The 🇺🇸 Air Force will deploy B-52Hs in two separate exercises focusing on coastal defense and counter-landing activities in Northern Luzon during the later stages of Balikatan 2024. One of the strategic bombers previously conducted a joint aerial patrol with 🇵🇭 in the SCS in Feb.

🇺🇸🇵🇭 Amphibs Assemble: USS Harper’s Ferry (LSD 49) pulls into Puerto Princesa, Palawan, joining BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602). Alongside USS Somerset (LPD 25), currently in the SCS, the two amphibs will deploy elements of 15th MEU in various littoral exercises during Balikatan 2024.

Scarborough Shoal has been crowded with 🇨🇳 #China Coast Guard & maritime militia for weeks. Today I'm tracking 2 more CCG ships arriving, 4301 & 4106, in addition to 3105 & 3106 already in the area. Also 14 large Qiong Sansha Yu militia there on the eve of 🇵🇭🇺🇸Exercise Balikatan.

Extremely busy around 2nd Thomas Shoal/Mischief Reef today, with at least 2 🇨🇳 #China Coast Guard & 29 large Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships detected on AIS on the eve of the 🇺🇸🇵🇭Balikatan exercise.

Bringing healthcare to the forefront! 🩺 ​

U.S. Marines photo by Cpl. Trent A. Henry​

#FreeAndOpenIndoPacific   #Balikatan #BK24   #ShoulderToShoulder #Philippines #CommunityEngagement

While slightly smaller than last year’s iteration, Balikatan 2024 is set to hold some of the most high-end activities to date between 🇺🇸🇵🇭🇦🇺🇫🇷 through multiple coastal defense drills in western Palawan and Luzon facing the SCS. My latest with USNI News:
news.usni.org/2024/04/22/bal…

The premier annual military exercise held between the Philippines & U.S.—Balikatan 2024—kicked off today.

Balikatan, Tagalog for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” has expanded in size & scope amid China’s increasing assertiveness, writes Aaron-Matthew Lariosa

16K troops participating (11K US)

Balikatan 2024 Drills Prioritize South China Sea, Luzon Strait - USNI News
news.usni.org/2024/04/22/bal…

Balikatan 2024 Drills Prioritize South China Sea, Luzon Strait - USNI News
news.usni.org/2024/04/22/bal…

Balikatan 2024 kicked off today. The US-Filipino exercise sees the Marine nationale participating for the very first time 🇺🇲🇵🇭🇫🇷
Story by Aaron-Matthew Lariosa
navalnews.com/naval-news/202…

Duterte openly seeks China’s support and intervention to overthrow Marcos and sponsor his return to power in bonkers interview with Global Times.

manilatimes.net/2024/04/21/opi…

The contender may be in the Indo-Pacific, specifically 🇵🇭. A-10s are a frequent participant at many bilateral aerial exercises and could be attractive to the country’s Air Force, which still holds CAS in high regard for COIN. Kendall also visited Manila in early April.

The strongest military Alliance in history, NATO, is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year!
Today, on the streets of City of Norfolk, VA, you have the opportunity to witness the unity of the Allied Nations first-hand.

#1NATO75years   #WeAreNATO