to the Navy's old Islanders, Empedrad said, the TC-90s are "far more superior...in terms of speed, range, longer loiter time capability, superior search, tracking, imaging, and identification."

Planes for free? The planes weren't supposed to be given for free, but the Japanese government decided to give them away after their law had allowed for turning over defense equipment to other nations.

The change in legislation has saved the Philippine government much, as the initial agreement between Manila and Tokyo required the Philippines to pay $28,000 for a 5-year lease.

While few and small, the planes are remarkable for being among the first equipment given away by Japan in the wake of its lifted weapons export ban put in place since World War II.

How will the planes be used? The planes will fly on patrol over the West Philippine Sea, but Defense Secretary Lorenzana noted that the aircraft will take on more missions inside the Philippines for disaster response operations.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/199002-philippines-navy-patrol-planes-japan-maritime-patrol

JasonJ · April 3, 2018

INS Talwar sailed with USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group on March 25th.

INDIAN OCEAN - Units of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group sailed in formation with the Indian Navy Talwar-class frigate INS Tarkash (F50), March 25.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), along with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) participated.

The event, a naval greeting and training exercise between partner nations as Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) transitions from fighting ISIS while in the Arabian Gulf to operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations such as counter-piracy, freedom of navigation operations and training.

Warfare commanders from the U.S. Navy ships and the Indian Navy ship practiced working together and strengthened their crews' ship handling. Exercises included drills in communications and navigating in several close formations.

"This exercise offered a unique opportunity to further our capabilities to operate with and learn from one another," said Cmdr. Allen Maxwell Jr., commanding officer of Preble. "It's an excellent test for our watchstanders to exercise their flexibility as warfighters and to interact with foreign vessels in a tactical environment. Preble is dedicated to ensuring its ability to work together with our allies and partners and deal with common concerns such as disaster relief and safety of sea lanes."

Additionally, 10 Indian Sailors toured spaces aboard Preble such as combat information center, central control station, and the bridge while 10 Preble Sailors visited Tarkash.

"Having the opportunity to go over to the Indian ship was an awesome cultural experience," said Ensign Grace E. Pruden, a Sailor assigned to Preble. "I was surprised by how much was the same, but also intrigued to learn how our ship and the crew run differently. They were a very hospitable ship, eager to share with us and learn from us."

Pruden said that the crew size, weapons systems, air capabilities, gas turbine engines, and officer and enlisted ranking were comparable to that of Preble. However, she noted differences in officer training programs.

"Whatever field their officers are in when they join is what they will stay in for their entire career, which for most is a minimum of 20 years," said Pruden. "The idea of changing departments after a tour, or even during a tour, along with standing watches outside of the department we are in, as we do, really surprised them."

While touring each other's ships for the afternoon, Sailors had the chance to learn how they operate on a day-to-day basis and experience life at sea from a different perspective.

"The officers and crew of Tarkash were fantastic hosts and extremely welcoming to our group," said Ensign Adam B. Campbell, a Sailor assigned to Preble. "It was very impressive that a cook staff of only five sailors could produce such a wide variety of delicious, fresh foods for a crew of 300 people three times a day."

After a formal gift exchange between leadership and friendly conversation, Sailors returned to their ships on a rigid-hull inflatable boat to conclude the exercise.

Preble is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, along with the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Higgins (DDG 76) and USS Sampson (DDG 102).

The TRCSG deployment is an example of the U.S. Navy's routine presence in waters around the globe, displaying commitment to stability, regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations.

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/140140

JasonJ · April 7, 2018

Five Ospreys arrive at Yokota base as part of overall plan to deploy 10 there. The original plan was postponed, but the degree of postponement was cut short because of DPRK related tensions.

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Five CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor transport aircraft of the U.S. Air Force arrived at the Yokota base in a Tokyo suburb on Thursday for a brief stop.

The planes will leave for training for two to three months before official deployment at the base expected as early as this summer. They departed from a U.S. military facility in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, earlier on Thursday.

The arrival of the CV-22 Ospreys is likely to increase local residents’ concerns over a possible accident as the aircraft designed to carry special operations troops are expected to conduct low-altitude flight training frequently.

It will be the first deployment of Ospreys at a U.S. military base in Japan other than the Marine Corps’ Futenma base in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, where MV-22 Ospreys are deployed.

According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, the CV-22 Osprey’s accident rate is estimated at 4.05 per 100,000 flight hours. The CV-22 experienced three serious accidents counted as the U.S. military’s Class-A mishaps during its 74,000 hours of flight as of the end of September last year.

The accident rate of the MV-22 surged to 3.24 from the figure of 1.93 recorded as of 2012 following a recent series of accidents.

The U.S. side has told the ministry that it is difficult to calculate a meaningful accident rate for the CV-22 as its total flight hours have yet to reach 100,000.

A total of 10 CV-22s are scheduled to be deployed at the Yokota base in stages over several years.

Initially, the U.S. military planned to deploy the aircraft at the base in the latter half of 2017, and then put off the plan to sometime between 2019 and 2020. The postponement period was eventually shortened apparently because of tensions over North Korea.

http://www.the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004352400

http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004354313

12 F-35As from Utah arrived at Kadena for training with other USAF and JASDF aircraft.

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan, and WASHINGTON —The F-35 has caught flack for what critics decry as lack of dogfighting prowess, a reputation that has followed the joint strike fighter for years.

But in the skies above Kadena Air Base in Japan, F-35 operators are getting the chance to prove those detractors wrong.

In October, more than 300 airmen and 12 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing jets from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrived in Japan, marking the Air Force’s first-ever F-35 deployment to the Asia-Pacific region. Since then, pilots have focused primarily on the air-to-air fight — a rarity for the F-35, a stealthy fifth-generation jet that is more known for its air-to-ground capability.

Kadena’s location on the island of Okinawa, a small 466-square-mile plot of land surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, offers a prime location for F-35 operators to practice aerial combat, said Capt. Ryan Fantasia, an F-35A pilot with the 34th Fighter Squadron.

“The airspaces are all over the water, so it’s a lot harder to look down and see the ground or anything like that. Plus, the Eagles are here,” he said, referring to the two F-15C/D Eagle fighter jet squadrons based at Kadena.

F-35A pilots train with F-15C/Ds anywhere from a couple times a month to a couple days a week, Fantasia told Defense News in February. Sometimes those exercises include Eagles from the 44th and 67th fighter squadrons at Kadena; while other days, F-35 pilots mix it up with F-15s from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

“It’s a blast. I really, really enjoy it,” said Fantasia, a fairly new pilot who graduated in January from the inaugural F-35 basic flight class. Fantasia and the five other “B-course” graduates are the first pilots trained from the start to be F-35 operators. They didn’t have prior experience in another combat aircraft like an F-22 or F-16.

Now, those pilots get to learn not only from the more knowledgeable F-35 operators based at Hill, but the F-15 pilots of Kadena, whose training consists of tactics and techniques that have been passed down and refined over nearly four decades.

“The training itself, we’re really taking advantage of the joint part of the exercise,” Fantasia said. “So the ability to see everybody’s different capabilities and then ultimately put that into one fluid scenario, it really allows for a lot of successes out there and a lot of chances to learn from each other.”

During his last flight, Fantasia faced off in a one-on-one fight that allowed him to practice basic fighter maneuvers — things like high-G turns, high climbs and high angle-of-attack moves that allow a pilot a more advantageous position when in a close-quarters fight.

Fantasia didn’t say whether he went up against another F-35 or an F-15, but the older fourth-generation jet still can pose a challenge in a dogfight.

The F-15C sustained has a long run as the Air Force’s premier air superiority jet, from the time it was introduced in the 1970s to 2005, when the fifth-gen F-22 was fielded. It’s famed for its incredible aerial combat record, with no losses ever recorded.

The F-35’s record against fourth-generation fighters hasn’t always garnered the jet positive attention. In 2015, War Is Boring obtained a five-page brief authored by an F-35 test pilot, who wrote that the joint strike fighter had been outclassed by the F-16. The pilot dogged the F-35 as too slow and not maneuverable enough to evade the F-16 or to shoot it down, the report stated.

At the time, the Defense Department defended the F-35 by pointing out that the aircraft involved in the test was a very early model with a flight envelope limited to only 5.5 G’s. The jet also did not feature many of the mission systems, stealth coating or helmet display functionality considered by some as the defining features of the F-35, which are now widely available.

In February, the F-35s at Kadena got the latest block 3F software, the full combat capability version that allows the aircraft to fly its entire flight envelope and up to 9 G maneuvers. But even before that, the Joint Strike Fighter’s air-to-air game has shown improvement, achieving a 20-to-1 kill ratio at its first Red Flag event in early 2017.

Capt. Brock McGehee, a pilot from Kadena’s 44th Fighter Squadron who has been flying F-15s for two years, characterized the F-35 as an “extremely capable” air-to-air fighter, during a February interview with Defense News.

“It’s just kind of scary a little bit to fly around in the dark with an invisible airplane that’s around you somewhere,” he said. “Those guys are very good pilots, their situational awareness is very high and they do a good job of keeping us in the loop of where they are when they’re on the same team as us.”

McGehee compared the F-35 to its fifth-generation brother, the F-22 Raptor. Both are stealth aircraft, making them very difficult to detect at long distances. But in close combat, an F-15 will engage an F-22 and F-35 very differently, he said. He declined to discuss specifics that could reveal tactics, techniques and procedures and provide an adversary with hints about how to best either aircraft.

“An F-22, if you’ve ever watched the demo of it, you can turn inside out. It’s ridiculous,” he said. “An F-35, it turns differently. So that’s just [basic fighter maneuver] kind of awareness for us of what to do differently.”

So can the F-15 beat the F-35 in dogfights?

“I mean, sometimes,” McGehee said, adding that all aircraft lose in aerial combat sometimes, and for various reasons.

“Part of it is the aircraft and part of it is the man in the aircraft,” he continued. “We’ve got some really talented pilots here who are able to gain the offensive on a lot of other pilots. A pilot who understands this aircraft very well and is very skilled at it is pretty lethal no matter what he’s flying, so it’s possible.”

https://www.defensenews.com/smr/kadena-air-base/2018/03/27/how-is-the-f-35-improving-its-dogfighting-skills-in-japan/

JasonJ · April 7, 2018

The joint-exercise schedule for units of the JGSDF with other countries for Fiscal Year 2018. I usually avoid articles that talk about planned events because of the possibility of cancellations, changes, or the ariticle itself just being fake hype, but, this document is probably more likely to really happen. But the document does say possibility of some changes and possible additional exercises as part of coordination with the US.

US-Japan joint-training

-Command and Control: Yama Sakura 74, Northern Army, in the US, June

-Command and Control: Yama Sakura 75, Northern Army, in Japan, December

-Working exercise with US Army in Japan: Orient Shield, North Eastern Army, August-September

-Working exercise with US Army in Japan: North Wind, Northern Army, January-March

-Working exercise with USMC in Japan: Northern Viper, Northern Army, July-September

-Working exercise with USMC in Japan: Forest Light 01, Western Army, October-December

-Working exercise with USMC in Japan: Forest Light 02, Middle Army, January-March

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: Raising Thunder, Eastern Army, August-September

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: Arctic Aurora, Combined Ground, May-June

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: at the National Training Center, Northern Army, January-March

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: RIMPAC (anti-ship warfare), Western Army, June-August

-Working exercise with USMC in the US: RIMPAC (Amphibious vehicles), Combined Ground, June-August

-Working exercise with USMC in the Philippines: KAMANDAG, Combined Ground, September-October

-Working exercise with USMC in the US: Iron Fist, Combined Ground, January-March

Japan-US-Australia joint-training

-Participation in Australia: AASAM, Fuji School, April-May

-Working exercise with US and Australia militaries in Australia: Southern Jackaroo, Eastern Army, May-June

-Working exercise with US and Australia militaries in Japan: disaster countermeasures, Middle Army, October

Multi-national exercise in Mongolia called Khaan Quest, Combined Ground, June

Working exercise with the British Army in Japan: Fuji School, September-October

Working exercise with the Indian Army in India: Eastern Army, October-December

Four working exercise activities with British Army and Indian Army during the working exercise with the US in anti-ship warfare and the training at the National Training Center in the US.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180406.pdf

Edited April 7, 2018 by JasonJ

JasonJ · April 11, 2018

Seemingly increasing defense relations between Japan and Malaysia as JS Akizuki and JS Michishio.visit Malaysia.

KOTA KINABALU: The strong ties between personnel of the Malaysian navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was apparentduring a dinner reception on board the Akizuki warship here, yesterday.

Despite the language barrier, the Malaysian and Japanese navy personnel mingled and exchanged knowledge and experiences.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who was the guest of honour, and Sabah Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Johnson Tee.

At the reception, guests were served with a variety of Japanese cuisine and entertained with a martial arts performance.

The Japanese naval vessel - Akizuki - and submarine Mischisio made its first international port of call at the Sepanggar navy base, yesterday morning.

Earlier in a welcome speech, Consul of the Japan's Consular Office here Hiroko Matsuo said choosing Sabah's state capital as the first foreign port indicated how important the Kota Kinabalu naval nase was for Japan.

"I firmly believe in its significant role in the protection and the security of our nations as well as the maintained stability in this region.

"The vessel Akizuki will conduct a passage exercise with Malaysian vessel KD Kedah and I believe this Malaysia-Japan joint exercise will open the page for closer ties between our two defence organisations and nations amid the increasingly critical security environment in this region," she said.

Meanwhile, Eastern Fleet deputy commander First Admiral Khalid Jaafar noted that Malaysia and Japan have long had a good relationship in terms of politics, economics, and defence.

"Every year, we are honoured to receive ships from JMSDF especially in Kota Kinabalu. It is our hope that this visit will strengthen the long established relationship.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/04/354196/malaysia-japan-navy-strengthen-ties-dinner-onboard-akizuki-warship

https://www.facebook.com/JMSDF.PAO.fp/photos/pcb.1781328825262161/1781326555262388/?type=3

KD Kedah and JS Akizuki

https://www.facebook.com/JMSDF.PAO.fp/photos/pcb.1782453431816367/1782453035149740/?type=3

Worth noting that JS Michishio and JS Fuyuzuki made a similar visit to Malaysia around the same time last year.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201703/20170314-02.pdf

Edited April 11, 2018 by JasonJ

JasonJ · April 12, 2018

EAST CHINA SEA (April 9, 2018) The Osumi-class amphibious transport dock ship JS Shimokita (LST 4002), amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), guided-missile destroyer USS Sterrett (DDG 104), amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) perform boat operations during a PHOTOEX as part of bilateral drills with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The drills were held as part of an enduring commitment of both sea services to increase interoperability and proficiency in conducting operations together. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor King/Released)

http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lhd1/Pages/US-Japan-Maritime-Forces-Conduct-Navigational-Maneuvers-in-East-China-Sea.aspx#.Ws8tMS5ubct

180409-N-NM806-1083 EAST CHINA SEA (April 9, 2018) USS Green Bay (LPD 20) (front), USS Wasp (LHD 1) and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Osumi-class amphibious transport dock ship JS Shimokita (LST 4002) sail together as part of a coordinated formation. The bilateral navigational maneuvers were conducted as part of an enduring commitment of both sea services to increase U.S.-Japan naval interoperability. (Photo by MC3 Taylor King)

http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lhd1/Pages/US-Japan-Maritime-Forces-Conduct-Navigational-Maneuvers-in-East-China-Sea-.aspx#.Ws8tAS5ubcs

JMSDF report on the above training: http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201804/20180410.pdf

JasonJ · April 12, 2018

HMS Sutherland arrived at Yokosuka on April 10th for North Korea related patrals and joint-training with the JMSDF. HMS Albion will be arriving sometime soon. And HMS Argyll is to come this coming winter.

The Royal Navy’s HMS Sutherland docked in the Japanese port of Yokosuka on Wednesday morning and will take part in operations to combat efforts by North Korea to get around United Nations sanctions of banned commodities, including fuel and components for the regime’s nuclear and long-range missile programmes.

Satellites and maritime patrol aircraft have in recent months identified a number of ship-to-ship transfers being conducted at sea between North Korean freighters and vessels flying other flags. Royal Navy vessels will now be involved in monitoring and potentially interdicting such activities, using Wildcat helicopters and state-of-the-art radar systems.

HMS Sutherland is the first of three Royal Navy warships that will visit Japan and other ports in the region before the end of the year in order to enforce UN sanctions, conduct freedom of navigation operations and take part in a series of exercises with the UK’s allies in the region.

“Our armed forces are at the forefront of Global Britain and the deployment of HMS Albion, Sutherland and Argyll demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our international responsibilities and to maintaining peace, security and prosperity in the region”, said Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary.

“Until North Korea matches its words with concrete actions, the UK will continue working closely with partners and allies to keep up pressure and strictly enforce existing sanctions, ensuring not only regional security but that of the UK as well," he said.

Mark Field, the minister for the Asia-Pacific region, is presently visiting Tokyo and said the deployment of three Royal Navy ships to Japan highlights the UK’s commitment to the security of the region, adding that British ground troops will for the first time take part in exercises with Japanese forces here in the autumn.

“The relationship between the Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Royal Navy is becoming increasingly close and these joint exercises have been planned to improve interoperability and friendship between our forces”, Mr Field said.

The UK “supports the diplomatic approach by our allies and partners in Japan”, he said, but is also committed to enforcing UN Security Council sanctions on the North.

HMS Sutherland will take part in anti-submarine exercises with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Forces in the coming weeks before HMS Albion - an amphibious transport ship complete with a unit of Royal Marine Commandos - arrives later in the year for landing exercises. HMS Argyll, another Type 23 frigate, is scheduled to conduct operations in the region next winter.

As well as countering North Korea, the Royal Navy warships will conduct freedom of navigation operations in waters in the South China Sea, close to uninhabited atolls that have been unilaterally claimed by Beijing and turned into islands with extensive military fortifications.

Captain Paul Casson, the defence attache at the British Embassy in Tokyo, declined to reveal the details of the vessels’ routes for operational reasons, but did confirm that the Royal Navy ships would “demonstrate the UK’s commitment to regional stability, international law and the United Nations Law of the Sea”.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/12/hms-sutherland-arrives-japan-effort-curb-north-koreas-evasion/

HMS Sutherland will conduct the mentioned joint-training with JS Suzunami, JS Tokiwa, a P-3C, and a sub in waters south of the Kanto area on April 27th and 28th.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201804/20180411.pdf

HMS%2BSutherland.jpg

180411-N-XN177-119 YOKOSUKA, Japan – The British Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland (F 81) arrives at U.S. Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka for a scheduled port visit. FLEACT Yokosuka provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, 71 tenant commands, and 27,000 military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart/Released)

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4285265/hms-sutherland-visit-us-fleact-yokosuka

Stuart Galbraith · April 12, 2018

Just in time for her to be required in the Med.

JasonJ · April 12, 2018

Pardon our neediness

JasonJ · April 14, 2018

Even though on separate schedules, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Bunker HIll, HMAS Anzac and HMAS Success, and JS Akizuki visit the Philippines at the same time. Balikatan exercise next month.

MANILA, Philippines – About 300 Filipino government officials, military officers, businessmen, diplomats, and journalists boarded a massive US aircraft carrier in Manila Bay Friday night, April 13, for a reception hosted by US ambassador Sung Kim.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of US Navy Carrier Strike Group 9, arrived in Manila on April 11, the same day China began drills in the South China Sea. The reception aboard the carrier was held only hours after China ended the drills with a large naval parade that Chinese President Xi Jinping himself witnessed.

Two Australian warships and a Japanese destroyer also arrived in nearby Subic Bay for innocent but curiously timed port visits.

US Navy Rear Admiral Stephen Koehler, commander of the Strike Group 9, said it is important to make sure that the "sea is a rightful place for everybody."

"Sailing in the South China Sea continues to be a great opportunity to ensure freedom of commerce and ensure that the sea is a rightful place for everybody. All the navies that we’ve sailed with here, and it’s been plenty, continue to do that," Koehler told Rappler.

Alliance: US, Australia, Japan

The US, Australia, and Japan are allies in fighting for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea – an important trade route – where China insists sovereignty.

The Royal Australian Navy's long range guided missile frigate HMAS Anzac and auxillary oiler replenishment HMAS Success arrived on April 11 for a 5-day goodwill visit.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS AKIZUKI arrived in Subic Bay on April 13 for a 3-day goodwill visit.

The USS Roosevelt is the second US aircraft carrier to visit Manila this year, following USS Carl Vinson last month. It's a testament to the importance of the Philippines to the US, said Kim.

"We are thrilled that USS Roosevelt is visiting the Philippines. I think it's a very clear reflection of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, commitment to the US-Philippine alliance, partnership, friendship and also our commitment to promoting and protecting very important rights, principles and values like freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce, and freedom of flight," Kim told Rappler during the reception.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano, and business tycoon Jaime Zobel de Ayala were among the guests. Representatives of other embassies and foreign military attaches were also present.

Koehler also hosted a small group of Philippine generals aboard the carrier in the South China Sea before arriving in Manila Bay on April 11.

US envoy: I'm pleased with the alliance

The Philippines, located strategically between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is a longtime ally of the US. But geopolitics in the region changed when President Rodrigo Duterte sought warmer ties with China, and for a time threatened to scrap treaties with the US in the wake of criticisms over his brutal campaign against drug use.

The US-Philippines alliance survived and Duterte expressed a liking for US President Donald Trump, a positive development if only for the survival of the ties.

The annual US-Philippines Balikatan war games will be held next month. Australia and Japan will also participate.

The US and Australia have visiting forces agreements with the Philippines, a treaty also previously contemplated with Japan.

"I’m very pleased with the state of our alliance in general," said Kim. Our exercises are continuing. Planning for Balikatan this year has been well underway for many months now. I expect that it will be a very productive exercise this year as it was last year," said Kim. (READ: How are US-PH ties under the Duterte? 'Terrific,' says envoy)

Personnel of the USS Theodore Roosevelt will participate in cultural exchanges and community relations. The US embassy said the carrier, after departing Manila, will continue on its deployment to the Western Pacific.

The Australian and Japan navies will hold various engagements with the Philippine Navy.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/200212-united-states-allies-show-force-south-china-sea

http://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1490097/uss-theodore-roosevelt-arrives-in-manila/#.Ws3YQfrfvmo.facebook

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2018/04/13/2-australian-navy-ships-subic-goodwill-visit-598303

https://www.facebook.com/JMSDF.PAO.fp/posts/1785692038159173

Edited April 14, 2018 by JasonJ

JasonJ · April 14, 2018

FY2017 scrambles.

http://www.mod.go.jp/js/Press/press2018/press_pdf/p20180413_05.pdf

Noted in the first page is that the number of scrambles for FY2017 in response to Chinese aircraft numbered 500 times, marking a decrease by 351 times from last year. However the number of unusual flight paths such as H-6 bombers flying up to Ise Peninsula for the first time or like when fighter aircraft passing through the Tsushima strait and into the Sea of Japan for the first time, has increased. The number of flights passing through between the Okinawa main island and Miyako island was also the highest recorded, at 36 times, since the first time such a flight path was recorded in FY2013. The number of Russian related scrambles increased, including an increase in the number of times TU-95s made long distance travels along Japan, 21 times, 12 times more than last year.

Here are some images from the PDF report. Light blue English and year numbers are mine.

Edited April 14, 2018 by JasonJ

JasonJ · April 25, 2018

Trump nominates Harry Harris to be ambassador to Australia.

Donald Trump has formally endorsed the the head of US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris, as the next US ambassador to Australia.
The move is likely to anger Beijing, given Admiral
Harriss hawkish views on China, but it will be seen as a coup by the Turnbull government to have such a well qualified and senior former US military officer in the role at a time of growing strategic uncertainty in the region.
It also comes amid reports that the US Marine Corps will expand the number of marines serving in Darwin on a rotational basis. US military officials have told The Wall Street Journal in Darwin that the number of US marines there, currently 1250 on six-month rotations, will rise by an unspecified amount in March.
It comes as the Pentagon is considering a plan to send heavily armed, versatile Marine Corps Expeditionary Units to East Asia, curtailing some deployments in the Middle East as it repositions forces in response to growing Chinese influence, US military officials said.
The move would be among the first tangible steps by the Trump administration to expand the US military presence in Asia after announcing its National Defence Strategy last month.
We have enduring interests here, and we have an enduring commitment and we have an enduring presence here, General Joe Dunford, chairman of the Pentagons Joint Chiefs of Staff, said after a brief visit to Australia and Asia last week.
Malcolm Turnbull welcomed the great nomination of Admiral Harris for the Australian post, tweeting a photo of the two men together and saying Look forward to seeing you in Canberra, Harry!
Admiral Harris is widely respected on both sides of politics in Washington and is expected to be confirmed by the Senate without controversy.
His appointment will end an embarrassing situation which has seen no US ambassador appointed to Canberra for 16 months, since the previous incumbent John Berry left the post in September 2016. Although the job has been ably filled by the US Charge dAffaires James Carouso, it is highly unusual for such an important post to be left vacant for so long.
The delay partly reflects an unusually slow White House, which has struggled to fill senior positions across the administration and also the need for Admiral Harris to finish his tenure as head of Pacific Command.
In his role as PACOM commander Admiral Harris has visited Australia several times and knows key members of the Turnbull government as well as senior defence and foreign affairs officials.
He is known for his plain speaking on key strategic issues including his criticism of Chinas militarisation of disputed islands in the South China Sea.
Admiral Harris angered Beijing by coining the phrase Great Wall of sand to describe Chinas build-up of military assets on the small islands in the region.
China is said to have attempted have his command terminated early in return for more assistance to the US on North Korea.
Andrew Shearer, former national security advisor to former prime minister Tony Abbott and now senior adviser of Asia Pacific Security as Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Admiral Harriss nomination was good news for Australia-US relations
Its great news for the alliance obviously this is a period of change and uncertainty and appointing someone of Harriss calibre shows how seriously the US and the Trump administration are taking Australia, Mr Shearer told The Australian today.
Harris knows Australia well, from his time as Pacific Commander and a long career with the US Navy - Australians like him and he has a good understand of Australia and Australians.
Mr Shearer said China should not be surprised by the appointment. Harris is eminently qualified for the job, the military alliance with the US remains the cornerstone of Australias security and a key pillar of us strategy in the region.
Admiral Harriss mother is Japanese and his father was a former US sailor stationed in Japan. He grew up in Tennessee but now lives in Hawaii with his wife, Bruni.
After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1978 he earned a MPA from Harvards Kennedy School of Government, a MA from Georgetowns School of Foreign Service and attended Oxford university.
During his 39-year career, he served in every geographic combatant command and has held seven command assignments, including the U.S Pacific Fleet, the U.S. Sixth Fleet, and VP-46, the White House said.
Once confirmed, he is expected to take up his position before mid-year.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/foreign-affairs/harry-harris-new-us-ambassador-to-australia/news-story/57b6f8f4c393a882a7d6668b2dac65d7

Harry Harris will become the US ambassador to South Korea instead.

Adm. Harry Harris, the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, will become the next U.S. ambassador to South Korea instead of Australia, the Australian foreign minister said Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had been informed of the decision by Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan.

``We understand this sort of thing happens and we also understand the challenges the United States has on the Korean peninsula,'' Bishop told reporters in Sydney.

Bishop said Sullivan made it clear a new appointment would be a priority for the next secretary of state.

President Donald Trump nominated Harris in February to become Australia's next ambassador.

The United States had not had an ambassador in Australia since John Berry, president of the American Australian Association, left the post in September 2016. (AP)

http://m.koreatimes.co.kr/phone/news/view.jsp?req_newsidx=247851

JasonJ · May 1, 2018

HMS Sutherland arrived at Yokosuka on April 10th for North Korea related patrals and joint-training with the JMSDF. HMS Albion will be arriving sometime soon. And HMS Argyll is to come this coming winter.

The Royal Navy’s HMS Sutherland docked in the Japanese port of Yokosuka on Wednesday morning and will take part in operations to combat efforts by North Korea to get around United Nations sanctions of banned commodities, including fuel and components for the regime’s nuclear and long-range missile programmes.

Satellites and maritime patrol aircraft have in recent months identified a number of ship-to-ship transfers being conducted at sea between North Korean freighters and vessels flying other flags. Royal Navy vessels will now be involved in monitoring and potentially interdicting such activities, using Wildcat helicopters and state-of-the-art radar systems.

HMS Sutherland is the first of three Royal Navy warships that will visit Japan and other ports in the region before the end of the year in order to enforce UN sanctions, conduct freedom of navigation operations and take part in a series of exercises with the UK’s allies in the region.

“Our armed forces are at the forefront of Global Britain and the deployment of HMS Albion, Sutherland and Argyll demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our international responsibilities and to maintaining peace, security and prosperity in the region”, said Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary.

“Until North Korea matches its words with concrete actions, the UK will continue working closely with partners and allies to keep up pressure and strictly enforce existing sanctions, ensuring not only regional security but that of the UK as well," he said.

Mark Field, the minister for the Asia-Pacific region, is presently visiting Tokyo and said the deployment of three Royal Navy ships to Japan highlights the UK’s commitment to the security of the region, adding that British ground troops will for the first time take part in exercises with Japanese forces here in the autumn.

“The relationship between the Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Royal Navy is becoming increasingly close and these joint exercises have been planned to improve interoperability and friendship between our forces”, Mr Field said.

The UK “supports the diplomatic approach by our allies and partners in Japan”, he said, but is also committed to enforcing UN Security Council sanctions on the North.

HMS Sutherland will take part in anti-submarine exercises with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Forces in the coming weeks before HMS Albion - an amphibious transport ship complete with a unit of Royal Marine Commandos - arrives later in the year for landing exercises. HMS Argyll, another Type 23 frigate, is scheduled to conduct operations in the region next winter.

As well as countering North Korea, the Royal Navy warships will conduct freedom of navigation operations in waters in the South China Sea, close to uninhabited atolls that have been unilaterally claimed by Beijing and turned into islands with extensive military fortifications.

Captain Paul Casson, the defence attache at the British Embassy in Tokyo, declined to reveal the details of the vessels’ routes for operational reasons, but did confirm that the Royal Navy ships would “demonstrate the UK’s commitment to regional stability, international law and the United Nations Law of the Sea”.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/12/hms-sutherland-arrives-japan-effort-curb-north-koreas-evasion/

HMS Sutherland will conduct the mentioned joint-training with JS Suzunami, JS Tokiwa, a P-3C, and a sub in waters south of the Kanto area on April 27th and 28th.
http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201804/20180411.pdf

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4285265/hms-sutherland-visit-us-fleact-yokosuka

The joint-training went as described.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201804/20180429.pdf

JS Osumi visiting the Philippines

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessel JS OSUMI (LST-4001), an Osumi-class tank landing ship with approximately 150 officers and crew on board, arrived Wednesday in Manila for a three-day goodwill visit until Saturday, April 28, 2018.

This is the third visit of a JMSDF ship in the country this year. The first one was JS AMAGIRI which arrived last February and the last one was JS AKIZUKI which arrived two weeks ago in Subic.

Landing Platform Dock, JS Osumi was here in the Philippines last 2013 together with extra-regional navies to give assistance in the HADR operation efforts after Typhoon Hainan devastated the country.

Philippine delegates headed by Captain Dennis Rommel G..Quines, representing Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a press briefing and health and security briefing aboard JS Osumi.

Subsequently, Captain Tomonori Kobayashi, the Commander of Landing Ship Division One, JMSDF and Captain Yuji Horikawa, Commanding Officer of JS Osumi (LST 4001), will call on Empedrad.

Like their previous visits, the Japanese navy will engage in a series of confidence-building activities with their PN counterparts such as goodwill games followed by a boodle fight. A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off their port visit on April 28.

Captain Lued L. Lincuna, the Director of the Naval Public Affairs Office, said

the visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two navies.

“It will enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation of the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/26/japanese-landing-ship-in-manila-for-port-visit/

https://www.facebook.com/philippinenavy/photos/pcb.10155636432897956/10155636420777956/?type=3

JasonJ · May 3, 2018

Number of Marines stationed in Australia's Northern Territory to increase again, going up from 1,250 last year to 1,587 marines.

The largest contingent of US Marines to ever be stationed in the Northern Territory has arrived in Darwin to spend the next six months training alongside the Australian Defence Force.

It is the seventh rotation of US troops to Darwin, and the contingent has grown from 200 in 2012 to 1,587 this month.

The Americans will also bring a range of equipment, including eight Osprey aircraft and an artillery battery of six M777 Howitzers.

During the coming months, Royal Australian Navy captain Bryan Parker said each country would learn how the other operated, strengthening the long-standing military alliance between the two nations.

That knowledge could being critical if the personnel were ever required to respond in unison, particularly to situations in the Indo-Pacific.

"It is extremely important for us to be able to work very closely together, to be able to understand each other's techniques, our tactics and procedures, so that we can better perform when we respond to whatever's required for us to be able to work together in the region."

Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and other neighbouring countries have also been invited to take part in and observe 15 training exercises.

US Marine Corps Colonel James Schnelle said in the future he hoped more of these training exercises between multiple countries in the region would be launched.

"The hope is that in the future we'll be able to do some more engagement activities with our regional partners," he said.

A US taskforce would soon be sent to the Townsville area for training, and another would be sent to the Rockhampton area.

Since arriving in Darwin, Colonel Schnelle said the troops had been offered a warm welcome.

"Everybody walked off the plane and it's humid," he said.

"It's humid compared to what California was offering them. Those that came down from Okinawa, not as much of a difference in humidity, but the heat difference was substantial."

And before getting to work, they were able to carve out time to get acquainted with the Territory's wildlife, including a baby crocodile.

"The importance is they're understanding the respect that you've got to have for those kinds of animals," Colonel Schnelle said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-23/largest-ever-contingent-of-us-marines-arrive-in-darwin/9689326

Marine Air Group 12 stationed at Iwakuni will send eight F-35Bs along with 140 personnel to Misawa Air Base for joint training in air to air and air to ground combat with about four F-2s, four F-15Js, one F-35A, and one AWACS of the JASDF from May 9th to May 24th.

http://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2018/04/27a.html

Edited May 3, 2018 by JasonJ

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