AFN Pacific Update

U.S. Army Col. Ryan Workman, commander at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, speaks about the 2024 Lunar New Year event at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Feb. 2, 2024. The event was held to show appreciation for local community leaders and officials. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Trevor Bell)

Orient Shield 23 kicked off their opening ceremony at Camp Higashichitose, Japan, Hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Orient Shield is the largest bilateral field training exercise between the United States Army and the JGSDF, that started over 38 years ago in 1982. The exercise will be executed in various locations throughout Japan to test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations and assist with enhancing interoperability between the... read more

Orient Shield 23 kicked off their opening ceremony at Camp Higashichitose, Japan, Hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Orient Shield is the largest bilateral field training exercise between the United States Army and the JGSDF, that started over 38 years ago in 1982. The exercise will be executed in various locations throughout Japan to test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations and assist with enhancing interoperability between the two nations, by using warfighter simulation and realistic field training exercises that included infantry, army aviation, and HIMARS live fire. It will also include logistic movements by air, land and sea. Orient Shield 23 will continue to strengthen the long standing partnership between the US Army and JGSDF.( Video by Navy Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Schiebel)   show less

The 607th Combat Weather Squadron is essential to USAG Camp Humphreys' mission. Senior Airman Ariel Nevarez Amorin talks about how the squadron works hand in hand with leadership to complete this mission.

(U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Ariana Howard)

((THIS VIDEO CONTAINS NO GRAPHICS))

((LOWER THIRD RUN TIMES: 00:08;23 - 00:15;00))

((LOWER THIRD READS: SRA ARIEL NERVAREZ AMORIN - WEATHER FORECASTER))

The 607th Combat Weather Squadron is essential for USAG Camp Humphreys' mission. Senior Airman Ariel Nevarez Amorin tells how the squadron works hand in hand with leadership to accomplish this mission.

(U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Ariana Howard)

Senior Airman Kylie Embrey, medical technician at the 673rd Medical Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, shouts out a greeting to her mom for Mother's Day. Embrey is currently training and serving in support of Arctic Care 2021 in Kodiak, Alaska. Arctic Care 2021 is a United States Air Force-led joint interagency multi-branch mission in partnership with the Kodiak Area Native Association to provide no-cost medical services to the community of Kodiak and the surrounding six remote villages as a part of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training. (U.S. Air National Guard Video by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Staff Sgt. Zoe Ellis, physical therapist at the 673rd Medical Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, shouts out a greeting to her mom for Mother's Day. Embrey is currently training and serving in support of Arctic Care 2021 in Kodiak, Alaska. Arctic Care 2021 is a United States Air Force-led joint interagency multi-branch mission in partnership with the Kodiak Area Native Association to provide no-cost medical services to the community of Kodiak and the surrounding six remote villages as a part of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training. (U.S. Air National Guard Video by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Capt. Whitney Pruitt, Podiatrist at the 673rd Medical Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, shouts out a greeting to her mom for Mother's Day. Embrey is currently training and serving in support of Arctic Care 2021 in Kodiak, Alaska. Arctic Care 2021 is a United States Air Force-led joint interagency multi-branch mission in partnership with the Kodiak Area Native Association to provide no-cost medical services to the community of Kodiak and the surrounding six remote villages as a part of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training. (U.S. Air National Guard Video by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Staff Sgt. Dakota Pruitt, combat medic at the 120th Medical Company (MCAS), Oklahoma National Guard, shouts out a greeting to his mom for Mother's Day. Pruitt is currently training and serving as an NCOIC in charge of team one in support of Arctic Care 2021 in Kodiak, Alaska. Arctic Care 2021 is a United States Air Force-led and joint interagency multi-branch mission in partnership with the Kodiak Area Native Association to provide no-cost medical services to the community of Kodiak and the surrounding six remote villages as a part of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training. (U.S. Air National Guard Video by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Airman 1st Class Hope Stegkamper, physical medicine technician, 673rd Medical Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, shouts out a greeting to her mom for Mother's Day. Stegkamper is currently training and serving in support of Arctic Care 2021 in Kodiak, Alaska. Arctic Care 2021 is a United States Air Force-led and joint interagency multi-branch mission in partnership with the Kodiak Area Native Association to provide no-cost medical services to the community of Kodiak and the surrounding six remote villages as a part of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training. (U.S. Air National Guard Video by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Master Sgt. Jonathan Legan, Alaska Air National Guard, 168th Wing, boom operator, refuels a C-130, April 12, 2021.

Naval Forces Korea and Naval Region Korea Sailors reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The United States Forces Korea command team went on American Forces Network radio to discuss the COVID-19 virus.

Sailors assigned to Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2, partner with Republic of Korea Navy and Royal Thai Navy UCT for Exercise Cobra Gold in Sattahip, Thailand Feb. 12-23, 2018. This 37th iteration of Cobra Gold is the first multilateral UCT exercise between U.S., RTN, and Republic of Korea UCT, and is an important element of the United States and participating nations seeking to maintain readiness, develop capabilities, and enhance security and stability. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alfred A. Coffield)

U.S., Royal Thai, Malasyian and Japanese Armed Forces conduct a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation and Rescue of Japnese Nationals Overseas Exercise as a part of Cobra Gold 18 at the Utapao International Airport in Rayong, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 17, 2018. Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erickson B. Magno)

U.S., ROK and Royal Thai Navy Underwater Construction Teams conduct pier inspections on the Thung Prong Pier on the Thung Prong Bay, Sattahip Naval Base, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 14, 2018. Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 is an annual exercise conducted in the Kingdom of Thailand held from Feb. 13-23 with seven full participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erickson B. Magno)

U.S. and Okinawan children face off on the basketball court and then integrate as mixed teams during a youth basketball tournament on Camp Schwab, Jan. 16, 2016. The even fosters the importance of teamwork with different nationalities and cultures through sportsmanship and friendly competition.

Camp Lejeune based U.S. Marines from 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, currently forward deployed in the Pacific with III MEF, are in the Republic of Korea focused on building war fighting skills with their ROK Marine brothers. The Korean Marine Exchange Program 16-3 brings the two Corps together during the holidays at the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea. The two groups of Marines are coming together to celebrate the holidays alongside their fellow Marine brothers and sisters.

Using the MV-22 Osprey, infantry Marines rapidly inserted into the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 31, 2015, in a massive, regimental air assault during Blue Chromite 2016, which builds cohesion among elements of the Marines Air Ground Task Force. Blue Chromite is a large-scale, cost-effective on-island exercise led by 4th Marine regiment. The Marines, from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Regiment, are currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Cpl. Andrew Tech, Pfc. Jorge A. Rosales/Released)

A five-bay, two-story, medium girder bridge sits completely built after a day of hard work from the Marines of 9th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, during Blue Chromite 16 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 30, 2015. According to Cpl. Cole G. White, the 9th ESB bridge master, this bridge will be the first five-bay bridge to ever be lifted on Okinawa, and the second in Marine Corps history. Blue Chromite is a large-scale amphibious exercise that draws primarily from III Marine Expeditionary Force’s training resources on Okinawa. The location of the training allows participating units to maintain a forward-deployed posture and eliminates the cost of traveling to train.

MV-22 Osprey piolts with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Air Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, obtain
carrier qualification in conjunction with Blue Chromite 2016, a large-scale amphibious exercise in Okinawa, Japan. Units participating in Blue Chromite benefit from naval training resources in the area while maintaining a forward-deployed posture. Also available in high definition.

Marines embarked on the USS Germantown October 27, 2015, at White Beach, Okinawa, Japan. The Marines and the Navy worked together on the Germantown to conduct carrier qualifications with an MV-22B Osprey and an amphibious assault with amphibious assault vehicles. Blue Chromite is an amphibious training exercise that draws primarily from III Marine Expeditionary Force’s training resources on Okinawa. Participating units maintain a forward-deployed posture while eliminating travel costs.

Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 executed a spider forward arming and refueling point mission in Okinawa, Japan, October 28, 2015. The FARP mission facilitates small aircraft to operate longer, resupply in a shorter time frame and provide close air support more frequently. The event was part of Blue Chromite 2016. Because Blue Chromite is an amphibious training exercise that draws primarily from III Marine Expeditionary Force's... read more

Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 executed a spider forward arming and refueling point mission in Okinawa, Japan, October 28, 2015. The FARP mission facilitates small aircraft to operate longer, resupply in a shorter time frame and provide close air support more frequently. The event was part of Blue Chromite 2016. Because Blue Chromite is an amphibious training exercise that draws primarily from III Marine Expeditionary Force's training resources in Okinawa, participating units maintain a forward-deployed posture while eliminating travel costs. VMM-262 is with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMLA-269 is with MAG 36 under the Unit Deployment Program.   show less

Physical fitness has always played a major role in military careers. Petty Officer Dean Cates speaks with Misawa’s Navy fitness leaders about the major overhaul to the Navy’s bi-annual physical fitness assessment.

Yosan Air Base runs a summer adventure camp for military kids.

The Air Force Band of the Pacific plays to honor the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific.

The Fleet Assistance Program at Iwakuni keeps the indoor small arms pistol range running.

In Japan, many of the locals visit American military bases for fun. Airman First Class Justin Stokes takes us to Yokota Air Base, where Japanese children got to see what it’s like to be an airman.

You don’t have to settle for less, if the services aren’t up to par. Sgt Kevin Spence tells us about a place that’s throwing a party in korea to celebrate change.

Kunsan Air Base has many entertainment opportunities. SrA Elizabeth Taranto tells us about one option airmen shouldn’t overlook.

Tomorrow’s Leaders Meet in Sasebo. Petty Officer Michael Sanchez shows us how students from both countries have come to CFAS to learn about the US Navy’s role in the region and how they can continue to improve international relations.

DOD schools in Korea are implementing a new set of not so “common” core of standards that parents should feel comfortable and eager getting to know more about. Army Sergeant Jared Daun is on scene for more details.

Iwakuni Youth Sports host thier last summer sports camp, giving kids the opportunity to increase thier soccer skills.

The CFAS Blue Bus operated by the Family Member Assistance Team, or FMAT, is a valuable service to personnel traveling to or from Fukuoka. Petty Officer Michael Sanchez introduces us to one Sailor who adds a personal touch to every trip.

Service members practice martial arts for a variety of reasons. Airman First Class Justin Stokes introduces us to one service member who not only practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but also teaches it as a black belt.

Sailors and Marines volunteer to help clean up the landscape around Japans YMCA headquarters while at Camp Fuji for Eagle Wrath.

Yokota Air Base Hosts Central Japan Bodybuilding and Figure Championship.

In the last couple years, the Air Force has made changes to their dining facilities around the world. Petty Officer Ben Larscheid learns about some changes and how Misawa is adjusting.

Yokota Air Base and Japan Air Self-Defense Force firefighters train together.

Service members at Misawa Air Base take part in Otsuchi Friendship Festival.

Osan water and fuels maintenance personnel give us an insider perspective on the importance of their daily work.

Airman at Yongsan get career advice.

USS Warrior and USS Patriot, forward- deployed minesweepers in Fleet Activities Sasebo, go underway to work together with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. Seaman Krystina Coffey sees off USS Warrior for their first international event, Exercise 2JA.

Service members perform first response training to prepare for any potential incident where patients need immediate medical attention. Airman First Class Justin Stokes shows how they perform the training on Yokota Air Base.

Sailors from the Yokosuka Junior Sailor Association climb Mt. Fuji. AFNP PACUP cut.

When marines get detained in the brig, how do they get to outside appointments? Lance Corporal Justin Glandon-Hall got cuffed to bring you the story.

The Air Force couldn’t complete its mission without dedicated Airmen, and there are a certain group of Airmen who repair and craft parts that keep the Air Force’s mission up and running…literally.

Just going to work every day is a normal thing that everyone does in the military, but sometimes your regular work day takes on an unexpected turn. Army sergeant Ryan Sharp shows us a surprise waiting around the corner.

USS George Washington celebrated a special birthday while she prepares for Talisman Sabre.

The Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron-77 recently conducted a change of command on a very special day, aboard USS George Washington. Petty Officer Everett Allen has more.

Joining the service is a commitment to be adaptable, changing duty stations every couple years, learning different jobs, and finding new friends with every move. Seaman Krystina Coffey finds out how a Sailor finds something permanent while serving overseas.

New Bicycle laws have gone into effect in Japan.

Marines and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force sailors came together with their dogs to complete bomb detection training.

Imagine enlisting in the military while president Richard Nixon was just beginning his term in office. Army sergeant frank Sanchez tells us about a person whose service has stood the test of time.

Sometimes when you are at the start line of a race you can’t even imagine what the finish looks like or if you’ll even make it. Army Sgt Matt Krohmer takes us to a group of people trying to cross that line.

Most people wouldn't drive forty minutes to spend their Saturday morning on an ice rink. SrA Nick Dastas shows us one Airmen who won’t let his age get in his way.

One of the perks of being a service member stationed in the pacific region is the ability to visit World War II battle sites. Marines and sailors stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni had the chance to hop on a C-40A, fly to Iwo To, formerly known as Iwo Jima, and hike up mount Suribachi. Marine Corporal David Bickel trekked with Iwakuni service members to bring you the story.

Members of U.S. Congress visit Soldiers in Shariki, Japan.

Many Americans celebrate the Memorial Day weekend with barbecues and other summer festivities. Petty Officer Jeremy Graham tells us how sailors at Fleet Activities Sasebo skipped the picnics for some hard work to embrace the holiday.

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet hosted a multilateral roundtable with the navies of Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.