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Seth Robson

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin make his first phone call to Australian Minister of National Defence Linda Reynolds from the Pentagon, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. <br>Department of Defense
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin make his first phone call to Australian Minister of National Defence Linda Reynolds from the Pentagon, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. <br>Department of Defense

Austin addresses Indo-Pacific security challenges during first call with Australia's defense chief

The discussion with Australian Minister of Defence Linda Reynolds took place a day after the retired Army general was ceremonially sworn in as the United States’ 28th defense chief.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

A child helps hold up a sign protesting the U.S. military's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile-defense battery, during a gathering at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea, March 11, 2017.<br>Stars and Stripes
A child helps hold up a sign protesting the U.S. military's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile-defense battery, during a gathering at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea, March 11, 2017.<br>Stars and Stripes

South Korean police clear protesters blocking access to US Army-operated THAAD missile-defense battery

More than 50 people staged a sit-in in South Korea as trucks approached the former golf course that’s home to a U.S.-built and operated Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system.

A Philippine Air Force OV-10A/C Bronco parks on the flight line at Clark Air Base, Philippines, May 8, 2018. <br>Javier Alvarez/U.S. Air Force
A Philippine Air Force OV-10A/C Bronco parks on the flight line at Clark Air Base, Philippines, May 8, 2018. <br>Javier Alvarez/U.S. Air Force

Philippines inks $940 million deal with China to link Subic Bay and Clark Air Base by rail

China and the Philippines have agreed to build a railway linking a pair of former American military facilities on the island of Luzon that are still used by visiting U.S. forces.

President Joe Biden speaks during his inauguration outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. <br>U.S. State Department
President Joe Biden speaks during his inauguration outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. <br>U.S. State Department

‘America is back’: Indo-Pacific allies tweet their congratulations to Biden on inauguration

America’s most important allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, along with its greatest strategic rival, took to social media to congratulate President Joe Biden on his inauguration Wednesday.

Tech. Sgt. Alexisa Humphre of the 8th Medical Group prepares to inject a dose of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Dec. 29, 2020. <br>Jordan Garner/U.S. Air Force
Tech. Sgt. Alexisa Humphre of the 8th Medical Group prepares to inject a dose of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Dec. 29, 2020. <br>Jordan Garner/U.S. Air Force

US Forces Korea extends ‘shelter in place’ order, reports 31 new coronavirus cases

Thirty-one people affiliated with U.S. Forces Korea tested positive for the coronavirus after arriving on the peninsula between Dec. 29 and Jan. 18, the command said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a military parade in Pyongyang in this undated photo from the Korean Central News Agency. <br>KCNA
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a military parade in Pyongyang in this undated photo from the Korean Central News Agency. <br>KCNA

Expect North Korea's nuclear and missile tests to resume, Japanese security expert says

North Korea will likely restart nuclear weapon and missile activity, spurring Japan and South Korea to cooperate on security, a Japanese foreign policy expert told journalists Thursday.

United Nations Command's Rear commander Royal Australian Air Force Col. Adam Williams, left, and deputy commander, Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Leon Hachey at their office on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 24, 2020. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
United Nations Command's Rear commander Royal Australian Air Force Col. Adam Williams, left, and deputy commander, Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Leon Hachey at their office on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 24, 2020. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Bringing up the rear: US bases in Japan support UN Command in S. Korea

The command’s work in Japan is vital to the defense of South Korea since it would help facilitate reinforcements that would head to the peninsula through Japanese ports in an emergency.

U.S. veterans living in the Philippines petitioned for access to the coronavirus vaccine through Veterans Affairs clinics in that country. The vaccine, seen here Dec. 28, 2020, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, is available now in limited quantities to essential personnel.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
U.S. veterans living in the Philippines petitioned for access to the coronavirus vaccine through Veterans Affairs clinics in that country. The vaccine, seen here Dec. 28, 2020, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, is available now in limited quantities to essential personnel.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

US veterans in the Philippines in coronavirus vaccine limbo

Representatives of veteran and retiree support organizations in the Philippines wrote to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, outlining their concerns about the U.S. government’s vaccination plan.

Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commander of the USS John S. McCain, scans the horizon in the South China Sea from the pilot house on Dec. 22, 2020.<br>Markus Castaneda/U.S. Navy
Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commander of the USS John S. McCain, scans the horizon in the South China Sea from the pilot house on Dec. 22, 2020.<br>Markus Castaneda/U.S. Navy

Navy rejects China’s claim it 'expelled' US warship from disputed South China Sea

The U.S. Navy denied a Chinese claim that the USS John S. McCain was forced from waters near the Spratly Islands.

Navy Hospitalman Roman Silvestri administers a coronavirus vaccine to Cmdr. Joseph Kotora at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, N.H., on Dec. 15. Vaccines are coming soon to six installations in Japan, U.S. Forces Japan announced Dec. 20.<br>Imani N. Daniels/U.S. Navy
Navy Hospitalman Roman Silvestri administers a coronavirus vaccine to Cmdr. Joseph Kotora at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, N.H., on Dec. 15. Vaccines are coming soon to six installations in Japan, U.S. Forces Japan announced Dec. 20.<br>Imani N. Daniels/U.S. Navy

Coronavirus vaccines expected within days for select subjects at six US bases in Japan

Medical-care and emergency-service providers have priority for immediate inoculation, including medical personnel, firefighters and public health and safety personnel, U.S. Forces Japan announced Sunday.

From left, Marine Cpl. Juan Flores, 20, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Cpl. Devin Gates, 26, of Panama City, Fla. with a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during training in Gunma prefecture, Japan, Dec. 15, 2020.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
From left, Marine Cpl. Juan Flores, 20, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Cpl. Devin Gates, 26, of Panama City, Fla. with a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during training in Gunma prefecture, Japan, Dec. 15, 2020.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Marines test-drive new armored vehicles in Japanese Alps

Compared to the Humvee, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle is significantly more capable of taking a hit from direct-fire weapons, indirect fire, and explosives, said a Marine Corps official.

Shotaro Shimazaki, 27, a swimming instructor at Yokota Air Base, Japan, is a competitive breaststroker who plans to enter trials that will determine who competes for Japan at the summer games in Tokyo.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
Shotaro Shimazaki, 27, a swimming instructor at Yokota Air Base, Japan, is a competitive breaststroker who plans to enter trials that will determine who competes for Japan at the summer games in Tokyo.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

VIDEO

Japanese swimmer chases Olympic dream while teaching classes at US air base in Tokyo

Shotaro Shimazaki, a swim instructor at the Yokota Natatorium, ranked 16th in Japan for 100-meter-breaststroke based on this year’s results.

Patriot Express passengers exit their flight after landing at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in 2017. <br>Sadie Colbert/U.S. Air Force
Patriot Express passengers exit their flight after landing at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in 2017. <br>Sadie Colbert/U.S. Air Force

Heavy snowfall in northern Japan strands more than 200 military travelers at Misawa Air Base

Misawa Air Base received more than 22 inches of snowfall in 72 hours, delaying a Patriot Express flight.

Marines taking part in Exercise Forest Light work from a mobile combat operations center at Soumagahara Training Area in Gunma prefecture, Japan, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Marines taking part in Exercise Forest Light work from a mobile combat operations center at Soumagahara Training Area in Gunma prefecture, Japan, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Marines put minimalistic command concept to work during air-assault exercise in Japan

The Marines and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force are practicing assaults on “key maritime terrain” during Forest Light, the type of operations the Pentagon foresees in a potential conflict with China.

This image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching a launch was released by the Korean Central News Agency a day after Pyongyang test-fired a missile over Japan on Sept. 15, 2017. <br>KCNA
This image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching a launch was released by the Korean Central News Agency a day after Pyongyang test-fired a missile over Japan on Sept. 15, 2017. <br>KCNA

Fewer ships and aircraft are monitoring North Korea’s illicit trade during the pandemic

Sanctions-monitoring missions, which include ships and aircraft operating out of U.S. military bases in Japan, declined from 50-60 a year in recent years to about 20 in 2020, U.N. command staff said.

Col. Teresa Schlosser, right, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District, and Richard Byrd, the deputy district engineer, roll the district flag, Aug. 31, 2018, to mark the closing of the district's headquarters in Seoul and its relocation 40 miles south to Camp Humphreys. <br>Antwaun Parrish/U.S. Army
Col. Teresa Schlosser, right, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District, and Richard Byrd, the deputy district engineer, roll the district flag, Aug. 31, 2018, to mark the closing of the district's headquarters in Seoul and its relocation 40 miles south to Camp Humphreys. <br>Antwaun Parrish/U.S. Army

Parts of Yongsan Garrison among a dozen US military sites being returned to South Korea

Here's a list of facilities that will be returned to South Korea by U.S. forces.

Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, speaks on video Nov. 16, 2020, during the Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar and Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum. <br>U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs
Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, speaks on video Nov. 16, 2020, during the Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar and Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum. <br>U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs

US Army Pacific commander will be nominated to lead US Forces Korea, reports say

Amid reports that US Army Pacific commander Gen. Paul LaCamera would be the new leader of US Forces Korea, a USFK spokesman said no official announcement has been made about a new commander.

A social distancing decal is posted at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, March 27, 2020.<br>Matthew Keeler/Stars and Stripes
A social distancing decal is posted at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, March 27, 2020.<br>Matthew Keeler/Stars and Stripes

Mask-free dancing prompts closure of base establishments in South Korea

USFK said a pair of recent events at Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base "displayed poor judgment."

Vehicles line up for screening before entering Camp Casey, South Korea, Feb. 26, 2020.<br>Amber Smith/U.S. Army
Vehicles line up for screening before entering Camp Casey, South Korea, Feb. 26, 2020.<br>Amber Smith/U.S. Army

US Forces Korea restricts travel amid rise in coronavirus cases on the peninsula

U.S. Forces Korea said all 17 of its new patients are recent arrivals to the peninsula, either via commercial flights to Incheon International Airport or the Patriot Express.

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron taxis during the elephant walk portion of the Samurai Surge exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2020. <br>Taylor Workman/U.S. Air Force
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron taxis during the elephant walk portion of the Samurai Surge exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2020. <br>Taylor Workman/U.S. Air Force

Simple health precautions help keep Tokyo-based airlifters flying during the pandemic

The airlifters' missions include tactical airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and transporting distinguished visitors.

Members of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment train in Niigata prefecture, Japan, Dec. 5, 2020.<br>U.S. Marine Corps
Members of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment train in Niigata prefecture, Japan, Dec. 5, 2020.<br>U.S. Marine Corps

Marines and Japanese troops train together to capture islands, coastal areas

Five hundred members of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., are working with 400 troops from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 30th Infantry Regiment, their commander, Lt. Col. Neil Berry, said in a telephone interview Sunday from Camp Fuji, outside Tokyo.

The aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan sail alongside each other in the South China Sea, July 6, 2020. <br>Cody Beam/U.S. Navy
The aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan sail alongside each other in the South China Sea, July 6, 2020. <br>Cody Beam/U.S. Navy

Navy pushes ahead with plans to stand up another numbered fleet in the Indo-Pacific

The Navy can’t rely on 7th Fleet alone to cover an almost 48 million-square-mile operations area, the service’s top civilian leader said.

Maj. Joseph Spitz, a 36th Airlift Squadron pilot participating in Operation Christmas Drop, poses in a Santa hat at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 2, 2020.<br>Amir Young/U.S. Air Force
Maj. Joseph Spitz, a 36th Airlift Squadron pilot participating in Operation Christmas Drop, poses in a Santa hat at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 2, 2020.<br>Amir Young/U.S. Air Force

Palau islanders to receive extra Christmas Drop aid after Micronesia opts out over pandemic

The annual Air Force mission, which brings food, clothing and other donated supplies to thousands of people living on small Pacific islands, is scheduled to fly its first sorties of the season on Sunday from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

One of Japan's iconic F-4EJ "Samurai" Phantom II fighter jets awaits a photo op with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at Iruma Air Base, Japan, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
One of Japan's iconic F-4EJ "Samurai" Phantom II fighter jets awaits a photo op with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at Iruma Air Base, Japan, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

‘Phantom Forever’: Iconic fighter jet makes final appearance at a Japan Air Self-Defense Force review

Japan is retiring the F-4s after 48 years of service, according to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

National security adviser Robert O'Brien, center, checks out a TOW-2A missile system in Manila, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. <br>U.S. State Department
National security adviser Robert O'Brien, center, checks out a TOW-2A missile system in Manila, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. <br>U.S. State Department

US-to-Philippines arms transfers include recon drone, 100 precision-guided missiles

U.S. officials delivered armaments worth nearly $33 million to the Philippines.

Leigh Ishida, the project team chief for the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, checks out renovation work for Hangar 15 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Leigh Ishida, the project team chief for the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, checks out renovation work for Hangar 15 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Huge historic hangar is getting $5.7 million dollar upgrade at US air base in Tokyo

A giant 72-year-old hangar at Yokota Air Base is getting a makeover.

Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite stands aboard the museum ship Constellation in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 7, 2020.<br>Levingston Lewis/U.S. Navy
Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite stands aboard the museum ship Constellation in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 7, 2020.<br>Levingston Lewis/U.S. Navy

Navy secretary pitches 1st Fleet revival in Western Pacific, possibly based in Singapore

The 7th Fleet, based at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, is the only U.S. fleet in the Indo-Pacific region. It includes the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is supported at times by ships from the San Diego-based 3rd Fleet.

Members of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade participate in the Talisman Sabre exercise in Bowen, Australia, July 22, 2019. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Members of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade participate in the Talisman Sabre exercise in Bowen, Australia, July 22, 2019. <br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Japan, Australia edge toward military alliance with new training agreement

Australian and Japanese Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Yoshihide Suga announced plans during a joint news conference Tuesday in Tokyo for a reciprocal access agreement that sets rules governing troop visits.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte arrives at Mount Samat to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the fall of the Bataan Peninsula to Japanese forces during World War II, April 9, 2017.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte arrives at Mount Samat to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the fall of the Bataan Peninsula to Japanese forces during World War II, April 9, 2017.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

ANALYSIS

Human rights pressures may further complicate US-Philippines relations during Biden presidency

A new U.S. administration under President-elect Joe Biden will tread carefully in its dealings with Philippines strongman President Rodrigo Duterte, defense experts predict.

Lt. Col. Akira Ozawa of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force poses with old Japanese Imperial Army uniforms and weapons inside a small museum at Camp Zama, Japan.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Lt. Col. Akira Ozawa of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force poses with old Japanese Imperial Army uniforms and weapons inside a small museum at Camp Zama, Japan.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Zama museum preserves history of camp serving as US Army Japan headquarters

During World War II, the military installation that serves as the modern-day headquarters for U.S. Army Japan was Japan’s version of West Point.

Then-Vice President Joe Biden speaks to military personnel inside the Taiyo Community Center at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2011.<br>Samuel Morse/U.S. Air Force
Then-Vice President Joe Biden speaks to military personnel inside the Taiyo Community Center at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2011.<br>Samuel Morse/U.S. Air Force

In calls with Biden, leaders of America’s Pacific allies pledge to work with president-elect

The leaders of South Korea, Japan and Australia each released details of their calls with President-elect Joe Biden Thursday.