OKINAWA, Japan – Capt. John P. Baggett was relieved by Timothy R. Carter as commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while in port in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 23.
The combined forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, March 20, 2026. This activity demonstrated a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Manila, Philippines for a scheduled port visit, March 16, 2026. Blue Ridge's last visit to Manila was in 2024.
Two U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft, one each from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 and VP-45, were joined by one P-8I from the Indian Navy (IN), one P-1 from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), two P-8A from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and one P-8A from the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) for the start of multinational exercise Sea Dragon 2026 at Andersen Air Force Base, March 9.
YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 28, 2026) — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) held a change of command ceremony aboard the ship in Yokosuka, Japan, Feb. 28, marking the transition of leadership from Capt. Holman R. Agard to Capt. William S. Buford.
