USA: USS Ashland departs Sasebo for regional patrol

By MC3 Jonathan Clay, CTF 76 Public Affairs

USS Ashland (LSD 48) departs Fleet Activities Sasebo, May 26. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Jordan Crouch) >>

SASEBO, Japan The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) departed its forward-deployed base of Sasebo, Japan, for a routine patrol on May 26.

Ashland and other amphibious ships of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group will embark their forward-deployed Marine counterparts, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), to conduct operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

While on patrol, Ashland and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit will provide a ready-response capability any type of contingency and work to enhance interoperability with partners and allies.

News Story: Japanese destroyer arrives in Nagasaki, likely to join new amphibious unit

JS Ise (Image: Wiki Commons)

TOKYO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer arrived at the Sasebo base in Nagasaki, southwestern Japan, on Friday, where it will likely become part of an new amphibious unit to be stationed there next year.

The helicopter-carrying destroyer called Ise is replacing the retired destroyer Kurama at the Sasebo base.

The Ise, which is capable of handling the take-offs and landing of up to three helicopters simultaneously. Its flattop desk is 197 meters long and 33 meters wide and it is capable of carrying the controversial V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

These "offensive" weapons are in contravention of Japan's pacifist Constitution, a key clause of which reads that "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained."

At a ceremony held on Friday, the skipper of the Ise vowed to work hard to ensure the ship would serve at the core of maritime missions.

Read the full story at Xinhua

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Story Quote: "These "offensive" weapons are in contravention of Japan's pacifist Constitution"

PacificSentinel: These ships were designed to carry Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Helicopters to patrol the sea's around Japan & keep them clean of Chinese, Russian & North Korean Attack Submarines, they are therefore "Defensive" in nature, with a humanitarian capability for disaster relief missions, can they be used to support beach landings, yes, were they designed for that role, no, so this is just more Chinese overacting.

News Story: Japan's GSDF launches new amphibious training unit in southwest of country

US Marines come ashore with an AAV-7 during an exercise

TOKYO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) on Monday held a ceremony to launch a new training unit at a camp in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

The amphibious brigade will use AAV-7 vehicles that can transport GSDF personnel and equipment on water and deploy them on land, where it can be used as a regular vehicle, GSDF officials said.

Preparations for this new unit at the GSDF's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo, Nagasaki, have been in place since 2015.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: USS Green Bay wraps up Cobra Gold exercise

By MC1 Chris Williamson, USS Green Bay (LPD 20) Public Affairs

A landing craft utility prepares to embark the well deck of USS Green Bay (LPD 20) during exercise Cobra Gold, Feb. 24. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Chris Williamson) >>

SATTAHIP, Thailand - Amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20) successfully completed Exercise Cobra Gold 2017 (CG17), Feb. 24, after operating in the Gulf of Thailand and various locations throughout the Kingdom of Thailand.

The 36th iteration of the annual theater security cooperation event took place Jan. 28 - Feb. 24.

Throughout the exercise, Green Bay Sailors and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) worked alongside forces with the Kingdom of Thailand, United States, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, and Malaysia in order to enhance multinational interoperability in the Pacific region.

"Multinational exercises like Cobra Gold are invaluable," said Capt. Nathan Moyer, Green Bay's commanding officer. "We take advantage of every opportunity to work with multinational partners. Cobra Gold provides us with an outstanding environment to enhance interoperability and to strengthen regional relationships."

News Report: Iron Fist 2017 - Japan Under Time Crunch to Establish New Amphibious Unit

JGSDF soldiers during an Exercise (File Photo)

By: Gidget Fuentes

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – While rough seas and queasy stomachs tested some 350 Japanese soldiers and command staffs who took to sea aboard Navy ships for exercise Iron Fist, time might be their greatest obstacle.

The members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force’s Western Area Infantry Regiment training in California are part of a fledgling force that will become the JGSDF first Amphibious Ready Deployment Brigade. That unit is tasked with creating a credible, ready force to conduct amphibious operations and defend its islands by next year.

“My challenge, I think, we are facing is the newly establishment of Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade in March 2018, and we don’t have much time,” Maj. Gen. Shigeo Kaida, the Western Army’s deputy chief of staff for operations, said in response to a question during a press conference Saturday that kicked off a three-day Iron Fist amphibious exercise.

The Western Army is tasked with forming the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, or ARDB, and develop amphibious doctrine and the related tactics, training, planning and other requirements for the force. It’s been almost seven years in the making, but pressures are growing with the looming deadline for the first of what would be three deployable brigades.

News Story: Japan eyes updating defense guidelines to bolster alliance with U.S.

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government plans to update its defense program guidelines five years earlier than initially planned in hope of strengthening the Japan-U.S. defense alliance under President Donald Trump's administration, a government source said Saturday.

The plan aimed at beefing up its defense capability comes after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the new American president confirmed their resolve to further bolster the bilateral alliance in their first summit meeting earlier this month, the source said.

Considering North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as well as China's growing assertiveness in the East and South China seas, Tokyo will likely accelerate the procedure to update the guidelines, which typically take place every 10 years.

Abe's Cabinet approved in 2013 the current 10-year guidelines, a basic policy outlining the improvement, maintenance and operation of Japan's defense power during the period.

During that year it also approved a medium-term defense buildup plan through March 2019, which is compiled every five years to clarify more details of the country's defense buildup, including the introduction of new military equipment and the size of each unit, based on the 10-year guidelines.

Tokyo is considering formulating the next guidelines to reflect the contents of the next buildup plan for fiscal 2019 to 2023 to be crafted possibly in the second half of next year, according to the source.

Read the full story at The Mainichi

News Story: Japan Unveils Armored Vehicle Prototype for 'Counter Island Invasion'

By: Mike Yeo

MELBOURNE, Australia — Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has unveiled a prototype eight-wheel drive armored personnel carrier (APC) as part of a research project for a new class of modular vehicles. 

The project, known for now as the Wheeled Armoured Vehicle (Improved), will eventually lead to a new vehicle type to replace the Type 96 eight-wheel drive armored personnel carrier in use by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). 

The new vehicle will feature improved protection against a variety of threats such as improvised explosive devices, versatility and room for future growth in capabilities compared to the Type 96 it is replacing. It will also be fitted with a more powerful engine and a strengthened suspension to cope with the increased weight and payloads. 

In a news release, Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) announced that the prototype was handed over on Jan. 10. Built by Japan’s Komatsu Limited, the vehicle is 8.4 meters (27 feet) long, 2.5 meters (8 feet) wide and 2.9 meters (9 feet) high, with a weight of approximately 20 ton. It can carry 11 onboard including three crew members in its basic APC guise. 

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Report: Indonesia Rethinks Ukrainian-Built Combat Vehicle After Unsuccessful Trial

Indonesian variant of the BTR-4

Indonesia is reconsidering plans to acquire more Ukraine-built BTR-4 8x8 amphibious armored personnel carriers (APC) after issues cropped up during training activities.

After concluding initial training on the amphibious vehicle, Korps Marinir (KORMAR), the Indonesian Marine Corps, reported several problems, including the APC excessively trimming at the bow while immersed in water and operating at full speed. 

Five of the vehicles were delivered to Jakarta in September as part of a deal with Ukraine state-owned defense manufacturer Ukroboronprom, as Indonesia sought to replace the 100 BTR-50PK APCs it acquired from Kiev in the 1990s.

Indonesian variant of the BTR-4

One Ukroboronprom official told Janes in November, "After official acceptance we will talk about expanding technology transfers to Indonesia and about expanding the order…We know [KORMAR] has a requirement for another 50 vehicles. This could mean some of these vehicles are built in Ukraine followed by technology transfers and local production in Indonesia."

The vehicle’s main weapon is a ZTM-1 30 mm cannon. It also features an AGS-17 30mm grenade launcher and a chemical, nuclear and biological filtration system.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

USA: USS Comstock, 11th MEU Strengthen Relationships during Keen Sword 17

USS Comstock (Image: Wiki Commons)

By Petty Officer 1st Class Jason J. Perry, Amphibious Squadron 5 Public Affairs

GUAM (NNS) -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), embarked Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) concluded Exercise Keen Sword 17 (KS17) in Guam, Nov. 11.

The joint, bilateral training exercise occurs biennially and aims to meet mutual defense objectives by increasing combat readiness and communication and coordination between JSDF and U.S. forces. Approximately 11,000 service members from the U.S. military conducted training with their JSDF counterparts at military installations throughout Japan, the Mariana Islands, and in the surrounding waters.

"Working alongside our partners to plan and execute exercises like Keen Sword creates force multipliers and enhances knowledge and capabilities across the amphibious forces," said Capt. Michael Crary, commander, Amphibious Squadron 5. "The U.S.-Japan alliance is strong, and opportunities for our militaries to exchange best practices and gain familiarity with one another strengthen our relationship and ability to respond swiftly and cohesively in a crisis situation."

News Story: (US) Marines want new technologies to take enemy beaches

By: Jeff Schogol

Modern weapons can destroy ships and landing craft many miles from shore, forcing the Marine Corps to turn to new technologies to ensure Marines can land in force on enemy coasts.  

That's why a new task force is looking at everything from drone boats to electronic deception to get Marine raiders and landing teams safely ashore. 

The task force’s goal is to find existing systems to exploit gaps in enemy defenses, allowing Marine amphibious vehicles to get from ship to shore, said Maj. Jim Foley, of the Marine Corps’ Ellis Group, an internal think tank that explores future warfighting scenarios. 

“We’re going to have potentially different vehicles, but we’re going to enable them to get to the shore because we’re going to have more effective en route fire support,” Foley told Marine Corps Times. “We’re going to allow commanders to make better decisions because we’re looking at technologies that will support their command and control ability during those operations — and information warfare capabilities that will support that.” 

Industry, academia and government think tanks will show what technologies they have that meet the Marine Corps’ needs next April at Camp Pendleton, California, Foley said. The task force then hopes to allow Marines to drive those technologies in an amphibious exercise that fall. 

Read the full story at Marine Corps Times

News Story: Indonesia Marine Corps could purchase new version of BTR-4 amphibious armoured from Ukraine

Ukraine defense industry has tested a new version of its 8x8 amphibious armoured vehicle personnel carrier BTR-4 fitted with anew remotely operated weapon station, according Andrei BT Live Journal Blog. Some of these vehicles were send to Indonesia to perform a series of tests.

The New BTR-4 has showed very good capacities in amphibious conditions during tests in Ukraine.

The new version is motorized with German Deutz engine, and new modules were added to the sides of the vehicle to increase the characteristics for river crossing and amphibious operations in the sea.

According some rumors, the Marine Corps of Indonesia could be interested to purchase 50 vehicles able to perform amphibious operations and that can carry into combat ships.

Read the full story at Army Recognition

News Story: Russia-China drills to strengthen regional stability - Russian foreign ministry

MOSCOW, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The on-going Russian-Chinese naval drills in the South China Sea should help strengthen stability in the region rather than destabilize it, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

"We believe that all actions which take place there must be pondered, balanced and not add instability, but rather work on strengthening stability and mutual understanding to solve conflicts," spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a weekly briefing in Moscow.

The "Joint Sea 2016" drill, running from Sept. 13 to 19, features navy surface ships, submarines, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, marines and amphibious armored equipment.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Chinese, Russian navies depart for joint drill at sea

ZHANJIANG, Guangdong, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Russian fleets sailed out of a port in Zhanjiang in south China's Guangdong Province Thursday to predetermined waters for joint naval drill.

The "Joint Sea 2016" drill, starting Sept. 12, will run until Sept. 19, consisting of three phases: preparation at port, exercise at sea and summary.

China and Russia will present a total of 13 surface ships, two submarines, 11 fixed-wing aircraft, 10 ship-borne helicopters and amphibious armored equipment as well as 256 marines in the drill.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: Building a Partnership aboard Harpers Ferry

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Eshleman, 

Commander, Amphibious Squadron One Public Affairs

JAVA SEA (NNS) -- Five inflatable boats carried 20 members of the Indonesian Marine Corps from the mountainous backdrop of southwest Indonesia to amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) to conduct a subject matter expert exchange with U.S. Sailors and Marines, Aug. 1.

"Operations like these continue to build strong bonds between nations and their militaries through cohesive learning and by breaking down barriers of diversity that normally separate us," said Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Nentl, an assault amphibious vehicle crew chief for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. 

During the exchange, held in Harpers Ferry's well deck, Marines discussed amphibious operations, techniques and equipment for safely and efficiently landing marine forces on a coastline. 

After the Indonesian service members arrived, 1st Lt. Eric Berman, Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) platoon commander, started the exchange by explaining U.S. methods for the command and control of AAVs while conducting ship-to-shore movements. 

News Report: RIMPAC Tightens International Coalition in Pacific

Image: Flickr User - Royal New Zealand Navy

By: Megan Eckstein

ABOARD USS AMERICA, NEAR HAWAII – As the head of the Rim of the Pacific 2016 amphibious task force progresses through the exercise, the New Zealander works from an office aboard an American ship filled with Australians, Indonesians and other personnel from the across the Pacific.

And for Commodore James Gilmour, that’s just how Pacific operations should be.

RIMPAC 2016 features a blended international force, from the leadership staff down to individual platoons. The ultimate goal of the exercise – underscored by its motto, “Capable, Adaptive, Partners” – is to form relationships that will outlast this event and benefit future international exercises and real-world operations, he said.

“We’re aware – particular a country the size of New Zealand and an armed forces the size of New Zealand – that almost nothing from a security perspective, meeting our responsibilities from a security perspective, will be dealt with on our own,” said Gilmour, New Zealand’s Maritime Component Commander and RIMPAC’s Commander of Task Force 176.

“So therefore, being adaptive and interoperable with other nations, our partner nations, is essential. And we endeavor to do that kind of training often with our regional neighbors, including the United States, and the opportunity now to be part of RIMPAC in a command position is not only a great honor but its’ a great opportunity and it allows us to prove that our training is aligned and of a similar quality.”

News Story: RIMPAC shines light on US-Australian partnership

HMAS Canberra off the coast of Fiji during HA/DR operations

By Wyatt Olson

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii — More than two dozen nations are involved in this year’s Rim of the Pacific naval exercise, but the biennial training is putting a special spotlight on the evolving partnership between the U.S. and Australia.

From major amphibious operations to small-arms drills, troops from both countries are honing coordination and sharing skills.

Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Scott Bishop is serving as deputy commander of RIMPAC’s combined task force, while Commodore Malcolm Wise of the RAN is commanding the maritime component.

This is the first time Australia has brought an amphibious force to RIMPAC, spearheaded by the HMAS Canberra, the country’s newest generation of LHD, or landing helicopter dock, ships.

Barely two years at sea, the Canberra can deliver about 1,000 troops to shore by sea and aircraft.

US Marine Osprey takes off from HMAS Canberra

A second Canberra-class LHD, the HMAS Adelaide, has been commissioned and is in the process of becoming fully operational.

The catalyst for Australia’s push for cutting-edge amphibious ships was “the strategic shock” of its peacekeeping intervention in East Timor that began in 1999, according to a 2015 report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The operation highlighted the potential requirements for amphibious operations and also the “stark lack of such capability at the time” by the Australian armed forces, the report said.

Australia also brought to RIMPAC a full landing force that is reinforced with a company of soldiers from New Zealand and a platoon from Tonga. The Australians are expected to lead a battalion in the exercise’s grand amphibious assault on July 30.

Read the full story at Stars and Stripes

News Story: Aussies Lead Pacific Pack In Amphib Ops - CSIS

Royal Australian Navy's Canberra class LHDs (Wiki Info)

By SYDNEY J. FREEDBERG JR.

WASHINGTON: America’s Pacific partners are building up their amphibious forces, but they can’t storm a beach against a high-tech adversary like China. Even the most advanced allies — Australia, Japan, and South Korea — would need US support for a raid against a well-armed terrorist group, especially in command & control, logistics, and helicopters, reports the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

Less developed partners — India and the Philippines — should stick to lower-threat missions, such as Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) and Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEOs). Small but sophisticated Singapore falls in the middle of the pack. (We’ve summarized CSIS’s detailed ratings in the chart above).

The bottom line: US strategists must appreciate what each partner can and cannot do and help them to do better at what they’re best at instead of wasting time and money trying to make a mini-me of the Marine Corps.

“They have to be able to do it their way,” said retired Marine Lt. Gen. George Flynn, speaking at the report’s roll-out yesterday. “Their capabilities are going to reflect their national interests. We don’t need to create more of us.”

“Each of those nations brings very capable niche capabilities,” said Lt. Gen. John Wissler, chief of Marine Corps Forces Command. He particularly emphasized mine-sweeping, a chronic US Navy weakness, but critical to any operation close to the coast.

Read the full story at Breaking Defense

News Story: Taiwan Moves on $14.7B Indigenous Shipbuilding, Upgrade Projects

Tuo Jiang-class missile corvette catamaran

Wendell Minnick

TAIPEI — The Taiwanese Navy announced 12 new shipbuilding and force modernization programs covering a 23-year period at roughly $14.7 billion on Monday. This indigenous build effort is part of an overall plan to wean Taiwan off expensive and politically troublesome US defense acquisitions — which often consist of refurbished older platforms — and develop a robust defense industry on the island.

The projected timeline runs from 2017 to 2040, and programs include a Taiwan Aegis destroyer and frigate, submarine, high-speed minelayer, landing platform dock (LPD), 11 additional stealthy Tuo Jiang-class missile corvette catamarans, and multi-purpose transport. Other programs include more AAV7s, a type of assault amphibious vehicle, for the Taiwanese Marine Corps, underwater swimmer delivery vehicles for special forces, and assorted weapons for special forces.

Despite the impressive list that includes a wide variety of vessels and systems, orchestrated by the Navy’s Naval Shipbuilding Development Center, the list is considered by some Taiwan defense analysts to be a “Christmas wish list.” As of now, only three of the programs have been officially authorized and funded for construction.

“The Navy has a vision, but no common sense,” said Ching Chang, a research fellow of the Taipei-based Society for Strategic Studies and former Taiwanese naval officer. “It is like a child in a candy store that wants everything.” Taiwan cannot afford to buy all this candy, he said — maybe two or three of the big items, nothing more.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Story: China Builds Amphibious Capabilities for Taiwan Scenario

Yuzhao class (Type 071) amphibious transport dock

Wendell Minnick

TAIPEI — China’s military is expanding its capabilities for an amphibious assault on the self-ruled island of Taiwan. This, according to the newly released “Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China,” which is issued by the Pentagon each year as mandated by the US Congress.

China now has two amphibious mechanized infantry divisions, one amphibious armor brigade, 11 army aviation brigades and regiments, three Airborne divisions, and two Marine brigades. For the navy, new ships include 30 tank landing ships/amphibious transport docks, 22 medium landing ships, and China has signed significant purchase contracts with Ukraine for assault hovercraft.

China’s investments in its amphibious ship force signal China’s intent to develop an expeditionary and over-the-horizon amphibious assault capability, said the report.

“Since 2005, China has built three large Yuzhao-class (Type 071) amphibious transport docks with a fourth soon to enter service, providing considerably greater and more flexible capability for ‘far seas’ operations than the older landing ships.” The Yuzhao can carry up to four of the new Yuyi-class, air-cushion medium landing craft and four or more helicopters, as well as armored vehicles and marines for long-distance deployments. Additional Yuzhao construction is expected to continue, as is a follow-on amphibious assault ship that is not only larger, but also incorporates a full flight deck for helicopters. Two Yuting II-class tank landing ships (LST) are currently being built to replace older LST units that are reaching the end of their service lives.

The Pentagon report states that Chinese writings indicate there are different operational concepts for an amphibious invasion of Taiwan, but the most prominent of these is the Joint Island Landing Campaign, which envisions a complex operation relying on coordinated, interlocking campaigns for logistics, air, naval support and electronic warfare.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Industry: BAE Systems to Produce Assault Amphibious Vehicles for Japan

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to produce new Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) for the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

This contract supports the ongoing development of an amphibious capability within the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force.

“We’re proud to support the Japanese military’s recapitalization by providing this enhanced amphibious capability,” said Dean Medland, vice president of programs at BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicles business. “As the original equipment manufacturer of the AAV fleet, we have a strong history of supporting this platform.”

BAE Systems will provide 30 new AAV7A1 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (RAM/RS) vehicles, plus supply tools and test equipment to support maintenance. The company will also provide training aids for the vehicles to the Japanese military.

The AAV7A1 RAM/RS variant provides a more powerful engine and drive train, as well as an upgraded suspension system, allowing the new vehicles to meet or exceed original AAV7A1 performance. The variant also provides improved mobility, command, control, and repair capabilities while transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore.

Work on the contract will take place at BAE Systems’ York, Pennsylvania facility. Production is expected to begin in August with vehicle deliveries beginning one year later. Final delivery to Japan is expected to take place by the end of 2017.

BAE Systems