Quantcast

Seth Robson

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.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

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

video

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.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte attends an Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, meeting in the Philippines, Oct. 24, 2017.<br>Amber Smith/U.S. Army
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte attends an Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, meeting in the Philippines, Oct. 24, 2017.<br>Amber Smith/U.S. Army

Philippines has ‘serious concerns’ about Beijing bombers in South China Sea

The Philippines has expressed “serious concerns” and vowed to take “appropriate diplomatic action” over Chinese long-range bombers operating in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

Army Spc. Cody Melphy, left, and Ben Pinkelman of the U.S. national team hold the Las Vegas World Rugby Sevens tournament trophy in March 2018.<br>Courtesy of Cody Melphy
Army Spc. Cody Melphy, left, and Ben Pinkelman of the U.S. national team hold the Las Vegas World Rugby Sevens tournament trophy in March 2018.<br>Courtesy of Cody Melphy

Soldiers tout Army’s athlete program ahead of Rugby World Cup tourney

Three members of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program hope to take the field at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco this summer.

The Philippine government has ordered gas-guzzling Jeepneys to be phased out in an attempt to cut traffic congestion and pollution.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay
The Philippine government has ordered gas-guzzling Jeepneys to be phased out in an attempt to cut traffic congestion and pollution.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay

Philippines' iconic Jeepney vehicles are going electric

The days of the Philippines’ iconic Jeepney vehicles may be numbered — at least the version familiar to American servicemembers and veterans who’ve spent time in the islands.

World War II and Korean War veteran Anthony Grant, 98, of Hampton, Va., explores the world using free space-available military flights.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
World War II and Korean War veteran Anthony Grant, 98, of Hampton, Va., explores the world using free space-available military flights.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

Jet-setting WWII, Korean War veteran still traveling the world age 98

Seventy-five years after Anthony Grant set off on his first overseas trip — to fight in Europe during World War II — he’s still traveling the world courtesy of Uncle Sam.

U.S. and Philippine Marines land on a beach in amphibious-assault vehicles during a past drill on the island of Luzon, Philippines.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes
U.S. and Philippine Marines land on a beach in amphibious-assault vehicles during a past drill on the island of Luzon, Philippines.<br>Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes

US, Filipino troops storm beach during ramped-up Balikatan drills

About 8,000 American and Filipino troops are participating in the 34th iteration of the annual Balikatan exercise, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog and runs through May 18 in the Philippines.

The Sydney-based Lowy Institute has predicted that China will usurp the United States as the top power in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay
The Sydney-based Lowy Institute has predicted that China will usurp the United States as the top power in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay

China will be strongest Asia-Pacific power by 2030, Australian study predicts

The Sydney-based Lowy Institute’s interactive Asia Power Index rates 25 countries in the region across eight categories, including military alliances and capability, economic resources, diplomatic and cultural influence, trade, resilience and future trends.

A Philippine soldier trains with U.S. servicemembers during Balikatan drills in San Miguel, Bulacan, Philippines, May 10, 2017. <br>Kwadwo Frimpong/U.S. Army
A Philippine soldier trains with U.S. servicemembers during Balikatan drills in San Miguel, Bulacan, Philippines, May 10, 2017. <br>Kwadwo Frimpong/U.S. Army

US, Philippines kick off largest multinational drills since Duterte took office

The United States and the Philippines have begun their largest multinational drills under President Rodrigo Duterte, who sought to scale down America’s military presence in his country after taking office in June 2016.

Two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, drop munitions at the Pilsung Range, South Korea on Aug. 31, 2017. <br>Alex Echols/U.S. Air Force photo
Two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, drop munitions at the Pilsung Range, South Korea on Aug. 31, 2017. <br>Alex Echols/U.S. Air Force photo

GAO report outlines plan to disperse F-35s if Pacific war breaks out

The Marines’ short-takeoff, vertical-landing variant of the joint strike fighter could be part of such a strategy. Last month, F-35Bs from Iwakuni’s Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 landed aboard the USS Wasp for the first time during the amphibious assault ship’s inaugural patrol of the Western Pacific.

An Australian sailor guides a U.S. MV-22B Osprey as it takes off from HMAS Canberra in the Pacific Ocean, July 13, 2016.<br>Courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps
An Australian sailor guides a U.S. MV-22B Osprey as it takes off from HMAS Canberra in the Pacific Ocean, July 13, 2016.<br>Courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps

Marines gear up to operate on Australia’s amphibious warships

The Marines’ annual six-month deployment to the Northern Territory includes nearly 1,600 Marines, eight MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and an artillery battery of six M777 Howitzers.

The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo
The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo

USNS Brunswick proves its worth during Pacific Partnership mission

Pacific Partnership is the Asia-Pacific’s largest humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission. During the mission, the Brunswick will visit Yap, Palau, Malaysia and Thailand.

R. Lee Ermey, left, talks with fellow veterans before the 2010 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.<br> Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
R. Lee Ermey, left, talks with fellow veterans before the 2010 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.<br> Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Marine vet, 'Full Metal Jacket' actor R. Lee Ermey dies at 74

R. Lee Ermey, the Vietnam veteran famous for playing a hard-bitten Marine Corps drill instructor in the Academy Award-nominated film “Full Metal Jacket,” has died at age 74.

The Marine Corps will present a flag to the family of World War II veteran Leon Cooper, who dedicated his final years to repatriating the remains of his fallen comrades.<br>James Kimber/Stars and Stripes
The Marine Corps will present a flag to the family of World War II veteran Leon Cooper, who dedicated his final years to repatriating the remains of his fallen comrades.<br>James Kimber/Stars and Stripes

Marines to honor sailor who worked for decades to bring WWII remains back to US

The Marine Corps will present a flag Saturday to the family of a Navy landing craft commander who ferried troops to Tarawa and dedicated his final years to repatriating the remains of fallen comrades.

Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, perform a static line parachute jump last year at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Donald Hudson/U.S. Air Force
Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, perform a static line parachute jump last year at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Donald Hudson/U.S. Air Force

Air Force apologizes, resumes training after parachute mishap in Tokyo

Wind blew part of a parachute, which was cut away during a jump over Yokota Air Base, onto a tennis court at a junior high school in nearby Hamura City on April 10.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported this week that preliminary talks have been held concerning a Chinese military build-up on the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay
The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported this week that preliminary talks have been held concerning a Chinese military build-up on the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.<br>Courtesy of Pixabay

Vanuatu says China won’t build military base on Pacific island nation’s territory

The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu is denying reports that it's talking with Beijing about building a Chinese military base on its territory. It’s been suggested that a Chinese base in the South Pacific could outflank U.S. forces on Guam and slow efforts to bring in reinforcements to fight off an invasion of Taiwan.

Japanese residents protest the presence of Air Force CV-22 Ospreys at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Friday, April 6, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes;
Japanese residents protest the presence of Air Force CV-22 Ospreys at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Friday, April 6, 2018.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes;

video

Hundreds protest Yokota’s new Ospreys in western Tokyo

About 250 Japanese demonstrators sang, passed out leaflets and held up signs Friday to protest the arrival of CV-22 Ospreys a day earlier at the home of U.S. Forces Japan.

Five CV-22 Ospreys from a special operations squadron landed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Thursday, April 5, 2018 — two years earlier than expected.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes
Five CV-22 Ospreys from a special operations squadron landed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Thursday, April 5, 2018 — two years earlier than expected.<br>Allen Onstott/Stars and Stripes

video

Air Force Ospreys arrive at their new home in western Tokyo

A large crowd of photographers watched from the base perimeter as the Ospreys — capable of taking off like helicopters, then tilting their rotors to fly long distances as fixed-wing aircraft — touched down near parked C-130J cargo planes.

A CV-22 Osprey is parked on the flightline on Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 6, 2014. <br>Christopher Callaway/U.S. Air Force photo
A CV-22 Osprey is parked on the flightline on Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 6, 2014. <br>Christopher Callaway/U.S. Air Force photo

Ospreys to arrive at Yokota this week, 2 years ahead of schedule

The original plan for basing the Ospreys at Yokota would have added about 1,100 people to a population of 11,500. However, the squadron will initially bring only about 100 people, with that number growing as additional aircraft are deployed.

U.S. Forces Japan celebrated April Fools' Day by tweeting a photo of a cat named Muffins tactical patches and the sort of camouflage harness you might expect to see on a military working dog.<br>Screenshot from Facebook
U.S. Forces Japan celebrated April Fools' Day by tweeting a photo of a cat named Muffins tactical patches and the sort of camouflage harness you might expect to see on a military working dog.<br>Screenshot from Facebook

April Fools' Day pranks include ‘military working cats,’ Marine ‘drill sergeants’

Military April Fools' pranks are a time-honored tradition, with pranks recorded during WWI and WWII.

A U.S. Marine uses a torch to cut through steel aboard Camp Upshur, Quantico Va., Jan. 25, 2018. Vast quantities of the metals are used by the military to construct and repair ships, tanks to aircraft. <br>Shannon Doherty/U.S. Marine Corps
A U.S. Marine uses a torch to cut through steel aboard Camp Upshur, Quantico Va., Jan. 25, 2018. Vast quantities of the metals are used by the military to construct and repair ships, tanks to aircraft. <br>Shannon Doherty/U.S. Marine Corps

Some experts doubt new metal tariffs will boost national security

Vast quantities of the metals are used by the United States’ military industrial complex to construct everything from tanks to aircraft. The administration cited the need to protect that supply as a reason for imposing the tariffs.

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in 2016.<br>Richard Ebensberger/U.S. Air Force
An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in 2016.<br>Richard Ebensberger/U.S. Air Force

Guam-based B-52 bombers to train Down Under

The B-52s from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, will train with Australian F/A-18A Hornets, PC-9 aircraft and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in military airspace near RAAF Williamtown.

Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker, who works in public affairs at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, uses a racial slur toward a person of Asian descent, in this screenshot of a post made to the YokotaTalk Facebook group geared toward personnel at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Screenshot from Facebook
Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker, who works in public affairs at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, uses a racial slur toward a person of Asian descent, in this screenshot of a post made to the YokotaTalk Facebook group geared toward personnel at Yokota Air Base, Japan.<br>Screenshot from Facebook

Racial slurs on Air Force Facebook group spark investigation

The Air Force is investigating after a Ramstein, Germany-based public affairs airman repeatedly posted a racial slur to a Facebook group for personnel at the headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan.