2019 US Military Exercises in the South Sea and

Neighboring Areas

Dec 27th, 2019

© Copyright 2019 SCSPI

About SCSPI

With a view to maintaining and promoting the peace, stability and prosperity of the South

China Sea, Peking University Institute of Ocean Research has launched the South China Sea

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i CONTENT

About SCSPI ...... ii

Foreword ...... 1

Ⅰ. US Unilateral Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas 3

Ⅱ. US Bilateral and Multilateral Joint Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas...... 6

Ⅲ. Characteristics of US Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas ...... 22

Ⅳ. Conclusions and Outlook ...... 31

Appendix ...... 35

Reference ...... 53

i SCSPI 2019 US Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

SCSPI

Foreword

In 2019, the US military substantially strengthened the contents and intensity of military exercises in the South China Sea and its neighboring areas, and pressed ahead with over 100 reinforced joint military exercises and drills with countries surrounding the South China Sea and extra-regional powers. These exercises covered a wide range of activities, including anti-surface warfare (ASUW), undersea attack and defense, mine countermeasure (MCM) operations, air combat and defense, special operations, cyberspace operations, maritime domain awareness (MDA), maritime law enforcement, humanitarian aid and disaster reduction. In doing so, the US military sought to strengthen its military partnerships with regional allies and partners and ramp up military deterrence targeting China.

The US joint military exercises in the South China Sea and its neighboring areas involved ASEAN member states, and several other extra-regional powers, such as , , New Zealand, France, and Canada. Specifically, in the joint exercises with ASEAN member states, the US not only included traditional subjects but also continuously adjusted and added new subjects and contents, highlighting maritime law enforcement, MDA and cyberspace operations. In the joint exercises with outside powers, the US made ongoing efforts to strengthen military operation drills with its most stable allies in the South China Sea and the neighboring areas, with a particular focus on maritime cooperative combat, anti- warfare (ASW) and MCM operations. Building up strong military capabilities and increasing

1 SCSPI combatreadiness, has been quite outspoken about its intention to get its allies involved in the affairs of the South China Sea.

All information of military exercises mentioned in this report is sourced from official websites of the US military. However, statistics in this report be deficient or incomplete, because the US military has not disclosed information of some sensitive exercises yet. The military exercises discussed in this report include both large traditional military exercises, such as the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) and the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise, and tactical and small exercises or drills, including military exercises at the battalion and company levels, experience sharing on particular subjects and special subject matter exchanges of field drills. These exercises were primarily conducted in the South China Sea and Southeast Asian countries, and moderately extended to the eastern , the Philippine Sea and Australia in east, the west and the south within the geographical scope of the ASEAN.

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Ⅰ. US Unilateral Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

The US arms and services launched several joint tactical exercises in the South China Sea and its neighboring areas in 2019, covering the fifth-generation fighter drills, ASW, joint air-sea battles, and surface formation drills. These exercises had unmistakably specific targets, although they were performed on a comparatively small scale over a short period of time.

Table 1 2019 US Unilateral Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas (not exhaustive)

Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject

The F-35B aircraft Expeditionary Jan 26-Feb Philippine The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 performed sea strikes US strike training 6 Sea (VMFA-121) with ordnance fully- loaded

Ship Anti- Submarine Warfare Southern The P-8A Poseidon aircraft from VP-5 Readiness and July 5-10 coast of US ASW and VP-8 and the USS Milius (DDG 69) Evaluation Measurement (SHAREM) 199

South The B-52H Bombers from the 69th China Sea Expeditionary Bomber Squadron and the Tactical training Aug 12-14 and US Sea-air battles USS Ronald Reagan Philippine (CVN-76) Strike Group Sea

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), the guided missile USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided South missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG Tactical training Oct 6 US Formation sailing China Sea 62), the guided missile USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and the amphibious assault USS Boxer (LHD 6) The USS Emory S. Ordnance The Land (AS 39) and the Los Angeles-class Ordnance handling handling Nov 11 Philippine US USS Asheville (SSN training training s 758)

Vigilant Guard Disaster response Nov 21 Guam US The National Guard 2020 exercise

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1. Emphasized air-sea battles, particularly tactical coordination

among different weaponry platforms

From August 12 to 14, the B-52H bombers assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron (EBS), US Air Force took off from the Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam in three consecutive days for the airspace near , the to conduct a joint exercise with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group sailing in the waters. Similar exercises were conducted by the US military in 2018. The US resumed joint exercises between the B-52H Bombers and the in 2019 to further boost the command and cooperation in US air-sea battles and demonstrate its deterrence with military forces.

2. Actively conducted surface warfare drills and continuously

enhanced the combat capabilities of carrier strike groups in

formation

On October 6, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG- 108) and the USS Boxer (LHD 6) joined forces in a formation sailing exercise in the South China Sea.1 At that time, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group was performing an autumn cruising mission in the waters, and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 6) sailed through the waters on its way back to the US following a deployment to the Middle East. This type of “improvisational” exercises and drills helps the US military continuously sharpen the cooperation and coordination among different combat

4 SCSPI units and surface in carrier strike groups in formation, effectively preparing them for realistic warfare scenarios.

3. Reinforced live-fire ASW exercises to continuously enhance ASW

capabilities

In early July, two P-8A Poseidon aircrafts from the Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) and the Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5) respectively joined the USS Milius (DDG 69) in a coordinated ASW exercise off the southern coast of Guam.2 Generally speaking, exercises of this kind are conducted in the Contiguous or in waters near Hawaii. They are rarely seen in the West Pacific Region. The intention of this ASW exercise off the southern coast of Guam might be to bolster the coordinated combat capabilities of ASW forces within the command scope of the Seventh Fleet, particularly the interoperability in real combat.

4. Proactively tested the fifth-generation fighter operations to

retain its advantages in regional air combat

In January 2019, during a military training of the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the Philippine Sea, the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter loaded with CATM-9X air-to-air missiles, 500-pound GBU-12 Paveway II bombs, and 1,000- pound GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) ordnance launched from its deck, and returned after striking simulated targets.3 This was the first exercise of its kind performed by the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter from the US Marine Corps (USMC) in the West Pacific Region, playing an important role in sharpening the operational capabilities of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, especially its capability of air-to-ground strikes.

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Ⅱ. US Bilateral and Multilateral Joint Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

Table 2 Countries Involved in 2019 US Joint Military Exercises The Philippines菲律宾 16 印度尼西亚Indonesia 10 Thailand泰国 9 Vietnam越南 3 Cambodia柬埔寨 3 Sing新加坡apore 6 Brunei文莱 3 印度India 7 Bangladesh孟加拉国 3 斯里兰卡Sri Lanka 3 日本Japan 16 澳大利亚Australia 16 France法国 3 New 新西兰Zealand 2 加拿大Canada 3 South 韩国Korea 2 0 4 8 12 16 20

According to an inexhaustive estimation, the US has conducted a total of 85 military exercises, big or small with major nations in the South China Sea and its neighboring areas in 2019 (as of November 30, similarly hereinafter). However, the actual number of joint exercises between the US and these nations is much larger than our estimation. The US Into-Pacific Command noted in a press released on July 30 that there were around 22 annual exercises between and the US,4 which reflects the real picture. In comparison, this report has access to information of mere ten exercises with Indonesia to count in. These exercises engaged various US military branches, including the , Air Force, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard in a wide range of areas, including ASUW, ASW, underwater warfare, MCM operations, , cyberspace operations, MDA, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and maritime law enforcement. Participants of multilateral exercises include ASEAN member states and extra-regional countries, such as Japan, Australia,

6 SCSPI India, France and Canada. There were traditional routine joint exercises, such as the CARAT and the SEACAT as well as new ones, such as the ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX). Both the frequency and the scale of exercises reached a new height.

1. The Philippines

The US and the Philippines have conducted a total of 16 bilateral or multilateral military exercises in 2019, deepening tactics exchanges and cooperation based on routine annual exercises. They also ardently encouraged other countries to participate in their routine annual military exercises.

Table 3 2019 US-Philippines Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject Bilateral Air Cesar The 121st Fighter Squadron (121 Contingent Basa Air Exchanges on the drills of Jan 20- US and the FS), a unit of the District of Exchange- Base, the tactics, intelligence, flightline, Feb 1 Philippines Columbia Air National Guard and Philippines Philippine and aircraft maintenance the (PAF) (BACE-P) s Subject matter expert US and the Pilots from the US Air Force and Feb 24-27 Hawaii Exchange on aviation safety exchange Philippines the PAF (SMEE) Jungle field training exercise (FTX), bilateral Command Post More than 1,600 soldiers from the The Exercise (CPX), various Exercise US and the Seventh Infantry Division of the Mar 4-24 Philippine SMEEs, as well as Cooperative Salaknib 2019 Philippines US Army and the 7th Infantry s Health Engagements (CHE) and Division of the Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA) projects The 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue South US and the Drills of communications, Tactics drill Mar 19 Ridge (LCC 19) and the China Sea Philippines maneuver and operations BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF 16) The Amphibious Assault Ship 28 major subjects including Balikatan The US, the USS Wasp (LHD 1), the 31st amphibious operations, live-fire 2019 (i.e., Apr 1-12 Philippine Philippines and Marine Expeditionary Unit training, urban operations shoulder-to- s Australia (MEU), the PAF and the training and counterterrorism shoulder) Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) training

The US Coast Guard (USCG) Bertholf (WMSL 750), the Joint search- South US and the patrol Joint search-and-rescue and-rescue May 14 China Sea Philippines vessels BRP (SARV exercises exercises 004) and the BRP Kalanggaman (FPB 2404)

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Marine The Marine Medium Tiltrotor Aviation The US and the Squadron 262 (VMM-262) and Mutual defense, Support July 15-25 Philippine Philippines the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine counterterrorism and HADR Activity s Regiment, USMC (MASA) 19.2 US, Bangladesh, , Cambodia, Indonesia, The Destroyer Squadron 7, the P- Visit, board, search and seizure SEACAT Aug 19 , the 8A Poseidon aircraft and the (VBSS) Philippines, USCG Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam

The US and the SMEE on amphibious assault SMEE Aug 30 Philippine The USMC, the PN and the PMC Philippines vehicle (AAV) s

The USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the guided- US and South missile destroyer USS Wayne E. VBSS, MDA, division tactics AUMX Sept 2-6 ASEAN China Sea Meyer (DDG 108), three MH-60 and maritime asset tracking member states , and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft

The The medical personnel from the US and the SMEE on aeromedical SMEE Sept 9-11 Philippine US Pacific Air Forces and the Philippines evacuation s PAF

Lifesaving The US and the The US Army and the Philippine Medical training known as First Aid Sept 20-22 Philippine Philippines Army Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training s The 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 4th Infantry Combined The Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), Combined airborne training and US and the Airborne Sept 22 Philippine 25th Infantry Division, the the simulation of large-scale Philippines Operation s Philippine First Scout Ranger rapid deployment forces Regiment and the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Amphibious operations, live- Luzon and The Amphibious Transport Ship fire training, urban operations, , US, the BRP Davao (LD 602) and the KAMANDA aviation operations, Oct 9-18 the Philippines and Whidbey Island-class dock G 3 counterterrorism training, Philippine Japan landing ship USS Germantown HADR and disaster reduction s (LSD 42) training The exercise consisted of shore- based and at-sea activities. Shore-based events included a The littoral combat ship USS series of SMEEs on a range of Montgomery (LCS 8), the naval capabilities, including Whidbey Island-class dock MDA, force protection, medical landing ship USS Germantown Maritime care, HADR, explosive Puerto (LSD 42), the Spearhead-class Training ordnance disposal, dive and Princesa, US, Japan and expeditionary fast transport USNS Activity Oct 14-21 salvage operations, engineering, Philippine the Philippines Millinocket (T-EPF 3), the (MTA) Sama aviation, and VBSS operations. s Safeguard-class salvage ship Sama The at-sea phase included USNS Salvor (ARS 52), the VBSS drills, division tactics, a Legend-class cutter USCG search and rescue exercise, Stratton (VMSL 752) and a P-8A deck landing Poseidon aircraft qualifications, anti-air and surface warfare tracking, and vessel of interest tracking.

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The US Special Operations Command Pacific soldiers and Joint medical The US and the soldiers from the Philippine outreach Oct 23 Philippine Battlefield first-aid services Philippines National Police Special Action project s Forces 51st Special Action Company

2. Indonesia

The US and Indonesia conducted a total of 10 bilateral or multilateral military exercises in 2019, covering air combat, jungle warfare, cyberspace operations and specialized specific areas. Routine annual exercises, including the Cope West 2019 field training exercise, the CARAT and the SEACAT were held as schedule, while cooperation and exchanges in emerging fields, such as cyberspace operations were also enhanced.

Table 4 2019 US-Indonesia Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject

29 countries, Approximately 4,500 US including US, personnel from the Exercise Cobra Thailand, Japan, Amphibious Transport Dock Feb 12-22 Thailand Cyber FTX, FTX, HADR Gold 2019 Indonesia, Ship USS Green Bay (LPD Malaysia and 20), the 31st MEU and the Singapore 35th Fighter Squadron

Six US Air Force F- Cope West 16CM/DM aircrafts from the Aircraft maintenance North 2019 Field June 17- 14th Expeditionary Fighter techniques, close air support Sulawesi, US and Indonesia Training 28 Squadron and six F-16 (CAS), air-to-air operation Indonesia Exercise aircrafts from the Indonesian training and a SMEE Air Force Information System and US and Indonesia service SSME on cybersecurity and Technology July 24-26 Indonesia US and Indonesia members specializing in protection Exchange cybersecurity (ISTX)

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Staff from CTF 73 and DESRON 7, the littoral combat ship USS Evolutions included both Montgomery (LCS 8), the shore-based and at-sea training, Spearhead-class expeditionary such as VBSS drills, mobile fast transport USNS Fall dive and salvage training, , River (T-EPF 4), the Legend- gunnery exercises, explosive CARAT Aug 1-7 US and Indonesia Indonesia class cutter USCG Stratton ordnance disposal (EOD) drills, (VMSL 752), the MV jungle warfare training and Carolyn Chouest, the Navy subject matter expert Environmental and Preventive knowledge exchanges in MDA Medicine Unit 6, the US 7th and other subjects Fleet Band and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Bilateral Military The Alpha Company of the Training Indonesia Live-fire ranges, and integrated Aug 6-29 US and Indonesia 1st Battalion of the 3rd Exchange and Hawaii cultural events Marine Regiment between Marine Corps The 1st Battalion, 27th Garuda Shield Infantry Regiment and the SMEEs and live-fire Aug 19 Indonesia US and Indonesia 2019 16th Combat Aviation exercises Brigade US, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, The Destroyer Squadron 7, Malaysia, the SEACAT Aug 19 Singapore the P-8A Poseidon aircraft VBSS Philippines, and the USCG Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam The littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the South US and ASEAN guided-missile destroyer USS VBSS, MDA, division tactics AUMX Sept 2-6 China Sea member states Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and maritime asset tracking three MH-60 helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft GEMA BHAKTI 19 (GB19) Staff The Hawaii National Guard Exercise (HING) and the Tentara Joint operational staff planning Sept 16-23 Indonesia US and Indonesia (STAFFEX) Nasional Indonesia (TNI, and processes (Echo of Good Indonesian Armed Forces) Deeds in Indonesian) The 7th Fleet flagship The staff from the US Navy SMEE Oct 11 US and Indonesia Staff talks USS Blue and the Ridge (LCC 19)

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3. Thailand

The US and Thailand conducted a total of 9 bilateral or multilateral military exercises in 2019, including air combat, ASW, MCM operations, jungle warfare, counter improvisational explosive device (CIED) removal and disposal, battlefield engineering, and medical evacuation. In the military field, Thailand is one of the US closest military partners with the widest cooperative scope of military exercises in Southeast Asia.

Table 5 2019 US-Thailand Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject

The 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, 96th Lopburi, SMEE Jan 17 US and Thailand Aviation Troop Command, Exchange on aviation safety Thailand Washington National Guard and the Approximately 800 US Army soldiers operating under the US Army 2nd Stryker Brigade Hanuman Combat Team and Jan 28- Aviation assets, CIED tactics and Guardian Thailand US and Thailand approximately 900 Royal Thai Feb 7 SMEEs 19 Army soldiers under the Headquarters of 2nd Infantry Division and the 12 Infantry Regiment

29 countries, Approximately 4,500 US Exercise including US, personnel from the Amphibious Cobra Feb 12-22 Thailand Thailand, Japan, Transport Dock Ship USS Green Cyber FTX, FTX, HADR Gold 2019 Indonesia, Malaysia Bay (LPD 20), the 31st MEU and Singapore and the 35th Fighter Squadron

COPE The 14th Fighter Squadron, the Air combat exercises and the Mar 11- US, Thailand and Tiger Thailand Republic of Singapore Air Force suppression of enemy air defenses 22 Singapore Exercise and the (SEAD) Mar 18- The US Army and the Royal A subject matter exchange on SMEE Thailand US and Thailand 22 Thai Army combat engineering The exercise was organized in two The Los Angeles-class attack phases with a shore phase and a submarine USS Louisville subsequent sea phase that (SSN-724), an underway Guardian Andaman culminated with tracking a Apr 7 US and Thailand , two , Sea 2019 Sea submarine. It marked the first time a and a Sea Hawk the RTN deployed a towed array helicopter from the Royal Thai to execute anti- Navy (RTN) missions.

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The guided missile cruiser USS Surface warfare maneuvering Antietam (CG 54), the USS tactics, VBSS drills, mobile dive Patriot (MCM-7), the USS and salvage training, explosive Pioneer (MCM-9), the USNS ordinance disposal (EOD), Millinocket (T-EPF-3), the minesweeping and maritime patrol US- May 29- Marine Rotational Force-Darwin operations. MDA, submarine Thailand Thailand US and Thailand June 8 Task Force, the US Navy warfare, tactics tabletop exercises, CARAT Seventh Fleet Band, the integrated dive team training, Explosive Ordnance Disposal EOD, jungle survival training and Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 and medical casualty evacuation the Naval Environmental (CASEVAC) field training Preventive Medicine Unit 6 exercises The littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the South US and ASEAN guided-missile destroyer USS VBSS, MDA, division tactics and AUMX Sept 2-6 China Sea member states Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), maritime asset tracking three MH-60 helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft US, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, The Destroyer Squadron 7, the Malaysia, the SEACAT Aug 19 Singapore P-8A Poseidon aircraft and the VBSS Philippines, USCG Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam

4. Malaysia

In 2019, the US and Malaysia conducted 7 bilateral or multilateral joint exercises in total, which involved military field training exercises, humanitarian assistance, jungle warfare, close air support, damage control and peacekeeping. Nevertheless, the cooperation between the US and Malaysia was relatively superficial and most programs remained in specialized military fields except Maritime Training Activity Malaysia 2019 and Tiger Strike 19.

Table 6 2019 US-Malaysia Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject

29 countries Approximately 4,500 US personnel including US, from the Amphibious Transport Exercise Thailand, Japan, Dock Ship USS Green Bay (LPD Cobra Gold Feb 12-22 Thailand Cyber FTX, FTX, HADR Indonesia, 20), the 31st Marine Expeditionary 2019 Malaysia and Unit and the 35th Fighter Squadron Singapore of US Air Force The Washington National Guard, SMEEs on anti-terrorism, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade military police, unmanned Keris Strike Mar 11 of the US Army and the 11th systems, civil affairs, Joint Malaysia US, Malaysia - 15 Infantry Brigade of nuclear, chemical and Exercise biological weapons, blasting, etc.

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Bersama Warrior Simulated peacekeeping The Washington National Guard and Command Mar 20 Malaysia US, Malaysia operation in the command the Malaysian Army Post post Exercise

Exercises were divided into shore-based and at-sea phases, including such subjects as riverside The USS Littoral Combat Ship inspection, tactical diving (LCS) Montgomery, the Legend- and salvage, firearms Maritime class cutter USCG Stratton (VMSL exercises, maritime patrol Training 752), Salvage Ship Grasp, T-EPF and operations, Activity Aug 14-19 Malaysia US, Malaysia Millinocket, the 1st Tactical Diving replenishment-at-sea Malaysia & Salvage Forces, one MH-60S training, etc. During shore- 2019 Seahawk helicopter and one MH-65 based exercises, SMEEs Dolphin helicopter were carried out around such topics as aviation, women's leadership, damage control, military law, public affairs and healthcare

US, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, The Destroyer Squadron 7, Malaysia, the SEACAT Aug 19 Singapore the P-8A Poseidon aircraft VBSS Philippines, and the USCG Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam The littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the South US and ASEAN guided-missile destroyer USS VBSS, MDA, division tactics AUMX Sept 2-6 China Sea member states Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and maritime asset tracking three MH-60 helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft The USS Boxer (LHD 6) Tiger Strike Sept 30- Amphibious Ready Group and the 19 joint Malaysia US, Malaysia Jungle warfare, CAS Oct 5 Legend-class cutter USCG Stratton exercise (VMSL 752)

5. Japan

In 2019, the US and Japan conducted 16 bilateral or multilateral joint exercises in the South China Sea and neighboring areas, the frequency of which increased greatly. In addition to the multilateral exercises of “Sama Sama” maritime training activity and “Maritime Warrior Cooperation 3”, the US and Japan held additional six joint exercises. The US and Japan joint exercises mainly focus on naval formation sailing, replenishment-at-sea training, air combat, ASW and other aspects, with a strong significance for real war scenario.

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Table 7 2019 US-Japan Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject

29 countries Approximately 4,500 US personnel including US, from the Amphibious Transport Exercise Thailand, Dock Ship USS Green Bay (LPD Cobra Gold Feb 12-22 Thailand Japan, Cyber FTX, FTX, HADR 20), the 31st Marine Expeditionary 2019 Indonesia, Unit and the 35th Fighter Squadron Malaysia and of US Air Force Singapore Approximately 2,000 from the US Cope North Feb18- US, Japan, army, 850 are Self Defense Force Guam Air combat exercise Exercise Mar 8 Australia and Australian soldiers and nearly 100 military aircrafts The USS Patrol Squadron 16, one P- US, Japan and 8A Poseidon aircraft, the HMS UK Frigate Montrose, the Japan Philippine US, Japan and Joint anti- Mar 14 Maritime Self-Defense Force Joint anti-submarine training Sea UK submarine (JMSDF) destroyer Murasame, P-1 exercise JMSDF maritime patrol aircraft, one submarine. Replenishmen The fleet replenishment oiler USNS South t-at-sea Apr 16 US, Japan Pecos and the JMSDF ship JS Replenishment-at-sea training China Sea training Suzutsuki (DD 117) The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the destroyer INS Kolkata (D 63) and the INS Tactical South US, India, Shakti (A 57), the JMSDF Formation sailing and May 2-8 training China Sea Japan helicopter-carrier JS Izumo (DDH communication drills 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101), and the Republic of patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 17) The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156), the submarine HMAS Collins (SSG Tactical Indian US, Australia, 73), the JMSDF helicopter-carrier Naval formation and tactics May 16 training Ocean Japan, France JS Izumo (DDH 183), the JMSDF exercise destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101), and the French Marine Nationale aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Group The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), Tactical Strait of May 18 US, Japan the JMSDF helicopter-carrier JS Communication drill training Malacca Izumo (DDH 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101)

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The 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), the dry Joint tactical mobility, live fire The first cargo/ USNS US, Japan, exercise, anti-air warfare Pacific Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), May 22 Guam Australia, (AAW), antisubmarine Vanguard aircrafts from the "Scorpions" of warfare (ASW), exercise Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ replenishment-at-sea training 132) and the "Mad Foxes" of Patrol Squadron (VP 5), frigates HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) and HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), JS Ariake (DD 109) and JS Asahi (DD 119), the destroyer ROKS Wang Geon (DDH 978) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), the JMSDF Communication check, tactical Tactical June 10- South helicopter-carrier JS Izumo (DDH US, Japan mobility, liaison officer training 12 China Sea 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS exchange, etc. Murasame (DD 101), and the JS Akebono (DD-108) The Amphibious Assault Ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the amphibious Transport Dock USS Ashland (LSD 48), the Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), the fleet replenishment oiler Tactical Philippine June 16 US, Japan USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), Formation sailing training Sea the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), the JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182), the JMSDF Amphibious Transport Ship JS Kunisaki (LST 4003) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), the JMSDF Communication check, tactical Tactical June 19 South helicopter-carrier JS Izumo (DDH US, Japan mobility, liaison officer training - 20 China Sea 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS exchange, etc. Murasame (DD 101), and the JS Akebono (DD-108) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Exercise US, Australia, Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group, the Talisman July 7 Australia Amphibious warfare, ASW Japan USS Wasp (LHD 1) Amphibious Sabre 2019 Ready Group, the F-22 Raptor, etc. The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Tactical Aug 13- Philippine Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group, the US, Japan Tactical training training 23 Sea JMSDF destroyer Myoko (DDG 175) “Maritime Luzon and The Amphibious Transport Ship Amphibious warfare, live fire Warrior Palawan in US, the BRP Davao (LD 602), the Whidbey exercise, urban operations, air Cooperation Oct 9-18 the Philippines, Island-class dock landing ship USS combat and anti-terrorism 3” joint Philippine Japan Germantown (LSD 42) action, HADRexercises exercise s

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The exercise consisted of both shore-based and at-sea activities. The littoral combat ship USS Shore-based events included a Montgomery (LCS 8), the series of SMEEs on a range of Whidbey Island-class dock naval capabilities, including landing ship USS Germantown MDA, force protection, medical Maritime Puerto (LSD 42), the Spearhead-class care, HADR, explosive ordnance Training Princesa, US, Japan and expeditionary fast transport disposal, dive and salvage Oct 14-21 Activity (MTA) Philippine the Philippines USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), operations, engineering, aviation, Sama Sama s the Safeguard-class salvage and VBSS operations. The at-sea ship USNS Salvor (ARS 52), phase included VBSS drills, the Legend-class cutter USCG division tactics, a search and Stratton (VMSL 752) and a P- rescue exercise, helicopter deck 8A Poseidon aircraft landing qualifications, anti-air and surface warfare tracking, and vessel of interest tracking. The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Tactical Oct 24 - Philippine US, Japan Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group, the Tactical training training Nov 2 Sea JMSDF Escort Division 12

6. Australia

In 2019, the US and Australia conducted 16 bilateral or multilateral joint exercises in the South China Sea and neighboring areas, including 2 joint exercises in the South China Sea, 5 in Guam and the remaining mostly in Australia. The exercises mainly focused on core operations such as ASW, air warfare, underwater warfare, MCM warfare and replenishment-at-sea training.

Table 8 2019 US-Australia Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject Four USS and one RAAF P-8A Poseidon Sea Dragon Waters off Joint anti-submarine Jan 14-22 US, Australia aircrafts, one Los Angeles-class attack Exercise Guam training submarine Approximately 2,000 from the US army, Cope North Feb 18-Mar US, Japan, Guam 850 are Self Defense Force and Australian Air combat exercise Exercise 8 Australia soldiers and nearly 100 military aircrafts The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN-763), the submarine Joint Waters off HMAS Collins (SSG 73), the submarine submarine Feb 26 US, Australia Underwater warfare Australia HMAS Farncomb (SSG 74), the submarine training HMAS Dechaineux (SSG 76), the submarine HMAS Sheean (SSG 77) Diamond Training for Darwin, B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 23rd Shield 2019 Mar 18 US, Australia Australian air force Australia Expeditionary Bomber Squadron (EBS) Joint Exercise cadets 28 events including amphibious warfare, The US, the The Amphibious Assault Ship USS Wasp , Balikatan Apr 1-12 Philippine Philippines, (LHD 1), the 31st MEU with the PAF and urban operations, s Australia the PMC anti-terrorism operation

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“Diamond The Air National Guard's 194th Darwin, Storm” May 6- 26 US, Australia Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the Cooperative combat Australia Exercise Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156), the submarine HMAS Collins (SSG 73), the JMSDF Tactical Indian US, Australia, Naval formation and May 16 helicopter-carrier JS Izumo (DDH 183), the training Ocean Japan, France tactics exercise JMSDF destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101), and the French Marine Nationale aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Group The 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock Joint tactical The first (T-AO 204), the dry cargo/ammunition ship US, Japan, mobility, live fire Pacific USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), aircrafts May 22 Guam Australia, exercise, AAW, Vanguard from the "Scorpions" of Electronic Attack South Korea ASW, replenishment- exercise Squadron (VAQ 132) and the "Mad Foxes" at-sea training of Patrol Squadron (VP 5), frigates HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) and HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), destroyers JS Ariake (DD 109) and JS Asahi (DD 119), the destroyer ROKS Wang Geon (DDH 978) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan Exercise US, Australia, (CVN-76) Strike Group, the USS Wasp Amphibious warfare, Talisman July 7 Australia Japan (LHD 1) Amphibious Ready Group, the F- ASW Sabre 2019 22 Raptor, etc. Mainly focused on the training of EOD, VBSS, land and sea The EODMU 5, the Coastal Riverine insertion techniques, US, Australia, Squadron 2, the III Marine Expeditionary “Hydra Crab” Aug 19- joint demolition Guam Canada, New Forces, the 36th Civil Engineering Joint Exercise Sept 3 operation, small arm Zealand Squadron, the Helicopter Sea Combat proficiency, CIED, Squadron (HSC) 25 anti-terrorism force protection (ATFP), diving operations Exercise Darwin, Aug 21-29 US, Australia The US and Australian Marine Corps Live fire exercise Koolendong Australia Tactical The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land Sept 13 Australia US, Australia Joint training training (AS 39), and the submarine HMAS Sheean Pacific Reach Nov 4 Australia US, Australia The US and Australian Navy Submarine rescue exercise The littoral combat ship USS Montgomery Formation sailing and Tactical South (LCS 8) and the frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH Nov 6-12 US, Australia replenishment-at-sea training China Sea 153), and the fleet replenishment vessel training HMAS Sirius (O 266) Dugong 2019 Mine US, Australia, Countermeasur Nov 11-15 Australia UK, Canada, The Navy of the five countries MCM operations es (MCM) New Zealand Exercise

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The guided missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the fleet The second replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO US, Canada, Pacific 197), the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS ASW, formation Nov 20 Guam Australia, Vanguard joint Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) and a submarine. exercises South Korea exercise Aircraft from the “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron 138 and the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron 10

7. Singapore

In 2019, the US and Singapore conducted six bilateral or multilateral joint exercises in the South China Sea and neighboring areas, including two bilateral exercises which were respectively the tactical drill in Guam from mid-June to mid- July and the Pacific Griffin 2019 joint exercise in Guam from late September to early October. The bilateral exercises between the US and Singapore might be few in number but close in the depth of cooperation.

Table 9 2019 US-Singapore Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject

Approximately 4,500 US from the 29 countries Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Exercise including US, USS Green Bay (LPD 20), the 31st Cobra Gold Feb 12-22 Thailand Thailand, Japan, Cyber FTX, FTX, HADR Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 2019 Indonesia, Malaysia 35th Fighter Squadron of US Air and Singapore Force

The 14th Fighter Squadron of US COPE Air combat exercise and the US, Thailand, Air Force, the Republic of Tiger Mar 11-22 Thailand suppression of enemy air Singapore Singapore Air Force, the Royal Exercise defenses (SEAD) Thai Air Force The 122nd Fighter Squadron from the 159th Fighter Wing of the New Orleans Air National Guard, Tactical June 13- Louisiana, 6 RSAF F-16 fighters Guam US, Singapore Tactical training training July 15 from the RSAF 140 Squadron, an RSAF G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft, and 150 RSAF aircrew. US, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, The Destroyer Squadron 7, Malaysia, the SEACAT Aug 19 Singapore the P-8A Poseidon aircraft VBSS Philippines, and the USCG Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam

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The littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the US and South guided-missile destroyer USS VBSS, MDA, division tactics AUMX Sept 2-6 ASEAN China Sea Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and maritime asset tracking member states three MH-60 helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft The littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), Pacific destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), Griffin Sept 27- the Los Angeles-class submarine Anti-surface warfare Guam US, Singapore 2019Joint Oct 10 USS Key West (SSN 722), the dry (ASUW), ASW Exercise cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), several P-8A Poseidon aircrafts

8. India

In 2019, the US and India conducted six bilateral or multilateral joint exercises in the South China Sea and neighboring areas, including five bilateral joint exercises. Exercises involved joint ASW operations, naval formation sailing, replenishment-at- sea training, marine law enforcement, mobility, etc. In the context that the US is accelerating the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, India has played an increasingly important role in the joint exercise and training.

Table 10 2019 US-India Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

Title of Time Location Participant Troop Subject Exercise

The guided missile destroyer USS US-India joint Indian Apr15 US, India Spruance (DDG 111), P-8A Poseidon Joint ASW training ASW exercise Ocean aircraft and the Indian Navy

The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the Indian Navy destroyer INS Kolkata (D 63) and the tanker INS Shakti (A 57), Tactical South Formation sailing and May 2- 8 US, India, Japan the JMSDF helicopter-carrier JS training China Sea communication drills Izumo (DDH 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS Murasame(DD 101), and the Republic of Philippine Navy patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 17)

The Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Tactical The Indian June 14 US, India USS John Patrick Murtha (LPD 260) Maritime training training Ocean and the destroyer INS Ranvijay (D 55)

USCG joint Chennai, the Legend-class cutter USCG Aug 23 US, India Joint training training India Stratton (VMSL 752)

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US Joint The US Army 7th Infantry Division Yudh Abhyas Base Expert academic Sept 5-19 US, India and the Indian Army 99th Mountain 19 Exercise Lewis exchange, HADR Brigade Mcchor

The dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Replenishment South Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), the anti- Replenishment-at-sea Nov 1 US, India -at-sea training China Sea submarine warfare corvette INS training Kiltan (P 30)

VBSS, live fire exercise, Joint “Tiger” The Whidbey Island-class dock ships mobility, Indian amphibious Nov 13-21 India US, India landing ship USS Germantown (LSD helicopters landing on exercises 42) and the INS Jalashwa (L41) US warships

9. Other Countries

Apart from the major countries mentioned above, the US military also conducted bilateral or multilateral joint exercises in the South China Sea and neighboring areas with Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, France and South Korea in 2019. These exercises included ASW, naval formation training, HADR.

Table 11 2019 Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas by the US and Other Countries

Name Time Location Participant Troop Subject

The Virginia-class submarine USS “La Perouse” Hawaii (SSN 776), the French Joint Anti- May 14 Indian Ocean US, France Marine Nationale aircraft carrier FS Joint ASW exercise submarine Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Exercise Group The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156), the submarine HMAS Collins (SSG Tactical US, Australia, Japan, 73), the JMSDF helicopter-carrier Naval formation and May 16 Indian Ocean training France JS Izumo (DDH 183), the JMSDF tactics exercise destroyer JS Murasame(DD 101), and the French Marine Nationale aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Group

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The 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), the dry The first cargo/ammunition ship USNS Joint tactical mobility, “pacific US, Japan, Australia, Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), live fire exercise, AAW, May 22 Guam vanguard South Korea aircrafts from the "Scorpions" of ASW, replenishment-at- exercise” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ sea training 132) and the "Mad Foxes" of Patrol Squadron (VP 5), frigates HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) and HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), destroyers JS Ariake (DD 109) and JS Asahi (DD 119), the destroyer ROKS Wang Geon (DDH 978) The USS Boxer (LHD 6) Amphibious Ready Group and the Tactical Andaman Joint formation flight June 7 US, France French Marine Nationale aircraft training Sea training carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Group “Pacific Angel 19-1” Humanitaria June 22- US, Bangladesh, Sri 50 personnel from the US Air Force Humanitarian disaster Bangladesh n Disaster 28 Lanka, Nepal soldiers relief Relief Exercise US, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Destroyer Squadron 7, the P-8A SEACAT Aug 19 Singapore the Philippines, VBSS Poseidon aircraft and the USCG Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam The Idaho Army National Guard Sept16- SMEE Cambodia US, Cambodia and the Royal Cambodian armed SMEE on peacekeeping 20 forces Sept 25- The US Air Force and the Professional training for SMEE Vietnam US, Vietnam 27 Vietnamese Air Force pilots Disaster Oct 27- They Oregon Army National Guard Simulated earthquake response Bangladesh US, Bangladesh 31 and the Bangladesh armed forces disaster relief training Tactical diving and salvage, engineering, The USS Task Force 72 and 73, the aviation, US- USS Destroyer Squadron 7, the hydrogeography, MDA, Bangladesh Bay of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit maritime law Nov 4-8 US, Bangladesh CARAT Bengal (MDSU) 1, the USS Patrol enforcement, etc. Exercise Squadron (VP) 45 one P-8A Aviation exercises Poseidon aircraft include air search and rescue and vessel of interest tracking The guided missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T- The second US, Canada, AO 197), the dry cargo/ammunition Pacific Nov 20 Guam Australia, South ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE ASW, formation sailing Vanguard Korea 7) and a submarine. Aircraft from joint exercise the “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron 138 and the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron 10

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Ⅲ. Characteristics of US Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas

In a comprehensive review of the United Sates’ unilateral, bilateral and multilateral military exercises in the South China Sea and neighboring areas in 2019, it is noticeable that the exercises have remained within a relatively stable framework, while also focused on introducing new subjects, involving new participants, expanding ranges, and including new force elements. Whether jointly conducted with countries in the South China Sea or the US’ allies from other part of the world, all exercises serve as a major measure for the US to carry out military exchanges, promote military cooperation, and enhance combat capabilities. As countries involved in the military exercises are of different priorities in the US’ foreign relationship with different military advantages, the joint military exercises have exhibited different levels of depth and priorities: 1) joint military exercises with countries in the region featuring more complex contents and subjects, involving every aspect of responding to non-traditional and traditional security threats, and were mainly for the purpose of enhancing the US’ regional presence and maintaining its political and military influence; 2) joint military exercises with the UK, France, India and South Korea featuring stronger strategic intentions, mainly for getting more countries involved in the South China Sea; 3) joint military exercises with its core allies in the West Pacific, such as Japan and Australia, focused mainly on enhancing core combat capabilities, because the involvement of such countries could substantially help the US to drill its military forces and prepare for wars.

Generally speaking, whether unilateral combined exercises by different military branches of the US, or bilateral and multilateral exercises with countries in the region, they were much more targeted than before and feature stronger

22 SCSPI significance for realistic war scenarios. To summarize, these military exercises exhibited five new characteristics as follows:

1. Adjustments and innovations were made in addition to routine

exercise contents and forms

In 2019, the US continued traditional military exercises with countries in the South China Sea and neighboring areas, including the Exercise Balikatan, MTA Sama Sama, CARAT, SEACAT, and the Exercise Cobra Gold 2019, etc. These traditional annual exercises basically remained stable in scale and duration. However, the specific subjects and contents showed subtle changes as well as adjustments or evolutions according to situational changes.

In early April, during the Guardian Sea, the annual anti-submarine exercise jointly held by the US Navy and the , was held in the Andaman Sea.5 For the first time, the Royal Thai Navy deployed a towed array sonar, and had the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Louisville as its target. It was for the first time that the Royal Thai Navy targeted a US in the drill and utilized a towed array sonar to carry out the strike.

In the Exercise COPE Tiger 2019 trilateral air force exercise of the US, Thailand and Singapore, F-16C fighter aircrafts from the 14th Fighter Squadron, for the first time in nearly two decades, executed the “suppression of enemy air defenses” mission to create a near- real battlefield scenario.6 In the meantime, the US airmen also delivered trainings to the Thai counterparts in air combat exercise. The goal was to help Thailand to cultivate joint terminal attack control (JTAC) airmen and establish a relatively mature air-to-ground combat model. JTAC plays an important

23 SCSPI role in the US overseas military operations, especially air-to-ground strikes, and has achieved significantly in military operations in Afghanistan, and Syria, etc.

In the Exercise Pacific Griffin 2019 jointly conducted by the US and Singapore, the two parties, for the first time, introduced ASUW. In the first “Sinkex”, the Singapore Navy frigate cooperated with the US Navy’s P-8 Poseidon aircraft, the US Air Force B-52H bombers to bomb and sink the target, an ex-U.S. hulk, USS Ford (FFG 54).7

Intentions of the US are obvious by introducing new subjects into traditional drills, which are mainly of significant importance in wars, such as ASW, ASUS and air combat.

2. The US allies beyond the region were increasingly involved with a

bigger role to play in the exercises

The Exercise Balikatan held in early April, an annual military exercise between the Philippines and the US, saw the participation of Australia for the first time.8 The Australian Defense Force dispatched a team with 50 members formed by special tasks soldiers, medical personnel, engineers and priests. It is justifiable to say that Australia participated in task force combat and battle field support subjects during the exercise. Japan participated in the US-Philippines Exercise Kamandag 3, where army forces from the three countries conducted an amphibious landing exercise. During the ship-to-shore maneuver, after the reconnaissance of the beach and perimeter alert building by the Philippines and the US, three country’s AAVs launching from the Amphibious Transport Ship BRP Davao (LD 602) and the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) came ashore, Philippine and US

24 SCSPI secured the objective, and JSDF led a medical evacuation disaster relief drill.9

Besides inviting solid allies to participate in traditional military exercises with ASEAN countries, the US also conducted bilateral drills in the South China Sea and neighboring areas to enhance their core combat capabilities. In May, when the deployed its carrier strike group led by Charles de Gaulle (R 91), a nuclear aircraft carrier, to the East Indian Ocean, the US Navy conducted the La Perouse Exercises with the French Navy. The US Navy attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN-776) participated in the drill,10 followed by the US destroyer USS William P Lawrence (DDG 110), a missile destroyer, conducting a formation sailing with the Charles de Gaulle strike group. The US Navy conducted two joint drills with the in the South China Sea. In mid-January, the US Navy missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and the Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll (F231) conducted communication drills, division tactics and personnel exchange in the South China Sea. 11 In mid-February, the US Navy fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) and the Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose (F236) conducted a replenishment drill.12 In early November, the littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) and the fleet replenishment vessel HMAS Sirius (O 266) conducted joint operations and maritime replenishment drills.13 It was the first time that the US littoral combat ship received replenishments at sea from an allied navy vessel while underway, which reflected that the US and its allies are pursuing closer military cooperation in the South China Sea.

During the two Pacific Vanguard exercises in 2019, the US, Japan, Australia and South Korea brought together major surface ships to participate in surface warfare and anti-submarine drills. In both exercises, the US Navy dispatched EA-18G electronic warfare aircrafts from the Misawa Air Base, which simulated complex

25 SCSPI electronic combat scenario for the exercise. These exercises reflected that US and its solid allies are continuously enhancing their cooperation to elevate core combat capacities in the South China Sea and neighboring areas, and to enhance their interoperability under “emergent situations”.

3. Cyberspace operations emerged as a new subject of the exercises

In 2019, the US conducted multiple military exercises involving cybersecurity operations, many of which were jointly held with countries in the Southeast Asia. In late July, the third annual Information System and Technology Exchange (ISTX) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, by the Hawaii National Guard in cooperation with cybersecurity-related departments under the command of US Indo- Pacific Command, and Indonesian forces,14 aiming to assist in cybersecurity doctrine development, enhance the cybersecurity capabilities to effectively defend and protect critical cyber information infrastructure from malicious virus and cyber intrusions. During the Cobra Gold 2019, the and the U.S. Marine Corps and the Washington Air National Guard executed the first Cobra Gold Cyberspace Field Training Exercise (FTX) at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. The exercise focused on identifying and defending critical information and warfighting systems against a cyberspace attack.15

Besides Southeast Asian countries, in early November, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which represents US interests on the island, co-hosted with the local government a week-long exercise, namely the Cyber Offensive and Defensive Exercises. AIT said the focus was threats posed by “North Korea and other actors”. Billed as the first of its kind, the joint drill of cybersecurity was described by the AIT’s acting director, Raymond Greene, as a “new frontier”16 in cyber-cooperation between Washington and Taipei. From June 21 to 28, the five members of the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance including the US, the United 26 SCSPI Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, participated in the Cyber Flag 19-1,17 a week-long cyber exercise. The US Army Cyber Command directed the exercise and specifically built an industrial control system that might be used by a US-based port facility, which 20 multiagency and multinational teams worked individually to thwart malicious attacks and intrusions on this system.

4. Exercises would be more specialized and smaller as an important

trend

HADR, battlefield medical care, peacekeeping operations, flight security, aircraft maintenance and other specialized exercises have become an important content of the military cooperation and exchanges between the US and ASEAN countries. These types of exercises are conducted between the US with Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and other traditional allies in the region, as well as with relatively underdeveloped countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh.

Specialized trainings and exercises are gradually become regular. In 2019, the US and Bangladesh conducted four exercises, most of which were about humanitarian assistance. For example, in the Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) conducted at the end of October, the Oregon National Guard and the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division conducted an exercise simulating a large- scale earthquake response.18 In late September, the Idaho National Guard conducted a subject matter expert exchange on peacekeeping with members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.19 Almost at the same time, the US and Vietnam held the ninth Airman-to-Airman Talks on flight safety.20

Small-scale trainings and exercises have also become an important direction of cooperation between the US and other countries in the region. During the US- Indonesia Exercise Garuda Shield 2019 held in August, soldiers from the 1st

27 SCSPI Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division of the US Army, and the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, and their Indonesia Armed Forces counterparts conducted platoon live-fire exercises. In the bilateral military training exchange in the same month, the US Marine Corps and the Indonesian Korps Marinir each sent a platoon of Marines to live and train together at the other’s military base for three weeks.21 This type of small-scale trainings and exercises at the basic level have become an important content of military exercises between the US and other countries in the region.

5. The USCG and maritime law enforcement units are becoming

new forces in military exercises

In 2019, the USCG deployed three coast guard vessels to the West Pacific region, namely USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750), USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) and USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717). The deployment of the USCGC Bertholf (WMSL- 750) and the USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717) both involved the South China Sea, with the latter one amount to a military exercise.

28 SCSPI

The track is sorted by SCSPI according to the Automatic Identification System (AIS) (as of September 1, 2019)

The USCG actively participated in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue drills. As a law enforcement unit, it is within the USCG’s duty to participate in maritime law enforcement or maritime search and rescue operations. On May 14, the USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) was joined by the BRP Batangas (SARV 004) and the BRP Kalanggaman (FPB 2404), its Philippines counterparts, near the Huangyan Island for joint search and rescue exercise.22 On August 23, the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) completed joint law enforcement drills with Indian Coast Guard, and similar drills with Malaysia Coast Guard vessels during the Maritime Training Activity Malaysia 2019 as well as with Indonesian Coast Guard during CARAT.

The USCG is deeply integrated into the US’ combat system and is gradually becoming an important participant in regional exercises. During its deployment

29 SCSPI to the West Pacific, the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) visited Australia as its first stop, where it participated in the US-Japan-Australia Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 and joined the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) forat-sea combat exercise.23 In the following US-Malaysia exercise Tiger Strike 2019 and the US-Philippine MTA Sama Sama, the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) joined the US Navy vessels to participate in VBSS drills, division tactics, search and rescue exercise, helicopter deck landing qualifications, anti-air and surface warfare tracking, and vessel of interest tracking. 24 USCG has become an important member in the US’ combat system in the Asia Pacific region.

30 SCSPI

Ⅳ. Conclusions and Outlook

In 2019, the US conducted plenty of military exercises that covered a broad range in the South China Sea and neighboring areas. These included iterations of traditional, annual large scale exercises, as well as innovations accordingly, routine exercises that aimed to involve countries outside the region, as well as new exercises that were held temporarily with countries in the region, exercises targeting emerging issues such as cybersecurity and other real threats, as well as non-warfare military actions such as HADR, maritime law enforcement, and peacekeeping operations. No matter how innovative the contents were, their major purpose was to, by enhancing military cooperation with countries both in and beyond the region, to forge the US’ core capabilities in anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine combats and air combats, enhance maritime domain awareness, interoperability and its military presence in the region to contain China from rising as a major sea power. Military exercises and joint drills in the South China Sea and neighboring areas are an important way for the US to enhance its regional presence, elevate combat capability and strengthen deterrence ability. Against the background of strategic competition between major powers and under the voice featuring “preparing for war in the South China Sea”, in the future, the US military exercise in the South China Sea and neighboring areas are expected to exhibit the following trends:

1. Small, specialized and flexible arrangements will be more

frequent

The characteristics of small, specialized exercises include short time of duration and strong flexibility. The US could decide the subjects of the exercise according to the counterpart countries and different levels of their bilateral cooperation. The US has highly specialized, systematic military deployment in the West Pacific, and

31 SCSPI enjoys an advantage of fast deployment, which combined would enable it to select participants in exercises or exchanges accordingly. Currently, many small, specialized exercises conducted and organized in the South China Sea and neighboring areas are led by the US National Guard, which benefits from the State Partnership Program (SPP) pushed forward by the US National Defense and many states.25 In the regions under the command of the US Indo-Pacific Command, the SPP has been carried out with the Philippines, Thailand, Mongolia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Tonga, Fiji and Malaysia and is expected to be expanded to include more countries in the region. A new trend in 2019 is that every time an ally or partner of the US has its military force cross the South China Sea or conducts actions in the region, the US would seize the opportunity to perform some temporary exercises and training. In the future, this type of exercise might be further enhanced and relevant arrangements will become more flexible.

2. Large exercises will further expand and exhibit stronger

significance for real war scenarios

In 2019, the first ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX) was held with limited personnel and forces participated as it is the first exercise of its type. The US Navy only assigned the littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), three MH-60 helicopters, a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.26 As this exercise becomes regular, the US is likely to assign more forces to participate in the exercise and may involve Japan and Australia or other countries to participate as well. In the US-Singapore Exercise Pacific Griffin 2019, the Singapore Navy for the first time engaged in ASUW exercise with the US Military. In the future, in similar exercises, they are likely to continue to conduct to enhance core combat capabilities, and elevate military cooperation with regional allies to respond to their so-called “regional security threats”.

32 SCSPI

3. The USMC and US Army will play a more important role in the

South China Sea and neighboring areas

In 2019, during the exercises such as US-Philippines Exercise Balikatan 2019 and Exercise Kamandag 3, the USMC played a significantly important role. In the last two years, senior officers of the USMC have repeatedly talked about enhancing attention to the South China Sea.

The US Army shows no intention of being left behind and is working on new exercise plans. On September 17, Lt. Gen. James Pasquarette, the Army’s G-8, said during an Association of the US Army breakfast that “Soldiers play a crucial part in the joint-service mission in the Pacific region”, and “that role will become increasingly significant as the Defense Department continues to focus on potential threats by China in the region.”27 In 2019, the US Army will update its Pacific Pathways program launched in 2014 into a 2.0 version. More soldiers will be forward deployed to Asia Pacific region from 2020, increased to 5,000~10,000, for exercises lasting 10 months, up from previous 3 months.28 Pacific Pathways 2.0 Countries next year will include Thailand, the Philippines and Australia. It is justifiable to say that the US Army will have more presence in the region.

Currently, the USMC and US Army are making every effort to implement the Multi-Domain Operations concept, with the former also testing a pair of related concepts, Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) and the overarching Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE). It is safe to say that they will play a stronger role in the overall military actions in the South China Sea.

33 SCSPI

4. More targeted exercises in the South China Sea and neighboring

areas will be conducted by multi-services and arms of the US

military

In 2019, during the summer patrol of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group, the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron of the US Air Force continuously sent B-52H Stratofortress from Andersen Air Force Base, Japan, to the South China Sea and the Philippines’ airspace to join the strike ground in air-sea battle exercise. In early December, the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) was deployed to Japan to join the US’ forward-deployed naval forces. In October, USS America (LHA-8) tested out the “Lightning Carrier” concept in the open waters near San Diego, California. It once carried 13 F-35B bombers, which was the first time that the US Navy ever used the amphibious assault ship in such a way. Therefore, in 2020, after USS America (LHA-8) is deployed to Japan, it might further test such concept in the South China Sea. It might even join the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group for dual-carrier formation operations. Today, when the US Navy finds its aircraft carriers inadequate, it has no way but to rely on enhancing the deployment of amphibious assault ships to give partial play of its carriers. However, the combat capabilities of such arrangement shouldn’t be taken lightly.

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Appendix

Table 2019 US Military Exercises in the South China Sea and Neighboring Areas (not exhaustive) No. Name Date Location Participant Troop Subject

USS McCampbell Communication (DDG 85), Royal drills, division US-UK Tactics Jan 11- South 1 US, UK Navy Type 23 tactics, and a Exercise 16 China Sea frigate HMS personnel Argyll (F231) exchange Four USS and one RAAF P-8A Joint anti- Sea Dragon Jan 14- Waters off US, Poseidon aircrafts, 2 submarine Exercise 22 Guam Australia one Los Angeles- training class attack submarine The 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, 96th Aviation Troop Lopburi, US and Exchange on 3 SMEE Jan 17 Command, Thailand Thailand aviation safety Washington National Guard and the Royal Thai Army The 121st Fighter Squadron (121 Exchanges on the Bilateral Air Cesar Basa FS), a unit of the drills of tactics, Contingent Jan 20- Air Base, US and the District of intelligence, 4 Exchange- Feb 1 the Philippines Columbia Air flightline, and Philippines Philippines National Guard aircraft (BACE-P) and the Philippine maintenance Air Force (PAF) The F-35B The Marine aircraft Expeditionary Jan 26- Philippine Fighter Attack performed sea 5 US strike training Feb 6 Sea Squadron 121 strikes with (VMFA-121) ordnance fully- loaded Approximately 800 US Army soldiers operating Aviation assets, Hanuman Jan 28- US and 6 Thailand under the US CIED tactics and Guardian 19 Feb 7 Thailand Army 2nd Stryker SMEEs Brigade Combat Team and

35 SCSPI

approximately 900 Royal Thai Army soldiers under the Headquarters of 2nd Infantry Division and the 12 Infantry Regiment 29 Approximately countries, 4,500 US including personnel from the US, Amphibious Exercise Cobra Feb 12- Thailand, Transport Dock Cyber FTX, 7 Thailand Gold 2019 22 Japan, Ship USS Green FTX, HADR Indonesia, Bay (LPD 20), the Malaysia 31st MEU and the and 35th Fighter Singapore Squadron Approximately 2,000 from the US army, 850 are Self Cope North Feb 18- US, Japan, Air combat 8 Guam Defense Force and Exercise Mar 8 Australia exercise Australian soldiers and nearly 100 military aircrafts US Navy fleet replenishment US-UK oiler USNS South Eplenishment 9 Maritime Feb 18 US, UK Guadalupe (T-AO China Sea drill Security Drill 200) , the Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose (F236) Subject matter Pilots from the US Feb 24- US and the Exchange on 10 expert exchange Hawaii Air Force and the 27 Philippines aviation safety (SMEE) PAF The Los Angeles- class attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN- 763), the submarine HMAS Joint submarine Waters off US, Collins (SSG 73), Underwater 11 Feb 26 training Australia Australia the submarine warfare HMAS Farncomb (SSG 74), the submarine HMAS Dechaineux (SSG 76), the submarine HMAS Sheean

36 SCSPI

(SSG 77) Jungle field training exercise (FTX), bilateral More than 1,600 Command Post soldiers from the Exercise (CPX), Seventh Infantry various SMEEs, Exercise Mar 4- The US and the Division of the US as well as 12 Salaknib 2019 24 Philippines Philippines Army and the 7th Cooperative Infantry Division Health of the Philippine Engagements Army (CHE) and Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA) projects The ASEAN Defence US, Ministers’ South East Australia, Communication Meeting-Plus Mar- US Destroyer 13 Asia Canada, and maneuvering Maritime May Squadron 1 countries Japan, drills Security Field Philippines Training Exercise SMEEs on anti- The Washington terrorism, National Guard, military police, the 25th Combat unmanned Aviation Brigade Keris Strike Mar US, systems, civil 14 Malaysia of the US Army Joint Exercise 11-15 Malaysia affairs, nuclear, and the 11th chemical and Infantry Brigade biological of Malaysian weapons, Army blasting, etc. The 14th Fighter Squadron of US Air combat US, Air Force, the exercise and the COPE Tiger Mar 15 Thailand Thailand, Republic of suppression of Exercise 11-22 Singapore Singapore Air enemy air Force, the Royal defenses (SEAD) Thai Air Force The USS Patrol Squadron 16, one P-8A Poseidon aircraft, the HMS Joint anti- US, Japan and Philippine US, Japan 16 Mar 14 Frigate Montrose, submarine UK Sea and UK the Japan training Maritime Self- Defense Force (JMSDF)

37 SCSPI

destroyer Murasame, P-1 JMSDF maritime patrol aircraft, one submarine. B-52 Stratofortresses Diamond Shield assigned to the Training for Darwin, US, 17 2019 Joint Mar 18 23rd Australian air Australia Australia Exercise Expeditionary force cadets Bomber Squadron (EBS) A subject matter The US Army and Mar US and exchange on 18 SMEE Thailand the Royal Thai 18-22 Thailand combat Army engineering The 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Drills of South US and the Ridge (LCC 19) communications, 19 Tactics drill Mar 19 China Sea Philippines and the frigate maneuver and BRP Ramon operations Alcaraz (FF 16) The Washington Simulated Bersama Warrior US, National Guard peacekeeping 20 Command Post Mar 20 Malaysia Malaysia and the Malaysian operation in the Exercise Army command post 28 events The Amphibious including Assault Ship USS amphibious US, the Apr 1- The Wasp (LHD 1), warfare, live fire 21 Balikatan Philippines, 12 Philippines the 31st MEU exercise, urban Australia with the PAF and operations, anti- the PMC terrorism operation The exercise was The Los Angeles- organized in two class attack phases with a submarine USS shore phase and a Louisville (SSN- subsequent sea 724), an underway phase that Guardian Sea Andaman US and replenishment culminated with 22 Apr 7 2019 Sea Thailand oiler, two frigates, tracking a a corvette and a submarine. It Sea Hawk marked the first helicopter from time the RTN the Royal Thai deployed a towed Navy (RTN) array sonar to execute anti-

38 SCSPI

submarines missions. The guided missile destroyer USS Spruance US-India joint Indian Joint ASW 23 Apr 15 US, India (DDG 111), P-8A ASW exercise Ocean training Poseidon aircraft and the Indian Navy The fleet replenishment Replenishment- South oiler USNS Pecos Replenishment- 24 Apr 16 US, Japan at-sea training China Sea and the JMSDF at-sea JS Suzutsuki (DD 117) Surface warfare maneuvering tactics, VBSS USS Spruance drills, mobile (DDG 111）, P- dive and salvage US-Sri Lanka Indo- US, Sri training, 25 Apr 22 8A Poseidon CARAT pacific Lanka explosive aircraft，Sri ordinance Lankan Navy disposal (EOD), minesweeping and maritime patrol operations. The guided- missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the Indian Navy destroyer INS Kolkata (D 63) and the tanker INS Shakti (A 57), Formation sailing the JMSDF May 2- South US, India, and 26 Tactical training helicopter-carrier 8 China Sea Japan communication JS Izumo (DDH drills 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101), and the Republic of Philippine Navy patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 17) 27 “Diamond May 6- Darwin, US, The California Air Cooperative

39 SCSPI

Storm”Exercise 26 Australia Australia National Guard's combat 194th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Information sharing, ASEAN Defence US, USS William P. interoperability Ministers’ South ASEAN 28 Mar 13 Lawrence (DDG and multinational Meeting-Plus China sea member 110) response to Exercise states maritime security issues. The US Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), the Philippine Coast Joint search-and- South US and the Joint search-and- 29 May 14 Guard patrol rescue exercises China Sea Philippines rescue exercises vessels BRP Batangas (SARV 004) and the BRP Kalanggaman (FPB 2404) The Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN “La Perouse” 776), the French Joint Anti- Indian Joint ASW 30 May 14 US, France Marine Nationale submarine Ocean exercise aircraft carrier FS Exercise Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Group The guided- missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the HMAS Toowoomba (FFH US, 156), the Naval formation Indian Australia, 31 Tactical training May 16 submarine HMAS and tactics Ocean Japan, Collins (SSG 73), exercise France the JMSDF helicopter-carrier JS Izumo (DDH 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS Murasame (DD

40 SCSPI

101), and the French Marine Nationale aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Group The guided- missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), the JMSDF Strait of Communication 32 Tactical training May 18 US, Japan helicopter-carrier Malacca drill JS Izumo (DDH 183), the JMSDF destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101) The 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Joint tactical Rappahannock (T- mobility, live fire AO 204), the dry US, Japan, exercise, anti-air The first Pacific cargo/ammunition Australia, warfare (AAW), 33 Vanguard May 22 Guam ship USNS South antisubmarine exercise Richard E. Byrd Korea warfare (ASW), (T-AKE 4), replenishment-at- aircrafts from the sea training "Scorpions" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ 132) and the "Mad Foxes" of Patrol Squadron (VP 5), frigates HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05) and HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154), destroyers JS Ariake (DD 109) and JS Asahi

41 SCSPI

(DD 119), the destroyer ROKS Wang Geon (DDH 978) Surface warfare maneuvering The guided tactics, VBSS missile cruiser drills, mobile USS Antietam dive and salvage (CG 54), the USS training, Patriot (MCM-7), explosive the USS Pioneer ordinance (MCM-9), the disposal (EOD), USNS Millinocket minesweeping (T-EPF-3), the and maritime Marine Rotational patrol operations. May US-Thailand US and Force-Darwin MDA, submarine 34 29-June Thailand CARAT Thailand Task Force, the warfare, tactics 8 US Navy Seventh tabletop Fleet Band, the exercises, Explosive integrated dive Ordnance team training, Disposal Mobile EOD, jungle Unit (EODMU) 5 survival training and the Naval and medical Environmental casualty Preventive evacuation Medicine Unit 6 (CASEVAC) field training exercises The USS Boxer (LHD 6) Amphibious Ready Group and Andaman Joint formation 35 Tactical training Jun 7 US, France the French Marine Sea flight training Nationale aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) Strike Group The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN- 76), the JMSDF Communication helicopter-carrier check, tactical June South 36 Tactical training US, Japan JS Izumo (DDH mobility, liaison 10-12 China Sea 183), the JMSDF officer exchange, destroyer JS etc. Murasame (DD 101), and the JS Akebono (DD-

42 SCSPI

108) The 122nd Fighter Squadron from the 159th Fighter Wing of the New Orleans Air National Guard, Louisiana, 6 June US, RSAF F-16 37 Tactical training 13-July Guam Tactical training Singapore fighters from the 15 RSAF 140 Squadron, an RSAF G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft, and 150 RSAF aircrew. The Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS John The Indian 38 Tactical training Jun 14 US, India Patrick Murtha Maritime training Ocean (LPD 260) and the destroyer INS Ranvijay (D 55) The Amphibious Assault Ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the amphibious Transport Dock USS Ashland (LSD 48), the Amphibious Transport Dock Ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), the fleet Philippine replenishment 39 Tactical training Jun 16 US, Japan Formation sailing Sea oiler USNS Rappahannock (T- AO 204), the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), the JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182), the JMSDF Amphibious

43 SCSPI

Transport Ship JS Kunisaki (LST 4003) Six US Air Force F-16CM/DM Aircraft aircrafts from the maintenance 14th Cope West 2019 North techniques, close June US and Expeditionary 40 Field Training Sulawesi, air support 17-28 Indonesia Fighter Squadron Exercise Indonesia (CAS), air-to-air and six F-16 operation training aircrafts from the and a SMEE The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN- 76), the JMSDF Communication helicopter-carrier check, tactical Jun 19- South JS Izumo (DDH 41 Tactical training US, Japan mobility, liaison 20 China Sea 183), the JMSDF officer exchange, destroyer JS etc. Murasame (DD 101), and the JS Akebono (DD- 108) “Pacific Angel US, 19-1” 50 personnel from June Bangladesh, Humanitarian 42 Humanitarian Bangladesh the US Air Force 22-28 Sri Lanka, disaster relief Disaster Relief soldiers Nepal Exercise Ship Anti- Submarine The P-8A Warfare Southern Poseidon aircraft July 5- 43 Readiness and coast of US from VP-5 and ASW 10 Evaluation Guam VP-8 and the USS Measurement Milius (DDG 69) (SHAREM) 199 The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Exercise US, Strike Group, the Amphibious 44 Talisman Sabre Jul 7 Australia Australia, USS Wasp (LHD warfare, ASW 2019 Japan 1) Amphibious Ready Group, the F-22 Raptor, etc. Marine Aviation The Marine Mutual defense, July The US and the 45 Support Activity Medium Tiltrotor counterterrorism 15-25 Philippines Philippines (MASA) 19.2 Squadron 262 and HADR

44 SCSPI

(VMM-262) and the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, USMC Information US and Indonesia System and SSME on July US and service members 46 Technology Indonesia cybersecurity and 24-26 Indonesia specializing in Exchange protection cybersecurity (ISTX) Staff from CTF 73 and DESRON 7, Evolutions the littoral combat included both ship USS shore-based and Montgomery at-sea training, (LCS 8), the such as VBSS Spearhead-class drills, mobile expeditionary fast dive and salvage transport USNS training, gunnery Fall River (T-EPF exercises, Aug 1- Surabaya, US and 4), the Legend- explosive 47 CARAT 7 Indonesia Indonesia class cutter USCG ordnance Stratton (VMSL disposal (EOD) 752), the MV drills, jungle Carolyn Chouest, warfare training the Navy and subject Environmental matter expert and Preventive knowledge Medicine Unit 6, exchanges in the US 7th Fleet MDA and other Band and a P-8 subjects Poseidon aircraft. Bilateral The Alpha Military Company of the Live-fire ranges, Training Aug 6- Indonesia US and 48 1st Battalion of and integrated Exchange 29 and Hawaii Indonesia the 3rd Marine cultural events between Marine Regiment Corps The B-52H Stratofortress Bombers from the South 69th China Sea Expeditionary Aug 49 Tactical training and US Bomber Squadron Sea-air battles 12-14 Philippine and the aircraft Sea carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group 50 Tactical training Aug Philippine US, Japan The aircraft carrier Tactical training

45 SCSPI

13-23 Sea USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Strike Group, the JMSDF destroyer Myoko (DDG 175) Exercises were divided into shore-based and at-sea phases, including such subjects as The USS Littoral riverside Combat Ship inspection, (LCS) tactical diving Montgomery, the and salvage, Legend-class firearms cutter USCG exercises, Stratton (VMSL maritime patrol Maritime 752), Salvage and operations, Training Aug US, 51 Malaysia Ship Grasp, T- replenishment-at- Activity 14-19 Malaysia EPF Millinocket, sea training, etc. Malaysia 2019 the 1st Tactical During shore- Diving & Salvage based exercises, Forces, one MH- SMEEs were 60S Seahawk carried out helicopter and one around such MH-65 Dolphin topics as helicopter aviation, women's leadership, damage control, military law, public affairs and healthcare Mainly focused on the training of The EODMU 5, EOD, VBSS, the Coastal land and sea Riverine Squadron insertion US, 2, the III Marine techniques, joint Aug Australia, Expeditionary “Hydra Crab” demolition 52 19-Sept Guam Canada, Forces, the 36th Joint Exercise operation, small 3 New Civil Engineering arm proficiency, Zealand Squadron, the CIED, anti- Helicopter Sea terrorism force Combat Squadron protection (HSC) 25 (ATFP), diving operations 53 SEACAT Aug 19 Singapore US, The Destroyer Visit, board,

46 SCSPI

Bangladesh, Squadron 7, the P- search and Brunei, 8A Poseidon seizure (VBSS) Cambodia, aircraft and the Indonesia, USCG Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam The 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry SMEEs and Garuda Shield US and 54 Aug 19 Indonesia Regiment and the platoon live-fire 2019 Indonesia 16th Combat exercises Aviation Brigade The US and Exercise Aug Darwin, US, 55 Australian Marine Live fire exercise Koolendong 21-29 Australia Australia Corps the Legend-class USCG joint Chennai, cutter USCG 56 Aug 23 US, India Joint training training India Stratton (VMSL 752) SMEE on The US and the The USMC, the amphibious 57 SMEE Aug 30 Philippines Philippines PN and the PMC assault vehicle (AAV) The littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the US and guided-missile VBSS, MDA, Sept 2- South ASEAN destroyer USS division tactics 58 AUMX 6 China Sea member Wayne E. Meyer and maritime states (DDG 108), three asset tracking MH-60 helicopters, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft The US Army 7th US Joint Infantry Division Yudh Abhyas 19 Sept 5- Expert academic 59 Base Lewis US, India and the Indian Exercise 19 exchange, HADR Mcchor Army 99th Mountain Brigade Sept 9- The US and the The medical SMEE on 60 SMEE 11 Philippines Philippines personnel from the aeromedical

47 SCSPI

US Pacific Air evacuation Forces and the PAF The submarine tender USS Emory US, 61 Tactical training Sep 13 Australia S. Land (AS 39), Joint training Australia and the submarine HMAS Sheean GEMA The Hawaii BHAKTI 19 National Guard (GB19) Staff (HING) and the Joint operational Exercise Sept US and 62 Indonesia Tentara Nasional staff planning (STAFFEX) 16-23 Indonesia Indonesia (TNI, and processes (Echo of Good Indonesian Armed Deeds in Forces) Indonesian) The Idaho Army National Guard Sept16- US, SMEE on 63 SMEE Cambodia and the Royal 20 Cambodia peacekeeping Cambodian armed forces Medical training The US Army and Lifesaving First Sept The US and the known as 64 the Philippine Aid Training 20-22 Philippines Philippines Tactical Combat Army Casualty Care The 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 4th Combined Infantry Brigade airborne training Combat Team Combined and the The US and the (Airborne), 25th 65 Airborne 22-Sep simulation of Philippines Philippines Infantry Division, Operation large-scale rapid the Philippine deployment First Scout Ranger forces Regiment and the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) The US Air Force Sept US, and the Professional 66 SMEE Vietnam 25-27 Vietnam Vietnamese Air training for pilots Force The littoral Pacific Griffin Sept Anti-surface US, combat ship USS 67 2019 Joint 27- Oct Guam warfare Singapore Gabrielle Giffords Exercise 10 (ASUW), ASW (LCS 10),

48 SCSPI

destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Key West (SSN 722), the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), several P-8A Poseidon aircrafts The USS Boxer (LHD 6) Amphibious Sept Tiger Strike 19 US, Ready Group and Jungle warfare, 68 30-Oct Malaysia joint exercise Malaysia the Legend-class CAS 5 cutter USCG Stratton (VMSL 752) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN- 76), the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided missile South cruiser USS 69 Tactical training Oct 6 US Formation sailing China Sea Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 6) The Amphibious Amphibious Transport Ship warfare, live fire “Maritime Luzon and BRP Davao (LD US, the exercise, urban Warrior Oct 9- Palawan in 602), the Whidbey 70 Philippines, operations, air Cooperation 3” 18 the Island-class dock Japan combat and anti- joint exercise Philippines landing ship USS terrorism action, Germantown HADRexercises (LSD 42) The 7th US and The staff from the 71 SMEE Oct 11 Staff talks Fleet Indonesia US Navy and the

49 SCSPI

flagship Indonesian Navy USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) The exercise consisted of both shore-based and at-sea activities. Shore-based events included a series of SMEEs The littoral on a range of combat ship USS naval Montgomery capabilities, (LCS 8), the including MDA, Whidbey Island- force protection, class dock landing medical care, ship USS HADR, Germantown explosive (LSD 42), the ordnance Spearhead-class disposal, dive Maritime Puerto US, Japan expeditionary fast and salvage Training Oct 14- 72 Princesa, and the transport USNS operations, Activity (MTA) 21 Philippines Philippines Millinocket (T- engineering, Sama Sama EPF 3), the aviation, and Safeguard-class VBSS salvage ship operations. The USNS Salvor at-sea phase (ARS 52), the included VBSS Legend-class drills, division cutter USCG tactics, a search Stratton (VMSL and rescue 752) and a P-8A exercise, Poseidon aircraft helicopter deck landing qualifications, anti-air and surface warfare tracking, and vessel of interest tracking. The exercises consisted of USS Harper’s US-Brunei amphibious (LSD- 73 CARAT Oct 22 Brunei US, Brunei assault, jungle 49),one P-8A Exercise warfare and Poseidon aircraft combat medical training. Joint medical The US and the The US Special Battlefield first- 74 23-Oct outreach project Philippines Philippines Operations aid services

50 SCSPI

Command Pacific soldiers and soldiers from the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces 51st Special Action Company The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Oct 24 Philippine Reagan (CVN-76) 75 Tactical training US, Japan Tactical training -Nov 2 Sea Strike Group, the JMSDF Escort Division 12 They Oregon Army National Simulated Disaster Oct 27- US, 76 Bangladesh Guard and the earthquake response training 31 Bangladesh Bangladesh armed disaster relief forces The dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Replenishment- South Richard E. Byrd Replenishment- 77 1-Nov US, India at-sea training China Sea (T-AKE 4), the at-sea training anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan (P 30) Tactical diving The USS Task and salvage, Force 72 and 73, engineering, the USS Destroyer aviation, Squadron 7, the hydrogeography, US-Bangladesh Mobile Diving MDA, maritime Nov 4- Bay of US, 78 CARAT and Salvage Unit law enforcement, 8 Bengal Bangladesh Exercise (MDSU) 1, the etc. Aviation USS Patrol exercises include Squadron (VP) 45 air search and one P-8A rescue and vessel Poseidon aircraft of interest tracking Pacific Reach US, The US and 79 4-Nov Australia Submarine rescue exercise Australia Australian Navy The littoral Formation sailing combat ship USS Nov 6- South US, and 80 Tactical training Montgomery 12 China Sea Australia replenishment-at- (LCS 8) and the sea training frigate HMAS

51 SCSPI

Stuart (FFH 153), and the fleet replenishment vessel HMAS Sirius (O 266) The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) Ordnance The and the Los Ordnance 81 11-Nov US handling training Philippines Angeles-class handling training attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) US, Dugong 2019 Australia, Mine Nov UK, The Navy of the 82 Australia MCM operations Countermeasures 11-15 Canada, five countries (MCM) Exercise New Zealand The Whidbey VBSS, live fire Island-class dock exercise, ships Joint “Tiger” landing ship USS Nov mobility, Indian 83 amphibious India US, India Germantown 13-21 helicopters exercises (LSD 42) and the landing on US INS Jalashwa warships (L41) The guided missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197), the US, dry The second Canada, cargo/ammunition Pacific ASW, formation 84 20-Nov Guam Australia, ship USNS Carl Vanguard joint exercises South Brashear (T-AKE exercise Korea 7) and a submarine. Aircraft from the “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron 138 and the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron 10 Vigilant Guard The Hawaii Disaster response 85 21-Nov Guam US 2020 National Guard exercise

52 SCSPI

Reference

1 MC3 Codie L. Soule，Ronald Reagan CSG, Boxer ARG Provide Ready, Capable Forward

Presence in Indo-Pacific, Oct. 7, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article- View/Article/1983022/ronald-reagan-csg-boxer-arg-provide-ready-capable-forward-presence-in- indo-paci/ 2 Fighting Tigers Participate in Guam Exercise, July 18, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1909635/fighting-tigers- participate-in-guam-exercise/ 3 Hope Hodge Seck , F-35Bs Conduct Strikes in 'Beast Mode' for First Time in Pacific Region, Feb 12, 2019, https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2019/02/12/f-35bs-conduct-strikes-beast-mode-first- time-pacific-region.html 4 Staff Sgt. Katie Gray, US and Indonesia 'Threat Hunt' during Information Exchange, July 30, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1921079/us-and-indonesia- threat-hunt-during-information-exchange/ 5 Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Johnson, US, Thailand Conducts Anti-Submarine Exercise in Andaman Sea, April 8, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article- View/Article/1808833/us-thailand-conducts-anti-submarine-exercise-in-andaman-sea/ 6 Capt. Lauren Linscott, U.S., Singapore, Thailand Wrap Up field Training Exercise, March 27, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1797562/us-singapore- thailand-wrap-up-field-training-exercise/ 7 U.S., Republic of Singapore Launch Historic SINKEX for Pacific Griffin 2019, Oct. 2, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1977941/us-republic-of- singapore-navies-launch-historic-sinkex-for-pacific-griffin-2019/ 8 Rambo Talabong, PH, U.S. armed forces open Balikatan 2019, April 01, 2019, https://www.rappler.com/nation/227138-philippines-us-armed-forces-open-balikatan-2019 9 John Doherty, Japanese Service Members, Philippine and U.S. Marines Conduct Amphibious Landing, Oct. 15, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article- View/Article/1989409/japanese-service-members-philippine-and-us-marines-conduct-amphibious- landing/ 10 Jim Ong, U.S., Allied Forces Begin La Perouse Exercises with French Aircraft Carrier in Gulf of Bengal, May 16, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article- View/Article/1850384/us-allied-forces-begin-la-perouse-exercises-with-french-aircraft-carrier-in- gul/ 53 SCSPI

11 American, British Navies Sail together in South China Sea, Jan. 16, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1733653/american-british-navies- sail-together-in-south-china-sea/ 12 Greg Johnson, U.S., British Navies Conduct Maritime Security Drills, Feb. 20, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1762009/us-british-navies- conduct-maritime-security-drills/ 13 Montgomery Operates with Royal Australian Navy in the South China Sea, Nov. 15, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2018084/montgomery-operates- with-royal-australian-navy-in-the-south-china-sea/ 14 Staff Sgt. Katie Gray, US and Indonesia 'Threat Hunt' during Information Exchange, July 30, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1921079/us-and-indonesia- threat-hunt-during-information-exchange/ 15 Staff Sgt. Matthew Bragg, Cobra Gold 19: Royal Thai, US Conduct First Ever Cyber Range, Feb. 21, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1763440/cobra-gold-19- royal-thai-us-conduct-first-ever-cyber-range/ 16 US and Taiwan first joint cyber-war exercise, November 4, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-50289974 17 Todd Lopez, Cyber Flag Exercise Focuses on Partnerships, July 5, 2019, https://www.defense.gov/explore/story/Article/1896846/cyber-flag-exercise-focuses-on- partnerships/ 18 Christopher Ingersoll, Oregon National Guard Joins International Exercise, Exchange, Nov. 7, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2011657/oregon-national- guard-joins-international-exercise-exchange/ 19 Robert Taylor, Idaho National Guard Conducts Exchange in Cambodia, Oct. 8, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1984175/idaho-national-guard- conducts-exchange-in-cambodia/ 20 Mikaley Kline, Ninth Iteration of US-Vietnam Airman-to-Airman Talks Held in Hanoi, Oct. 10, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1987007/ninth-iteration-of- us-vietnam-airman-to-airman-talks-held-in-hanoi/ 21 U.S. and Indonesian Marines Begin Bilateral Military Training Exchange, Aug. 13, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1933555/us-and-indonesian- marines-begin-bilateral-military-training-exchange/

54 SCSPI

22 Frances Mangosing, China keeps eye on PH-US coast guard drills in South China Sea, May 15, 2019, https://globalnation.inquirer.net/175239/china-keeps-eye-on-ph-us-coast-guard-drills-in- south-china-sea 23 Coast Guard Cutter and Navy Destroyer to join Expeditionary Strike Group 7, July 12, 2019, https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1902873/coast-guard-cutter-and-navy- destroyer-to-join-expeditionary-strike-group-7/ 24 Gregory Johnson, U.S., Philippines, Japan Kick Off Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama, Oct. 15, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1989430/us-philippines- japan-kick-off-maritime-training-activity-sama-sama/ 25 US National Guard, Document Library, State Partnership Program, June 2018, https://www.nationalguard.mil/Portals/31/Documents/J- 5/InternationalAffairs/StatePartnershipProgram/SPP 101 (June 2018).pdf 26 ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise Begins in Thailand, Sept. 3, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1950814/-us-maritime- exercise-begins-in-thailand/ 27 Joe Lacdan, G-8: Army Operations in the Pacific Crucial to Future Battlefield Success, Sept. 20, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1967190/g-8-army- operations-in-the-pacific-crucial-to-future-battlefield-success/ 28 Sean Kimmons, Pacific Pathways 2.0 to Bolster Presence in the Theater , June 5, 2019, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1867544/pacific-pathways-20-to- bolster-presence-in-the-theater/

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