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South China Sea. (June 12, 2023): As tensions between America and China are at an all-time high, one of the most overlooked players in this overseas drama is the U.S. Coast Guard. In this photo by Chief Petty Officer Brett Cote, Coast Guard Cutter Stratton Sailors Petty Officer 2nd Class Jorden Santos (foreground) and Petty Officer 2nd Class Valerie Foreman retrieve a “man overboard” mannequin from the water during a search and rescue exercise with the Philippine and Japanese coast guards in the South China Sea. The Stratton deployed to the Western Pacific to participate in a multi-day trilateral engagement between their respective Coast Guards under the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.
Many Americans do not realize the scope of America’s Coast Guard operations in foreign waters. The Coast Guard maintains a forceful presence in the Indo-Pacific conducting surveillance, drug interdictions, and participating in free navigation of the seas exercise with the U.S. Navy.
The Coast Guard has three permanent international units with Patrol Forces Southwest Asia being its largest outside of the United States. By regularly training with their Philippine and Japanese counterparts, America’s Coast Guard will be ready to confront whatever dangers may lie ahead in the South China Sea.
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Inezgane, Morroco. (June 13, 2023): In this photo by Sergeant Cameron Boyd, Army Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Delgado, an HH-60M Blackhawk pilot for the 1-111th Aviation Regiment, 78th Aviation Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard, goes through preflight inspections prior to taking command of the aircraft during Exercise African Lion 23.
African Lion 23 is the U.S. Africa Command's largest joint annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia. Approximately 8,000 troops from 13 nations and NATO participated in realistic combat training events held in austere environments across Africa. The 1-111th Aviation provided aerial medical evacuation services to ensure the safety of participants during the exercise.
This year’s African Lion featured multiple combined arms live fire exercises, sea maneuvers, and simulated air combat involving F-16 Fighting Falcons and bomber aircraft. Paratroopers conducted a forced entry field exercise and there were two chemical, nuclear, and biological training sessions to integrate U.S. and African nation capabilities against chemical attacks. Finally, American troops held several humanitarian civic assistance programs to benefit less fortunate citizens on the African continent.
In a series of cultural exchanges, the Moroccans and Americans presented a musical show featuring the African Republic and 23rd Utah State Army bands.
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Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.(June 9, 2023): It takes a warrior spirit. In this photo by Corporal Kyle Chan, Marine Corporals Alberto Gutierrez (left) and Olayinka Okenmakinde with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, battle with knives in simulated combat during the USMC Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).
Every Marine, including air crews, learn marital arts during Basic training and must earn a Tan Belt, the first of a series of belt qualifications. Infantry Marines must earn a Green belt and more advanced combat arms a Gray belt. All are expected to know personal combat/self-defense tactics before getting the chance to attend the MCMAP. Here Marines learn combat conditioning, close-quarter hand-to-hand combat techniques, and morale/team building skills. Students practice ground-fighting, grappling, attacking using bayonets, and they participate in brutal pugil stick bouts. Students also work on physical development, strength, and endurance by practicing in tough simulated combat situations.
Read more: MARTIAL ARTS ENSURES EVERY MARINE IS FIT TO FIGHT
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Pikeville, Tennessee.(June 4, 2023): They have sure hands, big hearts, and a dedication to serving others. In the above photo by Technical Sergeant Kristen Pittman, Airman 1st Class Peyten Aldrich with the 81st Medical Group checks the pressure of a patient's eye during a Healthy Tennesseans event at Bledsoe County High School. Airman Peyten is an ophthalmology technician taking part in the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training.
This remarkable program teams military training with community development activities to benefit at need communities around the nation. The program provides an array of services, from civil engineering to cybersecurity, to needy communities around the nation. These Air Force medical professionals share their skills to improve the lives of communities in need in their area.
The medical mission delivers no-cost healthcare services including optometry, health exams, dental, and public health education. Care is delivered by credentialed healthcare providers, and no one is turned away. These missions are held at public locations, like local high schools, and last for several days. This unique program gives service members a chance to sharpen their professional skills while helping others simultaneously. This partnership provides lasting benefits for American communities.
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Sioux City, Iowa. (June 4, 2023): America’s Naval police officers are charged with protecting over 100 foreign ports around the world, some in areas experiencing civil strife. For this reason, the Navy invests heavily in training and equipment for crowd control and how to handle a riot. In this photo by Senior Airman Tylon Chapman, Air National Guard Airmen from the 185th Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron form a shield wall during domestic operations training at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City. In this exercise, airmen practiced protecting themselves with shields, batons, and smoke grenades.
Like their civilian counterparts, Navy police employ non-lethal weapons, when possible, to contain such challenging situations. Security police are exposed to simulated abuse to test their ability to remain calm amid hostile encounters. Airmen with the 185th began their law enforcement careers at the Navy technical training center at San Antonio, Texas. This nine-week course focusses on anti-terrorism, armed security, crime prevention, and ways to handle domestic disturbances. These Naval police officers also operate prisons, do people smuggling interdictions, and handle K-9s to detect drugs. Graduates of the program may work at shore stations in the U.S. or be assigned aboard ships or at ports anywhere in the world.
The 900 plus Air National Guard members of the 185th Wing provide mid-air refueling for the Air Force Air Mobility Command in the event of war.
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Portland, Oregon. (June 12, 2023): Relationships matter. That is the message from the U.S. Navy to the people of Oregon from Sailors and Marines during Fleet Week celebrations. In this photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sophia H. Bumps, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Autumn Hoadley, assigned to USS Kansas City, allows a child to try on her hat at the annual Rose Festival Parade during Portland Fleet Week. These are a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Oregon to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.
This year, participating U.S. Navy ships included the littoral combat ship USS Kansas City and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain. The crews opened their ships for public tours, explored the Portland sights, and took part in various community events and volunteer activities.