USA: USS Wasp departs to join 7th Fleet forces in Japan

From USS Wasp Public Affairs

USS Wasp (LHD 1) file photo. (U.S. Marine Corps/Cpl. Ryan G. Coleman) >>

NORFOLK, Va. - Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) departed for Sasebo, Japan, Aug. 30, where it will assume duties as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious force of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

The shift will introduce an F-35B Joint Strike Fighter-capable amphibious assault ship to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, pairing it with the F-35Bs of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121.

"This move ensures that our most technologically-advanced air warfare platforms are forward deployed," said Wasp Commanding Officer Capt. Andrew Smith. "Our capabilities, paired with the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, increases our Navy's precision strike capabilities within the 7th Fleet region. Wasp will help America's commitment to the maritime security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific."

News Story: Philippines, Thai defense officials link up vs terrorism

By Michael Punongbayan

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine and Thai defense officials have vowed to continue helping each other in addressing security and other concerns in Southeast Asia through cooperation and coordination between the two neighboring countries. 

During the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) on the Joint Committee on Military Cooperation (JCMC) at the Department of National Defense (DND) at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, delegates from both countries discussed current and emerging security issues such as violent extremism and terrorism, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. 

The DND said both the Philippines and Thailand expressed mutual support for each other’s advocacies and initiatives within the ambit of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting and the ADMM-Plus.  

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Story: Thailand-US military exercise kicks off

Bangkok (VNA/NNT) – Around 725 Thai soldiers and 683 American troops are taking part in the Hanuman Guardian joint military exercise 2017 in Kanchanaburi province of Thailand. 

Held at the 9th Infantry Division headquarters, the joint military exercise is hosted by the Royal Thai Army and the US Army Pacific.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Chinese FM calls on security cooperation for East Asian countries

MANILA, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on all countries in East Asia to strengthen security cooperation, especially on non-traditional security issues like terrorism, transnational crimes and natural disasters.

He made the remarks while attending a series of meetings of the ministers with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which are being held in the Philippine capital city of Manila, including East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Wang said communication between countries on security issues is very important as it can remove misunderstanding and misjudgment whiling enhancing mutual trust.

He mentioned that China issued a white paper on its policies on Asia-Pacific security cooperation this January, which showed China's determination to safeguard regional peace and stability.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Chinese navy's hospital ship docks in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Chinese Navy hospital ship Peace Ark (Image: Wiki Commons)

COLOMBO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese navy's hospital ship Peace Ark arrived at the port of Colombo on Sunday for a four-day stopover there.

The ship slowly sailed into the port at around 10:00 a.m.(0430 GMT) in its first visit to Sri Lanka, with some 300 people, including officials of both countries and representatives of various Chinese communities there, welcoming its arrival.

The hospital ship will be open to the public during the stopover and provide medical service for local residents, said Major General Guan Bolin, commander of the task.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Regional security challenges discussed at conference in Philippines

Manila (VNA) – Defence officials from member countries of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) discussed outstanding regional security issues at the first debate of the ASEAN Security Policy Conference (ASPC) that opened in Manila, the Philippines, on June 29. 

The Vietnamese delegation to the event is led by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army. 

Presenting Vietnam’s views, Minh said the overall regional situation remains peaceful and stable, but there have been rapid, complex developments along with potential threats. He cited as example the situation in Northeast Asia, natural disaster, piracy, terrorism and disputes in the East (South China) Sea. 

The Vietnamese head delegate said the East Sea issue is a complicated matter that caused grave concern for ASEAN and the international community. 

He reiterated Vietnam’s stance that the East Sea disputes should be addressed by peaceful measures on the basis of international law and respect for diplomatic and legal processes, along with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and efforts to soon reach a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: (Vietnam) Political-military conference lays out tasks for army

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence to continue effectively implement the national protection strategy in the new situation.

The government leader made the request at a political-military conference for the entire army in Hanoi on June 27, which reviewed the performance of military and national defence tasks in the first six months of 2017 and lay out missions for the second half of the year.

PM Phuc pointed out other short-term tasks for the entire army such as improving the institution-building and forecasting work, bettering training quality, combat capacity and preparedness, and effectively carrying out the Politburo’s Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW on building and developing the national defence industry until 2020 and beyond. 

He also emphasised the need for the army to pay more heed to mass mobilisation activities, defence diplomacy and international integration. 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Southeast Asia anti-terror efforts must start in Marawi

By Patricia Lourdes Viray

MANILA, Philippines — The Southeast Asia region must deepen counter-terror efforts as ISIS-inspired local terror groups lay siege in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, an analyst said.

Elliot Brennan, a research fellow at the Institute for Security and Development Policy's Asia Program in Sweden, said the siege in Marawi City must serve as a lesson for the whole region.

On May 23, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law and suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao following a clash between government forces and the Maute group.

Brennan noted that the failure of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to act on the Maute group's attack on Marawi despite intelligence report was negligent.

"Its failings since - such as to apprehend the Malay financier of the Marawi campaign, to stop the escape of Hapilon, or simply to quell the insurgency - show a worrying lack of capacity," Brennan said in an article published by Sydney-based Lowy Institute for International Policy.

The policy analyst noted that the fight in Marawi is not actually about the city since many of the militants and funding are from abroad, taking the conflict to a global narrative.

The key to addressing this issue on the regional level would be a disaggregation, delinking and dismantling of militants from around the world.

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Story: China, U.S. aim to build productive military-to-military relationship

WASHINGTON, June 23 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States agree to actively pursue a productive military-to-military relationship that is "constructive, pragmatic, and effective," according to a statement released Friday.

"Both sides recognized the China-U.S. military-to-military relationship is an important stabilizing factor to the overall bilateral relationship," said the statement released after the First Round of China-U.S. Diplomatic and Security Dialogue.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi co-chaired the dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: USS Lake Erie completes relief mission in Sri Lanka

From Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Jason McEntire works with Sri Lankan Marines to repair levees during humanitarian assistance operations, June 12. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Joshua Fulton) >>

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -U.S. Sailors from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) completed their contributions to the humanitarian assistance mission in Sri Lanka, June 17.

More than 400 Sailors participated in the mission in Sri Lanka, where recent heavy rainfalls brought by a southwest monsoon triggered flooding and landslides throughout the country, displacing thousands of people and causing significant damage to homes and buildings.

"Our mission here was straight-forward, to provide support and relief efforts to our friends in Sri Lanka who were impacted by this disaster," said Capt. Alexis T. Walker, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7. "Working alongside Sailors and Marines from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, our team conducted irrigation repairs, well rehabilitation and levee repairs throughout the region. I'm proud of our efforts this week and the assistance we were able to provide."

News Story: Philippines, US navies hold joint maritime training in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — The naval forces of the Philippines and the United States on Monday kicked off its joint maritime training activity in the vicinity of Cebu.

The Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama from June 19 to 25 seeks to enhance the complexity and diversity of training opportunities while strengthening the Philippines-US alliance.

The activity will focus on mutual security concerns such as piracy and sea smuggling, maritime domain awareness and patrol and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.

"We thank the Philippine Navy and the people of the Philippines for being gracious hosts and we look forward to enhancing our professional ties in meaningful ways that benefit both nations," Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander of Task Force 73, said.

Gabrielson added that the joint training would be an opportunity to deepen the US Navy's long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy.

Commodore Loumer Bernabe, commander of the Naval Forces Central of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that the training will strengthen relationships and partnerships in maritime cooperation.

"We are honored to work with the U.S. Navy during this Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama," Bernabe said.

"Sama-sama," a Filipino word which means "together" is the central theme of the training both at sea and ashore.

Read the full story at PhilStar

USA: WPNS nations begin diving exercise in Guam

From Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

In this file photo, divers swim off the ocean floor near Guam during and exercise in 2016. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Alfred A. Coffield) >>

GUAM - Nine Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) nations commenced a disaster response-focused exercise, the Western Pacific Naval Symposium Diving Exercise (WPNS-DIVEX) 2017, on June 5.

Western Pacific Naval Symposium Diving Exercise 2017 is a biennial diving exercise conducted by WPNS nations to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and tactical proficiency in diving operations. The last DIVEX was held in Singapore in 2015.

“The fact that this year’s DIVEX 17 simulates a military assistance humanitarian response to a catastrophic natural disaster is a significant milestone,” said Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, commander, Joint Region Marianas, “The skills we practice during this exercise have global indications when it comes to our ability to rapidly deploy and work together.”

During the exercise, participating units will respond to a scenario that mirrors a coordinated response to a natural disaster. Participating diving units of WPNS nations will be tasked to conduct undersea geographic assessments in order to reopen ports so that humanitarian aid can commence.

Participating nations include Australia, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the United States.

US Pacific Fleet

News Story: Russia considers ASEAN as important regional security partner

Hanoi (VNA) – Russia considers the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an important strategic partner in ensuring regional security and stability.

Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin made the statement on June 4 at the 16th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

He noted that the position was recorded in final documents of last year’s Russian Federation-ASEAN summit, as well as an informal meeting of the defence ministers of Russia and ASEAN countries.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

Nerws Story: Three Chinese naval ships arrive in Sri Lanka to assist in flood relief

COLOMBO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese navy ships arrived in the Port of Colombo on Wednesday to assist in the ongoing relief operations after major floods and landslides caused by severe rains killed over 200 people in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Navy said in a statement on Thursday.

The three Chinese Navy ships - "Chang Chun," "Jing Zhou," and "Chao Hu" - were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on their arrival.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Chinese navy officers called on Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Ravindra Wijegunaratne and handed over relief materials which included rice, flour, bottled water, instant noodles, 10 rescue rubber boats and medical supplies.

The Chinese navy will also dispatch 16 doctors as part of a rescue team to conduct medical assistance in flood-affected areas.

The Sri Lankan Navy commander thanked the Chinese government, the people and the Chinese Navy for the assistance rendered to Sri Lanka during this hour of grief.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: Pacific Partnership 2017 mission draws to a close

By Lt.j.g Emily Wilkin, Pacific Partnership Public Affairs

USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) arrives in Da Nang, Vietnam, May 8 for Pacific Partnership. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Joshua Fulton) >>

SINGAPORE - Pacific Partnership 2017, embarked aboard USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) arrived in Singapore May 31, marking the conclusion of this year’s mission.

Fall River departed Singapore on March 4 and served as the command platform for the Pacific Partnership 2017 mission. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual, multilateral disaster response preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“Pacific Partnership 2017 gave us the chance to build lasting partnerships and friendships with all of the countries we visited. These partnerships will allow us to be better prepared to work together in the future.” said Captain Stanfield Chien, Pacific Partnership 2017 mission commander.

Pacific Partnership 2017 conducted mission stops in three countries – Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Vietnam and was the first Pacific Partnership completed solely utilizing a T-EPF vessel, vice the USNS Mercy.

USA: Pacific Partnership concludes in Nha Trang, Vietnam

By Lt.j.g. Emily Wilkin, Pacific Partnership Public Affairs

Lt. Cmdr. Justin Dye of Navy Medical Center San Diego examines neurological injury patients with local doctors at Khahn Hoa General Hospital, May 22. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Joshua Fulton) >>

KHANH HOA, Vietnam - Pacific Partnership 2017 departed from Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 29 after completing 10 days of disaster response training, medical and engineering subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements, and community service events.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year and the eighth time the mission has visited Vietnam in the past 11 years. In addition to the team aboard expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4), the Nha Trang mission also featured sailors from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyers JS Izumo and JS Sazanami.

India: India and Fiji Sign MoU on Defence Cooperation

The Minister of Defence and National Security of Fiji, Honourable Ratu Inoke Kubuabola accompanied by his delegation met the Minister of Defence, Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley in New Delhi today. 

The Ministers discussed expanded defence partnership in maritime security between both the countries, and naval cooperation was identified as an area of promise. 

An MoU on defence cooperation envisaging several areas of cooperation including in defence industry, military training and humanitarian assistance & disaster management was signed. 

The visiting Minister was received by a Tri-Services Guard of Honour at the lawns of South Block. He also laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Earlier in the day before his arrival in New Delhi, Honourable Ratu Inoke Kubuabola visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai today. 

Indian Press Information Bureau

USA: Pacific Partnership 2017 makes 2nd Vietnam mission stop

By Lt.j.g. Emily Wilkin, Pacific Partnership Public Affairs

JS Izumo (DDH 183) approaches the pier behind USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4) while arriving to support the Pacific Partnership 2017 mission. (U.S. Embassy Hanoi) >>

KHANH HOA, Vietnam - Pacific Partnership 2017 kicked off in Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam, on May 19, for the final stop of Pacific Partnership 2017, with the arrival of the U.S. expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4).

This is the eighth time in eleven years that this event has taken place in Vietnam. This year's events in Khanh Hoa include personnel from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Sailors and crew from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyers JS Izumo and JS Sazanami will also join mission personnel for the Khanh Hoa mission stop.

The Government of Vietnam approved Khanh Hoa province as a destination for Pacific Partnership, and the province collaborated with central government agencies and Pacific Partnership planners to organize the week and a half event, with the aim of enhancing humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HA/DR) and to promote the comprehensive partnership between the United States and Vietnam as well as collaboration among partner countries.

News Story: U.S., Philippines end exercises as local groups call on Duterte to scrap future drills

MANILA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The 12-day joint military drills between the United States and the Philippines wrapped up on Friday, with officials of allied countries claiming the troops stand more prepared to respond to terror threats and natural disasters in the region.

Only 2,600 American troops and 2,800 Philippine troops, about half of the previous scale, participated in this year's Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder exercises that were conducted in multiple locations in the Philippine main Luzon Island and the Visayan region in the central Philippines.

Unlike in the past years, Balikatan 2017 also skipped all combat-related exercises like live-fire drills and amphibious landings at the behest of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has threatened to scrap the exercises and drive away all U.S. troops on Philippine soil.

Duterte has ordered Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to focus on humanitarian and disaster response and drills that would hone the counter-terrorism skills of the participants.

During the period of their joint exercises, some Philippine local groups have called on Duterte to scrap the exercises with the Americans, saying it contradicts Duterte's posture of an independent foreign policy.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: Pacific Partnership 2017 departs Da Nang, re-affirms warm ties with the city

From Pacific Partnership 2017 Public Affairs

Lt. Cmdr. Justin Dye (center) performs spinal surgery at Da Nang Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Medical Center, May 16. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Joshua Fulton) >>

DA NANG, Vietnam - Pacific Partnership 2017 departed Da Nang, Vietnam, May 18, after completing 10 days of disaster response training, medical and engineering subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements, and community relations events.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year and the eighth time the mission has visited Vietnam in the past 11 years.

"Our time in Da Nang was another fantastic opportunity to continue our cooperation with the people of Vietnam, working together to improve our capability to respond to disaster relief and sharing medical and engineering best practices," said Capt. Stanfield Chien, Pacific Partnership mission commander.

Pacific Partnership and Vietnamese personnel conducted subject matter expert exchanges for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) workshop that culminated in a field training exercise.