The Pacific is a vast and vital area of the world for many countries, including the United States. That is one of many reasons why the United States has the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This is one of six geographic combatant commands in charge of integrating the U.S. Army, Navy, Airforce, and Marine Corps within the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility to protect national interests. It is supported by the sub commands: U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Forces Japan, U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Army Pacific.
One of the combatant commanders, Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the Pacific Fleet, recently said, "I don't think we've ever been more partnered than we are right now. And, so, the lash ups from Korea, down to Australia and to the east to Tahiti, among all the partners, have really never been tighter," stressing the need for multiple partnerships across the region. These partnerships are vital to build interoperability and understanding among our allies. Together, we can support our country’s interests while helping to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
There have been several recent joint operations to help strengthen ties with Pacific partners. Pitch Black was a recent exercise hosted by Australia that included 17 Pacific countries flying together in low light scenarios. Noble Eagle included China, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. operating naval ships in the South China Sea. Cobra Gold in Thailand and Balikatan in the Philippines worked with partner ground forces. These exercises help prepare our forces and our partner forces in promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression, and, when necessary, fighting to win.
To learn more about what is happening in the Pacific lately, check out our previous blog posts here, follow us on LinkedIn, or stop by and say hi at the upcoming AFCEA TechNet IndoPacific, November 1-3, 2022 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We hope to see you there!
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