Month: October 2024

Source: United States Navy

Good evening, everyone! Thank you, Ambassador Tazelaar and General Eichelsheim, for inviting me to join you this evening to celebrate the Netherlands Armed Forces Day, and for providing me with the opportunity to say a few words.

Shortly after I was sworn into office as the 78th Secretary of the Navy three years ago, I made Enhancing Strategic Partnerships one of our Department’s three enduring priorities.

This priority has a twofold focus—building new relationships throughout the international community, as well as with industry and academia, and, equally important, reinforcing and expanding our partnerships with allies who have stood by us and with us for decades.

As founding members of NATO in 1949, the United States and the Netherlands have, for 75 years, stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of our shared ideals and freedoms.

And as we celebrate NATO’s 75th Anniversary this year, I would be remiss if I did not highlight how excited we are to work with your former prime minister, Mark Rutte [ROO-duh], when he assumes his role as NATO’s 14th Secretary General on October 1st. 

As we consider the global challenges we face today, we are proud to sail, fly, and operate alongside the Dutch Armed Forces.

In Europe, we are grateful for your commitment to supporting our Ukrainian partners as they fight to restore their territorial and national sovereignty in the wake of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked full-scale invasion three years ago.

From providing Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems to playing a leading role in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, your support is invaluable as Ukraine defends itself.

South of Europe, in the Red Sea, our navies have sailed together in the defense of international commerce, deterring and responding to Houthi attacks against innocent merchant mariners.

HNLMS Tromp and HNLMS Karel Doorman were both integral to our combined, sustained presence, reassuring our regional allies and partners of our resolve to ensure the safe passage of civilian ships and to keep a sea lane critical to keeping our international economy open.

And earlier this summer, in the Indo-Pacific, we were pleased to welcome HNLMS Tromp and her sailors to exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024, operating alongside 25,000 personnel from 29 countries.

As we continue to work together to address the challenges of today and prepare for the future, we look forward to working together and expanding our cooperation in key regions, including the Indo-Pacific.

Our partnership is indeed global, and we are honored to count the Netherlands as not just an ally, but a friend.

I am extraordinarily proud to stand here with you this evening and recognize the extraordinary contributions of the Netherlands armed forces, knowing we are committed to peace and security together, united by our common values. 

Thank you.

Source: United States Navy

SUBIC BAY, Philippines – The U.S. Navy, ​U.S. ​Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines​, and allied forces commenced the eighth iteration of Exercise Sama Sama in the vicinity of Subic Bay, the ​Republic of the ​Philippines, marking the beginning of two weeks of maritime engagements designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen security ties among regional partners, Oct. 7.

​​Sama Sama 2024, part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, builds on the legacy of ​previous maritime ​collaboration​,​ ​expanding its​ scope of operations​ with​​ both shore and sea phases​.​ ​Participants ​will engage ​​in specialized training across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, legal operations, engineering, logistics, and public affairs. ​

“This exercise has evolved significantly since its inception. What began as a bilateral event between the United States and the Philippines has grown into a multilateral and multiplatform operation, bringing together like-minded partners from across the Indo-Pacific,” said the U.S. Head of Delegation, Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander Logistics Western Pacific, and Task Force 73. “This development highlights the strength of our alliances and our shared commitment to peace, security, and cooperation in the maritime domain and it’s never been more important.”

​​Working alongside naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft, ​​​​specialized teams​, including ​diving and explosive ordnance disposal units​,​​ ​will conduct high-intensity drills focusing on anti-submarine warfare​, ​anti-​surface warfare​, ​anti-​air warfare​, and maritime domain awareness.

“Sama Sama”​,​ which means “togetherness​” ​in Tagalog, reflects ​​the spirit of the decades-long partnership between allies in the region. Sama Sama 2024, a Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise with invited allied and partner participants, continues to evolve in both complexity and scope into a more sophisticated and multinational environment with each iteration.
This year​’s​ ​exercise includes participants from ​Australia, Japan, Canada, France​, and​ Japan, representing a collective ​commitment ​to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Today we witness the deepening of ties between the Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy along with our partners from Australia, Canada, France, United Kingdom, and Japan” said the Philippine Navy Head of Delegation, Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy. “This exercise is a powerful investment for our collective movement and an opportunity to address regional challenges together.”

​​Participating assets​ from the United States​ include the​ Navy’s​ Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), and a P-8A Poseidon ​maritime surveillance aircraft​.​ ​P​​ersonnel from ​U.S. 7th Fleet​;​ Command Task Forces (CTF) 76, 75 and 72​;​ Command, Destroyer Squadron Seven (DESRON 7)​;​ and the Marine Corps’ ​​Marine Rotational Force​ – Southeast Asia​ (MRF-SEA)​​,​​ are also taking part in Sama Sama 2024​.​

From partner nations, we welcome the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150)​;​ BRP Waray (LC-288)​;​​ BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380)​;​​ a Force Reconnaissance Group, Naval Special Operations Unit 2​;​ and supporting units ​that include​ a medical and media team. ​The Royal Canadian Navy​ will bring the Halifax-class frigate ​​HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter​. A​ ​Japa​n Maritime Self-Defense Force​Shin Maywa US-2 amphibious aircraft and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft​ ​​are​​​ also participating.

“Through exercises like Sama Sama, we continue to improve our interoperability and our readiness while deepening our understanding of each other’s capabilities. This exercise reflects our enduring partnership—one built on trust, shared values, and mutual defense,” said Cimicata. “Together, we will refine our ability to respond to natural disasters, maritime threats, and humanitarian crises, while ensuring the safety and security of this vital region.

This year marks the 30th iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore​. DESRON 7 also​​ functions as ​the ​​​CTF ​​76 Sea Combat
​
​​Commander and​ builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT.

​​U.S. ​7th Fleet is the​ ​Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy

SAN FRANCISCO — The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7); San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) and the Unmanned Surface Vessel Ranger (OUSV 3) arrived in San Francisco in support of San Francisco Fleet Week 2024.

Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from several ships, squadrons and military units will be in San Francisco for the annual San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct. 7-14.

Participating ships and units also include the Coast Guard Legend-class maritime security cutter USCG Bertholf (WMSL 750); the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334); the unmanned surface vessel Ranger (OUSV 3); Naval Beach Group One; U.S. Marine Corps Task Force San Francisco (Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit 2; Combat Logistics Battalion 13; Combat Logistics Battalion 15; and Battalion Landing Team 1/5); the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels; the Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs; Navy Band Southwest; 1st Marine Division Band; 12th Marine Corps District, Recruiting Station San Francisco; Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate; Assault Craft Unit 1; Beachmaster Unit 1; Amphibious Construction Battalion 1; Amphibious Squadron 7; Combat Logistics Regiment 17; U.S. 3rd Fleet; Expeditionary Strike Group 3; and Navy Region Southwest.

Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces and assets also participate in a robust disaster response exercise, an annual event joint training event that adds a serious, practical objective to San Francisco Fleet Week. The exercise is designed to train military forces and local, county, state and federal government agencies to work together to respond to natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires and industrial accidents.

Service members will have an opportunity to interact with the local community while participating in a number of community relations projects and entertainment events throughout the week.
Navy, Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force bands will perform a series of free neighborhood concerts throughout San Francisco. For a full list of concerts, visit the San Francisco Fleet Week website: Neighborhood Concert Series – San Francisco Fleet Week (fleetweeksf.org)

San Francisco Fleet Week also offers the public an opportunity to take a tour of the ships and interact with service members as they showcase their ships’, units’, and services’ capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the national defense of the United States and protect freedom of the seas.
The schedule for ship tours is as follows and is subject to change:

Wednesday, October 9
Pier 27
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday, October 10
Pier 27, Pier 35
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, October 11
No tours, however, the ships can be seen in the San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships 11am-12p.m. from along the San Francisco waterfront.

Saturday, October 12
Piers 27, 30/32, 35
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pier 15/17
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 13
Piers 27, 30/32, 35
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pier 15/17
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Monday, October 14
Pier 27, Pier 30/32
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend tours and interact with service members.
Prohibited items aboard include the following:
– Food or drinks, including ice chests and coolers
– Camera tripods
– Skateboards, bicycles, hover boards
– Gang-related clothing
– Unmanned aerial systems
– Weapons, including knives, firearms and club weapons
– Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray
– Spray cans of any type, fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives
– Illegal drugs and drugs considered illegal at the federal level, including marijuana, and/or drug-related paraphernalia
– Electronic cigarettes
– Large bags, including backpacks and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search)
– Strollers
– Drinks, other than water, to facilitate security
– Smoking, dipping, or chewing gum while onboard USN Ships or within 100FT of watch-standers
– Pets are also prohibited, with the exception of service dogs for the disabled
– Open-toe shoes are not recommended. High heels are not permitted
– Ship tours may not be appropriate for those with disabilities and access and functional needs or certain medical conditions. There are steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse on board the ship. An alternative experience will be provided on the pier for those who wish to learn more about the ships in port.

You’re also invited to visit Fleet Fest, a free family-friendly festival celebration at Pier 30/32, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Military bands and local entertainers will perform throughout the weekend.

For more information, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at www.fleetweeksf.org.

Source: United States Navy

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii—Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) returned to its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a historic maiden deployment, Oct. 4.

While in the U.S. 5th and 7th fleet areas of operation as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), Daniel Inouye promoted regional stability and security, deterred aggression, and protected the free flow of commerce throughout its nine-month deployment.

“When you look at the history of Daniel Inouye, he had to fight to prove that he was an American through joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. On this deployment, we as the Sailors of USS Daniel Inouye, carried his name into the Pacific and then into the 5th Fleet area of operation for the very first time, honoring his legacy,” said Cmdr. Kevin Dore, commanding officer of Daniel Inouye. “I’m extremely proud of the readiness and responsiveness our crew displayed throughout deployment. We were always ready to go, as evidenced by how quickly we manned our RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat) to come to the aid of two distressed Iranian mariners lost at sea.”

TRCSG rescued the two civilian Iranian mariners in international waters, Aug. 23, 2024. A RHIB from Daniel Inouye, along with a search and rescue helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, successfully recovered the mariners from the water and took them to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for medical care.

“Every single day this crew goes about their daily routines, treating every drill like it’s real life. Every time a real situation comes up, everyone is cool, calm and collected under pressure,” said Cmdr. Ryan Kelly, executive officer of Daniel Inouye. “That is ‘going for broke,’ when you give everything you have to everything you do in training. I’m honored to be part of a crew that gives their all every single day like the team on this ship.”

“Go For Broke” was the motto of the Army’s storied 442nd Regimental Combat Team and is now carried on by the crew of Daniel Inouye, featured prominently on the ship’s crest.

When not at sea, Daniel Inouye Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy foreign cultures during port visits to the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

“Being a plankowner, I’ve been here since commissioning. One thing that stands out about this ship and this crew is its resiliency,” said Command Master Chief Simeon Yeboah, Daniel Inouye’s senior enlisted leader. “I think the crew learns through history and what we teach about the man who represents this ship. I see Sailors who are proud of what they mean to the team and how they come together to make this ship work.”

The ship is named after Honolulu native Daniel Inouye, a decorated World War II veteran who was elected as one of Hawaii’s first representatives in the U.S. Congress. In 1962, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until his death in 2012, the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history. He served as President pro tempore of the Senate in his final years, which made him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S history.

After graduating high school in 1942, Inouye, tried to enlist in the Army but Japanese-Americans were not allowed to join following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 activated the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up exclusively of Japanese-American enlisted men but commanded almost entirely by Caucasian officers. In October 1944, Inouye received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant for his actions rescuing 211 U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment from German forces. During the battle, enemy fire hit Inouye in the chest, but a silver dollar in the chest pocket deflected the bullet, saving his life. In April 1945, Inouye lost his right arm in combat and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery. In the 1990s, Congress and the military reviewed the cases of WWII soldiers who may have been denied the nation’s highest honor due to racism. In 2000, Inouye and 19 other Japanese-American veterans of the 442nd were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, becoming the first – and to date, only – senator to receive both the Medal of Freedom and Medal of Honor.

The TRCSG is commanded by Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG 9) and composed of the flagship Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Halsey (DDG 97), Daniel Inouye, and USS Russell (DDG 59) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23.

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

For more information on Daniel Inouye, please visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ddg118/