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Seth Robson

Ross Meador was part of Operation Babylift in Vietnam in 1975.<br>Ross Meador
Ross Meador was part of Operation Babylift in Vietnam in 1975.<br>Ross Meador

Play tells the story of Operation Babylift in Vietnam of 1975

The voices of nine people involved in one of history’s most dramatic humanitarian operations echo in a play that aims to keep memories of the Vietnam War alive.

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Army Sgt. Tanner Bianchi observes a Fijian soldier during training in Labasa, Fiji, July 31, 2019.<br>Whitney Houston/U.S. Army
Army Sgt. Tanner Bianchi observes a Fijian soldier during training in Labasa, Fiji, July 31, 2019.<br>Whitney Houston/U.S. Army

US troops should expect more South Pacific missions, security expert says

Concerns about Chinese efforts to build influence in the South Pacific will likely spur more exercises like one involving the U.S. Army in Fiji this month, according to a regional security expert.

The MacArthur Museum Brisbane is housed in the historic AMP building, which served as Gen. Douglas MacArthur's headquarters during World War II.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
The MacArthur Museum Brisbane is housed in the historic AMP building, which served as Gen. Douglas MacArthur's headquarters during World War II.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Hear firsthand stories of World War II at the MacArthur Museum in Brisbane

Australian Ron Rees was just 6, on his way home from a fishing trip with his older brother, when he met Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the street in 1942.

Marines on a sixth-month rotation to Darwin, Australia, participated in Talisman Sabre drills Down Under this week.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Marines on a sixth-month rotation to Darwin, Australia, participated in Talisman Sabre drills Down Under this week.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Rotational force in Australia’s Northern Territory hits target of 2,500 Marines

Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, which trains in Australia for six months during the southern hemisphere summer, has built up slowly since an initial contingent of 250 Marines hit the beach there in 2012.

Members of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade come ashore at Kings Beach near Bowen, Australia, Monday, July 22, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Members of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade come ashore at Kings Beach near Bowen, Australia, Monday, July 22, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Japan’s new marine unit gets a workout during Talisman Sabre drills Down Under

Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force began observing and participating in amphibious training with U.S. Marines on Okinawa in 2012. The training, which was off limits to media, was part of a multiyear effort to develop amphibious capability that included new helicopter carriers and landing craft.

Local and military leaders from the U.S., Australia and Japan, in town for Talisman Sabre drills, layed wreaths at the Bowen War Memorial in Bowen, Australia, Tuesday, July 23, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Local and military leaders from the U.S., Australia and Japan, in town for Talisman Sabre drills, layed wreaths at the Bowen War Memorial in Bowen, Australia, Tuesday, July 23, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Talisman Sabre troops honor Australians killed during World War I and beyond

Troops from several service branches of the nations that are participating in the monthlong drills gathered Tuesday at the Bowen War Memorial to pay tribute to those who had come before them and had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Australian army Capt. Chris Moroney, 32, of Brisbane, Australia, wore a U.S. flag patch on his helmet during an amphibious Talisman Sabre drill near Bowen, Australia, Monday, July 22, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Australian army Capt. Chris Moroney, 32, of Brisbane, Australia, wore a U.S. flag patch on his helmet during an amphibious Talisman Sabre drill near Bowen, Australia, Monday, July 22, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

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US, Pacific allies show off their growing amphibious strength during Talisman Sabre

The Marines have been renowned for their ability to get from ship to shore under fire since World War II, but Monday’s training made clear that their mates have plenty of firepower to bring to the party.

Australians watch as U.S. Marines in amphibious-assault vehicles move along Kings Beach, near Bowen, during a Talisman Sabre drill, Monday, July 22, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Australians watch as U.S. Marines in amphibious-assault vehicles move along Kings Beach, near Bowen, during a Talisman Sabre drill, Monday, July 22, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

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Australian seaside town welcomes US Marines with open arms during massive exercise

Locals and vacationers in the small Australian town Bowen were eager to get to know U.S. Marines patrolling their streets this week as part of the biennial Talisman Sabre exercise.

U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Kooken is reflected in a glass screen that protects samples from contamination at the Australian Defence Force's Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, July 20, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Kooken is reflected in a glass screen that protects samples from contamination at the Australian Defence Force's Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, July 20, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Army microbiologist helps battle mosquito-borne illnesses from lab Down Under

A U.S. Army-run laboratory on an Australian military base is helping protect troops from mosquito-borne diseases in tropical environments such as the training areas used in this month’s Talisman Sabre exercise Down Under.

Air Force veteran Dave Fisher, who turned 100 years old on July 17, 1919, poses in front of a T-6 Texan in this undated photograph.<br>Courtesy of Debra Pearce
Air Force veteran Dave Fisher, who turned 100 years old on July 17, 1919, poses in front of a T-6 Texan in this undated photograph.<br>Courtesy of Debra Pearce

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Faded memories: Former Air Force pilot pays tribute to his service as he turns 100 in Tokyo

It’s been decades since Dave Fisher soared through the wild blue yonder in Air Force jets, and a century since his birth on July 17, 1919. The former Air Force major is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, American military veterans in Japan.

A ‘Y’ plate is displayed on a vehicle at Yokota Air Base, Japan on July 12, 2019. The plate does not belong to the suspect who is being sought in connections with an assault that occurred near Misawa Air Base on July 10, 2019.<br>Kat Bouza/Stars and Stripes
A ‘Y’ plate is displayed on a vehicle at Yokota Air Base, Japan on July 12, 2019. The plate does not belong to the suspect who is being sought in connections with an assault that occurred near Misawa Air Base on July 10, 2019.<br>Kat Bouza/Stars and Stripes

Japanese police hunt assault suspect who fled in ‘Y’ plate car near Misawa Air Base

The suspect, described as being in his 20s or 30s, allegedly punched the victim in the head before leaving the scene in a vehicle with a type of license plate issued to American military personnel in Japan.

A High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System, also known as HIMARS, is test-fired during Talisman Sabre drill in Queensland, Australia, July 8, 2019.<br>Ashley Maldonado/U.S. Air Force
A High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System, also known as HIMARS, is test-fired during Talisman Sabre drill in Queensland, Australia, July 8, 2019.<br>Ashley Maldonado/U.S. Air Force

Highly mobile rocket systems to stay in Australia after Talisman Sabre ends

A platoon from the Okinawa-based 12th Marine Regiment brought three High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems launchers to Australia for the monthlong, biennial drills involving 34,000 U.S. and Australian troops.

An M1A2 Abrams tank trains at Orchard Combat Training Center in Boise, Idaho, Feb. 4, 2019.<br>Thomas Alvarez/Army National Guard
An M1A2 Abrams tank trains at Orchard Combat Training Center in Boise, Idaho, Feb. 4, 2019.<br>Thomas Alvarez/Army National Guard

China urges US to ‘immediately cancel’ sale of tanks and missiles to Taiwan

China is demanding that the United States scrap a plan to sell more than $2 billion worth of military hardware, including M1A2 Abrams tanks and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, to Taiwan.

The USS Ronald Reagan steams toward Brisbane, Australia, Friday, July 5, 2019. The Japan-based aircraft carrier is slated to participate in the Talisman Sabre exercise this month.<br>Reina Delgado/U.S. Navy
The USS Ronald Reagan steams toward Brisbane, Australia, Friday, July 5, 2019. The Japan-based aircraft carrier is slated to participate in the Talisman Sabre exercise this month.<br>Reina Delgado/U.S. Navy

US, Australian forces kick off massive, monthlong military drills Down Under

The training, which comes amid heightened concern about Chinese influence in the South Pacific, is expected to be closely monitored by a Chinese Auxiliary General Intelligence vessel, according to Australia’s ABC television network.

Lt. Col. Jason Hock, commander of the newly activated 21st Special Operations Squadron (left) and Maj. Larry Sepassi, commander of the newly activated 753rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron speak with reporters after the commands' activation ceremony on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, July 1, 2019. <br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
Lt. Col. Jason Hock, commander of the newly activated 21st Special Operations Squadron (left) and Maj. Larry Sepassi, commander of the newly activated 753rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron speak with reporters after the commands' activation ceremony on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Monday, July 1, 2019. <br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

Special operations Osprey squadrons stand up at US air base in Tokyo

The newly established 21st Special Operations Squadron and the 753rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron at Yokota Air Base will fly and maintain five CV-22 Ospreys.

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies over Yokota Air Base, Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background, Jan. 8, 2019.<br>Yasuo Osakabe/U.S. Air Force
A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies over Yokota Air Base, Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background, Jan. 8, 2019.<br>Yasuo Osakabe/U.S. Air Force

Undisclosed fuel spills at Yokota did not meet reporting criteria, US military says

Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun newspaper discovered a spill of 734 gallons of diesel fuel from a tank and a midflight leakage of 2,790 gallons of jet fuel at Yokota Air Base near Tokyo went unreported to Japanese authorities.

The remains of Maj. James M. Brophy, Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores and Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann have been recovered. The three Marines were killed in a December collision off the coast of Japan. <br>Courtesy (l-r) Marines, Rosa Bennett and Laura Covington
The remains of Maj. James M. Brophy, Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores and Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann have been recovered. The three Marines were killed in a December collision off the coast of Japan. <br>Courtesy (l-r) Marines, Rosa Bennett and Laura Covington

Military IDs remains of three Marines recovered after December midair collision off Japan

The cause of a collision between KC-130J tanker and an F/A-18 Hornet is still under investigation.

A tourist boat drifts in front of a commercial vessel near Baloy Beach in Subic Bay, Philippines, in March 2015.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
A tourist boat drifts in front of a commercial vessel near Baloy Beach in Subic Bay, Philippines, in March 2015.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Navy eyes shipyard in Philippines as repair and maintenance facility

Subic Bay was once home to thousands of U.S. sailors and their families before the Navy vacated its bases there in 1992. It’s still a regular port call for U.S. warships.

A revision to Japan's Civil Aeronautics Law will make it illegal by the end of September 2019 to fly a drone while under the influence of alcohol.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay
A revision to Japan's Civil Aeronautics Law will make it illegal by the end of September 2019 to fly a drone while under the influence of alcohol.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay

Japan outlaws flying drone aircraft while under the influence of alcohol

The new rules don’t directly affect American personnel operating drones on military bases, Japanese officials said — but Federal Aviation Administration rules also ban drinking and droning flights over military installations.

Airman 1st Class Brooklyn Shedd and her fellow Misawa Queens pose with Misawa city officials after being crowned on Friday, June 21, 2019.<br>Brittany Chase/U.S. Air Force
Airman 1st Class Brooklyn Shedd and her fellow Misawa Queens pose with Misawa city officials after being crowned on Friday, June 21, 2019.<br>Brittany Chase/U.S. Air Force

New Misawa Queen looks forward to serving as ambassador for US air base in Japan

Airman 1st Class Brooklyn Shedd will represent Misawa Air Base, attending nine festivals with two Japanese beauty queens and joining a sports team.

U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider welcomes Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya to Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, June 19, 2019.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider welcomes Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya to Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, June 19, 2019.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

USFJ commander emphasizes ‘greater number of challenges’ during visit with Japan’s defense chief

Challenges are growing for the United States and Japan in the Far East, the commander of U.S. Forces Japan told his host nation’s defense minister Wednesday in western Tokyo.

From left, former U.S. women's national soccer team players Staci Wilson, Saskia Weber, Nikki Serlenga and Shannon MacMillan pose with tour manager Bre Burgesser, center, after a clinic for kids at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Saturday, June 15, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
From left, former U.S. women's national soccer team players Staci Wilson, Saskia Weber, Nikki Serlenga and Shannon MacMillan pose with tour manager Bre Burgesser, center, after a clinic for kids at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Saturday, June 15, 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Soccer stars teach their techniques to military kids during Pacific tour

Former national team players Staci Wilson, Saskia Weber, Nikki Serlenga and Shannon MacMillan have been hosting clinics for youngsters on Pacific military bases.

"Inside the Five-Sided Box: Lessons from a Lifetime of Leadership in the Pentagon" by former Defense Secretary Ash Carter was released by Dutton Books on June 11, 2019.<br>Courtesy of Dutton Books
"Inside the Five-Sided Box: Lessons from a Lifetime of Leadership in the Pentagon" by former Defense Secretary Ash Carter was released by Dutton Books on June 11, 2019.<br>Courtesy of Dutton Books

Former defense chief’s book recalls battling ISIS, F-35 troubles, Pacific pivot

The backstories behind some of the biggest issues faced by the Department of Defense during former Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s tenure are told in “Inside the Five-Sided Box: Lessons from a Lifetime of Leadership in the Pentagon.”

A KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, July 15, 2014.<br>Luis Rodriguez/U.S. Marine Corps
A KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, July 15, 2014.<br>Luis Rodriguez/U.S. Marine Corps

Team recovers remains of US Marine aviators killed in midair collision off Japan

The number and identity of those recovered is not yet known, officials said. Five crew members of a KC-130J tanker and the pilot of an F/A-18 Hornet were killed in a December collision.

Agence France Presse had sought a financial settlement from American Ex-Prisoners of War, a congressionally chartered veterans' service organization, for unauthorized use of an image on the group's website, according to Ex-POWs director Cheryl Cerbone.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay
Agence France Presse had sought a financial settlement from American Ex-Prisoners of War, a congressionally chartered veterans' service organization, for unauthorized use of an image on the group's website, according to Ex-POWs director Cheryl Cerbone.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay

French press agency drops copyright claim against ex-POWs group

Agence France Presse had sought a financial settlement from a veterans’ service organization for unauthorized use of an image.

Benefsheh Verell is a former military policewoman and Army spouse whose book, "Military and Mindful: Eight Essential Elements to Manage Your Military Career and Motherhood," is due out in December 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Benefsheh Verell is a former military policewoman and Army spouse whose book, "Military and Mindful: Eight Essential Elements to Manage Your Military Career and Motherhood," is due out in December 2019.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Troops should learn meditation in basic training, veteran yoga instructor says

The Army should start teaching soldiers meditation techniques in basic training to make them more resilient to trauma they might face in combat, according to the author of an upcoming book on military mindfulness.

An E-2D Hawkeye from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 18, 2019.<br>Amber Smalley/U.S. Navy
An E-2D Hawkeye from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 18, 2019.<br>Amber Smalley/U.S. Navy

Japan takes ownership of first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at Misawa

Japan’s first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye early-warning and control aircraft arrived at Misawa Air Base in late March, according to a spokesman for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Pizzeria La Soffitta in Tokyo's Shibuya district touts authentic Italian pizza and imported pasta and wine.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
Pizzeria La Soffitta in Tokyo's Shibuya district touts authentic Italian pizza and imported pasta and wine.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Pizzeria La Soffitta offers a tasty spot to escape from Shibuya’s hustle and bustle

Finding a quiet spot near Tokyo's Shibuya Station — just steps from the world’s busiest intersection — isn’t as hard as it might seem when you’re struggling to think over the clatter of pachinko parlors. All you have to do is navigate with thousands of others across that busy intersection and wander down a few back alleys to arrive at a staircase leading to Pizzeria La Soffitta, which touts authentic Milanese pies and imported Italian pastas and wines.

The guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain is prepared to leave dry dock at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Nov. 27, 2018. <br>Tyra Watson/U.S. Navy
The guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain is prepared to leave dry dock at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Nov. 27, 2018. <br>Tyra Watson/U.S. Navy

White House wanted USS McCain ‘out of sight’ during Trump visit to Japan, reports say

The White House asked the Navy to move the destroyer named after the late Sen. John S. McCain “out of sight” during President Donald Trump’s visit this week to the home of the 7th Fleet in Japan, according to media reports.

<br>Unsplash
<br>Unsplash

NY wholesaler charged with selling counterfeit US military uniforms from China

The Justice Department alleges that samples of actual military uniforms and gear were provided to manufacturers in China to replicate and then knockoffs were shipped to the wholesaler and others who marketed and sold them as American-made products.

<br>TNS
<br>TNS

Marine accused of punching Tokyo taxi driver, assaulting woman after not paying fare

Lance Cpl. Kahsai Hill, 21, was taken into custody Saturday by Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of robbery resulting in bodily injury after he allegedly punched a taxi driver in the face after not paying his approximately $7.40 fare, according to Kyodo News agency.