Featured image: An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4 conducts search and rescue training with Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the Celebes Sea, Feb. 7, 2025. Carl Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Pablo Chavez)
Army
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, demonstrate how to use an anti-tank weapon for the Kenya Defence Forces during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 16, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joskanny J. Lua)
Navy
Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct small boat operations in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 11, 2025. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Melseth)
Marine Corps
U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force observe coastal cliffs during a nearshore field course near White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 23, 2025. The Nearshore Field Course is a specialized training program designed to enhance mission readiness by educating operators and planners on the complexities of the nearshore environment.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Diego Garcia)
Air Force
Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers participated in planned bilateral training with Republic of Korea Air Force, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps fighter aircraft in training airspace above South Korea, Feb. 20. Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, ROK, four ROK Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs from the 17th Fighter Wing, Cheongju Air Base, ROK, and four U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning IIs from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, joined the bombers for simulated precision strike and air interdiction training, validating the two nations’ combined ability to conduct strikes and operated together in a contested environment. “Advanced training like today’s event ensures we’re able to maintain the high levels of readiness necessary for our combined defense posture,” said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander. “Each time our aircrew plan, execute and debrief together, we build proficiency in our tactics, techniques and procedures to defend the Alliance, if required.” The bombers, assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, are currently deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1. They were escorted into the Korean theater of operations by ROK Air Force F-15K Slam Eagles from the 11th Fighter Wing, Daegu Air Base, ROK.
Coast Guard
A U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules crew prepares for an alien expulsion flight Feb. 19, 2025. The Coast Guard continues to surge assets and personnel from across the nation to enhance presence in key areas and secure U.S. borders and maritime approaches.
