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Seth Robson

Russian Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters were intercepted in international airspace west of Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, according to North American Aerospace Defense Command.<br>Courtesy of NORAD
Russian Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters were intercepted in international airspace west of Alaska, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, according to North American Aerospace Defense Command.<br>Courtesy of NORAD

Air Force intercepts Russian bombers, fighter escorts near Alaska

Air Force F-22 Raptors intercepted a pair of Russian bombers and their fighter escorts this week near Alaska, according to North American Aerospace Defense Command.

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A P-3K Orion flies over Rangitoto Island near Auckland, New Zealand, in 2006.<br>Courtesy of New Zealand Defence Force
A P-3K Orion flies over Rangitoto Island near Auckland, New Zealand, in 2006.<br>Courtesy of New Zealand Defence Force

Surveillance planes from Australia and New Zealand to help enforce N. Korea sanctions

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion will deploy to Kadena Air Base and two Australian AP-3C Orions also will fly to Japan to support the enforcement of United Nations sanctions against North Korea.

Iraqi linguist Barakat Ali Bashar was killed by a suicide bomber while supporting Army Special Forces in September 2007.<br>Courtesy of Hadi Pir
Iraqi linguist Barakat Ali Bashar was killed by a suicide bomber while supporting Army Special Forces in September 2007.<br>Courtesy of Hadi Pir

Special Forces soldiers fight to grant last wish of Iraqi interpreter killed in action

Barakat Ali Bashar — known as “Andy” to troops — sacrificed his life to save then-Staff Sgt. Jay McBride from a suicide bomber in 2007. Now McBride is trying to evacuate his rescuer's family from war-torn Iraqi Kurdistan.

Customers eat lunch at the Yokota Community Center food court at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Friday, Aug. 31, 2018.<br>Leon Cook/Stars and Stripes
Customers eat lunch at the Yokota Community Center food court at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Friday, Aug. 31, 2018.<br>Leon Cook/Stars and Stripes

Overseas military exchange stores thrive in face of ‘retail apocalypse’

Last year, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service reported $376 million in earnings and generated $219 million to support military quality-of-life programs such as on-base gymnasiums, bowling alleys and childcare centers.

A Royal Thai Navy sailor, right, a Philippine coast guardsman, center, and a Royal Thai Marine police officer practice tactical procedures during Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training in Manila, Philippines, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018.<br>Micah Blechner/U.S. Navy
A Royal Thai Navy sailor, right, a Philippine coast guardsman, center, and a Royal Thai Marine police officer practice tactical procedures during Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training in Manila, Philippines, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018.<br>Micah Blechner/U.S. Navy

US trains with Southeast Asian nations to visit, board, search and seize ships

The Navy, Coast Guard and personnel from eight partner nations are training to visit, board, search and seize vessels in Southeast Asia.

An Air Force CV-22 Osprey aircraft parks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, May 30, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
An Air Force CV-22 Osprey aircraft parks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, May 30, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

Air Force Ospreys to be officially stationed in Tokyo by October

U.S. Forces Japan has officially notified the Japanese government of plans to base CV-22 Osprey aircraft in western Tokyo, more than four months after they arrived there for the first time.

An airman uses a self-checkout kiosk inside the commissary at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
An airman uses a self-checkout kiosk inside the commissary at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

New technology could eliminate long checkout lines for military shoppers

The Defense Commissary Agency is looking at ways to update self-checkout systems on overseas military bases that allow customers to scan and pay for groceries — without the aid of a cashier.

Beijing began to field longer-range H-6K bombers in 2013, incorporating cruise-missile pylons to turn them into stand-off strike platforms.<br>Courtesy of Wikicommons
Beijing began to field longer-range H-6K bombers in 2013, incorporating cruise-missile pylons to turn them into stand-off strike platforms.<br>Courtesy of Wikicommons

China rapidly expanding overwater bomber operations, Pentagon warns lawmakers

Chinese bombers have been flying farther from home and have the capability of striking U.S. military bases as far afield as Guam, according to the Pentagon’s annual report to Congress on the communist nation’s military.

Rodrigo Gomez teaches jiu-jitsu at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2016.<br>Jordyn Fetter/U.S. Air Force photo
Rodrigo Gomez teaches jiu-jitsu at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2016.<br>Jordyn Fetter/U.S. Air Force photo

Ex-Misawa jiujitsu instructor faces additional charges from on-base brawl

Rodrigo Pineda Gomez, the husband of an Air Force officer, was arrested in February and charged with attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault in the New Year’s Eve 2016 incident at Misawa Air Base.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service recently opened a two-register outlet at Robertson Barracks to replace a mobile exchange that had served troops out of a 44-foot container at the home of Marine Rotational Force Darwin in Australia.<br>Courtesy of AAFES
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service recently opened a two-register outlet at Robertson Barracks to replace a mobile exchange that had served troops out of a 44-foot container at the home of Marine Rotational Force Darwin in Australia.<br>Courtesy of AAFES

AAFES opens Darwin exchange to serve more Marines Down Under

A new exchange is the latest evidence of a growing Marine Corps presence in Australia’s Northern Territory.

An ornamental eagle is among the items from sale at the General Services Administration store at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
An ornamental eagle is among the items from sale at the General Services Administration store at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

Eclectic on-base supply shops getting commercial makeovers

Changes are coming to the General Services Administration stores at U.S. military bases in Europe and the Far East, which house a varied assortment of government supplies.

<br>Dreamstime/TNS
<br>Dreamstime/TNS

US military lashes out on Twitter after Beijing warns off aircraft in South China Sea

The Chinese sent six radio warnings to a P-8A Poseidon carrying journalists from CNN and the BBC Friday as the jet approached islets in the disputed waters where the Chinese have been building military facilities.

Col. Mark Coppess was relieved of command at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, on June 5, 2018, due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead his command.<br>Nicole Rogge/U.S. Marine Corps photo
Col. Mark Coppess was relieved of command at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, on June 5, 2018, due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead his command.<br>Nicole Rogge/U.S. Marine Corps photo

'High-risk aviator': Report details dangerous flying, abuse of authority by fired Futenma commander

The former commander of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma pulled rank to get more time in the cockpit, and problems ranged from undue command influence to safety concerns, according to the report. One aviator described an incident in which Col. Mark Coppess "warmed a burrito on the exhaust duct of the aircraft.”

The Chinese navy hospital ship Daishan Dao, also known as Peace Ark, departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in 2016.<br>Laurie Dexter/U.S. Navy
The Chinese navy hospital ship Daishan Dao, also known as Peace Ark, departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in 2016.<br>Laurie Dexter/U.S. Navy

US, Japan, Australia will invest to counter Chinese influence in Pacific

A Chinese navy ship will dock in Fiji days after the United States, Japan and Australia announced plans for joint investments seen as a counterweight to the communists’ growing influence in the Pacific.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testifies to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 25, 2018, in Washington, D.C. <br>Salwan Georges/The Washington Post
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testifies to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 25, 2018, in Washington, D.C. <br>Salwan Georges/The Washington Post

N. Korea still producing nuclear material, Pompeo tells lawmakers

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who earlier this month traveled to Pyongyang for the third time since April, said last week that the North Koreans reaffirmed their commitment to denuclearize during his most recent visit.

This photo was posted on a GoFundMe page for the family of Airman 1st Class Mikhahael Ragay (right), who suffered a severe heat injury during training at Osan Air Base, South Korea.<br>Courtesy of Logan Palmer
This photo was posted on a GoFundMe page for the family of Airman 1st Class Mikhahael Ragay (right), who suffered a severe heat injury during training at Osan Air Base, South Korea.<br>Courtesy of Logan Palmer

Osan airman hospitalized for serious heat illness suffered during ruck march

Airman 1st Class Mikhahael Ragay is currently in critical condition in a comatose state. His family flew out to Osan Air Base in South Korea to be with him.

Airmen were still hard at work despite record-setting heat at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Monday, July 23, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes;
Airmen were still hard at work despite record-setting heat at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Monday, July 23, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes;

Servicemembers in Japan swelter in record-breaking heatwave

Record temperatures are baking the home of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo during a heatwave that has killed more than 30 people over the past week.

Philippine Rangers Capt. Alex Estabaya and Capt. Ramse Dugan, who fought in the battle to liberate Marawi from Islamic State insurgents, stand in Marawi City, Philippines, in November.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Philippine Rangers Capt. Alex Estabaya and Capt. Ramse Dugan, who fought in the battle to liberate Marawi from Islamic State insurgents, stand in Marawi City, Philippines, in November.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

US to give Philippine police $26.5 million to fight terrorism

The Philippines is battling Islamic State-inspired terrorists, including those ejected from the southern city of Marawi following a bloody siege last year.

Airmen from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command conduct a combined land survey with Royal Thai Army partners on June 29, 2018, at Chiang Rai, Thailand. The search and rescue team was sent to Tham Luang cave in Northern Thailand at the request of the Royal Thai government to assist in the rescue of the missing Thai soccer players and their coach. <br>Jessica Tait/U.S. Air Force photo
Airmen from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command conduct a combined land survey with Royal Thai Army partners on June 29, 2018, at Chiang Rai, Thailand. The search and rescue team was sent to Tham Luang cave in Northern Thailand at the request of the Royal Thai government to assist in the rescue of the missing Thai soccer players and their coach. <br>Jessica Tait/U.S. Air Force photo

Okinawa-based Special Operations airmen involved in Thai cave rescue

State Department spokesman Steve Castonguay in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, where the operation unfolded, said in an email Tuesday that Thai authorities had the lead with about 40 American servicemembers in support.

Riki Ellison poses with soldiers and a THAAD missile-defense launcher at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in December 2017.<br>Courtesy of Riki Ellison
Riki Ellison poses with soldiers and a THAAD missile-defense launcher at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in December 2017.<br>Courtesy of Riki Ellison

Former 49ers linebacker champions missile defense

Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Riki Ellison decided to tackle a new challenge after his playing career ended. He founded the nonprofit Missile Advocacy Alliance to lobby for missile-defense deployment and development.

Don Jensen commissioned this painting of the C-130 he piloted going down in flames over An Loc, South Vietnam on April 18, 1972. <br>Courtesy Don Jensen
Don Jensen commissioned this painting of the C-130 he piloted going down in flames over An Loc, South Vietnam on April 18, 1972. <br>Courtesy Don Jensen

‘That looks like a bad day’: Vietnam veteran chronicles C-130 crew’s courage over An Loc

“C-130 Goes Down on An Loc Ammo Run — No One Could Survive, but They Did,” says a headline on an article about an April 18, 1972, crash by Stars and Stripes’ Vietnam bureau. Decades later the pilot of that plane recounts his story.

The New Zealand government is warning personnel who worked in Antarctica in the 1960s and 1970s about radiation from a leaky U.S. Navy nuclear reactor.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
The New Zealand government is warning personnel who worked in Antarctica in the 1960s and 1970s about radiation from a leaky U.S. Navy nuclear reactor.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

New Zealand warns its Antarctic veterans about radiation risks from leaky US Navy reactor

The New Zealand government is warning personnel who worked in Antarctica in the 1960s and ‘70s about radiation from a leaky U.S. Navy reactor.

People watch television coverage of the historic summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at Seoul Station in South Korea, Tuesday, June 12, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
People watch television coverage of the historic summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at Seoul Station in South Korea, Tuesday, June 12, 2018.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

US troops, S. Koreans mostly hopeful about historic summit

Crowds of U.S. troops and South Korean civilians gathered around televisions on the peninsula Tuesday to watch a historic meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

<br>Courtesy of Matthew Kohl
<br>Courtesy of Matthew Kohl

Yokota airmen improve gas mask with 3D printer, potentially saving Air Force $8 million or more

The idea of hooking up the M-50 joint-service, general-purpose mask to an aircraft was hatched during brainstorming sessions by airmen from Yokota’s 374th Maintenance Squadron and 374th Operations Support Squadron.

Col. Mark S. Coppess<br>U.S. Marine Corps photo
Col. Mark S. Coppess<br>U.S. Marine Corps photo

Futenma commander ousted due to ‘loss of trust and confidence’ in ability to lead

The Marine Corps has relieved the head of one of its most important Pacific bases due to a “loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead his command.”

A group of former Marines returned a small, white Buddha statue taken from a Vietnamese shrine as a trophy during the Vietnam War, Saturday, June 2, 2018.<br>Courtesy of Julio Martinez
A group of former Marines returned a small, white Buddha statue taken from a Vietnamese shrine as a trophy during the Vietnam War, Saturday, June 2, 2018.<br>Courtesy of Julio Martinez

Marine veterans return Buddha statue plundered during Vietnam War

The likeness of a female Buddha was plundered from a village shrine in north central Vietnam during a patrol in April 1968 by a Marine. The return had to be done discretely because of Vietnam’s restrictions on religion.

Air Force Maj. Chineta Harris, left, salutes her daughter, Pvt. Candace Harris, after swearing her into the Army on Monday, June 4, 2018, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
Air Force Maj. Chineta Harris, left, salutes her daughter, Pvt. Candace Harris, after swearing her into the Army on Monday, June 4, 2018, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

Air Force major swears daughter into Army at home of US Forces Japan

Enlisting in the Army was a family affair for newly minted Pvt. Candace Harris, 20, who was sworn in by her mother Monday at the home of U.S. Forces Japan in Tokyo.

374th Airlift Wing commander Col. Kenneth Moss congratulates employees during the official opening of a renovated base exchange at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Friday, June 1, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
374th Airlift Wing commander Col. Kenneth Moss congratulates employees during the official opening of a renovated base exchange at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Friday, June 1, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

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Yokota celebrates ‘re-grand opening’ of expanded base exchange

The massive, newly renovated base exchange adds 25,000 feet of floor space to its largest facility at Yokota so that it can accommodate products that were sold at a shop that shut down last year.

An Air Force CV-22 Osprey aircraft parks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, May 30, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
An Air Force CV-22 Osprey aircraft parks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, May 30, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

Yokota’s new Ospreys return to Tokyo between training missions

Five U.S. CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, part of a Special Operations squadron of 10, are back at Yokota Air Base.

Commuters walk past photos of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Koreans in 1977, at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, May 9, 2018.<br>Leon Cook/Stars and Stripes
Commuters walk past photos of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Koreans in 1977, at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, May 9, 2018.<br>Leon Cook/Stars and Stripes

Japan shows ‘understanding’ about summit, vows to keep pressure on N. Korea

Japanese officials promised to keep pressure on North Korea after President Donald Trump’s decision Thursday to cancel a historic summit with Kim Jong Un.

An MV-22B Osprey takes off from the USS Bonhomme Richard near the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia, July 20, 2017.<br>Marcus Fichtl/Stars and Stripes
An MV-22B Osprey takes off from the USS Bonhomme Richard near the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia, July 20, 2017.<br>Marcus Fichtl/Stars and Stripes

Japanese defense minister expresses concern after Osprey crash report

Twenty-four MV-22B Ospreys fly out of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, and five CV-22 Ospreys — part of a squadron that will grow to 10 aircraft — began operating out of Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo last month.